KEVIN P. SHEA, MD

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This study looked at how teenagers form working relationships with mental health providers during telehealth sessions, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that while 37% of U.S. high school students reported poor mental health during this time, the relationship between teens and providers is challenging to establish through telehealth. The research highlighted the need for more strategies to foster these relationships virtually and suggested allowing adolescents time alone with their providers during sessions. Who this helps: This helps teenagers seeking mental health support and the professionals providing their care.

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This study focused on improving medical response technologies for treating injuries in remote battlefield settings. Researchers analyzed common problems that occur during medical responses and proposed solutions to enhance effectiveness. Their findings can lead to better care for injured soldiers by identifying weaknesses in current systems and providing a clear framework for engineers and healthcare workers to enhance remote casualty care. Who this helps: Patients, particularly injured soldiers in combat situations.

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This study looked at how different timing and coverage of COVID-19 vaccinations might impact hospitalizations in the U.S. It found that if vaccines were given to everyone rather than just high-risk individuals, an estimated 90,000 hospitalizations could be prevented, with an extra 26,000 avoided by starting the vaccination campaign earlier. These results show that a wider and sooner vaccination strategy can significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalizations. Who this helps: This information benefits public health officials and policymakers who are planning vaccination strategies.

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This study looked at children who had surgery for a condition called discoid lateral meniscus, which affects the knee. Researchers found that while the overall complication rates were similar for younger (under 10 years) and older (10 years or older) children, younger patients were three times more likely to experience stiffness in their knee after surgery. This is important because it helps doctors understand that younger children face a higher risk of specific complications, like stiffness, which can affect their recovery and rehabilitation. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their doctors by providing insights into recovery expectations after surgery.

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This study looked at how different ways of presenting information about disease forecasts, like line charts showing expected cases or deaths, affect people's perceptions and behaviors during health emergencies. Researchers found that showing a forecast visual alongside a health warning did not make people feel more urgency about the virus or believe in health recommendations; in some cases, it made them feel less concerned. Understanding this is important because it can help improve how health warnings are designed to encourage appropriate responses during outbreaks. Who this helps: This helps health communicators and public health officials.

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This study focused on how to best treat tibial spine fractures in children using expert opinions from pediatric sports medicine surgeons. The researchers found a general agreement on key treatment steps, such as using X-rays for initial treatment assessments, applying a cast for at least three weeks for non-surgical cases, and emphasizing physical therapy in recovery. However, there were still some disagreements on certain practices, such as pre-surgery care and timing for surgery. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with tibial spine fractures and their doctors.

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The study examined Caco-2 cells, a popular model used to predict how drugs are absorbed in the human gut, by looking at their functions and the genes they express. The researchers found that while these cells form a good barrier and show characteristics similar to human intestinal cells, there are significant differences in gene expression compared to actual human intestines. This means that while Caco-2 cells can help gauge how drugs passively move through the gut, they may not accurately reflect how drugs are actively processed or metabolized in humans. Who this helps: This helps drug developers and researchers in understanding the limitations of using Caco-2 cells in studies.

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This study looked at how operating rooms around the world handle waste and recycling, finding that up to 74% of the waste generated there is recyclable, particularly before surgeries. However, many operating rooms face challenges like rules that limit recycling, lack of training for staff, and logistical issues. Improving recycling practices in these settings is important because it can help reduce environmental pollution and make healthcare more sustainable. Who this helps: This benefits patients by creating a healthier environment and helping healthcare systems operate more sustainably.

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This study looked at how orthopedic surgeons around the world use a surgery called trochleoplasty to treat knee problems related to dislocated kneecaps, a condition known as patellofemoral instability. Out of 32 surveyed surgeons, most agreed that trochleoplasty is best used for certain types of knee shapes seen on MRIs and preferred a particular technique involving a thin flap and stitching. The findings highlighted differences in approaches among surgeons, especially between those who perform this surgery often and those who do it less frequently, which is important for improving future treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with knee instability, ensuring they receive informed and consistent surgical care.

