DR. RONNIE KEITH, D.O.

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The Green Heart Project studied how adding more green spaces, like trees and shrubs, in a community affects people's health. Researchers looked at air pollution levels and conducted health exams on nearly 1,800 residents before and after planting over 8,000 trees in 2022. They found that improving greenery could lead to better cardiovascular health and reduced pollution exposure, which is important for the well-being of residents in urban areas, especially those in lower-income neighborhoods. Who this helps: This benefits residents of low- to middle-income communities seeking better health outcomes.

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The Green Oasis (GRO) Project studied the effects of adding a microforest—a dense area filled with trees and shrubs—on both the environment and people's health in downtown Louisville. The project turned a bare park into a space with 119 trees and over 200 shrubs, and researchers measured changes in heart rate, stress levels, and other health markers while participants walked in both the microforest and a nearby parking lot. Preliminary findings will help urban planners and health officials understand how such green spaces can improve health and comfort in crowded cities, potentially benefiting city residents by making urban areas healthier and more pleasant to live in. Who this helps: Urban residents and city planners.

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This study explored a new treatment option for progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF), particularly focusing on a drug called nerandomilast that targets a specific enzyme (PDE4B) involved in inflammation. Researchers found that in an earlier trial, this drug successfully helped preserve lung function in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is currently being tested in larger trials. This is important because existing treatments only slow down lung function decline and can have unwanted side effects, so a better option could significantly improve patients' quality of life and health. Who this helps: This helps patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and progressive pulmonary fibrosis.

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This study developed a new testing method that allows researchers to measure the levels of 35 harmful chemicals from tobacco and the environment in urine samples at once. The new method is faster and more accurate, making it easier to detect individual exposure to these substances. This is important because understanding exposure to these chemicals can help identify links to serious health issues like cancer and heart disease. Who this helps: Patients and public health researchers.

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This study looked at the health effects of a new type of e-cigarette labeled "clear" that appeared in Massachusetts after a ban on flavored tobacco products. Researchers found that using these "clear" e-cigarettes led to a significant increase in blood pressure and heart rate compared to those using non-"clear" flavored e-cigarettes and non-users. Specifically, participants experienced more noticeable changes in their cardiovascular function after using the "clear" e-cigarettes, which raises concerns about their safety. Who this helps: Patients concerned about the health risks of e-cigarettes.

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This study looked at a specific type of inflammation and scarring around the diaphragm in patients with a lung disease linked to muscle inflammation, known as myositis-associated interstitial lung disease (M-ILD). Out of 46 patients, about 28% (13 patients) had this inflammation detected on CT scans, and 69% of these patients had this finding present from their first scan, showing it tends to persist over time. Recognizing this condition early can help doctors better diagnose and manage M-ILD, but it does not appear to worsen the disease. Who this helps: Patients with myositis-associated interstitial lung disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at the health effects of a new type of e-cigarette called 'clear' that appeared on the market in Massachusetts after flavored tobacco products were banned in June 2020. Researchers found that using 'clear' e-cigarettes led to a greater increase in blood pressure and heart rate compared to other flavored e-cigarettes and non-users, with users experiencing a significant rise in diastolic blood pressure and heart rate. All tested 'clear' e-liquids contained synthetic cooling agents, which violates Massachusetts' flavor regulations, signaling a need for tighter control of these products. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and patients concerned about the risks of e-cigarettes.

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This study looked at how patients with early-stage solid tumors fared after being admitted to critical care. Researchers found that 25% of patients who had been in critical care developed metastatic disease within five years, compared to just 14% of those who were hospitalized but not in critical care. This suggests that those who experienced critical care may be at a higher risk for their cancer worsening. Who this helps: Doctors and healthcare providers caring for cancer patients.

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This study examined 101 adult service centers in Los Angeles County to find out why many Medicare-Medicaid recipients aren't getting vaccinated for influenza. It found that about 58% of these centers do not perform immunization assessments, but 71% believe it would be possible to start if it were included in their care plans. Addressing these gaps is important to increase vaccination rates among vulnerable groups, helping to protect their health during flu season. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly older adults on Medicare and Medicaid, who are at higher risk for flu-related diseases.

