Meira Fogel Levin

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This study looked at how a person's genetic background affects their risk of two heart diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). It found that an increase in genetic risk for HCM was linked to a higher likelihood of developing HCM (about 80% more likely) and a lower chance of DCM, while the opposite was true for DCM, which showed a 60% increased risk with a higher genetic score for that condition. Understanding these genetic influences matters because it can help doctors predict who might develop these heart conditions and tailor better prevention strategies. Who this helps: Patients at risk for heart disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new treatment combination of iberdomide, low-dose cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone for patients with multiple myeloma that had returned or not responded to previous treatments. Out of 61 patients, this treatment helped them stay free of disease progression for an average of 17.6 months. While some patients experienced serious side effects, such as infections and low white blood cell counts, this combination offers a promising option for people with limited treatment choices after trying multiple therapies. Who this helps: Patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma.

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This study looked at the relationship between a substance in the blood called lipoprotein(a) and the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Researchers found that people with higher levels of lipoprotein(a) had a significantly increased risk of AAA, with important data showing a link even after accounting for other common risk factors. This is important because it suggests that lowering lipoprotein(a) could be a new way to help prevent AAA, which currently lacks many treatment options. Who this helps: Patients at risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

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This study looked at the safety and effects of getting multiple doses of a COVID-19 treatment called AZD7442, which consists of two antibodies. Researchers found that about 75% to 82% of participants reported some side effects, with serious side effects occurring in 13% to 17%. The findings show that repeated doses were safe and worked similarly to a single dose, which is important because it may help prevent COVID-19 in at-risk people over a longer period. Who this helps: This helps patients at higher risk for COVID-19.

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This study looked at how genetic differences affect the severity and characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in people. Out of 2,557 participants, 50 had a specific genetic mutation linked to more severe disease symptoms, and those with two copies of this mutation showed a higher disease activity score. Understanding these genetic factors is important because it can help tailor treatments and predict how the disease will progress in different patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing insights into how genetics influence individual RA experiences.

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This study investigated how a sugar called alpha-gal is found in different parts of South African ticks during their feeding and growth stages. Researchers discovered that the amount of alpha-gal increased as the ticks fed, particularly in their saliva, and that people allergic to alpha-gal had higher levels of specific antibodies in their blood related to these tick proteins. This is important because repeated exposure to these tick proteins may lead to the development of alpha-gal syndrome, which causes allergic reactions in some individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients who are allergic to alpha-gal and may be affected by tick bites.

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This study looked at how body weight, measured by body mass index (BMI), affects how well vaccines work in children with HIV. They found that children who had a slightly higher BMI scored better on the hepatitis B vaccine, with 47% of those in the optimal BMI range developing adequate immunity, while the other vaccines did not show a clear link to BMI. This matters because understanding how obesity affects vaccine responses can help improve health outcomes for these children. Who this helps: This helps children living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the causes of fever in children in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, particularly during a dengue fever outbreak. Researchers tested 565 children and found that dengue virus was the most common cause of fever, affecting 101 children, while other viruses and bacteria were also identified. The findings showed that after three days of symptoms, a specific test for dengue (PCR) became less effective, meaning some cases might be missed if doctors rely solely on this test. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating pediatric patients during infectious disease outbreaks.

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This study explored the relationship between DNA changes and the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) by analyzing genetic markers in a large group of veterans. Researchers found 1,253 specific DNA markers linked to AAA and identified 151 of these markers as likely causing the condition. Their findings highlight that factors like blood lipids and inflammation play significant roles in AAA risk, which is important for improving risk prediction and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for AAA and their healthcare providers, allowing for better monitoring and prevention efforts.

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This study focuses on finding specific signs (biomarkers) that can indicate which young children, especially those living with HIV, are at a high risk of developing serious tuberculosis (TB) after being exposed to the infection. Researchers will analyze blood samples from children under 5 years old who participated in previous TB studies in South Africa, looking for changes that could help identify early signs of the disease. By pinpointing these biomarkers, the study aims to improve preventive treatments for those most at risk, which is crucial in addressing the TB epidemic in vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This benefits young children at risk for TB, particularly those living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a specific treatment for kidney stones called steerable ureteroscopic renal evacuation (SURE) and how it impacts patient health over two years. It found that patients who had residual stones after treatment faced a higher risk of needing additional healthcare services; for each increase of 100 mm in leftover stone volume, the risk of needing more medical help jumped by 50% to 54%, and the risk of more stone-related problems increased by 70%. Importantly, the SURE treatment led to 73% fewer health care events than the standard treatment, which means patients had better outcomes with this method. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney stones by reducing the likelihood of additional medical issues and treatments.

