DR. GARY W. THOMAS, MD

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This study looked at a new training program designed to help caregivers manage the breathing needs of children with multiple disabilities. After completing the program, caregivers showed a significant improvement in their skills, with scores increasing by 66.2%. This is important because better respiratory care can lead to healthier outcomes for these children. Who this helps: Caregivers of children with complex disabilities.

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This study looked at 15 patients in South Australia who had surgery to remove their pancreas and then had their insulin-producing cells transplanted back into their bodies. After the surgery, patients experienced significantly fewer hospital visits, completely stopped needing pain medication within two years, and almost half of them were able to manage their insulin levels without additional medication. This matters because it shows that this surgery can greatly improve patients' quality of life and lessen the strain on healthcare services. Who this helps: Patients suffering from hereditary pancreatitis.

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This research focused on a new device called DACIT that helps study how nerve cells (axons) interact with cancer cells both in flat 2D environments and in 3D structures. The findings show that DACIT allows researchers to separate and observe these interactions under different conditions, making it easier to measure tumor growth and how cancer cells invade surrounding tissues. This is important because understanding these interactions can lead to better treatments for cancer by targeting how nerves affect tumor behavior. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on cancer treatments.

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This study looked at five cases of dogs and a cat that developed tumors called gossypiboma-associated sarcomas after surgical gauze was accidentally left inside their bodies. The tumors appeared between 2.9 to 6 years after the surgery, and the pets showed signs like loss of appetite and abdominal pain. These sarcomas were found to be aggressive, with survival times after surgery ranging from just 13 days to nearly 200 days, highlighting the serious risks associated with surgical errors. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians by raising awareness about the dangers of leaving surgical materials inside animals.

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This study looked at how two natural substances, TerraZyme and Xanthan Gum, can improve the strength of a mixture made of sand and clay. The researchers found that using the right amounts of these additives made the mixture up to 2.5 times stronger after just 30 days. This is important because it offers an eco-friendly and sustainable way to stabilize soil without relying on harmful chemicals. Who this helps: This benefits construction workers and environmentalists looking for safer soil stabilization methods.

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This study looked at a case of a woman in her 70s who came to the Emergency Department with symptoms like fever and hip pain but was initially treated for a lung infection. After her condition worsened, she was diagnosed with a psoas abscess linked to appendicitis. This finding is important because it shows how easily psoas abscesses can be missed, which can lead to serious complications if not caught early. Who this helps: This helps doctors better recognize and treat patients with similar symptoms.

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This study looked at a way to better assess blood flow in parathyroid glands during thyroid surgery using a special dye (ICG) and a new probe. Researchers found that a low dose of ICG could help distinguish between well-vascularized and poorly vascularized glands; specifically, a fluorescence increase of less than 1.0 indicated poor blood flow, while an increase of more than 4.5 showed good blood flow. This matters because improving the evaluation of parathyroid gland health during surgery can help prevent complications like low calcium levels after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing thyroid surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how families cope with metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), a rare disease that affects the nervous system and leads to early death. Parents reported that it took an average of 10.2 months to get a diagnosis after the first symptoms appeared, with most symptoms starting around age 1.2 years. Families face significant daily challenges, requiring about 6 hours of care each day, and 90% of caregivers said they had to scale back their social and work lives due to the demands of caring for their child. Who this helps: This benefits families of children with MLD by highlighting their needs for support and better information during the diagnosis process.

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This study looked at how daily screen time affects sleep among young people aged 3 to 25. Researchers found that when youth used screens more on a given day, they tended to go to bed later, with a small connection measured at 0.079. However, using screens did not significantly impact how long they slept or how well they slept, except for using screens right before bed, which showed a stronger negative connection to sleep quality. Who this helps: This benefits parents and young people by clarifying how screen time can affect bedtime routines without significantly harming overall sleep quality.

