SHARON NACHMAN, MD

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This study looked at how effective it is to test newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) by using dried blood samples. Out of over 208,000 babies tested, 529 had positive results for cCMV, with 276 diagnosed with the condition—around 0.1% of all newborns. Early detection is crucial because it allows for timely treatment, which can lead to better health outcomes for those affected. Who this helps: This benefits newborns at risk for cCMV and their families.

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This research paper looks at improving the health of mothers, especially in areas where medical resources are limited. It highlights how long-acting medications, which last longer and require fewer doses, can help but emphasizes the need for better research involving pregnant women, who are often excluded from clinical trials. The study found that focusing on regulatory changes, safety, and efficacy can lead to better health outcomes during pregnancy, and gave actionable recommendations for using these long-acting therapies. Who this helps: This benefits mothers and healthcare providers by improving access to safer and more effective treatments during pregnancy.

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This paper examines the rising cases of Congenital Syphilis (CS), a serious condition where a mother passes syphilis to her baby during pregnancy. Over the last decade, there has been more than a ten-fold increase in CS cases, with many infants showing no symptoms at birth but potentially developing health issues later as a result. The study emphasizes the importance of careful monitoring and treatment during pregnancy, as early diagnosis and management can prevent serious long-term health problems for affected infants. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant individuals and healthcare providers managing syphilis during pregnancy.

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This study looked at whether the drug tecovirimat is effective in treating adults with mpox (formerly monkeypox) compared to a placebo. The results showed that 83% of patients taking tecovirimat and 84% of those on placebo experienced clinical resolution by day 29, indicating there was no significant difference in treatment effectiveness. Since tecovirimat did not help patients recover faster or relieve pain better than the placebo, this finding is important for understanding effective mpox treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with mpox and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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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 how family factors affect behavioral problems in young people with HIV that they acquired at birth. Researchers found that boys had more symptoms of ADHD, and that inconsistent discipline at home led to more issues with conduct disorder in boys. For girls, a lack of family support was linked to higher substance use and conduct disorder symptoms across both genders. This matters because it highlights the importance of involving families in treatment plans for youth with HIV to help improve their mental health. Who this helps: Patients with perinatally-acquired HIV and their families.

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This study looked at a new blood test, called the MAP-TB assay, to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in children from hospitals in South Africa and community clinics in the Dominican Republic. Researchers found that the MAP-TB test was effective in diagnosing TB, performing similarly to existing methods, but its accuracy varied by age, especially for babies under one year old. This is important because it could help identify TB in children more easily and monitor their response to treatment, improving health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by providing a better way to diagnose and monitor TB.

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This study looked at how to make the medicine tecovirimat easier to give to infants and children who have mpox. Researchers found that by mixing a 200 mg capsule of tecovirimat in 20 mL of water for either 30 or 60 seconds, they could create a consistent dose of 10 mg per mL. This is important because it offers a simpler way to administer the medicine to young patients who may struggle with swallowing pills. Who this helps: This helps young patients with mpox and their caregivers.

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This research focused on improving clinical trials for children by bringing together experts to discuss how to make these trials more effective. It found that many important treatments for children are not well-tested, which can harm health and equity for young patients. The study emphasizes the need for better coordination and funding for research on children's health to ensure safe and effective treatments. Who this helps: This helps children and families by ensuring research results in better healthcare options for young patients.

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This paper discusses the challenges that women with HIV in the United States face when deciding whether to breastfeed. While there are updated guidelines allowing more flexibility with breastfeeding, the authors found that important information is still missing, such as how to monitor mothers and how to reduce the risk of passing HIV to infants through breast milk. Addressing these gaps is crucial for making safe choices about breastfeeding and ultimately eliminating the risk of transmission. Who this helps: This helps women with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied ways to improve how people find interprofessional education (IPE) research in PubMed, a major medical database. They created and tested three different search strategies that work well, with recall rates of 71.5%, 82.7%, and 95.1% for finding relevant studies. This matters because having better search strategies makes it easier for educators and researchers to access the latest information and insights in IPE, which can enhance teamwork in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps educators and researchers in healthcare.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of an mRNA-1273 booster shot for COVID-19 in children aged 6 months to 11 years. Researchers found that the booster shot was safe and generated strong immune responses in 153 children ages 6 months to 5 years and 2,519 children ages 6 to 11, matching the immune responses seen in young adults. This is important because it supports giving booster shots to young children, helping protect them against COVID-19. Who this helps: This benefits young children and their families by providing additional protection against COVID-19.

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This study looked at how clinical trial networks for mothers and children affected by HIV have changed since the 1990s. It found that combining US and international sites has led to better focus on treatments and prevention strategies not just for HIV, but also for related issues like tuberculosis and brain health. The collaboration between researchers, communities, and industry has been crucial for developing effective solutions that meet the diverse needs of different populations. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers working with mothers and children affected by HIV.

