DR. JOHN MCKEE, M.D.

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This study looked at the challenges pediatric epilepsy patients face in sticking to their medication plans. Out of over 12,000 visits, one in every three reported a problem managing their medications, with side effects and medications not controlling their seizures being the top issues. Understanding these barriers can help healthcare providers create better support systems to ensure children with epilepsy get the treatment they need. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with epilepsy and their families.

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This study focuses on the LandScan Global dataset, which provides a detailed map of where people live around the world from 2000 to 2022. The dataset uses advanced models to break down population information from census data to show how many people live in specific areas, which helps identify populations at risk during emergencies. This is particularly useful in crises like natural disasters or conflicts; for example, it played a role in responses to the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Who this helps: This benefits emergency responders, humanitarian organizations, and governments in their efforts to assist affected populations during crises.

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This study explored how findings from low-dose CT scans affect smoking cessation efforts in high-risk adults who smoke. Among more than 13,000 participants, 12.6% reported quitting smoking after one year. Those with certain concerning scan results, like possible lung issues, were more likely to quit compared to those without significant findings, suggesting that serious CT results can motivate smokers to stop. Who this helps: This benefits high-risk patients who smoke and are undergoing lung cancer screening.

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This research created a comprehensive video dataset called Trauma THOMPSON to support AI tools that help medical responders during emergencies, especially in areas with limited resources. The dataset includes 3,717 videos showing life-saving procedures, focusing on both standard methods and makeshift techniques using available tools. This study is essential because it aims to improve real-time decision-making in emergencies, potentially saving lives by guiding first responders on what actions to take with what they have. Who this helps: This benefits emergency medical responders and patients in crisis situations.

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This study looked at how the structure of social networks affects how severe epidemics can be and how we can predict them. The researchers found that specific network features significantly influence the spread of disease, making traditional methods of predicting epidemics less effective. For example, they analyzed over 700 real-world contact networks and found that these structural properties are crucial in understanding disease risks. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers working on epidemic prevention.

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This study looked at the use of surgical meshes to repair common ventral incisional hernias and the complications that can arise from them. It found that while these meshes reduce the risk of hernia recurrence, they can lead to serious issues like adhesions and intestinal fistulas, particularly with intra-peritoneal synthetic mesh, although exact complication rates are hard to determine due to limited long-term follow-up data. This is important because it highlights the need for surgeons to be aware of the risks associated with these commonly used devices and advocate for better research and regulation to ensure patient safety. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo hernia repair surgeries.

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This study looked at speech and language disorders in over 52,000 children, finding that these issues are most common between ages 2 and 5. The research discovered that about 30% of children with speech and language disorders also had other neurodevelopmental conditions, and stuttering was only recorded in 12% of cases, highlighting gaps in diagnosis. Understanding these disorders better helps identify their genetic causes, which could lead to improved support for affected children and their families. Who this helps: Children with speech and language disorders and their families.

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Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory worked with FEMA to create a comprehensive inventory of over 125 million buildings across the US and its territories. This inventory supports efforts to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters by identifying vulnerable areas and improving strategies for building resilience in communities. This project is significant because it allows federal and local agencies to respond more quickly and effectively when disasters strike. Who this helps: This benefits emergency responders, local governments, and communities at risk.

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This study focuses on functional visual loss, a type of visual impairment that occurs even when eye tests show normal vision. The researchers found that up to 60% of adults with this condition have significant symptoms over time, yet there is little evidence-based treatment available. They recommend a clear diagnosis, collaboration with eye specialists, exploring potential psychological factors, and considering new treatment options like hypnotherapy to help patients improve their vision. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing functional visual loss and their healthcare providers.

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This research focused on using big data and advanced genetic testing to improve understanding of childhood epilepsy. It found that combining various data sources can help identify specific subgroups of children with epilepsy, making it easier to understand their conditions. This is important because it can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for affected children. Who this helps: This helps patients with childhood epilepsy and their families.

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This study looked at how healthcare professionals are trained to provide wheelchairs for people with mobility issues around the world. It found that there are many differences in how wheelchair education is offered in various countries and organizations, which leads to gaps in knowledge among professionals. Addressing these gaps is crucial because proper wheelchair provision can significantly improve the daily lives of individuals with mobility impairments. Who this helps: This helps patients with mobility impairments and the healthcare professionals who serve them.

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This study reviewed 22 research papers to see how dance affects physical health and mental abilities in older people living in the community. It found that 19 of these studies showed dancing improves mobility and endurance, making it as effective as other types of exercise. This matters because it presents dance as a fun and safe way for older adults to stay active and healthy. Who this helps: This helps older adults looking for enjoyable ways to improve their health.

