DR. AVA RISA FELDMAN, D.O.

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This study looked at how children who frequently go to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) recover over time and categorized their functional abilities into six different groups. They found that 46.6% of the children maintained good functional status, while 15.5% experienced severe dysfunction. Understanding these different recovery patterns helps doctors better care for children based on their specific needs after repeated serious illnesses. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers improve care for children with recurrent critical illness.

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This study looked at how live vaccines can help solid organ transplant recipients, who are at risk of infections that can lead to serious health problems. Researchers found that while vaccination rates before transplant are often low, giving live vaccines like measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), and varicella (VAR) after transplant can be safe and effective, especially for children. This is important because it helps protect these patients from preventable infections that can weaken their health after surgery. Who this helps: This helps pediatric solid organ transplant patients.

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This study looked at how to effectively identify and measure the contributions of clinician-scientists—medical professionals who also conduct research—across Australia. Researchers found that out of 134,701 practicing doctors, 15,933 (about 11.8%) were active researchers with verified metrics linked to their work. This matters because understanding the level and impact of clinician research helps improve support for these professionals, guiding investments and policies that strengthen medical research across health systems. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare systems benefit from more effective medical research and better-informed treatment options.

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This study looked at changes in lung infections caused by mold in patients with blood cancers over a ten-year period. Out of 227 identified infections, fewer cases involved a common mold called Aspergillus in the later years (from 86.7% to 11.1%) while another mold, Fusarium, became more frequent, rising from 0% to 44.4%. Understanding these trends is important as it can help improve treatment and prevention strategies for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with blood cancers and their doctors.

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This study looked at how often patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma discussed their fertility options when diagnosed, particularly younger patients. Among 77 respondents aged 18-50, 72% of women and 59% of men reported having these conversations. Younger patients (18-39) were significantly more likely to discuss fertility than older ones, and those receiving specific treatments were also more likely to receive counseling. This is important because many young patients face risks to their fertility due to their cancer treatment, and understanding these discussions can improve their long-term care. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how often subretinal fibrosis (SF) occurs in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) based on different types of blood vessel growth in the eye. They found that SF developed in 34.3% of patients at one year, rising to 50.6% by three years. Notably, two specific types of blood vessel growth (Type 2 and mixed Type 1 and 2) had much higher rates of SF development (85.5% at one year) compared to other types, and those with worse vision at the start were more likely to develop SF. Who this helps: This research helps patients with nAMD by improving understanding of their condition and guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at whether a simpler method of assessing risk levels for patients with implanted cardiac devices could work as well as more complex methods that involve direct measurements. Researchers analyzed data from 86 patients and found that in 91.9% of the cases, the simpler, calculation-based approach provided the same risk level as the more labor-intensive methods. This is important because it could save time and effort for healthcare providers while still keeping patient safety high. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical staff who work with patients that have implanted heart devices.

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This study looked at the challenges that hospitals face when it comes to sharing health data for research. The researchers found that concerns about reputation are a major barrier, making it harder to conduct research quickly and openly. This matters because these barriers can lead to missed opportunities for improving healthcare and wasting valuable knowledge. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare researchers by streamlining access to important health data.

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This study looked at the differences in blood metabolites between people with lean and obese forms of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Researchers found that people with lean MASLD had higher levels of certain metabolites like isobutyrate and propionate, while those with obese MASLD showed different patterns, such as increased sarcosine. This matters because understanding these metabolic differences can help in better diagnosing and treating liver disease in both lean and obese patients. Who this helps: Patients with lean and obese MASLD.

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This study looked at how different types of anesthesia are used to keep patients comfortable during procedures in interventional radiology. It found that involving anesthesiologists can greatly help patients with complex medical issues and chronic pain because they can tailor anesthesia plans to fit individual needs, ensuring safety and comfort. This is important because the right anesthesia not only enhances patient experience but also supports successful procedure outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing interventional radiology procedures, especially those with complex health issues.

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This study focused on improving vaccination rates among children who are receiving or waiting for solid organ transplants, as they are more likely to get sick from preventable diseases than other kids. The researchers found that many children in this group are not receiving essential vaccines due to misunderstandings by doctors, limited availability of vaccines, and growing hesitancy about vaccinations. Addressing these issues is crucial to protect these vulnerable patients from infections that could complicate their health after transplant. Who this helps: This helps pediatric transplant patients and their families.

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This study looked at a specific type of cancer called Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma, focusing on the GATA3 subtype, which has a poor outlook for patients. Researchers found that certain gene losses (specifically TP53 and PTEN) work together to promote this cancer's harmful characteristics. They discovered that mice with these genetic changes developed cancer cells similar to those found in humans with the GATA3 subtype, and treatments targeting p53-related pathways improved survival rates in these animal models. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Peripheral T Cell Lymphoma, particularly those with the GATA3 subtype, by highlighting potential new treatment options.