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This study looked at whether a genetic test for usual interstitial pneumonia (gUIP) could help predict the progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in patients. They analyzed data from 192 patients who were tested, finding that those with a positive gUIP result lost lung function at a rate of about 101.8 mL per year, while those with a negative result lost about 73.2 mL per year. Although there was a trend suggesting that those with a positive test experienced worse outcomes, it wasn't statistically significant, meaning we can’t be certain about the results. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how to interpret gUIP test results for their patients.

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This study examined how neighborhood income levels and other factors influence tree planting efforts in the Oakdale neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. Researchers found that higher income was linked to greener areas, with stronger connections in front yards compared to back yards. However, offering free trees didn’t lead to significant differences in who participated in planting, indicating that factors other than income and education, like yard size and area greenness, play a key role in these efforts. Who this helps: This research benefits community planners and environmental advocates looking to improve access to green spaces, especially for low-income residents.

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This study looked at how households in the Eastern Province of Zambia can improve the processing and use of soybeans. Researchers found that only 48% of households were processing soybeans, and access to soybeans for year-round consumption was very low at just 0.29%. The study highlights barriers like high labor demands and limited knowledge, while also pointing out that socio-economic factors, like community membership and male leadership in households, positively affect soybean use. Who this helps: This research helps local farmers, households, and community organizations focused on improving nutrition and agricultural practices.

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The Green Heart Project studied how adding more green spaces in a neighborhood can impact community health and the environment in Louisville, KY. Researchers measured air pollution and collected health data from nearly 1,300 local residents before and after planting over 8,000 trees and shrubs in 2022. They aim to see if these changes lead to better health outcomes and a healthier environment for the community. Who this helps: This helps residents of urban areas, particularly those living in low-to-middle-income neighborhoods.

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This study looked at the effects of e-cigarette ingredients on health, focusing on how certain harmful chemicals are formed when e-cigarettes are used. Researchers found that mice exposed to e-cigarette aerosols showed increased levels of two harmful substances—acrolein and glycidol—in their urine. In humans, e-cigarette use raised levels of one of these substances, 23HPMA, indicating that harmful chemicals from e-cigarettes can enter the body and might cause health problems. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand the potential risks of e-cigarette use.

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This study focuses on improving how addiction treatment programs in Washington State implement medications for opioid use disorder. Researchers are testing various strategies to see which ones work best for helping 72 addiction programs increase their effectiveness, measuring outcomes and costs along the way. By tailoring approaches to each program's needs, this research aims to provide valuable insights that could lead to better treatment practices for addressing the opioid crisis. Who this helps: This helps addiction treatment programs and their patients by enhancing access to effective medications.

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This study looked at the health effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) on the heart, lungs, and immune system. Researchers found that using e-cigarettes can raise blood pressure and heart rate, cause lung problems, and trigger immune responses, with long-term exposure linked to serious health risks like DNA damage and lung inflammation. While the negative effects of e-cigarettes are less severe than traditional cigarettes, they can still harm health significantly. Who this helps: This information is important for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers who want to understand the risks of e-cigarettes.

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This study looked at how different environmental factors, such as herbivory (plant-eating animals) and drought, affect the chemical traits of a wildflower called Boechera stricta. Researchers found that the genes influencing these chemicals have different impacts depending on the environment, helping to maintain a variety of these traits within the plant population. This research matters because it shows how plants adapt to their surroundings, which can help in conservation efforts and understanding plant resilience. Who this helps: This research benefits ecologists and conservationists working to protect plant diversity.

