DR. HARRY MICHAEL LEWIS, M.D.

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This study looked at how minimally invasive hysterectomy affects sexual function in premenopausal women. The research showed that, on average, women experienced a small but significant improvement in their sexual function after the surgery, with key areas such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction showing positive changes. However, the overall improvement was considered too minor to have a real impact on their daily lives. Who this helps: Patients undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy.

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This study looked at how endometriosis is treated in the U.S. over ten years, from 2009 to 2022, using insurance claim data. It found that 71% of patients underwent surgery after being diagnosed, with surgeries like laparoscopies and hysterectomies being common first treatments, occurring within about 4-6 months of diagnosis. Medications were used less frequently, with opioids still being prescribed to about 12% of patients, despite guidelines suggesting they shouldn't be used. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with endometriosis and their doctors by highlighting current treatment trends and suggesting areas for improvement in care.

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This study looked at the experiences of seven adults with cystic fibrosis who cannot benefit from a new treatment called triple combination therapy. Participants expressed feelings of being overlooked, dealt with mixed emotions about their situation compared to others, and faced ongoing challenges of living with their condition. The research highlights the need for better support and representation for these individuals to help them feel recognized and connected. Who this helps: This helps patients with cystic fibrosis who cannot access new treatments, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many children undergoing general anesthesia had a preassessment, how it was conducted, and its impact on things like cancelations and anxiety levels. Out of 6,818 children aged 1 to 16, about 60% received a preassessment, and those who did had lower anxiety levels—12% felt anxious compared to 16.5% of those who didn't. While having a preassessment did not significantly decrease the number of last-minute cancellations, anxiety was a major factor in cancellations, with 20.8% of anxious children experiencing delays or cancelations. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially children undergoing surgery, by potentially reducing anxiety and improving safety.

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The study focused on reducing the use of painkillers and sedatives in very premature infants (those born at 28 weeks or earlier or weighing less than 1000 grams) who were on a specific type of breathing support called high-frequency jet ventilation. Over a year, the researchers successfully cut the use of opiates by about 76% and benzodiazepines by about 62%, while still effectively managing the infants' pain and not increasing complications like breathing issues. This is important because it helps minimize the potential negative effects these medications can have on the long-term health and development of these vulnerable babies. Who this helps: This helps premature infants and their caregivers by improving their treatment and reducing medication risks.

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This study looked at how doctors diagnose and treat iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and heart failure (HF). Researchers found that while a transferrin saturation level below 20% is commonly used to identify iron deficiency, there's no clear standard and many doctors are inconsistent in their treatment methods. This matters because improving the way we manage iron deficiency could help better address the needs of these patients and improve their overall health. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease and heart failure.

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This study looked at whether taking multiple doses of Ibuprofen before getting an intrauterine device (IUD) inserted could lessen the pain during the procedure. It found that patients who took three doses of 800 mg Ibuprofen reported significantly less pain during insertion (average pain score of 5) compared to those who took a placebo (average pain score of 7). This matters because it shows that a preemptive approach using Ibuprofen can make IUD insertion less painful, encouraging wider use of this birth control method. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking IUD insertion and healthcare providers offering reproductive health services.

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This study looked at a specific type of injury, called a Morel-Lavallée lesion, which often gets overlooked in trauma patients with severe injuries. A 36-year-old woman who was in a motorcycle accident had many serious injuries but also had this missed lesion in her thigh, which was only discovered 10 days later when she began experiencing pain and swelling. Proper recognition and treatment of these lesions are important because, if left untreated, they can lead to complications like infection and severe tissue damage. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with traumatic injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) treated by osteopathic doctors (who focus on a holistic approach) versus allopathic doctors (who follow the traditional medical model) over a span of three years. It found that patients treated by osteopathic physicians reported slightly better pain levels (6.3 vs. 6.5), lower disability (14.8 vs. 15.6), and fewer quality of life issues (57.8 vs. 58.4), especially due to the empathy shown by their doctors. However, the rates of general chronic widespread pain or recovery from CLBP were similar between both groups. Who this helps: This study benefits patients with chronic low back pain seeking different treatment options.