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This study developed a 3D model of human lung airways to test how well different inhaled drugs can pass through lung tissue. Researchers found that the drugs albuterol and formoterol had good permeability, with albuterol being able to move through at 5.7 x 10^-6 cm/s and formoterol at 8.5 x 10^-6 cm/s. Fluticasone, while more capable of entering cells at 17.4%, lost a significant amount (73.1%) over the course of the experiment, highlighting the need for tailored approaches for different drugs. Who this helps: This research benefits drug developers and healthcare providers working on inhaled medications for respiratory diseases.

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This study looked at how the size of seedlings affects their ability to survive and grow when faced with different amounts of rainfall. Researchers found that larger seedlings, averaging 14.3 cm in height, were better at surviving drought conditions compared to smaller seedlings, which averaged 5.85 cm. Specifically, larger seedlings were able to grow deeper roots, helping them absorb more water during dry times, while smaller seedlings focused more on growing taller to compete for light. Understanding these differences is important for restoring desert areas impacted by climate change because planting a mix of seedling sizes can help ensure that some will thrive despite unpredictable rainfall. Who this helps: This benefits ecologists and restoration specialists working in desert environments.

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This study looked at how two grass species on the Tibetan Plateau respond to warming temperatures over a decade. Researchers found that one species, Helictotrichon tibeticum, has a higher life expectancy (6.7 years) than the other, Elymus nutans (4.5 years), and while both species struggled with growth under warmer conditions, the first managed to survive better, resulting in a healthier population overall. This research shows that understanding the survival rates of different species can help us predict which might thrive as the climate changes, informing conservation efforts. Who this helps: This helps conservationists and scientists working to protect biodiversity in changing climates.

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This study examined how repeated exposure to low-level blasts during military training affects hearing in service members. The researchers found that those exposed to blasts had poorer hearing, particularly in high-frequency sounds, with significant differences based on their total blast exposure (with a notable decrease in hearing sensitivity at higher frequencies, P = .0016 for cumulative exposure). Understanding these effects is crucial for developing better protective measures and treatment for hearing loss in military personnel. Who this helps: This helps military service members and health professionals working to address hearing issues in veterans.

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This study focused on a virtual summit aimed at helping medical students from underrepresented backgrounds learn more about diversity and opportunities in orthopaedic surgery. It involved 196 medical students, and found that knowledge about diversity resources increased significantly, from just 3.3% to 40%, and the number of students feeling welcomed in orthopaedics rose from 16.7% to 63.3%. This matters because it shows how effective such summits can be in changing perceptions and encouraging more diverse participation in the field. Who this helps: This helps medical students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

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This study looked at how common steroid-related bone damage, called osteonecrosis, is in children and teens with inflammatory or cancer-related diseases. Researchers found that the risk of developing this condition ranges from 1% to 39%, particularly in older patients, females, those with higher body weight, and white non-Hispanic individuals. Understanding these risk factors is important because it can help doctors make better decisions about screening and treatment to catch the issue early, which can reduce pain and prevent further joint damage. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially children with leukemia or lymphoma, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how to best allocate limited resources for monitoring the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in cows in Türkiye. The researchers tested three different strategies for surveillance and found that two of them could detect 2 to 4.5 times more outbreaks than randomly checking farms, while the method that relied on animal shipment data didn't find significantly more outbreaks than the other two. This is important because better surveillance can lead to quicker responses to outbreaks, helping protect farmers' livelihoods. Who this helps: Farmers and livestock producers in countries with Foot and Mouth Disease.

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Researchers studied how well different inhaled drugs can pass through lung tissue using a new small airway microphysiological system (MPS) that mimics the conditions in our lungs. They found that albuterol sulfate and formoterol fumarate are highly permeable, meaning they can easily move through lung tissue, while olodaterol hydrochloride is less permeable. For instance, albuterol sulfate had a permeability measurement of 1.02 cm/s, indicating it would likely be effective for inhalation therapy. Who this helps: This information benefits patients using inhaled medications, helping doctors choose the most effective treatments for respiratory conditions.

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This study looked at how repeated heat stress affects mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus, especially when they have another bacterial infection as well. Researchers found that mosquitoes with both infections were twice as likely to succumb to heat compared to uninfected ones. Importantly, prolonged heat exposure reduced the dengue virus levels in the mosquitoes without harming the beneficial bacteria, suggesting that rising temperatures could impact dengue transmission by making mosquitoes less effective at spreading the virus. Who this helps: This research benefits public health officials working to control dengue virus outbreaks.

