DR. CHARLES HENDERSON BONNER SR., MD, MS, CRP

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This study looked at how young people with congenital heart disease (CHD) move from pediatric to adult healthcare and what helps or hinders that process. Researchers found that good communication, education, and support can make this transition smoother, while barriers include a lack of patient empowerment and empathy from healthcare providers. Improving these areas could lead to better long-term health for CHD patients and ensure they receive the ongoing care they need. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease and their families.

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This study examined the risk of developing long COVID, which affects over 30% of adults who had COVID-19 symptoms, by using a decision support tool. Researchers found that factors like getting vaccinated, receiving treatment within three days after infection, and avoiding multiple infections can lower the risk of long COVID by up to 63%. This is important because it provides individuals and healthcare providers with a way to assess their risk and make informed decisions about vaccinations and treatments to manage their health. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by giving them tools to better understand and manage long COVID risks.

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This study looked at how older adults in Australia, the UK, and the US feel about stopping the cholesterol-lowering drug simvastatin. When presented with a scenario where a doctor suggested stopping the medication, many participants shared their thoughts on the decision, showing that their personal experiences influenced their willingness to stop the drug. The findings stress the need to consider each patient's beliefs and backgrounds when making decisions about stopping medications. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults taking statins.

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This study looked at how health communicators and young people use social media to share important health information, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers interviewed 21 young people and health experts to understand their experiences and found that while the pandemic created challenges like misinformation, it also led to more innovative ways to engage with young audiences. Young people appreciated the straightforward messages but suggested that future content should be more engaging and involve their input to be more effective. Who this helps: This benefits young people and health communicators by improving how health information is shared.

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This study reviewed various strategies for communicating scientific information to the public during health emergencies, specifically looking at COVID-19. Out of 345 research papers, 48 met the criteria for analysis, revealing that most effective methods included using video, animations, and messages from trusted health experts. The review showed that these strategies helped improve knowledge and intention to follow health guidelines, but only one study looked at actual health outcomes and did not find a significant effect. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and public health officials by identifying effective ways to communicate critical health information during emergencies.

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This study looked at how gut microbes in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) process dietary fibers and found that those with MS who had a reduced ability to break down a type of fiber called β-fructan consumed less of it (2.4 grams per day) compared to healthy individuals (3.6 grams per day). The research showed that mice fed unfermented β-fructans experienced more severe MS-like symptoms and increased inflammation in the central nervous system. This is important because it suggests that high-fiber diets, specifically when not properly fermented, might worsen symptoms in people with MS. Who this helps: This helps patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new digital platform designed to help create tools (called patient decision aids) that support patients in making informed choices about their healthcare. Researchers spoke with 20 key stakeholders, including clinicians and patients, who suggested that the platform could improve teamwork and streamline the development process, potentially making it faster and easier to create these decision aids. This is important because using patient decision aids can lead to better healthcare choices based on patients' needs and preferences. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and healthcare developers.

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This study looked at how adults with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) experience communication with their healthcare providers. Out of 43 adults interviewed, many said that poor communication makes it harder for them to understand their health and manage their condition, leading to confusion and emotional stress. The research emphasizes that better communication — like clear explanations, accessible records, and supportive dialogue — is crucial for improving care and patient wellbeing. Who this helps: This benefits patients with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study explored different digital education methods, like text messaging and videos, to improve care for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACAD) by helping patients follow medical advice, quit smoking, and stay active. Text messaging proved to be very effective, improving medication adherence and smoking cessation, while videos increased knowledge but had mixed effects on behavior. This is important because better management of ACAD can lead to healthier lives for patients and potentially reduce healthcare costs. Who this helps: Patients dealing with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

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The study looked at how the amount of mRNA in islet cells (which produce insulin) can help predict how well these cells will function after being transplanted in people with type 1 diabetes. Researchers tested 114 islet samples and found that a higher mRNA copy number was strongly linked to better graft function and longer survival of the transplanted islet cells—specifically, patients with higher mRNA numbers had a 37% better chance of their grafts working after 10 years. This finding is important because it provides a way to assess the quality of islet cells before transplantation, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with type 1 diabetes undergoing islet transplantation.

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This study looked at how a protein called FGF21 interacts with another hormone, glucagon, to improve insulin secretion and help manage blood sugar in people with glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that adding FGF21 improved insulin release from pancreatic cells in people with glucose issues. In mice, a diabetes drug called dapagliflozin helped lower blood sugar levels and increased both glucagon and FGF21 levels, suggesting FGF21 plays an important role in managing glucose and fat levels in the body. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and those at risk of developing diabetes.