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This research focused on guidelines for diagnosing and managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults aged 16 and older. The findings from the GOLD and NICE guidelines offer updated recommendations for care, helping healthcare providers improve treatment plans for COPD patients. This matters because using these guidelines leads to better patient outcomes, potentially enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this condition. Who this helps: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how to find and prevent lung cancer early, which is important since many cases are diagnosed late when they are harder to treat. It found that low-dose CT scans can reduce lung cancer deaths, and there are also promising new tests and methods to help in early detection and prevention, especially through encouraging people to quit smoking. These advancements are crucial for saving lives and improving treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients. Who this helps: Patients at risk of lung cancer and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a program aimed at improving healthcare for Medicare patients by using technology in doctor’s offices. It found that the program reduced hospital admissions by 7.1% and outpatient emergency visits by 5.7%, which means fewer patients were needing to go to the hospital or emergency rooms. However, there was no significant improvement in the quality of care or overall spending from this program. Who this helps: This benefits Medicare patients by potentially reducing the need for hospital visits.

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This study looked at how many adults and teenagers in the U.S. used electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) between 2013 and 2014. It found that 2.6% of adults and 1.21% of adolescents had recently used e-cigarettes, mainly current smokers (68.1% of users) and former smokers (23.7%). Understanding these trends is important for shaping health policies and addressing smoking-related issues in society. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers in addressing smoking habits and protecting youth from tobacco products.

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This study looked at how smoking affects the body’s early signs of heart and blood vessel damage in 843 current smokers, mostly around age 58. It found that smoking more cigarettes each day raised levels of inflammation markers like hsCRP and fibrinogen, indicating higher cardiovascular injury. Specifically, for every additional cigarette smoked per day, inflammation markers increased significantly, and the strongest changes were seen with hsCRP, which may be the most sensitive indicator of heart damage from smoking. Who this helps: This information benefits patients who smoke and healthcare providers by highlighting the risks and impacts of cigarette consumption on heart health.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers experience Chronic Care Management (CCM) services, which help patients with multiple long-term health issues receive better care outside of regular office visits. Researchers conducted interviews with 71 healthcare professionals and discovered that most patients appreciated CCM services and experienced benefits like better treatment adherence and improved access to care. However, providers faced challenges such as low payments for CCM work and difficulties in sharing patient information. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic conditions and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at vape shop employees in Louisville, Kentucky, to see how they share information about e-cigarettes with customers. It found that almost all of the 16 employees were former smokers, with 93.8% now using only e-cigarettes, and 93.8% reported feeling healthier since making the switch. Many employees see themselves as advocates for health, providing vaping advice and supporting efforts to quit traditional smoking, even though more than half believe e-cigarette regulations should differ from those for regular cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps smokers looking to quit and vaping customers.

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This study looked at how much people spend at vape shops and how that spending affects their use of e-cigarettes. Researchers surveyed 78 vape shop customers and found that spending varied widely, with many spending around $50-75 per month. Those who spent more than $50 tended to use e-cigarettes with lower nicotine levels but consumed more e-liquid; additionally, higher spending was linked to using e-cigarettes to quit smoking. Understanding these spending habits is crucial as new regulations on e-cigarette sales are being considered. Who this helps: This helps patients trying to quit smoking and healthcare providers who support them.

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This study focused on training non-doctors to take high-quality retinal images for screening retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants. Out of 39,550 images taken, 91.7% were deemed acceptable for evaluation, though factors like insufficient pupil dilation and obstructive equipment lowered image quality. This is important because clear images are crucial for diagnosing ROP early and improving outcomes for premature infants. Who this helps: This benefits infants at risk for ROP and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how Patient and Family Advisory Councils (PFACs) are helping primary care practices improve their services by involving patients in discussions about care delivery. Researchers found that PFACs effectively gathered patient feedback, which led to better care. However, they also noted that improvements are needed, such as involving a more diverse group of patients and ensuring open communication about the changes made. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by making care more responsive to patient needs.

