DR. STEVEN E. BUSH, MD

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This research paper looks at how monitoring blood lactate levels can help doctors assess and guide treatment for patients. It found that regularly checking lactate levels, rather than just one-time measurements, can provide valuable information about how patients are responding to treatment. For example, using wearable devices that track lactate can help identify patients who are getting worse more quickly than relying solely on nursing staff observations. Who this helps: This benefits patients in hospitals and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the Scan4Safety program in a UK hospital, which uses barcoding to help identify supplies, people, and locations, aiming to improve hospital efficiency and patient safety. Researchers interviewed 19 stakeholders and reviewed 67 documents, finding that success depends on factors like funding, government support, and stakeholder involvement, while challenges included data quality and the real-life complexities of hospital work. These advancements can enhance patient care and reduce waste by providing better tracking of medical supplies and devices. Who this helps: This benefits patients, hospital staff, and overall healthcare efficiency.

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This study looked at a woman in her 50s who had recurrent spinal leaks of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tied to a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). She experienced severe complications, including obstructive hydrocephalus, which required a special drainage procedure for her brain and a shunt to prevent future leaks. This case shows how complex and serious recurrent CSF leaks can be, emphasizing the need for effective treatment to avoid serious issues like hydrocephalus and loss of brain function. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent CSF leaks and their doctors.

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In this study, researchers looked at how the thoracic aorta and surrounding fat tissue react to a high-fat diet (60% fat) before blood pressure rises in Dahl Salt-Sensitive rats. They found that female rats showed early signs of beneficial changes in their aorta, such as increased stiffness and better structural adaptations, while male rats had negative changes that could lead to hypertension, like stiffening and poor vascular function. These differences are important because they can help develop targeted prevention strategies for high blood pressure based on sex. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of hypertension and doctors seeking better preventative treatments.

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This study looked at how high school students view health videos made for TikTok by university health students. It found that most students felt neutral about the videos, giving them a 5 out of 10 for enjoyment and a 3 out of 10 for how likely they were to share them. These findings are important because they highlight the potential for social media to provide reliable health information to teens, while also revealing that videos need to be more engaging and focused on health rather than disease. Who this helps: This helps adolescents looking for trustworthy health information.

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This study looked at the rates of skin infections after foot and ankle surgeries when using two different types of skin cleansers: chlorhexidine and iodine. Out of 215 patients, 1.72% who used chlorhexidine developed an infection compared to 1.02% who used iodine. The findings show that there was no significant difference in infection rates between the two cleansing methods, which is important for planning surgeries effectively and reducing risks for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery by providing insights into which skin preparation might lower their risk of infection.

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This study looked at how physical ability and confidence in balance affect the risk of losing stability while walking in older adults. Researchers found that while certain walking measures, like balance stability, related to the physical ability and fear of falling, slower walking speeds were often chosen by older adults when their risk of losing balance was higher. This is important because it helps us understand how both physical capabilities and mental factors impact the safety of older individuals as they walk. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their caregivers by providing insights into fall risks and balance management.

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This study looked at how efficiently vehicles burn fuel in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City during the summer, from 2013 to 2021. Researchers found that emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) compared to carbon dioxide (CO2) decreased in Los Angeles, showing better fuel efficiency due to strong pollution regulations, while Salt Lake City experienced an increase in CO emissions, likely because of later regulations and differences in driving conditions. This is important because it highlights the effectiveness of policies aimed at reducing air pollution and shows how different factors can influence vehicle emissions in different cities. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and city planners in making decisions that can improve air quality.

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This study looked at how a special treatment method called ChemoID affects patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, a type of cancer that is hard to treat. Researchers found that 55% of patients using ChemoID saw improvements in their condition after six months, compared to just 5% in the group receiving standard treatment. Additionally, patients treated with ChemoID had longer periods without cancer progression, lasting 11 months versus 3 months for the other group, showing that this approach can significantly enhance outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.

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This study looked at the impact of adding intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) to endovascular treatment (EVT) for stroke patients and how it affects intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). Out of 2,261 participants, 34% experienced any ICH, with those receiving IVT having a higher risk (36% vs. 32% for EVT alone). While IVT increased the risk of bleeding, it may improve blood flow, which is important for recovery. Who this helps: This research benefits stroke patients and doctors by providing insight into treatment risks and outcomes.

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This study looked at patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes who were transferred to specialized hospitals for a treatment called endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Researchers found that 11% of patients showed early recovery, which meant they didn’t need EVT, and there were minimal cost savings of about AUD 34 per patient when using a specific improvement threshold to decide on non-invasive imaging before more invasive procedures. These findings matter because they could help streamline treatment and save money, especially in hospitals with limited resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients and hospitals, particularly in areas with fewer resources.