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This study looked at how different doses of glucocorticoids, like prednisolone, affect the ability of pancreatic cells to release insulin. The researchers found that a common dose of prednisolone (5 mg/day) reduced insulin secretion significantly, with up to a 41.5% drop in the first phase of secretion. This is important because it helps explain how certain glucocorticoid treatments could lead to diabetes in some patients. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and patients using glucocorticoids for chronic conditions.

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This study focused on creating a helpful guide for parents of children with cerebral palsy and their doctors to discuss selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. Researchers developed a decision aid and tested it with 21 participants, including 13 clinicians and 8 parents, who gave positive feedback on its clarity and usefulness. This guide is important because it helps families make informed choices about SDR treatment, leading to better discussions with their healthcare providers. Who this helps: This helps parents of children with cerebral palsy and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how women feel about their healthcare after having complications during pregnancy, like gestational diabetes or high blood pressure. Researchers talked to 12 women who had these issues and found that many didn’t know these complications could raise their risk of heart disease later on. They shared concerns about poor follow-up care and a desire for better support and information to help them manage their health after pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps women who had pregnancy complications and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on improving a method to extract RNA and analyze its sequence to better understand certain infections. The researchers successfully tested this method on samples from 11 different clinical isolates, showing that it could detect important differences in RNA when these infections were exposed to a specific drug, pyrazinamide. Their approach yielded high-quality RNA and marked differences in gene activity, which matters because it can enhance our understanding of how infections respond to treatment. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers understand how infections react to different medications.

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This research looked at how virtual care, like telemedicine, impacts the management of type 2 diabetes. The study found that virtual care significantly lowered HbA1c levels, which measure blood sugar control, by an average of 0.37% when compared to regular care. This matters because improving diabetes management can reduce complications and healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes by offering accessible and effective treatment options.

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This study focused on creating a better way for public health agencies to communicate health information to young people through social media, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers worked with 21 young participants and 4 health professionals to develop a framework with five key recommendations, such as involving young people in the process and using effective marketing techniques to capture their attention fast. This is important because, by improving how health messages are communicated, agencies can better engage and inform young people, which is crucial during health crises. Who this helps: Young people and public health professionals.

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This study looked at strategies for improving the response to HIV in the United States by examining experiences from several funded projects over a few years. Researchers found that effective methods include engaging with communities, innovative outreach, and understanding the social factors that affect health. The study highlighted challenges like staffing issues and communication gaps but offered solutions such as developing community partnerships and flexible training approaches. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and community organizations working to combat HIV.

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This study looked at online resources that help people measure their blood pressure at home. It found that none of the 24 resources met all the recommended guidelines for effective education; while all advised measuring blood pressure while seated, only 38% suggested using properly validated devices. Additionally, all resources were written at a reading level too high for many adults and did not involve patients in their creation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who need accurate guidance on how to measure their blood pressure at home.

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The ATHENA COVID-19 study looked at how to get permission from patients to use their healthcare data for future research, particularly for long-COVID studies. Out of 1,155 patients contacted, 86% agreed to have their health information shared, and 90% of those asked later consented to participate in long-COVID research. This matters because it shows that most patients are willing to share their health data for research purposes, which can help improve treatments and understanding of COVID-19 and long-COVID. Who this helps: This helps patients by advancing research that may lead to better care and management of COVID-19 and its long-term effects.

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This study looked at how women who experienced stillbirth or multiple early pregnancy losses access healthcare for their heart health after their loss. It found that 16 women participating were largely unaware that their losses put them at a higher risk for heart disease. Many expressed a need for better support and information about heart disease prevention, but were worried about burdening themselves with health concerns while grieving. Who this helps: This research helps women who experience stillbirth or early pregnancy loss by highlighting their healthcare needs.

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This study looked at how primary care doctors feel about using genetic information in their practice and what education they need to make it work better. Researchers reviewed 52 studies and found that a lack of knowledge was the biggest hurdle, with 65.4% of studies noting it as an issue. Improving education and clarifying how these doctors can work with genetic services can help integrate genomics into everyday healthcare, which is important for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps primary care doctors and their patients.

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This study reviewed the quality of tests designed to measure people's knowledge about cardiovascular disease (CVD) to help doctors better educate their patients. Out of 28 identified studies, only three tests were rated highly for quality, and one provided a way to evaluate patients based on their knowledge scores. Understanding how well patients know about CVD is crucial since it can directly affect their health outcomes and help tailor education to their needs. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors working to improve cardiovascular health.

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This study looked at how to involve women who have experienced pregnancy complications or loss in research about their health. Researchers worked closely with these women to make sure their insights shaped every part of the study, from design to results. By following a framework that emphasizes care and responsibility, the research fostered trust and meaningful partnerships, showing that this kind of involvement is possible and valuable. Who this helps: Women who have experienced pregnancy complications or loss and the researchers studying their health.

