DEAN P. CURRIE, MD

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The study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected social workers who support people with learning disabilities in the UK. Researchers surveyed 310 social workers over several phases of the pandemic and found that their overall wellbeing dropped during this time, though it improved as the pandemic progressed. Importantly, the study showed that social workers feeling worse about their wellbeing were more likely to consider leaving their jobs, highlighting the need for better support to keep these essential workers in the field. Who this helps: This helps social workers and the people they serve by ensuring stability and support in the workforce.

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The study looked at how well a program called VIONE helps simplify the process of reducing unnecessary medications for patients in the federal health system, specifically at three locations. The program was successfully implemented, leading to safer medication practices and significant cost savings, with VIONE helping doctors discuss and manage medications more effectively with patients. Overall, the findings show VIONE can be adapted to different healthcare settings, making it easier to support older adults in safely managing their medications. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly older adults taking multiple medications.

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This study looked at a new way to gather information about HIV among refugees in Uganda, using a method that divides refugee settlements into small grid sections. They created a system of about 43,193 grid cells, with an average of 31 people per cell, to better estimate the number of refugees and how many households were in each area. This approach helped researchers collect important data efficiently and cost-effectively, which is crucial for addressing the health needs of refugee populations. Who this helps: This benefits refugees, healthcare providers, and organizations working to improve health services in refugee communities.

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This study looked at how loneliness in teenagers is linked to their relationships with friends and support from teachers and classmates. Researchers found that teens who felt supported by their classmates and teachers and who spent time with friends offline felt less lonely, while those who mainly connected with friends online tended to feel lonelier. Additionally, higher levels of loneliness were associated with worse health and sleep quality. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers by highlighting the importance of in-person friendships and support systems in schools.

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This study looked at how adding a combination of lysolecithin, a synthetic emulsifier, and monoglycerides in either liquid or dry form affected the growth and health of broiler chickens fed different diets. The researchers found that chickens given this combination gained more weight—2,895 grams for those on the liquid form—compared to those on a standard diet without the supplement, which gained 2,718 grams. Additionally, the chickens that received the supplements had better litter quality and fewer footpad problems, which is important for their health and welfare. Who this helps: This benefits poultry farmers and ultimately leads to healthier chickens.

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This study examined a specific gene pattern related to neuroblastoma, a serious type of cancer in children. The researchers found that certain genes linked to the activation of NTRK1, influenced by the TP53 gene, are associated with better survival rates in patients. Notably, higher levels of these genes were connected to improved event-free survival (EFS), meaning patients lived longer without their cancer worsening. Who this helps: This benefits neuroblastoma patients by improving prognosis and guiding treatment options.

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This study looked at how to reduce the number of minimal trauma fractures—like those from falls—in people aged 50 and older in Australia by improving fracture liaison services (FLS) in hospitals. By increasing the number of these services and making them more efficient, the researchers estimated that a total of 13,672 fractures could be prevented over 11 years, which is a reduction of 0.56%, though the costs for preventing each fracture were relatively high at about $42,828. This is important because it highlights that, while improving these services can help, the impact may not be as significant as hoped, and we should consider other solutions too. Who this helps: This helps older patients at risk of fractures, doctors, and healthcare planners.

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This study looked at how recent contraceptive use influenced the behaviors of Scottish teenagers when they first had sex. Researchers found that boys and girls who used contraceptives the first time they had sex were significantly more likely—7.5 times for girls and 12.3 times for boys—to use contraceptives when they had sex again. This is important because how teens handle their first sexual experiences can affect their future sexual behavior and choices. Who this helps: This helps teenagers and educators by highlighting the importance of contraceptive use.

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This study looked at how burnout and job satisfaction affected nurses' plans to leave their jobs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that 47.6% of surveyed nurses considered quitting over the studied period, particularly those aged 30 to 39. The research highlighted that lower job satisfaction and higher levels of burnout were strongly linked to these intentions, indicating a critical need for measures to support nurses' wellbeing and keep them in the profession. Who this helps: This helps nurses and healthcare organizations by highlighting the importance of addressing burnout and improving job satisfaction.