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This study looked at how people with ongoing physical symptoms, which aren't fully linked to any specific medical issue, feel about their treatment in specialized hospitals. Researchers interviewed 18 patients and found that their experiences depended a lot on how well they felt the medical team believed them and whether they could trust the staff and their treatment plan. Strong relationships with healthcare providers significantly impacted their recovery journeys. Who this helps: This benefits patients with persistent physical symptoms and the healthcare teams that treat them.

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This study looked at how well national plans for handling respiratory pandemics in the Americas match up with guidelines from the World Health Organization. Out of 35 countries, most plans had serious gaps, particularly in areas like public health measures and emergency logistics, with 80% and 74% scoring low, respectively. The findings highlight the need for countries to improve their pandemic response strategies to better protect public health. Who this helps: This research helps countries and health authorities prepare more effectively for future respiratory pandemics.

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This study looked at how to perform complex heart surgery on a 50-year-old woman who is a Jehovah's Witness and cannot accept blood transfusions. The medical team used various strategies to minimize blood loss, ultimately leading to a successful recovery. This is important because it shows that careful planning and teamwork can ensure safe surgery for patients with unique beliefs and medical needs. Who this helps: Patients who refuse blood transfusions for religious reasons.

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This study looked at how two different exercises—one that emphasizes controlled movements (eccentric training) and one that focuses on stretching—affect hamstring flexibility. Researchers tested 44 participants and found that after six weeks, both the eccentric training and static stretching groups showed significant improvements in flexibility compared to a control group. This is important because it shows that both methods are effective for improving hamstring flexibility, offering options for those who need to enhance their muscle length. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking to improve their hamstring flexibility, such as athletes and those in rehabilitation.

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This research examined why women sometimes miss appointments for women's health physiotherapy. In two studies with a total of 141 women, it was found that issues like appointment scheduling and transportation significantly affected attendance. Improving the information provided at referrals and creating better transport options could help more women make their appointments, ultimately saving money in the healthcare system. Who this helps: This helps patients who need physiotherapy, healthcare providers, and the healthcare system as a whole.

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This study looked at injuries caused by nonpowder firearms (like air guns) from 2012 to 2021, finding nearly 3,900 emergency room visits due to such injuries. The majority of those injured were teenage boys, with facial injuries being the most common, making up 20% of cases. This is important because, even though these weapons are less powerful than traditional guns, they can still cause serious harm, such as blindness. Who this helps: This research helps patients, especially teenagers and their families, understand the risks associated with nonpowder firearms.

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This study looked at how social factors impact the death rates of patients who undergo emergency surgeries in a healthcare system. Among the 2,765 patients studied, the overall death rate was 8.6%. It was found that patients from poorer areas had a 2.1 times higher chance of dying and a 1.9 times higher chance of needing another surgery compared to those from wealthier areas. This is important because it shows that where a patient lives can significantly affect their health outcomes after surgery, suggesting that more targeted support and resources might be needed for those in disadvantaged communities. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those in low-income areas, by highlighting the need for better surgical support and intervention.

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This study looked at a new way to test wild birds for antibodies against avian influenza virus (IAV) using whole blood collected on filter strips, instead of traditional serum samples. The researchers found a strong correlation (0.77) between antibody levels in the serum and the blood on filter strips for one type of antibody, while results for other types were mixed. This matters because it makes testing easier and more practical in remote areas or when dealing with small birds, helping monitor IAV in wild populations. Who this helps: This helps wildlife researchers and conservationists.

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This study looked at a program called the Community of Practice (CoP) for hospital school professionals in Saskatchewan, Canada, which ran from 2016 to 2021. The program brought together teachers from various hospital settings to meet four times a year to share resources, discuss challenges, and collaborate on strategies for educating students with complex medical and mental health needs. The findings showed that the program helped build trust among professionals and kept them engaged, demonstrating its effectiveness in supporting their unique needs despite challenges. Who this helps: This helps teachers and healthcare professionals working in hospital education settings.

