DR. DONNA CHERYLL JOHNSTON, MD

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This study looked at how doctors and health care teams in Canada decide when to refer children with cancer to palliative care, which focuses on quality of life rather than curing the illness. Researchers interviewed 66 health care providers and found that referrals depend not only on medical factors but also on emotional, social, and team dynamics, revealing four different ways referrals take place. Understanding these complexities is important because it can help improve how and when children begin receiving palliative care, ensuring they get the support they need early on. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families dealing with pediatric cancer, as well as the health care teams involved in their care.

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This study looked at type II first branchial cleft anomalies (FBCAs), which are birth defects affecting the ear canal and potentially the parotid gland. Researchers examined 22 tissue samples and found that in 6 of them (27.3%), the anomalies extended beyond the main cyst, indicating that these issues might be more widespread than previously thought. This matters because it supports the recommendation for more extensive surgical removal of affected tissues to reduce the chance of the problem returning. Who this helps: This benefits patients with first branchial cleft anomalies and their doctors by informing better surgical practices.

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This study looked at how staff in mental health settings can better support their patients' physical health needs. Researchers found 55 important factors, with the top three being awareness of health issues, support from leadership, and staff beliefs about their role in promoting physical health. This matters because improving these factors can lead to better health outcomes for people with mental health challenges, who often struggle to get physical healthcare. Who this helps: Patients with mental health conditions benefit from better physical health support.

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This study looked at the different surgical tools used by oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the UK and the US. The researchers found that while there are some common instruments used in both countries, many tools are unique to each region, with only a small group of instruments (like scissors and forceps) being the same. This difference can help surgeons improve their skills and techniques by exploring and possibly adopting new tools from other countries. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons, as well as their patients, by potentially improving surgical outcomes.

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This research examined over 17,600 reports of failures related to thoracolumbar pedicle screw systems used in spinal surgeries over the last ten years. It found that most failures after surgery were due to breakages (45.2%) and the most common problems during surgery were related to device compatibility (26.4%). Understanding these failure patterns helps improve the design of these devices and enhances patient safety. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing spinal surgery by providing insights that can lead to safer surgical devices.

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This study looked at whether all children diagnosed with cancer should automatically be referred to pediatric palliative care (PPC) right away. Researchers interviewed 66 healthcare providers in Canada and found that universal referrals could help reduce stigma around PPC, build strong relationships with families early on, and make the process fairer for everyone. However, some providers thought this approach might waste resources, particularly for kids with treatable cancers. Who this helps: This helps children with cancer and their families.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the amount of methane produced by cattle grazing in tropical and subtropical regions of Northern Australia. Researchers measured methane emissions from 453 mixed-breed cattle and found that key factors influencing these emissions included the equipment used, the time of day, air temperature, and the cattle's weight, all of which significantly affected methane levels. Understanding these factors is crucial as it helps improve the way we measure methane, which can lead to better practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions from beef cattle farming. Who this helps: This helps farmers and researchers aiming to lower methane emissions in cattle production.

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Researchers studied how certain genetic variations might increase the risk of severe pancreatitis in children with cancer who are treated with a drug called L-asparaginase. They found that a specific genetic variant (rs149210846) is linked to an 8.9 times higher chance of developing pancreatitis, and this risk is even greater for patients of mixed American and Asian ancestries. This is important because it can help doctors identify which patients need closer monitoring during treatment, potentially improving patient safety and outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

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This study examined a specific version of a protein called Pannexin 1 (PANX1) that appears more frequently in various types of cancer, including melanoma and breast cancer. Researchers discovered a new smaller form of the protein, known as hPANX1-25K, which is found inside cancer cells and increases as cancer develops; for example, its levels rise in melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma compared to normal skin cells. This finding is important because it suggests that hPANX1-25K might play a role in cancer progression and could potentially be targeted for cancer treatments. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on cancer therapies.