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This study looked at how effective a mass drug administration (MDA) campaign in Liberia is for treating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and improving access to healthcare for everyone. Researchers found that while the MDA approach can reach remote communities, there are areas where treatment coverage was surprisingly low, specifically in clusters identified on maps based on data from 3,195 communities. The study highlights that MDA campaigns can help provide universal health coverage but also points out that some geographic areas face challenges that need further exploration. Who this helps: This helps patients living in remote areas who suffer from neglected tropical diseases.

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This study looked at how well a prediction model can forecast the risk of cerebellar mutism syndrome (CMS) in children with medulloblastoma after surgery. Among 40 patients, only 10% developed CMS, which is much lower than the 66% risk reported by the model for similar patients. This is important because it suggests that the original prediction model might not apply as accurately in this particular group, indicating a need for more tailored approaches to assess risk. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare teams treating children with medulloblastoma by providing better insights into potential risks after surgery.

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This study looked at how quickly blood flow can be restored in stroke patients with blocked large blood vessels and how that relates to improvements in their neurological function. They found that a reduction of one-third or more in a specific score used to measure stroke severity (called the NIHSS) was a strong indicator that blood flow had successfully returned for 13% of the patients studied. This is important because recognizing these changes quickly can help doctors make better decisions about treatment options for stroke patients. Who this helps: Patients suffering from strokes, especially those with large vessel obstructions.

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This study looked at an unusual case of vulvar cancer that spread to uncommon places in the body, including the bones of the fingers and the lungs. The patient had vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer in the genital area, and in this case, it had spread significantly, leading to advanced symptoms. This is important because metastatic vulvar cancer is rare and often difficult to treat, and there isn’t much information available on how to manage it effectively. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand rare cases of advanced vulvar cancer to improve treatment options for patients.

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This study looked at how hospitals can use systems to better identify items and patients to enhance safety and efficiency. Researchers focused on the Scan4Safety project at Leeds Teaching Hospital and found that while the system can improve workflow, there are significant obstacles to implementing it across the entire hospital. Understanding these challenges is important for making such safety systems work effectively in hospitals. Who this helps: This benefits patients and hospital staff by improving safety and streamlining hospital operations.

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The study looked at different treatments for patients with a blocked large blood vessel in the brain, caused by a condition called intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). Researchers compared two approaches: one involving just removing the blockage (thrombectomy) and the other that added extra procedures like balloon angioplasty or stenting. They found that both treatments resulted in similar recovery outcomes after 90 days, with 38.8% of those with just thrombectomy and 39.3% with the extra procedures showing good recovery, which is not a significant difference, indicating that either treatment option is safe and effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with acute strokes caused by large blood vessel blockages.

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This study examined a method to determine if prescriptions for two HIV medications, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine, are given for pre-exposure prevention (PrEP) or for other reasons, like treating an infection. Researchers created an algorithm that correctly identified PrEP prescriptions with over 99% accuracy in a community health clinic. This is important because it helps healthcare providers accurately monitor and improve the use of PrEP, ensuring that those at risk for HIV can receive the proper preventive care. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for HIV by ensuring they have access to the right preventive treatments.

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This study looked at a new and less invasive way to connect a brain-computer interface (BCI) to the brains of people with severe paralysis. Researchers tested this technique on 4 men with paralysis related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) over a 12-month period and found no serious side effects, no blockages in blood vessels, and no movement of the device, which means it was safe for use. The patients were able to control a computer using their thoughts, showing that this method could be a promising alternative to traditional brain surgery for those with limited mobility. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe paralysis, particularly those with ALS and similar conditions.

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This research looked at patients who had a procedure called thrombectomy to treat a serious blockage in the basilar artery, focusing on their recovery over time. They found that more than a quarter of the 51 patients still alive after 12 months showed improvement in their recovery scores (41%), with some seeing significant improvements; for example, 57.1% improved by one level on their recovery scale. This is important because it shows that people can continue to recover even after the initial three-month mark, highlighting the need for longer follow-up in future treatments. Who this helps: Patients recovering from basilar artery occlusion and their doctors.

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This study looks at how to improve the analysis used to evaluate investments in drinking water projects. Researchers found that many important impacts, like household costs, are often overlooked — with household costs ranking among the top ten outcomes of these projects but only measured after problems occur. This is important because recognizing these impacts can lead to better decision-making and investment in safer water infrastructure. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and investors in the water sector.

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This study looked at patients who had a thrombectomy, a procedure to remove clots from the brain after a stroke, and measured how much contrast dye remained in the brain 24 hours later using advanced CT scans. Out of 125 patients, those whose contrast was adjusted showed a net water uptake (NWU) of 17.1%, compared to 10.8% without this adjustment, indicating that the retained contrast significantly affected the accuracy of the measurements. This matters because properly measuring brain swelling is crucial for patient care after a stroke, and understanding how to account for retained contrast can lead to better assessment and treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and stroke patients by improving the accuracy of brain imaging after treatment.

