MICHAEL R. KINNEY, M.D.

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This study looked at global efforts to reduce stillbirths and improve care for families affected by these losses. Researchers created a scorecard to measure progress across 20 key areas; however, they found that many regions are still lagging behind, with only modest improvements noted. In 2022, Central and South Asia and East and South-East Asia showed the most progress, while many high-burden countries continued to fall short of expectations. Who this helps: This benefits patients and families dealing with stillbirths, as well as healthcare workers and policymakers involved in maternal and child health.

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Broccoli contains a health-promoting compound called sulforaphane, but it only forms when an enzyme called myrosinase converts its inactive precursor — and the gut does this conversion inefficiently. This randomized crossover trial found that adding mustard seed powder (a source of myrosinase) to a broccoli seed extract supplement doubled the amount of sulforaphane absorbed, compared to broccoli extract alone. Four specific gut bacterial genes also predicted how well individuals converted the precursor on their own, suggesting a personalized nutrition angle.

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This study looked at how to treat seizures in people with intellectual disabilities, aiming to find better ways to choose anti-seizure medications. It found that people with intellectual disabilities are more likely to struggle with epilepsy, and current treatment options may not be effective for many. The researchers created a "Traffic Light System" to help doctors choose the right medications based on recent data, ensuring better care for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with intellectual disabilities and their doctors.

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Researchers studied the most pressing questions about epilepsy to identify the top ten priorities for future research. More than 5,000 people, including patients and healthcare professionals, contributed to this effort, resulting in over 5,400 concerns being gathered. Key issues highlighted included anti-seizure medication and the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). This research matters because it sets a clear agenda for future studies that will address the greatest needs of those affected by epilepsy, ensuring that funding and research efforts focus on what matters most. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their families.

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This study focused on the rights and care surrounding preterm birth, emphasizing the need for respectful, evidence-based care that protects both mothers and newborns. Since 2012, the acknowledgment of these rights has grown due to international agreements and policies; however, issues like workforce shortages and discriminatory practices remain. The findings highlight that to achieve better preterm birth care, we must improve support for healthcare providers and ensure that care centers around the needs of mothers and their babies. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially mothers and their premature babies, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study focused on the ongoing issue of preterm births, which have been stagnant for the past ten years. It found that to meet global health goals by 2030, progress in reducing deaths of mothers and newborns needs to increase by 3 to 11 times. The research emphasizes that we must take action to prevent preterm births and provide better care for vulnerable newborns, especially in difficult situations like conflict zones, to save millions of lives and improve communities. Who this helps: This benefits mothers and newborns, particularly those at a higher risk due to health, socioeconomic conditions, or living in conflict-affected areas.

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This study looked at how social media can be used to improve medical education, specifically for epilepsy. It found that social media offers quick ways to share information, allows healthcare professionals to learn together, and fosters ongoing education, which can enhance patient care. However, it also highlights the need to protect patient privacy and follow ethical standards. Overall, by using social media wisely, healthcare providers can better manage epilepsy, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with epilepsy and their healthcare providers.

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This research paper explains how to conduct systematic reviews and meta-analyses in epilepsy research. It outlines eight key steps, such as forming a research question and analyzing studies, to help professionals evaluate existing research and apply it to patient care. Mastering these skills can lead to better evidence-based practices, ultimately improving treatment and outcomes for people with epilepsy. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers working with epilepsy patients.

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This study looked at the costs of tracking and reviewing deaths during childbirth and right after birth in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers found that in the first year, costs per death reviewed varied widely, from $113 to $5,758, and these costs decreased in the third year to a range of $86 to $577. Understanding these costs is important because it can help countries create systems to reduce preventable deaths during childbirth and improve healthcare planning. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers in improving maternal and neonatal care.

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This study focused on improving the way doctors evaluate functional seizures, which are seizures that do not arise from electrical disturbances in the brain. The researchers developed a new testing method that showed a significant increase in useful information gathered about these seizures, improving diagnostic success from standard procedures. With this new approach, they achieved better results, demonstrating its effectiveness in a clinical setting. Who this helps: This benefits patients with functional seizures, as well as their doctors seeking accurate diagnoses.

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This study looked at a new course on Global Surgery at the University of Cape Town, aimed at preparing public health students to better understand and address global surgical needs. Researchers interviewed ten graduates to see how the course changed their views and careers. They found that students shifted their thinking to see surgery as an important public health issue, learned effectively through real-life scenarios, and faced challenges managing their studies with professional work. Who this helps: This benefits public health students and ultimately helps improve surgical care for patients around the world.

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This study focused on understanding how people trust and accept artificial intelligence (AI) systems, particularly in healthcare and education. Researchers talked to 14 diverse end users, like doctors and students, to create a framework that captures their expectations for AI systems. They found important differences in how users view trustworthiness, which is crucial for making these systems effective and ensuring they meet users' needs. Who this helps: This helps patients, doctors, and educators by improving the design and implementation of AI systems in their fields.

