SUSAN A. MCMANUS, M.D.

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This study looked at how quickly patients with resectable pancreatic cancer start chemotherapy after surgery and how that timing affects their survival rates. Out of nearly 32,000 patients analyzed, those who began chemotherapy within 12 weeks after surgery had better survival outcomes compared to those who started later; about 66% of patients got treatment within this timeframe. The findings indicate that starting chemotherapy sooner is linked to better survival, but even patients who begin treatment later can still benefit if they're in good health. Who this helps: This helps patients with pancreatic cancer and their doctors in making treatment decisions.

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This study looked at how different factors beyond just biology affect the treatment and survival of pancreatic cancer patients in Louisiana. Researchers analyzed data from over 8,400 patients diagnosed between 2000 and 2020 and found that non-Hispanic Black patients with early-stage cancer waited longer for treatment than non-Hispanic White patients. They also discovered that uninsured patients were less likely to receive treatment, and that those who had surgery lived longer. Who this helps: This benefits pancreatic cancer patients and healthcare providers by highlighting treatment disparities that need to be addressed.

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This study looked at how different gambling behaviors among UK adults relate to suicidal thoughts. Researchers found that people who gamble both in-person and online, particularly those who frequently use electronic gambling machines, are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts—about 3.4 times more likely compared to other groups of gamblers. Understanding these links is important for identifying those at higher risk and improving support and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with gambling issues and healthcare providers assessing mental health risks.

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This study looked at the relationship between people who commit intimate partner violence (IPV) and their likelihood of experiencing suicidal thoughts, attempts, or self-harm. The research found that men who perpetrate IPV are 3.6 times more likely to attempt suicide, while women are 4.2 times more likely to do so; also, both genders who commit IPV have higher rates of suicidal thoughts and self-harm. Understanding these connections is important because it can help in creating better support and prevention strategies for both violence perpetrators and their victims. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals addressing issues of IPV and suicidal behavior.

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This study looked at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help analyze and make sense of various public health policies related to violence in the UK. Researchers created an AI tool that reviewed 343 policy documents and found that it significantly improved the ability to identify trends and gaps in these documents, making the analysis faster and clearer. This is important because better understanding of violence prevention policies can lead to more effective strategies and collaborations across different sectors. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and policymakers working on violence prevention.

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This study looked at children in England with psychiatric disorders in three different years: 1999, 2004, and 2017. The findings show that these children had more severe difficulties and a greater impact on their daily lives by 2017, with total difficulty scores reported by parents and adolescents increasing over time. This matters because it highlights a growing need for better support and resources for children facing mental health challenges. Who this helps: This helps children with psychiatric disorders and their families.

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This study looked at how different factors affect whether patients with early-stage liver cancer in Louisiana receive surgery and how well they do after it. Only 24.5% of patients had surgery, with Black patients, the uninsured, and those living in rural areas facing lower chances of receiving treatment. The findings highlight significant inequalities in access to surgical care, which can lead to worse survival rates, especially for certain groups. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver cancer, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

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This study looked at how different groups of people in Louisiana access treatment for liver cancer over a decade. Researchers found that about 30.5% of nearly 3,000 liver cancer patients received no treatment at all, and certain factors like being over 70, having no partner, being uninsured, living in rural areas, or being in poverty increased the chances of not getting any care. Improving access to treatment for these vulnerable groups is crucial for better health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older adults, uninsured individuals, and those living in rural or low-income areas.

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This study looked at various support services available in the UK for adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence and abuse. It found that over half (58.7%) of people who received advocacy services and nearly half (46.2%) of those who participated in outreach programs reported stopping the abuse. These findings are important because they highlight the potential effectiveness of these support services, though more reliable research is needed to confirm the results. Who this helps: This helps victims of domestic and sexual violence.

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This study explores how negative experiences in childhood, such as abuse or neglect, can affect people's mental and physical health later in life. Researchers aim to gather and analyze data from various studies to determine if these childhood experiences directly cause health issues in adulthood. Previous findings suggest that those who had multiple adverse experiences in childhood are more likely to face serious health problems later on. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers understand the long-term impacts of childhood trauma and improve health care interventions.

