DR. SANDRA MARCHESE JOHNSON, MD

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This study looked at how cultural connections and social support impact physical fitness among Métis adults in Saskatchewan. Researchers found that while age and sex were the main factors influencing fitness, social support still played a role in areas like grip strength and leg power; specifically, social support explained a small part of the differences seen. Understanding these factors is important for creating fitness programs that effectively address the specific needs of Métis communities. Who this helps: This helps Métis individuals seeking to improve their physical fitness and health.

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This study looked at how well an embryo donation program worked at a Belgian clinic over eight years, focusing on how many couples donated their unused embryos and the success rates of those embryos when used in other patients. They found that just 0.61% of all in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments resulted in a couple successfully donating their embryos, yet donated embryos had a live birth rate of 29.6% overall, and for blastocyst transfers, the rate was 31.9%. This is important because it shows that embryo donation can be an effective option for addressing the increasing demand for reproductive assistance in Europe. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling to conceive, particularly those who may benefit from using donated embryos.

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This study focused on predicting how much water beef cattle drink each day using advanced computer models. Researchers gathered data from 2,268 cows and found that their new model correctly predicted daily water intake, achieving an accuracy of about 4 liters per day. This is much better than older models, which often got it wrong for cows that drink a lot of water. Improving how we predict water intake is important because it helps cattle stay healthy and reduces water waste. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, livestock managers, and the beef industry.

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This study compared two advanced statistical methods, random survival forest (RSF) and Cox regression with elastic-net regularization, to see which could better predict how long patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) might survive at different stages of treatment. The results showed that RSF had a slightly better performance, with concordance index scores of 0.69 at one stage, compared to 0.68 for CoxNet, indicating that RSF was more accurate in predicting patient survival times. This research is important because it helps improve risk assessment for AML patients, potentially leading to better treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating patients with AML.

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This study focuses on the importance of checking in on children born prematurely or with other health concerns at the age of 4 to see how they are developing before they start school. It found that following up with these children is essential, yet this practice isn't done routinely across the UK, even though it was recommended in 2017. By creating a guide for doctors, the goal is to make sure that children get the support they need for their growth and learning, which can lead to better long-term outcomes. Who this helps: This helps children at risk of developmental problems and their families.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of a group program called Finding Solid Ground for adults with dissociative disorders (DDs) who were also receiving individual therapy. Over 31 weeks, 72 participants showed significant improvements: PTSD symptoms dropped by a large measure, and there were also considerable reductions in dissociative symptoms and difficulties in managing emotions. These benefits began to show by the halfway mark and continued to improve by the end of the program, making it clear that the group support was a useful addition to their individual treatment. Who this helps: This helps adults with dissociative disorders and their therapists enhance treatment outcomes.

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This study looked at how often underserved groups, like racial minorities and low-income patients, receive a type of cancer treatment called hypofractionation, which uses a shorter course of radiation therapy. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,400 patients and found that 52.5% received hypofractionation, with underserved patients receiving it at similar rates to those who are not underserved. However, rural patients with prostate cancer were less likely to get this treatment, while those with lung cancer had a better chance of receiving it. This matters because increasing the use of hypofractionation could help reduce treatment disparities for patients with cancer. Who this helps: This helps underserved cancer patients and healthcare providers working to ensure equitable treatment access.

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This study looked at how many marine mammals, specifically pinnipeds like seals and sea lions, get caught in fishing gear and trash in the ocean. It found that at least 76% of pinniped species, which is 25 out of 33 species, are affected, with fur seals and sea lions being the most impacted. This matters because understanding the problem and gathering consistent data is crucial for developing effective solutions to prevent these animals from becoming entangled. Who this helps: This helps marine conservationists and wildlife organizations working to protect marine animals.

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This study looked at how well people remember proper names as a way to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease using a blood test for a specific protein called pTau217. The researchers found that adults with higher levels of pTau217 had a faster decline in their ability to recall names, with individuals carrying a certain genetic factor experiencing this decline even more sharply. This matters because it suggests that measuring how well people recall names could be a practical method for spotting early cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's. Who this helps: Patients at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at a case in November 2025 where a Washington resident died after testing positive for a dangerous strain of bird flu, specifically the H5N5 virus. It was found that the virus likely spread from a flock of backyard ducks, with genetic testing showing a close match between the patient's virus and samples taken from the ducks and their environment. While about 135 people were monitored after being exposed, no additional cases were found, indicating that the risk to the general public is still low. Who this helps: This information helps public health officials and doctors monitor and manage potential bird flu outbreaks.

