WILLIAM PRESTON MAGEE JR., DDS, MD

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This research focused on creating a mixed paper and electronic health record system to help improve surgical care in low-resource countries. The new system was used in 350 surgical programs over four years, allowing for better data collection on nearly 10,000 patients and over 5,000 surgeries, mainly for cleft lip and palate repairs. This matters because it enables better tracking of patient outcomes and supports improvements in surgical care despite the challenges of using technology in these settings. Who this helps: Patients in low-resource countries needing surgical care.

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This study explored the experiences of patients with cleft lip and their caregivers who received care from an all-women surgical team in four countries: Morocco, Peru, Malawi, and the Philippines. Before the program, only 35% of participants preferred women doctors; however, after receiving care, 66% preferred women, with 90% preference in Morocco. This shift indicates that exposure to women healthcare providers can significantly enhance patient satisfaction and shape preferences for future care. Who this helps: This benefits patients, especially those seeking cleft care, by emphasizing the importance of women in healthcare.

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This study looked at how repairing a cleft lip affects the growth of the middle part of the face in patients, particularly focusing on those who did not have their cleft palate repaired. The findings showed that patients with only a cleft lip repair had a lower average measurement (77.4°) of midface growth compared to those with complete repairs (81.4°) or those without clefts (81.25°). This is important because it suggests that the problems with midface growth primarily arise when a cleft palate is also present, rather than just from the lip repair itself. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with cleft lip and palate, helping them make informed decisions about treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific nutrition program using ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) could help malnourished children with orofacial clefts become eligible for surgery. Out of 556 children, over 63% improved their nutrition status within about 6 weeks, allowing many to eventually receive necessary surgeries. This matters because malnutrition is a major barrier to surgical care for these children, and improving access to quick and effective nutritional support can significantly increase their chances of getting the help they need. Who this helps: This helps children with orofacial clefts and their families, as well as medical teams working to provide surgical care.

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The study focused on understanding the causes of nonsyndromic orofacial clefts (NSOFCs), like cleft lip and palate, by collecting information from families in eight low- and middle-income countries. Researchers gathered data from nearly 3,000 families with affected cases and over 2,700 families without, finding that 55.5% of the cases involved both cleft lip and palate, while 26.5% had only cleft lip, and 14.6% had just cleft palate. This research is important because it helps identify specific risk factors in populations that often lack the healthcare resources to address these conditions. Who this helps: Patients with orofacial clefts and their families in low- and middle-income countries.

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This study looked at how the midface grows in individuals with unoperated cleft lip and palate compared to those who have had surgery. It was found that unoperated patients with unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate have a better growth potential for their midface than those who have undergone surgery, with average growth angles of 84.5° and 85.3°, while the operated group showed reduced growth angles of 76.2° and 79.8°. However, patients with isolated cleft palate showed limited growth potential, with both operated and unoperated groups having similar growth angles around 79.2°. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with clefts and their doctors by providing insights into the growth potential of different types of cleft conditions.

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This study looked at research on cleft lip and palate (CLP), which are common birth defects that heavily affect low- and middle-income countries. The researchers analyzed 1,561 articles and found that most were published by authors in the USA, Brazil, China, and India, with significant focus areas including the causes and management of CLP. Despite the high prevalence of CLP in these countries, much of the research comes from wealthier nations, highlighting a need for better collaboration and support to improve care for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps patients with cleft lip and palate, especially in low- and middle-income countries, and the healthcare professionals supporting them.

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This study examined how people's outlook on life—optimistic or pessimistic—changes over time and how it differs among groups based on age, race, and gender. It found that younger Black Americans tend to be more optimistic than White Americans at the same age, and these differences in outlook are influenced by historical events like the landmark 1954 Supreme Court decision on school desegregation. Understanding these patterns is important because they can impact mental health and decision-making throughout life. Who this helps: This helps researchers, mental health professionals, and policymakers understand how different groups perceive opportunities and challenges.

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This study looked at the state of plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) in Malawi, focusing on what research has been done and the challenges faced in providing these services. The review found that, out of 3852 articles, only 31 were relevant, highlighting that burns are a major concern, with mortality rates between 27% and 75%. There are only two specialized burn units in the country, and there's a lack of interest among medical students to pursue PRS, indicating a significant need for improvement in treatments and training for these surgical services. Who this helps: This information benefits patients suffering from burn injuries and congenital anomalies, as well as medical professionals seeking to improve surgical care in Malawi.