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This study explored the health effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on men and women in England, focusing on how different types of IPV affect physical health. Researchers analyzed data from over 6,800 individuals and found that women experienced more types of IPV and reported significantly worse health outcomes, with those who faced IPV in the past 12 months likely to report 12 health issues compared to just 1 for men. These findings emphasize the need for healthcare systems to prioritize women's health in the context of IPV and improve training for health providers to better support victims. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially female survivors of intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at how Black and minoritized women in the UK experience specialized domestic violence services. It reviewed 29 research articles and found that these women face unique challenges, such as needing specific types of support and having difficulties accessing help, while services created by and for them are especially effective. This matters because understanding these experiences can help improve support systems for these communities. Who this helps: This helps Black and minoritized women facing domestic violence.

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This study looked at the rates of personality disorders among patients in a psychiatric hospital in Ireland. Out of 526 patients, 37% had at least one personality disorder, with borderline personality disorder being the most common at 24.9%. The research found that many of these diagnoses were new and that patients often struggled with other mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, with 45% having self-harmed and 40% having attempted suicide. This is important because it shows a significant need for better mental health services and earlier diagnosis for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with personality disorders and their doctors.

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This study looked at trends in violence victimization in Wales compared to England from 2002 to 2020. It found that violence was generally less common in Wales, especially for males, but women in Wales saw no decline in violence until after 2016, unlike women in England who experienced declines earlier. This matters because understanding these differences can help create better targeted strategies for violence prevention specific to Wales. Who this helps: This helps policymakers and public health officials in Wales.

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In this study, researchers compared the effectiveness of two treatments for patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial cancer: a combination of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab versus standard platinum-based chemotherapy. They found that the combination treatment not only improved survival rates but also led to greater improvements in patients' quality of life and pain management, particularly for those with moderate to severe pain. Specifically, patients taking the combination treatment reported an average decrease in worst pain scores of about 2.96, compared to 2.43 for those on chemotherapy, which indicates better pain relief. Who this helps: This benefits patients diagnosed with advanced urothelial cancer, especially those experiencing significant pain.

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This study examined the mental health of children and young people in England from 2004 to 2017, focusing on emotional disorders like anxiety and depression. The researchers found that the rate of emotional disorders rose from 3.9% to 6.0%, which is a 63% increase, mostly driven by anxiety disorders increasing from 3.5% to 5.4%. This is important because it highlights a growing mental health crisis among young people, especially among White children, while showing that issues are less pronounced for Black and minority ethnic groups. Who this helps: This research benefits parents, teachers, and mental health professionals working with children and young people.

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This study looked at how unpaid caregivers in England are affected by domestic violence and abuse (DVA) and how this impacts their health. It found that one in three caregivers experienced DVA and that those who did were much more likely to suffer from mental health issues (like depression and PTSD) as well as physical health problems. Specifically, they were nearly three times more likely to have mental disorders, over five times more likely to have probable PTSD, and 53% more likely to develop long-term health issues compared to caregivers who had not experienced DVA. Who this helps: This research helps caregivers, particularly those experiencing domestic violence, by highlighting the need for better support and resources.

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This study looked at how experiencing violence throughout life, especially in childhood and adulthood, affects health in older age. Researchers found that people who had experienced any form of violence had a higher likelihood of dealing with long-standing illnesses and depression later in life, with men being about twice as likely (1.99 times) and women 1.38 times more likely to report higher depression scores compared to those who had not experienced violence. These findings highlight that the negative impacts of violence on health do not lessen with time, underscoring the importance of violence prevention for healthier aging. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced violence and their healthcare providers.

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This paper examines the role of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The research found that neutrophils in CLL patients are less effective at fighting infections and tend to produce structures that can harm the body, which may worsen the disease. Understanding these changes is important for finding better treatments that can help restore normal immune function and improve the lives of CLL patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

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This study looked at a fatigue assessment tool, called PROMIS Fatigue-Short Form 7a, to see how well it works for adults diagnosed with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease. The researchers found that the tool showed strong reliability and validity, with a score consistency of 0.86 and a meaningful improvement threshold of -4.00 points. This means it can effectively measure fatigue in these patients, helping doctors understand and address their symptoms better. Who this helps: Patients with MAC lung disease.

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This study looked at how patients' beliefs about their chronic illnesses can affect their overall well-being and functioning. Researchers developed a new tool called the Illness Mindset Inventory (IMI) to assess these beliefs and found that they can explain an additional 5.7 to 12.1% of differences in physical, social, and emotional functioning, even after considering the severity of the illness. Understanding these mindsets is important because they can influence how well patients cope with their conditions and adapt to treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients by providing insights into how their mindset can affect their health outcomes.

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This research focused on creating a national treatment plan for personality disorders in Ireland. It reviewed global best practices and found that important elements for effective treatment include ensuring people can access care, having ongoing support, using a team of different health professionals, and involving users in their own treatment. Implementing these strategies can lead to better mental health outcomes for individuals with personality disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with personality disorders and their families.

