DR. BROADUS ZANE ATKINS, MD

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This study tested a program called CHARMER, aimed at helping doctors and pharmacists reduce unnecessary medications for older patients in hospitals. They involved 318 patients and found that 90% of them had data on whether they were readmitted to the hospital within 90 days, which is useful for tracking the program's effectiveness. The findings show that while the program can be put into practice, hospitals need clearer guidance on certain steps, especially regarding who should handle various tasks. Who this helps: This helps older patients by improving medication management in hospitals.

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The study focused on improving the way older adults' medications are managed in hospitals, since almost half of them receive unnecessary prescriptions, yet less than 1% have their medications reviewed and adjusted while hospitalized. The researchers will implement the CHARMER program in 20 hospitals to help doctors and pharmacists work together on deprescribing, aiming to reduce the number of patients needing to return to the hospital within 90 days from 16.7% to 13.7%. This is important because it can lead to safer and more effective treatment for older patients, reducing their chance of readmission. Who this helps: This helps older patients who are admitted to hospitals.

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This research looked at the experiences of parents, families, and healthcare workers dealing with neonatal death in hospitals in low- and middle-income countries. It found that key themes emerged from their experiences, such as emotional responses, the importance of social connections, and the role of religion, which can help improve how families cope with their loss. Understanding these shared experiences is crucial for developing better bereavement care guidelines that support grieving families in these regions. Who this helps: This helps families who have lost a newborn and the healthcare professionals caring for them.

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This research reviewed the challenges and supports that healthcare professionals face when helping patients stop taking antidepressants for conditions like depression and anxiety. Out of 253 studies examined, 17 were detailed enough to include, revealing that common barriers include time constraints and fears about patients relapsing, while effective support often comes from education and training for these professionals. This study highlights the need for better-designed programs that address both the barriers and supports, ensuring patients can safely discontinue unnecessary medication. Who this helps: Patients who want to stop antidepressants safely and effectively.

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This study looked at the treatment of a severe brain condition called an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in a young boy. The boy, aged 11, had symptoms like weakness on one side of his body and trouble speaking due to a large AVM detected in his brain. After various treatments, including a specific surgical method called encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis (EDAS), he showed some improvement in his motor skills, although he still had mild weakness. This research is important because it demonstrates how combining different treatment methods can help children with complex AVMs recover better. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with cerebral AVMs and their families.

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This study looked at how the acidity of soil (pH) and the structure of two plant compounds, catechol and hydroquinone, affect how these compounds interact with a type of manganese oxide called birnessite. The researchers found that catechol was much better at breaking down manganese and causing carbon loss from water compared to hydroquinone, especially in more acidic conditions. This matters because it helps us understand how these compounds behave in the environment and their role in soil health. Who this helps: This research benefits environmental scientists and farmers by providing insights into soil chemistry and organic matter stability.

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This study created a new guide called the Guide to Disseminating Research (GuiDiR) to help researchers share their findings more effectively. The researchers looked at 48 existing models and found that only 32 could help with key parts of sharing research, resulting in a five-step framework that includes identifying audiences, engaging partners, and creating effective messages. This guide matters because it simplifies the process of sharing research, making it accessible to more people, which can lead to improved practices in health care. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, health care practitioners, and policymakers.

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This study examined how effectively different types of manganese oxides (Mn-oxides) can remove two harmful compounds, catechol and hydroquinone, from the environment. Researchers found that a specific type of Mn-oxide called cryptomelane is better at capturing and breaking down these compounds than another type known as hydrous Mn oxide. Specifically, cryptomelane could absorb more catechol and hydroquinone due to its larger surface area, and catechol proved to be more reactive, degrading more manganese and indicating a higher potential for environmental harm. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and wastewater treatment facilities that aim to reduce toxic compounds in soil and water.

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This study focused on creating a program to help doctors and pharmacists safely reduce unnecessary medications for elderly patients in hospitals. Through discussions and workshops with hospital staff, the researchers identified six key strategies for supporting this goal, including training sessions and regular meetings to discuss deprescribing. This matters because it can lead to safer medication management for older patients, reducing risks associated with polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) in a hospital setting. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly older adults, by making their hospital care safer.

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This study focused on how to better choose and prioritize topics for new medical guidelines about heart health in Australia. Researchers gathered input from 107 people, narrowing down 405 potential topics to five priority areas, with ischaemic heart disease emerging as the top focus. This is important because improving guidelines can help doctors provide better care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with heart conditions.

