GEORGE S. EDWARDS JR., M.D.

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This study introduced CranioFix, an augmented-reality training tool designed to help surgeons learn how to treat complex facial injuries. It was tested with 15 surgeons and trainees who reported feeling much more confident in handling these injuries after using the tool, with confidence scores increasing from 3.2 to 6.3 out of 10. The educational content was also well-received, with participants rating it highly for usefulness and interactivity, making CranioFix a promising option for surgical training, especially in challenging environments. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons and medical trainees focusing on facial surgery, especially in resource-limited situations.

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This study looked at how Christian climate activists in the UK are changing the way they express their beliefs about climate change. It found that while many Christians think of themselves as "stewards" of the Earth who protect creation, groups focused on activism are increasingly framing their work as "prophetic," which adds a sense of urgency and calls for political action. This shift is important because it shows how a significant portion of the global population, which includes one-third of all Christians, can be mobilized to take stronger action against climate change. Who this helps: This helps patients, community members, and environmental advocates by strengthening the role of faith-based groups in climate activism.

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This study explored ways to successfully recruit teenagers for a research trial focused on helping them quit vaping. The researchers managed to enroll 1,681 participants aged 13-17 using online methods, mainly through Instagram, and it cost about $148 for each participant. This effective approach is important because it sets a precedent for how to conduct research with young people on sensitive health topics where traditional methods might not work. Who this helps: This helps researchers and health professionals working with adolescents.

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This study looked at how a smartphone app called GeoPass helps individuals recently released from jail manage their health and access services to reduce their risk of HIV and drug overdose. Researchers interviewed 19 men who have sex with men and three peer mentors, finding that users liked the app's features for tracking progress and earning rewards while receiving peer support. The results show that combining digital tools with peer mentoring can improve reintegration into society and address critical health needs. Who this helps: This helps individuals recently released from jail, particularly those at risk of HIV and substance use issues.

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Researchers studied the role of certain fats called phospholipids in glaucoma, a condition that can lead to blindness. They found that people with glaucoma have higher levels of an enzyme called PSD, which raises eye pressure, and reducing this enzyme lowers eye pressure in mice. The study also identified specific types of phospholipids that are changed in people with glaucoma, pointing to issues with how these fats are transported in the eye. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma by providing insights that may lead to new treatments.

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Researchers examined a case of a 70-year-old woman who initially showed signs of a heart attack but was actually suffering from a severe blood clot in her lungs, known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). Despite her negative D-dimer test (a test commonly used to rule out PE), imaging showed serious problems with her heart and blood vessels, confirming the PE, and she was treated successfully with a clot-busting medication. This case highlights the importance of being cautious when diagnosing chest pain, especially in older patients, as PE can mimic other conditions and may be missed if only relying on standard tests. Who this helps: This helps doctors and emergency medical teams in diagnosing patients with chest pain.

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This study focused on improving how nurses conduct and document preanesthesia interviews to ensure that all charges are captured correctly. After implementing a new training program, nurse knowledge about these interviews rose from about 83% to 97%, and documentation accuracy improved from about 93% to 96%. This led to a dramatic drop in monthly revenue losses due to incorrect charge capturing, from nearly $2,963 to just $1,078. Who this helps: This helps hospitals and healthcare facilities improve their revenue, ensuring they receive appropriate payments for services provided.

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This study examined how a brain stimulation technique called transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) affects learning, particularly during challenging mental tasks. Researchers found that when participants received tRNS, there was a significant increase in brain activity in key areas related to attention, which led to better performance on tasks; specifically, the brain activity stayed strong even when participants were fatigued from the exercises. This matters because it shows that tRNS can keep the brain engaged and improve learning outcomes during demanding cognitive training. Who this helps: This benefits patients and individuals seeking to improve their focus and cognitive abilities, as well as doctors looking to enhance therapeutic approaches for attention-related issues.

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This study looked at the challenges that children with medulloblastoma face in getting a specific type of radiation treatment, called proton craniospinal irradiation (proton-CSI), at a rural hospital. Researchers found that out of 18 patients, only three received proton-CSI, and all of them were Caucasian, suggesting that there may be social and geographic barriers that affect access to this treatment for non-Caucasian patients. Understanding these barriers is important because it can help healthcare providers find ways to improve treatment access for these vulnerable children. Who this helps: Patients with medulloblastoma and their families.