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This study examined how the amount of coronary artery disease (CAD) affects heart problems like heart attacks and heart failure, focusing on how it interacts with common risk factors such as high cholesterol and diabetes. They found that higher genetic risk scores for CAD were strongly linked to an increased chance of having both mild and severe coronary artery blockages, with the likelihood of the severe form being more than two times higher. This is important because it underscores the need to manage risk factors like high cholesterol and diabetes early on to prevent serious heart issues. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for heart disease and their healthcare providers in focusing on prevention strategies.

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Researchers studied a new type of biologically engineered robot called a neurobot, made from frog skin and nerve cells. They discovered that these neurobots not only developed mature neurons but also moved in more complex ways and reacted differently to drugs compared to simpler versions without nerves. This matters because it shows how living systems can be enhanced with engineered neural networks, which could lead to advancements in understanding brain function and developing new therapies. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers studying neural development and regenerative medicine.

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This study looked at how easy it is for people to read and trust online information about common eye problems like cataracts and glaucoma in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. It found that English websites were much easier to read, with an average score of 8.1, compared to 16.6 for Spanish and 16.0 for Portuguese sites, which makes it hard for many patients to understand the information. This is important because patients who don’t speak English well could struggle to find reliable health information, affecting their ability to manage their eye conditions. Who this helps: Patients who speak Spanish or Portuguese and need better access to eye health information.

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This study looked at how a simple electronic reminder embedded in echocardiogram reports could help doctors refer patients with severe aortic stenosis (a heart condition) to specialists for treatment more effectively. After implementing this reminder, referrals increased from 94% to 97%, and the overall treatment rate for these patients improved from 89% to 93%. This is important because timely referrals can lead to better care and outcomes for patients with serious heart conditions. Who this helps: Patients with severe aortic stenosis and their doctors.

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This research studied the connections between mental health disorders and physical illnesses by analyzing genetic data from nearly 1.9 million health cases across various medical conditions. Researchers found that certain mental health issues, especially those related to mood or substance use, have strong genetic links to many physical diseases, identifying 27 specific genetic risk areas. This finding is important because it highlights how intertwined mental and physical health are, suggesting that addressing one could help the other. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with both mental and physical health issues.

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This study examined the size of the portal vein, a blood vessel that can indicate liver health, in over 20,000 CT scans to establish what a normal measurement should be. They found that the average portal vein diameter was 12.4 mm and that larger sizes were linked to increased risks of liver disease and complications like esophageal varices and ascites. This information can help in identifying patients at risk for serious liver issues more effectively. Who this helps: Patients with chronic liver disease and their doctors.

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This study looks at how living tissues, made up of cells, not only function like machines but also exhibit cognitive qualities, such as learning and adapting. Researchers argue that instead of viewing cognition as something separate from the cellular processes that drive development, we should see it as part of a continuous spectrum of abilities in living tissues. This understanding is important because it can enhance our grasp of how cells work together in complex ways, which can lead to advancements in fields like medicine and bioengineering. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working in cell biology and developmental medicine.

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This study examined how rising summer temperatures affect the buildup of certain harmful chemicals (PFAS) in sheepshead minnows and how this accumulation impacts their health. The researchers found that higher temperatures increased PFAS levels in fish tissues, particularly directing more of it into their eggs, which could harm reproduction. Additionally, while swimming performance didn't change, higher PFAS levels at warmer temperatures led to lower energy availability for the fish, which could stress their overall health and future generations. Who this helps: This benefits coastal fish populations and the ecosystems they are part of.

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This study looked at the cost-effectiveness of different treatment options for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who are newly diagnosed and physically fit, specifically those without certain genetic abnormalities (TP53). Researchers found that treatments using venetoclax, either alone or in combination with other drugs, were generally more cost-effective compared to traditional chemotherapy, with costs in three countries ranging from about €26,000 to €40,000 for each additional year of healthy life gained. This is important because it helps healthcare systems determine the best use of resources for treating CLL patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with CLL and healthcare providers looking to make informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how to improve virtual and augmented reality (XR) technologies for helping patients recover from muscle and nerve disorders. The researchers found that by involving doctors and patients earlier in the design process, XR tools can be better suited to meet users' needs, ultimately improving patient motivation and recovery. These improvements can make rehabilitation more engaging and effective, which is especially important given limited healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders and the healthcare professionals treating them.

