Jonathan M Holmes

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This study looked at how levels of a specific immune marker, called anti-HBs immune complexes (HBsAg-ICs), relate to outbreaks of hepatitis after stopping treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). They found that people who had low HBsAg-IC levels at the end of their treatment were more likely to experience a liver flare, with only 8% of those with a flare having high levels compared to 57% of those without a flare. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring HBsAg-IC levels to predict and possibly prevent serious liver issues after treatment ends. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients with chronic hepatitis B.

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This study looked at how researchers evaluate whether diagnostic test studies are relevant to specific medical questions, using a tool called QUADAS-2. Out of 50 reviews examined, issues were found in many cases, including using different standards for diagnosis or not applying the test to all patients, which led to confusion about the accuracy of tests. Improving how these assessments are done matters because it helps ensure doctors get reliable information when deciding on tests for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers improve the accuracy of diagnostic tests for all patients.

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This study looked at how many people in Great Britain tried to drink less alcohol because of the rising costs of living and higher alcohol taxes from 2021 to 2024. They found that the number of risky drinkers attempting to cut back for financial reasons increased from 4.6% to 7.0%, meaning about 1.1 million people were trying to drink less in 2024. This rise was mostly due to more drinkers citing cost as their reason for reducing alcohol consumption, even though the overall attempt to cut back didn’t significantly change. Who this helps: This helps individuals concerned about the impact of alcohol costs on their health and finances.

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This study looked at alcohol use in England to see if it had returned to the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic by December 2024. It found that, while risky drinking and overall alcohol consumption are slowly decreasing, they haven't fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. Specifically, risky drinking rose by over 30% in the early days of the pandemic and has since declined at a slower rate among less advantaged people, leading to ongoing issues with alcohol dependence. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and healthcare providers who work with patients struggling with alcohol use.

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This study looked at liraglutide, a diabetes drug, to see if it could help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. After treating 204 participants with liraglutide or a placebo for a year, the researchers found that while there was no significant change in brain glucose metabolism, those on liraglutide did show improvement in certain cognitive tasks compared to those on the placebo. This matters because it indicates that liraglutide might help with cognitive function, even if it doesn't affect brain metabolism directly. Who this helps: This helps patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

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This study looked at how often people with Parkinson's disease experience fractures and whether they are receiving treatment for osteoporosis. It found that about 3% of newly diagnosed patients had a fracture within a year of their diagnosis, and only 17.6% were prescribed osteoporosis medication while just 9.8% had a bone density test. These results are important because they show that many patients who are at high risk for fractures are not getting the care they need to protect their bone health. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how increasing taxes on hand-rolling tobacco (HRT) could make it less affordable compared to factory-made cigarettes in the UK, aiming to improve public health. Researchers found that raising HRT taxes could prevent around 1,770 deaths and save the National Health Service £12 million with just a small tax increase (Policy A), while larger tax increases (Policies B-D) could improve health outcomes even more but would require smokers to spend more. These tax changes could bring in over £3 billion in additional revenue while also reducing harm from tobacco use, particularly in poorer areas. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those who smoke, and supports public health initiatives.

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This study looked at the impact of raising the minimum unit price for alcohol in Scotland from £0.50 to £0.65, predicting that this change would reduce alcohol consumption by 12% and prevent over 3,300 deaths related to alcohol over 20 years. The findings indicate that increasing the price helps lower harmful drinking, especially among the most deprived populations, with a 29% reduction in heavy drinkers and an 8% reduction in those who drink at hazardous levels. This matters because it shows that adjusting prices can significantly improve public health and reduce alcohol-related deaths. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those in low-income areas and heavy drinkers.

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This study looked at whether race or ethnicity affects the use of CT scans in children under 18 who suffered minor head or abdominal injuries. Researchers found that among children over 2 years old, CT usage was similar across different racial and ethnic groups, but Hispanic children under 2 years received fewer CT scans compared to their peers (75% adjusted odds ratio), which raises concerns about possible disparities in medical care. Understanding these patterns is important to ensure that all children receive the necessary care after injuries. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and healthcare providers by highlighting potential disparities in imaging practices.