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This study looks at how to better involve adolescents in the consent process for social science research. It found that while getting permission from parents can help protect young people, it can also prevent them from sharing their thoughts and experiences. The researchers argue that adolescents aged 12 and older should be allowed to give their own consent if there are no safety concerns, which could empower them and improve research outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents participating in research and the researchers who seek their input.

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This study looked at how health and social care workers in the UK felt about the weekly "Clapping for Carers" events during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Out of 3,425 survey responses, 2,541 were analyzed, revealing that most workers had mixed feelings about the clapping: only a small number fully supported it, with many believing it distracted from serious issues like lack of resources. This matters because while the public support was appreciated, workers worried that it wouldn't lead to real improvements in their working conditions or more funding for healthcare. Who this helps: This helps health and social care workers who want to see genuine support and improvements in their roles.

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This research developed a new method to analyze how often people drink alcohol based on electronic health records from primary care and compared this with what people reported themselves in a large health study in the UK. They found that about 69% of participants had alcohol-related information in their primary care records, but only 59.6% of the classifications matched those from self-reports. This matters because it may indicate that primary care records often underestimate alcohol consumption, highlighting the need for better tracking methods. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand alcohol usage better among their patients.

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This study looked at how to improve the number of people who register as organ donors in family doctor waiting rooms. Researchers found that their approach, which involved having office staff invite patients to register on a tablet, didn't significantly increase registration rates—48% of patients registered during the intervention compared to 46.2% during usual care. This finding is important because it shows that while doctor offices could be good places to promote organ donation, the method used in this study wasn't effective, indicating a need for more effective strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients who may wish to donate their organs, as well as the health system aiming to increase available organs for transplant.

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This study looked at how university students developed antibodies to the virus that causes COVID-19 over an 11-week period in the fall of 2020. Researchers tested blood samples from 107 students at the beginning and end of the semester, finding that the number of students with antibodies increased from 14% to 27%, and 21.5% tested positive for the virus during that time. Understanding these antibody responses is important for knowing how long people might be protected against the virus and for improving future health strategies. Who this helps: This helps students and health professionals at universities manage COVID-19 better.

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This study looked at how the wellbeing and coping strategies of nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals in the UK changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that from the first phase of the pandemic (May to July 2020) to the second phase (November 2020 to February 2021), these healthcare workers experienced a significant drop in their wellbeing and quality of work life, with burnout increasing. Specifically, the scores for wellbeing and quality of working life were significantly lower in the second phase, indicating that the pandemic negatively impacted these professionals' mental health. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and those managing their care needs.

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This study looked at how midwives in the UK experienced their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that midwives faced significant stress and a drop in the quality of their work life due to staffing shortages, restrictions on partners during births, and changes in services, with many feeling overwhelmed. The findings highlight the need for better support and planning for midwives during emergencies to ensure they can provide safe care. Who this helps: This helps midwives and, ultimately, the mothers and babies they care for.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the wellbeing of health and social care workers in the UK at three different times: in mid-2020, late 2020 to early 2021, and mid-2021. It found that the wellbeing of these workers declined significantly over time, with negative coping methods becoming more common; for example, their work-related quality of life dropped notably from the first to the last phase of the study. This is important because understanding these changes can help employers create better support systems for their staff as they continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps health and social care workers and their employers.

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This study looked at the digital health system in Alberta, Canada, focusing on how different groups work together and what needs to improve. Researchers interviewed 36 individuals from various sectors, finding that many struggle to navigate the system due to a lack of guidance and support structures. The study highlighted a key problem: without proper intermediaries to help connect the dots between services and actors, it’s hard for innovators and entrepreneurs to succeed. Who this helps: This benefits entrepreneurs and companies working in digital health as well as patients who rely on these innovations for better care.

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This study looked at experiences of violence among sexual minority youth (like LGBTQ+ individuals) compared to heterosexual young people. It found that sexual minority individuals faced much higher rates of experiencing multiple forms of violence – for example, bisexual individuals were significantly more likely to face multiple types of victimization than heterosexual individuals. This is important because experiencing different kinds of violence can lead to serious health issues, highlighting the need for targeted support and prevention programs to address these disparities. Who this helps: This helps sexual minority adolescents and young adults, as well as the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how well an antigen test for COVID-19 worked on people with and without symptoms at two universities in Wisconsin. The researchers tested 1,098 nasal swabs and found that the antigen test was effective in symptomatic individuals, showing an 80% true positive rate, but only 41% effective for those without symptoms. This matters because while these tests can give quick results, they are less reliable for asymptomatic people, so it's important to confirm negative results when there are symptoms or positive results in symptom-free individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by guiding testing decisions.