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This study looked at how involving families in the care of premature or very small babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can improve outcomes for both the babies and their families. Researchers aimed to increase family participation in care meetings from 0% to 50% and family attendance at follow-up appointments from 74% to 90%. After 18 months, they achieved a participation rate of 39% for family meetings and found that families felt these meetings helped them get more involved in their baby's care, although they didn’t quite reach their goal yet. Who this helps: This benefits families of premature babies and healthcare providers in the NICU.

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This study looked at how companies in New Zealand must report on climate-related risks to meet new laws that started in 2021. Researchers found that many companies lack the scientific know-how to accurately assess these risks and often rely on outside experts for help. They proposed eight important questions these companies should ask external experts to ensure their reports meet both regulatory standards and current scientific knowledge about climate change. Who this helps: This helps companies improve their climate risk reporting and ensures they align with scientific understanding.

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This research focused on improving how countries monitor respiratory illnesses that could cause pandemics, like COVID-19 and flu outbreaks. Workshops were held in South Africa, Togo, and Tanzania to identify challenges and share effective practices for better coordination of health surveillance systems. The findings highlighted the need for collaboration and showed that by working together, countries can better spot and respond to serious health threats. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and organizations working to prevent future epidemics.

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This study looked at how well a plant-based, high-energy, and high-protein tube feed works for patients who rely on tube feeding at home. Among the 41 participants, those who switched to the plant-based feed experienced fewer gastrointestinal problems and improved their physical strength over time. They also maintained their body weight and reduced the total amount of feed and time needed for meals. Who this helps: This benefits patients who require tube feeding, especially those seeking plant-based options.

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This study explored how changes in a specific type of sugar molecule, called N-glycans, affect movement and sensory functions in zebrafish. Researchers found that zebrafish with altered N-glycan structures had poorer motor skills and sensory responses, especially in those with a complete loss of a particular enzyme (GnT-I), leading to increased deficiencies in their movement and ability to respond to touch. Understanding these effects is crucial because it highlights the role of N-glycans in maintaining nervous system health and may point to new treatment options for related disorders. Who this helps: Patients with congenital disorders or neurological issues.

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This study looked at resources available to primary schools in Wales to help teach children about health and well-being. Researchers found 12 useful resources but noted a gap between the goals of the curriculum and the actual materials available to schools. This matters because supporting health literacy in children helps them make better health decisions and improves their overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps teachers and school administrators who want to improve health education for students.

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This study looked at how effectively silicon can convert ultraviolet (UV) light into electrical signals, specifically measuring how many electron-hole pairs are created when UV photons hit silicon. Researchers found that the quantum yield values they measured were lower than earlier reports, which could affect experiments trying to detect dark matter and the efficiency of UV detectors. Understanding these measurements is important for improving the performance of devices that rely on detecting UV light. Who this helps: This helps researchers and engineers working on semiconductor technologies and dark matter detection.

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This paper looks at the development of new medicines that use tiny needles to deliver drugs through the skin. It found over twenty important qualities that these new products need to have to ensure they work well and are safe. The work aims to create clear guidelines to help make these microneedle products more quickly and effectively available for patient use. Who this helps: This helps patients who need easier and less painful ways to receive medications.

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This research developed a curriculum aimed at helping families adopt healthier behaviors through physical activity. The curriculum is made up of 12 modules that focus on family engagement, teaching skills, and promoting knowledge about health by incorporating physical activity in various topics. The modules are structured to meet families' needs and encourage them to participate in healthy activities together, which can strengthen their connections. Who this helps: This benefits families looking to improve their health and strengthen family bonds.