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This study looked at whether changes in children's eyesight over a year can predict how their vision will change in the following year. Researchers found that only 42% of kids who showed a significant worsening in their eyesight in the first year did the same in the second year. Moreover, previous changes in eyesight weren't very helpful in predicting future changes, which means eye doctors may need to rely on other factors when assessing myopia progression. Who this helps: This helps eye doctors and researchers understand better how to manage myopia in children.

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This study looked at how sleep and activity levels are connected in preschool children, focusing on their sleeping patterns, including overnight sleep and naps. Researchers found that how children spend their entire day—including sleep and wake time—can differ based on age, sex, and whether they regularly take naps, but total sleep time was consistent. Understanding these patterns is important because it can help to improve overall health and daily behavior in young children. Who this helps: This benefits parents and pediatricians who want to promote better sleep and activity habits in preschoolers.

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This study looked at how two treatments for diabetics with serious eye disease—laser therapy and a medication called anti-VEGF—affect patients' vision and quality of life. Researchers analyzed data from 10,000 simulated trials and found that the way they measured quality of life using a specific scoring system (called Rasch) provided better insights into how treatments impact patients’ visual health. The best connections between treatment effects were seen in the Rasch-calibrated scores, showing that these scores closely represented changes in patients' vision. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers better understand the effectiveness of eye treatments for diabetic patients.

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This study focused on how often adults with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases should have their blood tested while taking specific medications known as csDMARDs. Experts agreed that for patients with a low risk (10% or less) of serious side effects, blood tests every six months are appropriate, while those with a higher risk (greater than 10%) should be tested every three months. Establishing these testing intervals helps ensure patient safety and effective management of treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients on csDMARDs and their healthcare providers by optimizing monitoring practices.

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This study looked at a new type of knee replacement surgery that doesn’t use cement, focusing on whether certain radiolucent lines (RLL) seen in X-rays affect short-term recovery. Researchers found that 36 out of 262 patients showed RLL, but these lines were less than 2 mm deep, and importantly, all patients improved in their pain and physical function a year after surgery, with no cases of the implant loosening or requiring further surgery. This is significant because it suggests that this new knee replacement system is a safe and effective option, even when these small lines are present. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing knee replacements and the doctors who perform these surgeries.

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This study looked at how advanced imaging techniques, like ultrasound and MRI, can help diagnose myofascial pain, specifically for people with plantar heel pain. Researchers are examining 100 participants to identify unique signs of this pain and find out if including psychological factors in their analysis can improve how accurately they diagnose it. So far, 55 people have joined the study, and the findings could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat foot pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from plantar heel pain and healthcare providers.

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This study introduces QUADAS-3, a tool designed to help evaluate the quality of studies that test how accurate medical tests are at diagnosing conditions. The authors explain how to use this tool to ensure that the studies reviewed are both reliable and relevant, highlighting key steps to identify biases and applicability issues. Using QUADAS-3 will help researchers provide better evidence for making informed clinical decisions. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who rely on accurate diagnostic tests to treat patients effectively.

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This study looked at how obesity affects certain microbes in the breast tissue and how these changes might lead to breast cancer. Researchers found that in obese individuals, two specific molecules (LPS and flagellin) were elevated in breast tissue, which caused DNA damage and inflammation. The findings highlight a link between obesity, these microbial changes, and increased breast cancer risk, suggesting that monitoring these microbial factors could help in cancer prevention. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of breast cancer, especially those who are obese.

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This study created a detailed dataset of auroras observed on the dayside of Earth using the GOLD mission from October 2018 to June 2025. The dataset includes over 47,000 unique scans of the northern aurora, providing valuable information about auroral emissions and their patterns. This data is important for understanding how electrons interact with the Earth's atmosphere, which can enhance our knowledge of space weather and its effects on our planet. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying space weather and its impact on communication and navigation systems.

