WILLIAM H. THOMPSON, MD

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This study looked at how doctors diagnose a serious condition called esophageal perforation, which can happen after surgery or due to other injuries. The researchers found that using CT scans is very effective for detecting this condition, with high accuracy; if a CT scan shows no problems, further tests are usually unnecessary. This matters because quick and accurate diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and reduce complications. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers improve care for patients at risk of esophageal perforation.

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This study looked at the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which are common medications for reducing stomach acid, in older adults. Researchers found that many seniors are taking these drugs without clear medical reasons, which can lead to serious issues such as fractures and infections. The study emphasizes the need for better evaluation of when PPIs are prescribed and suggests strategies to safely reduce their use, like tapering off the medication and exploring alternative treatments. Who this helps: This helps older adults and their healthcare providers by ensuring safer medication practices.

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This study looked at how often older adults in British Columbia with type 2 diabetes are using a specific type of diabetes medication called sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) from 2016 to 2023. The use of SGLT2is rose from 2% to 21%, with a noticeable increase in early 2023 when drug coverage expanded. Around 14,320 people started SGLT2is during the last few years, and about 60% of them also had heart or kidney problems, though 17% stopped taking the medication within a year. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those at risk of heart and kidney diseases.

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A recent workshop brought together healthcare professionals and experts to discuss how to improve the process of reducing medications that may do more harm than good, known as deprescribing. They identified three main priorities: better management practices for stopping medications, ensuring that patients' views are considered, and improving communication about deprescribing. These steps are essential to make deprescribing more effective and widespread, potentially reducing harmful medication side effects for many patients. Who this helps: This helps patients who are taking multiple medications and may be at risk of adverse effects.

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This research examined how teach-back techniques, where patients repeat what they've learned to confirm their understanding, can improve communication during telehealth visits, especially since many patients and providers had to switch to virtual care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review of 10 studies found that using teach-back consistently improved patient knowledge, confidence, and self-management skills, contributing to better health outcomes, like improved blood sugar control and medication adherence. This is important because enhancing communication in telehealth can lead to better care for patients who may struggle with understanding their treatment. Who this helps: Patients receiving care through telehealth.

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This study looked at whether older adults (age 65 and up) benefit from stopping or reducing their blood pressure medications, especially as they age. The research analyzed 17 studies and found that stopping these medications may slightly increase the risk of death (1.11 times higher) and is linked to a higher chance of heart failure (3.16 times) and other serious heart events, though the certainty of these findings is low. This matters because as people age, the risks and benefits of staying on these medications need careful consideration, especially for those who are already frail or have multiple health issues. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers make better treatment decisions for older patients.

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This research focused on improving the process of drug discovery by using high-speed X-ray imaging to identify effective drug candidates from mixtures of chemical compounds. The study analyzed a large dataset of 957 compound variations targeting a specific disease-related protein and found that their new method recovered 26 compounds previously thought to be ineffective, effectively doubling the initial success rate. This approach streamlines the drug development process, making it faster and more efficient by minimizing the need for purifying compounds before testing. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on new drugs.

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This study looked at preventable firearm injuries and deaths in Canada, which are significant causes of early death. Researchers identified critical areas where more information is needed, finding 22 gaps related to unintentional injuries, 16 regarding intimate partner violence, and 33 for other assaults. This work points out urgent research needs, such as understanding the economic impact of firearm injuries and evaluating social policies designed to reduce these harms. Who this helps: Patients, families affected by firearm injuries, and policymakers.

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This study looked at the connection between online searches about suicide and the rates of self-harm hospitalizations and suicide deaths in Canada over about four years. The researchers found that searches for phrases like "how to kill yourself" were weakly linked to an increase in hospitalizations for self-harm and suicide deaths, but these connections were not strong. Understanding these trends can help in finding better ways to monitor and address mental health issues related to suicide. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with mental health issues and the doctors who care for them.

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Researchers tested a digital tool called MIMS Drugs4dent to see if dental practitioners in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand found it helpful for managing medication and improving prescriptions. Out of 120 dentists surveyed, 93% thought the tool improved their prescribing abilities, and 88% found it easy to use. The study shows that with some local adjustments, this tool could play a vital role in improving dental practices in Southeast Asia, especially in tackling issues related to medication use. Who this helps: This benefits dentists and their patients by providing better medication management resources.