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This study focused on creating a new tool called RFAN-ML, which uses machine learning to predict how well a patient's kidneys will function after surgery to remove kidney tumors. The researchers tested this model on nearly 4,000 patients and found it provided more accurate predictions of kidney function than previous methods, with a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 16.6. This is important because it can help doctors give better advice to patients about their surgery and recovery plans. Who this helps: Patients with kidney tumors and their doctors benefit from more accurate kidney function predictions.

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This research focused on improving language services for patients who speak little or no English in a large healthcare system. After integrating interpreter services into the medical record system, the use of these services skyrocketed, growing from about 9,700 calls per month in 2022 to over 68,000 calls by the end of 2024, with more than 14,000 doctors using the service for over 121,000 patients. This upgrade reduced waiting times for interpreters to under 30 seconds and led to high satisfaction among users, indicating a positive step towards making healthcare more accessible for non-English speakers. Who this helps: This helps patients with limited English proficiency and the doctors caring for them.

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This research examines the gap between advances in cancer treatment and the quality of human experience in cancer care. While survival rates have improved, many patients feel neglected and unsupported due to impersonal healthcare systems, with reports indicating that critical human elements—like connection and compassion—are often missing. This matters because it impacts the overall experience of cancer patients, leading to feelings of isolation and harm, particularly among those already facing social inequalities. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families, especially those in vulnerable communities.

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This paper examines how to manage neuropathic pain, which is caused by issues in the nervous system. It presents a step-by-step approach to treatment, comparing different medications—like antiseizure and antidepressant drugs—with non-drug options such as physical therapy and acupuncture. The findings show a variety of effective treatments that can be tailored to individual needs, highlighting that both medical and lifestyle changes are important for pain relief. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from neuropathic pain by offering them various treatment options.

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The Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) studied over 3,500 children who received their first liver transplant between 2011 and 2023, examining how outcomes have changed over time. They found that while the reasons for liver transplants remained the same, more infants under one year old were receiving them, and there was an increase in the use of special criteria to approve transplants (from 45% to 56%). Additionally, patient survival rates stayed high, and complications like blood clots in the liver artery decreased from 7% to 5%, showing improvements in liver transplant outcomes for kids.

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This study looked at older patients (60 and up) with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) who were treated with a combination of two drugs, bendamustine and rituximab. Researchers found that certain factors, like being classified as high-risk by specific scoring systems, significantly affected the patients' survival: those identified as high-risk by both the simplified MIPI and MCL35 had the worst outcomes, with a survival rate that was 11.58 times worse than low-risk patients. This information is important because it helps doctors better assess which older patients with MCL may need more intensive treatment and offers a pathway for personalized care. Who this helps: This helps older patients with mantle cell lymphoma and their doctors make more informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how to measure air pollution in Bengaluru, India, using videos from dashboard cameras instead of traditional methods. Researchers analyzed 50 hours of video to estimate the levels of four pollutants, finding that their new deep learning method was more accurate than other techniques, with an error margin of only 10-13.7%. This is important because it allows for real-time air quality monitoring in more places without needing expensive equipment. Who this helps: This helps city planners, environmental scientists, and public health officials who need accurate air quality data.

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This study looked at what patients with obesity and related health issues prefer when it comes to treatment options. Out of 33 patients interviewed, 39% preferred nutritional therapy with professional support, 27% chose bariatric surgery, and 24% opted for medication alone. Understanding these preferences is important because it can help doctors offer better treatment options that patients are more likely to follow. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with obesity and its complications.

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This study looked at how well titanium implants, made using a modern manufacturing technique, bond with bone in a sheep model over 12 weeks. The researchers found that these implants allowed for significant bone integration, with no negative side effects observed during the trial. This is important because it shows that these advanced implants could safely and effectively help with bone reconstruction surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients needing bone reconstruction and orthopedic surgeons.

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This study looked at how different types of fluid in the eyes of patients with a specific form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affect their vision and treatment outcomes. Researchers found that nearly 95% of the patients had subretinal fluid, while about 31% had intraretinal fluid; those with intraretinal fluid had worse vision both at the start and after one and two years, with average visual clarity scores dropping significantly from 74.3 letters to 56.9 letters. This matters because identifying patients with intraretinal fluid can help predict which patients are likely to have poorer vision over time and may need different treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 1 macular neovascularization and their doctors in managing their treatment.

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This study examined the use of blood-thinning medication, called anticoagulants, in Brazilian patients with a heart condition known as atrial fibrillation (AF). Researchers found that many women who needed these medications were not getting them; specifically, of 15 in-hospital deaths among patients who needed anticoagulation, only 3 were actually on the medication. This matters because improving treatment for women with AF can help reduce their risk of severe complications or death. Who this helps: This helps patients with atrial fibrillation, especially women.