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This study looked at how quickly starting HIV treatment after a recent infection affects immune recovery. Researchers followed 204 people over an average of 33 months and found that starting treatment within three months of diagnosis leads to better immune health. Specifically, for each day treatment was delayed, there was a greater chance of not achieving healthy levels of immune cells, indicating that starting treatment sooner is crucial. Who this helps: This benefits patients with newly diagnosed HIV, especially those who are non-UK-born men who have sex with men (MSM).

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Researchers looked into whether swallows in eastern Canada could spread a dangerous bird virus called avian influenza (HPAIV) among wild and domestic birds. They collected 200 samples from swallow nests across four provinces during the summer of 2022 and found that none tested positive for the virus, indicating that swallows are likely not a major risk in spreading this disease. This is important because it means that efforts to remove swallow nests from poultry facilities might not significantly lower the risk of avian influenza affecting chickens and other domestic birds. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and poultry producers looking to manage disease risks without harming avian populations.

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This study looked at women suffering from chronic pelvic pain to see how the presence of endometriosis and other chronic pain conditions affected their pain experiences. Among 525 participants, 25% had endometriosis, and those women reported more severe pain and greater challenges in daily activities due to pain, specifically scoring 0.8 points higher in pain severity and 5.9 points higher in pain interference than those without endometriosis. This research highlights that having endometriosis is linked to experiencing more pain and other overlapping chronic pain conditions, which means that treatment approaches need to consider these factors for better pain management. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pelvic pain and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals in oncology and palliative care felt about conducting virtual consultations during the Covid-19 pandemic. Out of 87 respondents, many reported that while virtual appointments helped reduce travel and increased access, they struggled with the lack of personal connection and found it harder to deliver bad news or handle complex conversations online. Most felt that face-to-face meetings were better, especially for first consultations and difficult discussions with patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare professionals improve communication and care during virtual consultations.

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This study looked at patients who were admitted to the hospital for liver disease related to alcohol use and examined their healthcare visits in the year before their hospital stay. Researchers found that 91% of these patients had seen a doctor at least once, but only 9% were tested for alcohol use disorders, despite many showing signs of liver problems through blood tests. This is important because it highlights missed chances to identify and help patients with alcohol issues before they end up in the hospital. Who this helps: This benefits patients with alcohol-related health issues and healthcare providers looking to improve early intervention strategies.

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This study looks at how school children, parents, and teachers in Wales view tanning and sun safety, with the aim of creating better education tools. Researchers found that many people believe having a tan is healthy, even though most skin cancers can be prevented by avoiding sun overexposure. By understanding these beliefs, the study will help develop resources to teach children about the risks of tanning and promote safer sun habits. Who this helps: This benefits students, parents, and educators by providing better sun safety education.

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This study looked at the use of robotic-assisted surgery to treat complex gallstone disease, which can involve problems in the bile duct. Researchers analyzed data from 23 patients who had these procedures and found that they had a 100% success rate in clearing the stones, with an average hospital stay of just 2 days. This is important because it shows that robotic surgery can be both safe and effective for treating this condition, potentially leading to quicker recoveries for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex gallstone disease and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on using a new method called CONTRAX to measure how well heart cells created from human stem cells can contract. Researchers analyzed over 4,500 heart cells under different conditions and found that the cells responded differently to drugs and had distinct patterns of maturation when influenced by genetic mutations. These findings are important because they can help scientists develop better treatments for heart diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on heart disease treatments.

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This study looked at the spread of a dangerous bird flu virus, H5N1, in wild birds across Canada after it was first found in Newfoundland in late 2021. Researchers tested over 17,000 wild birds and found that 27.4% of sick or dead birds were infected with the virus, with detections reported in all provinces and territories. The findings highlight the need for ongoing bird surveillance to better understand and manage the impact of this virus on wildlife and public health. Who this helps: This information benefits wildlife health officials, researchers, and public health authorities.