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This study looked at how common it is for older adults with type 2 diabetes to be given too much medication in British Columbia, Canada. Out of over 133,000 patients examined, 28.5% (about 38,074 individuals) were found to be overtreated, with an average age of nearly 80 years. This is important because overtreatment can lead to unnecessary side effects and complications in patients, particularly in this vulnerable age group. Who this helps: This research benefits older patients with diabetes and their healthcare providers by identifying potential medication issues.

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This study looked at how vaping, both with nicotine and without, affects oral health, especially as millions of adults and teens use these products. It found that vapers are at a higher risk for dental issues, including more cavities, stained teeth, and gum disease, compared to non-users. Even though e-cigarettes are effective for helping some people quit smoking—adding four extra quitters for every 100 users—there is a pressing need for more long-term research on their health effects. Who this helps: This information aids patients, dentists, and public health officials in understanding the risks of vaping.

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This study looked at a specific type of bone growth, called an enthesophyte, that can form at the kneecap area. The researchers reported a case where a large enthesophyte broke during certain movements of the knee. They found that these types of fractures are best treated with gentle exercises to improve movement and strength, instead of aggressive treatments. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with knee issues, especially those experiencing similar bone growths.

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This study looked at the effects of stopping antihypertensive medications, which are commonly used to treat high blood pressure, in older adults (ages 50 and up). It found that quitting these medications might not lead to significant differences in major health issues like death or heart attacks, but it could increase blood pressure by nearly 10 mmHg systolic and 3.5 mmHg diastolic. This research matters because it highlights the need for careful consideration when deciding whether elderly patients should continue or stop taking these medications, as the risks and benefits are still uncertain. Who this helps: This helps older patients and their doctors make informed decisions about managing high blood pressure.

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This study looked at how extreme weather events, like floods and winter storms, impact the transportation of crops like corn and soybeans in the U.S. It found that these weather disruptions can increase the price difference between what buyers and sellers pay for these crops, which could reduce farmer incomes and food security. Specifically, natural disasters lead to lower transport efficiency, worsening this price gap and affecting the economy. Who this helps: This helps farmers and policymakers working to improve food security and agricultural income.

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This study examined the pattern of repeat hospitalizations for self-harm in Canada, looking specifically at over 74,000 patients between April 2016 and March 2022. It found that about 9.3% of these patients returned to the hospital within a year and 13% within three years after their initial admission, with most repeat visits happening within the first year. Women, especially those aged 10-14, are at the highest risk for readmission, as are those who self-harm by cutting or using drugs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients at risk of self-harm and healthcare providers working to develop effective prevention strategies.

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This study looked at how brain reactions to rewards and losses can help predict how well adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) will respond to two different therapies: behavioral activation and exposure therapy. Researchers found that people who showed more brain activity in certain areas when facing losses tended to feel better after exposure therapy. Additionally, those with strong reactions to rewards had better results with behavioral activation but worse outcomes with exposure therapy. Understanding these brain activities can help tailor treatments to improve outcomes for patients with GAD. Who this helps: This helps patients with generalized anxiety disorder by identifying which therapies may be most effective for them based on their brain activity.

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This study looked at how effective and safe diuretics (medications that help remove excess fluid from the body) are for older adults. Researchers reviewed data from 741 findings across 117 studies and found that certain diuretics, like finerenone, can significantly reduce risks for serious health issues like cardiovascular death and severe kidney disease in people with chronic kidney disease and diabetes. However, they also noted that while diuretics might help reduce heart problems in older adults, they can increase the chance of negative side effects. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating older adults, especially those managing multiple health conditions.

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This study looked at a new type of bone paste called BIOBank, which is used in surgery to help fuse parts of the neck together after removing a damaged disc. Researchers followed 49 patients who had this surgery, and after two years, they found that patients experienced significant improvements: neck pain dropped from an average of 6 to 0, arm pain fell from 3.25 to 0, and overall quality of life scores improved from 37.8 to 45.1, with nearly 97% of patients achieving successful bone fusion. This matters because it shows that this new bone paste not only helps with healing and reducing pain but is also easy for doctors to use, making it a promising option for neck surgeries. Who this helps: Patients undergoing neck surgery.

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This study looked at the use of antipsychotic medications and proton pump inhibitors in long-term care facilities in British Columbia and how personalized medication reports might help reduce unnecessary prescriptions. At one facility, 31.6% of residents who could stop taking antipsychotics did so within three months, while at the second facility, the rate was 20%. For proton pump inhibitors, the deprescribing rates were 33% and 36% at the two sites. This is important because reducing unnecessary medication can help prevent potential side effects and improve the safety of residents' care. Who this helps: Patients in long-term care facilities.