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This study looked at how to make complex information on a popular library guide easier to understand for all users. After revising the content using simpler language and better writing practices, researchers found that readability scores improved significantly, making it easier for people without a scientific background to comprehend the information. This matters because clearer guides help more people access important research and resources, regardless of their expertise. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and anyone seeking reliable information on health research.

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This paper examines the benefits of using video summaries, called video abstracts, for health research. It found that these video abstracts can help share important findings more effectively, making it easier for the public to engage with the research and for academics to pay attention to it. This matters because simplifying complex information can enhance understanding and dialogue around health issues. Who this helps: Patients, researchers, and healthcare professionals benefit from clearer communication of health research.

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This study looked at how the drug remdesivir works in pregnant and nonpregnant women with COVID-19. Researchers found that the levels of the drug in the blood were similar for both groups, although nonpregnant women had higher concentrations of the active form of the drug as they received more infusions. Importantly, there were no safety issues reported for pregnant women, meaning that remdesivir can be used without changing the dosage during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women with COVID-19 by providing safe treatment options.

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This study looked at how often antibiotics were prescribed to children hospitalized for asthma attacks, known as status asthmaticus, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that hospital admissions dropped by nearly 77% nationally and over 91% in one institution during 2020, while antibiotic prescriptions also significantly decreased. This matters because it highlights changes in treatment practices during the pandemic, suggesting a need for careful management of antibiotic use to prevent overuse. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by informing better antibiotic prescribing practices.

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This study looked at a new HIV treatment that allows patients to receive injections of medications every month or every two months instead of taking daily pills. The findings show that this long-acting therapy could make it easier for people with HIV to stick to their treatment plans, which is crucial for keeping the virus suppressed. However, more research is needed to fully understand how well this treatment works and its costs, especially for different groups of patients, including those who might struggle with taking daily medication. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV, particularly those who have trouble adhering to daily medication.

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This research examined how helping others through various acts of kindness (called prosocial interventions) affects health outcomes for both the givers and the receivers. They reviewed 30 studies and found that these interventions led to positive health improvements for those giving and receiving assistance, with 56.7% of studies showing benefits for givers and 26.7% for recipients. Notably, approaches like the "pay-it-forward" method increased health checks and vaccinations among vulnerable individuals, underscoring the potential of these interventions to reduce health disparities. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially those in vulnerable groups, as well as healthcare providers looking for ways to improve health outcomes.

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This study looked at a specific protein from the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB) to see if it could help diagnose TB in children, especially those who are also infected with HIV. Researchers found that children with active TB had significantly lower levels of this protein in their blood—2.7 times lower than children without TB. This finding is important because it shows that measuring this protein could lead to better TB detection methods for kids, who often face challenges with current tests. Who this helps: This helps children with TB, especially those who are also living with HIV.

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This study looked at a community-based program in Lesotho to prevent tuberculosis (TB) in children by improving how families of TB patients are supported. The program led to 98% of children starting preventive treatment compared to only 88% in the standard care group, and 82% of children completed the treatment compared to 59%. This improvement is important because it helps protect children from developing TB, which can be serious in young kids. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of TB and their families.

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This study focused on the need for better research design in clinical trials involving pregnant women, particularly when investigating new HIV medications. Researchers found that many trials exclude pregnant women, resulting in limited information about how these drugs affect them, and they emphasized the importance of studying drug safety and effectiveness in this group as soon as possible during drug development. This matters because understanding how new antiretrovirals work during pregnancy can lead to safer treatment options for pregnant women with HIV, improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies. Who this helps: Pregnant women living with HIV and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on developing tuberculosis (TB) vaccines specifically for people with HIV, who are at a higher risk for TB and often don't respond well to vaccines. Experts from around the world gathered to discuss the challenges and needs for creating these vaccines, identifying key areas like why they are important, which potential vaccines should be prioritized, and how trials should be designed. Their findings aim to improve the development and testing of TB vaccines tailored for those living with HIV, enhancing protection for this vulnerable group. Who this helps: Patients with HIV at risk for tuberculosis.

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This study focuses on how to design and implement treatments for COVID-19 in children, who are often overlooked in medical research until late in the process. Researchers found that while children generally have a lower risk of severe illness from COVID-19, many still need effective treatments. To address this, they suggest that drug trials for children should look into how medications work at different ages, ensure the right dosages, and adapt quickly to new treatments as they become available. Who this helps: This helps children with COVID-19 and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how family factors affect depression in boys and girls who were born with HIV. Researchers found that boys reported feeling more depressed when there was a strong sense of togetherness in the family, while girls felt more depressed when there was a lack of connection with their caregivers. These findings highlight the need for targeted support strategies that take into account the differences in how boys and girls experience family dynamics related to their mental health. Who this helps: This helps youth with HIV and their families.