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This study looked at a rare but serious infection caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus constellatus in a patient with poorly controlled diabetes and foot ulcers. The patient developed a severe soft tissue infection that spread into the bloodstream, requiring urgent surgery and targeted antibiotics. After aggressive treatment, the patient was able to keep their limb and survive a life-threatening situation, highlighting the importance of quick medical response in similar cases. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes who develop foot ulcers and related infections.

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This study looked at a serious fungal infection called mucormycosis that can affect the skin, especially in people with diabetes. The researchers examined one male patient and highlighted how quickly the infection can spread, emphasizing the need for prompt surgical treatment and antifungal medications. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are crucial to reduce illness and death from this infection. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors by providing important information on recognizing and treating this dangerous infection.

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This study looked at how first-year pharmacy students felt about a mandatory training course called Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), which teaches people to recognize and assist those facing mental health issues. After completing the training, 69 students showed a significant increase in their confidence to have conversations with individuals in distress and agreed that they could identify and avoid stigmatizing language related to mental health (with a statistical significance of P < .001). This is important because reducing stigma and increasing confidence can lead to better support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Who this helps: This helps pharmacy students, patients with mental health issues, and the healthcare system overall.

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This study looked at a 40-year-old woman with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) who developed a rare eye condition called punctate inner choroidopathy, resulting in declining vision. The researchers discovered that this condition was linked to a specific genetic change in the TNFRSF13B gene, which affects about 10% of CVID cases. Understanding the genetic factors behind autoimmune diseases like CVID can lead to new treatments and better management for patients. Who this helps: Patients with common variable immunodeficiency and associated autoimmune conditions.

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This study focused on creating a mobile app called Trauma THOMPSON to help military medics provide better emergency care when they have to work without immediate support. The app will include voice commands, video guides, and augmented reality features to assist inexperienced personnel in performing critical medical procedures. Early tests of the app's machine learning capabilities showed that it could recognize and anticipate actions with accuracies of 20.1% and 11.4%, significantly better than random guessing. Who this helps: This benefits military medics and healthcare providers in remote or combat situations.

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This study looked at the patterns of seizures and development in 162 individuals with a type of genetic epilepsy. Researchers found that 90% of infants experienced seizures called infantile spasms by 6 months old, and the type of genetic mutation affected how often and when these seizures occurred. Understanding these patterns is crucial for designing future clinical trials and improving treatment strategies for these disorders. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with genetic epilepsies and their doctors by providing clearer insights into their conditions.

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This study looked at the patterns of seizures and developmental milestones in children with STXBP1-related disorders, a common type of genetic epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorder. Researchers examined data from 162 individuals and found that 90% experienced infantile spasms by six months old, while others had different seizure types later, and those with earlier seizure onset generally had lower developmental abilities. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing effective treatments and planning clinical trials. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families by providing clearer information on what to expect regarding seizures and development.

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This study looked at how wheelchair users in Ireland view the process of getting and using wheelchairs and seating technology. It found that 273 people responded to an online survey and 8 participated in in-depth interviews, revealing that issues in the system—like delays and poor service—greatly disrupt daily life and independence. Addressing these problems is crucial because having proper access to wheelchairs is a basic human right that allows individuals to participate fully in their communities. Who this helps: This helps wheelchair users and patients who rely on assistive technology for mobility.

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This study looked at how people with spinal cord injuries in Ireland experience getting wheelchairs and seating assistance. The researchers spoke with eight individuals and surveyed 117 wheelchair users, finding that the provision of these services is crucial for their quality of life. However, they discovered that long wait times and limited funding make it difficult for these individuals to receive the support they need, which affects their ability to participate fully in society. Who this helps: This helps patients with spinal cord injuries by highlighting the importance of better wheelchair services.

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Researchers studied a 13-year-old boy who had a heart attack due to a blood clot in a swollen artery. He had previously been diagnosed with multisystem inflammatory syndrome, a condition that can affect multiple organs, and doctors successfully treated him by using a balloon to open the artery and remove the clot. This is important because it shows that effective treatments are available for serious heart problems in children with this syndrome. Who this helps: This helps children with multisystem inflammatory syndrome and their doctors.

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This study looked at how beginner doctors and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) use handheld ultrasound devices in emergency situations, with or without guidance from an expert via remote mentoring. They found that although the overall performance didn’t improve with mentoring, those who received guidance had a 26% reduction in complications when placing a catheter and showed a 39% drop in stress levels. This is important because it highlights that while mentoring may not directly enhance skill, it can make the process safer and less stressful for novice operators. Who this helps: This benefits inexperienced emergency responders and patients who need urgent care.