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This study examined a new way to quickly match chemical shifts in solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) using data from crystal structures. The researchers introduced a fast method that relies on predictions from crystal structures to improve the accuracy of chemical shift assignments, achieving better results for substances like cocaine and two other drugs, with significant improvements in confidence levels. This advancement is important because it speeds up the process of studying complex materials and drugs, leading to better understanding and development in fields like pharmaceuticals. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working on drug development and analysis.

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This study looked at a material called titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1), which is widely used in chemical processes. Researchers used advanced techniques to analyze the structure of TS-1 and found that the titanium sites in this material have a specific signature that indicates they are primarily in a single nuclear arrangement—meaning each titanium atom is surrounded by a certain number of other atoms in a predictable way. The findings showed that these titanium sites have consistent structural characteristics, which is important for improving how TS-1 works in various applications. Who this helps: This benefits chemical manufacturers and industries that rely on TS-1 for efficient oxidation reactions.

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This study looked at how a resource called the Practice Resource to Address Driving After Stroke (PReDAS-2) helps occupational therapists improve their skills and confidence when dealing with driving issues for stroke patients. The findings showed that using the PReDAS-2 led to a significant increase in therapists’ clinical reasoning by 70% and self-efficacy by 90%. This matters because enhancing therapists' skills can lead to better care for stroke patients who need help with driving decisions. Who this helps: Patients recovering from a stroke and their occupational therapists.

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This research paper looks at attachment theory, which helps understand the bond between young children and their caregivers, and how this knowledge can be practically applied by professionals working with families. The authors, a group of 47 experts, highlight common misunderstandings that can prevent effective use of attachment theory, and they provide strategies and interventions that can improve the relationships between parents and children. They stress the importance of focusing on caregiving and emotional support rather than just classifying attachment styles, which can improve outcomes for children. Who this helps: This helps children and their parents by guiding professionals in providing better support and care.

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This study looked at how eight different countries (Australia, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Thailand, the UK, and the USA) regulate alcohol-free and low-alcohol drinks, focusing on labeling, taxes, and sales rules. It found that rules about what qualifies as alcohol-free or low-alcohol and the associated regulations vary widely; for example, the UK classifies drinks as alcohol-free if they contain 0.05% alcohol, while some parts of Australia allow up to 1.15%. Understanding these differences is important because it can help shape better policies for public health regarding these beverages. Who this helps: This benefits consumers, public health officials, and policymakers who are working on alcohol consumption-related issues.

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This study looked at how financial difficulties affect people's efforts to cut down on drinking during a time of rising living costs and changes in alcohol taxes in Great Britain. Out of over 6,000 adults who drink at risky levels, 38.3% tried to reduce their alcohol intake, and only 7.3% said cost was their main reason. Those suffering the most financially were significantly more likely to try cutting back, with those facing severe financial strain being over five times more likely to do so. Who this helps: This is important for individuals struggling financially and healthcare providers aiming to reduce alcohol-related harm in vulnerable groups.

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This research paper reviews the use of a medical procedure called TIPS, which helps patients with high pressure in the blood vessels of the liver. The authors created 69 guidelines for doctors in Australia to improve how TIPS is performed and managed, aimed at making sure patients receive consistent and high-quality care. Following these recommendations could lead to better health outcomes for patients with liver issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how mental health changes from age 14 to 22 and how these changes are related to thinking skills during adolescence. The researchers tracked over 1,300 participants and identified three main types of mental health issues: externalizing problems (like aggression), internalizing problems (like anxiety), and social difficulties. They found that externalizing problems were more common at 14, and those with continuous externalizing and social issues showed lower cognitive function, while problems that came up or went away later didn't affect thinking skills. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents and mental health professionals by providing insights into the development of mental health issues and their connection to cognitive functioning.

