STEVEN MICHAEL LOWRY, D.O.

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This study looked at how third-year medical students at Queen's University Belfast feel as they move from classroom learning to hands-on training. Out of 300 students, only 39 (13%) responded to a survey and many of them reported feeling unprepared and anxious about the transition, highlighting issues like poor communication and lack of mental health support. Improving mentorship and wellbeing resources is important to help students cope with these challenges as they prepare for patient care. Who this helps: This benefits medical students as well as educators and institutions looking to support them better.

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This study looked at a diabetes management program called HEAL-D Online, designed for adults of African and Caribbean backgrounds in the UK, who face higher rates of Type 2 Diabetes. Researchers found that nine key factors could help expand the program to more people, including aligning the course content with participants' preferences and making sure the online format is accessible. This matters because it has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities in diabetes care for underserved communities. Who this helps: This helps patients of African and Caribbean heritage managing Type 2 Diabetes.

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This study examined how well children with language disorders (LD) understand speech in noisy environments compared to children with typical language development (TLD). Researchers found that children with LD had trouble recognizing sentences when there was background noise and even more difficulty when reverberation was added. However, using a remote microphone significantly helped children with LD, improving their ability to understand speech under these challenging conditions. Who this helps: This benefits children with language disorders and their teachers.

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This study focused on Valley Fever, a respiratory illness caused by inhaling spores from a specific fungus found in dry areas of the western U.S. Researchers gathered data on outbreaks and environmental factors affecting the disease, leading to the development of new risk models. They found that the chances of getting severe Valley Fever while working varied significantly; for example, working manually in the fields while wearing a mask had a risk of about 0.025%, whereas machine harvesting without a mask had a much higher risk of about 0.133%. This information is crucial for understanding how to protect agricultural workers from this serious disease. Who this helps: This helps farmers and agricultural workers by providing insights into reducing their risk of Valley Fever.

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The Comet Interceptor mission aims to study a long-period comet or an interstellar object that has never been closely observed before. Scheduled to launch in 2029, the mission will send a main probe and two smaller probes to gather detailed information about the target's surface, structure, and how it interacts with space, making measurements from as close as 400 kilometers away. This research is important because it will provide insights into the building blocks of our Solar System and how comets behave when they approach the Sun. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers who study the origins of the Solar System and the nature of comets.

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This study looked at how pain is managed for patients nearing the end of their lives and found that good pain relief not only improves patients' quality of life but also helps their families cope better with loss. It mentions that the ongoing opioid crisis has made it harder to provide effective pain relief, which is critical in these situations. The research highlighted the need for new approaches to ensure patients receive compassionate and effective pain management. Who this helps: This benefits patients near the end of life and their families, as well as the healthcare professionals caring for them.

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Researchers studied new flu vaccines made from modified RNA, similar to the technology used in COVID-19 vaccines, to see how well they work and if they are safe. They found that these vaccines generated strong immune responses in mice and monkeys, producing more or equally effective antibodies compared to a standard licensed flu vaccine. This is important because it could lead to faster and more effective vaccine production each flu season, helping to protect more people from the virus. Who this helps: This helps patients who need effective flu vaccinations each year.

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This study examined the role of a specific protein, S1PR2, found in skin cells (keratinocytes) and how it affects inflammation in psoriasis, a skin disease. Researchers discovered that S1PR2 helps reduce inflammation by preventing certain immune cells (Th17 cells) from entering the skin. In mice lacking S1PR2 in their skin cells, there were greater levels of inflammatory markers and more Th17 cells, highlighting the protein's importance in controlling psoriasis symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with psoriasis by identifying a potential new treatment target for reducing inflammation.

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This research studied how to increase the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in younger adults with type 1 diabetes who are transitioning to adult healthcare in Washington. The findings showed that implementing specific strategies significantly boosted CGM use, which helps manage blood sugar levels more effectively. This is important because better blood sugar management can lead to fewer health complications and improved quality of life for these individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 1 diabetes transitioning to adult care.