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This study describes a case of a 50-year-old man who developed a rare neurological condition called anti-LGI-1 limbic encephalitis and autoimmune epilepsy just four days after receiving his third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. He experienced seizures that included confusion and emotional distress, as well as memory loss, but he improved significantly after receiving treatment with high-dose steroids and immunoglobulin therapy. This case highlights potential neurological complications from COVID-19 vaccinations, adding to the growing body of information on vaccine effects. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors treating patients who may experience neurological issues after COVID-19 vaccination.

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This study looked at how investments from the Global Financing Facility (GFF) were aimed at improving maternal and newborn health in 11 African countries from 2015 to 2019. Researchers analyzed 24 policy documents and found that nearly $1.9 billion was allocated to these health issues, but only 16% of that came from GFF, and stillbirths were rarely targeted despite being a significant problem. This matters because better funding and focus on these areas can help reduce maternal and newborn deaths, ultimately saving lives. Who this helps: This benefits mothers, newborns, and health organizations working to improve maternal and child health in Africa.

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This study looked at how Uganda developed its policies under the Global Financing Facility, a program aimed at improving health for mothers, newborns, and children. Researchers found that the policy creation process was quick, starting in late 2015 and finishing in April 2016, but noticed tension between government experts and political leaders, which sometimes sidelined the input from civil society organizations. Understanding these dynamics is important because it shows that while such health initiatives aim to be led by the country, they can still be influenced by a select few, making it crucial to include voices from all community groups. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and community organizations working to improve health services in Uganda.

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This study looked at how a global program aimed at improving maternal and newborn health, called the Quality-of-Care Network (QCN), developed in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda. It found that QCN grew fastest in Bangladesh and slowest in Malawi, with specific factors affecting this progress, such as government support, existing healthcare resources, and strong leadership roles. Understanding these differences helps identify why some health initiatives succeed better than others, which can guide future efforts in similar contexts. Who this helps: This research benefits countries and health organizations working to improve maternal and newborn healthcare.

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This study looked at how to effectively evaluate a global network aimed at improving health care for mothers, newborns, and children in multiple countries. Over 3.5 years, researchers found that strong leadership and teamwork across seven countries were crucial to success, highlighting the importance of adapting methods to local needs and using technology, especially during COVID-19. They also made recommendations for future similar evaluations, emphasizing the significance of clear communication and fostering collaboration among diverse experts. Who this helps: Patients and health care providers working to enhance maternal and child health.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa feel about managing epilepsy during pregnancy. Out of 203 respondents, over half (54%) believed they had the right training to advise women with epilepsy, but only 40% regularly discussed family planning. It highlights that many professionals struggle with knowledge about epilepsy treatments and pregnancy, which can lead to a gap in care for women. Who this helps: This benefits women with epilepsy, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

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This study evaluated how well care is provided to adults with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy in England using a new tool called the Step Together toolkit. Out of nine areas assessed, the overall score for care delivery was only 44.2%, indicating that many services are not up to standard, especially in local and care planning, which scored around 31%. This is important because it highlights serious gaps in care that can lead to avoidable health issues for these patients. Who this helps: Patients with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at why people with epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa often don’t stick to their anti-seizure medications. Researchers got responses from 217 healthcare professionals and found that the biggest reasons for low adherence were that medications are often unavailable (71% of respondents), too expensive (60%), and that patients and their families may not fully understand the treatment (43%). Understanding these barriers is important because improving medication access and education could help more people manage their epilepsy effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their families.

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This study looked at toddlers aged 12 to 24 months who were referred for sleep studies to understand how common obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is in this age group and how it relates to other health issues. They found that about 68.5% of the toddlers had OSA, with 39% classified as severe, and children with a history of premature birth or Down syndrome were more likely to have OSA. This is important because it highlights the need for better awareness and diagnosis of sleep apnea in young children, especially those with specific health conditions. Who this helps: This benefits toddlers at risk for OSA, their parents, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the Global Financing Facility (GFF) is directing investments to improve healthcare for mothers and newborns in 11 African countries. Researchers analyzed 25 documents and found that while there are some elements of care quality mentioned, there is confusion about what "quality" means, and important aspects like the experience of care and newborn care are often overlooked. Improving these investments could potentially prevent many of the 4.5 million deaths and stillbirths that happen each year. Who this helps: This helps mothers and newborns in African countries by improving their access to better healthcare.

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This study looked at why some people screen for type 1 diabetes prevention trials while others do not. Researchers found that only about half of eligible participants (50%) screened for one trial, while screening rates dropped to as low as 9% for another. Younger participants and males tended to screen more, while those with a child already diagnosed with type 1 diabetes screened less than others. Understanding these patterns helps improve recruitment strategies for future diabetes prevention trials. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for type 1 diabetes and the doctors working to prevent it.

