DR. SUSAN I. GRIFFITH, DO

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This research studied a parenting program called Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) to see if it could help reduce behavioral problems in young children over a long period. After six years, the program showed that children whose parents participated had fewer behavior issues, with an 86% chance that it was more effective compared to usual care. Specifically, the VIPP-SD group had lower scores on behavior assessments, averaging 25.30 compared to 26.36 in the control group. Who this helps: This benefits parents and caregivers of young children at risk of behavior problems.

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This study looked at brain biomarkers in people with autoimmune encephalitis (AE), a condition that can lead to significant cognitive issues. Researchers found that patients with acute AE had much higher levels of two specific biomarkers—neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—than those with chronic AE. For instance, NfL levels were 2.18 in acute patients compared to 0.88 in chronic patients, indicating that acute AE is more severe, and high GFAP levels were associated with cognitive difficulties. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with AE and their doctors by improving understanding of disease severity and outcomes.

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This study looked at how mental control and decision-making abilities, called executive functioning, are affected in patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) after they have been dealing with the illness for a while. Researchers found that the majority of the 66 patients (67%) had significant difficulties with tasks related to emotional control and working memory, and those with a specific type of AE (seronegative) faced the most serious challenges. This information is crucial because understanding these cognitive problems can help tailor treatments to meet the specific needs of AE patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether training on low-cost colonoscopy simulation models is just as effective as training on expensive, high-tech models for healthcare professionals in Nigeria. After a nine-week course, it was found that both groups showed significant improvement in their skills and confidence, with some specific skill scores improving by around 20% in certain areas. This is important because it means that less expensive training options can still provide quality education to help address the rising rates of colorectal cancer in lower-income countries. Who this helps: This helps patients in low- and middle-income countries by improving the skills of their healthcare providers in performing colonoscopies.

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This article explains how nurses can conduct a thorough and legal assessment of whether adults have the mental capacity to make decisions. It emphasizes that a person should be assumed to have capacity unless proven otherwise and that all efforts must be made to assist them in making decisions before concluding they cannot. This is important because ensuring that individuals are treated fairly and receive support in decision-making can significantly impact their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients as well as nurses and healthcare providers.

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This study explored a computerized test, called CARTcog, to quickly identify cognitive problems in patients receiving CAR T-cell therapy. Out of 89 patients tested, 30 (34%) developed serious cognitive issues related to their treatment, and the CARTcog test successfully flagged these problems most of the time. This early detection can lead to faster interventions, improving patient safety and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy by ensuring quicker responses to potential cognitive issues.

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This study looked at how mental fatigue affects elite male Australian Rules Football players during their pre-season training. Over 13 weeks, players rated their mental fatigue on training days, showing they felt more fatigued during the first ten weeks compared to the last three weeks. Interestingly, the study found that physical attributes and training participation did not significantly influence mental fatigue levels. Who this helps: This helps coaches and sports trainers optimize training plans for their athletes.

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This research paper looked at why people in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have less access to minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to those in richer countries. It found that many challenges, such as limited resources and healthcare infrastructure, lead to these disparities. Addressing these issues is crucial for providing all patients with equal access to effective treatments, which can improve health outcomes significantly. Who this helps: This helps patients in low and middle-income countries who need surgical care.

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This study looked at how mental fatigue (MF) changed for elite Australian football players throughout their season and whether physical fatigue (PF) and sleep quality (SQ) affected it. The researchers found that mental fatigue was highest before the Christmas break and decreased significantly during the early part of the season. They also discovered that higher physical fatigue was linked to increased mental fatigue, while better sleep quality seemed to lower it. Who this helps: This helps players and coaches understand how to manage training and recovery for better mental health and performance.

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This study looked at how mental fatigue affects the performance of elite male Australian football players during matches. Researchers found that when players reported higher levels of mental fatigue, they tended to run less intensely and had a lower overall activity level during games, with significant reductions in running intensity. However, mental fatigue did lead to more handballs being made per match, but it did not change the success of skills executed. Who this helps: This helps athletes and coaches understand how mental fatigue can impact physical performance and match strategy.