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This study focused on a method called the St Mark's protocol for evaluating and treating a condition known as rectovaginal fistulae, which can cause severe discomfort and complications. The protocol includes five specific steps to thoroughly examine and diagnose these fistulae under anesthesia, which helps ensure doctors have clear information for planning treatment. By standardizing this process, it improves the accuracy of diagnoses and the quality of care for affected patients. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from rectovaginal fistulae and the doctors treating them.

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This study examined how chemical signals from Agrilus biguttatus beetle larvae affect the growth and virulence of the tree pathogen Brenneria goodwinii, which contributes to a disease in oak trees called acute oak decline. The researchers found that these beetle chemicals increased the bacteria's growth rate and activated about 600 genes related to its ability to cause disease. This research is important because it shows how interactions between insects and microbes can worsen threats to crops and forests. Who this helps: This helps farmers and forest managers by deepening understanding of diseases affecting trees.

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This study looked at how shared virtual reality (VR) experiences impact hospice patients and their caregivers. It involved 11 patient-caregiver pairs who participated in a one-time VR session and reported improvements in quality of life, with patients scoring 1.35 points and caregivers scoring 1.27 points better on a 10-point scale. However, while caregivers felt less fear about the death of others, patients experienced an increased fear about their own dying. Who this helps: This helps hospice patients and their caregivers improve their emotional well-being during challenging times.

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This study examined a specific genetic mutation in the PACS1 gene that leads to PACS-1 syndrome, which includes symptoms like intellectual disability, seizures, and features of autism. Researchers found that this mutation caused the PACS-1 protein to form abnormal connections with another protein, disrupting its normal function. Specifically, they noted that this mutation affects how PACS-1 interacts with the HDAC6 protein, which is essential for proper cellular processes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with PACS-1 syndrome and their families by improving understanding of the condition.

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This study focused on PACS1 syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development, caused by a specific mutation in the PACS1 gene. Researchers discovered that this mutation interferes with a cellular transport system, making it harder for important proteins to move within brain cells, which can lead to issues in cell function. They found that the mutation slows down the movement of these proteins by 41% and causes problems in the structure of key cell organelles known as the Golgi. Who this helps: This information is important for patients with PACS1 syndrome and their doctors, as it helps them understand the underlying causes and potential treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how different lifestyle habits, like exercise, screen time, sleep, and diet, affect the mental health of children with autism and ADHD. Researchers analyzed data from 523 children and found four distinct lifestyle groups. Children with very high physical activity had fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression, while those with poor diets and high screen time reported more serious mental health issues. A balanced mix of healthy activities and good nutrition was linked to better overall mental health. Who this helps: This benefits children with autism and ADHD, as well as their parents and caregivers.

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This research paper reviewed different treatments for perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease, which is a challenging condition that causes painful intestinal complications. They analyzed data from seven studies with over 1,200 participants and found that upadacitinib led to better healing of fistulas compared to a placebo after one year. It also noted that ustekinumab and vedolizumab showed improved closure rates compared to older therapies, although the results varied across studies. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for patients suffering from perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease and healthcare providers seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how well Australian parents understand and view the national screen time guidelines for toddlers and preschoolers. It found that parents with toddlers were 4.45 times more likely to be aware of the guidelines than parents with preschoolers, and knowledge was lower for parents working full-time or living in cities. This is important because understanding these guidelines can help parents set better limits on screen time for their kids, leading to healthier habits. Who this helps: This information benefits parents, particularly those with preschool-aged children.

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This study looked at how to involve patients and the community in a national research project called the RECOVER Initiative. Researchers gathered feedback from 35 of the 52 invited representatives through an online survey, finding that 76% felt comfortable sharing their opinions and understood their roles in the process. This matters because improving communication and trust between researchers and the community can lead to better research outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, caregivers, and community members involved in biomedical research.