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This study looked at how the coping strategies used by health and social care workers in the UK during the first wave of COVID-19 affected their wellbeing and work life. Researchers surveyed 3,425 professionals and found that those who used positive coping methods, like actively seeking help, experienced better wellbeing and work quality, while those who avoided problems faced lower wellbeing and job satisfaction. This research highlights the need for support systems in workplaces to teach effective coping skills during stressful times. Who this helps: Frontline healthcare workers.

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This study looked at the spread of COVID-19 in 20 elementary schools in Salt Lake County, Utah, from December 3, 2020, to January 31, 2021, while schools were reopened. They found that out of 1,041 staff and students who were potentially exposed to the virus, only 5 cases were related to school activity, giving a low transmission rate of just 0.7%. This matters because it shows that with high mask use (86%) and some safety measures in place, schools can operate safely even when community COVID-19 rates are high. Who this helps: This helps students, teachers, and parents by providing evidence that schools can reopen safely.

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Researchers studied a public health training event in Uganda to see how COVID-19 spread among participants. They found that 5.9% of the 475 attendees tested positive for COVID-19, and 89.3% of those who were positive showed no symptoms. This is important because it highlights the need for testing and safety measures during in-person events to prevent virus transmission, especially before participants interact with the public. Who this helps: This helps public health workers and attendees of training events.

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This research looked at how early exposure to environmental dangers can lead to serious health problems later in life, specifically focusing on diseases that don't affect the lungs. The study found a strong link between early environmental hazards and the development of conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and issues with brain development. Understanding these connections is important because it highlights the need for protecting children from harmful environments to reduce these long-term health risks. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly children, and their families by emphasizing the importance of safe environments.

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This study looked at the mental health and work quality of health and social care workers in the UK at two different times during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that their overall wellbeing and work quality got worse from early in the pandemic to later on, with significant declines noted. This information is important because it can help create better support systems for these workers during ongoing or future crises. Who this helps: Health and social care workers.

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This research looked at drinking habits among 15-year-olds in 39 countries across Europe and North America from 2002 to 2014. It found that, overall, fewer teens were drinking and getting drunk during this time, but trends varied widely between countries; for example, some countries saw no decrease or even an increase in alcohol use. Understanding these patterns is important because while many places are making progress, some still have high rates of underage drinking that need targeted interventions. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, educators, and parents address underage drinking effectively.

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This study looked at 10 pets in the US that died after contracting COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021. It found that in most cases (8 out of 10), the virus was not the main cause of death, but one dog had its death linked to the infection, and one cat died directly from it. This is important because it helps understand how COVID-19 impacts pets, ensuring better health management for them during the pandemic. Who this helps: This information benefits pet owners, veterinarians, and public health officials.

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This study looked at how new laws in Scotland that limited sales of tobacco at retail locations affected how easily people, especially teens, could see and access tobacco products from 2013 to 2017. The researchers found that the overall number of tobacco retailers decreased after the laws were introduced, but some areas saw an increase, and access to tobacco products continued to vary based on socioeconomic status. This matters because while the laws helped reduce exposure to tobacco for teenagers, there are still significant gaps in access based on wealth, which could lead to health inequalities. Who this helps: This helps policymakers, public health officials, and communities aiming to reduce tobacco use.

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This study looked at how a ban on displaying tobacco products in shops affected Scottish teenagers' views on tobacco access and smoking. After the ban, teenagers reported feeling that tobacco was less accessible, with a 28% decrease in the likelihood of thinking it's okay to smoke (from 100% to 67%), but their opinions about whether their friends think smoking is cool didn't change. This matters because it shows that the display ban, alongside rising e-cigarette use, is helping reduce negative attitudes toward smoking among teens. Who this helps: This helps teenagers by reducing their access to tobacco and promoting healthier attitudes towards smoking.

