Dr. Pillai studies rare conditions that can occur after traumatic injuries, particularly Morel-Lavallée syndrome, which can lead to painful swelling. He also investigates the safety protocols for living liver donors, ensuring they are healthy and supported before they donate part of their liver. His research is crucial for both patients who suffer from these uncommon conditions and those who offer their organs for transplantation, making sure that everything is handled with care and attention to their well-being.
Key findings
In a 2026 case study, a 44-year-old woman with an atypical presentation of Morel-Lavallée syndrome had 200 cc of fluid drained from her thigh, emphasizing early diagnosis to prevent complications.
The study on living liver donation produced 28 specific recommendations to improve donor safety, focusing on health assessments and psychological support prior to surgery.
Dr. Pillai's work underlines the critical need for appropriate identification of conditions like Morel-Lavallée syndrome to ensure patients receive timely and effective care.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Pillai study Morel-Lavallée syndrome?
Yes, he studies Morel-Lavallée syndrome, particularly focusing on cases that arise from blunt trauma.
What treatments has Dr. Pillai researched?
He has researched the management of conditions like Morel-Lavallée syndrome and developed safety guidelines for living liver donation.
Is Dr. Pillai's work relevant to liver donors?
Yes, his research focuses on ensuring the safety and well-being of living liver donors before and during the donation process.
Publications in plain English
Psychometric properties and validity of a Mobile Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (MPHQ-9) for ecological momentary assessment in depressed adults.
Plain English This study looked at a mobile version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (MPHQ-9), which helps track depression symptoms in real-time. Researchers had 280 participants use the MPHQ-9 three times a day for 90 days and found that it was a reliable tool for measuring depression, with a strong internal consistency score of .91. The MPHQ-9 also performed better than the original PHQ-9 in capturing symptom changes over time, showing that it can be a valuable option for monitoring mental health.
Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with depression and their healthcare providers.
Effectiveness of artificial intelligence-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy compared to alternative non-pharmacological therapies for treating depression or anxiety among adults: a systematic review protocol.
2026
JBI evidence synthesis
K N, Karuveettil V, Pillai AS, Jayachandran M, Pallaty PL
Plain English This study looks at how effective AI-enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (AI-enhanced CBT) is compared to traditional CBT and other non-drug treatments for adults dealing with depression and anxiety. The researchers found that mental health issues like anxiety and depression affect millions, with over 359 million and 332 million people experiencing these conditions globally. They believe that using AI to tailor treatments could lead to better, more individualized care for these patients.
Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with depression and anxiety by providing potentially more effective treatment options.
Exploring potential gene signatures in dengue through machine learning and deep learning approaches.
2026
Virus genes
Josyula JVN, Jangili S, Yaladanda N, Pillai AKB, Mutheneni SR
Plain English This study looked at how certain genes are expressed differently in people with dengue fever compared to those without the disease. Researchers used advanced computer techniques to analyze data from several studies and found 27 genes that are more active during dengue fever, and 79 important genes related to severe dengue. This research is important because it could help create better diagnostic tests for dengue, improving how quickly patients are identified and treated.
Who this helps: This helps patients by improving the accuracy of dengue diagnosis.
Development of a new model for prediction of relevant treatment related adverse events in older individuals with gastrointestinal cancers.
2026
Journal of geriatric oncology
Shenoy V, Kannan S, Noronha V, Prabhash K, Ostwal V +17 more
Plain English This study looked at how to predict harmful side effects from chemotherapy in older patients (aged 60 and up) with gastrointestinal cancers. Researchers evaluated 701 patients and developed a new risk score that identified 71% of older adults as having a high risk for adverse events; overall, 53% experienced serious side effects from their treatment. This is important because it helps doctors better assess which patients may face greater risks from chemotherapy, allowing for tailored treatment plans.
Who this helps: This helps older patients with gastrointestinal cancers and their doctors make informed treatment decisions.
Safety and Efficacy of Apixaban in HeartMate 3 Left Ventricular Assist Devices.
2026
Clinical transplantation
Pillai AA, Mehta A, Mogga B, Rubio-Ramos C, Etts KF +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how safe and effective apixaban is compared to the traditional anticoagulant warfarin for patients using HeartMate 3 left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) between 2018 and 2024. Researchers found that while bleeding rates were similar for both medications, patients on apixaban experienced significantly lower rates of major bleeding in the first three months (6.4% for apixaban compared to 43.8% for warfarin) and had improved blood health. This matters because it shows that apixaban might be a better, safer option for preventing complications in these patients.