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This study looked at whether giving a clot-busting drug called intravenous thrombolysis before a procedure to remove blood clots in the brain (endovascular treatment) helps patients who have strokes caused by large vessels in the front part of the brain. Researchers analyzed data from six trials involving 2,313 participants and found that those who received only endovascular treatment had a median score of 3 for their recovery at 90 days, compared to 2 for those who had both treatments. The study also noted that there were fewer cases of brain bleeding with just endovascular treatment, but both treatments had similar rates of significant complications and death. Who this helps: Patients experiencing large-vessel strokes and their doctors can benefit from this research in making treatment decisions.

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This study examined how a blockage in the blood flow from certain brain blood vessel malformations, called dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF), affects outcomes for patients. Researchers followed 108 patients and found that those with a blockage had much higher risks: 6.4% of them experienced a hemorrhage (bleeding) each year, and 31.9% faced other serious neurological issues, compared to lower rates in patients without blockages. This is important because it shows that these blockages indicate a more severe condition that might require earlier treatment to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with dural arteriovenous fistulas and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at whether a screening tool called the STOP Questionnaire could help predict complications during pregnancy, particularly related to obstructive sleep apnea. Among 442 pregnant women, those with positive STOP screens (14.5%) faced higher risks of preterm delivery and needing neonatal intensive care. Specifically, the odds of having preterm delivery were about 2.8 times higher for those who screened positive, and a positive screen also increased the risk of neonatal intensive care unit admissions by 2.5 times, although the screening tool alone was not very good at identifying all at-risk patients. Who this helps: This research is valuable for doctors caring for pregnant women, especially those who may have obstructive sleep apnea.

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This research studied a protein called Ykt6 and its role in the development of egg cells in fruit flies. The scientists found that when Ykt6 was not functioning properly, the egg cells had noticeable shape and structural problems, as well as issues with the movement of crucial molecules necessary for development. Specifically, around 25% of the egg chambers showed defects in key RNA localization and membrane trafficking processes. This research is important because understanding how Ykt6 works can help inform treatment strategies for diseases related to similar processes, such as certain types of cancer. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on cancer and reproductive health.

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This research looked at what factors can increase the risk of delirium in adults receiving specialist palliative care. The study found that conditions like using opioids, having a lower performance status, and certain health problems (like dehydration and sleep issues) are linked to higher rates of delirium. Specifically, older age, being male, and having certain types of cancer also increased risk, although the evidence was not very strong overall. Understanding these risk factors is important so that caregivers can better prevent delirium in patients. Who this helps: This helps patients in palliative care and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how a hands-on teaching course for STEM students affected their confidence in teaching and their interest in teaching careers. After completing the course, students reported a significant increase in their belief that they could effectively teach science, with positive growth in their teaching confidence and skills in teamwork, communication, and adaptability. This is important because it shows that such teaching experiences can help encourage more STEM majors to consider teaching as a career, which is vital for addressing the shortage of science teachers in the country. Who this helps: This benefits future teachers and students in STEM fields.

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This study looked at two treatments for stroke patients with a blocked large blood vessel: one group received direct clot removal, while the other group received medication to dissolve the clot followed by the same procedure. Researchers found that both treatments had similar outcomes, with about 45% of patients in both groups achieving functional independence after 90 days. This is important because it helps determine the best treatment option for stroke patients, especially those with specific types of artery blockages. Who this helps: This benefits stroke patients and their doctors.

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This research paper discusses how The Gambia has successfully eliminated trachoma, a disease that causes blindness, as a public health concern. By 2019, the number of people with trichiasis, a complication of trachoma that can lead to blindness, was below the World Health Organization's (WHO) elimination standard. This matters because it demonstrates that with proper planning and resources, a country can significantly reduce a major health threat, improving the quality of life for its population. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of blindness and public health officials in The Gambia.

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This study looked at two imaging techniques, computed tomography perfusion (CTP) and multiphase computed tomography angiogram (mCTA), to see which one better predicts how well patients will recover after a treatment for stroke. Researchers analyzed data from 120 stroke patients and found that CTP was more effective in predicting outcomes, with a high degree of accuracy in determining who would have good or poor recovery at 90 days. Specifically, measures from CTP showed significant associations with better (odds ratio of 0.942) and worse outcomes (odds ratio of 1.032), while mCTA did not show useful associations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute ischemic stroke and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at whether the disease onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness, has stopped spreading in Kaduna, Kebbi, and Zamfara states in Nigeria. Researchers tested almost 9,100 children and over 6,000 black flies from these regions and found no evidence of the disease in either. This means that the 2.2 million people in Kaduna and the 4 million in Kebbi and Zamfara no longer need the treatment ivermectin, which has been given for 19 years. Who this helps: This benefits millions of people living in these regions who were at risk of onchocerciasis.