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This study examined an online program called SELF, designed to help adults with lupus manage their condition better. Out of 221 participants, those in specific groups—such as black individuals and those with high fatigue or low income—experienced significantly lower disease activity after 90 days. This is important because it shows that the program can positively impact certain vulnerable populations dealing with lupus. Who this helps: This helps patients with lupus, particularly those facing higher challenges due to race or socioeconomic status.

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This study looked at how a common cancer treatment, called anthracyclines, harms the heart. Researchers found that the drug doxorubicin increased levels of a protein called TOP2B in heart cells, which led to heart damage, even without exposure to the drug. By using a special treatment that targets TOP2B, they were able to prevent this heart damage in animal models, suggesting a new way to protect patients' hearts while they undergo cancer treatment. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who are at risk of heart damage from chemotherapy.

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This study looked at the views of prenatal clinicians on providing trauma-informed care (TIC) and the training they receive for it. While most clinicians were eager to implement TIC, over half reported not getting enough training to do so effectively. Specifically, 60.9% had some prior TIC training, but only 34.8% attended a TIC seminar in the last two years, revealing a significant gap between their knowledge and actual practice. This matters because improving TIC training can enhance support for pregnant individuals who have experienced trauma, leading to better care. Who this helps: Patients, particularly pregnant individuals who have experienced trauma.

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This study looked at how socioeconomic status affects the health outcomes of very pre-term and very low birthweight infants in six rich countries. It found that in some places like the Netherlands and Norway, wealthier parents had higher rates of extreme pre-term births, while in New Zealand and Germany, poorer parents had worse outcomes. This matters because it shows that socioeconomic factors significantly influence the health of these vulnerable infants and highlights the need for policies that address these inequalities in care. Who this helps: This helps parents, healthcare providers, and policymakers focused on improving neonatal care for pre-term infants.

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This study focused on developing a new model to accurately predict how much food beef cattle eat while grazing. The researchers found that their model outperformed current standard methods, reducing prediction errors by a noticeable margin; for instance, it achieved an average error of 1.329 kg per day compared to 1.858 kg with previous methods, particularly excelling in grazing situations. This advancement is important because it can help farmers estimate cattle feed intake more accurately, leading to better management of resources and animal health. Who this helps: This helps farmers and cattle producers.

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This study explored a new way to help people understand speech in noisy settings by using signals from their brains to focus on a specific speaker. Researchers found that their method improved speech clarity by about 20%, making it easier for participants to follow conversations and requiring less mental effort. This is important because it shows that a brain-controlled system can really help individuals hear better in challenging environments. Who this helps: Patients with hearing difficulties, especially in crowded places.

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This study is examining a new training tool called the E-Patient Quality Improvement and Standardisation (EQIS) platform to improve healthcare for mothers and children in Bangladesh. Researchers are working with doctors at five hospitals, training them through online simulations to enhance their skills and patient care. They will monitor changes in doctors' performance scores over two years and assess how patient satisfaction and treatment costs change as a result. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly mothers and children receiving medical care.

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This study looked at how to better predict a side effect called radiation pneumonitis (RP) in lung cancer patients who receive radiation therapy. Researchers analyzed data from 548 patients and found that their new deep learning algorithm accurately predicted RP, achieving a precision of over 90%, sensitivity of 92%, and overall accuracy of 95% on the test set. This is important because it can help doctors identify patients at high risk for RP early, allowing for more tailored and effective treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps lung cancer patients by enabling better treatment planning to avoid serious side effects.

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This study looked at ways to improve perovskite solar cells by using certain ammonium salts to prevent defects on their surface. Researchers found that a specific salt called dimethylcyclohexylammonium iodide (DMCHAI) helped solar cells achieve a power conversion efficiency of 26.06% and maintain over 98% of that efficiency after 7200 hours, even under high temperatures. This matters because it makes solar cells more stable and efficient, potentially leading to better performance and longer lifespans. Who this helps: This helps manufacturers of solar cells and ultimately benefits consumers looking for more reliable renewable energy sources.

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This study looked at how genomics, the study of organisms' genetic material, can help the UK combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from 2024 to 2029. Researchers found that genomics can play a crucial role in better managing antibiotics in healthcare, improving understanding of AMR, and fostering new treatments. However, to make this effective, improvements in communication and collaboration between different sectors are necessary. Who this helps: This benefits patients, healthcare professionals, and researchers working on AMR.