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Researchers studied the use of a gel called UGN-101, made from mitomycin C, as a follow-up treatment for patients who had undergone successful endoscopic removal of a specific type of kidney cancer called upper tract urothelial carcinoma. They found that after receiving UGN-101, 69% of patients showed no visible cancer during the first check-up, and about 63% were free of cancer after an average of 6.8 months. The treatment seems to result in fewer cancer recurrences compared to other methods and has a manageable side effect profile. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

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This study looked at how different treatment plans for macular neovascularization (a condition related to age-related macular degeneration) affect visual improvement and the need for follow-up visits. Researchers included data from 281 eyes of 243 patients and found that while treatments had similar outcomes for types 1 and 3, the "treat-and-extend" approach led to better results for types 2 and 4. This matters because tailoring treatments based on specific subtypes can enhance vision results and potentially reduce the number of doctor visits needed. Who this helps: This helps patients with age-related macular degeneration and their doctors in deciding treatment options.

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This study looked at how a major clinical trial, called Protocol T, influenced eye doctors' prescribing habits for a specific treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) from 2013 to 2018. After the study's results were published in 2015, doctors significantly increased the use of aflibercept (Eylea) injections, moving from 18% of injections in 2013 to 43% in 2018, while the use of other treatments did not see the same increase. This matters because it shows that research findings can directly change treatment practices, potentially improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with diabetic macular edema.

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This study looked at how certain genetic variations affect how well patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) respond to treatment. Researchers analyzed 113 AIH patients and found that those with specific genetic markers had poorer treatment outcomes: for example, patients with the PNPLA3 genetic variant had liver enzyme levels significantly higher than those without this variant (1.7 times normal compared to 0.6 times normal). This finding is important because it helps identify patients who may struggle with treatment, allowing for more personalized care. Who this helps: Patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

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This study analyzed payment transaction data from over 300,000 online casino players and sports bettors in the U.S. over six years, capturing around 90 million transactions. The researchers created detailed datasets for one year of transactions from two types of gambling brands, helping to understand how payment habits relate to gambling behavior. This information is important because it can guide future research in gambling studies and behavioral sciences, as well as improve data analysis methods in the industry. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, data scientists, and industry professionals looking to understand gambling habits better.

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This study looked at a gel called UGN-101 as a treatment for patients with a type of kidney cancer (upper tract urothelial carcinoma) who couldn't undergo surgery due to various health issues, such as having one kidney or severe kidney disease. The researchers found that 40% of the patients treated had no signs of cancer after therapy, and most of those maintained this remission for nearly 11 months. This matters because UGN-101 can help preserve kidney function and delay the need for more invasive treatments or dialysis, which can be tough on patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney cancer who have additional health challenges.

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This study looked at patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer who either had surgery or received a type of radiation therapy called SBRT, without a treatment called prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). Among 14 patients, there was no significant difference in survival or cancer recurrence between those who had surgery and those who received radiation. Importantly, none of the patients developed brain metastases during the study period, which is a common concern in these cases. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with early-stage small cell lung cancer and their doctors by clarifying treatment options and outcomes.

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The study focused on teaching child neurology residents how to communicate effectively with families about serious illnesses using a method called SPIKES, which consists of six key steps. After training, 75% of the residents felt more confident using these communication skills, and they showed significant improvement in six specific areas even a year later. This research is important because effective communication in difficult situations can greatly impact families' understanding and comfort during tough times. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families who need clear and compassionate communication during serious medical discussions.

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This study looked at a treatment method using a combination of two chemotherapy drugs, gemcitabine and docetaxel, for patients with a specific type of bladder cancer called nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) that did not respond to the standard BCG therapy. They found that after receiving this treatment, 78% of patients were free from high-grade cancer recurrence after six months, 65% at twelve months, and 49% at twenty-four months. The results indicate that this approach is effective and manageable compared to more invasive options like surgery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with recurrent high-risk bladder cancer who have not responded to BCG therapy.

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This study looked at how changes in a protein signaling process called ubiquitination can lead to the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers found that a defective version of the ubiquitin protein, present in all Alzheimer’s patients, causes toxic protein build-up in brain cells in a lab model. Notably, stopping this defective protein from being active prevented the signs of Alzheimer’s from appearing in the cell cultures. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and doctors working to develop new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

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This study looked at how improved infection prevention practices during the COVID-19 pandemic affected the rates of infections acquired in the hospital at a cancer center. Researchers found that, while rates of certain antibiotic-resistant infections remained the same, there were significant decreases in Clostridium difficile infections and respiratory viral infections. For instance, the study noted that multidrug-resistant organisms were five times more common in COVID-19 wards compared to other areas. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those in cancer treatment, by reducing their risk of serious hospital-acquired infections.