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This research looked at people with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection to see how common certain auto-antibodies (the body’s antibodies that attack its own proteins) against interferons are and how they affect treatment outcomes. The study found that 16.7% of the 276 patients had detectable auto-antibodies against interferons, which are important for fighting HBV, and those with certain auto-antibodies were less likely to respond to a specific treatment called PegIFNα. This is important because it shows that testing for these auto-antibodies could help doctors predict which patients might not respond to treatment, enabling better care. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic hepatitis B and their doctors in choosing more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how different factors might predict the recovery of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) after one year. Researchers analyzed data from 231 patients and found that older age, certain MRI findings, the failure of initial treatments, and certain types of seizures were linked to poorer outcomes. Conversely, patients with a specific type of autoimmune encephalitis related to anti-LGI1 antibodies had better chances of recovery. Who this helps: This information can help doctors identify which patients are likely to need more intensive care based on their initial conditions.

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This study looked at how a medication called regorafenib, used for treating certain types of cancer, caused significant skin reactions on the hands and feet in a teenage patient with advanced bone cancer. The researchers shared a successful approach to reduce the dose of regorafenib and manage the skin issues, which helped the patient recover from severe skin reactions and continue her cancer treatment smoothly. This matters because it helps establish a way to support young cancer patients dealing with painful side effects, allowing them to maintain their treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps young cancer patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at the long-term effects and safety of a new combined injectable treatment for HIV called cabotegravir plus rilpivirine (CAB+RPV LA) in South Africa over 96 weeks. The results showed that 92% of participants using CAB+RPV LA had undetectable HIV levels, similar to 88% of those on traditional oral treatments. Most participants experienced some side effects, mainly mild injection-site reactions, but the treatment remained effective throughout the study. Who this helps: This benefits HIV patients in South Africa looking for effective treatment options.

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This research reviewed various training methods aimed at reducing cognitive biases in students, analyzing data from 54 studies involving nearly 11,000 participants. It found that educational interventions successfully reduced the risk of biases, achieving an improvement score of 0.26, indicating a small but noticeable effect. Understanding and addressing cognitive biases is important because it can lead to better decision-making in real life. Who this helps: This helps students and educators by improving critical thinking and decision-making skills.

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This study explored how the quality of life (QoL) reported by patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) compares to scores given by doctors, focusing on disability and symptom severity. Researchers looked at 54 patients, finding that while doctors' scores generally linked to patients’ QoL, they didn’t fully capture the patients' experiences. For instance, higher disability scores could predict worse quality of life, but the relationship was only moderate, showing that both patient feedback and clinical assessments are needed for a complete picture of patient well-being. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their doctors by highlighting the importance of listening to patient experiences alongside clinical assessments.

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This study focused on the mental health symptoms of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE). Researchers looked at 87 patients and found that many experience serious psychological issues, particularly depression, post-traumatic stress, and suicidal thoughts. Specifically, 84% had moderate limitations in daily activities, and those with certain types of AE had more severe mental health problems. This is important because it shows that patients with AE often struggle with significant mental health challenges that need to be addressed. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their doctors by highlighting the importance of monitoring and treating mental health symptoms.

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This study looked at how patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and their caregivers perceive memory and cognitive problems. It involved 77 patients, with most (82%) showing good functional outcomes, yet all reported serious cognitive issues, especially in thinking and learning. Notably, patients rated their memory concerns higher than what their caregivers reported, indicating that traditional measures might not fully capture the extent of cognitive difficulties. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their families understand the impact of the condition on daily life.

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This article corrects previous research that found many people with chronic hepatitis B have auto-antibodies against interferons, which are proteins that help fight infections. In the original study, it was noted that these auto-antibodies are linked to a lack of response to a specific treatment called Peginterferon Alpha (PegIFNα). Understanding this connection helps doctors predict treatment outcomes and make better choices for patients. Who this helps: Patients with chronic hepatitis B and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how the emotion of awe affects brain activity and body responses in 23 healthy older adults while they watched a nature film. They found that feelings of awe led to changes in brain patterns, showing less predictable activity and increased information processing, which was tied to lower levels of stress in the body and stronger feelings of awe. This matters because it highlights how awe can positively impact our mental and physical states, offering insights into emotions that can improve well-being. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for ways to enhance their emotional health and well-being.

