PAUL B. STEWART, M.D.

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This study examined how owning a dog affects children with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers reviewed 451 papers and found that having a dog generally led to positive changes, such as improved emotional regulation and social skills in 14 studies, and better cognitive and language abilities in 7 studies. Additionally, owning a pet dog helped reduce anxiety in parents and improved family dynamics. Who this helps: This benefits children with autism and their families.

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This study looked at how the amount of physical effort players put in during matches affects their strength and jumping ability. The researchers found that after playing in games, players' strength and jump performance decreased by an average of 0.85 points, indicating that more match volume led to lower performance levels. This is important because it highlights the need for careful management of training and match loads to help young players maintain their physical performance. Who this helps: This helps coaches and trainers working with youth football players.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of using a specialized heart procedure called rotational atherectomy (RA) in hospitals without surgical backup in Australia. Out of 943 patients treated, only 0.4% needed emergency surgery, and 30-day death rates were at 3.4%, with just 0.8% of those deaths being directly caused by the RA procedure itself. This research is important because it shows that RA can be safely performed in more locations, making access to this life-saving treatment available to patients in remote areas. Who this helps: Patients in regional areas who need heart procedures.

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This study looked at how doctors and patients make decisions together about major leg amputations, which can be necessary for severe health issues like diabetic foot. Researchers interviewed 18 patients and 20 healthcare professionals about their experiences and found significant challenges, including patients not fully understanding their options and doctors sometimes taking over the decision-making process. These obstacles make it hard for patients to feel confident and informed about such a life-altering choice. Who this helps: This study benefits patients facing amputations and the doctors who support them.

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Researchers studied the effects of a medication called bitopertin on adults and teenagers with two rare genetic disorders, erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP). They found that bitopertin significantly lowered levels of a harmful substance in the blood by 31.7% with a 20 mg dose and by 57.7% with a 60 mg dose, which could lead to less pain and better quality of life. Most side effects were mild to moderate, such as dizziness, and the treatment was well-tolerated. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from EPP and XLP.

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This study looked at how the timing of admissions to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)—during regular office hours or at night and on weekends—affects how long children stay in the unit and their chances of survival. Among 536 children studied, those admitted during office hours stayed longer in the PICU, averaging 5 days compared to 3.4 days for those admitted at other times, but the overall death rates were similar at about 7.3% and 3.9%. The findings highlight that children admitted during office hours tend to be sicker, so it's essential to quickly identify and manage these higher-risk patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand how to prioritize and treat critically ill children based on their severity of illness.

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This study looked at how a specific type of genetic testing, called genomic profiling, helps doctors better manage advanced solid tumors in 554 patients. The results showed that 79% of patients had genetic changes that were important for treatment decisions, and nearly 28% were eligible for new therapies because of these findings. This matters because it helps improve patient care, allowing for more personalized treatments and better outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients seeking more effective treatment options tailored to their specific genetic profiles.

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This paper discusses how biofilms, which are clusters of bacteria that stick to surfaces in the body, play a significant role in long-lasting infections. The authors argue that the relationship between the host (the person with the infection) and the bacteria is crucial, as factors from the host can impact how well the infection lasts and responds to treatment. Understanding this relationship is important for developing better treatments for chronic infections. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with chronic infections and their doctors in finding more effective therapies.

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This study examined how sleep patterns and inflammation relate to the health outcomes of newborns with neonatal encephalopathy (NE). Researchers found that infants who started to sleep better earlier and had higher sleep quality had fewer severe outcomes, such as death or abnormal brain scans. Specifically, better sleep was linked to lower levels of inflammation markers in the blood, which indicates that managing sleep could be important for improving recovery in these infants. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for newborns with neonatal encephalopathy.

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This study focused on a new tool called Integrative Module Analysis, which helps researchers analyze various biological data types, like genes and proteins, without needing prior knowledge about them. The tool successfully linked different biological data sets and can handle both known and unknown molecules, making it more versatile than existing methods. This matters because it can lead to new discoveries about how different biological components interact, which could improve our understanding of diseases. Who this helps: Researchers in biology and medicine.

