JOSEPH MARTIN GRANT, M.D.

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This study explored how professionals in clinical and biomedical science adapt to the educational framework of Medical Humanities and Professional Education (MHPE) programs, which have rapidly increased in number recently. The researchers used poetry to express the personal and professional challenges these learners face during this transition. This matters because it highlights the emotional and intellectual struggles of these professionals, improving our understanding of how to better support their learning experiences. Who this helps: This helps students in MHPE programs and educators designing these courses.

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This study looked at how age affects the buildup of calcium in the aortic valve and the risk of developing severe aortic stenosis (AS) in a group of nearly 6,800 participants aged 45 to 84. The researchers found that while older participants (65 and over) had more calcium buildup than younger ones, the rate at which this buildup progressed was similar in both age groups. Importantly, having any amount of aortic valve calcium significantly increased the risk of developing moderate to severe AS for both younger participants (over 13 times more risk) and older participants (over 10 times more risk). Who this helps: This information is important for doctors treating patients at risk for heart valve issues.

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This study examined how well the QIAstat-Dx® Gastrointestinal Panel 2 (GIP2) detects different germs that can cause stomach illnesses using fecal samples. The findings showed that GIP2 correctly identified pathogens 95.02% of the time when compared to other testing methods, with a negative agreement rate of nearly 100%. This matters because it highlights that GIP2 is a reliable tool for quickly diagnosing infections caused by bacteria and parasites, although it was slightly less accurate for viruses. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in diagnosing gastrointestinal infections more effectively.

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This study looked at dental emergencies among members of the United States Coast Guard to understand how often and why these occur. Researchers found that out of 283 dental emergencies, most were related to oral surgery (53.4%), particularly pain after tooth extractions, and many occurred soon after routine check-ups. Understanding these trends helps ensure that service members receive timely dental care, which is crucial for their health and operational readiness. Who this helps: This benefits Coast Guard personnel who need immediate dental care, as well as the dental teams responsible for their health.

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This paper examines a new guideline, the 2025 Declaration, from the World Federation for Medical Education, which aims to improve the well-being of medical students and doctors. The authors found several problems with the Declaration, including unclear authorship and lack of enforceable standards, which weaken its effectiveness. This matters because without clear and actionable guidelines, the efforts to improve medical education could end up being just symbolic, failing to create real change. Who this helps: This helps medical students, trainees, and practicing physicians.

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This study looked at how many women in Australia who are going through menopause and experiencing symptoms are using hormone therapy to help with those symptoms. Out of over 8,000 women surveyed, only 10.8% reported using hormone therapy, and among those most likely to use it were women aged 40-49, with a usage rate of 30%. These findings are important because they highlight that many women are still not receiving treatment for their menopausal symptoms, and factors like education, employment status, and ethnicity can influence whether they seek help. Who this helps: This information benefits postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms and healthcare providers looking to support them effectively.

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This study looked at how problems with the autonomic nervous system (which controls involuntary bodily functions) and increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli relate to difficulties that migraine sufferers experience when standing up, known as orthostatic intolerance (OI). Out of 30 adult participants with migraines, 83% experienced OI, with 56% having postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). The findings indicate that worsening autonomic function is linked to more frequent headaches and that many migraine patients face serious challenges when changing positions, which can significantly affect their daily lives. Who this helps: This helps patients with migraines and doctors treating them by providing insights into associated conditions like orthostatic intolerance.

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This study looked at how academic leaders in low- and middle-income countries view the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and its role in improving medical education. Interviews with ten senior educators from countries like Pakistan and Sri Lanka revealed that many were unclear about WFME's purpose; they often saw its recognition process mainly as a way for graduates to work abroad rather than as a means to enhance education quality. The findings highlight the need for better communication from WFME and a greater focus on local issues to make their educational initiatives more effective. Who this helps: This helps medical schools and educators in low- and middle-income countries improve their programs.

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This study focused on a protein called EHD1 and its role in how cells manage structures called microtubules. The researchers found that EHD1 interacts with different types of tubulin proteins and helps control the behavior of microtubules. Specifically, when EHD1 was removed from cells, there was a significant decrease in the ability of microtubules to grow back and function properly. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying cell biology and may inform treatments for conditions related to cell function.