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This study looked at how focusing attention on one side of our vision affects performance on the opposite side. Researchers found that when participants focused their attention for 30 minutes, their performance improved in the side they were not paying attention to; specifically, they saw a 15-20% boost in their ability to notice things. However, when the right side of the brain was stimulated, this improvement disappeared, suggesting that the left and right sides of the brain play different roles in managing attention. Who this helps: This information can help patients recovering from brain injuries or disorders that affect attention.

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This study looked at whether joining singing groups after pulmonary rehabilitation could help people with chronic lung diseases feel better and improve their health. Out of 838 patients who completed rehabilitation, 64 participated in the trial, with a high completion rate among those singing (94%) compared to standard care (91%). The feedback was very positive, suggesting that a larger trial could be helpful to confirm these benefits and improve the care for lung disease patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic respiratory conditions.

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This study looked at how doctors view prescribing medications for patients with heart failure, specifically focusing on new treatments that follow clinical guidelines. Researchers found that from 708 studies, 23 provided insights about doctors’ perspectives, revealing that fears about side effects, unclear responsibilities among different types of doctors, and patient health complications made prescribing difficult, while awareness of medication benefits and support from colleagues helped. Understanding these views helps improve how medications are given to heart failure patients, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Who this helps: This benefits heart failure patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at what hospitalized patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) want from their healthcare teams in terms of communication and care. Researchers interviewed 21 patients and found that they highly value clear, frequent communication, as well as empathy and understanding from their doctors, which helps build trust. Specifically, patients reported that positive experiences came from being involved in their care decisions and having their personal stories acknowledged. Who this helps: This benefits patients with opioid use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how heart failure is managed in a hospital setting by reviewing the care given to 213 elderly patients who were admitted for heart failure treatment. The researchers found that although many patients had ongoing health issues, only a small percentage received recommended medications. Specifically, just 2.1% of patients with preserved ejection fraction received an important medicine to improve heart function, and 30-day readmission rates were at 19.2%. This matters because it shows that many patients are not getting the best possible treatment, which could lead to worse health outcomes and higher chances of being readmitted to the hospital. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure and their doctors improve management and treatment plans.

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This study looked at how well adults with spinal cord injuries or disorders understand health information and manage their health. It included 2,471 participants and found that most had good health literacy, which was linked to higher education and better physical and mental health. Understanding health literacy in this group is important because it can improve health behaviors and outcomes, but more research is needed to explore this area further. Who this helps: Patients with spinal cord injuries or disorders and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined Transnational Medical Education Programs, which allow students to train for their medical degrees in one country while planning to practice in another. Researchers reviewed 12 studies and found that these programs can increase the number of trained healthcare workers and improve local education standards, but they also identified problems such as mismatched curricula and language barriers that can hinder graduates' readiness for real-world practice. Understanding these issues is important because it helps improve the training of future doctors, ensuring they provide safe and effective care wherever they work. Who this helps: This helps medical students and healthcare systems in different countries.

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This study looked at how age and sex affect vision and the structure of the retina in mice, particularly focusing on common eye conditions that worsen as animals age. Researchers found that male and female mice showed different types of visual impairment: for example, female mice had less sensitivity to fine details, while male mice had slower retinal responses and significant thinning in certain retinal layers as their vision declined. These findings help us understand how aging impacts vision differently in males and females, which can inform better treatments in the future. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers understand gender differences in eye health and improve care for aging patients.

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This study looked at how young and mature leaves of a unique plant called Binertia use different genes for photosynthesis. Researchers found that in young leaves, genes linked to cell growth were more active, while mature leaves showed stronger activity in genes important for photosynthesis. This discovery is significant because it helps us understand how we can improve crops to be more efficient in capturing carbon, which is important for growing food and other resources more sustainably. Who this helps: This research can benefit farmers and scientists working to develop more resilient and productive crops.