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This study looked at how smoking affects feelings of depression in people over 25 years. It found that among women, smoking is linked to lower levels of depressive symptoms; specifically, women who smoke tend to report less depression when considering the effects both ways. In contrast, this relationship wasn't significant for men, and there were no differences based on race. Understanding this relationship is important because it could change how we think about smoking and mental health treatment. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and mental health professionals understand the complex relationship between smoking and depression, particularly in women.

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This study looked at how switching from a treatment called nasoalveolar molding (NAM) to an earlier surgery for cleft lip repair affects families. Researchers found that families had to visit the dentist 11 times on average for NAM, leading to about $2,132 in lost income and $12,290 in direct medical costs for each patient. After the switch to early surgery, usage of NAM dropped by 48%, saving families a total of $368,700 over the study period. Who this helps: This benefits families of children with cleft lip, reducing their time and financial stress.

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This research looked at how the timing of hard palate repair affects the development of midface hypoplasia, a condition often seen in individuals who have had surgery for cleft palates. The study found that patients who had their hard palate repaired between 13 to 18 months old had better results, with SNA angles at 78.7 degrees, indicating a healthier facial structure compared to older patients (under 6 months had 77.9 degrees and those 25 months and older had as low as 75.5 degrees). This matters because performing the repair at a younger age can reduce the likelihood of midface hypoplasia, improving quality of life for these patients and easing demands on healthcare systems. Who this helps: Patients with cleft palates and their families.

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This study looked at how to surgically remove sebaceous nevi (a type of skin growth) on the scalp in children. Researchers reviewed the surgeries of 92 patients and found that larger growths generally led to worse outcomes, with 38% of patients experiencing complications after surgery. Specifically, surgeries on larger lesions had significantly higher rates of poor outcomes, especially with certain surgical techniques. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric patients and their doctors by providing guidance on managing scalp skin growths effectively.

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This study focused on a rare genetic variant in a family from Honduras that may cause non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (CL/P). Researchers found a specific genetic change, occurring in only 3 out of 251,352 alleles tested, that affects how the gene IRF6 functions, leading to significant splicing issues that produce abnormal proteins in affected individuals. This discovery highlights the importance of closely examining genetic variants, even those that seem harmless, as they can have serious implications for conditions like CL/P. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with cleft lip and palate and their families by improving understanding of the genetic factors involved.

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This research focuses on creating and testing a new tool called MuSICCA to help assess children and young people with severe brain injuries who may be in a disorder of consciousness. The study aims to ensure that this tool is reliable and useful by gathering feedback from both families and healthcare providers and comparing its results against established scales. This is important because accurate diagnoses can lead to better care and opportunities for these patients, ultimately improving their quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with severe brain injuries and their families, as well as doctors and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether smoke from cooking over an open flame and parental smoking increases the risk of cleft lip and palate in children. Researchers found that mothers who cooked indoors over an open fire were 49% more likely to have children with clefts compared to those who didn't, with this trend observed in five of the seven countries studied. Understanding this link is important because it can help develop public health strategies to reduce the risk of cleft defects in areas where cooking smoke exposure is common. Who this helps: This helps families in low-resource countries and healthcare providers working to prevent birth defects.

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This study looked at the timing of a surgical procedure called secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG), which is used to help patients with alveolar clefts, a type of facial deformity. Researchers reviewed eight studies and found that six of them showed that performing SABG earlier (between 4 and 7 years old) tends to lead to better results compared to doing it later (between 8 and 12 years old). The findings are important because they help inform the best times for surgery, potentially improving outcomes for children with these conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with alveolar clefts and their families.

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This study looked at how to treat nasal lesions in children more effectively by focusing on removing only the affected tissue instead of larger areas. It analyzed 127 patients, mostly young children with a common type of lesion called congenital melanocytic nevus. The results showed that 92% of patients had good cosmetic outcomes after surgery, which suggests that being less aggressive in treatment can still lead to excellent results. Who this helps: This helps young patients and their families by providing safer surgical options with better cosmetic results.