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The study looked at the mental health of parents with borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) compared to parents without BIF, using data from a large survey. It found that parents with BIF were more likely to experience mental health issues, such as common mental disorders and severe mental illness, and were more likely to visit their doctor and seek mental health treatment—69.1% of the participants were parents. This is important because it highlights the need for better support services specifically for parents with BIF, as they face significant mental health challenges. Who this helps: This helps parents with BIF and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how businesses contribute to violence and what can be done to prevent it. Researchers found that certain practices by companies, like poor employee protections and misleading marketing, can increase violence in communities. Addressing these harmful practices could help reduce violence and improve public health. Who this helps: This benefits communities, policymakers, and public health officials working to reduce violence and its effects.

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This study looked at workplace bullying and harassment (WBH) in England, finding that about 1 in 10 employees (10.6%) experienced it in the past year. Rates were particularly high among women (12.2%), certain ethnic groups (21.0%), and people facing financial difficulties (15.2%). WBH is linked to poorer mental health, with those affected being significantly more likely to report common mental disorders and lower mental wellbeing. Who this helps: This research benefits employees dealing with workplace bullying and mental health issues, as well as employers and health service practitioners aiming to improve workplace conditions.

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This study looked at how support services in the UK measure their effectiveness in helping adults who have experienced or committed domestic and sexual violence and abuse. It reviewed 80 studies and found a total of 426 different outcome measures, with the most common one being the cessation of abusive behavior. The results show that while more studies and varied measures have emerged since the 1990s, there is still a need for standardized metrics to effectively compare results across different services. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking support and the doctors and organizations that provide these services.

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This study looked at how living in urban versus less urban areas in England affects access to mental health care, especially for common mental disorders. It found that people in less urban areas are half as likely to receive psychological treatments compared to those in urban areas, with 49% less access to therapy, but there was no significant difference in taking antidepressant medication between the two groups. This matters because it highlights that people in rural areas may face barriers to getting the mental health care they need, despite nationwide efforts to improve access. Who this helps: This benefits patients living in rural areas who are struggling with mental health issues.

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This study looked at how social media users on Weibo view cyberbullying during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on factors like gender and whether their accounts were verified. Researchers found that posts supporting cyberbullying were more emotional, particularly with verified female users showing more anger in their posts compared to others. Understanding these patterns can help improve how cyberbullying is monitored and addressed, especially during public health crises. Who this helps: This helps social media platforms, policymakers, and mental health professionals.

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This study looked at how often older people in England experience violence and how it affects their mental health. It found that 2% of older adults faced some form of violence in the past year, with intimate partner violence being the most common. Older individuals who were non-white, lonely, or previously married were at a higher risk, and experiencing violence was linked to a significant increase in mental health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults and healthcare providers by highlighting the need for better support and protection for this vulnerable group.

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This study looked at a young child of Polynesian descent who had serious health issues, including pneumonia from a virus and a severe reaction to a vaccine. Researchers found a harmful genetic variant in the IFNAR1 gene that is common in Western Polynesia, along with another variant in the DOCK8 gene that appears to have no harmful effects despite being thought to be potentially dangerous. This research is important because it shows the need to thoroughly assess unknown genetic variants, especially in under-represented populations, to better understand their genetic health risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients from under-represented ancestries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the experiences of adults in England who consider themselves autistic, examining their demographics and health conditions. Out of over 623,000 survey participants, about 4,481 (or roughly 1.41%) identified as autistic. The findings showed that autistic individuals are generally younger, more likely to be male or non-binary, and face higher rates of long-term health issues while also reporting difficulties with scheduling appointments and feeling that their healthcare needs are not met. Who this helps: This research benefits autistic individuals seeking healthcare, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

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This study examined the effects on family members of people who were seriously assaulted in England. It found that 4.5% of adults are closely related to assault victims, and these relatives are more likely to feel unsafe and experience mental health issues. Specifically, they are 2.36 times more likely to feel unsafe and 1.37 times more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety compared to others. This matters because it highlights the need for support services not just for victims, but also for their families who are also impacted by violence. Who this helps: This helps families of assault victims and mental health support services.