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This study looked at how effective and sustainable routine testing for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C is in an urban emergency department in the UK. Over nine months, more than 17,000 emergency department patients were tested, revealing 299 active infections: 70 with HIV, 73 with hepatitis B, and 156 with hepatitis C. The results are important because they show that testing in emergency settings can successfully identify infections and help connect patients to necessary care, especially for hepatitis B and HIV, but more work is needed for those with hepatitis C who often struggle to start treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of blood-borne viruses, particularly those who have limited access to healthcare.

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This study looked at how different player positions in professional Australian Football affect their activity levels during matches and how players get tired as the game progresses. Researchers tracked the movements of players over a season, finding that nomadic players (those who roam the field) did the most running, while ruckmen (those who contest for ball in the air) did the least. As the game went on, players' speed and energy levels dropped, especially during active play like offense and defense, which shows the importance of adapting training and monitoring player fatigue in real-time. Who this helps: This helps coaches and fitness trainers optimize player performance and manage fatigue during games.

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This study looked at a woman with a rare uterine condition who had a neocervix created through surgery. The researchers found that using an abdominal cerclage, a stitch placed around the uterus, helped her carry the pregnancy to term without delivering prematurely. Although there isn't much data on this approach, the findings are promising for preventing early births in similar cases. Who this helps: This helps women with congenital uterine anomalies and their doctors.

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This study looks at how to continue fighting neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Africa during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that without resuming mass drug administration and other NTD activities, the risk of these diseases spreading increases, and efforts to improve hygiene—which can also help reduce COVID-19 transmission—will be missed. They propose a "hybrid approach" that combines traditional methods with COVID-19 safety measures like wearing masks and hand-washing, which is essential for public health and achieving global health targets. Who this helps: This helps patients affected by neglected tropical diseases and public health officials working to control these diseases.

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This study compared two treatments, tenecteplase (TNK) and alteplase (TPA), for patients with a severe type of stroke caused by blockage in the basilar artery. Researchers looked at data from 110 patients and found that 26% of those treated with TNK showed significant blood flow restoration (over 50%) compared to just 7% of those treated with alteplase. This matters because better blood flow can lead to improved outcomes for stroke patients, and TNK also required less time for treatment initiation. Who this helps: This helps stroke patients who may benefit from faster and more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how certain internal elements of hospitals affect the time it takes to transfer stroke patients for a specialized treatment called endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). Researchers found that these internal factors accounted for 53% of the differences in transfer times, meaning that more than half of the delays were due to hospital-related issues rather than patient conditions. This is important because addressing these hospital factors can help speed up treatment for stroke patients, ultimately improving their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from strokes and the healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study looked at how well blood flow is restored in the brain after treatment for an acute stroke, using a scoring system called mTICI to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Researchers found that only 50% of patients with a mTICI score of 2b achieved optimal blood flow restoration (called TOR), while 80% of those with a score of 2c and over 81% of those with a score of 3 reached TOR. This matters because achieving better blood flow is linked to improved recovery after a stroke, suggesting that the mTICI score alone may not fully reflect patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from strokes and their doctors in understanding treatment effectiveness.

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This study focused on a new test called ChemoID, which helps doctors choose the most effective chemotherapy for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer that doesn't respond to standard treatment. The results showed that patients treated with high-cell kill chemotherapy based on this test had better outcomes: they lived for an average of 12 months without disease progression compared to just 3.5 months for those who received less effective treatments, and their overall survival was 15 months versus 6 months. This is important because it offers a way to personalize treatment, potentially improving the quality and length of life for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.

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This study looked at the leadership styles and confidence levels of nurse leaders in a regional medical center in the U.S. Researchers found that while most leaders favored a transformational style, communication and confidence were lacking, resulting in a low average self-efficacy score among the leaders. Improving support for ongoing leadership training, especially in communication skills, is crucial for better outcomes for both staff and patients. Who this helps: This helps nurse leaders and their teams improve their effectiveness and patient care.

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This study looked at the important work done by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in fighting lymphatic filariasis (LF), a disease that can lead to severe swelling and disability. The findings showed that NGOs play key roles in connecting communities with health programs, helping to manage drug distribution, and coordinating support and funding—essential for sustaining efforts to eliminate LF. For example, they developed new ways to deliver services and collaborated on projects linking LF with malaria treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from LF and organizations working to eliminate the disease.