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This study looked at how feelings about school changed from 2002 to 2018 for 15-year-old students in 32 countries, focusing on both school pressure and satisfaction. Researchers found that while boys generally felt more satisfied with school over time, girls experienced increased pressure. Most students fell into groups where they either felt not pressured but not very satisfied or pressured and not satisfied, with only a small number feeling highly satisfied without pressure. This information is important because it highlights the growing stress that girls face in school and the need for more support. Who this helps: This helps students and educators understand the mental health challenges faced in schools.

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This study looked at how different alcohol control policies affect drinking habits among teenagers in 33 countries over several years. The researchers found that stronger policies led to less drinking overall, while cheaper alcohol resulted in more consumption and drunkenness among teens. They also noticed that wealthier families tended to have adolescents who drank more, and this trend has been worsening over time, showing that combining several policies can help reduce these inequalities. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents, parents, policymakers, and public health officials.

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Researchers studied a new virus called Macrobrachium rosenbergii Golda Virus (MrGV) that has been causing the deaths of larval giant freshwater prawns in Bangladesh since 2011. They found that this virus can cause up to 100% mortality in the larvae, leading to an 80% reduction in active hatcheries. Identifying this virus is crucial for protecting prawn populations and improving aquaculture practices, as early detection methods are available to help control its spread. Who this helps: This benefits prawn farmers and aquaculture industries in affected regions.

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This study looked at what factors influence whether children with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) see their primary care doctors after an emergency room visit. Out of 183 kids aged 8 to 18, females were more likely to attend follow-up visits, with a twofold increase in likelihood compared to males. Additionally, caregivers who were more concerned about the child’s recovery were also more likely to take them for a follow-up visit. This is important because proper follow-up can help manage recovery and address any ongoing issues after a head injury. Who this helps: This benefits children recovering from mild traumatic brain injuries and their caregivers.

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This study looked at how adding a special ingredient rich in omega-3 fatty acids (DHA) to the diets of chickens affects the omega-3 content in their meat. Researchers found that feeding chickens 1% of this DHA-rich ingredient resulted in breast meat containing 42 mg of DHA and thigh meat containing 46 mg per 100 grams, which also improved the overall balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the meat. This matters because eating more omega-3s is linked to better health for humans, and changing chicken diets can help boost omega-3 intake from meat. Who this helps: This benefits consumers who want healthier meat options and improves dietary omega-3 intake.

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This study examined how different aspects of spirituality relate to positive mental health in adolescents from Canada, England, and Scotland. Researchers found that while all four areas of spirituality—connections to self, others, nature, and the transcendent—are linked to better mental health, the connection to self was the most important. Specifically, stronger connections to self had a consistent positive impact, suggesting that helping young people improve their self-connection can enhance their mental well-being. Who this helps: This helps adolescents seeking better mental health and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how adding a specific type of algae to the diets of egg-laying hens can increase the omega-3 fatty acids in eggs. Researchers found that after 24 weeks, eggs from hens given this algae had omega-3 levels of 82 to 129 mg per yolk, which qualifies as "high in omega-3" by European standards. This is important because increasing omega-3 in eggs could improve human health, given the benefits associated with these fatty acids. Who this helps: This helps consumers who want healthier options, particularly those looking to increase their omega-3 intake.

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This research focused on creating a digital platform to engage and recruit sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals for a long-term health study known as The PRIDE Study. Over two years, the platform successfully recruited 13,731 participants, including 3,813 gender minority individuals, representing a significant portion of this underrepresented group. This is important because it improves health research inclusion and ensures that the health needs of SGM people are addressed. Who this helps: This benefits sexual and gender minority patients and the healthcare providers who serve them.

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This study looked at how different tobacco control policies in 28 EU countries affected smoking rates from 2009 to 2017. Overall, smoking decreased from 29.4% to 26.3% during this time, and countries with stricter tobacco policies had lower smoking rates; specifically, a one-point increase in tobacco policy strength linked to slightly lower smoking odds (0.990). However, changes in policies within a country didn’t impact smoking rates over time, and the strongest effects of these policies were seen in higher-paid jobs, not in those who were out of work. Who this helps: This information helps policymakers and public health officials working to reduce smoking rates, particularly in specific job sectors.