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This study looked at children with congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) on the face, particularly around the eyebrows, eyelids, and nose, to see if leaving some of the lesions intact would lead to melanoma (skin cancer) later on. After reviewing over 950 patient records, they found 32 children who met their criteria, and none of them developed melanoma in the remaining moles during an average follow-up of about 5.6 years, even as they got older. This is important because it suggests that it's safe to leave small CMNs in these cosmetic areas without increasing the risk of skin cancer, allowing for better appearance after treatment. Who this helps: This helps children with facial CMNs and their families, as well as doctors making treatment decisions.

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The research focused on finding alternatives to the traditional method of using a patient’s own bone for repairing alveolar clefts, which are gaps in the jaw. The study reviewed 16 pieces of research on different bone graft substitutes and found that recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) performed similarly to the autologous bone graft regarding bone growth and density. This is important because using substitutes can reduce pain and recovery time for patients while providing effective outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients needing jaw reconstruction, especially young children with alveolar clefts.

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This study looked at how safe and effective external filling ports are for children undergoing tissue expansion surgery. Out of 100 kids treated, 29.9% experienced complications, but 96.7% of the reconstructions were ultimately successful, with most issues managed without extra surgery. This matters because it shows that using external ports can reduce pain and emotional stress for young patients while still achieving high surgery success rates. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families.

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This study looked at complications from a technique called tissue expansion used to reconstruct children's faces, particularly focusing on a problem called ectropion, where the eyelid turns outward. Out of 88 patients, 43% experienced complications, with 11% developing ectropion, which often needed surgery to fix. Understanding these risks helps doctors plan better and set realistic expectations for families regarding what to expect during treatment and the possibility of needing multiple surgeries. Who this helps: This helps children undergoing facial reconstruction and their families.

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This research studied a gene called IFT88 and its role in the development of the face in mice, particularly focusing on cleft lip and palate. The researchers found that when IFT88 was removed from specific cells in the developing face, the mice had severe facial deformities and died at birth. This discovery points to IFT88 as an important gene linked to oral and facial clefts in humans, suggesting it might play a key role in similar conditions in people. Who this helps: This helps patients and families affected by cleft lip and palate.

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This study looked at the timing and safety of repairing cleft lips and noses in babies, finding that doing it earlier—around 34.8 days old—can lead to better results. Only 3.1% of the 32 patients experienced complications, and measurements showed significant improvements in nasal appearance after surgery. Families involved preferred earlier repairs, suggesting that this approach could change how these deformities are treated to enhance both safety and cosmetic outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cleft lips and their families.

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This study compared two methods for reconstructing the jawbone in children with cleft lip and palate: one using a natural bone graft from the hip and the other using a synthetic material combined with a special protein. Out of 501 patients, complications were similar between both methods, with 10% of patients needing repeat surgery in each group. The findings indicate that using the synthetic material is a safe and effective alternative to the traditional method, as it does not lead to more serious complications. Who this helps: This helps children with cleft lip and palate and their families by providing a safer surgical option.

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This study looked at how different job levels in a workplace affect feelings of anger about work among employees in Toronto. The researchers found that front-line supervisors and mid-level supervisors experienced more anger than regular workers, with 20% reporting high anger levels, compared to only 10% of nonsupervisory workers. This is important because it highlights how workplace hierarchy can influence emotions and stress, indicating that those in management roles may need support to cope with their feelings better. Who this helps: This information benefits both workers and company leaders by showing the need for better emotional support in the workplace.

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The Global Surgery Partnership, created in 2011, aims to improve surgical care for children with cleft lips and palates in low-income countries. By 2015, participants in the partnership had completed over 600 surgeries across countries like China, Vietnam, Mexico, and India, while also educating future surgeons. This matters because it addresses a serious gap in surgical care for those who need it most, ensuring better outcomes for children facing these conditions. Who this helps: This benefits children with cleft lips and palates and the healthcare professionals who serve them.

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The Tsao Fellowship was created to give plastic surgery residents hands-on experience in global health through clinical work, research, and education over two years. So far, four fellows have participated, completing between 4 and 7 international missions and performing a total of 684 surgeries, along with conducting multiple research projects and publishing their findings. This fellowship matters because it enhances the training of surgeons, allowing them to develop skills that are important for global healthcare challenges. Who this helps: This helps plastic surgery residents and their future patients needing reconstructive surgery around the world.