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This study looked at the healthcare experiences of adults with learning disabilities compared to those without in England, analyzing data from over 623,000 people. It found that adults with learning disabilities were more likely to have chronic health conditions and face challenges in accessing and trusting their healthcare, with about 40% reporting that their needs were not met. This matters because improving primary care for these individuals can lead to better health outcomes and quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with learning disabilities and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at the health of people in England who have experienced homelessness in the past compared to those who have never been homeless. It found that 44.8% of those who were previously homeless suffer from common mental disorders, which is much higher than the 15% in those who have never been homeless. Additionally, former homelessness is linked to higher rates of various health problems, including both mental and physical conditions, indicating that those recovering from homelessness often need long-term support to address their complex health needs. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have experienced homelessness, as well as healthcare providers and policymakers working to improve their care.

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This study looked at the risk of cybercrime among older adults in England and Wales, using data from over 35,000 internet users. It found that while people aged 75 and older reported cybercrime less often, they faced more serious consequences when they did, including a higher likelihood of losing money and experiencing repeated cybercrimes. Understanding these risks is important because it can help develop better ways to protect older adults, especially as they spend more time online. Who this helps: This helps older adults and the professionals who support them.

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This study examined the link between intimate partner violence (IPV) and the use of mental health services in England. Researchers found that about 8% of both men and women reported participating in IPV, and those involved in IPV were significantly more likely to seek mental health services, with men being 2.8 times and women 2.8 times more likely to use these services in the past year. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights a chance to address harmful behaviors and improve support for those affected. Who this helps: Patients dealing with mental health issues and those affected by intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at the mental health of women in England during and after menopause. It found that women who were post-menopausal were nearly four times more likely to show signs of depression than those who were pre-menopausal, with rates of 3.9% compared to 1.7%. This finding is important because it highlights the need for doctors to pay attention to the mental health of women going through menopause. Who this helps: This benefits women experiencing menopause and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how sexual abuse and bullying affect mental health, particularly focusing on conditions like paranoia and hallucinations. The researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 people in England and found that paranoia often develops early after experiencing abuse and can lead to hallucinations. This is important because it shows that addressing feelings of worry related to past abuse could help prevent or manage serious mental health symptoms like psychosis. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced sexual abuse or bullying, as well as their doctors in treating mental health issues.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected people's mental health in England over a span of 21 months. It found that visits to doctors for anxiety and depression dropped significantly at the start of the pandemic—about 4.6 fewer appointments per 1,000 patients each month—while self-reported psychological distress increased during the first and second waves of COVID-19. Despite these challenges, the long-term impact on mental health problems appeared to be less severe; in some cases, medication prescriptions returned to normal levels by the second wave, indicating a gap in treatment access. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with mental health issues, particularly women who experienced greater distress.

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This study looked at how people's feelings of psychological distress changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK. Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 adults and found that distress levels fluctuated more heavily during the first lockdown in April 2020 (61.2%) compared to before the pandemic (around 50%). This fluctuation decreased to 29.0% by July 2020 as restrictions eased, indicating that while people's stress levels could change dramatically at first, they became more stable in later lockdowns. The study also highlighted that loneliness, dissatisfaction with life, and financial struggles were key factors influencing these changes in distress. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with mental health issues, as well as healthcare providers focused on mental health care during crises.

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This study looked at how common workplace bullying and harassment (WBH) is in England and its link to mental health problems. They found that about 10.6% of working people experienced WBH in the past year, with women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those in financial difficulty being affected the most. Workplace bullying is strongly linked to mental health issues, making it critical to improve workplace policies and awareness to help prevent these problems. Who this helps: This helps employees, employers, and mental health professionals.

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This study is looking at how well support programs in the UK help adults who have experienced domestic and sexual violence. The researchers will review existing studies to assess how effective these interventions are in improving safety and wellbeing for victims. Their goal is to provide clear evidence on what works best, helping inform better policies and funding decisions to combat this issue. Who this helps: This benefits victims of domestic and sexual violence, as well as the organizations that support them.

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This study looked at a new way to measure how well the left ventricle of the heart functions in healthy adults. Researchers evaluated a technique called inward displacement (InD) in 120 healthy people, finding that the average InD was 33.4%, with higher values in the upper parts of the heart compared to the lower. These reference values will help doctors better assess and screen for heart issues, especially for patients with certain heart conditions like heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with heart conditions.

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This study focused on the mental health of children and young people in England by using surveys from 2017 and follow-ups in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, involving over 9,100 participants aged 2 to 19. The research found various mental health issues, including conditions like depression, anxiety, and attention disorders, and tracked how these issues have changed over time, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. This information is important because it helps identify trends in young people's mental health and highlights the need for support and services. Who this helps: This helps children, parents, educators, and mental health professionals.