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This study looked at why some patients kept their ureteral stents, which should be removed within 90 days. Out of 457 patients, 61 (13%) still had their stents after this period. The findings showed that older patients and those who do not speak English were more likely to retain their stents, highlighting how language and age can create obstacles to effective healthcare. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients and non-English speaking individuals who may face challenges in managing their healthcare.

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This study looked at two methods for performing surgery on patients with colorectal cancer: the traditional method and a newer robot-assisted method using the FreeHand camera holder. Researchers found that surgeries using the robot took about 10 minutes less on average (95 minutes) compared to the conventional method (106 minutes), but both methods had similar results in terms of blood loss and recovery. This matters because it shows that the robot-assisted approach is safe and can make surgery quicker without compromising the quality of care. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.

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Researchers studied how a person with untreated HIV-1 produced broadly neutralizing antibodies, specifically one called ELC07, which can fight various strains of the virus. They found that despite having the virus, the memory B cells – which help the body remember and fight infections – remained healthy and functional. This is important because it shows that it’s possible to generate strong immune responses without causing damage to the immune system, paving the way for effective HIV vaccines. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for HIV, particularly those involved in vaccine development.

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This study looked at the effects of infusing specially designed antibodies into mice being immunized against HIV. Researchers found that while most of the infused antibodies reduced the quality and diversity of the immune response, a small group of B cells showed improved growth and specificity. Specifically, these B cells had higher mutations and stronger binding qualities after the antibody infusion, indicating they matured faster in response to the immunization. Who this helps: This research benefits vaccine developers and researchers working on better HIV treatments.

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This study looked at how well participants adhered to an injectable HIV prevention treatment called cabotegravir and why some might struggle to keep up with it. Researchers interviewed 40 people, mostly young Black cisgender men, and found that positive experiences with supportive clinic environments helped boost adherence, but challenges like travel and work commitments made it difficult for some to stay on track. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of flexible support systems in encouraging consistent use of this new prevention method. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of HIV and healthcare providers looking to improve treatment adherence.

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This study focused on creating a quality of life measurement tool for people who use left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), which help support heart function. Researchers used interviews and surveys with 49 participants to understand their experiences and found that issues related to equipment and emotional impact were significant. The new tool was shown to be reliable and accurate, which is important for improving how care is designed and delivered for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with LVADs by providing better insights into their quality of life and guiding their care.

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This study focused on a training program for unregistered home care workers in the UK, aimed at improving their ability to provide end-of-life care. Over three years, 210 care workers completed the program, and it was found that their confidence and skills in delivering this type of care significantly improved. Additionally, changes were made to agency policies to better guide care during deaths at home. Who this helps: This benefits home care workers and the patients they support during end-of-life care.

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This study looked at factors that lead to different surgical treatments for a common type of arm fracture in children. Among nearly 94,000 patients, those who were obese or had more serious types of fractures were more likely to receive a specific surgical treatment called open reduction (ORIF) rather than a less invasive method. Understanding these factors helps doctors make better decisions on how to treat these fractures, potentially leading to better outcomes for young patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating children with arm fractures.

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This study looked at how well non-Hispanic Black and Latinx women in Buffalo understand and feel about PrEP, a medication that helps prevent HIV, especially since HIV cases increased by over 31% from 2019 to 2020. The researchers surveyed 1,025 women and found that while most had similar attitudes towards PrEP, Latinx women had lower awareness about it compared to the other groups. Many participants felt at low risk for HIV and were uncertain about taking PrEP, showing a clear need for better education on HIV risks and PrEP, particularly for Latinx women. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, especially non-Hispanic Black and Latinx women, by highlighting the need for improved HIV prevention resources.

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This study focuses on finding the best ways to help nurses implement new treatment protocols for stroke patients in hospitals across Australia and New Zealand. The researchers are testing two levels of support for nurses—high and low intensity—compared to a group with no support, to see which helps improve adherence to guidelines for managing conditions like fever and high sugar levels. They aim to identify the most effective support system, which could ultimately lead to better care for stroke patients, particularly in harder-to-reach rural areas. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have suffered a stroke, especially those in rural and remote communities.