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This study looked at how negative experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, affect teenagers' ability to quit vaping. Out of 1,248 teenage e-cigarette users, over 90% reported having at least one negative experience, and those who had four or more were 20% less likely to quit vaping in the following seven months compared to those with fewer experiences. Each additional instance of abuse decreased the chances of quitting by 7%. Understanding this connection is important because it can help improve programs designed to help young people stop using e-cigarettes. Who this helps: This helps adolescents trying to quit vaping, along with doctors and counselors supporting them.

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This study investigated whether a type of brain stimulation called high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) could improve how people process motion. The researchers aimed to replicate previous findings that suggested this stimulation enhanced motion perception but found no improvement; specifically, they reported no difference in motion processing when using hf-tRNS compared to a dummy treatment. This is important because it challenges earlier beliefs about the effectiveness of this method for boosting brain function in specific areas. Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals understand the limitations of brain stimulation techniques.

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This study focused on creating a new tool called TOMAT to help visually impaired people navigate the internet more effectively. The researchers worked with users and experts to develop TOMAT, which allows users to interact with webpage structures through touch and sound, making it easier to understand and navigate online content. Participants found that TOMAT improved their ability to comprehend webpage layouts, enhancing their overall internet experience, which is important for fostering independence and participation in the digital world. Who this helps: This benefits visually impaired internet users and the professionals who support them.

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This study examined how living in rural areas affects women’s choices after they have an unintended pregnancy. It found that women in rural areas are more likely to carry their unintended pregnancies to term, with several factors influencing their decisions, such as limited access to abortion services, cultural beliefs, and societal pressures. It's important because understanding these factors can help improve support and care for rural women facing unintended pregnancies. Who this helps: This helps rural women and health care professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected children with cancer who need radiation therapy, particularly in rural areas. It found that after the pandemic began, the number of rural patients traveling for radiation therapy increased by 4.5 times, and more of these patients were diagnosed with brain and other non-blood cancers. Understanding these challenges is crucial to improving care and outcomes for children with cancer in rural regions. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families living in rural areas.

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This study investigated whether a type of brain stimulation called high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation (hf-tRNS) could improve our ability to process motion in the visual field. The researchers found that, in their group of 42 participants, hf-tRNS did not enhance motion discrimination compared to a fake stimulation or stimulation elsewhere, suggesting that this method doesn't work as previously thought. This matters because effective brain stimulation techniques could potentially help individuals with motion processing issues, but this study challenges the belief that hf-tRNS is a valid tool for that purpose. Who this helps: Patients with motion processing disorders.

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This study aimed to find out what research topics are most important to people affected by silicosis, including patients, workers at risk, and health professionals. Out of 164 survey respondents, they identified 47 key research areas, with the top priorities being effective treatment options, better screening methods, and improving workplace safety regulations. This matters because addressing these priorities can lead to better health outcomes and support for those living with silicosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with silicosis, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This research looked at how students aged 12-15 in Canada felt about using hydroponic shipping container farms (HSCFs) for learning and growing food. Students shared their experiences by taking photos, which showed that while the high-tech look of the farms attracted interest, many students struggled to engage with them due to their small size and safety concerns. The study highlighted that major changes to the design of HSCFs are necessary to make them effective tools for education. Who this helps: This helps students and educators looking for effective ways to teach about food production and sustainability.

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This study looked at how a new classification system can help identify specific heart issues in patients with durable left ventricular assist devices (dLVADs). Among 183 patients, about 29% experienced right heart failure and 16% had aortic insufficiency within 24 months after getting the device. These findings are important because the classification system can help doctors predict and manage these serious complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart devices and their doctors.

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This study looked at young people using e-cigarettes and cannabis to understand how many could stop using both substances after receiving support from a text message program. Among teenagers, 31.7% who participated in the program managed to quit both vaping and cannabis, compared to only 15.6% of young adults. The results showed that the program was particularly effective for teens, who had a 38.5% success rate in quitting both compared to only 25% for those who didn't get the support. Who this helps: Young people trying to quit vaping and cannabis.

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This study looked at how well adults understand health information and how that connects to their ability to use online health resources. Researchers found that there is a slight positive link between overall health literacy and eHealth literacy, with a correlation of 0.29, meaning that as one increases, so does the other. This matters because understanding both health literacy and eHealth literacy can help improve health outcomes, especially as more patients look for information online. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by improving access to health information.