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This study looked at how the immune system reacts to bone and tissue allografts used in orthopedic surgeries, like knee repairs. The researchers reviewed 1,625 articles and found 78 relevant studies, showing that about 39% of the research involved humans, while others included animals like rats and dogs. While many studies indicated an immune response that could affect the success of these surgeries, there wasn't enough clinical evidence to link this response to actual failures in grafts. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers who work with orthopedic allografts and patients relying on these surgeries for recovery.

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This study looked at blood cells from 69 patients with advanced ovarian cancer to see if certain immune cells could predict how well patients would do after treatment. The researchers found that higher numbers of specific immune cells, particularly those expressing PD-1, were linked to better survival rates. They identified that manipulating certain immune pathways could enhance the ability of these cells to fight tumors, suggesting new ways to improve treatment for these patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with advanced ovarian cancer by identifying potential new treatment strategies.

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This study focused on creating advanced materials made from mixtures of different polymers that can change their behavior based on temperature and frequency. Researchers found a new method to design these materials efficiently, which was successfully applied in two specific cases: a custom wrist support and a machine damper. This is significant because it opens up new ways to create materials that can be tailored to meet precise needs in various applications. Who this helps: Patients needing personalized orthopedic devices and industries looking for customized machine parts.

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This study looks at how monitoring (keeping track of changes in nature) can be more effective for conservation efforts when it's based on a clear plan of how actions lead to results. The researchers identified 15 reasons to monitor nature and grouped them into five categories, highlighting that understanding the purpose behind monitoring can guide better decision-making and improve conservation outcomes. They emphasize that beyond just evaluating specific interventions, monitoring can also support policy changes and build stronger foundations for effective conservation. Who this helps: This helps conservation organizations and policymakers.

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This study looked at how close certain surgical implants for repairing knee cartilage (meniscus) in children are to important blood vessels and nerves. Researchers used 12 knee samples from children aged 6 to 10 and found that the implants were as close as 2.3 mm to major structures like the popliteal artery and vein, especially when placed at the back of the knee. These findings are important because they help ensure the safety of these implants during surgery, reducing the risk of injury to surrounding nerves and blood vessels. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors performing knee surgeries on children.

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This study looked at the expected impact of COVID-19 in the U.S. from April 2024 to April 2025, focusing on different vaccination strategies. It found that without vaccination, COVID-19 could lead to about 814,000 hospitalizations and 54,000 deaths. Vaccinating just high-risk groups could prevent 76,000 hospitalizations and 7,000 deaths, while a universal vaccination approach could save even more lives, highlighting the importance of vaccinating everyone to significantly reduce illness and death from the disease.

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Using a modified Delphi process, the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America identified the top 16 clinical research priorities for pediatric orthopedics from 116 submitted questions. The highest-scoring topics included surgical treatment for cerebral palsy and indications for residual hip dysplasia. The resulting research agenda is intended to direct surgeon efforts, study group collaboration, and funding toward the most critical gaps in evidence.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new framework to improve how medical knowledge is shared in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). They specifically looked at the NeoECHO program, which aims to educate healthcare providers about preventing and treating a serious gut condition in newborns called necrotizing enterocolitis. The researchers found that the framework was effective and practical in helping doctors access the latest information, which is crucial for improving the care of vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and the babies in their care.

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This study looked at the costs related to lower respiratory infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in US infants under one year old. It found that the average cost for hospitalized infants was about $28,812, while emergency room visits cost around $2,575 and clinic visits were about $336. The expenses were highest for infants younger than one month and those born prematurely, which highlights the substantial financial impact of RSV on these vulnerable groups. Who this helps: This information helps parents and healthcare providers understand the economic burden of RSV on young infants, especially those born early.

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Researchers created a platform called the COVID-19 Scenario Modeling Hub to make predictions about COVID-19 cases and deaths in the U.S. from December 2020 to April 2023. They produced 17 rounds of projections to help public health officials plan and respond to the pandemic, and they even expanded their work to include forecasts for influenza during the 2022-2023 season. This is important because it provided valuable data that helped guide decisions during ongoing public health challenges. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers.