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This study focused on understanding the role of certain immune cells and substances in the blood of patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE), a serious brain condition. Researchers compared 40 AE patients to 28 healthy volunteers and found that the AE patients had more of a specific type of immune cell (7.13% compared to 5.46%) and higher levels of the protein IL-6 (2.34 pg/mL versus 0.54 pg/mL). These findings suggest that ongoing inflammation may worsen cognitive problems in patients, especially in those with a specific subtype of AE that has a high risk of long-term issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their doctors by providing insights into the disease's progression and potential treatments.

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This study looked at how conducting HIV testing visits during evenings and weekends affected the number of men participating in a community-based program in South Africa. Researchers found that more men (about 11.2 additional men) were successfully recruited for testing on Sundays compared to standard weekday visits, while women were also recruited more effectively on Saturdays. This is important because it shows that offering testing during the weekend can significantly improve access to HIV care for men, addressing a critical gap in treatment. Who this helps: This strategy primarily benefits men at risk of HIV who need testing and treatment.

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This study looked at how the roughness of surfaces and the size of droplets affect the way soldering materials spread out on those surfaces. The researchers found that as droplet sizes changed, the way they spread differed depending on whether the surface was smooth or rough; specifically, larger droplets on rough surfaces had greater pinning barriers, making them spread less effectively. Understanding these details is important for improving the reliability of smaller electronic devices as they continue to be miniaturized. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers and engineers working on electronics.

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This review looked at how chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T therapy) affects the thinking and memory abilities of patients. Out of 22 studies involving 1,104 participants, it was found that while many patients experience cognitive issues shortly after treatment, most recover within one to two weeks. However, some patients still report ongoing cognitive difficulties even months or years later. Understanding these effects is important for better patient care after CAR-T therapy. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing CAR-T therapy and their doctors.

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This study looked at how certain genetic changes in the HIV virus, especially the L74I mutation, affect the effectiveness of two treatments: cabotegravir and rilpivirine. Researchers found that while most HIV strains remained responsive to cabotegravir, those with the L74I and Q148R mutations showed reduced sensitivity to the drug, with a decrease in effectiveness measured at 4.4-fold for subtype B and 4.1-fold for subtype A6. Rilpivirine also had reduced effectiveness against specific mutations, with a measurable drop in response of about 2.21 to 3.09 times. Who this helps: This research helps doctors better understand how to treat HIV patients with specific virus mutations.

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This report focuses on a surgical technique called the Altemeier procedure, used for a man in his 60s with advanced rectal cancer. The patient had a large segment of his bowel that had become twisted and dead because of the cancer. The surgery successfully removed the cancerous tissue and showed that only one out of 21 lymph nodes had cancer, which is a good outcome, and it can help improve survival for similar patients in emergency situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced rectal cancer and their doctors by providing a viable surgical option.

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This study looks at two ways of providing palliative care for patients with advanced lung cancer: a stepped approach that offers care based on the patient's needs and an early integrated approach that provides regular care every four weeks. Researchers will compare the impact of these methods on patients' quality of life over 24 weeks, aiming to include 510 patients from major cancer centers across the U.S. It matters because finding an effective way to deliver palliative care can improve the well-being of patients while also considering the limited availability of specialists. Who this helps: Patients with advanced lung cancer and their families.

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This study looks at how GeneMatcher, a tool for connecting researchers who study the same genes, has facilitated international collaboration and data sharing in genetics. As of October 2021, there were over 12,500 users from 94 countries contributing more than 58,000 gene-related submissions, with about 64% of these genes having made at least one match—totaling nearly 379,000 matches overall. This matters because it accelerates the identification of new disease genes, ultimately leading to better understanding and treatment options for genetic disorders. Who this helps: Patients with genetic disorders and the doctors treating them.

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This research paper discusses several databases—MyGene2, Geno2MP, VariantMatcher, and Franklin—that store detailed genetic information to help researchers and healthcare providers better understand genetic variants and their effects on health. The goal is to improve how these databases work together to share information, which can help make diagnoses easier and speed up medical discoveries. This is important as it can lead to better-targeted treatments and more accurate patient care. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a treatment method called selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) using Y resin microspheres for patients with liver cancer that can't be surgically removed. The researchers aimed to see how safe and effective this therapy is, tracking 100 patients over a year, and targeting a radiation dose of at least 150 Gy to the tumors. The results will help understand if this personalized treatment approach can improve response rates and overall quality of life for patients. Who this helps: Patients with unresectable liver cancer.