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The study focused on isolated cleft palate (CPO), which is the least common type of cleft in the mouth. It found that CPO occurs in 1.3 to 25.3 out of every 10,000 births, varying by location and is more common in girls. The research also highlights that about half of the cases are tied to genetic syndromes or other malformations, while the other half are standalone issues, and maternal smoking is a major environmental risk factor. This matters because understanding the causes and effective treatments can improve care and outcomes for those affected by CPO. Who this helps: Patients with cleft palates and their families.

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This study looks at surgical telementoring, which is a way for expert surgeons to provide real-time assistance to other surgeons during operations from miles away, using technology. It highlights how this method has improved access to expert surgical advice, especially in places where there aren’t enough skilled surgeons, and it has evolved significantly over the past 20 years. Understanding and enhancing these remote mentoring systems matters because they can help improve patient care and surgical outcomes where resources are limited. Who this helps: This helps patients in remote areas and surgeons seeking expertise.

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This study looked at a new way to create special molds for infants with a cleft lip and palate before their first surgery. Researchers used 3D technology to design and produce these molds, which helped narrow the gap in the gums and improve tissue growth in the area significantly—by about 1 millimeter per week. This approach resulted in better outcomes and fewer visits to the clinic compared to traditional methods, making treatment easier for families and doctors. Who this helps: Infants with cleft lip and palate, along with their families and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at factors that might increase the risk of oral clefts, a type of birth defect, in parents from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Honduras. It found that having a family history of oral clefts raised the risk significantly, with a 10.5 times higher risk for fathers and 4.7 for mothers. Other factors included older maternal age, high blood pressure before pregnancy, and lower education levels for both parents, as well as paternal smoking. Who this helps: This research benefits expecting parents and healthcare providers by highlighting risks that can be addressed before and during pregnancy.

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This study looked at the genetic risk factors for orofacial clefts, which are conditions where a baby is born with a cleft lip or palate, in three groups: Congolese, Vietnamese, and Filipinos. Researchers found significant genetic links in four specific areas of the genome, notably near the genes IRF6 and VAX1, with one particular genetic variant (rs7987165) showing a strong association across all populations tested. These findings are important because they enhance our understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to orofacial clefts, particularly in underrepresented groups, which may lead to better preventative strategies and treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and families affected by orofacial clefts.

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The Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center (GCCCC) has successfully provided free surgeries to 7,034 patients over 2.5 years, focusing on cleft lip and palate repair. This approach has not only improved patient safety and health outcomes but also reduced surgery costs and fostered local community investments. This model shows that specialized hospitals can effectively offer quality surgical care in developing regions, highlighting a way to enhance healthcare accessibility and sustainability. Who this helps: Patients with cleft lips and palates, especially in developing countries.

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This study focused on the significant issue of cleft lip and cleft palate, highlighting that there are about 4 million patients worldwide needing surgical care. The authors described how the Operation Smile Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center was created through a collaboration between a charity, local government, and a private company, providing high-quality surgical facilities and care. This model demonstrates how partnerships can effectively expand access to safe and quality surgical care in developing countries. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cleft conditions and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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Researchers studied the Guwahati Comprehensive Cleft Care Center in Assam, India, which provides free surgical and medical care for patients with facial deformities. They found that by focusing on training local healthcare workers and creating a sustainable care model, they could improve safety and quality of care. As a result, local professionals now make up 92% of the workforce, ensuring lasting support for the community. Who this helps: This benefits patients with facial deformities and their families by providing accessible and comprehensive care.

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Researchers studied a 3-month-old baby who had obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and discovered that a vallecular cyst was causing the breathing issues. A sleep test showed a high apnea hypopnea index, indicating severe sleep disturbances. After successfully treating the cyst, the baby’s condition improved, highlighting how crucial it is to diagnose such rare conditions using sleep studies. Who this helps: This helps infants with sleep apnea caused by similar issues.

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This study looked at how to better fix type II odontoid fractures in the neck by comparing two methods: using a standard screw and using a screw combined with a locking plate. The results showed that the combination method was significantly stronger, withstanding 498 newtons before failing, compared to 362 newtons for the screw alone. This matters because it means a more effective fixation method could lead to better healing and recovery for patients with these fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with type II odontoid fractures.

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This study looked at the severity of unilateral cleft lips in patients from Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Northern Africa and the Middle East. Researchers examined pictures of 780 patients and found that those from Asia had the most severe cases, especially in the Philippines and Vietnam. This difference is important because understanding variations in severity can help in future studies to identify the genetic or environmental causes of these conditions. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and researchers working with patients who have cleft lips.