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The CHARMER study focused on a program to help doctors and pharmacists stop older adults from taking unnecessary and potentially harmful medications while they are in the hospital. The researchers worked with 400 patients across four hospitals and developed a system to review medications more carefully. They found that a significant number of older adults are likely taking medications that do more harm than good, and this project aims to change that practice to improve patient safety and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps older patients by reducing their risk of harm from inappropriate medications.

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This study looked at the causes of stillbirth and ways to prevent it, finding that about half of the two million stillbirths each year worldwide could be prevented with better care. Key prevention methods include attending regular check-ups during pregnancy and addressing specific health risks like glucose levels and blood clotting issues. The researchers also highlighted that providing compassionate care for grieving parents is crucial, as it helps improve their emotional wellbeing after a loss. Who this helps: This helps parents who experience stillbirth and healthcare providers who support them.

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This research examined how to improve dental care for people experiencing homelessness, who face various challenges in accessing healthcare. It looked at different service models, like mobile dental units and community clinics, and highlighted that no single model fits all, as individuals might be living in different situations at different times. By using a combination of these approaches, dental services can be more effectively provided to meet the diverse needs of this population. Who this helps: This helps people experiencing homelessness by improving their access to dental care.

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This study looked at the experiences of parents who went through stillbirth in 44 countries, gathering feedback from nearly 3,800 parents. It found that 25% reported experiencing disrespectful care during this difficult time, with lower satisfaction reported in middle-income countries and specific regions like Latin America and southern Europe. This matters because it highlights the urgent need for better training and support for healthcare providers to ensure families receive compassionate and respectful care during a painful experience. Who this helps: This helps bereaved parents and healthcare providers by improving care standards.

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This study looked at ways to help doctors safely reduce patients' use of opioid medications. Researchers found that five key factors, such as doctors' knowledge on tapering and the support they feel from their workplace, play a crucial role in successfully tapering opioids. Currently, no programs address all these factors, highlighting the need for better support and resources for doctors to improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients who are using opioids and need to reduce their medication safely.

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The study focused on understanding why people with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers find it difficult to switch from solid forms of medication, like tablets, to liquid forms, especially when swallowing becomes challenging. Researchers gathered insights from focus groups and sent out surveys across the UK, finding that 72% agreed that having flexible dosing with liquids and needing to switch due to worsening control of Parkinson’s were major reasons to make the change. However, many also felt that tablets were easier to dose and that doctors were hesitant to support switching, which highlights a need for pharmaceutical innovations to improve liquid medications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Parkinson's and their caregivers by potentially making medication easier to manage as the disease progresses.

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This study focused on creating and testing a mobile app called the Smart Heart Guideline App to help healthcare providers in Australia better access guidelines for managing heart conditions. Of the 504 healthcare professionals surveyed, 63% preferred using a local cardiac guidelines app, and the app was downloaded over 11,000 times in its first 20 months. However, while many downloaded the app, most didn't use it often or kept it, highlighting the need for improvements in its design and features. Who this helps: This helps healthcare professionals who manage heart health in patients.

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The study looked at how a treatment called Cerament helps patients with chronic osteomyelitis, an infection in the bone, and cavities in the bone caused by previous injuries. Researchers found that 85% of patients treated with Cerament showed significant improvement in their condition after two years. This is important because it offers a new option for patients who have not responded well to other treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic bone infections and their doctors looking for better treatment options.

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This paper explores how the UK's National Health Service (NHS) can improve its infection services after lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights that while significant progress was made in reducing dangerous infections over 20 years, new issues like antibiotic resistance have emerged, and a unified approach to managing infections is needed. The authors propose creating a single specialty for infection medicine, establishing a national network of specialized units, and standardizing local infection service management to enhance care and prepare for future health crises. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving the quality and efficiency of care for infections.

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This research looked at how well clinical trials for improving adherence to HIV treatment include diverse participants from different cultures and backgrounds. Out of 80 trials reviewed, only one included a participant group that was representative of the overall population of people living with HIV in that country, and the average score for cultural competence across all trials was very low at just 2.5 out of 20. This matters because without culturally competent approaches, many patients may not receive effective support for their treatment, potentially worsening health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV by ensuring their diverse needs are considered in treatment plans.