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This study looked at how long patients who had deep plane facelifts waited before needing a second facelift. Researchers reviewed records from 93 patients over 30 years and found that the average time between the first and second facelift was about 10.9 years. Patients younger than 53 when they first had the procedure tended to wait longer (12.4 years) compared to those older than 53 (9.3 years), showing that younger patients may have better long-term results. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering facelift surgery and their doctors in planning for future procedures.

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This study focused on finding a new way to predict levels of lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a)—a substance linked to heart disease—using genetic information. The researchers created a model that successfully identified individuals with high Lp(a) levels across different populations, finding that it could spot these levels at a rate of 128 per 1,000 people in a large group, which is 14.4 times better than the current testing rate. This matters because it could improve heart disease risk identification and prevention by enabling more people to get tested. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for heart disease.

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Researchers developed a new method to create specific compounds called unsymmetrical-aryl pyrazoles from another chemical starting point. They found that by changing the type of copper catalyst and base used, they could easily switch between two different forms of these compounds with high precision. This breakthrough allows chemists to quickly produce a variety of important pyrazole compounds that could be useful in medicine. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies looking to develop new medications.

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This research looked at combining two techniques, Diffusion Models (DMs) and Evolutionary Algorithms (EAs), to improve how we find high-quality solutions in various fields. The study found that using DMs with EAs allows for better optimization, helping to generate solutions more efficiently while still allowing for creative exploration. This integration could lead to significant advancements in how we approach problem-solving in areas like artificial intelligence and data analysis. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and developers working on complex optimization problems.

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This study looked at the potential risks of using artificial intelligence (AI), like chatbots, for people with mental health issues, especially those vulnerable to psychosis. Researchers found that these AI systems could potentially worsen delusions or create new ones for users already at risk. To help manage these risks, they suggested creating guidelines and tools to ensure AI serves as a supportive partner, rather than introducing more confusion or instability in users’ perceptions of reality. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health issues, especially those who may be at risk for psychosis.

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This study explored the impact of certain immune-related side effects from PD-1 inhibitors, a type of cancer treatment for advanced melanoma, on patient survival. Out of 301 patients, those who experienced specific side effects, like rheumatic or thyroid issues, lived longer than those who didn't, with 109 patients showing such effects. The findings suggest that treating these side effects with lower doses of steroids might help maintain the effectiveness of the cancer treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and their patients with advanced melanoma by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the genetic factors behind atrial fibrillation (AF), a heart condition that increases the risk of serious issues like strokes and heart failure. Researchers found that both common and rare genetic variations contribute to AF and created risk scores that can predict who might develop this condition. For example, these scores can help estimate how likely someone is to experience complications if they already have AF. Understanding these genetics is important because it can improve how doctors assess risk and create personalized prevention plans for their patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for atrial fibrillation and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two types of fat particles in the blood—triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)—to see how they influence the risk of developing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The findings revealed that TRLs increase the risk of AAA 3 to 6.9 times more than LDLs do per particle. This matters because understanding which fat particles pose a greater risk can help doctors develop better prevention and treatment strategies for AAA. Who this helps: Patients at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm.

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This study examined the inconsistency seen in polygenic scores (PGS), which are used to predict the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that the disagreement among these scores is largely due to statistical uncertainty, meaning that when they included uncertainty estimates in their predictions, people identified as high-risk were actually more likely to develop diabetes. Specifically, individuals who had high confidence levels based on uncertainty measurements showed a more reliable risk of developing the disease compared to those evaluated with just basic scores. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for type 2 diabetes and healthcare providers making risk assessments.

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This study looked at how adults with chronic health conditions engaged with an online therapy program and what that meant for their mental health. Out of 50 participants, they completed an average of about 4 out of 6 sessions. The researchers found that spending more time in sessions and completing homework assignments were key factors for improving mental well-being, rather than just finishing a set number of sessions. This matters because it emphasizes the quality of engagement over quantity, which can help design more effective online mental health resources. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic health conditions improve their mental health through better engagement in treatment.

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This study focused on patients with cognitive impairment undergoing surgery and looked at how certain best practices in their care might reduce the risk of developing delirium after surgery. Out of 1,255 patients monitored, 426 (about 34%) experienced delirium. Certain practices, like keeping blood sugar below 200 mg/dL, maintaining body temperature, and using a temperature probe were linked to lower chances of delirium, but no single best practice was consistently effective on its own, pointing to the need for more targeted care strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cognitive impairment and their healthcare providers by guiding safer surgical practices.

