DR. GEORGE V. RUSSELL JR., M.D.

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This study looked at how doctors and patients discuss medications for dementia during appointments. Researchers recorded and analyzed 14 clinical sessions and interviewed 23 patients and their supporters, along with 5 healthcare providers. They found that both patients and doctors often feel uncertain about the benefits and risks of these medications, especially for more vulnerable patients; this uncertainty heavily influences decisions about whether to use them. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families by improving the decision-making process around dementia medications.

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This study looked at two methods for collecting samples from bones suspected of infection (osteomyelitis) during surgery. Researchers analyzed data from 103 patients and found that bone swab cultures were positive 40.5% of the time, while bone tissue cultures were positive 32% of the time. This suggests that swab cultures are more effective at detecting infections, which is important for getting the right treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with possible bone infections and their doctors.

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This study looked at how long women should wait before having vaginal intercourse after surgery for stress urinary incontinence, comparing a 2-week wait to the usual 6-week wait. The researchers found that 66% of the women who waited 2 weeks and 68% of those who waited 6 weeks were satisfied with their ability to resume sexual activity, showing that both groups had similar satisfaction levels. Additionally, more women preferred to resume intercourse at 2 weeks (13%) compared to those who preferred the standard 6-week wait (43%), indicating that many women find the shorter wait more appealing. Who this helps: This research benefits women undergoing sling surgery for urinary incontinence by providing options for their recovery and sexual health.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a survey tool called the Adult Primary Care Assessment Tool Short Form (PCAT-S) to measure patient experiences in Australian primary care. Out of 715 participants with chronic conditions or over the age of 65, some parts of the tool worked well, particularly those related to initial visits, ongoing care, and the range of services provided; however, other parts did not perform as reliably. This tool could be useful for improving patient care in Australia, but it needs more testing and improvements to ensure it works well for everyone. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in Australian general practices.

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This study looked at how well hospitals communicate important health information about patients who were treated with a special life-support system called ECMO and then sent home. Out of 150 patients, 84% had a primary care doctor listed, and while most discharge summaries included basic details like the main diagnosis and medications, only 15.5% included specific recommendations for care after leaving the hospital. This is important because better communication can help primary care doctors provide the best possible support to these patients, who often face ongoing health challenges. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their primary care doctors.

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This study looked at electrolyzed water (EW), a solution made by treating saltwater, and its uses in preserving fruits and vegetables after harvest. The findings show that EW can effectively stop the growth of harmful microbes, prevent produce from browning, extend shelf life, and help remove pesticide residues. This research matters because it highlights a sustainable way to improve food safety and quality in the food industry. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, food producers, and consumers looking for safer and fresher produce.

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This study looked at how quality of life differs between older men and women in Australia, focusing on factors like physical health, mental health, and social influences. It found that while women generally reported better overall health, they scored lower than men in areas like physical functioning, vitality, and mental health, with an average difference of 0.03 on the quality of life scale. The main reasons for these differences were pain and depression, which could be treated to help improve women's quality of life. Who this helps: This helps older women, doctors, and healthcare providers focused on improving mental and physical health.

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This study looked at how important it is for healthcare practitioners to be involved in creating and assessing data-driven decision-support tools used in medicine. The researchers reviewed 165 publications and found that only 32 offered guidance on including healthcare practitioners, revealing that many frameworks don't address their role effectively. Notably, while 23 frameworks made recommendations for HCP involvement, nine frameworks didn’t mention any, indicating a gap in expert clinical input during critical phases of development. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare practitioners and patients who rely on effective decision-making tools in their care.

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This study looked at a serious outbreak linked to alcohol-free skin cleansing wipes in the UK from 2018 to 2026, which caused 59 confirmed infections, including one death. The wipes were found to be non-sterile and did not have the proper medical approval, posing a risk to patients, especially those with other health issues. Despite stopping the sale of these products, the outbreak persisted, showing that similar risks could exist in other countries. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers by highlighting safety concerns with skin cleansing products.

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This study looked at how older Greek patients in Australia, who have limited English skills, communicate with their doctors. Researchers interviewed ten patients and two caregivers, finding that effective communication depends on having a comfortable and accessible environment and various ways of sharing information. They discovered that these patients have specific preferences for communication methods, often influenced by their age and English proficiency. Who this helps: This benefits older Greek patients seeking healthcare and their doctors by improving communication and care quality.