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From 2017 to 2024, Canada identified 16 cases of gonorrhea that were resistant to ceftriaxone, an important antibiotic, including 8 cases reported in 2024. The antibiotic resistance ranged from 0.25 to 2 mg/L, and four of these cases did not respond to treatment. This situation is concerning because it shows that although ceftriaxone still works for many cases, monitoring is crucial to prevent further resistance from spreading. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials and medical professionals who treat gonorrhea.

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Researchers created a practical assessment tool for physiotherapists to help them care for patients with blunt chest trauma, which includes injuries like broken ribs or lung damage. They consulted 10 expert physiotherapists to ensure the tool covers 11 essential skills needed for managing such patients, achieving a strong agreement among the experts (a content validity score of 0.80). This tool is important because it helps standardize care and supports therapists in guiding patients from the hospital to recovery at home. Who this helps: This helps physiotherapists working with trauma patients.

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This study looked at the differences in fat-related molecules in the livers of obese rats compared to lean rats. Researchers found over 1,000 types of lipids, with 175 showing significant differences between the two groups. Notably, certain lipids increased dramatically in the livers of obese rats, which helps us understand how obesity affects fat metabolism and can provide insights for treating related health issues. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with obesity and related liver diseases.

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This study examined the use of infrared thermal imaging (IRTI) to monitor blood flow during a type of surgery called revision palatoplasty, which reconstructs the roof of the mouth. Researchers looked at 80 surgeries and found that using IRTI reduced complication rates significantly: only 10% of patients with IRTI had issues compared to 35% without it. Additionally, those with IRTI had a much lower rate of partial flap loss (5% vs. 18.3%) and did not experience any major complications, leading to an estimated savings of about $10,640 per patient in revision surgery costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing revision palatoplasty and medical professionals involved in their care.

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This study looked at how well HPV self-testing is accepted when offered during regular doctor visits in New Zealand. Out of 3,524 participants who used the self-test, 93% were satisfied with the information provided, and 86% felt comfortable about their decision to test. It found that many preferred testing at home (46%) over traditional clinic visits (37%), highlighting the importance of making self-testing easier and more accessible. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those due for cervical screening.

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This study focused on improving how we restore coastal areas using living shorelines made of mangroves instead of traditional structures like seawalls. The researchers looked at different techniques for mangrove restoration and found that using specific hybrid methods can significantly boost the chances of successful growth and habitat establishment. By applying these approaches, they aim to enhance the environmental benefits while also saving money and gaining community support. Who this helps: This benefits coastal communities, conservationists, and environmental planners.

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This study focused on improving direct breastfeeding for premature infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before they go home. After implementing a series of quality improvement measures over a year, the percentage of babies successfully breastfeeding at discharge rose from 34% to 79%. This is significant because it shows that more mothers can successfully breastfeed their babies even when they are born prematurely, which is important for the babies' health and development. Who this helps: This benefits new mothers with premature infants and their babies.

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The study looked at invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Canada in 2023, finding an incidence of 10.2 cases per 100,000 people, up from 5.6 in 2021. Researchers noted that common strains of the bacteria causing IPD, like serotypes 3 and 4, are becoming more prevalent, and there's a worrying rise in antibiotic resistance, especially with drugs like clarithromycin (25.8% resistant). This information is crucial for shaping vaccination strategies and healthcare responses since it shows an increase in severe infections and resistance patterns. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers in managing and preventing invasive pneumococcal disease.

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This study explored how community pharmacies can help increase access to self-testing for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is important for preventing cervical cancer. During a 6-week trial involving six Auckland pharmacies, they tested two methods of providing HPV self-tests, and found that 69% of the 45 participants completed the test. Notably, 29% of those who self-tested were Māori and 10% were Pacific individuals, highlighting the engagement of under-represented groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Māori, Pacific, and those who have not been regularly screened.

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This study explored the idea of "quality" in postgraduate medical education (PGME) and how it affects training for doctors. It found that there are few strong guidelines on what makes education in this field truly effective. Understanding how ideas about quality have changed over time is important because these definitions influence how medical training is organized and supervised. Who this helps: This benefits medical residents and their educators by improving training standards.