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This study looked at colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Caribbean country to see if patients diagnosed through screening had different disease stages compared to those diagnosed due to symptoms. Out of 97 patients, only 21 were diagnosed through screening, and those cases were mostly early-stage cancers (21.7%), while many non-screening patients had advanced cancers (like locally advanced at 42.3% and metastatic at 26.8%). This highlights a critical problem: very few people are getting screened, which leads to late-stage diagnoses and fewer chances for successful treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients by emphasizing the importance of screening for better health outcomes.

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This study looked at the cognitive problems faced by patients with autoimmune encephalitis (AE) by analyzing data from 59 patients in Australia. It found that over half of the patients (54.2%) had difficulties in at least two areas of thinking and memory, with issues related to executive function being the most common. Understanding these cognitive challenges is important for improving care and treatment for AE patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with autoimmune encephalitis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a 49-year-old man who experienced serious internal bleeding after surgery for colon cancer. Over ten months, he took a tablespoon of Ceylon cinnamon daily, which contains a compound called coumarin that can interfere with blood clotting. After surgery, his hemoglobin dropped significantly from 17.4 to 8.0 g/dL due to this bleeding, highlighting the risks of using certain herbs without understanding their effects on health and recovery. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering herbal supplements and their doctors, emphasizing the importance of discussing dietary choices before surgery.

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This study looked at how autoimmune encephalitis can lead to various mental health symptoms, which can happen before or after physical brain issues appear. It found that patients often improve with treatments that help the immune system, but diagnosing this condition can be difficult because symptoms vary widely. Understanding these psychiatric symptoms is important for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing psychiatric symptoms linked to autoimmune encephalitis.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the administration of a long-acting HIV treatment called cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in ongoing clinical trials across 16 countries. Researchers found that 94% of the participants in the trials were able to continue their scheduled treatments despite the pandemic, and of those who were impacted, most were able to switch to oral therapy to maintain their treatment. This is important because it shows that even during a public health crisis, patients can effectively manage their HIV treatment. Who this helps: Patients living with HIV.

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This study explored the experiences of people who have received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), which helps hearts pump blood. Researchers gathered input from 18 LVAD recipients using a web-based software that allowed them to identify and prioritize their main concerns and experiences. They found nine important areas, including the benefits of the LVAD, family support, and physical limitations, with the positive impacts of the LVAD rated highest in importance. Who this helps: This benefits patients with LVADs, healthcare providers, and device manufacturers.

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This study focused on helping nurses who aren't specialized in palliative care manage symptoms for patients in their final days. It found that many of these nurses feel unprepared for this important task, even though they can seek advice from specialists. The article offers a practical guide to help them recognize when someone is dying and how to handle common end-of-life symptoms effectively. Who this helps: This helps nurses and healthcare providers caring for patients nearing the end of life.

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This study looked at how well people with HIV in Zambia and South Africa are able to stick to their antiretroviral therapy (ART) over three years of universal testing and treatment. Out of nearly 3,600 participants who said they were on ART, about 12% were not virally suppressed, meaning the virus was still present in their blood, and about 10% reported missing doses of their medication. Men, younger people, and those who drink heavily or feel stigma about their condition were more likely to not be doing well with their treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV by identifying factors that affect their treatment success.

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This study looked at how changing the timing of home visits to participants in HIV prevention research affected retention rates over a few years in South Africa. Researchers found that visits conducted on Saturdays resulted in a successful follow-up rate of 14 visits per fieldworker, compared to only 4.5 and 5.3 visits on regular weekday shifts. This matters because keeping participants engaged in long-term studies is crucial for developing effective HIV prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and public health officials working on HIV prevention programs.

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This study focuses on creating a new tool to help researchers test different types of optical traps used in volumetric displays. They designed a rig that can be built in about 2 hours and run tests on around 250 samples every hour, examining factors like particle type and trap settings. This is important because it allows more researchers to access and contribute to the field of optical display technology, making innovations possible. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and engineers working on developing new visual technologies.