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This study looked at how well people with cochlear implants (CIs) understand speech and how their ability to detect short gaps in sounds affects their speech perception. It found that while some CI users performed well, many struggled with detecting gaps of more than 20 milliseconds, which linked to poorer speech understanding in tests compared to normal-hearing individuals. The results suggest that using a simple clinical test (the Randomized Gap Detection Test) can help identify CI users who need extra support to improve their speech perception. Who this helps: This helps cochlear implant users who may need additional resources to enhance their speech understanding.

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This study looked at ways to help children with physical disabilities manage their weight through physical activity and healthy eating. Researchers reviewed 34 articles and found that while many programs helped increase activity levels, none provided long-term solutions for obesity. Notably, 18 interventions showed positive short-term effects, mostly by motivating children and encouraging strength training, but there’s still a lack of long-lasting strategies. Who this helps: This helps children with physical disabilities and their families.

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This study looked at how changes in brain activity, called neural adaptation, affect the ability of people with cochlear implants to process sounds and understand speech. Researchers found that while everyone's brain adapted differently, those who were implanted at a younger age showed more adaptation in their brain responses. Importantly, the level of neural adaptation did not explain differences in how well individuals detected sound gaps or understood speech. Who this helps: This study benefits cochlear implant recipients and audiologists working to improve speech perception in these patients.

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The research studied how wild birds, rabbits, and ticks in Michigan are related to two specific types of bacteria, Borrelia miyamotoi and Borrelia andersonii, which can affect both animals and humans. Over four years, 12,432 ticks were collected, with 86.5% being a type that mainly feeds on birds and rabbits. It was found that 0.7% of ticks from birds and 5.3% from rabbits carried B. andersonii, while the presence of B. miyamotoi in ticks from birds was also documented for the first time, highlighting the potential for increased human exposure to these bacteria as tick populations grow. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by identifying new risks and informing better diagnostic tests for tick-borne diseases.

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This study explored how increasing a protein called extracellular superoxide dismutase (ecSOD) in heart muscle cells affects heart injury caused by lack of blood flow followed by its restoration. The researchers found that increasing ecSOD levels made these heart cells 27.5 times more active at reducing harmful substances. As a result, hearts with more ecSOD showed smaller injury areas and better recovery after blood flow was restored, indicating this approach could help protect heart tissue during such events. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from heart attacks or surgeries involving blood flow issues.

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This study looked at the relationship between hepcidin, a protein that helps control iron levels in the body, and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver cells. Researchers found that HCV infection reduces hepcidin levels, which might help the virus avoid the body’s natural defenses, and that hepcidin can directly fight against HCV in lab tests. This is important because understanding how HCV interacts with hepcidin could lead to better treatments for the 170 million people infected with hepatitis C. Who this helps: This helps patients with hepatitis C and healthcare providers looking for new treatment options.

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Researchers studied how certain traits in Helianthus maximiliani, a type of perennial sunflower, change across different geographic locations in North America. They found significant differences in traits like flowering time and growth rate among sunflower populations, showing that these variations are not just random but are likely the result of local adaptation to different environments. This matters because it highlights how plants can evolve in response to their surroundings, helping us understand biodiversity and ecosystem health. Who this helps: This information benefits ecologists and conservationists who work to preserve plant species and their habitats.

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This study focused on how nurses and doctors communicate in three intensive care units (ICUs) at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Researchers found significant differences in how communication and safety culture were perceived across the units, with nurses in the unit that reported the weakest safety culture also feeling less satisfied with their communication with doctors. These findings are important because better communication can improve patient care and safety in critical settings. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare workers in ICUs.

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This study looked at how healthcare workers at Veterans' Affairs (VA) Medical Centers use electronic health record (EHR) systems during visits with diabetes patients. Researchers observed 64 consultations and interviewed 39 providers, finding that while EHRs help in tracking patient information, there are gaps between how the systems are designed and the actual needs of diabetes care. This matters because improving EHR design can enhance the quality of care provided to patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well the oxygen levels measured from the skin (SpO2) matched those measured directly from the blood (SaO2) in patients with a lung disease linked to systemic sclerosis (SSc-ILD). Researchers found that if a patient's SpO2 during exercise dropped below 89%, their risk of dying increased significantly, by about 2.4 times over the following years. This is important because it shows that easy-to-measure SpO2 can effectively indicate a patient's health and survival outlook, making it a useful tool for monitoring these patients. Who this helps: Patients with systemic sclerosis-related lung disease and their doctors.