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The research studied an online program called HEAL-D, designed to help African and Caribbean communities manage type 2 diabetes through culturally relevant education over seven weeks. The results showed that 62% of participants attended the program and 77% completed it, with 94% of course activities delivered as intended. Participants reported feeling more confident in managing their diabetes after the program, indicating that the online format can effectively support diabetes management similar to in-person classes, though improvements are needed for patient recruitment and referral. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly in African and Caribbean communities.

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This study looked at how to successfully place dental implants in teenagers who have lost teeth due to trauma and were still growing. In a reported case, a patient who lost several teeth at age 13 had a procedure to add bone in their jaw at age 18, which allowed for the placement of three implants after seven months of healing, achieving a bone increase of 7-8 millimeters. This research is important because it provides new insights into treating younger patients who have missing teeth, using techniques that avoid the need for bone taken from the patient’s own body, which can lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps young patients needing dental implants.

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This study looked at whether holding Pre-Game Safety Huddles could encourage youth athletes to report concussion symptoms. The researchers found that athletes who participated in these huddles were 0.49 points more likely to report concussions compared to those who did not, which is a significant improvement. This matters because better reporting can lead to quicker and safer responses to concussions, ultimately protecting the health of young athletes. Who this helps: This benefits young athletes and their coaches by promoting safety and awareness around concussions in sports.

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This study looked at how long human norovirus (HuNoV) can survive in surface water, specifically focusing on its ability to infect people. Researchers found that the virus's infectivity didn’t always decrease consistently; in one sample, it didn’t decline at all, while in others, it decreased at a rate of up to 2.2 days. Understanding how long the virus lasts in water is important because it can help prevent outbreaks of gastroenteritis, which is often spread through contaminated water. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and water safety regulators.

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This study looked at the use of the drug anakinra delivered through an IV for treating severe conditions in children caused by inflammation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 14 hospitalized pediatric patients, 8 (57.1%) were treated for multisystem inflammatory syndrome related to COVID-19, using an average dose of 2.25 mg/kg every 12 hours for about 3.5 days. Importantly, there were no side effects recorded from the treatment, showing it can be a safe option for critically ill children. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients experiencing severe inflammatory conditions, especially those associated with COVID-19.

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This study examined how a standard procedure for evaluating bruises in children suspected of abuse affected differences in care based on socioeconomic status. Researchers looked at 2,129 children seen in the emergency department for abuse concerns, focusing on 333 with high-risk bruising. They found that before the new standard procedure was used, children without private insurance were more likely to have reports made to child protective services and law enforcement, but this gap narrowed after implementing the standardized approach. Who this helps: This benefits children from families with lower incomes who may be at greater risk for underreporting in abuse cases.

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This study looked at the different types of algae that live in corals and how their cellular traits affect their response to light. Researchers analyzed data from 12 types of corals and identified four distinct ways these algae react to light, with some types, like C15, showing unique behaviors. They also found that the structure and chemistry of these algae, like their carbon and nutrient content, relate closely to how well they handle excess light—important for understanding coral health. Who this helps: This benefits coral researchers and conservationists focused on improving coral reef resilience.

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This study looked at how cost-effective the medication tildrakizumab is for treating moderate-to-severe psoriasis compared to other treatments in the United States. Researchers found that over ten years, tildrakizumab offers good value for money, with lower costs per year of healthy life gained than many alternatives, making it one of the best options. These findings are important because they can help guide doctors and patients in choosing effective and affordable treatments for psoriasis. Who this helps: Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

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This study looked at how the SARS-CoV-2 virus is shed in different ways from infected people and how that affects tracking the virus in wastewater. Researchers found that when monitoring communities, most of the genetic material from the virus comes from stool, which contributes significantly more than other sources like saliva or urine. However, when checking at smaller locations, different shedding routes can also be important, allowing for more accurate detection of individual cases. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers monitoring COVID-19 trends in communities.

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This study looked at how to manage severe pain in cancer patients who also have problems with opioid use. It found that many healthcare guidelines don’t specifically help these patients, even though opioids are often needed for pain relief. By using strategies from addiction medicine and chronic pain management, healthcare providers can better support these patients to ensure they get the pain relief they need without increasing the risk of opioid misuse. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer who also struggle with opioid use disorder.