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This research focused on improving the management of obesity and high blood pressure in primary care settings by implementing new treatment strategies. In one health system in Northeast Ohio, they are using group medical visits for patients with obesity and a home blood pressure management program for patients with high blood pressure. The goal is to see significant improvements, such as weight loss for obese patients and lower blood pressure numbers for those with hypertension. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with obesity and high blood pressure, as well as their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how tiny hydrogen bubbles form and behave on electrode surfaces during a process called hydrogen evolution, which is important for making energy-efficient reactions. Researchers found that a single bubble can grow to about 54 micrometers in size without stopping the current required for the reaction, but then it shrinks to around 44 micrometers and moves quickly when the current does shut down. They determined key measurements: the bubble starts forming when it's about 0.3 micrometers wide, requires a specific amount of hydrogen dissolved in the liquid, and experiences a high internal pressure of about 9.6 atmospheres. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and engineers working on energy production and storage technologies.

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This study looked at two ways to educate older adults about managing their medications: through in-person sessions and self-paced learning materials. Researchers found that both methods improved participants' confidence in managing their medications, with confidence levels increasing by an average of about 0.24 points on a 5-point scale. Importantly, there was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two formats, suggesting that either method can work well depending on what is available or convenient for patients. Who this helps: This benefits older adults managing multiple medications.

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The CAAN-AF trial studied the effects of atrioventricular node ablation (AVNA) versus standard medical treatment in patients with heart failure and permanent atrial fibrillation who were receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The trial involved 143 patients and found no significant differences in survival rates or heart failure events between those who received AVNA and those who had standard treatment (47 events in the AVNA group compared to 46 in the standard treatment group). This matters because it shows that adding AVNA to CRT may not offer additional benefits for these patients, which can guide treatment decisions. Who this helps: This research helps doctors determine the best treatment approach for patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

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This research looked at how heat exposure programs (known as passive heat interventions) can help women adapt to heat and avoid heat-related illnesses. Out of 73 studies involving 1,392 participants, only 427 were women, with very few focusing specifically on women's responses to heat. The findings showed that these interventions can lead to various positive changes, like a decrease in heart rate by up to 11 beats per minute and an increase in blood volume by up to 22%, but the lack of female representation in research limits how well we can understand their effectiveness for all women. Who this helps: This helps women who may be at risk of heat-related illnesses and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on presacral tumors, which are unusual growths located in a complex area near the sacrum, and aimed to establish clear guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment by gathering expert opinions from 16 colorectal surgeons worldwide. The researchers agreed on 22 key recommendations that emphasize the importance of using detailed MRI scans, targeted biopsies for high-risk tumors, and tailored surgical approaches, with complete removal of the tumor being the primary goal. These guidelines aim to standardize care for presacral tumors, improve patient outcomes, and guide future research. Who this helps: This helps patients with presacral tumors and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how to connect two types of optical systems: free-space beams, which can carry complex light patterns, and compact waveguide modes found in chip technology. Researchers successfully created a device that converts these light patterns efficiently, showing low interference between different modes while handling three types of each. This innovation could significantly increase data transmission capabilities and create smaller, more effective systems for optical communication. Who this helps: This benefits both patients needing faster healthcare communications and doctors requiring efficient data processing systems.

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This study looked at 1,038 patients who had surgery on their spines to understand how their neighborhood's socioeconomic conditions affected their health outcomes. It found that patients with spinal tumors came from neighborhoods with worse socioeconomic conditions, as shown by a higher Area Deprivation Index (ADI) score, which indicates greater disadvantage (with a significant difference of 1.74 odds ratio for tumors compared to other spinal issues). This matters because it reveals that where people live can impact their access to necessary spine surgery and highlights the need to consider these factors in healthcare planning. Who this helps: Patients in underserved communities who need spinal care.

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This research paper highlights a major conference on brain cancer treatments that took place in June 2025, where experts discussed new ways to treat brain tumors like glioblastoma. They focused on innovative treatments, better drug delivery methods, and devices that can help patients, showcasing significant advancements in clinical trials and personalized therapies. These developments are important because they can speed up the introduction of effective therapies for patients suffering from brain cancers. Who this helps: This benefits patients with brain tumors, their doctors, and researchers in neuro-oncology.