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This study looked at how effective at-home self-testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) is in New Zealand, particularly for Indigenous Māori, Pacific peoples, and those who are often overlooked in cervical screening. They invited over 25,000 people to participate via text messages, and while 24% signed up, the actual sample return rates varied significantly: 12.7% for Māori and 8.4% for Pacific peoples compared to 19.0% for others. The findings show that mailed self-tests are preferred and can increase screening access, especially for high-priority groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Māori and Pacific peoples, in accessing cervical screening.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new method for collecting urine samples that can detect chlamydia and gonorrhea using dried strips. The researchers found that these dried urine strips were highly accurate, with over 91% sensitivity and more than 98% specificity, making them just as reliable as traditional urine tests. This method is important because it allows people to collect and send in samples easily and discreetly, helping to increase screenings and reduce the spread of these sexually transmitted infections. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those in underserved or stigmatized communities.

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This study focused on finding a quick way to detect endometrial cancer using blood samples, looking specifically at two methods called ATR-FtIR and Raman spectroscopy. They discovered that using fresh blood plasma, Raman spectroscopy correctly identified 82% of endometrial cancer cases, while ATR-FtIR identified 78%, and when both methods were combined, the accuracy improved to 86%. This is important because it could lead to non-invasive screening for a cancer that currently lacks effective early detection methods. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for endometrial cancer, especially those with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

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This study looked at how Canadian hospitals manage the use of antibiotics to prevent drug resistance, which makes antibiotics less effective. Most hospitals (84%) had formal programs in place to oversee antibiotic use, with 90% conducting audits of their prescriptions and over 80% providing education to healthcare staff. This matters because responsible antibiotic use is crucial for fighting infections and preserving the effectiveness of these drugs for the future. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers.

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This research examined how menopause affects women's work performance by reviewing various studies on this topic. Out of 40 studies analyzed, only 10 met the criteria for inclusion, and they revealed inconsistent links between menopause status and work ability. While menopause symptoms could affect work performance, results were varied, and other factors such as personal circumstances also influenced women's ability to work. Who this helps: This helps women experiencing menopause, employers, and policymakers developing workplace support programs.

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This study looked at how NHS clinical scientists feel about using new technology that provides insights into genetic variants related to cancer. Researchers surveyed 46 professionals, finding that only 35% would trust the validation of the new technology from the original developers, while 61% preferred validation from a trusted organization. This matters because without reliable validation from respected sources, adoption of this technology in clinical practice will move slowly, potentially delaying advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors who are involved in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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This study focused on creating a new type of flexible pressure sensor that can accurately measure force over a large area, which is important for technologies like car safety systems and wearable devices. The researchers developed a sensor that can handle a wide range of pressure (up to 1.2 MPa) and maintained strong performance even after more than 100 cycles of use. This is significant because it means the sensor can provide reliable, precise pressure readings needed for improving safety and responsiveness in various applications. Who this helps: This helps patients, drivers, and developers of wearable technology.

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This study looked at how culture affects the way recovery colleges (places that help people with mental health issues learn and grow) operate in 28 different countries. Researchers found that certain cultural traits, like valuing individuality and enjoying life, strongly influenced how effective these colleges were in supporting their students. For example, a focus on personal strengths helped improve recovery outcomes, especially in more individualistic cultures. Who this helps: This research benefits mental health organizations and policymakers looking to tailor recovery programs for different cultural contexts.

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This study examined a device called CuffLink that helps track shoulder movement in people recovering from rotator cuff surgery. The results showed that the device is quite reliable and valid for measuring shoulder rotation and movement, with accuracy scores like 0.81 and 0.94 for different measurements. This is important because it means patients can do their rehabilitation exercises at home, while doctors can monitor their progress remotely, making recovery easier and more accessible. Who this helps: Patients recovering from shoulder surgery.