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This study looked at why young people want to quit vaping by comparing their reasons in 2022 to those in 2019. They found that while health concerns remained the top reason (56.1%), there was a noticeable increase in worries about mental health and a decrease in concerns about the cost of vaping. This shows that as vaping trends change, so do the motivations for quitting, highlighting the need for targeted support and policies to help young people stop vaping. Who this helps: This helps young people trying to quit vaping and the adults supporting them.

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This study compared two treatments for depression in patients with heart failure: behavioral activation psychotherapy (BA) and antidepressant medications (MEDS). Both treatments significantly reduced depressive symptoms by about 50% after one year, with BA showing slightly better results in physical health, fewer emergency room visits, and shorter hospital stays. This is important because it gives heart failure patients a choice in how they manage their depression, which can improve their overall quality of life. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure and depression.

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This study looked at a specific gene called SORL1, which is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers examined a family where both parents had dementia and all five children developed AD between the ages of 53 and 74. They found a genetic change (called p.(Arg953Cys)) in the SORL1 gene in five family members with AD, which was linked to severe disease and problems with how the protein created by this gene functions in brain cells. Understanding this genetic variant could help researchers figure out how certain changes in genes contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for Alzheimer's disease and their families as well as researchers studying the condition.

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This study looked at the care provided to mothers and newborns in three hospitals in western Uganda and how it relates to the number of deaths around the time of birth. Out of 872 women studied, there were 19 perinatal deaths, resulting in a mortality rate of 22 out of every 1,000 births, which is lower than the national average. It was found that better monitoring of the baby during pregnancy was linked to fewer deaths, highlighting the need to improve prenatal care services to save more lives. Who this helps: This benefits expectant mothers and their babies, healthcare providers, and hospital systems focused on maternal and neonatal health.

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This research studied how pharmacists participated in hospital ward rounds during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing telehealth rounds to in-person visits. They found that pharmacists involved in telehealth managed more tasks, averaging 6.7 activities per patient per day, compared to 4.9 for those present physically. This is important because it shows that telehealth can maintain and even enhance pharmacy services for patients during health crises. Who this helps: Patients receiving care in hospitals.

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This study examined the effects of factors like location, patient demographics, and treatment methods on the outcomes of patients with a rare cancer called Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumors (MMMT). Researchers analyzed data from over 3,300 patients and found that treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy significantly improved survival rates. Specifically, patients who received these treatments had better chances of living longer, while factors like age and where they lived also affected their prognosis. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with MMMTs and their doctors, guiding better treatment decisions.

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This study looked at the thickness and design features of cranial implants that are used after skull surgeries. Researchers analyzed 206 clinical implants, finding that the average thickness was about 6.0 mm, which is similar to the thickness of the skull on the opposite side. The study also revealed that training data used in design automation lacked sufficient representation of these clinical implants, which could affect how well future automated design methods work. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and medical professionals involved in creating personalized treatment options for patients undergoing skull surgery.

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This study looked at how effective CT scans can be in measuring bone healing after surgery by comparing the CT results with actual tissue samples from sheep. The researchers found a strong connection between the density measurements from the CT scans and the percentage of new bone growth seen in the tissue samples, with a correlation score of 0.623, indicating that more dense areas on the CT scans usually meant more healing. This is important because better monitoring of bone healing can lead to quicker treatment decisions, improving recovery outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients recovering from bone surgery.

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This study looked at how certain heart medications called RAAS inhibitors affect patients with advanced heart failure who are using a left ventricular assist device (a type of heart pump). Researchers found that 76% of patients were prescribed RAAS inhibitors after six months, and those who received these medications had a much lower risk of hospitalization or death from heart problems—about 69% lower compared to those who did not receive them. This is important because it highlights that using RAAS inhibitors can significantly improve health outcomes for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with advanced heart failure on a left ventricular assist device.