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This study looked at ways to improve the production of umbilical cord-derived stem cells, which are important for healing and regeneration. Researchers used advanced machine learning to analyze data from 203 cases, finding that factors like how the cells are processed and the delivery method significantly affect how quickly the cells can be grown and how viable they are afterward. The model was able to accurately predict faster growth times 80% of the time and had a moderate success rate in predicting cell viability at 71%, helping to make the production process more efficient and reliable. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and manufacturers working with stem cells for therapies.

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This study explored how to effectively communicate mortality risks to patients aged 90 and older who might be considering elective total hip replacement surgery. Eight participants, aged 90 to 96, shared their thoughts and experiences through phone conversations, revealing that they view mortality risk as an acceptable part of life and prioritize quality of life over just living longer. They stressed the need for clear and respectful communication that avoids ageist language, affirming that discussing mortality is essential for informed decision-making. Who this helps: This research benefits elderly patients and their caregivers by improving how healthcare providers communicate about surgery and its risks.

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This study looked at how drying techniques after creating tiny droplets of a commonly used explosive, RDX, affect its properties. Researchers found that even after two drying methods, which included one lasting up to 24 hours, some solvent (acetone) remained trapped in the RDX particles. This residual solvent influenced the particles' size and shape, leading to improved safety; the final dried particles became less sensitive to impact, with a safety threshold increased to 8.5 Joules. Who this helps: This research benefits manufacturers and researchers working with explosives to enhance safety and performance.

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This study reviewed research on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The review found that ACT can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms, with a decrease in severity ranging from 60% to 77% in various studies. This is important because while there are treatments for GAD, understanding the effectiveness of ACT can help improve options for those struggling with this condition. Who this helps: This benefits adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and their therapists.

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This study looked at how young children, ages 5 to 7, ask questions to find out why things happen. Researchers found that even the youngest kids could use what they already know about the world to ask smarter questions—over the course of their experiments, 144 children showed this ability, and those who were older asked even better questions. This matters because it shows that children can think critically and use their knowledge effectively to learn, even at a young age. Who this helps: Parents and educators can better support children’s learning by encouraging curiosity and questioning.

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This study focused on a serious spinal infection called pyogenic spondylodiscitis, looking at how a protein (rh-BMP 2) helps in treating it. Researchers treated 20 patients and found that everyone in that group had their spine fuse back together in just six months, while a similar group without the protein took an average of 23 months to achieve the same result. This is important because using rh-BMP 2 may speed up recovery and reduce the need for more invasive bone graft surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe spinal infections.

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This study looked at how young tennis players can improve their ability to adapt and be creative during matches. Researchers found that using the "Creativity in Motion" training approach led to a significant improvement in serve accuracy (a measure of performance) with a score increase indicating a strong effect (d=1.23). This matters because enhancing adaptability and creativity can help young athletes perform better under changing conditions. Who this helps: This helps young tennis players and their coaches.

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This study looked at how long patients had symptoms before undergoing surgery for cervical myelopathy, a condition affecting the spinal cord in the neck, and how that affected their recovery. It found that patients with symptoms lasting a year or more had worse pain and disability right after surgery, but they still achieved similar improvements as those with symptoms lasting less than a year when judged by patient-reported outcomes. This matters because it shows that even if someone waits a long time before getting surgery, they can still experience significant benefits after the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients with cervical myelopathy and their doctors in understanding potential outcomes based on symptom duration.

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This study developed a special system for measuring vibrations felt throughout the whole body, using advanced sensors and data storage. The custom system was tested and showed that it can accurately measure vibrations with errors of only around 2% in strength and less than 0.03 g in consistency compared to standard measurement tools. This matters because it could help monitor vibration exposure for workers in places like agriculture where conditions can change frequently and workers are often remote. Who this helps: This helps workers in industries like agriculture and construction by providing better monitoring of vibration exposure and improving worker safety.

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This study looked at how common symptoms after a concussion are related to each other in adolescents. Researchers analyzed data from 913 teens, finding that symptoms like slow dizziness and headaches when doing mental tasks are the most central to understanding post-concussion issues. This matters because knowing which symptoms are strongly connected can help doctors create better treatment plans for young patients recovering from concussions. Who this helps: Patients recovering from concussions and their doctors.