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The study looked at young adult cancer survivors and how well they followed health guidelines for smoking, diet, exercise, and alcohol use, comparing them to similar people without a cancer history. The researchers found that only 63% of cancer survivors avoided cigarettes, while 29% ate enough fruits and vegetables, and just 55% exercised regularly. Importantly, cancer survivors were less likely to avoid smoking compared to others, but more likely to meet fruit and vegetable and exercise recommendations, showing that confidence in one's ability to make healthy choices played a big role in their success. Who this helps: This information benefits cancer survivors by highlighting the importance of building confidence in making healthy lifestyle choices.

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This study looked at how food insecurity affects children with cancer and blood disorders who are hospitalized. Out of 325 caregivers surveyed, 60 children (about 18.6%) faced food insecurity while being admitted for treatment. Those with food insecurity had longer hospital stays (an average of 3.9 days compared to 2.6 days) and were more likely to be readmitted—1.4 times more likely—highlighting the significant impact of food access on their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps children with cancer and their families, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new online program called ProHealth designed to help men with prostate cancer who are undergoing hormone therapy improve their eating and exercise habits. Over 12 weeks, 50 men will either follow this program, which includes personalized diet and exercise plans, or receive standard care. Early results will help researchers understand how feasible and effective the program is, especially in making positive changes to weight, quality of life, and physical activity. Who this helps: This helps men with prostate cancer trying to manage the side effects of their treatment.

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This study looked at how the Karuk Tribe is trying to restore their traditional fire management practices after a significant wildfire in 2020 that destroyed 157,000 acres of their land. Researchers conducted interviews with 13 Tribal members and discovered that their efforts are hindered by laws that criminalize their fire stewardship, along with federal management practices, making their land more vulnerable to severe fires. The findings show that supporting Indigenous fire management is crucial for better adapting to climate change and ensuring the safety and health of their communities. Who this helps: This helps Indigenous communities and environmental advocates working on fire management and climate adaptation.

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This study looked at how well the UCLP-PRIMROSE program, designed to improve physical health for people with severe mental illnesses, could be implemented in the UK's National Health Service (NHS). Researchers evaluated the program in 24 general practices and found that while it had some success and all teams wanted to continue using it, challenges like limited resources and inconsistent delivery were significant barriers. To effectively expand this program, it needs to be simplified and more resources are required. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness who need better physical health care.

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This study looked at how the delivery of health messages affects people's willingness to follow COVID-19 safety guidelines. It found that using animations, instead of a person speaking directly to the camera, led to a greater intention among participants to engage in safe behaviors, with a small but significant difference (those exposed to animations were more positive about their intentions). The findings highlight the need for tailored health messages for different groups, as what works for one group may not work for another. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and organizations aiming to communicate effectively with vulnerable populations.

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This study looked at liraglutide, a diabetes drug, to see if it could help people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. After treating 204 participants with liraglutide or a placebo for a year, the researchers found that while there was no significant change in brain glucose metabolism, those on liraglutide did show improvement in certain cognitive tasks compared to those on the placebo. This matters because it indicates that liraglutide might help with cognitive function, even if it doesn't affect brain metabolism directly. Who this helps: This helps patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

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This study looked at the outcomes of patients with abdominal tumors who underwent a specific type of surgery (cytoreductive surgery) combined with heated chemotherapy, focusing on those who also had part of their stomach (gastrectomy) removed. Out of nearly 1,900 patients, about 8% had gastrectomy, and those patients experienced more complications, longer hospital stays, and higher rates of death within 30 days after surgery compared to those who did not have gastrectomy, with rates of 30% severe complications and 17% mortality in major gastrectomy cases. However, the type of gastrectomy did not affect overall survival when considering other important factors like tumor characteristics and surgery outcomes. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare teams making treatment decisions for patients with abdominal tumors.

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Researchers created and tested a version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (known as MoCA) specifically for people with vision impairment. This new version, called MoCA-VI, uses spoken questions instead of written ones, allowing it to effectively screen for dementia. In tests with 128 participants who had vision issues, the MoCA-VI showed an impressive accuracy with 95.9% sensitivity, meaning it correctly identified most people with dementia, and 92.4% specificity, meaning it accurately ruled out those without dementia. Who this helps: This helps doctors and health professionals better assess cognitive health in older adults with vision impairment.