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This study created a new tool called the Heart Health Yarning Tool to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people understand and make decisions about their heart health and risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers worked closely with community members and health professionals to develop this online resource, which includes conversation guides and planning tools based on input from 21 workshops and interviews with healthcare practitioners. The goal is to improve communication between patients and doctors and ultimately enhance heart health for these populations. Who this helps: This tool benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how living with congenital heart disease affects adults, specifically focusing on their daily lives, jobs, and mental health. Researchers interviewed 43 adults, discovering that many faced significant challenges related to physical activity, work, and emotional well-being, particularly when they didn’t feel adequately supported by healthcare providers. The findings are important because they highlight the need for better support systems and education for these individuals to improve their overall quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with congenital heart disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how people with lower education levels in Australia prefer health information presented in both original and simplified formats. It found that texts that used bullet points were preferred because they were easier to understand and less confusing, with a 2.35 times better chance of being rated as understandable and almost half the confusion compared to original texts. This matters because making health information clearer can help more people engage with and understand essential health messages. Who this helps: Patients, especially those with lower education levels.

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This study looked at how well insulin is released from small clusters of cells in the pancreas, called islets, from 576 different donors. The researchers compared two techniques for measuring insulin secretion and found that one technique, dynamic perifusion, provided clearer insights into how insulin responses vary among individuals, showing a 22-fold difference in secretion levels. This matters because understanding these differences can help in treating conditions like diabetes more effectively by tailoring approaches based on donor characteristics like body mass index and blood sugar levels. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new diabetes clinic in Western Sydney that offers both online and in-person services to help patients manage their diabetes. Researchers found that after three months, patients experienced a 1.3% drop in their blood sugar levels, and there was a 30% increase in the use of certain diabetes medications. This matters because it shows that the clinic's approach is effective and convenient for patients, making it a potentially valuable model for diabetes care in other areas. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes.

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This study looked at how a protein called ChREBP contributes to liver cancer development by helping cancer cells use nutrients to grow. The researchers found that ChREBP activates a specific signaling pathway that promotes cancer growth and also helps direct important nutrients into fatty acids and DNA necessary for the cancer’s growth. They discovered that blocking ChREBP significantly reduced tumor growth in liver cancer models, suggesting that targeting this protein could be an effective way to treat liver cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits liver cancer patients by identifying potential new treatment options.

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This study looked at a case involving a 65-year-old man with heart failure who had a special heart pump (called an intra-aortic balloon pump) placed in his body to help his heart work better. Although the pump was put in correctly at first, three weeks later, it was discovered during surgery that it had moved to the wrong position in his aorta without causing any initial problems. This incorrect placement could have led to serious issues, like damaging his heart or blocking blood vessels, which is important to understand for future patients receiving this type of treatment. Who this helps: This information helps doctors who utilize intra-aortic balloon pumps in patients with heart problems.

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This study looked at how a protein called LDHB affects the sugar lactate levels and the release of insulin in pancreatic cells. Researchers found that human cells produce six times more lactate than mouse cells, and if they blocked LDHB, there was an increase in lactate and insulin output. This is important because understanding LDHB's role could help improve insulin regulation, which is vital for diabetes management. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes.

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This study looked at how presenting information about the accuracy of COVID-19 rapid self-tests affects people's understanding and their decisions to self-isolate. Researchers found that when the information was presented in a clearer way, more participants understood the tests' accuracy; for example, 63% of those receiving the clearer information chose to self-isolate after a negative test result in a critical scenario, compared to 49% in the standard information group. This matters because improving how we communicate the risks of false negatives from these tests could encourage more people to isolate and reduce the spread of the virus. Who this helps: This helps patients and the general public by promoting safer health decisions during the pandemic.

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This study looked at how general practitioners (GPs) assess and manage the different levels of health literacy among patients during consultations focused on preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers interviewed 18 GPs in Tasmania, Australia, and found that while GPs weren’t using formal tools to measure health literacy, their own perceptions influenced how they communicated with patients and what prevention strategies they recommended. The study highlights a problem where patients might receive uneven choices in their care based on how GPs perceive their understanding of health information. Who this helps: This benefits patients with varying levels of health literacy, ensuring they receive appropriate care.

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This study focused on creating and testing a tool called the Vaccine Barriers Assessment Tool (VBAT), which helps identify reasons why parents in Australia might not vaccinate their children under five. The researchers started with 80 potential barriers and refined it to a final 6-item short version and a 15-item long version based on surveys with over 600 parents. This tool is important because it provides insights that can lead to targeted strategies to improve vaccination rates, ultimately protecting public health. Who this helps: This benefits parents, healthcare providers, and public health officials addressing vaccination rates in young children.