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This study looked at how often patients received blood-thinning medication after surgery for testicular cancer, specifically after removing lymph nodes in the abdomen. Researchers found that while blood clots occurred in about 1.2% of surgery patients overall, the rate was lower for those who received blood thinners after surgery — they are particularly useful for those at higher risk, reducing the chance of serious complications like pulmonary embolisms (PE). The number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one PE event was 44 for some patients, showing that using blood thinners can be an effective way to prevent complications without increasing other risks. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for testicular cancer and their doctors in making informed decisions about post-surgery care.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 spread within a cancer hospital during the first year of the pandemic. Out of nearly 4,000 respiratory viral infections, 35 cases (0.9%) were acquired in the hospital, mostly from SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus, with 38% of affected patients needing breathing machines and 31% dying in the hospital. The findings emphasize the importance of strict infection control measures to protect vulnerable cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and hospital staff by improving safety practices.

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This study looked at how COVID-19 vaccination affects cancer patients who contracted the virus early in the pandemic. The researchers found that vaccinated cancer patients had a lower risk of developing severe COVID-19 compared to unvaccinated patients, although vaccination did not reduce the likelihood of hospitalization or death. This is important because it shows that vaccination can help protect vulnerable cancer patients from severe illness, which can improve their chances of recovery. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at specific biological markers in children with liver diseases to see how they relate to liver stiffness, which indicates fibrosis or scarring. In children with biliary atresia, the study found that markers such as IL-8, endoglin, and MMP-7 were linked to increased liver stiffness, helping improve predictions of liver condition severity. For children with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, the marker CTGF was linked to lower liver stiffness, enhancing predictive accuracy further. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with children suffering from cholestatic liver diseases, aiding them in diagnosing and assessing liver health more effectively.

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This study looked at how glycine, an amino acid, is processed in liver cancer cells (hepatocellular carcinoma) and its role in supporting tumor growth. The researchers discovered that when glycine is broken down, it not only helps make important building blocks for DNA but also helps maintain key proteins necessary for cell function; specifically, blocking the enzyme responsible for glycine breakdown slowed tumor growth by 50%. This finding is significant because it highlights a new potential target for cancer treatments that could improve outcomes for patients with liver cancer. Who this helps: Patients with liver cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a protein called THY1 affects skin cells and their ability to grow and heal. Researchers found that when THY1 is missing, skin cells increased their proliferation, leading to faster wound healing and hair growth recovery. Specifically, mice without THY1 showed improved repair and regeneration, indicating that THY1 is important for maintaining skin health. Who this helps: This helps patients with skin injuries or conditions that affect hair growth.

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This study looked at how certain immune cells in 156 patients with high blood pressure affected the seriousness of their COVID-19 illness. It found that those with higher levels of a specific protein on their immune cells (called CD8+ NKG2A) had a greater risk of developing severe COVID-19. For example, patients with increased CD8+ NKG2A levels were at higher risk, highlighting how immune response can weaken in these individuals. Who this helps: This information helps doctors better understand which hypertensive patients are at greater risk for severe COVID-19.

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This study looked at a new method called MRI-guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) for treating patients with oligometastases, which are cancer tumors that have spread to a few other places in the body. The results showed that MRgRT can accurately deliver radiation while protecting nearby healthy tissues, making it a promising option for patients; however, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and ensure safety. This matters because it has the potential to improve treatment for patients with advanced cancer by using more precise radiation techniques. Who this helps: Patients with oligometastatic cancer.

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This study looked at a specific group of skin stem cells in mice that are marked by a protein called Thy1. Researchers found that these Thy1 stem cells grow slower than other skin cells and have a unique role in repairing the skin and keeping it healthy. When these cells were removed, the healing process and overall skin maintenance were greatly affected. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with skin injuries or conditions that require effective healing and care.

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This study examined how to effectively test blood samples from patients treated with daratumumab, a drug for multiple myeloma that can complicate blood matching for transfusions. Researchers created a new testing method, called the AssutaBB protocol, that successfully identified blood antibodies in all 19 tested patients, with 11 showing no antibodies and 8 having specific antibodies related to their treatment. This improvement matters because it allows for safer and more accurate blood transfusions for patients receiving daratumumab without the complications caused by traditional testing methods. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving daratumumab and healthcare providers involved in their transfusion care.

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Researchers developed new ways to plan radiation treatment for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that aimed to protect the heart while still effectively targeting the tumor. They tested three different planning strategies on 20 patients and found that all the new plans reduced the amount of radiation the heart received compared to standard plans, with the best approach reducing average heart dose by about 37.6%. This is important because it may help prevent heart problems in these patients, improving their overall quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung cancer who are undergoing radiation treatment.