Who this helps: Patients with HeartMate 3 LVADs.
Body Mass Index and In-Hospital Management and Outcomes of Pulmonary Embolism: A Nationwide Analysis.
2026
Critical pathways in cardiology
Mehta A, Bansal M, Patel J, Pillai A, Ingrassia JJ +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how body mass index (BMI) affects the treatment and outcomes of patients admitted to hospitals for pulmonary embolism (a blockage in the lungs). Out of over 900,000 hospital admissions, underweight patients (about 1.8%) had worse outcomes, including a higher in-hospital death rate of 7.8% compared to 3.3% for those with normal weight and 2.2% for overweight or obese patients. This research highlights that underweight individuals face more complications and longer hospital stays, making it essential for healthcare providers to focus on their unique needs during treatment.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients with low body weight and the doctors treating them.
Outcomes of Internal, External, and Hybrid Fixation in Hindfoot Charcot Neuroarthropathy: A Descriptive Systematic Review and Single-Arm Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.
2026
Foot & ankle international
Chinnaswamy K, AlSaggaf AM, Khimbele E, Kafagi AH, Nath U +2 more
Plain English This research looked at different ways to fix serious foot problems in people with Charcot neuroarthropathy. They found that the overall chance of needing an amputation was about 4.8%, while 80.8% of patients were able to successfully fuse their bones together. External fixation, while often used for more complex cases, had higher amputation rates (8.1%) and lower fusion success (68.2%) compared to internal (4.5% and 84.9%) and hybrid methods (2.9% and 85.8%).
Who this helps: This research helps patients with Charcot neuroarthropathy and their doctors choose the best treatment options.
Telehealth for Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare: Evidence Map of Effectiveness, Patient and Provider Experiences and Preferences, and Patient Engagement Strategies.
2026
Clinics and practice
Parikh RR, Shetty NU, Singhal C, Patel P, Manghani P +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how effective telehealth services are for sexual and reproductive healthcare in U.S. clinics funded by Title X, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that while telehealth use has decreased since its peak during the pandemic, it’s still more common than before it started. Telehealth has improved access to care and can provide similar satisfaction to in-person visits; for example, it helps patients stick with HIV prevention and contraception plans but shows that patients may not choose long-acting contraception as often.
Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking sexual and reproductive health services, especially those in rural or underserved areas.
Passive data do not improve prediction or detection of alcohol consumption beyond temporal patterns in major depression: A 90-day cross-validated study.
2026
Addictive behaviors
Langener AM, Haddox D, Mackin DM, Price GD, Lekkas D +8 more
Plain English This study looked at whether data collected from smartphones and smartwatches could help identify and predict alcohol consumption in people with major depression. Researchers gathered data from 300 individuals over 90 days and found that their models could only moderately predict alcohol use, achieving an accuracy score of 0.67. This means that tracking regular patterns, like the day of the week, was just as effective as using advanced technology for prediction, suggesting that simpler methods might be just as useful for interventions.
Who this helps: This helps patients with major depression and their doctors monitor alcohol use more effectively during treatment.
Era of Synchronized Physiologic Leadless Pacing: A Novel Approach to Cardiac Pacing and Ongoing Development.
2026
Journal of clinical medicine
Shrestha DB, Shtembari J, Katz DH, Storey J, Chaudhary A +2 more
Plain English This paper discusses new advances in leadless cardiac pacing, a method of managing heart rhythm without traditional wires or leads. Since the first leadless pacemaker was used in humans in 2012, new synchronized models have improved heart function, showing positive outcomes in early studies. This matters because these advancements could lead to safer and more effective heart treatments, reducing complications and the need for battery replacements in patients with pacemakers.
Who this helps: Patients with heart rhythm disorders who need pacemakers.
Interindividual differences in digital phenotypes of major depressive disorder: A passive sensing study using smartphone and wearable sensor data.
2026
Behaviour research and therapy
Lampe EW, Collins AC, Lee A, Enbar-Salo N, Griffin TZ +8 more
Plain English This study looked at how different people's experiences of major depressive disorder (MDD) can be captured using data from smartphones and wearable devices. Researchers found two main patterns: one group (85.7%) had average behaviors, while another group (14.3%) exhibited poor sleep, low heart rate variability, and low social engagement. Although these profiles didn’t show clear differences in the severity of MDD symptoms, the second group did have lower social and work functioning, highlighting important behavioral factors that could affect a person’s daily life.