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This study looked at the effects of a type of medication called glucocorticoids on mental health in children whose mothers took these drugs during pregnancy. It found that children exposed to glucocorticoids had higher rates of mental disorders: for example, 6.6% of these children were diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders compared to 4.3% of those not exposed. This is important because it highlights the potential risks of using glucocorticoids during pregnancy, prompting healthcare providers to consider alternatives when managing conditions in pregnant patients. Who this helps: This helps pregnant patients and their doctors by raising awareness of potential risks to children's mental health.

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This study looked at how fatigue affects young football players during their season. Researchers tested 25 players weekly to measure their jumping ability and strength, while also tracking their training and game loads. They found that as the amount of training and high-intensity play increased, players' jumping ability decreased, especially towards the end of the season. This means that managing training loads is crucial to maintaining the physical performance of players throughout the competitive year. Who this helps: This helps coaches and trainers optimize workout plans for young athletes to prevent fatigue and enhance performance.

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This study looked at how well doctors can predict long-term survival for patients who had their first heart attack and still had a decent heart function (left ventricular ejection fraction over 40%). Researchers found that 14% of the 2,234 patients had significant diastolic dysfunction, which was linked to a higher risk of death; those with this condition were more than twice as likely to die from any cause and nearly four times as likely to die from heart issues while following up for an average of 4.5 years. Understanding this link can help doctors better assess risk and manage treatment for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have survived a heart attack by improving their care based on their heart function and condition.

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This research focused on understanding how two proteins, RpoS and BosR, interact in the Lyme disease-causing bacterium. The study found that RpoS helps control the amount of BosR protein present in the bacteria—when RpoS levels are increased, BosR levels also rise, while reducing RpoS significantly lowers BosR levels. These findings are important because they shed light on the processes that allow the bacteria to survive and spread, which could lead to new treatments for Lyme disease. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from Lyme disease and healthcare providers looking for better treatment options.

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This study looked at blood markers that could help diagnose a serious condition called cancer-associated cachexia (CCa) in patients with pancreatic cancer, focusing on different racial groups. The researchers found that a specific marker called GDF-15 was effective at identifying early signs of CCa in Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic White patients, but not in Black patients. High levels of GDF-15 at diagnosis indicated that patients were likely to experience significant weight loss in the following months, highlighting the need for better race-specific diagnostic tools. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients, especially those who are Hispanic/Latinx or White, by improving early diagnosis of cachexia.

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This study looked at how effective a combination of pain relief medications (called multimodal analgesia) is compared to traditional opioid painkillers for patients with head and neck cancer suffering from pain caused by radiation therapy. The results showed that patients using multimodal analgesia had a similar average pain score (4.9) to those using just opioids (5.1) in the last week of treatment, and even had lower pain scores when assessed from the start of treatment to six weeks afterward. This is important because it means that combining different types of painkillers could provide better pain relief while potentially reducing reliance on opioids, which can have serious side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients with head and neck cancer who are undergoing radiation treatment.

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This study looked at different genetic types of a bacteria that affects koalas in north-eastern Australia, which is important for their health and survival. Researchers analyzed 226 samples from 173 koalas over four years and found that the most common genetic types were F and G, found throughout the region, while type A was mostly in the South Brisbane area. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring to support vaccine efforts and conservation plans for koalas, particularly as some new genetic types were discovered. Who this helps: This helps koala conservationists and wildlife veterinarians.

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This study looked at the causes of death in nearly 3,500 Australian patients who had a heart attack, tracking their outcomes for over four years. Researchers found that while 15.9% of patients died, only 5.8% of those deaths were from heart-related issues, with a striking shift over time where deaths from non-heart causes became more common—starting from 79% being heart-related shortly after hospitalization to only 38% after several years. This shift is important because it highlights that many heart attack survivors are more likely to die from issues not related to their heart, so future care should focus more on overall health rather than just heart problems. Who this helps: This research benefits heart attack survivors and their doctors by emphasizing the need for comprehensive health management.