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This study examined a treatment called gimsilumab for hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Researchers found that 28.3% of patients receiving gimsilumab died by Day 43, compared to 23.2% of those who received a placebo, showing no significant benefit from the drug. Overall, gimsilumab did not lead to improvements in survival or recovery compared to standard care, which is important because it highlights that not all potential treatments are effective for this disease. Who this helps: This information helps doctors in making treatment decisions for COVID-19 patients.

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This study reviewed various research articles to understand how harmful germs and antibiotic resistance genes are spread through tiny airborne particles in urban outdoor areas. The findings showed that these pathogens and genes are regularly found in outdoor air, but we still do not know enough about how they move and how big of a risk they pose to public health. The study highlights the need for more research on these airborne germs, especially in places with high rates of disease. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers working to reduce disease risks in urban environments.

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This study focused on improving how certain advanced vehicles, which can move in multiple directions and turn in place, navigate efficiently and accurately in tight spaces. The new planning method, called MSDU, performed better than an existing method, producing smoother and more precise paths with a smaller average error (0.0028 meters for distance and 0.0010 radians for rotation) compared to 0.0033 meters and 0.0038 radians for the older method. It also required less travel distance on average (0.6026 meters vs. 0.7346 meters), making it more efficient. Who this helps: This benefits developers of robotic vehicles and operators using them in cramped environments.

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This study looked at how family-based support can help people with psychosis in low- and middle-income countries, where around 90% of these individuals rely on their families for care. The researchers reviewed 27 studies and found that family involvement in treatment leads to improvements in mental health, even though many of the studies had flaws. This matters because it highlights the need for better support systems that include families, which could lead to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with psychosis and their families.

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This study looked at a serious liver condition called Vanishing Bile Duct Syndrome (VBDS), which can occur after drug-related liver damage. Researchers analyzed 59 cases and found that 31% involved children, with antibiotics being the most common drugs causing the problem. They discovered that higher levels of certain blood substances and older age increased the chances of severe outcomes: for instance, patients with higher total bilirubin levels were nearly five times more likely to face poor outcomes. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand the risks associated with certain medications, especially antibiotics, and improve care for affected patients.

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This research examines a virtual diabetes self-management program called HEAL-D, designed specifically for African and Caribbean communities in South London. The study looks at how well this online program works and how it can be expanded to other regions in England, responding to the fact that type 2 diabetes is three times more common in these communities compared to white Europeans. By involving people with diabetes in the program's development and gathering feedback from service users and providers, the researchers aim to improve access to diabetes care for these groups. Who this helps: This benefits African and Caribbean patients with type 2 diabetes by providing them with tailored support and education.

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This study looked at the cost-effectiveness of tildrakizumab compared to other popular treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. The researchers found that tildrakizumab costs about $5,150 per additional month a patient experiences a significant improvement in their psoriasis symptoms, which is less expensive than several other medications like adalimumab and ustekinumab. This is important because it helps identify which treatments provide better value for both patients and healthcare systems. Who this helps: Patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis and their doctors.

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This paper looks at how African American cancer patients often do not receive the hospice and palliative care benefits that could help them during treatment. It highlights that these patients face various barriers to accessing these services, which leads to significant differences in their care compared to other groups. Understanding and addressing these barriers is crucial because it can improve the quality of life for these patients and ensure they receive the support they need. Who this helps: This helps African American cancer patients and the healthcare workers who care for them.

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This study looked at how well dexamethasone, a steroid medication, helps reduce pain for patients with dental abscesses in the emergency department. Researchers found that patients who received dexamethasone reported less pain just 12 hours after treatment compared to those who got a placebo, with a significant difference in pain scores (p = 0.029). This is important because it shows that adding dexamethasone to typical pain relief methods can lead to faster pain relief for individuals suffering from severe dental infections. Who this helps: Patients with dental abscesses seeking quick pain relief.

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This study investigated the effectiveness of a new treatment called LSVT-1701 when used alongside the antibiotic daptomycin for a serious heart infection caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in rabbits. The researchers found that when both treatments were given for four days, they completely eliminated MRSA from the affected areas. This is important because it shows a promising new approach to fight hard-to-treat MRSA infections. Who this helps: Patients with severe MRSA infections.