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This research paper discusses the urgent need to start COVID-19 vaccine trials for children in the U.S., as adult trials are already in advanced stages. The authors emphasize that children are significantly affected by COVID-19 and play a role in spreading the virus, yet they remain without a vaccine. Starting these trials now is crucial to protect children's health, education, and overall well-being. Who this helps: Children and their families.

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This study looked at children and young people hospitalized with COVID-19 to understand the different types of illness they experienced and what factors might indicate a more severe condition. Out of 281 patients, 51% had respiratory issues, 25% had a serious inflammatory condition called MIS-C, and 25% had other symptoms. Key findings showed that obesity and low oxygen levels at admission significantly increased the risk of severe respiratory illness, while low lymphocyte counts and high C-reactive protein levels were linked to more severe cases of MIS-C. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors by providing insights to better predict and manage care for young patients with COVID-19.

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This study looked at how long it takes for drugs to be approved for children compared to adults, finding that it takes about 8 years longer for pediatric approval. Researchers reviewed drug labels and found no new safety concerns that arose from testing in children that would have delayed adult approval. This means the fears about conducting pediatric trials and their impact on adult drug licensing are unfounded. Who this helps: This benefits children needing medications, their families, and pediatric healthcare providers.

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This study examined the link between physical fitness and brain health in older adults with a specific type of memory impairment, known as amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Researchers found that while higher fitness levels were linked to smaller hippocampal volumes, those who were more fit showed a weaker connection between brain size and memory performance, suggesting they tapped into extra brain resources to handle cognitive tasks. This is important because it means that maintaining physical fitness may help protect cognitive abilities even as brain structure declines in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: Patients with aMCI and their families can benefit from understanding the importance of physical fitness for brain health.

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Researchers studied how aerobic exercise affects brain function in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. They found that after 16 weeks of aerobic training, participants showed improved brain activity related to memory and better overall cognitive performance compared to those doing balance and toning exercises. Specifically, aerobic exercise led to increased brain activity in areas responsible for higher-level thinking and improved fitness levels were linked to these brain changes. Who this helps: This benefits older adults with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers managing cognitive health.

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This study compared the effects of convalescent plasma (plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients) with standard plasma on hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York. It found that convalescent plasma increased antibodies against the virus by 14.4%, while standard plasma led to an 8.6% decrease. However, both treatments did not significantly differ in improving patient recovery or reducing mortality rates, indicating that while convalescent plasma boosts antibody levels, it doesn't necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare professionals understand the effectiveness of treatments for COVID-19 patients.

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This study looked at a new blood test to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) in infants who are either exposed to HIV or infected with it. Researchers tested this method on 519 infants and found that in HIV-infected infants, the test accurately detected TB 100% of the time for confirmed cases and 83.7% for unconfirmed cases. In HIV-uninfected infants, it detected 75% of unconfirmed TB cases, showing high accuracy overall. A reliable blood test could improve early diagnosis and treatment monitoring for TB in these vulnerable young patients. Who this helps: This helps infants, especially those exposed to or infected with HIV, by providing a better way to diagnose and monitor TB.

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This study looked at ways to better identify and screen children who have been in contact with adults suffering from tuberculosis (TB) in Lesotho, which faces a high rate of both TB and HIV. Researchers found that a community-based approach identified slightly more child contacts (216 from the new approach versus 164 from the standard care) and showed a higher yield of child contacts per adult TB case (0.40 compared to 0.20). Improving how child contacts are managed is important because it can help prevent TB in children and make healthcare more effective. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially children at risk of contracting TB.

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This study looked at young people who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that they acquired at birth, focusing on their behaviors related to conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Researchers found four different groups based on their symptoms: one group with moderate CD and high ODD, a second with high ODD, a third with moderate ODD, and a fourth with low symptoms of both disorders. Understanding these different symptom profiles is important because they are linked to how families interact, which can help in creating targeted support for these youth. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and healthcare providers working with young people living with PHIV.

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This study looked at how hospitals can safely clean and reuse face masks during a severe flu outbreak, which is important because there may not be enough masks available. Researchers interviewed and surveyed healthcare workers at three hospitals and found that on a safety scale, workers rated their comfort wearing a clean mask at 7.72 out of 10, compared to just 1.25 without any mask. The findings highlight the need for careful planning and training to make sure that cleaning and reusing masks can effectively address shortages during a pandemic. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and patients who may be at risk during flu pandemics.