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This study investigated how headaches and issues with the nervous system affect patients with migraines, particularly focusing on those who experience orthostatic intolerance (OI), which is difficulty standing up without feeling dizzy or faint. Researchers found that 83% of migraine patients had OI, with 56.2% experiencing a condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Additionally, patients who had OI but normal heart responses reported more severe fibromyalgia symptoms and other chronic pain issues. Who this helps: This research benefits migraine patients, particularly those dealing with OI symptoms.

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This study examined patients with chronic liver disease who visited emergency departments in Queensland, analyzing their blood clotting issues and blood transfusion practices. Researchers tracked over 36,000 emergency visits and found 23,578 presentations linked to significant transfusion data: 1,358 red blood cell transfusions and incidents of massive transfusions. This research is important because it shows how data can be linked to better understand the needs of patients with chronic liver disease, leading to improved care and monitoring. Who this helps: Patients with chronic liver disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study examined how a new testing method for respiratory illnesses affected the detection of unusual bacteria in British Columbia over a ten-year period, from 2013 to 2023. Following the introduction of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel, cases of a specific bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae increased by 11 times, and cases of Chlamydophila pneumoniae rose 4 times, although Legionella pneumophila showed no significant change. This is important because it highlights changes in bacterial infections during and after the pandemic, helping to understand the current health landscape. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and public health officials monitoring respiratory infections.

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This research studied a new healthcare model called IPCAS designed to help stroke survivors in the community. The evaluation found that while most parts of the program were delivered well, some features, like a dedicated contact service, were rarely used and felt irrelevant to many participants, mainly due to how far along they were in their recovery. This is important because it highlights the need to fine-tune healthcare support for stroke survivors to ensure it truly meets their needs. Who this helps: Stroke survivors and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how Aboriginal women and their infants experience healthcare in South Australia, finding that many feel scared and anxious about using mainstream services due to poor communication and lack of support. Out of interviews with nine Aboriginal families, three main issues were identified: the need for cultural awareness in healthcare, the disruption of care when patients are shuffled between services, and a lack of check-ins to see if patients need help. Improving these services could significantly reduce health inequalities and foster trust between Aboriginal communities and healthcare providers. Who this helps: This research helps Aboriginal families seeking better healthcare experiences.

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This study looked at a new treatment called potravitug, designed for kidney-transplant patients at risk of serious issues from the BK polyomavirus. The research included 40 healthy adults who were given either potravitug or a placebo in increasing doses to test its safety and how well it works in the body. The results showed that while many participants experienced mild side effects, the treatment had a good safety profile, and it was found that giving a 1000 mg dose every four weeks could keep drug levels effective for at least a year. Who this helps: This benefits kidney transplant patients who are at risk for complications from BK polyomavirus.

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This study examined the genetic causes of two types of cancer: hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Researchers analyzed genetic data from 387 people with HLRCC and 1,780 with renal cancer, discovering that specific genetic changes have different impacts. For instance, rare changes in the FH gene were found to be more common in HLRCC, with a likelihood ratio of 2669.4 for specific variations, compared to 95.5 for renal cancer, indicating that these changes are much more relevant to HLRCC than to renal cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with hereditary cancer syndromes and their doctors by improving genetic testing and diagnosis.

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This study looked at how to better validate the effects of genetic variants by creating a set of already classified benign variants, called "truthsets." The researchers found that only 19.8% of cancer genes had strong evidence for classifying new variants as harmful when only using existing benign variants from a database. By developing a systematic method to assess all possible benign variants for certain cancer-related genes, they were able to improve the strength of evidence for classifying variants, making it more effective in identifying harmful ones. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for genetic diseases, as it improves the accuracy of genetic testing results.

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This study looked at how researchers in artificial intelligence (AI) balance their academic goals with the expectation to produce real-world benefits. Researchers interviewed (60 total) shared that while the push for research to have social or economic impacts has become important, there are significant differences in how those focused on foundational computer science view "impact" compared to those applying AI in other fields. Understanding these differences is crucial for creating effective research policies that support researchers while ensuring their educational roles are respected. Who this helps: This helps researchers, policymakers, and educational institutions.