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This study looked at how children and adults recognize emotions from both body language and voice. The researchers found that while adults can easily focus on one type of emotion without letting the other affect them, children struggle to do this, especially when the emotions clash; in some cases, they did worse than random guessing. This matters because it shows that children's recognition of emotions is heavily influenced by what they hear, which can impact their social interactions. Who this helps: This helps parents and educators understand the emotional processing challenges children face.

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This letter discusses the importance of using accurate methods to diagnose infections related to joint replacements. The authors argue that using less strict guidelines may lead to too many people being wrongly diagnosed with infections, making it hard to understand the study's results. Getting the diagnosis right is crucial for effective treatment and patient care. Who this helps: Patients with joint replacements and their doctors.

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This study looked into a group of bacteria called coagulase-negative staphylococci, which can cause infections and are often found in clinical samples. Researchers found that while these bacteria have genetic diversity that can influence how they infect or resist treatments, diagnosing infections caused by them is still challenging. Improved understanding from genomic investigation can help create better diagnostic methods and treatments, which is important for effective patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of infections and doctors who need accurate diagnoses to treat them.

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This study looked at programs designed to help people who have survived human trafficking. Researchers reviewed six studies that included 161 survivors and found that while many programs aimed to aid these survivors, most of the research was low quality, making it hard to know what works best. These findings highlight the urgent need for better-designed interventions to support trafficking survivors in various aspects of their lives, such as mental health and employment. Who this helps: This benefits survivors of human trafficking and professionals working to support them.

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Researchers studied whether oral antibiotics are as effective as intravenous (IV) antibiotics for treating bone and joint infections. They found that 14.62% of patients using IV antibiotics had treatment failures compared to 13.16% of those on oral antibiotics. This difference is minor and meets the criteria for oral treatment being just as good as IV, which could save about £2,740 per patient. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need treatment for bone and joint infections, allowing them to take antibiotics by mouth rather than through an IV.

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This study looks at various types of bone and joint infections, such as septic arthritis and infections related to joint implants. It found that careful patient history and examination, along with timely surgery and proper testing, are crucial for effective treatment. This is important because it helps ensure that patients receive the right antibiotics and improves recovery outcomes. Who this helps: Patients dealing with bone and joint infections.

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This study examined how many deaths in hospitals could be linked to sepsis, a severe infection. Researchers looked at 839 patients and found that only 7% of sepsis-related deaths were directly due to the infection, while 57% were unrelated. Overall, about 24% of deaths during this study could be connected to sepsis, mostly among very frail patients with existing care limitations. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and health professionals by guiding them in improving treatment and care for vulnerable patients at risk of sepsis.

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This study looked at how well different scoring systems identify patients at risk of dying from sepsis in hospitals, especially outside intensive care units. Researchers assessed 459 patients and found that 246 of them met the "Red Flag" criteria for sepsis, with a 33.7% death rate, while 241 met the SOFA criteria, showing a higher death rate of 39.4%. This is important because it shows that using different criteria to identify at-risk patients leads to different groups being highlighted, which can affect how they receive care. Who this helps: This helps patients with infections, doctors, and hospital staff responsible for sepsis detection and treatment.

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The study focused on a 13-year-old girl with severe heart failure caused by viral myocarditis. She was initially not a good candidate for a heart transplant, so doctors implanted a special device that helped her heart pump better for 50 days. As a result, her heart function improved significantly, her weight decreased by 28 pounds, and she was able to remain active and keep up with school before eventually having the device removed successfully. Who this helps: This benefits young patients with severe heart failure who are awaiting a transplant.

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This study looked at a treatment called DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention) for hip infections following joint replacement surgery. Researchers reviewed 122 cases from 1997 to 2013 and found that the initial DAIR procedure successfully eliminated the infection in 68% of cases, while the success rate rose to 85% with additional procedures. This approach has shown good long-term results, especially when done within six weeks of the initial surgery, but complications can still occur, and further surgeries may be needed. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from hip replacement surgeries and doctors treating joint infections.

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This paper describes a case of a 60-year-old woman who developed a serious spinal infection related to an old spinal implant and her exposure to dogs. The infection was successfully treated with antibiotics over a total of 12 weeks, including 6 weeks of intravenous medication followed by 6 weeks of oral medication. This case is important because it shows how certain infections from animals can lead to severe health issues and emphasizes the importance of new diagnostic techniques that can identify previously unrecognized germs. Who this helps: This helps patients with similar infections and doctors diagnosing zoonotic diseases.