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This study focused on finding genetic targets that could help treat diseases by analyzing a large amount of genetic data. Researchers developed a new tool called Mantis-ML 2.0 that improved the accuracy of determining the relationship between genes and diseases, achieving a score of 0.90 in accuracy across 5,220 diseases, which is a 6.9% improvement over previous methods. This is important because it helps identify which genes are linked to specific diseases, potentially leading to better treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with genetic disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at why some patients complete pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs while others do not. Out of 187 patients surveyed, 62 responded, and the main reasons for completing the program were a desire to improve health and wellbeing (63% mentioned this) and the positive influence of staff (55%). These findings highlight the importance of promoting the benefits of PR and ensuring skilled staff are involved to keep patients motivated. Who this helps: This helps patients with lung conditions and healthcare providers involved in pulmonary rehabilitation.

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This study looked at how general physicians in Australia and New Zealand view the use of a new heart failure medication called SGLT2 inhibitors. Out of 98 doctors surveyed, 23.5% often prescribe these drugs for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, while 57.1% use them rarely for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The main concerns preventing them from prescribing were patient complexity, medication costs, and worries about side effects, particularly diabetic ketoacidosis, which made 48% of doctors hesitant to use SGLT2 inhibitors. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure by highlighting the need for support and education for their doctors.

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This study focused on creating a new questionnaire to assess anxiety in people with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities, especially those who have limited communication skills. Researchers developed the Clinical Anxiety Scale for People with Intellectual Disabilities, which was filled out by parents of 311 individuals aged 4 and older. The results showed that the questionnaire effectively identifies anxiety (accounting for 26.3% of score differences), and it performed consistently well across various groups, including those with autism. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and their families, as well as the caregivers and doctors who support them.

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This study looked at a text message program designed to help teenagers quit using e-cigarettes. Among the 1,503 participants, 37.8% who received the text messages stopped vaping after seven months, compared to 28.0% in the group that only received basic check-in messages. This matters because it shows that using a tailored text message program can effectively support adolescents in quitting vaping, potentially reducing the long-term harms of nicotine. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers who want to quit vaping and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how a new assignment called community asset mapping, where medical students identify local resources that can help patients, impacts their experience during psychiatry training. Researchers interviewed 27 people, including students and clinical tutors, and found that most students felt the assignment deepened their understanding of psychiatry and helped them connect with patients and their communities. The students and clinical team members noted that while it was challenging, it enhanced their relationships and overall learning experience, reinforcing the value of community resources in patient care. Who this helps: This benefits medical students and their instructors by improving their understanding of the link between patients and community support.

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This study looked at how young people responded to joining an online community on Discord as part of a vaping cessation program called "This is Quitting." Out of 319 invited participants, 57.4% joined the Discord group, and those who actively engaged with it reported a 9% increase in their confidence to quit vaping. However, the study found that this engagement did not lead to a significant difference in actual quitting rates. Who this helps: Young people trying to quit vaping.

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This research looked at how videolaryngoscopy, a technique that uses a camera to help doctors see a baby's airway, can improve the safety and success of intubation in newborns. The findings indicate that using videolaryngoscopy can be beneficial, especially for training new medical staff and ensuring the procedure is performed correctly. This matters because it can lead to better outcomes for vulnerable newborns who need intubation. Who this helps: Newborn patients and medical professionals involved in neonatal care.

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The study explored how technology could better support women's health by identifying areas of unmet needs. Researchers gathered input from both patients and healthcare professionals, compiling a list of 54 suggestions, and narrowing it down to the top 10 priorities which included better tools for managing pelvic pain, prolapse care, and support for menstruation and breastfeeding. This matters because addressing these priorities can lead to improved health outcomes and experiences for women at different stages of life. Who this helps: Women facing health issues related to pelvic pain, pregnancy, menstruation, and breastfeeding.

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This study looked at young people (ages 13-24) trying to quit vaping and found that those actively seeking treatment used e-cigarettes more often and were more dependent on nicotine compared to a wider group of young people wanting to quit. Specifically, the treatment-seeking participants had higher psychological distress and reported more frequent e-cigarette use, showing that current programs might not effectively reach those with lower dependence. This is important because it indicates that vaping cessation programs need to be better tailored to engage a larger number of young users who want to quit. Who this helps: Young people trying to quit vaping.