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This study looked at how feeding broccoli sprouts to young mice could help protect them from developing Crohn's Disease, a serious bowel condition. The researchers found that mice fed a diet with 10% broccoli sprouts showed better health: they gained weight, had less diarrhea and blood in their stools, and had a healthier mix of gut bacteria. These findings matter because they suggest that early dietary choices, like including broccoli sprouts, could reduce the risk and severity of inflammatory bowel disease in children. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially young ones at risk for inflammatory bowel disease, by highlighting the potential benefits of diet in managing their health.

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This study looked at how steamed broccoli sprouts affect inflammation in mice with a condition similar to ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that mice eating a diet with 10% broccoli sprouts gained more weight, had lower signs of inflammation, and maintained healthier gut bacteria compared to those on a regular diet. This matters because it suggests that including broccoli sprouts in the diet could help manage inflammatory bowel diseases. Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.

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This study looked at how confident health and social care professionals in the UK feel about managing the needs of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) who also have epilepsy. It found that while both groups of professionals rated their confidence similarly, health professionals were significantly more aware of the risks associated with epilepsy, particularly concerning premature deaths (with a notable statistical significance at p < 0.001). This is important because it highlights a gap in training and knowledge that needs to be addressed to improve care and outcomes for these vulnerable individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with intellectual disabilities and epilepsy, as well as the professionals who care for them.

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This paper reviews recent research on epigenetics, which is about how genes are turned on or off without changing their DNA. Specifically, it looks at osteosarcoma, a serious bone cancer in kids and teens, where the 5-year survival rate is about 60% when caught early. The study highlights how understanding changes in genetic expression can help improve treatments and outcomes for patients, particularly by identifying biomarkers that can predict how the disease progresses. Who this helps: This helps patients with osteosarcoma and their doctors by offering insights for better treatment options.

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This research looked at stillbirth rates in high- and upper-middle-income countries and identified that many of these deaths are preventable. The study introduced a new tool called the Ending Preventable Stillbirths Scorecard, which uses 23 indicators to measure progress toward reducing stillbirth rates. The findings revealed that 65% of data was complete but showed significant issues, such as wide differences in stillbirth rates between countries and a lack of consistent guidelines for preventing stillbirths. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare providers, and families affected by stillbirth.

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This study looked at how well first seizure clinics in the UK and Ireland are following guidelines for treating patients with suspected epileptic seizures. Researchers found that patients waited a median of 48 days for an appointment, and only 13.8% were seen within two weeks. It’s important because delays in care could lead to more seizures and complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with suspected seizures by highlighting areas where healthcare can improve.

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This study looked at how adding steamed broccoli sprouts to the diet of mice helps protect them from gut inflammation caused by a substance called dextran sodium sulfate. The researchers found that mice eating a diet with 10% broccoli sprouts had better gut health compared to those on a regular diet, and their gut bacteria remained more stable during inflammation. This is important because it suggests that easy dietary changes could help prevent and treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Who this helps: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

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This study looked at how feeding broccoli sprouts to mice with an inflammatory bowel disease similar to Crohn's disease affected their health. Mice that ate 10% raw broccoli sprouts showed less weight loss, less diarrhea, and less blood in their stool, with younger mice benefiting the most from the diet. This is important because it suggests that a simple and inexpensive dietary change could help reduce symptoms for people suffering from Crohn's disease. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease.

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This study examined how a network aimed at improving healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children operates in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda. Researchers found that while countries were willing to work together and support the network's goals, they struggled to share resources and ideas effectively. For example, the study highlighted that while political cooperation was strong, sharing information and best practices was more challenging, suggesting that countries need to improve communication to enhance the network's effectiveness. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and policymakers working to enhance maternal and child health services.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in sub-Saharan Africa understand and manage mental health issues in patients with epilepsy. The researchers found that while 92% of providers knew that mental health and epilepsy affect each other, only 14% screened new epilepsy patients for mental illness and just 16% felt very confident in managing these psychiatric issues. Most respondents, 74%, wanted more training, and 94% believed that local management practices could be improved, highlighting a significant gap in care. Who this helps: This benefits patients with epilepsy who may also struggle with mental health issues.

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This study looked at how well people could judge the timing of an approaching object using either their eyes or their heads to track it. Researchers tested 29 participants and found that while head movements didn't lead to better timing accuracy, they did show larger errors in some cases. For instance, at a high speed, the timing errors were 82.6 milliseconds with head tracking compared to 59.0 milliseconds with eye tracking. This matters because it suggests that using head movements may not be as effective for timing tasks, which can have implications for sports and other activities that require quick reactions. Who this helps: This helps athletes and coaches improve training methods.