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This study examined two methods for treating a specific type of throat cancer linked to HPV: radiation therapy (RT) and a surgical approach called transoral surgery (TOS). It found that after two years, 100% of patients receiving radiation were alive, compared to 90% of those who underwent surgery, showing radiation was more effective. The results highlight that radiation therapy could be a better option for patients with this condition, as it not only improved survival rates but also showed promising quality-of-life outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers.

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Researchers created a new system to continuously measure blood pressure during dialysis to improve patient monitoring. They tested this system on 21 patients and found that it provided similar blood pressure readings to traditional cuff measurements, with an average difference of only about 2 mmHg. This is important because it could help manage blood pressure more effectively during dialysis, reducing complications for patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing hemodialysis.

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This study looked at how the organization of brain networks affects thinking speed in people aged 85 and older who are still cognitively healthy. Researchers analyzed 146 participants and found that how well different brain systems work separately is closely related to their overall cognitive abilities; for example, better network segregation was linked to faster processing of information. This is important because it helps us understand how brain structure supports mental performance in very old adults, highlighting features of healthy aging. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients and their caregivers by providing insights into maintaining cognitive health.

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This study examined how men and women experience heart issues after a heart attack, focusing on diastolic dysfunction, which means the heart has trouble filling with blood. Researchers analyzed data from 2,505 patients who had their first heart attack and found that while women had a higher heart function measure (55.0% compared to men's 52.7%), they also showed more signs of heart filling problems. Specifically, women were more likely to have significant diastolic dysfunction, with odds over twice that of men. Who this helps: This is important for doctors treating heart attack patients, especially women, to better understand their unique risks.

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Researchers explored a new method called "timePlex" to speed up the analysis of samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Their findings showed that by combining timePlex with another method, they could analyze up to 27 samples at once, with the potential to exceed 1,000 samples in just one day. This is important because it makes it faster and easier to analyze proteins, including those from individual cells, which can help in various medical research and diagnostics. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by allowing quicker and more detailed analysis of biological samples.

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This study looked at how the process that removes damaged proteins in brain cells is disrupted in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers found 281 proteins that were present in different amounts in AD brain tissue, specifically noting a significant drop in a key protein complex called the 20S proteasome, which is essential for breaking down damaged proteins. This disruption may lead to a buildup of harmful proteins in the brain, worsening the disease. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Alzheimer's disease by providing insights into how the disease develops and progresses.

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This paper studies how Samuel Beckett's novel "Molloy" explores the struggle of an individual to maintain a sense of self while facing pressures from society and the state. The main character, Molloy, resists being defined and integrated into the larger social framework, which raises questions about the relationship between individuality and political systems. This matters because it challenges the idea that novels must conform to the norms of society to be effective; instead, it highlights the potential of literature to question and resist these norms. Who this helps: This helps readers and scholars interested in literature, philosophy, and the relationship between personal identity and society.

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This study looked at how being born prematurely affects hormone-related health issues later in life. Researchers found that adults born preterm often have problems such as being shorter, having lower fertility rates, and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes and thyroid problems. Specifically, these adults were more likely to have issues with insulin sensitivity and higher body fat. This matters because it shows that people who were born prematurely need ongoing health monitoring as they age to manage these risks. Who this helps: This helps patients who were born preterm and their healthcare providers.

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This research examined different scoring systems used in brain MRI scans for newborns with neonatal encephalopathy (a serious brain condition). Out of 1,525 studies reviewed, 16 provided valuable data from 1,925 infants. The findings showed that while all the scoring systems were similarly effective at predicting development outcomes, simpler systems like NICHD were just as accurate as more complex ones, making them easier to use in hospitals. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with newborns at risk for brain injuries.