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This research paper focuses on Minimum Intervention Dentistry (MID), an approach to oral healthcare that prioritizes preserving teeth and improving long-term dental health. It outlines how dental practices can implement MID effectively by changing their operations and planning financially for these changes. This is important because it can lead to better oral health and more sustainable dental practices for patients. Who this helps: Dental practice staff and patients seeking improved oral health solutions.

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This study looked at how a team of specialists worked together to treat chronic osteomyelitis (an infection of the bone) in the pelvic area among 61 adults, mainly those aged around 50. They found that after combined medical and surgical treatment, 95% of patients were free of infection, although 11.5% had a recurrence within 1.5 years. This is important because it shows that a team approach can effectively manage a complex condition even in patients with other serious health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic pelvic infections and their healthcare providers.

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This study looks at whether oral antibiotics can effectively treat bone and joint infections, which often happen after surgeries like joint replacements or in patients with diabetes. Researchers are testing two treatment methods: one group will receive oral antibiotics while another will get intravenous (IV) antibiotics for six weeks. They aim to enroll 1,050 participants and find out if oral treatment fails in less than 7.5% of cases compared to IV treatment within a year. If oral therapy works as well as IV, it could greatly improve patient comfort and cut healthcare costs significantly. Who this helps: This benefits patients with bone and joint infections and healthcare providers by offering a more convenient and cost-effective treatment option.

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This study looked at prosthetic joint infections (PJIs), which occur in about 1% of joint replacement surgeries. Researchers found that these infections can appear at different times: early (within 3 months), delayed (3-24 months), or late (after 24 months). They identified that over half of these infections are caused by specific bacteria and that certain factors, like being overweight or having had previous surgeries, make someone more likely to develop these infections. Who this helps: Patients who have undergone joint replacement surgeries.

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This study looked at violent death rates among children in England and Wales from 1974 to 2008. It found that deaths from violence for infants dropped from 5.6 to 0.7 per 100,000, and for younger children (ages 1-14), it fell from 0.6 to 0.2 per 100,000. However, among adolescents, while female death rates stayed the same, male death rates increased from 3.3 to 5.7 per 100,000 before decreasing slightly to 4.2 per 100,000. This matters because it highlights significant improvements in safety for younger children but indicates ongoing issues with violence affecting teenagers, especially boys. Who this helps: This helps parents, child advocates, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how well people stick to taking enfuvirtide, an HIV treatment that requires self-injections twice a day, and what effect this has on their health. The researchers found that 88% of patients using a combination therapy that included enfuvirtide reported taking their medication at least 85% of the time, which led to many patients achieving better outcomes: 33% had low viral loads compared to just 13% with another treatment. This is important because it shows that patients can manage the self-injections well and that sticking to the treatment improves their health significantly. Who this helps: This benefits HIV patients who need effective treatment to manage their condition.

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This study tested a medication called vorinostat in patients with advanced multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer. Thirteen patients participated, and while they aimed to find the highest safe dose, the study was stopped early, so they couldn't determine this. One patient experienced serious fatigue, and overall, results showed that out of ten patients who could be evaluated, one had a slight improvement and nine maintained stable disease, indicating that the drug may have some benefit, although side effects like fatigue and nausea were also reported. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced multiple myeloma looking for new treatment options.

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This study looked at how breast cancer stage at diagnosis differs between African American and white American patients. It found that African Americans were less likely to be diagnosed with early stages (0 and 1) and more likely to be diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Specifically, African Americans had 20% less chance of being diagnosed with stage 1 and 25% less chance of being diagnosed with stages 0 and 1 combined, but were 50% more likely to have stage 3 cancer compared to white Americans. This matters because it highlights disparities in breast cancer diagnoses that could affect treatment options and outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by raising awareness of racial disparities in breast cancer diagnosis.

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This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of a drug called enfuvirtide when added to an existing HIV treatment plan for patients who had already been treated before. Among the 997 patients, 26.5% who received enfuvirtide stopped treatment compared to 36.6% of those on the standard regimen alone. Although many experienced minor side effects at the injection site, enfuvirtide showed lower rates of other common side effects like diarrhea and fatigue, but pneumonia and swollen lymph nodes were more common in those receiving enfuvirtide. Who this helps: Patients with treatment-experienced HIV who need new options.