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This study looked at how often adults in the U.S. get lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), especially focusing on how age and certain health conditions affect this risk. It found that older adults face a much higher risk—hospitalization rates for those 85 and older are 46 times greater compared to younger adults aged 18-49. Additionally, adults with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems are also at increased risk for these infections. Who this helps: This information benefits healthcare providers and older patients, particularly those with chronic health issues.

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This research paper looked at the 50 most-cited studies on osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), a joint condition that affects primarily the knee. The analysis found that these studies were mostly published between 2000 and 2009, with an average of 287 citations each. Most articles focused on treatment options, emphasizing the knee joint, and most of the research came from the United States. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, medical students, and healthcare professionals seeking to understand OCD and its treatments.

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This study focused on how two treatments, panobinostat and interferon-α2a, affect HIV-1 infected cells that lie dormant despite antiretroviral drugs. Researchers found that the treatments caused changes in these dormant cells, leading to a higher number of certain types of HIV-1 viruses that are less susceptible to being targeted by the treatment. Specifically, they observed that these resistant viruses were more commonly found in specific gene areas, while those more vulnerable to the treatment were reduced in number. This matters because it could change how we think about treating HIV-1 and finding a potential cure by targeting cell reservoirs. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV-1 and researchers seeking effective treatments.

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This study looked at the lack of diversity in orthopedic surgery, noting that most orthopedic surgeons are white men despite the diverse background of athletes they serve. It found that there are significant barriers to entering this field, but also presented successful strategies from one medical school to encourage more diverse candidates to become orthopedic surgeons. This is important because having a more diverse group of surgeons can improve patient care and representation in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and aspiring orthopedic surgeons from underrepresented backgrounds.

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This study looked at the costs associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in adults, focusing on both the immediate treatment and the longer-term expenses following the illness. They found that patients hospitalized for RSV (about $101,532 in total costs over one year) faced much higher expenses compared to those who did not have RSV ($36,302). This matters because it highlights the significant financial burden RSV places on individuals and the healthcare system, extending well beyond the initial illness. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in understanding the true cost of RSV-related illnesses.

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This study looked at how much force is needed to cause a common elbow injury in kids known as "nursemaid's elbow," which happens when the elbow is pulled. Researchers found that it takes an average force of about 28.5 newtons (the equivalent of about 6.4 pounds) to cause this injury. Additionally, they discovered that once a child has had this injury, it takes even less force—20 newtons—to cause it again, showing that previous injuries can make the elbow more vulnerable. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and pediatricians who treat children with this common injury.

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This study looked at how well pediatric patients, especially those with Medicaid insurance, can access therapy services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy. The researchers found that only 14% of physical therapy clinics, 53% of occupational therapy clinics, and 22% of speech therapy clinics accepted Medicaid patients, meaning many children don’t get the help they need. This issue is significant because it can lead to worse health outcomes and highlights a serious gap in healthcare access for disadvantaged communities. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients and their families, particularly those with lower incomes or Medicaid insurance.

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This study looked at how annual reformulated COVID-19 vaccines could impact hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. over the next two years. It found that if no vaccinations are recommended, COVID-19 could lead to about 2.1 million hospitalizations and 209,000 deaths. However, vaccinating everyone who is eligible could prevent around 431,000 hospitalizations and 49,000 deaths, showing that widespread vaccination can greatly lessen the impact of COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare systems by reducing illness and saving lives.

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This study looked at how poorly planned efforts to control invasive species, specifically the Red Imported Fire Ant in the US, can actually make things worse. Researchers found that using pesticides not only failed to curb fire ant populations but also harmed native ant species, allowing fire ants to spread faster. By modeling different pesticide applications, they discovered that the impact of these efforts can vary widely, with outcomes ranging from helping the invaders to slowing them down, depending on how and where pesticides are used. Who this helps: This research benefits ecologists and land managers by showing how to better design invasive species control strategies.