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This study looked at blood donors in Indonesia to understand why some people have a Rh D-negative blood type. Researchers analyzed samples from 436 donors and found that the most common reason for Rh D-negativity was a complete deletion of the RHD gene, which occurred in about 82% of cases. Identifying these genetic factors is important because it helps improve blood typing accuracy and could lead to better diagnostics and treatment for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing blood transfusions and healthcare providers ensuring safe blood supply.

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This study looked at how children's activities in the four hours before bedtime affect when they actually fall asleep. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,500 children and found that replacing 15 minutes of screen time with physical activity led to younger children falling asleep about 7 minutes earlier and older children about 8 minutes earlier. This matters because encouraging kids to be more active in the evening can help them get to sleep sooner, which is important for their health and development. Who this helps: This helps children and their parents.

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This study looked at how well benralizumab, a treatment for severe eosinophilic asthma, works in real-world settings. Researchers found that patients taking benralizumab showed greater improvements in asthma control and quality of life scores after 12 and 24 months compared to those not on this therapy. About 61% of benralizumab users had controlled or partially controlled asthma after two years, and nearly 31% reached clinical remission, compared to 20% in the other group. Who this helps: This research helps patients with severe eosinophilic asthma looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how the drug sotatercept affects the heart in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious lung condition. Researchers found that after about six months of treatment, patients showed significant improvements in their right heart function, including a 34 mL reduction in the size of the right ventricle and a 5% increase in how well the heart pumps blood. However, 28% of patients also developed new or larger fluid buildup around the heart, called pericardial effusion. Who this helps: This benefits patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and their doctors by providing insights into the effects of sotatercept on heart function and potential side effects.

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This research paper looked at how parents and healthcare professionals view young children's use of technology, focusing on studies that used questionnaires to gather these opinions. The review found 85 studies involving parents, but none included healthcare professionals. Parents generally agreed that technology can help with learning, but they are worried about its effects on children's physical health and emotions, highlighting that many of the questionnaires used to gather this information were not reliable or well-tested. Who this helps: This research helps parents and healthcare providers by identifying gaps in understanding how to effectively support children in a technology-driven world.

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This study looked at a new recovery approach called Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) for patients undergoing hip and knee replacements. It found that those following the ERAS program had a shorter hospital stay, averaging just 1 day, compared to 3 days for patients receiving standard care, also leading to an estimated cost saving of about £719 per patient. Even though the ERAS group showed lower rates of complications like infections and readmissions, these differences were not significant enough to be statistically meaningful. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing hip and knee surgeries by providing a quicker recovery and lower hospital costs.

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This study looked at how two fungal pathogens, P. nodorum and P. tritici-repentis, affect wheat crops when they infect the plants together. The researchers found that when P. tritici-repentis infected the wheat first, it led to more disease and the growth of both pathogens, even on previously resistant plants. This is important because it shows that breeding for resistance against one pathogen might still leave crops vulnerable to more severe disease when both pathogens infect at the same time. Who this helps: This helps farmers and crop scientists working on developing stronger wheat varieties.

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This study examined the disability population in Australia to help boost participation in sports, especially with the upcoming 2032 Paralympic Games. Out of 4.37 million Australians with disabilities, 44.5% are over 65 years old, and for those under 65, only about 1.4 million might be eligible to participate in Para sports based on their disabilities. The findings show many people with common disabilities, like hearing loss and chronic pain, are often not involved in Para sports, indicating a need for more inclusive programs to get everyone active, especially those who may not be able to participate in competitive sports. Who this helps: This helps individuals with disabilities and organizations aiming to support and engage them in physical activity.

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The study looked at EMPATHICA, a chatbot designed to help patients better understand their medication instructions. Researchers found that the chatbot improved patients' comprehension and engagement with medication information, potentially reducing the chance of mistakes and hospital visits. This matters because good understanding of medication can lead to better health outcomes and lessen the burden on healthcare systems. Who this helps: This helps patients who struggle with understanding their medications.