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Researchers studied the quality of drinking water in Nagpur, India, as the city switched from an intermittent water supply (IWS) to a continuous water supply (CWS). They found that water from taps connected to the IWS had significantly higher levels of harmful bacteria and pathogens, including enterotoxigenic E. coli and noroviruses, compared to those with CWS. Specifically, the proportion of samples with harmful E. coli increased by an average of 0.07% (p = 0.0007) in IWS compared to CWS, indicating that continuous supply leads to safer drinking water. Who this helps: This helps patients and residents who rely on clean and safe drinking water.

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This study looked at how vaccination can prevent certain types of gastrointestinal cancers, specifically those linked to viruses like HPV and HBV. Researchers found that introducing the HPV vaccine has significantly lowered rates of HPV-related cervical cancers, but vaccination rates in the U.S. are still below target levels. Similarly, in Taiwan, a nationwide vaccination program against HBV led to a notable drop in liver cancer cases within 6 to 10 years after the vaccine was introduced, and benefits were still seen 20 years later; however, no effective vaccine for hepatitis C has been developed yet. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for HPV and HBV-related cancers, as well as healthcare providers working to improve vaccination rates.

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This study looked at the presence of harmful germs in the air near open wastewater canals in three cities: La Paz (Bolivia), Kanpur (India), and Atlanta (USA). The researchers found that cities with poor sanitation, like La Paz and Kanpur, had many airborne pathogens, with up to 4.7 times more germs detected compared to Atlanta. This matters because it highlights the risk of diseases spreading through the air in these densely populated areas. Who this helps: This helps residents of low-income urban areas, public health officials, and sanitation workers.

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This study looked at a program called "Heart to Heart," which trained foster and kinship caregivers to better communicate about sexual health with young people in their care. Out of 71 participants, those who went through the training showed significant improvements in their knowledge and communication about sexual health, as well as reductions in conflicts with the youth, compared to those who did not receive the training. This is important because improving these conversations can help reduce unintended pregnancies and other negative sexual health outcomes for foster youth. Who this helps: This helps foster youth and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how effective a medication called tildrakizumab is for treating patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis over a year. By week 28, 10.5% of patients showed a significant improvement, with 97.4% of those likely to maintain their improvement at week 52, while more than half of those with some initial response improved further by week 52. This is important because it shows that many patients can expect long-lasting benefits from this treatment, providing hope for better management of their condition. Who this helps: Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

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This study looked at how introducing a medication called tildrakizumab would affect the costs of treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in a US health plan covering 1 million people over five years. It found that adding tildrakizumab could save the health plan nearly $965,000 over that time, with savings of about $342,000 in the fifth year alone. These savings mainly came from the lower costs of the drug itself, making treatment more affordable for the health plan. Who this helps: This benefits health plans managing psoriasis treatments and the patients they support.

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This study looked at concussions among 5- to 14-year-old American football players over two seasons, tracking how often concussions occurred, how long symptoms lasted, and when players returned to school and sports. Out of 863 youth athletes, 51 experienced a concussion, resulting in an incidence rate of 5.1% per season. The findings revealed that youth who had previous concussions were twice as likely to get another one, while those dealing with depression were five times more at risk; half of the athletes returned to school within three days, but it took an average of 13 days to return to sports and three weeks for symptoms to improve. Who this helps: This information is valuable for parents, coaches, and healthcare providers working with young athletes.

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The study focused on improving how dietitians in the UK interpret food labels and allocate foods for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition that requires a strict low phenylalanine diet. After surveying 70 dietitians, the researchers created 23 consensus statements to standardize dietary guidance, achieving majority agreement on most statements, such as the classification of various foods and a practical method for calculating protein content. This matters because consistent dietary advice can better support PKU patients in managing their condition and improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with PKU and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on the effectiveness of tildrakizumab, a treatment for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, over 52 weeks. Out of 1,156 patients, those receiving 200 mg showed better outcomes, with 29.3% achieving almost complete skin clearance (PASI 100) at week 28 compared to 23.1% in the 100 mg group. The study also found that improved skin condition significantly correlated with better quality of life, and early indicators of treatment response were observed just weeks after starting the medication. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from moderate-to-severe psoriasis by providing them with an effective treatment option.