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This research studied older adults with type 2 diabetes who were taking medications to lower their blood sugar levels. It found that when these medications were reduced or stopped, the risk of dying or being hospitalized within three months increased; specifically, 3.96% of those who had their medication reduced faced serious outcomes, compared to 2.99% of those who continued their current treatment. This is important because it highlights the potential risks of changing diabetes treatment for older patients, suggesting that lowering medication may not always be beneficial. Who this helps: This helps older patients with type 2 diabetes and their doctors.

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This study examined how to identify patients with specific diseases using electronic health records, a process called phenotyping. The researchers developed a new method called LEVI, which uses probability rather than definite classifications, and found that their approach was more effective than existing methods. Specifically, phenotypes created with LEVI achieved an F1 score of 0.79-0.82, outperforming traditional expert-curated methods (0.68) and off-the-shelf tools (0.55). This is important because better classification can lead to more tailored treatments for patients. Who this helps: Patients with complex diseases and healthcare providers who need better data for decision-making.

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This study focused on how to diagnose and manage primary hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones. Researchers found that measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels is the best way to assess thyroid function, and they recommend avoiding routine testing in people without symptoms, as unnecessary testing can lead to more harm than good. They also provided guidance on when to use other thyroid tests and addressed specific situations, like pregnancy and mild cases of hypothyroidism. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by offering clear guidelines on thyroid testing and treatment.

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This study looked at how genetics related to inflammation affects brain development and mental health in teenagers. Researchers found that teens with a higher genetic risk for inflammation experienced faster thinning of certain brain regions, with those at risk reporting more symptoms of trouble such as aggression and anxiety. Specifically, they noted that higher genetic inflammation markers were linked to a 16.7% increase in such symptoms. Understanding this link is important because it helps identify teenagers who might be more susceptible to mental health issues during a crucial time for brain development. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers and their doctors by providing insights that could lead to early intervention strategies.

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This study looked at how levels of two types of cholesterol, LDL and non-HDL, change in older adults (66 years and older) after they start taking statins to prevent heart problems. Researchers found that 125,013 people who were above the recommended cholesterol levels had a higher risk of dying or experiencing cardiovascular events, especially those with diabetes or kidney disease. For instance, people without these conditions had a 10% higher risk, while those with diabetes or kidney disease had a 16% higher risk when both cholesterol levels were above the thresholds. Who this helps: This benefits patients starting statins for heart disease prevention, especially those with diabetes or kidney disease.

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This study looked at how two types of diabetes medications, called DPP4 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists, impact COVID-19 infections and outcomes in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Among those who tested positive for COVID-19, patients using these medications had a 6.72% lower risk of being hospitalized compared to users of other diabetes medications. This matters because it suggests that DPP4 inhibitors and GLP1 receptor agonists may help decrease hospitalizations for COVID-19 in older adults with diabetes. Who this helps: Older adults with type 2 diabetes.

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This study looked at how natural language processing (NLP) techniques are being used to analyze patient feedback about health services. Out of over 4,000 research records, 52 studies were found that applied NLP, mainly in hospitals (33 studies), to understand patient emotions and identify key themes in their feedback. However, there was limited evidence of how these insights translated into actual improvements in health care practices. Who this helps: This benefits patients by potentially improving their experiences with health care providers.

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This study looked at how often older patients with type 2 diabetes used heart-related medications after being hospitalized for a heart issue. Researchers found that the use of new therapies, like SGLT2 inhibitors, rose from 9% to 29%, and GLP1 receptor agonists increased from 1% to 9% after hospitalization. This is important because these medications can significantly improve patients' health and help prevent future heart problems. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of heart disease.

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This study looked at how sleep problems relate to having multiple chronic health conditions in people aged 40 and older. Researchers found that those with worse sleep disturbances had a higher risk of developing more chronic conditions over five years, with a relative risk increase of 21% for the worst sleepers compared to those with better sleep. This matters because understanding this link can help in managing both sleep and chronic health issues more effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from sleep disturbances and chronic conditions.