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This study looked at a new imaging phenomenon called "wavy oblong retrograde moving segments" or "WORMS" observed in a premature baby with a vision problem known as retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In a 50-week-old baby, doctors noted unusual patterns in blood flow during an eye test that indicated advanced ROP, which was successfully treated, leading to improved vision by age 22 months. Understanding WORMS helps doctors identify similar conditions in other premature infants, guiding better treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers working with premature infants at risk for vision problems.

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This study examined an online program called Valued Living to see if it could help adults with advanced cancer who also have depression or anxiety. Out of 240 participants, those who took part in Valued Living completed 1.27 more steps toward advance care planning than those who received standard care, with 97.4% identifying a health care proxy compared to 84.2% in the usual care group. The program also helped improve their mental health and spiritual well-being. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced cancer who are dealing with depression and anxiety.

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This study looked at what happens to patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) after they stop taking dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a medication that can lower white blood cell counts. Researchers found that 32.1% of the 109 patients experienced some disease activity in the time between stopping DMF and starting a new treatment, with most relapses happening within the first six months. Importantly, how low the white blood cell counts were during DMF treatment did not predict whether disease activity would occur after stopping. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with RRMS by guiding decisions about when to start new treatments after stopping DMF.

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This study looked at a specific measure called medullary total metabolic tumor volume (mTMTV) using a type of imaging called FDG-PET/CT in patients newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma. It included 195 patients, and the results showed that mTMTV was a strong predictor of how long patients would live without their disease worsening (progression-free survival) and overall survival, with significant findings (p<0.001). Understanding mTMTV can help doctors better classify patients by risk and tailor treatments more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple myeloma by enabling personalized treatment approaches based on their risk levels.

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This study looked at the effectiveness and duration of treatment with Faricimab (Vabysmo) for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (NVAMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). It found that in patients with NVAMD, vision improved significantly over 1.5 years, with average visual acuity bettering from 0.43 to 0.34 logMAR. For DME patients, while vision remained stable, the thickness of the affected area decreased and injection intervals lengthened from 34 to 60 days within a year, indicating a reduction in treatment frequency. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from NVAMD and DME by offering a promising treatment option.

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This study looked at a new way to predict abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by using a method that incorporates a specific protein, MMP12, in addition to traditional risk factors like age and smoking. Researchers found that including MMP12 made the risk assessment much better, capturing 52% of the cases in a high-risk group compared to only 30% with standard screening. This matters because it could lead to more effective screening strategies, helping to identify people at greater risk for AAA earlier. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving the early detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms.

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This study looked at how to evaluate the usability of virtual and remote rehabilitation technologies for helping stroke patients recover. Researchers reviewed 2,290 articles and found 111 that met their criteria, identifying 28 different tools used to assess how user-friendly these technologies are. The most common tool was the System Usability Scale, and nearly 56% of studies used multiple methods to evaluate usability, emphasizing the need for comprehensive assessments in stroke rehabilitation. Who this helps: This information benefits stroke patients and healthcare providers by improving the technology used in their rehabilitation.

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This study looked at how cooling the brain (therapeutic hypothermia) affects sleep quality in patients recovering from ischemic stroke. Researchers found that patients who received this cooling treatment had improved sleep, getting more total sleep (from about 263 to 327 minutes) and experiencing better sleep efficiency (from 51% to 62.3%). This is important because better sleep can help with recovery from a stroke. Who this helps: This benefits stroke patients, especially those who have suffered strokes in the vertebral-basilar system.

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This study looked at immune response patterns in 382 children with severe illnesses, identifying two main groups, or "endotypes," based on their genetic profiles. Children in the first group (31.9%) required an average of 4.1 additional days on ventilators compared to those in the second group (68.1%), who showed different immune cell characteristics. Understanding these endotypes is important because it could lead to better-targeted treatments for children with critical illnesses. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with critically ill children.

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This study looked at the electrical properties of cells in a small animal called hydra to understand how these properties change with age. Researchers found that younger, immortal hydra had different bioelectric patterns compared to older, mortal hydra; specifically, immortal hydra showed a more consistent and less defined electrical activity. This matters because it suggests that these bioelectric patterns might be connected to how aging works, offering a potential way to develop new anti-aging treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers working on aging and potential age-related therapies.

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This study looked at how combining genetic information (polygenic risk scores) with traditional risk factors can better predict the chances of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) in people who have a moderate risk. Researchers found that their new risk model, called the cross-ancestry Integrated Risk Score (caIRS), was able to identify 7% to 10.7% more people as high-risk for CAD compared to the standard method. This is important because identifying high-risk individuals can lead to better prevention and treatment strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients at moderate risk for heart disease, particularly those from Hispanic and South Asian backgrounds.