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This study focused on evaluating surgeries for patients with cleft lips and palates conducted by Operation Smile, a humanitarian organization. During a special event in November 2007, they performed 4,100 surgeries across 25 countries. They collected and analyzed before-and-after images from 703 patients and found that this systematic evaluation helped improve surgical quality and provided important feedback to 134 volunteer surgeons. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cleft conditions and the surgeons providing their care.

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This research looked at how well surgical programs in developing countries are performing, specifically through the lens of a system used by Operation Smile International, which tracked over 8,000 surgical cases from 2005 and 2006. They found that most patients were older than typical Western cases, with many showing signs of mild malnutrition. The complications that arose were low—around 1%—and mirrored rates seen in advanced healthcare systems, highlighting the need for consistent measures to compare the quality of care provided globally. Who this helps: This benefits patients receiving surgical care in developing countries and the organizations that support those efforts.

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This study compared two types of screws used in surgery for a specific neck fracture known as Type II odontoid fractures. Researchers tested a new headless fully threaded screw against the commonly used partially threaded lag screw and found that the new screw could hold up better under stress, with a significantly higher stiffness and load before failing. This matters because the traditional screws have a 20% failure rate, which can lead to serious complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Type II odontoid fractures by potentially leading to safer and more effective surgical options.

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This study looked at the impact of acute burn injuries, highlighting that nearly 2 million people in the U.S. are affected by burns each year. It found that while most burns require medical attention, improvements in treatment methods have decreased complications and death rates, leading to better recovery for patients. The focus has been on enhancing immediate care, managing infections, and making better surgical choices, all of which contribute to improving the lives of those who survive burns. Who this helps: This helps patients with burn injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how illness and disability affect people’s decision to leave their jobs for different reasons. Researchers found that having a disabling illness made workers more likely to leave their jobs to take care of others or switch jobs, while work-related disabilities led to quitting due to poor pay. Notably, illness decreased the chance of being laid off, suggesting that some workers may be retained despite their conditions. Who this helps: This benefits employees dealing with illness or disability, employers seeking to understand workforce dynamics, and policymakers focused on labor regulations.

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This study looked at how two receptors in the heart, A1 and A3, help protect the heart from damage caused by lack of blood flow (ischemia). Researchers found that adenosine, a natural substance in the body, is much more effective at binding to A1 receptors compared to A3 receptors—19 times more. When they blocked the A1 receptors in rabbits, the heart protection from both ischemic preconditioning and adenosine treatment was completely lost, indicating that A1 receptors play a key role in heart protection. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of heart attacks and doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at a chemical called CB-MECA, which is designed to specifically activate a type of receptor in the heart known as the adenosine A3 receptor. Researchers found that using CB-MECA before a heart attack-like event significantly reduced heart damage, with infarct size dropping from about 58% to 21% of the affected area. This matters because it shows a potential new way to protect heart tissue during events like heart attacks, which could lead to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who are at risk of heart attacks.

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This research focused on understanding the occurrence of cleft lip and palate among newborns in the Philippines. It found that for every 1,000 live births, about 1.94 babies are born with cleft lip, with a recurrence rate of 23 per 1,000 for siblings of those affected. This information is crucial for improving genetic counseling and finding ways to reduce these birth defects in the region. Who this helps: This helps patients born with cleft lip and palate and their families.

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This study looked at a severe disease called cancrum oris, which mostly affects young children in developing countries and leads to significant facial tissue damage due to poor nutrition and infections. The researchers found a way to perform reconstructive surgery in one stage, making it easier and quicker for patients compared to previous methods that required multiple surgeries. This approach helps treat many patients effectively and safely within their own countries, reducing costs and travel time for those who are severely affected. Who this helps: This benefits children suffering from cancrum oris and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at whether activating a specific receptor in the heart, called the adenosine A3 receptor, can help reduce heart damage caused by lack of blood flow and then restoration of blood flow. The researchers found that when they activated this receptor in rabbit hearts, it significantly reduced heart injury by about 28% compared to untreated hearts, which experienced a much larger injury of about 67%. This is important because it shows that targeting the A3 receptor could be a new way to protect the heart during events like heart attacks. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of heart damage, such as those experiencing heart attacks.