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This study surveyed surgical trainees in the Caribbean to measure gender discrimination in the field. It found that 85% of surgical residents experienced some form of gender bias, with the issue particularly affecting younger female residents. Addressing this problem is crucial to creating a fairer and more inclusive environment in surgery. Who this helps: This helps surgical residents, especially women in the medical field.

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This study looked at two imaging techniques, [C]PiB and [F]NAV4694, to measure the buildup of amyloid, a substance linked to Alzheimer's disease, in patients over time. Researchers found that both methods produced similar results: people without amyloid showed consistent measurements across scans, and those with amyloid accumulated it at a rate of about 6.0 units per year. This matters because it indicates that the newer [F]NAV4694 scan can reliably track amyloid levels, allowing for better monitoring of Alzheimer's disease progression. Who this helps: This benefits patients being assessed for Alzheimer's, as well as doctors involved in their care.

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This study focused on how healthcare providers can better support pregnant people who have experienced trauma. Researchers interviewed 23 clinicians, who highlighted that trauma can affect care quality and emphasized the need for a trauma-informed approach to prevent further harm. They found that recognizing individual strengths and tailoring care can help patients feel safe and supported. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant individuals who have experienced trauma, healthcare providers, and the overall quality of perinatal care.

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This study looked at how women surgeons experience discrimination based on gender and whether this was due to bias or differences in their surgical skills. Researchers found that 95 out of 140 surgeons surveyed (about 68%) reported seeing gender discrimination in their workplace, with women being significantly more likely to face it (64.2% for women compared to just 4.2% for men). Despite the discrimination, there were no differences in surgical skills between genders, and women actually performed better in thoroughness and task completion. Who this helps: This benefits women surgeons and promotes a more equitable work environment in surgery.

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This study looked at how a new saliva-based test can help primary care providers identify when patients are not taking their medications as prescribed and when there are harmful interactions between different drugs. The results showed that providers using the test were much better at correctly identifying these issues—80% recognized medication non-adherence compared to just 10% in the control group, and 53% spotted drug-drug interactions compared to 19% for the control group. This is important because improving the management of medications can lead to better health outcomes for patients with chronic diseases who often take multiple prescriptions. Who this helps: Patients with chronic conditions on multiple medications.

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This study looked at how health behavior research has changed over the last two decades by comparing articles published in 2003 and 2023 in five leading journals. The researchers found that the number of published studies more than doubled, going from 571 in 2003 to 1,207 in 2023, and that these studies often included larger sample sizes and a greater variety of research methods. This matters because it shows that health behavior research is growing and becoming more diverse, which can lead to better understanding and improvements in public health. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by providing better evidence and insights into health behaviors.

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This study looked at how often children experience cardiac arrest outside of hospitals across various countries. Researchers found that, on average, there were about 5.56 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest per 100,000 children each year, with differences based on age and underlying causes. This matters because understanding these rates can help improve emergency response and care for children experiencing cardiac arrest. Who this helps: This helps patients and emergency medical providers by highlighting the need for better reporting and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how being born prematurely or with low birth weight affects cognitive abilities and educational success throughout life. Researchers found that children born preterm or with low birth weight had lower IQ scores and performed worse in reading (by an average of about 0.65 points), math (by about 0.77 points), and spelling (by about 0.56 points). They also often needed extra educational support. This matters because it highlights the need for early identification and ongoing support for these children to improve their educational outcomes. Who this helps: This helps children born preterm or with low birth weight, as well as their families and educators.

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This study updates treatment guidelines for severe COVID-19 patients by comparing two medications: baricitinib and tocilizumab. The recommendation was made after reviewing existing evidence, but it does not address using both drugs together. This is important because it helps doctors decide which medication might be more effective for their patients with severe COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers in treating hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

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This study updates guidelines for treating adults with mild to moderate COVID-19, focusing on antiviral medications like nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, remdesivir, and molnupiravir. The experts made 9 new recommendations based on thorough research, emphasizing the importance of choosing the right treatment based on the evidence. This is important because having clear treatment guidelines helps ensure patients receive effective care quickly. Who this helps: Patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.

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Researchers looked at 81 patients from three medical centers in Chicago to understand the difference between infection and colonization by bacteria. They found that about 27% of patients who tested positive actually just had bacteria living in them without causing illness, and recent antibiotic use increased the likelihood of having a real infection by more than four times. The study also noted a shift in the dominant bacterial strain found in patients, with one strain becoming more common than before. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers in diagnosing and treating patients more effectively.