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This study looked at whether a group-based telehealth program could help patients with chronic liver disease, particularly those with high stress. Researchers tested a 14-week online coping skills program with 32 adults, finding that 91% of participants attended sessions and 84% stayed involved throughout. Participants reported better stress management and improvements in mental health symptoms like depression, with effect sizes ranging from 0.23 to 0.47, showing this approach could effectively support their well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic liver disease who are struggling with stress and mental health issues.

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This study looked at how using different parts of the brain for attention affects the connections between various brain regions. Researchers found that people who frequently use their central vision for attention-demanding tasks show unique brain connection patterns, while those with peripheral vision have similar patterns. Notably, individuals with central vision loss who rely on peripheral vision also displayed these unique connection patterns, suggesting that the brain adapts based on how we use it. Who this helps: This helps patients with vision loss by informing tailored rehabilitation strategies.

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This study looked at how different races respond to certain blood markers related to cancer-related weight loss, known as cachexia, in patients with pancreatic cancer. Researchers found that a marker called GDF-15 can help identify cachexia in Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic White patients, where higher levels were linked to more weight loss over six months (from 3.3% to 8.0%). However, GDF-15 was not effective for non-Hispanic Black patients, highlighting the importance of including diverse groups in cancer research to improve diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those with pancreatic cancer, by identifying the need for tailored biomarkers based on race.

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This study looked at a woman in her late 50s who had anaplastic thyroid cancer, a rare and very aggressive form of cancer. After initial tests showed no mutations, she was facing limited treatment options and considered medical assistance in dying. However, follow-up genetic testing revealed a mutation that allowed her to start a new targeted therapy, which extended her life by nearly seven months. This research highlights how advanced genetic testing can lead to better treatment options for patients with aggressive cancers. Who this helps: This helps patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer and other aggressive malignancies.

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This study focused on improving a survey tool called the Veteran Military Occupational and Environmental Exposure Assessment Tool (VMOAT), which helps identify potentially harmful exposures that military personnel face. Researchers made several enhancements based on expert feedback, which included making the survey easier to read and eliminating bias in responses. These improvements will help better understand the health impacts of military-related exposures and support the care of veterans, ultimately aiming for better health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits veterans and service members by improving the assessment of their environmental and occupational health risks.

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The SHARE study is researching how to better support people who have survived head and neck cancer by providing them with personalized care plans and counseling. It involved 252 survivors who were either given a tailored treatment summary and a counseling session or just usual care. The goal is to see if this approach improves communication with doctors, patient satisfaction, and overall quality of life; for instance, they will measure how well doctors address the top three concerns identified by patients over the course of a year. Who this helps: This research supports cancer survivors, helping them receive better, more coordinated follow-up care.

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Researchers studied a new cancer treatment called tigilanol tiglate (TT) to see how it works and how it affects tumors. They found that TT not only kills cancer cells directly but also encourages the immune system to target tumors that were not directly treated, leading to a reduction in tumor size, increased immune cell activity, and better survival rates in treated mice. Specifically, when combined with other immune therapies, TT improved outcomes in mice with tumors, suggesting that it could make existing cancer treatments more effective. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients receiving immune therapies.

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This study looked at how various tools and resources in electronic health records (EHR) affect the amount of time primary care doctors spend managing their inboxes. The researchers found that existing EHR tools did not significantly reduce inbox time, but doctors with more staff members spent about 0.01 more hours on inbox tasks for every additional staff member they had. This matters because it shows that simply having more resources may help manage inbox workload, even if specific EHR tools don't make a big difference. Who this helps: This helps primary care physicians and their clinics.

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In this study, researchers looked at how the brain adapts when people lose their central vision, such as in macular degeneration. They found that even in areas of the brain associated with peripheral vision, there was increased connectivity to a region responsible for motion processing, suggesting that the brain reorganizes its connections to adapt to vision loss. This matters because it shows that the brain can still change and adapt after losing vision, which could lead to new approaches in helping people with vision loss. Who this helps: This helps patients with vision loss, particularly those with conditions like macular degeneration.