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This study examined the rise of isoniazide-resistant tuberculosis (TB) in Greene County, TN, where researchers found four cases of drug-resistant TB, including a 14-month-old child. Among 65 people who had close contact with these patients, 11 tested positive for latent TB, and two active cases were identified, one due to non-compliance with preventive therapy. These findings highlight the urgent need for better preventive treatments in rural areas, as the infection rates were concerning and could have been reduced with proper supervision of the therapy. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those at risk of contracting drug-resistant TB, and healthcare providers in rural communities.

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This study created a new version of a test called the North American Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences test (NA LiSN-S) to help evaluate how children hear and understand speech in noisy environments, particularly for those suspected of having auditory processing issues. Researchers tested 72 children and found that improving the volume of the speech by 1 dB made it 18.7% clearer, and when they retested 36 children later, they saw no significant changes in performance, indicating reliability. This tool is important because it can help track improvements in listening skills over time, especially for children using hearing devices or receiving therapy. Who this helps: This benefits children who may struggle with hearing and understanding speech, along with their doctors and therapists.

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This study focused on auditory processing disorders (APD), which affect children's ability to hear and understand speech even when their hearing is normal. It found that children with APD often struggle to follow instructions, listen in noisy environments, and comprehend fast or unclear speech. Recognizing APD is important because it can be confused with other issues like attention deficit disorders, which could lead to incorrect treatment. Who this helps: This helps children with auditory processing disorders by improving their diagnosis and support.

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This study looked at how healthy blood vessel cells, called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), behave in middle-aged men and women. Researchers found that middle-aged women had about 150% more EPCs that could grow into colonies compared to men, and women's EPCs also moved about 40% better than those of men. This discovery helps explain why women generally experience fewer heart problems than men, which is important for understanding heart health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly middle-aged women at risk for heart disease.

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In this study, researchers examined changes in the chromosomes of bronchial cells from different groups: 43 high-risk smokers without lung cancer, 14 patients with lung cancer, and 14 healthy non-smokers. They found that 15.8% of cancer patients' cells had chromosome abnormalities, while 10.1% of high-risk smokers' cells showed similar issues, compared to just 0.7% in non-smokers. This research is important because it highlights that chromosomal damage can occur in lung cells before cancer develops, helping to identify early indicators of lung cancer risk. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for lung cancer and their doctors in early detection and monitoring.

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This study looked at pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis (PCH), a rare condition that causes severe high blood pressure in the lungs, by examining lung tissue from a patient. Researchers found that PCH shows increased levels of proteins linked to blood vessel growth, like vascular endothelial growth factor, while still showing signs of cell growth suppression. These findings indicate that the cells causing PCH are different from those in another similar condition, which is important for developing targeted treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with pulmonary capillary hemangiomatosis and their doctors in understanding the disease better.

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This study looked at how the brain processes sounds by using a special scanning technique to reduce background noise, allowing researchers to focus on how people blend speech sounds called phonemes. They found that when participants blended sounds, certain areas of the brain were more active compared to when they just counted tones; specifically, the left side of the brain was more involved in this task. This is important because it helps us understand the brain mechanisms behind language processing, which can improve treatments for those with speech or language difficulties. Who this helps: Patients with speech and language disorders.

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This study looked at how removing user fees for healthcare in 20 African countries could save the lives of young children. The researchers found that eliminating these fees could prevent around 233,000 child deaths each year, with a possible range of 153,000 to 305,000 lives saved. This is important because making healthcare accessible by removing costs can significantly improve child survival rates and help meet global health goals. Who this helps: This benefits young children and their families in African countries.