Who this helps: This benefits patients by identifying specific behavioral patterns linked to their depression that can aid in treatment.
Short-Term Care Burden After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation and Heart Transplant in the United States.
2026
Journal of the American Heart Association
Mogga B, Pillai A, Raol K, Baker WL, Baran DA +4 more
Plain English This study looked at the short-term care needs of patients who received either a heart transplant (HT) or a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) in the United States. Researchers found that out of 27,308 patients, 52.4% received LVADs and these patients were generally older, more often male, and had longer and more costly hospital stays than heart transplant patients. Additionally, LVAD recipients were rehospitalized more often within 30 days, mainly due to heart failure and device issues, while heart transplant patients faced higher rehospitalization costs related to transplant complications and kidney problems.
Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting the varying challenges faced by those receiving different heart failure treatments.
Drift-Minimized, Highly Sensitive Carbon Nanotube and Amine-Based COSensors with Humidity Compensation for Indoor/Outdoor and Breath Monitoring.
2026
ACS sensors
Tzourmpakis P, Pillai AS, Rauf S, Vaseem M, Getmanov I +1 more
Plain English This study focused on creating a new type of sensor to detect carbon monoxide (CO) in various environments, including indoors, outdoors, and from breath. Researchers developed a highly sensitive sensor that reduced signal drift and worked well even in high humidity. This new sensor showed a sensitivity of 2.67 × 10 ppm and maintained stable performance across different CO levels, making it more reliable for health and environmental monitoring.
Who this helps: This helps patients who need reliable air quality monitoring for health reasons.
Mapping physiological high-frequency oscillation rates of the cerebral cortex for improved epileptogenic zone delineation in stereoelectroencephalography.
2026
Journal of neurosurgery
Parasuram H, Pillai A, Gopinath S, Rajeshkannan R, Ravindran S +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how certain brain activity patterns, specifically high-frequency oscillations (HFOs), can help identify areas in the brain responsible for seizures in patients with epilepsy. Researchers found that using a specific method to assess HFO rates accurately pinpointed seizure areas in 92% of patients who became seizure-free after surgery. This is important because it helps improve surgical planning for epilepsy treatment, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients.
Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy by improving the precision of their treatment.
Prenatal Stress Induces Changes in Behavior, HPA Axis, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in Adult Rats Offspring.
2026
Neurochemical research
Aguiar-Geraldo JM, Peper-Nascimento J, Cararo JH, Possamai-Della T, Zugno AI +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how stress during pregnancy affects the behavior and health of baby rats. Scientists found that baby female rats whose mothers experienced stress were more hyperactive and showed signs of inflammation and oxidative stress in their bodies. The stressed baby rats also had higher levels of certain hormones related to stress regulation. Treating them with lithium helped reduce some of these health issues, highlighting that prenatal stress can lead to lasting effects on mental health and behavior.
Who this helps: This research helps patients and doctors understand the long-term impacts of prenatal stress on mental health.
Environmental radioactivity and radiological hazard assessment of soil samples from Rajasthan, India.
2026
Environmental geochemistry and health
Tiwari M, Pant AD, Rathod T, Sahu SK, Bhangare R +3 more
Plain English This study looked at the levels of natural radioactivity in soil from various locations in Rajasthan, India, by analyzing 119 samples. It found that the amounts of three radioactive elements ranged from 15.2 to 48.9 for radium, 21.3 to 89.2 for thorium, and 321.8 to 955.9 for potassium, all of which were within safe limits set by international guidelines. This matters because it shows that the natural radioactivity in these soils is similar to what's found around the world and doesn't pose a significant health risk.
Who this helps: This information benefits residents and environmental health officials in Rajasthan.
Sex-specific mitochondrial alterations in cognitively unimpaired older depressed individuals.
2026
Journal of affective disorders
Quintanilla B, Plaska CR, Tripathi A, Madeshiya AK, Carrizalez MT +3 more
Plain English This study looked at how depression affects the tiny energy-producing parts of cells called mitochondria in older adults who are otherwise healthy mentally. Researchers found that older adults with depression had higher levels of specific types of mitochondrial DNA in their blood: females had 1.7 times more of one type than males, while males had 1.8 times more of another type than females. Understanding these differences is important because it could lead to better treatment options tailored for older men and women suffering from depression.