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This study looked at how grant-writing coaching helps early-career researchers from underrepresented groups become more successful in obtaining funding for their work in health equity. Researchers interviewed 16 experienced grant writers who acted as coaches and found that these coaches provided personalized advice, built confidence, and fostered a supportive group environment. The study shows that such coaching can improve the chances of success for these researchers in securing grants, which is important for advancing their careers. Who this helps: This helps early-career health equity investigators, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

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This study looked at an important protein from the Zika virus called NS2B-NS3, which is crucial for the virus's survival and replication. Researchers tested over 1,000 small chemical fragments and found 46 of them can attach to the protein, which is a promising starting point for developing new antiviral drugs. Additionally, they analyzed the protein to pinpoint areas that are likely to maintain effectiveness against the virus even if it mutates, setting the stage for more resistant antiviral treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who are at risk of Zika virus infections.

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This study looked at the effects of blood pressure medications in adults aged 60 and older, focusing on their impact on overall death rates and heart-related health problems. It found that taking these medications reduced the risk of dying from any cause by about 10% and lower the risk of heart-related issues by approximately 30%, though it also increased the likelihood of patients stopping treatment due to side effects (16% versus 5.4% for those not treated). This information is important because it helps doctors understand the benefits and potential downsides of treating high blood pressure in older adults, potentially saving lives. Who this helps: Older adults with high blood pressure and their doctors.

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This study looked at the use of potentially inappropriate medications among people who have fallen, specifically focusing on drugs that can increase the risk of future falls. Researchers found that 68.6% of patients who had fallen were taking these risky medications, averaging about 2.2 inappropriate prescriptions each. This is important because it highlights a significant opportunity to improve medication management for these individuals, potentially reducing their chances of falling again. Who this helps: This helps patients who have experienced falls and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on improving dental care in the UK by identifying the most important feedback from patients about their experiences and outcomes. Researchers looked at 672 different feedback items and, through discussions with 8 dentists and 5 patients, selected 11 key measures that dentists should pay attention to for quality improvement. These measures include factors such as communication about treatment options, pain management, and cleanliness, and they will be tested in future case studies to help enhance dental services. Who this helps: This helps dental patients by ensuring their feedback leads to better care and experiences.

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This study looked at how well dental students in Palestine understand antibiotic resistance and how it affects their prescribing habits. Out of 586 students surveyed, 72% recognized that misusing antibiotics contributes to antibiotic resistance, but only 40% felt confident in their prescribing skills. Furthermore, 13% prescribed antibiotics daily because of uncertainty in diagnosis, while 12% did so based on what patients expected, showing a clear need for better education on responsible antibiotic use. Who this helps: This benefits dental students and ultimately patients who may rely on them for dental care.

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This paper corrects an earlier study that looked at how different types of osteoarthritis are linked to other health issues. Researchers found that specific subtypes of osteoarthritis were associated with conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Understanding these connections is important because it helps doctors better manage patients' overall health. Who this helps: Patients with osteoarthritis and their healthcare providers.

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This study focuses on the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in dentistry, where about 10% of global antibiotic prescriptions occur. The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) created a policy to address this issue, emphasizing the need for better use of antibiotics in dental care and calling for more research on how oral health can contribute to fighting AMR. The IADR is pushing for smarter, evidence-based practices to help maintain the effectiveness of antibiotics and protect overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients, dentists, and public health officials.

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This study explored the use of machine learning to automatically code injury information in Canada's injury reporting system, e-CHIRPP. The results showed that this automated method achieved high accuracy in coding injury data, with improvements in speed and efficiency compared to the traditional manual process. This matters because it allows health officials to access injury data more quickly, helping them make informed decisions to prevent injuries and improve public health. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and researchers who rely on timely injury data for better decision-making.

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Researchers studied the use of two antidepressants, citalopram and escitalopram, in British Columbia to see if escitalopram, which is more expensive, is actually better. They found that by 2013, escitalopram had become the most prescribed antidepressant, while citalopram use declined. However, their analysis of 16 studies showed that both medications had similar effectiveness and side effects, meaning escitalopram's higher cost may not be justified. Who this helps: Patients dealing with depression and their doctors.

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This study looked at how changes in the brain's dopamine system and how well young people can control their impulses affect their patterns of substance use from adolescence to adulthood. Researchers followed 807 young people over several years and identified four main patterns of substance use: 30% had low or no use, 26% peaked in use during adolescence then decreased, 17% steadily increased from adolescence to adulthood, and 26% started low but increased later. The results show that understanding how brain development and impulsivity are linked can help identify young people at risk for substance use issues, which is important for targeting prevention efforts. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly adolescents at risk for substance use disorders.