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This study focused on two proteins, Pannexin 1 (PANX1) and Pannexin 3 (PANX3), which play roles in skin cell function and were analyzed in skin cancer known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The researchers found that PANX1 levels were higher in cSCC tumors, leading to increased tumor growth and spread, while PANX3 levels were lower, which seemed to help prevent the formation and growth of precancerous lesions; specifically, 100% of mice without PANX3 developed precancerous growths. Understanding the roles of these proteins is important because it opens up potential new ways to treat or manage advanced skin cancer. Who this helps: Patients with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

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This study focused on the occurrence of strokes in patients who received a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) between 2008 and 2021. Out of 172 patients, 12.8% (22 individuals) had a stroke after the surgery, with most strokes happening within the first week and primarily being ischemic types. Patients who suffered a stroke had worse outcomes, including lower chances of surviving long enough for a heart transplant and higher risks of dying with the device still implanted. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating heart failure patients with LVADs, as well as the patients themselves.

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Researchers studied how a nutrition program impacted intuitive eating in people with severe mental illness (SMI), who often struggle with unhealthy diets. They found that higher body mass index (BMI) and psychological distress were linked to poorer intuitive eating habits; specifically, those with higher BMI saw a decrease in their intuitive eating scores. After the program, improvements in body-food choice congruence (the alignment between how people feel about food and their actual eating habits) were noted in participants, highlighting the need for comprehensive nutritional support strategies. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals with severe mental illness and healthcare providers working to improve their dietary habits.

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This study examined the presence of harmful bacteria called Campylobacter in livers from chicken, beef, pork, and sheep in Irish slaughterhouses. The findings showed that 70% of chicken livers, 4.4% of beef, 16% of pork, and a surprising 80% of sheep livers contained these bacteria, with C. jejuni being the most common strain found. This research is important because it highlights that sheep liver, along with chicken, can be a significant source of foodborne infections, which could affect public health and food safety. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials by identifying potential sources of foodborne illness.

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This study looked at how a protein called Pannexin 1 (PANX1) interacts with a key signaling pathway (Hippo pathway) in skin cancer (melanoma). Researchers found that higher levels of PANX1 were linked to increased levels of another protein called YAP, which is important for cell growth. By blocking PANX1, they were able to lower YAP levels, suggesting that targeting PANX1 could be a promising approach for treating melanoma and potentially breast cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients with melanoma and breast cancer by suggesting new treatment options.

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This study looked at seven gene variants of a protein called Cx30.3, which are linked to a rare skin condition known as erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva (EKVP). Researchers found that while all variants could form connections between cells, some, like P61R, led to cell death and made the cells more "leaky." Understanding these variants helps clarify how they impact skin health, which is important for developing targeted treatments for this skin disorder. Who this helps: Patients with erythrokeratodermia variabilis et progressiva (EKVP).

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The study examined the long-term health effects of COVID-19 on people with diabetes compared to those without, focusing on outcomes 12 months after hospital discharge. It found that survivors with diabetes had worse physical health, including more fatigue, reduced physical ability, and poorer cognitive function than those without diabetes. This matters because it highlights the ongoing health challenges faced by people with diabetes after a COVID-19 hospitalization, underlining the need for targeted support and care. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at two methods for removing coins stuck in children's throats: one that uses general anesthesia and a tube to help with breathing, and another that uses a mask to help with breathing while directly extracting the coin with tools. The researchers found that the second method (using a straight laryngoscope) was faster, taking about 2.8 minutes compared to 13.8 minutes for the first method, and had no serious complications compared to two minor issues with the other method. This matters because a quicker and safer method can reduce the risks for children during these procedures. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families.

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This study looked at how boaters in a marina in New Zealand responded to the January 2022 tsunami caused by a volcanic eruption in Tonga, especially in the context of a severe weather warning at the same time. Researchers interviewed mariners and found that they were confused by the warnings, which did not clearly communicate important details like wave heights and arrival times. The findings highlight the need for better warnings that consider multiple hazards, ensuring mariners can take appropriate action to protect themselves and their boats. Who this helps: This helps mariners and coastal communities improve safety during natural disasters.