Who this helps: This helps patients with depression, particularly older adults, by providing insights for more personalized treatments.
Hepatic embolization for Cushing syndrome from metastatic tumors: a single-center case series.
2026
Journal of the Endocrine Society
Zhang S, Mosquera JE, Musonza C, Pillai AK, Abramowitz J +5 more
Plain English This study examined how effective liver-directed embolization treatments are for patients with Cushing syndrome caused by metastatic tumors when surgery is not an option. Researchers looked at 4 adult patients who received either yttrium-90 or bland transarterial embolization. All patients showed significant improvement in their cortisol levels, with 50% achieving normal cortisol levels, which is important for relieving symptoms of Cushing syndrome and allowing for reduced use of other medications.
Who this helps: This helps patients with Cushing syndrome from metastatic tumors and their doctors in managing their condition.
Intravenous Fosaprepitant Versus Oral Aprepitant for Children Receiving Highly Emetogenic Chemotherapy: An Investigator-Initiated Randomized, Open-Label, Non-Inferiority Trial.
2026
Pediatric blood & cancer
Rasheed AA, Ganguly S, Sra MS, Kumar S, Batra A +6 more
Plain English This study compared two medications for preventing vomiting in children receiving very strong chemotherapy: intravenous fosaprepitant and oral aprepitant. Out of 279 children, the complete response rate, meaning no vomiting during treatment, was 54.3% for fosaprepitant and 60.4% for aprepitant during the early phase after chemotherapy, which did not show that fosaprepitant was just as effective. This finding is important because it suggests that the intravenous option may not be as good for preventing nausea in kids receiving heavy chemotherapy.
Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy.
"MATERNAL CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION IN TWIN PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY PREECLAMPSIA: A MATCHED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY".
2026
American journal of obstetrics & gynecology MFM
Priya-Sb K, Pillai AA, Bharadwaj A, Jeganathan Y, Pant BP +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how pre-eclampsia (a serious pregnancy condition) affects the heart function of mothers expecting twins. Researchers found that mothers of twins with pre-eclampsia had higher heart workload and left ventricular mass compared to those without pre-eclampsia. Specifically, the peak atrial filling velocity was significantly higher in twins with pre-eclampsia (80.2 cm/s) than in those without (66.7 cm/s), indicating changes in heart function that could worsen their health.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors manage and monitor the cardiovascular health of pregnant women, especially those expecting twins.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected and Known Renal or Splanchnic Artery Aneurysm.
2026
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
, Partovi S, Li X, Aghayev A, Hedgire SS +15 more
Plain English This study focused on how to best use imaging techniques to detect and monitor renal and splanchnic artery aneurysms, which can be dangerous if they rupture. It found that CT angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are preferred for adults, while ultrasound methods are safer for pregnant women to reduce radiation risks. The recommendations help improve the accuracy of diagnosis and ensure safer treatment options.
Who this helps: Patients at risk of renal or splanchnic artery aneurysms, especially pregnant women.
Not all that drains is gut - umbilical venous catheter extravasation masquerading as intestinal perforation: A case report.
2026
World journal of clinical pediatrics
Kumar A, Sidaraddi S, Patil P, Ghawade AP, Moralwar P +1 more
Plain English This study looked at a preterm baby who experienced complications from a medical device called an umbilical venous catheter (UVC), which is commonly used for newborns. The baby initially showed signs of intestinal issues but was found to actually have the catheter leaking into the liver, which was mistaken for a more serious problem. After removing the catheter, the baby quickly improved and was discharged healthy a few weeks later.
Who this helps: This research helps doctors better recognize and manage complications from umbilical venous catheters in premature infants.
Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board.
2026
EJNMMI radiopharmacy and chemistry
Kiss OC, Penuelas I, Rey A, Yang Z, Gillings N +20 more
Plain English This paper reviews recent advances in the field of radiopharmaceuticals, which are drugs that use radioactive elements for diagnosis and treatment in medicine. It summarizes important developments across 25 topics, showcasing new radiochemistry techniques and the first use of some novel drugs in human patients. These findings highlight the ongoing progress and innovation in medical imaging and treatment, making radiopharmaceuticals more effective and widely applicable.
Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing diagnostic procedures or treatments using radiopharmaceuticals.
Living liver donor safety: Preoperative aspects of living liver donation- Guidelines from the ILTS-iLDLT consensus conference.
2026
Liver transplantation : official publication of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the International Liver Transplantation Society
Selzner N, Patel MS, Khan MQ, Magistri P, Sayed BA +37 more
Plain English This study focused on ensuring the safety of people who donate part of their liver for transplant. Researchers gathered 28 specific recommendations to improve donor safety before surgery, looking at factors like donor health, medical assessments, and psychological support. It’s important because these guidelines help protect living donors while still providing critical help to patients in need of liver transplants.
Who this helps: This helps liver donors and the patients who receive their transplants.
An Atypical Presentation of Morel-Lavallée Syndrome Following Blunt Trauma.
2026
Cureus
Nair S, Pillai AV, Ramachandran R
Plain English This study looked at a rare condition called Morel-Lavallée syndrome (MLS) that can occur after blunt trauma, like in a car accident. A 44-year-old woman developed swelling and pain in her thigh after an accident, which led to a diagnosis of MLS. She had about 200 cc of fluid drained soon after the injury, and her recovery went smoothly without any complications, highlighting the importance of identifying this condition early to prevent further problems.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who experience blunt trauma, especially those presenting with unexplained swelling.
Intra-cholecystic Tubulopapillary Neoplasm: Is Simple Cholecystectomy Enough?
2025
Cureus
Khullar R, Parmar H, Shibu Varghese A, Pillai A, Prasad S
Plain English This study looked at a rare type of tumor in the gallbladder called intracholecystic tubulopapillary neoplasm (ICPN), which can sometimes become cancerous. The researchers reported a case where a young man had a gallbladder tumor that was 2.3 x 1.6 cm in size and ultimately required surgery. The surgery showed that the tumor was not cancerous, but there is a risk of such tumors turning into cancer, so it's essential to treat suspected cases with a more extensive surgery (called radical cholecystectomy) to ensure the best outcome.
Who this helps: This helps patients with gallbladder tumors by ensuring they receive appropriate treatment.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Staging and Follow-Up of Primary Liver Cancer.
2025
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
, Smith EN, Bashir MR, Fung A, Cash BD +12 more
Plain English This study examined how to effectively use imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor primary liver cancer, specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is responsible for about 75% to 85% of liver cancer cases. It found that having a team of specialists collaborate in a dedicated clinic improves patient survival rates. The American College of Radiology has created guidelines to help doctors choose the best imaging options based on the latest evidence.
Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer and their healthcare teams.
Cardiac Device Implantation: Techniques and Best Practices.
2025
Cardiology clinics
Pillai A, Huizar JF, Koneru JN, Kaszala K
Plain English This study looked at how to safely implant cardiac devices that help manage heart rhythm problems. Researchers found that paying close attention to patient screening, choosing the right leads, and using careful implant techniques can reduce the risk of infections and complications. This is important because it can improve patient outcomes and safety during these procedures.
Who this helps: Patients receiving heart devices and doctors performing these implants.
Wideband Covariance Magnetometry below the Diffraction Limit.
2025
Physical review letters
Le XH, Dolgirev PE, Put P, Peterson EL, Pillai A +4 more
Plain English This study explored a new method to measure magnetic signals using tiny diamonds, allowing scientists to see details that were previously too small to observe. They achieved a high level of precision with sensitivity of 15 nanotesla per square root of terahertz, enabling them to study how these magnetic signals behave under different conditions, including their correlation with high-frequency noise. This advancement is significant because it opens up new ways to investigate complex physical phenomena in materials, which could enhance our understanding of various scientific fields.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers in physics and materials science.
The clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction of the virtual fracture clinic in the UK: a systematic review.
2025
Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research
Johnson JW, Kafagi AH, Pillai A
Plain English This study looked at virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) in the UK to see how effective they are compared to traditional in-person clinics. Researchers reviewed 25 studies involving over 63,000 patients and found that VFCs had an impressive 83.6% compliance rate with key treatment guidelines, a low reattendance rate of 4.9%, and a patient satisfaction rate of 85.4%. These findings show that VFCs could provide better care and save time and resources, making them a strong option for treating bone fractures.
Who this helps: This benefits patients needing fracture care and the healthcare system by improving efficiency and satisfaction.