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This study looked at how type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and prediabetes affect specific immune cells in people with gum disease (periodontitis). Researchers found that people with T2DM and gum disease had fewer important immune cells compared to healthy individuals, and the levels of a bacteria linked to gum disease increased with the severity of diabetes. This matters because it shows that diabetes may weaken the immune system's ability to fight infections in the mouth, potentially worsening gum disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and gum disease.

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This study investigated how sharing specific data about children’s exposure to secondhand smoke in homes can help parents adopt stricter no-smoking rules. Researchers tracked 195 low-income, female smokers with children over six months, using both biologically tested urine samples to measure tobacco toxins in children's systems and regular assessments of home smoking rules. The results, still being analyzed, aim to show how effective this approach can be in reducing children's exposure to harmful tobacco toxins, which is crucial for preventing serious health issues like asthma and sudden infant death syndrome. Who this helps: This helps children living in homes with smokers.

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The study explored how graphene quantum dots (GQDs) could be used in a cancer treatment called photodynamic therapy. Researchers found that GQDs can generate a significant amount of reactive oxygen species, which are necessary for this therapy, while also being safe to use in living organisms. Specifically, they showed that GQDs had high biocompatibility with minimal toxicity. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing photodynamic therapy for cancer.

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This study looked at how doctors across Europe prescribe protein substitutes for patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), a condition that affects how the body processes protein. Researchers found that the amount of protein recommended varied significantly by region, with Northern Europe generally prescribing the highest amounts for infants and children, while Western Europe prescribed the least. For example, infants under one year old received between 2 and 3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, depending on the region, which is higher than global health recommendations. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with PKU and their healthcare providers by highlighting the need for standardized treatment approaches.

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The study looked at pits on comet 67P and found that these pits are actively changing and likely form through a sinkhole process rather than from impacts like on other celestial bodies. Researchers discovered that the size and patterns of these pits indicate significant variations in the material just below the comet's surface. Understanding these pits is important because it reveals how the surface of the comet evolves over time and helps scientists learn more about the comet's interior. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists studying comets and their characteristics.

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This study examined the unusual shape of comet 67P, which looks like two lobes connected together. Researchers found that each lobe has its own distinct layers, with the main lobe having layers up to 650 meters thick. This suggests that the comet formed from two separate objects that gently collided and merged, sharing a similar construction process even though they developed independently. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for scientists studying the origins of comets and the early solar system.

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This study explored how robots could improve their ability to recognize places in large environments by using multiple maps at different scales, similar to how rodents navigate. The researchers found that using this method significantly enhanced place recognition, achieving better results than current top robotic navigation systems. Specifically, their new mapping approach consistently outperformed existing algorithms, showing that having multiple parallel maps is beneficial. Who this helps: This benefits robotics engineers and developers of navigation systems for autonomous vehicles and robots.

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Researchers studied how to best give a medication called recombinant human antithrombin to patients with a rare blood condition known as hereditary antithrombin deficiency during surgery and childbirth. They found that for surgery patients, the recommended dose could remain the same as in the past, while delivery patients needed a different dosage. This work is important because it helps ensure patients maintain the right level of this crucial protein in their blood, which can prevent dangerous blood clots. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hereditary antithrombin deficiency, particularly those undergoing surgery or childbirth.

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This study focused on how often advanced imaging tests, like CT and MRI scans, are used for cancer patients in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) compared to those in fee-for-service Medicare. Researchers looked at nearly 44,500 cancer cases and found that the average number of imaging procedures per patient increased from 7.4 in 2003 to 12.9 in 2006, with advanced imaging making up about 41% of all imaging expenses, totaling around $8.7 million. This matters because understanding imaging trends can help improve patient care and manage costs more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by ensuring more informed imaging practices.

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This study looked at how different centers in Europe manage dietary treatments for patients with a type of homocystinuria that doesn't respond to vitamin B6. They found that most patients (66%) were on a specific diet, which varied by age, and that the amount of natural protein intake increased as patients got older. Many centers used different methods to manage protein intake and recommended supplements inconsistently, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with pyridoxine non-responsive homocystinuria and their healthcare providers.