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Researchers studied yeast cells to better understand how they use sulfur for growth. They discovered that a gene called YLL058W allows yeast cells without the well-known Met15 gene to still grow by utilizing inorganic sulfur. However, these cells struggled to thrive without added compounds like methionine because of toxic gas buildup, specifically hydrogen sulfide. This research is important because it changes the understanding of how yeast can adapt and survive, influencing further studies on metabolism, stress responses, and even aging. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying yeast biology and sulfur metabolism.

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This study looked at a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) that had spread to the stomach, leading to severe anemia in a patient. The findings showed that after the patient underwent partial surgery to remove part of the stomach, they not only survived but also had stable blood levels a year later, which is promising given that 67% of similar patients die within four months. This is important because it suggests that surgery could be a treatment option to help improve outcomes for patients with this rare and aggressive cancer. Who this helps: Patients with Merkel Cell Carcinoma that has spread to the stomach.

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This study looked at a special program called The Physician Healer Track, which trains future doctors to be more compassionate and self-aware over four years. The program has grown from 26 students in its first year to 258 students over six years, with participants showing strong personal and professional growth along with a near-zero dropout rate during their early training. This matters because it helps mold doctors who are not just skilled professionals but also empathetic caregivers, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and the overall healthcare system by fostering more understanding and compassionate doctors.

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The study examined how effective a specific type of ultraviolet light (UVC) was for cleaning face masks used by healthcare workers during a shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers built a UVC light box and tested how evenly the light disinfected the masks. They found that while the light appeared to reach all areas of the masks, the actual cleaning was uneven, especially on the sides, and cleaning times needed to be much longer than previously thought to ensure effective disinfection. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare workers who rely on face masks for safety.

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This study looked at the experiences of First Nations adolescents with type 2 diabetes, focusing on the challenges they face in managing their condition. Eight young people, mostly Indigenous, shared their struggles with accepting their diagnosis, dealing with feelings of shame, and handling everyday self-care tasks. Understanding these experiences is important because it can help improve healthcare support and strategies for these adolescents. Who this helps: This research helps First Nations adolescents living with diabetes and the doctors who care for them.

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This study focused on a 12-year-old girl who had involuntary jerking movements in her left arm due to a condition called Chiari malformation, along with a fluid-filled cavity in her spine. Despite trying several medications, her symptoms didn't improve until she had surgery to relieve pressure in her brain and spine, which completely resolved her myoclonus. This is important because it shows that surgery can be an effective treatment for this rare combination of issues, offering hope for patients with similar conditions. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with Chiari malformation and related movement disorders.

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This study focuses on comparing two surgical techniques for patients with severe abdominal infections that can lead to serious complications. Researchers are examining whether a method involving an open abdomen with special therapy can improve survival rates and reduce complications compared to standard closure techniques. They aim to determine not only the effectiveness of these treatments but also how much each costs, with plans to analyze different patient groups based on severity (like those in septic shock). Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from severe abdominal infections and the doctors treating them.

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This study examined a potential treatment for COVID-19 using inhaled modified ACE2, which acts like a decoy to attract the SARS-CoV-2 virus and prevent it from damaging lung cells. Researchers believe that by binding to the virus, this treatment could significantly lower the risk of severe illness and death, especially in older adults and those with conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes. This is important because there are currently no proven treatments for COVID-19, and effective vaccines are still in development. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly older adults and those with existing health issues.

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This study looked at a new augmented reality system called STAR that helps first responders perform emergency surgeries in challenging situations where they can't rely on traditional methods. The researchers found that using this system led to faster and safer surgery actions, with better performance scores compared to just using voice instructions. This matters because it shows that remote experts can use STAR to give first responders clear, visual guidance, potentially saving lives in critical moments. Who this helps: This helps first responders and emergency medical teams in remote or crisis situations.

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This study looked at how well radiologists detect brain lesions related to strokes using imaging tests like CT and MRI. Out of 1,336 patients, 44 had lesions that were missed during the initial evaluations, which included types like cerebellar and pontine infarcts, affecting 64% of those patients who showed symptoms. This research highlights the need for increased awareness among radiologists, as better detection of these brain injuries can lead to improved treatment for stroke patients. Who this helps: Stroke patients and their doctors benefit from more accurate lesion detection.