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This study looked at using a wireless, wearable ultrasound device to monitor blood flow in trauma patients. Researchers found that the device worked well in 94% of patients, successfully capturing important data that could indicate whether a patient is likely to need a blood transfusion based on their carotid artery flow time. Specifically, patients who received transfusions had lower blood flow indicators and faced more severe injuries, which can lead to longer hospital stays. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients by allowing doctors to quickly identify and respond to severe blood loss.

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This study looked at global migration patterns by analyzing data from three billion Facebook users to track how many people moved from one country to another. In 2022, they found that 39.1 million people migrated internationally, which is about 0.63% of the sampled countries' populations. The research shows how migration drastically dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic but then increased by 24% more than pre-pandemic levels, with migration from Ukraine rising tenfold due to the Russian invasion. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers and humanitarian organizations by providing timely data for better planning and response.

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The study looked at how dairy calves respond at the gene level when infected with a virus called bovine alphaherpesvirus one (BoHV-1), which causes serious respiratory issues in cattle. Researchers found 33 genes that showed changes in all the tissues they studied, such as lungs and lymph nodes, indicating a strong immune response; 26 of these genes were also present in the blood, linking them to the overall immune reaction. This research is important because it helps identify specific genes that could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat respiratory diseases in cattle. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians understand and manage bovine respiratory disease more effectively.

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This study examined how well ketorolac, a pain relief medication, works for children undergoing tonsil surgery, specifically looking at whether it causes more bleeding and how much pain relief it provides compared to not using it. The research included 1,594 children, with 743 receiving ketorolac and 851 not, and found there was no significant difference in postoperative bleeding (0.7% vs 1.4%), but the children who took ketorolac spent about 13% less time in recovery and needed significantly less opioid pain medication (3.7 vs 5.3 mg of morphine equivalents). These findings are important because they show that ketorolac can safely reduce the need for opioids and help speed recovery after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy and their caregivers.

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This study investigated whether two types of dietary support—pre-prepared meals and meal kits—could help people with schizophrenia improve their nutrition and overall health. Eighteen participants were included and tried all three options: pre-prepared meals, meal kits, and supermarket vouchers over a 12-week period. The goal is to see if these dietary interventions are manageable and well-received, as good nutrition is crucial for improving health outcomes, especially since people with schizophrenia often face health challenges and shorter life expectancies. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals with schizophrenia and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how antibiotics were used in a community pharmacy in North West South Africa over a period of two and a half years. They found that out of 10,468 prescriptions, most (56.5%) were for "Access" antibiotics, with azithromycin being the most commonly dispensed at 1,849 times. The findings highlight the need for better guidelines in antibiotic prescribing to help fight against the growing issue of drug resistance. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers benefit from improved antibiotic prescribing practices.

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This study looked at how well the Royal Marsden Hospital Stereotactic Radiosurgery Survival Score (RMH-SSS) predicted survival for patients with brain metastases treated with a specific type of targeted radiation called stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). They analyzed data from 242 patients and found that those with higher RMH-SSS scores lived longer, with a median overall survival of 15.4 months; patients with scores between 6 and 11 had a 78% lower risk of dying compared to those with scores between 0 and 2. This matters because the RMH-SSS can help doctors pick the right patients for this treatment, potentially improving outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with brain metastases.

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This study looked at how community pharmacies in South Africa can help provide HIV services, which are hard to access through public healthcare. It found that while there are legal frameworks allowing pharmacists to play a bigger role—such as starting and managing HIV treatment—the process can be complicated and needs improvement. For example, telehealth has made remote consultations easier, but more changes in legislation are needed to unlock the full ability of pharmacies to support HIV patients. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV by making treatment more accessible.