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This study looked at how interested adolescents and their caregivers in Malawi are in using a preventive HIV treatment called pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Researchers found that 82% of adolescents aged 10-16 are interested in using PrEP, especially if it comes as an injection instead of a daily pill. Caregivers showed even higher support at 87%, highlighting the importance of family approval in encouraging the use of PrEP among young people. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents at risk of HIV and their families by promoting a supportive environment for effective prevention.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in Lesotho view and manage tuberculosis (TB) prevention for children, recognizing that many children suffer and die from this disease. The researchers interviewed 12 providers and found that while they are committed to improving child TB prevention, they face barriers like difficulty accessing care, issues with medicine supply, and challenges in identifying and treating children exposed to TB. Prioritizing child TB management is crucial to reduce the high rates of illness and death, and better training and community support can help overcome these obstacles. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and young patients at risk of TB.

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This research looked at how COVID-19 affects children, focusing on their role in spreading the virus and experiencing severe symptoms. While most children do not get very sick from COVID-19, there is a need to better understand how even mild or no symptoms can still lead to transmission in households and communities. It is important for doctors to ensure children are included in research on COVID-19 so that their health and safety are prioritized in future responses to the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps children, parents, and healthcare providers.

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This study examined COVID-19 infections in over 2,800 patients, comparing healthcare workers (HCWs) to those not in healthcare roles. The findings showed that HCWs were younger and had less severe symptoms, with only 20% needing hospital admission compared to 47% of non-HCWs. These results highlight that HCWs experienced lower rates of serious COVID-19 outcomes, which is crucial for understanding the impact of exposure and health outcomes in different job sectors. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and public health officials.

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This study looked at how parents care for children and teenagers living with HIV that they acquired at birth. Researchers identified different caregiving styles: about 87% of younger children had moderate caregiving, while 13% showed high detachment. For teens, 55% had moderate caregiving, 19% were highly detached, and 26% used high control through guilt. The teens and children with detached or guilt-driven caregiving showed more signs of mental health issues compared to those with moderate care. Who this helps: This research helps parents and healthcare providers understand how different caregiving styles affect the mental health of young people with HIV.

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This study focuses on improving care for young people living with HIV in the U.S., who often face worse health outcomes than adults. Researchers are using a computer model to evaluate ongoing and future interventions aimed at helping these youth better manage their health and adhere to treatment. By analyzing data from previous studies, they aim to identify what factors will make these interventions successful and cost-effective, ultimately providing valuable insights to shape health policies. Who this helps: This benefits youth living with HIV, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how the HIV medication raltegravir affects newborns when their mothers take it during pregnancy. Researchers created a model that shows how long it stays in a baby's body after birth, finding that the best approach is to wait 1-2 days before giving the baby their first dose of the medicine. This matters because delaying the dose can help manage the drug's effects more safely for newborns. Who this helps: This helps newborns exposed to raltegravir in the womb.

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Researchers studied the development of long-lasting HIV treatments specifically for pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 10, and adolescents aged 10 to 19. They found that better strategies need to be developed to ensure these groups’ unique needs are met and that research should happen simultaneously across all age groups instead of one after the other. This matters because effective and accessible treatments can greatly improve the health and well-being of these vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly young people and mothers living with HIV.

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The study looked at the risk of tuberculosis (TB) infection in young children exposed to HIV in South Africa. Researchers found that the rate of TB infection was quite high: 11 cases for every 100 children with HIV and 15 cases for every 100 children exposed to HIV but not infected. This is important because it highlights the need for closer monitoring and prevention strategies for these children to avoid serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly HIV-exposed children and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well bedaquiline tablets dissolve and are absorbed when mixed with water compared to being swallowed whole. Researchers found that the effectiveness of the suspended tablets was very similar to the whole tablets, with bioavailability ranging from 94% to 108%. Importantly, the suspended tablets were also well tolerated and tasted fine, meaning they could be a suitable option for treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children until a special children's formulation is available. Who this helps: This research benefits children with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how caregivers of children at risk for tuberculosis (TB) in Lesotho prefer to manage preventive treatment for the disease. Researchers interviewed 12 caregivers and found that they wanted to be involved in decisions about their children's treatment. Caregivers cared about how many pills their children had to take, how long the treatment lasted, and how often they needed to take the medication, all of which affected their choices. Understanding these preferences is important for making preventive TB treatments more acceptable and effective in countries like Lesotho, where TB is a big problem. Who this helps: Caregivers of children at risk for tuberculosis.

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This study looked at how safe and effective different forms of the medication raltegravir are for treating children aged 4 weeks to 18 years with HIV-1 over a period of 240 weeks. Out of 153 children treated, 44% of those taking adult tablets, 77% of those with chewable tablets, and 87% of those using oral granules showed a significant drop in HIV levels after 240 weeks. The findings are important because they suggest that raltegravir is a viable treatment option for young children with HIV, though it may need to be used with caution in older kids who have received a lot of prior HIV treatments. Who this helps: This helps children with HIV and their doctors by providing evidence of effective treatment options.