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This study looked at how virtual Schwartz Rounds helped healthcare workers cope with stress and burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between April 2021 and November 2023, nearly 2,700 people attended 28 virtual sessions, and over 500 participants reported feeling more connected and open about discussing their work. The results showed that these sessions improved well-being and collaboration among staff, highlighting their importance in supporting healthcare professionals. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare workers and improves patient care.

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This study looked at three types of surgery for treating upper tract cancer in the urinary system: open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery. It found that robotic surgery resulted in fewer complications and better cancer survival rates, with patients using this method being 2.5 times less likely to die from their cancer compared to those who had open surgery. Interestingly, patients who had robotic surgery were also more likely to meet quality measures for the surgery, called the tetrafecta. Who this helps: This helps patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma by highlighting safer and more effective surgical options.

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The study looked at how HealthPathways, a tool used in Australian general practice to improve patient care, is being adopted and used by healthcare providers. Researchers interviewed 43 people, including doctors and nurses, and found that while newer doctors find HealthPathways helpful, many experienced doctors are hesitant to use it due to time pressures and lack of awareness. To improve its use, the study highlights the need for better education, promotion, and integration of the system across different regions. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they receive better and more coordinated care from their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how long to keep special metal stents in place after treating a serious pancreas condition called walled-off necrosis. Researchers analyzed data from 104 patients and found that those with stents in place for more than 4 weeks had a higher percentage of complications (33% vs. 12% for those with stents less than 4 weeks) and needed fewer procedures overall. This matters because it suggests that customizing the timing of stent removal can lead to better patient outcomes without increasing the risk of complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with walled-off necrosis and their doctors by guiding treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how the timing of starting physical therapy affects how long workers with low back pain miss work. Researchers found that workers who began therapy within a week of their injury had a median disability duration of 8 weeks, while those who started therapy more than 30 days later were out of work for an average of about 35 weeks. These findings highlight the importance of starting physical therapy early to reduce the time workers are unable to work due to back pain. Who this helps: This benefits workers with low back pain and their employers.

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This study looked at the types of bacteria on surfaces in a physical therapy clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic and tested a new cleaning plan designed to improve hygiene. Initially, one type of bacteria made up nearly 50% of the total on surfaces. After implementing a specific cleaning routine, the diversity of bacteria increased, and this dominant bacteria’s presence dropped to just over 4%. This is important because it shows that targeted cleaning can reduce the risk of infections in healthcare settings. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by creating a safer clinic environment.

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This study looked at what factors influence whether patients new to opioid prescriptions receive weak or strong opioids in Australian primary care settings. Out of over 415,000 patients studied from 2018 to 2023, 17% started on strong opioids. The likelihood of being prescribed strong opioids increased significantly for older patients (over 80 years old), and those with pain from injuries or those who had been prescribed antipsychotics also had higher chances of receiving strong opioids. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better prescription decisions for patients starting opioid treatment.

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This study looked at the death rates of people with dementia who were admitted to specialized mental health wards for treatment. Researchers analyzed data from 576 patients over eight years and found that while deaths on these wards are uncommon, they increased from 3 deaths a year in 2013 to 13 in 2019. They also discovered a wide range in survival times, with patients living a median of 3.3 years after admission, but were unable to predict which patients were at the highest risk of dying based on clinical information. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with dementia and their families by highlighting the need for better end-of-life care planning.

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This study looked at how different patterns of reducing opioid doses affected emergency room visits and hospital admissions for mental health and substance use issues in patients in Victoria, Australia. Researchers tracked over 39,000 patients who had been on opioids for a long time and found that those who gradually reduced their doses faced a 35% higher chance of visiting the emergency room for mental health issues and a 57% increased risk of hospital admissions for substance use problems. These findings highlight the potential risks of changing opioid prescriptions and the need for careful management when reducing doses. Who this helps: This helps patients who are on long-term opioids, and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers, especially in primary care and oncology, feel about using data-driven decision support tools in their work. The interviews revealed that while doctors find these tools helpful for making decisions with patients, they still rely heavily on their own judgment. Many doctors also admitted they don't fully understand how these tools are created, which affects their trust in them. Who this helps: This benefits doctors who use these tools to assist their patients.