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This study looked at whether asking parents or children if they feel "back to normal" after a concussion is a reliable way to see if their symptoms have fully healed. Researchers found that this simple question was able to correctly identify symptom resolution about 78% of the time for parents and 59% for children, but it wasn't very good at ruling out ongoing symptoms. The findings show that this general question is not sufficient on its own to assess recovery after a concussion, highlighting the need for better methods of evaluation. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers better understand how to evaluate concussion recovery in children.

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This study looked at how Scottish teens from 1990 to 2014 view their body size and how this affects their mental health. Researchers found that while perceptions of being overweight or underweight didn't change much, those who thought they were overweight reported lower confidence and happiness, especially among younger girls. This shift in body image perception may be linked to a decline in mental well-being for adolescents in Scotland. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, teachers, and mental health professionals working with adolescents.

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This study looked at cervical spine injuries among high school athletes across 24 sports over ten years. Researchers found 1,080 injuries out of over 35 million athlete exposures, resulting in an injury rate of 3.04 injuries per 100,000 exposures. Football had the highest rate at 10.10 per 100,000, while most injuries were muscle-related (63.1%), and other common injury sources included contact with other players (70.7%). Understanding these injury rates helps in creating better safety measures to protect young athletes. Who this helps: This benefits high school athletes, coaches, and sports safety organizations.

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This study looked at how adding ferric tyrosine, a type of iron supplement, to the diet of chickens affects their growth and reduces harmful bacteria in their intestines. Researchers found that chickens fed ferric tyrosine gained more weight and grew faster, but they also ate more food, so their overall efficiency didn’t improve. Specifically, the levels of harmful bacteria decreased by 2-3 times in chickens that received ferric tyrosine. This finding is important because it suggests that ferric tyrosine can help chickens grow better while also lowering the risk of infections that could affect food safety. Who this helps: This helps farmers and poultry producers.

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This study looked at how well chickens (broilers) could handle a diet rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an important fatty acid found in certain microalgae, to see if it was safe for them to eat and beneficial for their meat. Researchers fed 1,120 day-old chickens different amounts of this algae over 42 days and found that even at levels 10 times higher than usual, the chickens showed no negative effects on their health, survival, or productivity. Importantly, the DHA content in their meat increased significantly with these supplements. Who this helps: This benefits chicken producers and consumers who want healthier meat options.

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Researchers looked at how bullying affects the mental health of Scottish adolescents from 1994 to 2014, studying over 42,000 students aged 11, 13, and 15. They found that bullying increased over these two decades, and girls who were bullied experienced significantly more psychological issues, feeling less confident and happy compared to those who were not bullied. This worsening mental health among bullied girls may help explain the overall decline in mental well-being observed in Scottish adolescent girls. Who this helps: This study benefits educators, parents, and mental health professionals working with adolescents.

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The study looked at the sexual behavior of 15-year-olds in Scotland from 2002 to 2014, focusing on when they start having sex and how often they use contraception. It found that fewer teenagers reported having sex over the years, but those who did were using condoms less often—down from 73% in 2002 to 65% for boys and from 70% in 2006 to 65% for girls. Additionally, girls from less wealthy families were more likely to have had sex than those from wealthier families, highlighting ongoing economic disparities in these behaviors. Who this helps: This information benefits health educators and policymakers who aim to improve sexual health resources for teenagers.

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This study looked at whether young people in Scotland who tried e-cigarettes were more likely to smoke regular cigarettes later. Out of nearly 2,100 kids who had never smoked, 40% of those who tried e-cigarettes ended up trying cigarettes within a year, compared to just 13% of those who had never tried e-cigarettes. This matters because it shows a strong link between e-cigarette use and increased cigarette experimentation among young people, signaling a need for careful observation of e-cigarette trends in youth. Who this helps: This helps parents, teachers, and public health officials understand risks associated with e-cigarette use among adolescents.

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This study looked at factors influencing high body weight in young children from low-income families who participated in the Nurse-Family Partnership program. Researchers found that at different ages (6, 12, 18, and 24 months), factors like the mother's race-ethnicity, her weight before pregnancy, how much weight she gained during pregnancy, and how long she breastfed were linked to higher rates of children being overweight. They suggest that managing weight gain during pregnancy and encouraging breastfeeding could help reduce these high body weight levels. Who this helps: This helps children from low-income families and the nurses supporting their families.