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This study looked at the effects of blocking the cannabinoid type 1 receptor (CB1R) on immune cell inflammation in the pancreas, which is significant for people developing type 1 diabetes. Researchers found that in individuals at the onset of type 1 diabetes, the expression of CB1R was 6.9 times higher in certain immune cells and 3.6 times higher in pancreatic cells compared to healthy individuals. By using a CB1R blocker, they were able to reduce inflammation, improve cell function, and maintain the health of insulin-producing cells in both humans and mice, suggesting that targeting CB1R may help prevent the progression of diabetes. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of type 1 diabetes and may also provide insights for type 2 diabetes patients.

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This study looked at how diet, specifically the Mediterranean diet, affects gut bacteria and the risk of developing pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found that each point increase in adherence to the Mediterranean diet was linked to a 37% lower chance of developing MS. Additionally, higher fiber and iron intake were also associated with reduced MS risk, indicating that what we eat can significantly influence gut health and MS development. Who this helps: This benefits children at risk for multiple sclerosis and their families by highlighting the importance of diet in disease prevention.

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This study looked at how general practitioners (GPs) in Australia are using guidelines for assessing and managing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Researchers interviewed 18 GPs and found that while many were using risk calculators, they had concerns about their accuracy and often adjusted assessments based on personal judgment. Despite these efforts, significant barriers still exist, and GPs need more support to effectively follow updated guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of cardiovascular disease by ensuring their doctors can better assess and manage their health.

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This study focused on creating a tool to help people understand the risks and benefits of COVID-19 vaccination using clear and simple language. Researchers tested different ways of presenting information, finding that animated videos improved understanding significantly, with over 2000 participants in the final trial. This is important because it shows that clear communication can help people make informed choices during health crises. Who this helps: Patients and the general public seeking better understanding of vaccination risks and benefits.

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This study looked at how well a new online tool, the Health Literacy Editor, helps health information providers create easier-to-understand health messages. Researchers found that texts revised using this tool had reading scores that were nearly 2.5 grades lower, meaning they were much easier to read, and they used simpler language with less passive voice compared to texts revised without it. This is important because clearer health information can help reduce confusion for people with low health literacy, making it easier for them to understand their health needs and make informed decisions. Who this helps: Patients with low health literacy.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new way to adapt patient decision aids, specifically for contraceptive methods aimed at Chinese-speaking migrant women in Australia. Researchers introduced the PACE framework, which includes six steps to ensure the decision aids meet the needs of this group. The pilot involved 20 healthcare providers and 22 women, resulting in decision aids that were well-received by the users. Who this helps: This helps Chinese-speaking migrant women and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers developed a new online system called a dynamic consent platform to improve how participants in health studies give their consent. This platform was tested with 99 participants, and 67 were recontacted; 59 agreed to use the platform, 44 logged in, and 22 registered for a clinical trial, demonstrating its effectiveness. The study found that users appreciated the platform for its privacy, ease of use, and clear communication, with an average satisfaction rating of 78%. Who this helps: This benefits patients and researchers by making the consent process more engaging and user-friendly.

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This study looked at how medical students make decisions about prescribing a new drug based on different types of information, specifically anecdotes from peers and visual representations like icon arrays. The researchers found that when students used icon arrays to see how the drug reduces heart disease risk, they became less swayed by anecdotal evidence, with fewer students hesitant to prescribe the drug. This matters because it shows that clear data visuals can help students make better clinical decisions, rather than relying on potentially misleading personal stories. Who this helps: This helps medical students and educators.

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This study looked at how likely it is for cartilage plugs taken from different areas of the knee to break during a surgical procedure called osteochondral autograft transfer (OAT). Researchers tested 221 plugs from human cadavers and found that, overall, 45.7% of the plugs fractured. The area where the plugs were taken from made a difference: the medial intercondylar notch had a fracture rate of 62.7%, while the lateral trochlea had a lower rate of 25.0%. This is important because it means surgeons need to be careful and use less force when placing these plugs to avoid damaging them. Who this helps: This helps surgeons improve their techniques and outcomes for patients needing knee cartilage repair.

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This research studied the types of fungi in the gut of children with pediatric-onset multiple sclerosis (POMS) compared to those without the disease. They found that the gut fungal community was different for children with POMS, especially a type of fungus commonly found in white button mushrooms, which was notably present in higher amounts among these participants. Understanding the connection between gut fungi and POMS could help identify dietary factors that may influence the disease. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working with children diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

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This study looked at how grassland plant growth around the world has changed since the 1980s. It found that in some places, grassland biomass increased by as much as 51%, while in other areas, it decreased by 34%. These changes are important because they affect food supply, wildlife, and the environment, especially in drier regions where the decline in plant growth is speeding up. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists, farmers, and policymakers focused on food security and ecosystem health.