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This study looked at how using multiple models to predict infectious disease outcomes, like during the COVID-19 pandemic, can help public health planners make better decisions. The researchers found that in some cases, focusing on how different models rank potential epidemic scenarios might be more reliable than just looking at numerical predictions, especially when fewer models are used. This is important because it can help decide when it's worth using many models in future health crises. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and planners who make decisions about managing infectious disease outbreaks.

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This study looked at how to create better models for predicting the spread of infectious diseases, especially in the context of decision-making during outbreaks like COVID-19. The researchers identified six key reasons for developing these models, including helping people make informed decisions and understanding different potential futures. By examining previous COVID-19 projections, they outlined ways to improve scenario designs for better accuracy and usefulness in public health. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers in making more informed decisions to protect communities during disease outbreaks.

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This study looked at how daily safety meetings, called huddles, in the operating room can improve patient safety. After starting these huddles, there were no serious safety events for over 900 days, compared to an average of 2 per year before the huddles were implemented. This matters because it shows that better communication among the surgical team can protect patients without causing delays in surgeries. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery and the medical teams involved in their care.

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This study examined a remote summer research program designed to help underrepresented medical students interested in orthopaedic surgery. Over three years, 37 students out of more than 500 applicants participated. Participants displayed improvements in research skills, interest in orthopaedics, and networking abilities, with 89% feeling well-matched to their mentors and 79% contributing to research papers or presentations. Who this helps: This benefits underrepresented medical students aiming for careers in orthopaedic surgery.

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This study looked at whether a telehealth program teaching breathing exercises could help patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a serious lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. Participants took part in weekly online sessions for four weeks and practiced breathing exercises daily; while the improvements in their breathing difficulties and overall well-being weren't statistically significant, the study confirmed that online breathing programs are easy to implement. This finding is important because it shows that telehealth can provide better access to beneficial symptom management for patients who often struggle to reach in-person rehabilitation programs. Who this helps: Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

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This study looked at brain inflammation in rats to better understand the molecules involved in this process, specifically focusing on certain types of fats in the brain. Researchers found that two types of fats, N-acyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), built up in inflamed areas, suggesting they play a role in managing inflammation. Understanding these lipids may lead to new treatments that help protect brain cells during inflammation. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with neuroinflammatory conditions and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how doctors can use MRI images to make better treatment decisions for a specific joint problem called osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum, which is in the elbow. Out of 33 MRI features examined, 17 were agreed upon as important for deciding if the injury is stable and whether it can heal without surgery; 94% of experts found certain features significant for non-surgical treatment options. This is important because it could lead to improved consistency in diagnosing and treating this condition, ultimately helping patients receive better care. Who this helps: This helps patients with capitellar OCD and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to improve projections of COVID-19 scenarios to support public health decisions. It found that a combined approach, called "Ensemble," outperformed individual models by effectively capturing a wider range of possible outcomes and improving prediction accuracy. This is important because better scenario modeling can lead to more informed decisions in managing public health crises.

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Researchers explored how to create a flexible artificial spinal disc using a unique type of chain mail material. They found that this material can mimic the natural movements of a real spinal disc, offering the ability to respond to different pressures and movements like a healthy disc does. Specifically, their design successfully replicated the rotational behavior of natural discs in real-life scenarios, which is important for better spinal surgery outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing spinal disc replacement and the doctors performing these surgeries.

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This study focuses on helping orthopedic surgeons understand and implement quality improvement (QI) initiatives to enhance patient care. Researchers provide a clear guide that utilizes a method called Lean (A3), which is designed to make the process more efficient and practical. They also share helpful resources, including educational videos and textbooks, which can support surgeons in their QI efforts. Who this helps: This benefits orthopedic surgeons and ultimately improves care for their patients.

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In this study, researchers implemented the POSNA Safe Surgery Program (PSSP) to evaluate and improve the quality of care in pediatric orthopaedics. They developed 20 key quality metrics across different areas, like sports medicine and trauma, which 33 member centers responded to. Fulfillment of these quality metrics varied significantly, with spine care achieving a 92% success rate, while trauma centers showed a range of 62% to 100%. This matters because it helps ensure that children receive high-quality orthopedic care, driven by the insights of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families by ensuring better surgery outcomes.