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This study looked at whether healthcare providers in Queensland, Australia, support screening newborns for familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic condition that leads to high cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. Out of 69 healthcare professionals surveyed, there was strong backing for such screening, with benefits like early diagnosis and family planning noted. However, concerns about costs, genetic discrimination, and potential impacts on families were also highlighted. Who this helps: This helps newborns and their families by potentially providing early detection and treatment of a serious health condition.

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This study looked at how using single sign-on and access management (SSO/AM) systems in hospitals in the UK and Ireland affects clinicians' login times and overall work efficiency. It found that implementing SSO/AM saved clinicians an average of 316 hours per year, equating to a financial benefit of around 54.1 million GBP (or 1.2 million USD) per hospital each year. This matters because the time clinicians save from logging in can be redirected towards patient care, improving both efficiency and patient privacy. Who this helps: This helps clinicians and ultimately benefits patients by giving doctors more time to focus on care.

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This study looked at unexpected health issues found during lung cancer screening among veterans using low-dose CT scans. They found that out of 444 scans reviewed, 40% had significant findings, while radiologists marked only 35 scans as clinically important, indicating a gap in communication about what needs attention. This matters because better reporting and management of these incidental findings can improve patient care and ensure that important health issues aren't overlooked. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing lung cancer screening.

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This study looked at how well a system called the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) worked to monitor patients being treated at home instead of in a hospital. Out of 502 patients, 443 (about 88%) were successfully treated at home, and only 58 (about 11.5%) needed to go back to the hospital, which happened safely with no fatal outcomes afterward. This is important because it shows that patients can receive effective care at home, helping to ease hospital overcrowding and improving their overall experience. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing hospital care, doctors managing their treatment, and the healthcare system by reducing bed shortages.

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This study looked at how augmented reality (AR) technology can improve surgeries for the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull. In the procedure involving five patients, the use of AR helped place surgical instruments more accurately, especially for the first entry point. This accuracy is important because it may lead to better outcomes in TMJ surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits both patients undergoing TMJ surgery and the surgeons performing these procedures.

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This study looked at how well an oral medication called berotralstat works for preventing attacks in young children (ages 2 to under 12) with hereditary angioedema (HAE), a rare genetic disorder that causes severe swelling. Researchers found that HAE attacks were reduced from an average of about 1 attack every four weeks while on standard treatment to none at all for many children during the first few weeks of taking berotralstat, with most patients experiencing no attacks at all after this time. This is important because it provides a new, easier treatment option for young children who previously had to take injections. Who this helps: This helps young patients with hereditary angioedema and their families.

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This study focused on using augmented reality (AR) technology to assist in surgeries involving the face and neck, aiming to improve surgical planning and execution. Researchers evaluated 33 surgeries performed with a new AR navigation system, finding that it offered real-time 3D views of the surgical area and helped surgeons identify important structures during operations. This technology has significant advantages over traditional methods, such as better visualization and improved tracking of surgical instruments. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and patients undergoing craniomaxillofacial and head and neck surgeries.

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The study looked at how a new framework for physical health care helped staff in a large public mental health service provide better physical health support to people with mental illnesses. Over a year, while staff confidence in addressing physical health didn’t change significantly, the actual provision of physical health services increased significantly, with a notable improvement in physical health assessments and interventions. This matters because improving physical health care can lead to better overall health outcomes for people with mental illnesses. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health issues by ensuring they receive better physical health care.

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This study looked at how well local institutions in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, were able to provide water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services due to the large number of displaced people in the area. The researchers found that many stakeholders lacked knowledge of national WASH policies and that poor coordination between different organizations led to ineffective service delivery. These issues show a clear need for better planning and resource management to support sustainable WASH services in the community. Who this helps: This helps local institutions, healthcare workers, and communities in Cox's Bazar.

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This study looked at how to improve cancer care by using specific guidelines and measurements for oncology navigation, which helps patients navigate their treatment options. Researchers identified 35 key metrics, highlighting five that all navigation programs should use. They found that having clear standards and metrics is important for ensuring these programs work effectively and that they can lead to better health outcomes and cost savings in cancer care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers involved in cancer treatment.