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This study looked at three surgical methods for treating kidney cancer that has spread to a blood vessel: open surgery, laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgery, and robotic surgery. It involved 392 patients, and while overall survival rates were similar across all methods, those who had robotic surgery had a significantly lower chance of remaining free from cancer spread, with a 30% risk of metastasis. Open surgery took the longest and involved more blood transfusions than robotic surgery, which was the quickest and had fewer transfusions. Who this helps: This research is useful for doctors deciding on the best surgical approach for kidney cancer patients.

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Researchers examined whether measuring total protein levels in lambs' blood can indicate if they properly received immune protection from their mothers after birth. They found that a total protein level of 6.8 g/dL can effectively identify lambs with inadequate immunity, achieving an 86.8% success rate in detecting those with low immunoglobulin G levels. This is important because ensuring lambs receive adequate immunity can help reduce illnesses and improve their overall health. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and veterinarians working with lambs.

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This study examined how listening to music affects anxiety and pain during a specific type of back pain procedure called lumbar medial branch blocks (LMBB) in 150 patients who were not sedated. Although the music didn't significantly lower pain or discomfort levels, it did help reduce anxiety for patients who tended to worry a lot about their pain. This matters because finding ways to help patients feel more relaxed during procedures can improve their overall experience. Who this helps: Patients receiving interventional pain procedures.

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This study looked at how to help patients in mental health facilities quit smoking and stay smoke-free after they leave. Researchers created a new support program for patients who smoke, which they tested against standard care to see how well it worked. They involved 64 participants and collected data at different times after discharge to understand the effectiveness of the program. Who this helps: This benefits patients with mental health issues who want to quit smoking.

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This study looked at whether patients who previously had low vitamin D levels were at risk of delayed healing after a specific foot surgery called first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis. Researchers found that out of 44 surgeries, only 2.3% had issues with healing, and patients who had their vitamin D levels raised to at least 20 ng/mL before surgery did not experience higher rates of healing problems. This is important because it shows that improving vitamin D levels before surgery does not negatively impact healing times, giving reassurance about the outcome for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who have a history of vitamin D deficiency and are undergoing foot surgery.

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This study looked at whether providing e-cigarettes could help people with mental illness quit smoking or reduce their cigarette use. It involved offering an e-cigarette starter kit along with some guidance to adults in the UK with mental illness who smoke, compared to those just receiving standard care. The results will show how effective this approach is and if it can help reduce smoking rates in this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental illness who are trying to quit smoking.

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This study looked at how well artificial intelligence (AI) grades diabetic retinopathy (DR) compared to traditional manual grading by healthcare professionals. Researchers found that the AI had a sensitivity (correctly identifying those with the disease) of 94% and a specificity (correctly identifying those without the disease) of 72.6%, while manual grading showed slightly lower sensitivity of 89.7% and higher specificity of 83%. This matters because AI could provide a faster and still reliable way to screen for DR, helping to improve patient care in eye health. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes who need regular eye screenings.

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This study examined two chemical treatments, sodium hydroxide and phenol, used for a common procedure to fix painful, ingrown toenails. Out of 192 patients treated, the reoperation rate was 6.5% for those treated with phenol and 7.8% for those treated with sodium hydroxide, showing no significant difference. Similarly, the recurrence of pain after the procedure was 10.9% for phenol and 8.1% for sodium hydroxide, also indicating no major difference. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with ingrown toenails seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the outcomes of two types of toe amputations—removing the big toe (hallux) versus removing part of the foot closer to the ankle (partial first-ray amputation)—in 295 patients with foot infections. Both types of surgery had similar rates of follow-up surgeries, with about 41% needing another operation after hallux amputation and 43% after partial first-ray amputation. The rates of needing further amputations were also similar, showing that neither procedure is clearly better than the other, so doctors can choose based on the specific situation of their patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with foot infections and their doctors in making informed decisions about amputation options.

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This study compared two methods of draining the gallbladder in patients with acute cholecystitis who can't have surgery. The researchers found that patients treated with endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUS-GBD) had a technical success rate of 96% and clinical success rate of 93%, compared to 98% and 80% for the traditional method (percutaneous drainage). Patients receiving EUS-GBD had fewer complications (16% vs. 44%) and required fewer follow-up procedures, making it a safer option. Who this helps: This benefits patients with acute cholecystitis who are not suitable for surgery.