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This study focused on how effectively postpartum women living with HIV in Philadelphia are engaged in HIV care, especially after giving birth. Researchers found that 51.1% of the women were seeing a healthcare provider at 90 days after delivery, and by one year, 65.4% were still in care and 42% had their virus under control. The women who participated in a special case management program were significantly more likely to be engaged in care, retained in treatment, and have suppressed viral loads compared to those who didn't (for example, 73.2% of program users were retained in care compared to 59.2% of non-users). Who this helps: This benefits postpartum women living with HIV, healthcare providers, and public health policy makers.

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This study focused on creating a special version of a medication called detomidine, which is used for calming horses. Researchers successfully developed this version, known as detomidine-d, using a series of chemical processes, achieving a high level of purity. This is important because it allows for very precise testing of detomidine levels in horse blood and urine, ensuring that medication regulations are met. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and regulatory agencies overseeing horse medication.

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This study focused on creating a clear set of guidelines to identify serious bleeding in children who arrive at the emergency department after a trauma. The researchers gathered 32 experts from different medical fields to agree on what counts as "actionable hemorrhage," finding that criteria like having a hemoglobin level below 6 g/dL and significant organ injuries indicate a need for urgent intervention. The experts reached consensus on 13 strong indicators through multiple discussion rounds, which is crucial for ensuring timely treatment and potentially saving lives. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical teams treating injured children in emergency situations.

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This study looked at providing hepatitis C care through a program called C No More, aimed at people on community corrections (like parole) in Melbourne, Australia. Researchers found that from September 2023 to March 2025, the total cost for the program was about A$312,167, with each person starting treatment costing around A$5,382 and each cured patient costing A$7,614. This matters because it highlights the need for community-based support for effective hepatitis C treatment, especially as the virus becomes harder to find in the community. Who this helps: This helps patients in the community who need hepatitis C treatment and support.

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This study focused on microbial keratitis, a serious eye infection, in Southern Arizona from 2017 to 2022. Researchers looked at 272 cases and found that 50.4% of patients were unemployed, 8.2% were homeless, and 22.4% had a history of drug use. The results showed that most infections (74.9%) were caused by bacteria, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common. Understanding these patterns helps design better prevention and treatment strategies for this condition. Who this helps: This benefits doctors, public health officials, and patients at risk of microbial keratitis.

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This study looked at how a specific virus, called rAAV9, can be used to label cells in adult mice after being delivered through their veins. Researchers found that, over six months, they could reliably see marked activity in various cell types beyond just blood vessels, with particular labeling in 25 different targets. This is important because it can help improve ways to deliver genes throughout the body for treating diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on gene therapy.

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This study looked at how astigmatism changes in children after they have cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one. Researchers found that, on average, astigmatism increased from 1.24 diopters shortly after surgery to 1.61 diopters five years later, meaning it got worse for most children. Notably, about 16% of children experienced a significant increase in astigmatism of 2.00 diopters or more, indicating that standard lens choices may not be suitable for these young patients. Who this helps: This information benefits children undergoing cataract surgery and their doctors by guiding better choices for lens implants.

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This study looked at the long-term effects of surgery to remove cataracts caused by trauma in children. Researchers followed 75 kids for five years after surgery and found that only 21% of those with an artificial lens achieved vision comparable to their peers, while 9% experienced glaucoma. Nearly half (47%) of the children with artificial lenses required additional surgery for vision problems, indicating that ongoing monitoring and care after surgery is essential. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and parents of children who have had traumatic cataracts, helping them better understand the potential outcomes and complications.

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This study looked at whether doctors and health professionals should encourage people at high risk for alcohol-related issues to use alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks instead of completely avoiding all alcohol-like products. The researchers found that these drinks might help some high-risk drinkers reduce their overall alcohol consumption or abstain, but they could also lead to relapse for those recovering from alcohol dependence. It's important to gather more research on how these drinks can affect treatment outcomes and identify which patients may benefit or be at risk from using them. Who this helps: Patients trying to manage their alcohol consumption, especially those with alcohol-related disorders.