Mechanism of anticancer action of: Insights from gut microbiota.
2025
Oncotarget
Do H, Asiamah E, Olorife M, Pillai A, Patel S +3 more
Plain English This research paper examines how gut bacteria, especially a type called bifidobacteria, can fight cancer and support cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The findings show that bifidobacteria can help reduce tumor growth and lessen the side effects of treatments in various cancers, including colon, lung, breast, and stomach cancers. This matters because harnessing these gut bacteria could improve cancer treatment outcomes and patient quality of life.
Who this helps: This helps cancer patients undergoing treatment by potentially enhancing their response to therapies and reducing side effects.
Segmentation and modeling of large-scale microvascular networks: a survey.
2025
Frontiers in bioinformatics
Goharbavang H, Ashitkov AT, Pillai A, Wythe JD, Chen G +1 more
Plain English This study looks at new imaging techniques that allow scientists to see the tiny blood vessel networks in small animals more clearly. Researchers found that while many computer programs can identify and analyze these networks, they haven’t been properly tested on the latest high-resolution images. By reviewing various algorithms, they identified which ones work best for measuring important features in these blood vessel structures, which could help with diagnosing and understanding diseases.
Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on vascular diseases and tissue development.
Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease After Liver Transplantation: A Case Series.
2025
Digestive diseases and sciences
Miyatani Y, Choi D, Aronsohn AI, Pillai A, Cohen RD +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how well the medication upadacitinib works for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) after they’ve had a liver transplant. Out of four patients treated, two were able to stop taking corticosteroids while keeping their IBD under control, but three patients experienced some liver enzyme increase. These results show that while upadacitinib can help manage IBD in these patients, there is a risk of liver issues, indicating that careful monitoring is necessary.
Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease who have had a liver transplant.
Left Atrial Dysfunction in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure.
2025
Current cardiology reports
Trankle CR, Pillai A, Krayem H, Shah KB, Ellenbogen KA +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how common it is for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure (HF) to also have issues with left atrial (LA) function. It found that if a patient has one of these conditions, the chances of having another are very high, and having multiple conditions tends to worsen the patient's outlook. While treatments for AF and HF often help with each other, there's not enough information on how these treatments affect LA dysfunction.
Who this helps: This helps patients with heart conditions by providing insights on their treatment options.
Prognostic Utility of the Dublin-Boston Score for Short-Term Clinical Outcomes in Moderate-to-Severe COVID-19: A Cohort Study.
2025
Cureus
Gottipati DS, Pillai AB, Shanmugam L, Pugalendhi S, Appikatala T +1 more
Plain English This study investigated a scoring system called the Dublin-Boston Score (DBS), which helps doctors predict how well patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 will do in the short term based on certain blood markers. Researchers looked at 39 patients and found that for every one-point increase in the DBS, there was an 8-fold greater chance of the patient's condition worsening. This score is important because it can help healthcare providers make better decisions about care for COVID-19 patients.
Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare teams managing patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.
The Neurocognitive Impact of CAR T Cell Therapy in Hematological Cancers: A Systematic Review of Cognitive Function, Quality of Life, and Psychological Outcomes.
2025
Health science reports
Pillai AA, Tiwari M, Patil SB, Gandhi D, Nanda A +7 more
Plain English This study looked at the effects of CAR T-cell therapy on the brain, mood, and overall quality of life for patients with blood cancers. It found that up to 44% of these patients had cognitive problems, like difficulties with memory and attention, and 25% to 70% experienced a syndrome that affects brain function. Many patients showed ongoing issues more than a year after treatment, especially those with severe neurological side effects, highlighting the need for better monitoring and support strategies.
Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy and the healthcare providers treating them.
Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections in the Management of Morton's Neuroma: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
2025
Cureus
Lee CH, Rana B, Lee E, Zainy A, Scarborough OM +2 more
Plain English In this study, researchers looked at how effective ultrasound-guided steroid injections are for treating the pain of Morton's neuroma, a painful condition in the foot. They found that these injections were 85% effective in reducing pain, with patients experiencing an average drop in pain score from 7.7 to 2.2 out of 10, and most had relief lasting around 17 months. This research is important because it provides strong evidence that these injections can significantly help patients manage their pain without immediate surgery.
Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from Morton's neuroma.
Retrospective Epidemiological Study of Achilles Tendon Ruptures.