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This paper discusses the urgent issue of cancer cachexia, a condition that causes patients to lose weight and muscle mass during cancer treatment, leading to worse health and lower chances of survival. Researchers met to identify what needs to be studied to better understand and treat this condition, focusing on three main areas: understanding patients' experiences, finding ways to spot cachexia early, and developing new treatments that include drugs, nutrition, and exercise. These efforts are crucial because effective solutions for cancer cachexia currently don’t exist, impacting many patients' quality of life and survival. Who this helps: This research helps cancer patients dealing with cachexia, as well as their doctors and caregivers.

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This study looked at how young football players' muscles and feelings changed during and after games. The researchers tested players before, right after, and a few days after matches. They found that muscle strength and players' feelings of fatigue and soreness decreased, with noticeable effects lasting for at least three days after the game. Specifically, the strength of the adductor muscles didn't fully recover even after three days, suggesting these muscles may be more affected by playing. Who this helps: This information benefits coaches and trainers who work with young athletes, helping them understand recovery needs.

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This study evaluated a new scoring system, called the Combined Echo-Score, to better predict long-term survival for heart attack patients. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,000 patients and found that the Echo-Score was better than the traditional measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in forecasting death risks, specifically showing that for every point increase in the score, the risk of all-cause mortality rose by 34% and cardiac mortality by 59%. This new approach can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients more accurately and tailor treatments to improve their chances of survival. Who this helps: Patients recovering from heart attacks.

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This study looked at how consistent certain strength tests are in young football players in England’s Premier League academies, specifically focusing on countermovement jumps and isometric strength tests. Researchers tested 36 players on two different days and found that countermovement jump measures showed good to excellent reliability, meaning results were consistent across tests, while some isometric strength tests had mixed reliability. These findings matter because reliable testing can help coaches better assess player performance and track improvements over time. Who this helps: This helps coaches and trainers working with young athletes.

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This study looked at different ways to assess how severe neonatal encephalopathy (NE) affects multiple organs in newborns. Out of 628 articles, the researchers analyzed 12 studies and found that five showed a clear link between the severity of NE and the extent of organ damage. The researchers noted that while some scoring systems were consistent in defining issues in the liver, kidneys, and lungs, there was a lot of variability in how heart problems were assessed, indicating the need for a more standardized approach to evaluating organ damage in NE cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating newborns with neonatal encephalopathy.

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This study focused on creating updated guidelines for reducing the risk of lymphedema—a condition that can occur after breast cancer treatment. After gathering insights from experts, the researchers emphasized the importance of practices like proper skin care, careful monitoring of individual risk factors, and safe exercise routines, among others, to help prevent lymphedema. For patients who have undergone breast cancer treatment, following these evidence-based recommendations can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors and patients at risk of lymphedema.

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This study looked at how the brain changes its connections in people with vision loss from macular degeneration, focusing on how they use different parts of their remaining vision. Researchers found that areas of the brain that represent the intact parts of the peripheral retina become more connected to brain regions that process motion, showing that the brain adapts to the loss of central vision, even in areas not primarily used for seeing. This matters because it shows that the brain can reorganize itself to improve visual processing, helping those who have lost central vision make better use of their remaining sight. **Who this helps:** This helps patients with macular degeneration and vision loss.

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The Excellence Network in Rheumatology (ENRGY) collects and analyzes health data from over 700 rheumatology practices across the U.S. to improve patient care and research in arthritis and related conditions. It uses a mix of electronic health records and patient-generated data from apps and biosensors, enabling high-quality research and better recruitment for clinical studies. This is important because it helps rheumatologists effectively study treatments and improve health outcomes for their patients. Who this helps: Patients with rheumatic diseases benefit from more effective treatments and better care.