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This research looked at how different types of therapy could help women with high-risk pregnancies improve their mental health and overall quality of life. It found that therapies focused on cognitive skills and counseling significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and stress in these women, while sensory-based methods were mostly ineffective. This is important because it highlights the need for specialized support to help these women cope with their challenges during pregnancy. Who this helps: This helps women with high-risk pregnancies and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at a rise in serious cases of a rare type of Haemophilus influenzae, known as serotype b (Hib), in British Columbia. Between 2021 and 2024, there were 62 reported cases, which is much higher than the average of 2.8 cases per year before the introduction of vaccines. Most of these new cases were found in adults over 30 years old, with 94.1% having a positive blood culture confirming the infection. Who this helps: This research helps public health officials and healthcare providers understand and respond to the increasing risk of Hib in adults.

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This study focused on creating and testing an app called iA CuffLink to help patients recover after rotator cuff surgery. Researchers gathered insights from 24 clinicians and assessed how well the app worked with a smaller group of 18 patients. They found that patients really valued features like messaging their care team and tracking their exercise progress, scoring the app's usability at an average of 6.14. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from rotator cuff surgery.

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This study looked at a group therapy program designed for teenagers with Anorexia Nervosa who engage in compulsive exercise. Researchers followed 75 adolescents, splitting them into two groups: one received the new program along with regular treatment, while the other only received standard treatment. Both groups saw significant reductions in compulsive exercise and eating disorder symptoms, but there was no notable difference between the two groups in terms of improvement. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents with eating disorders and their healthcare providers by offering effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how well offering self-tests for human papillomavirus (HPV) worked in diverse primary care clinics in New Zealand after its introduction in September 2023. Out of nearly 9,300 eligible people, 37.9% (about 3,524) took the self-test, with lower rates among Māori (34.7%) and Pacific communities (36.3%) compared to European and others (40.4%). HPV was found in 9.5% of those returning their results, indicating a need for better follow-up support to improve screening rates, especially among underrepresented groups. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly Māori, Pacific, and those overdue for screening.

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This study focused on improving medical education regulation by gathering expert opinions from around the world. Researchers engaged 18 international experts to identify key areas that need further investigation, highlighting 15 issues grouped into seven main topics such as quality and outcomes. The findings emphasize the need for better guidelines to enhance accreditation practices globally, which is crucial for ensuring the quality of medical training and the safety of healthcare systems. Who this helps: This benefits policymakers, medical educators, and ultimately patients receiving care.

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This study looks at how to improve substance use screening for people living with HIV (PLWH) using a patient portal, which is an online tool for managing health information. About 880 participants will be divided into two groups: one will continue with regular care, while the other will complete screening through the patient portal. The goal is to see if using this digital method increases the number of people screened for substance use. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV by providing better access to substance use screenings and treatment options.

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This study looked at a type of drug-resistant bacteria called MRSA that has been a problem in New Zealand for about 20 years. Researchers analyzed 397 bacteria samples and found that the AK3 strain of MRSA, which can resist methicillin and fusidic acid, evolved by gradually picking up genetic traits that allow it to survive better. Understanding how this strain developed and spread is important for creating better strategies to control MRSA infections in communities. Who this helps: This helps patients by informing doctors and public health officials on how to combat MRSA infections effectively.

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This study focused on developing a new type of CAR T cell therapy that targets the HER2 protein in tumors while minimizing damage to normal cells. Researchers created a special CAR T cell from induced pluripotent stem cells, which showed strong effectiveness against HER2-positive tumors in lab tests and animal models, specifically maintaining a strong anti-tumor response while sparing healthy tissue. This approach, which includes enhancements to help the cells survive longer and navigate better to tumors, could significantly improve treatment options for patients with solid tumors like breast cancer. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HER2-positive solid tumors.

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Doctors who treat patients with serious blunt injuries to the liver or spleen using non-surgical methods should perform repeat imaging scans 48-72 hours after the initial injury, even if the patient seems fine, because this catches dangerous complications early enough to treat them. Researchers tracked over 4,000 patients across 43 hospitals and found that scheduled repeat scans identified problems in about 7% of cases, with more than half of those patients needing procedures or surgery to fix the complications. Waiting until patients show symptoms results in some complications being missed or treated too late, so the study confirms that routine follow-up imaging is essential for moderate-to-severe liver and spleen injuries.