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This study looked at a program in South Africa aimed at tracking and reviewing deaths of mothers and newborns to improve healthcare services. Researchers found that the program continues to thrive because it is integrated into everyday tasks, is seen as valuable, and has strong commitment from the healthcare workers involved. These factors, like trust and good relationships between team members, help ensure that the program works well and can adapt to local needs. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and managers working in maternal and newborn health.

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This study looked at how UK newspapers have reported on sodium valproate, a medication that can harm developing babies, over the last few decades. Out of 275 articles analyzed, 86% focused on its harmful effects, 68% discussed the failure of healthcare providers to inform patients about these risks, and 51% called for better regulations. These findings are significant because they highlight the growing awareness and coverage of the medication's dangers, especially in the last five years. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and families affected by sodium valproate.

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This study looked at the benefits of performing genetic tests on all breast cancer patients to see if it would help doctors make better treatment decisions. The researchers found that genetic testing changed clinical recommendations for 84% of high-risk patients and 68% of those not initially considered high-risk but who had significant genetic findings. This is important because it shows that broader genetic testing can lead to better treatment options and potentially access to clinical trials for all breast cancer patients. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer patients by providing more personalized treatment options.

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This study looked at how the length of time patients are monitored for epilepsy affects the ability to make accurate diagnoses. Researchers reviewed records of 501 patients and found that 87% had successful diagnoses, with 68% of diagnoses happening within the first week. Importantly, the chances of getting a clear diagnosis decreased after seven days, but 80% of patients monitored for longer than that still received conclusive results. Who this helps: This research is beneficial for doctors and patients with epilepsy, especially those needing prolonged monitoring for better diagnosis.

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This study looked at whether black soldier fly larvae can reduce harmful bacteria, specifically methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), when grown on potatoes. The researchers found that the presence of the larvae led to a decrease in both total bacteria and MRSA levels, with MRSA showing a more significant reduction. This matters because using these larvae can make animal feed production safer and more sustainable by lowering the risk of harmful bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and animal feed producers by improving food safety.

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This research looked at a healthcare strategy called integrated community case management (iCCM), which aims to provide better treatment for common childhood illnesses like pneumonia and malaria in low-income areas. The study included seven trials and found that while there is uncertainty about iCCM's overall impact on child mortality, it likely increases the number of families seeking care for these illnesses by 68%. This matters because improving access to care can help save children's lives and reduce illness in communities with limited healthcare facilities. Who this helps: This benefits children under five years old and their families living in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how newborns were treated in four hospitals in Nepal right after they were born. Out of 31,804 newborns, 63% underwent medical procedures without their parents' consent, 25% were handled roughly, and 21% received unnecessary suctioning. Additionally, only a small number, 3.5%, had skin-to-skin contact after birth, which is important for bonding and health. These findings highlight a significant issue with mistreatment in hospitals, especially for newborns from disadvantaged backgrounds. Who this helps: This research benefits newborns and their parents, particularly those from less privileged communities.

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This study looked at whether taking naps helps people remember important information, especially for those with low and high levels of depression symptoms. The researchers found that, while napping did not show a clear advantage over staying awake for memory, those who experienced more sleep showed better recall of information. Interestingly, participants with higher depression symptoms recalled more personal depression-related content than those with lower symptoms, suggesting that the emotional significance of the material might improve memory. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with depression by highlighting how their unique experiences can influence memory retention.

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This study looked at how easy it is to read information about epilepsy surgery on 49 websites from the UK and US. Most of these websites were too complicated for the average person to understand, with only one site being suitable for typical reading levels. This is important because people with epilepsy may struggle with reading, making it hard for them to understand surgery options and make informed decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients with epilepsy and their families.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected childbirth services in Nepal by comparing data from 2019 and 2020. Researchers found that the number of women giving birth in hospitals dropped by 11.6% during the pandemic, with larger hospitals seeing a bigger decline of 20.8%, while smaller hospitals actually had a slight increase of 7.9%. It's important because it highlights the need for better planning and support for maternity care, especially in a crisis, to ensure women receive respectful and adequate services. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and healthcare providers in Nepal and similar settings.

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This study focused on creating a consistent way to take MRI images of the pancreas, which is important for understanding diabetes. The researchers tested their new method at five different locations and found that using this standardized approach made pancreas measurements like size and fat content much more reliable, with less than 10% variation. This is important because it allows for better comparisons in research studies about diabetes across different sites. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on diabetes treatments.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in Sub-Saharan Africa feel about treating status epilepticus (a severe seizure condition). Out of 59 responders from 11 countries, only 3 out of 10 felt adequately trained to handle this condition, with many reporting long delays in getting patients to hospitals—over 30% said it took three or more hours. The findings highlight significant gaps in training, medication access, and patient education, which can affect the quality of care for patients with this serious condition. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing status epilepticus and the healthcare professionals treating them.