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This study looked at the drop-out rates of pediatric doctors in training in the U.S. from 2007 to 2020. Researchers found that the overall number of trainees increased, while the rates of leaving programs decreased, with transfer rates dropping from 18 to 5 per 1,000 trainees and withdrawal rates going down from 5.65 to 2.76. This is important because lower attrition rates help keep training programs running smoothly and ensure there are enough pediatricians to meet demand. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare systems by ensuring a steady supply of trained pediatric doctors.

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This study looked at how often general practitioners (GPs) refer patients with dementia to allied health services, like physiotherapy or occupational therapy, compared to patients without dementia. Out of over 1.1 million patients, about 16,610 had dementia, but only 36.1% of them were referred to health services, which is similar to the 35.4% referral rate for non-dementia patients. The findings show that patients with dementia are less likely to get referrals than those with other conditions like stroke or Parkinson's disease, highlighting the need for better training and resources for GPs to improve care for dementia patients. Who this helps: Patients with dementia and their families benefit from improved referral practices.

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This study looked at how effective systemic therapy (like chemotherapy or immunotherapy) is for patients with kidney cancer that has grown into a blood vessel (known as a tumor thrombus), both when the cancer has spread and when it hasn't. Researchers found that in patients without metastases who did not receive systemic therapy before surgery, over half remained free of metastatic events for about 80 months, while those who received such therapy had a median of just 13 months before metastasis. For patients with metastases, those who received therapy before surgery lived about 24 months, while those who did not lived about 5.7 months. Who this helps: This research helps kidney cancer patients and their doctors understand the importance of systemic therapy in improving survival outcomes.

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This study focused on creating a follow-up service for stroke survivors who report ongoing health issues 3 to 6 months after their stroke. Researchers worked with healthcare professionals and stroke survivors to design and refine this service, achieving over 70% agreement on the needed components through surveys and meetings. The findings indicate that involving patients and caregivers in the development process leads to a tailored service that addresses specific needs, which is essential for improving patient support after a stroke. Who this helps: This helps stroke survivors and their families by providing better access to necessary follow-up care.

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This study looked at three types of surgical approaches—open surgery, laparoscopic, and robotic—for a procedure called cytoreductive nephrectomy with tumor thrombectomy (CN-TT) in patients with advanced kidney cancer that has spread to blood vessels. Researchers analyzed data from 131 patients and found no significant differences in survival rates: patients who had open surgery lived for about 1.6 years on average, those with laparoscopic surgery for about 1.5 years, and robotic surgery patients for about 2.5 years. This matters because it shows that the type of surgery does not significantly change survival outcomes, which suggests that doctors and patients can choose the method that best suits their needs and preferences. Who this helps: This benefits patients as they can select the surgical option that is most comfortable for them.

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This research studied a new digital evidence handling system called SelectVote Byzantine Fault Tolerance, which aims to improve the security and reliability of evidence transfer in legal settings. The study found that this system can communicate more efficiently than older methods, reducing required communication costs to O(n1.7) compared to the traditional O(n2), while still ensuring that evidence cannot be tampered with. This matters because it enhances the trustworthiness of digital evidence, ensuring it remains valid and secure in court. Who this helps: This helps law enforcement agencies and legal professionals who rely on digital evidence.

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The DIAMONDS study looks at how a new diabetes self-management program can help people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who also have type 2 diabetes. Researchers will follow 380 participants over 12 months, some receiving special coaching to help manage their diabetes and others continuing with usual care. The goal is to see if the coaching helps lower blood sugar levels, specifically measured by a test called HbA1c, and improves overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes.

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This study explored a new diabetes management program called DIAMONDS, specifically designed for people with severe mental illness (SMI) who also have type 2 diabetes. Out of 30 people who joined, 29 participated, and 66% attended at least one session, while 52% made it to eight or more sessions. The results showed that participants and coaches found the program acceptable, paving the way for a larger study that aims to better support this vulnerable group in managing their health. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illness and type 2 diabetes.

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This study examined how the health and nutrition of sheep (ewes) affect the survival and growth of newborn lambs. Researchers found that ewes carrying twins had lower chances of losing a lamb if they had better nutrition, while lambs born as triplets were more likely to suffer from a lack of immunity (FPTI) if their mothers were unhealthy. Specifically, lambs with FPTI gained less weight, averaging less than 0.26 kg per day. Who this helps: This information benefits farmers and veterinarians who work with sheep to improve lamb survival and health.