2025
Cureus
Iradukunda EF, Kafagi AH, Farooqi M, Pillai A
Plain English This study looked at how often Achilles tendon ruptures happen in the UK, focusing on data from 88 patients. Most of the patients were middle-aged men, with 76% male and an average age of 44. The most common cause of these injuries was playing football, particularly during the spring and summer months, with 39% of cases linked to the sport. Understanding these patterns is important for developing better ways to prevent these injuries, especially in those most at risk.
Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of Achilles tendon injuries, especially men who play sports.
An exploratory single arm study to evaluate the role of an Ayurvedic treatment protocol as a prerequisite forfertilization in women with diminished ovarian reserve incorporating multi-omics approaches: study protocol.
2025
Frontiers in medicine
Muraleedharan A, Pillai A, Nair BG, Krishnarajabhatt HS, Ramachandran C +2 more
Plain English This study examined the impact of an Ayurvedic treatment on women with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) who are preparing for in vitro fertilization (IVF). They enrolled 40 women, with 30 receiving the Ayurvedic treatment and 10 serving as a comparison group without treatment. The researchers aimed to measure changes in hormone levels and follicle counts in the ovaries to see if the Ayurvedic approach could improve their chances of successful IVF.
Who this helps: This benefits women with diminished ovarian reserve who are seeking fertility treatments.
Plain English The study examined a new medication called orforglipron, an oral option for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. In clinical trials, orforglipron at a dose of 36 mg led to a 2.2% reduction in blood sugar levels and a 9.2% decrease in body weight, outperforming an existing oral treatment, which achieved 1.4% and 5.3%, respectively. This is important because it provides a more convenient and effective treatment alternative for managing these serious health conditions.
Who this helps: This helps patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The association between peripheral nerve blocks and postoperative delirium in adults undergoing hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
2025
Arthroplasty (London, England)
Davey B, Kafagi AH, Sahl AB, Pillai A
Plain English This study looked at whether using peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) during hip fracture surgery helps reduce the chances of postoperative delirium (POD), which is a condition where patients become confused after surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 12 trials with a total of 1,157 adults, finding that patients who received PNBs had a 32% lower risk of developing POD compared to those who did not (risk ratio of 0.68). This is important because reducing POD can lead to better recovery experiences and outcomes for patients after their surgery.
Who this helps: This benefits adults undergoing hip fracture surgery, especially those without prior cognitive issues.
A Rare Case of Progressive and Invasive Adult Fibrosarcoma: Retroperitoneal Tumour Involving the Duodenum.
2025
Cureus
Khullar R, Ata T, Gupta N, Rai P, Pillai A +2 more
Plain English This study looked at a rare type of cancer called adult fibrosarcoma, which grew in a young man's abdomen near important organs. The cancer was challenging to diagnose and treat due to its size and location. The patient underwent surgery to remove the tumor, which is the main treatment for this type of cancer, highlighting the need for careful planning and imaging before surgery.
Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients dealing with rare soft tissue tumors.
Understanding Patient Anxiety and Satisfaction in Stage I and Stage II Dental Implant Surgery: A Qualitative Study.
2025
Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences
Pharne PM, Kaira LS, Srivastava V, Vijaywargiya N, Pillai AK +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how anxious patients feel and how satisfied they are during two stages of dental implant surgery. Researchers found that patients experienced significantly higher anxiety (4.3 out of 5) and pain (4.0 out of 5) during the first stage compared to the second stage, where anxiety and pain dropped to 2.5 and 2.1, respectively. This matters because understanding these feelings can help improve patient care and comfort during surgery by emphasizing the importance of clear communication and support before the procedure.
Who this helps: This helps dental patients undergoing implant surgery.
The gut microbiota-brain-CAR T cell axis: a systematic review of gut microbiome modulation and its impact on neurological complications and treatment responses in CAR T cell therapy.
2025
Frontiers in immunology
Pillai AA, Pasya SKR, Kansal G, Jaikrishnan A, Chauhan A +4 more
Plain English This study explored the connection between gut bacteria, brain health, and CAR T-cell therapy, a promising treatment for certain blood cancers. It found that factors like reduced diversity of gut bacteria and previous antibiotic use are associated with worse outcomes in CAR T therapy and increased risk of neurological side effects. Understanding these relationships is important because they could help improve treatment effectiveness and reduce complications for patients.
Who this helps: Patients undergoing CAR T-cell therapy.