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This study looked at how different health factors affect heart rate variability (HRV) in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) by using wearable devices to monitor their heart functions. They found that diabetes lowers HRV by an average of 7.4 milliseconds and higher protein levels in urine lower it by 5.73 milliseconds, indicating that these issues are linked to heart health risk. Understanding these relationships is important because it may help predict cardiovascular problems in CKD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors.

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The study examined the impact of the Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) Program, which aims to enhance biomedical research in minority communities. It found that the RCMI Centers collectively earned numerous competitive research awards, produced impactful publications, and fostered vital partnerships, showing strong support for community health and scientist development. This matters because it highlights how these centers improve healthcare and address health disparities in underserved populations. Who this helps: This benefits patients in minority communities, researchers, and healthcare professionals.

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This study looked at a program called ROWTATE, which helps people recovering from serious injuries get back to work by providing support remotely, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that the program was well-received, with therapists delivering 84.5% to 92.9% of the planned intervention activities and most sessions being completed virtually. This matters because it shows that effective vocational rehabilitation can be done remotely, making it more accessible for patients recovering from trauma. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from serious injuries and the therapists who assist them.

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This study looked at how to change the surface charge of special plastic membranes with tiny channels, which are important for energy and filtration applications. Researchers found that by using a simple water-based method to add certain chemicals, they were able to adjust the surface charge density of the membranes to values between 0.0015 and 0.0034 C/cm, with the highest charge achieved using a specific chemical combination. This method is better than others because it is more environmentally friendly, requires less energy, and works well even with very small pores. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and industries focused on energy conversion, electrochemical sensors, and filtration technologies.

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This study looked at a rare eye condition called Purtscher's-like retinopathy (PLR), which can occur in people with severe alcoholism and pancreatitis. A man in his 50s experienced a sudden loss of vision due to this condition, but after 12 weeks of conservative care, his vision improved significantly—his visual acuity went from very poor to nearly normal, although he still had limited side vision and other eye issues. This matters because it offers insight into the course of this rare condition, highlighting that while some aspects of vision can recover, patients may still face long-term challenges. Who this helps: Patients dealing with Purtscher's retinopathy and their doctors.

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This study investigates whether using an abdominal ultrasound called FAST can reduce the need for CT scans in stable children with blunt abdominal injuries. Researchers plan to enroll around 3,194 to 4,346 children and will compare those who receive the FAST exam plus standard care to those who receive only standard care. The goal is to see if FAST can decrease the number of CT scans needed in the first 24 hours and improve the diagnosis of internal injuries, which is important because CT scans involve radiation risks. Who this helps: This benefits children undergoing evaluation for abdominal trauma and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new tool called MedEduChat, which helps educate prostate cancer patients by using information from their health records. It involved 15 patients and 3 doctors, and the results showed that the tool is easy to use and significantly boosts patients' confidence in managing their health, with scores increasing from 9.9 to 13.9 out of 20. Doctors found the tool to be accurate and useful, meaning it can be a valuable resource for improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps prostate cancer patients by giving them personalized information and support.

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This study looked at how well deep-learning technology performs when automatically outlining areas for radiation treatment in prostate cancer. Researchers collected data from 464 patient cases over 20 months and found that one model (Model A) maintained consistent performance, while another model (Model B) showed significant drop in accuracy after just seven months. This is important because it helps ensure that the technology used in cancer treatment is reliable and effective over time. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing radiotherapy and healthcare providers who rely on accurate treatment planning.

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This study explored how effective and acceptable executive function (EF) support videos were for Spanish-speaking families of children with neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD. Researchers found that 37 caregivers who watched the Spanish videos showed significant improvements: their EF knowledge increased, caregiver strain decreased, and their children had better EF outcomes, with results better than those seen in a similar group that viewed English videos. This matters because it highlights the value of providing support materials in families' native languages to meet their specific needs. Who this helps: Spanish-speaking families with neurodivergent children.