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This study looked at a protein called Cx31.1, which normally helps cells communicate with each other through structures called gap junctions. Researchers found that Cx31.1 alone does not successfully form these structures but can work better when mixed with another protein called Cx43. When Cx31.1 was combined with Cx43, it improved the formation of gap junctions, which enhances cell communication. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with skin conditions related to cell communication issues, as well as doctors working in dermatology.

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This study looked at how using smartwatches could help people with severe mental illnesses by tracking important health data like sleep and heart rate. In four young patients aged 19 to 24, changes in their watch data hinted that two of them might be heading for a relapse before they actually needed to be hospitalized, and using this information led to better treatment for the patients. This matters because it shows that smartwatches can be useful tools in mental health care. Who this helps: Patients with severe mental illness and their doctors.

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Researchers developed a calculator to help identify a specific type of diabetes called Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY) in children when they are first diagnosed with diabetes. They analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that their new tool could accurately predict MODY in 96% of cases, especially when the likelihood of having MODY was over 1.3%. This is important because it will save time and money by focusing genetic tests on children who are most likely to have MODY, ensuring they receive the correct diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: Patients diagnosed with diabetes and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new surgical method for fixing fractures in the frontal bone, which is a common type of facial fracture. The researchers developed a "zig-zag" cut through the eyebrow that not only prevents noticeable scars but also provides good access to the injury, compared to traditional techniques that often leave visible marks and have other risks. This matters because it can improve both cosmetic results and recovery for patients with these types of fractures. Who this helps: Patients with frontal bone fractures.

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This study examined how a protein called Pannexin 1 (PANX1) interacts with a signaling pathway linked to tumor growth in melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Researchers found that higher levels of PANX1 in melanoma cells corresponded with increased levels of a protein called YAP, which is known to promote cancer development. They also discovered that inhibiting PANX1 reduced YAP levels, suggesting that targeting PANX1 might be a promising treatment strategy for melanoma. Who this helps: This benefits patients with melanoma as it opens doors for new treatment options.

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This study focused on creating best practice guidelines for managing malignant skin wounds, which can be particularly challenging for patients with cancer. The task force, made up of nursing specialists from across Canada, developed 23 recommendations to help healthcare professionals improve patient care and quality of life, especially as more people survive cancer and develop these wounds. These guidelines also emphasize the importance of respecting patients' cultural backgrounds in treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with malignant cutaneous wounds and their caregivers.

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This study examined the effects of an online health program called ElderTree on older adults with multiple chronic health conditions. Researchers found that after 12 months, those using ElderTree reported better mental quality of life than those who did not use the program, with 76.1% of users continuing the program throughout the year. However, there were no significant improvements in physical quality of life or feelings of loneliness. This matters because enhancing mental well-being can lead to better overall health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

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This study looked at a new way to measure how much mental effort a person is using while working in a virtual reality flight simulator, using brain activity and eye movement. The researchers found that their method achieved a strong correlation score of 0.84 when compared to actual flight performance data, meaning it accurately estimated workload. This is important because it can lead to more effective pilot training systems by tailoring the training to individual needs. Who this helps: This helps pilots and flight instructors.

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This study looked at 25 websites in South Africa that claimed to sell medicines online to see if they followed the country's rules. It found that 22 of the websites were legal and required a prescription for certain medicines, but only 5 showed the necessary registration number, and 10 displayed the name of the responsible pharmacist. The research highlights the need to keep an eye on these websites to ensure safe online medicine sales since not all of them followed the law. Who this helps: This helps patients looking to purchase medicines online safely.

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This study compared two blood thinners, apixaban and warfarin, to see which is better for patients with a specific type of mechanical heart valve called the On-X aortic valve. Researchers found that patients taking apixaban experienced more complications, with 20 out of 863 having serious blood clots, compared to only 6 patients on warfarin. This matters because it shows that warfarin is safer and more effective than apixaban for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with an On-X mechanical aortic valve and their doctors when deciding on treatment options.