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This study looked at using a different type of MRI, called non-contrast abbreviated MRI, for monitoring liver cancer in patients whose ultrasounds didn’t provide clear images. Out of 30 patients studied, 93.3% of the MRI scans were rated as good quality, and 20% showed liver problems that were missed by the ultrasound, including one case of liver cancer. This is important because using this type of MRI could help catch liver cancer earlier in patients who are often overlooked due to poor ultrasound quality. Who this helps: Patients with cirrhosis and limited ultrasound results.

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This study investigated how starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) early during HIV infection affects the immune system's T-cell responses after stopping treatment. Researchers found that participants who received 48 weeks of ART produced a similar immune response as those who did not receive immediate treatment, but they generated more new immune responses, indicating a stronger potential for protection. In another group, most participants showed improved immune response after stopping treatment, suggesting that early ART may lead to better immune control of HIV in the future. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV, especially those in the early stages of infection.

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This study looked at the long-term outcomes of surgery for a type of benign nerve tumor called schwannoma, focusing on 123 patients over a 20-year period. They found that after surgery, about 59% of patients had all their symptoms resolved, but some experienced new or ongoing issues like numbness (21%) and pain (10%). These findings are important because while surgery can alleviate pain, patients should be informed that complete recovery isn’t always possible, and they may still face other challenges after the operation. Who this helps: Patients with schwannomas who are considering surgery.

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The study examined how changing the way emergency surgeries are managed at a community hospital impacts patients at higher risk for complications, particularly focusing on demographic factors like race and insurance status. After switching to an Acute Care Surgery (ACS) model, researchers found that while the hospital treated more older and Black patients with complex health issues, the overall death rate and length of hospital stays did not change significantly. However, there was a notable increase in hospital readmissions from 5.1% before the change to 10.5% after, indicating some potential challenges in post-surgery care. Who this helps: This benefits higher-risk patients, especially those who are older, Black, or underinsured, by providing them access to better care.

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This study looked at how the secretor status of pregnant women affects their vaginal bacteria and the length of their pregnancies. It found that women who are non-secretors and have low diversity in their vaginal bacteria tend to give birth earlier, averaging 241.5 days, compared to 266.2 days for those with more diverse bacteria. This matters because understanding these factors can help predict and possibly prevent premature births. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers by offering insights into factors that impact preterm birth risk.

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This study looked at how the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV), specifically H5N1, spreads between domestic birds, wild birds, and the environment in Southern Ontario, Canada. Researchers found that captive mallards showed signs of exposure to the virus but did not get sick, and the virus was also found in local wetlands and wildlife both before and after it affected the domestic poultry. This matters because it highlights the ongoing risk of the virus spreading and emphasizes the need for strong biosecurity measures to protect both birds and humans from potential outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps poultry farmers, wildlife managers, and public health officials by informing them about virus transmission risks.

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The study looked at the mental health and well-being of rugby players worldwide, finding that over half (50%) reported very positive impacts from playing rugby. Specifically, about 58% of players felt they were psychologically well, with men showing better mental health than women. Non-contact players reported better well-being scores than those in contact rugby, highlighting important differences in mental health based on the type of rugby played. Who this helps: This helps rugby players and coaches understand the mental health benefits of the sport and tailor support accordingly.

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This study looked at how effective pectoral nerve blocks are for managing pain after mastectomy surgery compared to other pain relief methods. Researchers found that the 23 patients who received pectoral nerve blocks used 31.53% less pain medication than those who had different types of nerve blocks, and the average hospital stay was similar, about 1.07 days for pectoral blocks and 0.92 days for others. This matters because it shows that pectoral blocks can effectively reduce pain without prolonging recovery time. Who this helps: This benefits breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy surgery.

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This study looked at how large, multi-disciplinary research teams can create fair and effective guidelines for authorship on scientific papers. The CHARM team developed guidelines based on discussions about their experiences, leading to eight principles focused on fairness, inclusion, and efficiency. They created tools like a visual dashboard to track contributions and standardized project management to help everyone participate equally, making the writing process smoother for all team members. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working in large teams, ensuring everyone gets an equal say and opportunity in authorship.