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This study focused on improving the way doctors evaluate the effectiveness of a no-surgery breast cancer treatment called MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). Researchers developed a deep learning method using advanced MRI images to better predict how well the treatment will work, finding that this new approach can accurately assess its success shortly after treatment. Specifically, they achieved a prediction accuracy score (Dice of 0.64) that shows promise for real-time assessments, which is crucial for timely patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing MR-guided focused ultrasound treatment for breast cancer.

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This study looked at the outcomes of two different types of lung surgeries—lobectomy and sublobar resection—in children with congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs). Researchers found that lobectomies were performed much more frequently (88% of cases) than sublobar resections (12%). While both surgeries had low mortality rates (0.4% for sublobar, 0.1% for lobectomy), sublobar resections had fewer complications and shorter surgery times, making them a safer option for some patients. Who this helps: This information benefits pediatric patients with CPAMs and their doctors by guiding treatment choices.

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This study looked at how diabetes mellitus affects cancer patients. Researchers found that diabetes raises the risk of developing cancer by 10% and leads to poorer treatment outcomes, such as a 27-98% increase in mortality and a decrease in overall survival by 18-50%. This matters because it shows that diabetes not only complicates cancer treatment but also significantly impacts patients' health and quality of life. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes who are also undergoing cancer treatment.

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This study examined the reasons for leftover opioids in cancer care at a major cancer center over one year. Researchers found that most opioid waste was intentional due to hospital rules, but 477 instances were specifically because patients refused them. Understanding these refusals is important for improving patient comfort and care options. Who this helps: This findings help patients with cancer who may need better support and communication around their pain management options.

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This study focused on creating a new type of sensor array that can track many biomolecular interactions at the same time, using 322 sensors on a single chip. The researchers found that this technology can detect binding interactions, such as how well specific proteins stick to each other, with great precision, achieving dissociation constants between 28 and 564 nanomolar. This advancement matters because it allows for faster and more accurate analysis of complex biological processes, which can enhance diagnostics and drug development. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving disease detection and treatment options.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers in maternity settings understand and implement trauma-informed care (TIC), which is essential because many people have faced childhood trauma. The researchers interviewed 23 clinicians, and found that 95.7% of them were women with about 12 years of experience. They discovered that challenges mainly come from rigid healthcare systems that lack supportive resources and structures, but also identified ways to improve care through better support and teamwork. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially pregnant and postpartum individuals who have experienced trauma.

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This study focused on creating advanced materials that can change their shape and mechanical properties easily and in three dimensions. Researchers developed a new method that allows these materials to transform between flat and complex shapes without changing their material makeup. They found that these materials can be made to have different strengths and responses simply by changing their shape, opening up new possibilities for various applications. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and designers looking to create more adaptable and efficient materials for various technologies and industries.

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This study looked at two uncommon liver diseases, primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), by analyzing gut bacteria and other substances in patients' stool samples. Researchers found that patients with these diseases had less variety in their gut bacteria and more harmful bacteria, which affected their metabolism. Specifically, those with PSC and PBC had lower levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids and B-vitamins, and harmful bacteria were linked to worsening liver health while beneficial ones seemed to offer protection. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from PSC and PBC by identifying potential new treatments.

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This study looked at the drug tenapanor, which helps lower high phosphate levels in adults on dialysis. It found that patients taking tenapanor had better control of their phosphate levels, achieving target levels more effectively than those not taking the drug. However, some patients experienced diarrhea, which may lead them to stop using tenapanor. Who this helps: Patients on dialysis who struggle with high phosphate levels.

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This study looked at how researchers can work together with statistics experts to improve the way they analyze changes over time in research. The authors found that by combining their knowledge, the team was able to create better statistical models that fit the data they had available, even when that data wasn't perfect. This approach is important because it helps ensure that research findings are reliable and meaningful, leading to better decisions in various fields. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors by improving the quality of research data, which can lead to better patient care.

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The CLEAR AIR study looked at whether providing asthma treatment feedback to doctors in both paper and email formats was more effective than just using email alone. The study involved 273 primary care practices and found that there was no significant difference in the prescribing of preventer inhalers between the two groups—0.15% for the paper plus email group and 0.19% for the email-only group. This matters because optimizing asthma medication can reduce both preventable deaths and carbon emissions from inhalers. Who this helps: Patients with asthma and their healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied how the public views the use of synthetic data—artificially created information used in health and social care research. They held workshops with 44 people across the UK and created ten recommendations on how to introduce and communicate about this type of data responsibly. The goal is to ensure that data is shared safely and transparently, which ultimately helps build trust in how it's used for research. Who this helps: This helps patients and the general public by promoting safer and more trustworthy research practices.