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This research looked at how pharmacists can improve the health outcomes of patients with mental health issues and neurological disorders. The study found that when pharmacists worked closely with healthcare teams, patients saw better results in managing their medications, sticking to treatment plans, and reducing hospital visits. The study highlights the ongoing need for better psychiatric care, as many patients still struggle with their conditions. Who this helps: Patients with psychiatric and neurologic disorders benefit from improved care and support.

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This study looked at ways to improve communication in telementoring, which helps healthcare providers, especially in remote areas, coordinate advanced medical care. Researchers found that using simple, standardized scripts led to better detection of cardiac arrests and improved CPR quality. For example, a concise script improved CPR performance compared to more complicated instructions. These findings matter because better communication can save lives during emergencies. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving emergency care and the healthcare providers assisting them.

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The study focused on how common idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is in Scotland, particularly among women of childbearing age. Researchers found 144 new cases of IIH over the course of a year, with 110 of those being women aged 15 to 44 who had an average body mass index (BMI) of 38.9. The incidence rate was 2.65 cases per 100,000 people, but it increased to 37.9 cases per 100,000 in obese women aged 15-44, highlighting a serious health issue linked to obesity. Who this helps: This information benefits patients suffering from IIH and helps doctors better understand and address the conditions associated with it.

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This study focused on whether changes in eye position seen on brain scans could predict serious blood clots in the brain (known as large vessel occlusion or LVO) in patients who had a stroke. Researchers looked at 195 stroke patients, and they found that 64% of them had LVO. Those with LVO were much more likely to show eye deviation—71% of LVO patients had this condition, compared to just 22.5% of those without—suggesting that noticing eye deviation can help doctors identify patients who need immediate advanced treatment. Who this helps: This finding benefits doctors treating stroke patients, enabling quicker and more accurate decisions about necessary treatment.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the time it takes to treat patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in Northern Ireland, specifically measuring the "door to needle" (DTN) time, which is how long it takes to receive treatment after arriving at the hospital. They found that out of 10,556 stroke patients, 1,201 were treated with medication; the average DTN time was 54 minutes, and 61% were treated within 60 minutes. Important factors that led to quicker treatment included arriving by ambulance with notification to the hospital beforehand and the time of day, with delays often occurring outside regular hours. Who this helps: This research benefits stroke patients by identifying how to reduce treatment delays and improve care.

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This study looked at how certain air quality levels can affect the potential for causing mutations in bacteria, which can be an indicator of how harmful air is to health. Researchers created two artificial air environments with similar quality scores but different pollution types and measured their effects on bacteria. They found that one environment was significantly more mutagenic than the other, with a potency of 4.3 and 9.5 revertants per milligram of carbon in two tested strains, showing that certain pollutants in the air can be harmful. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and policymakers in understanding and managing air quality to protect community health.

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This study looked at how community pharmacists in the U.S. feel about providing services to patients with mental illness. Out of nearly 3,000 surveyed, 239 responded, revealing that those who offered medication management services felt more comfortable and confident—scoring 18.36 compared to 17.46 for others. The research shows that pharmacists who have personal experience with mental illness tend to have lower stigma and more positive attitudes, which suggests that enhancing their training and confidence could lead to better support for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental illness by improving the support they receive from pharmacists.

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This study compared two methods for securing chest tubes, a common procedure during trauma care: one using sutures and the other using a device called the iTClamp. The researchers found that both methods were equally effective at holding the chest tubes in place, but the iTClamp was much faster to apply—taking an average of just 37 seconds compared to 96 seconds for sutures. This is important because a quicker, easier method can help ensure that chest tubes stay secure during transport, which can be vital for patient safety. Who this helps: This helps patients needing emergency treatment and the medical teams transporting them.

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This study focused on improving building maps in Kano, Nigeria, which previously lacked accurate geospatial data. Researchers used a technique called deep learning with contributions from the community to create detailed building maps using satellite images, covering an area of 50,000 square kilometers. These new maps align well with existing ones but require much less manual work to produce, which can support various development efforts in the region. Who this helps: This benefits local governments, aid organizations, and communities in developing areas.

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This study looked at whether longer prehospital times affected survival rates for patients with severe blunt injuries, like those from car accidents. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,300 patients and found that as prehospital time increased, mortality rates actually decreased; for example, the death rate was 24.1% for patients with 0-30 minutes of prehospital time but only 10.2% for those with 121-150 minutes. This finding is important because it challenges the idea that quicker transport always leads to better outcomes, especially for patients showing signs of low blood pressure upon arrival. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe injuries and the doctors treating them.