Brittany Kelly studies several critical areas related to child and adolescent health. One key focus is on how external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, impact substance use in teenagers, highlighting the increase in alcohol and cannabis usage during this time and emphasizing the need for support systems. She also investigates spinal health in children, looking at conditions like Chiari-1 malformation and syringomyelia, which affect spinal canal dimensions and may have long-term implications for patient health. Additionally, her research includes developing policies to improve nutrition labeling in Mongolia, aiming to enhance public health through better food information for consumers.
Key findings
Substance use among adolescents increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some teens using more frequently than before.
Children with both Chiari-1 malformation and syringomyelia exhibited significantly larger cervical spinal canals compared to those with only one condition, indicating more serious changes in spinal structure.
Out of 5,300 pediatric spinal surgeries analyzed, almost all patients who received alerts during surgery recovered well, showing the effectiveness of intraoperative monitoring systems.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Kelly study the effects of COVID-19 on adolescents?
Yes, Dr. Kelly's research has shown that substance use among adolescents rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, pointing to the need for targeted support for these young individuals.
What types of health conditions are included in Dr. Kelly's research?
Dr. Kelly studies a variety of health issues, including neurological conditions like Chiari-1 malformation and syringomyelia, as well as substance use disorders among teenagers.
Is Dr. Kelly's work relevant to improving health care policies?
Yes, her research includes the analysis of food and nutrition labeling policies in Mongolia and care coordination for patients with brain tumors, aiming to enhance public health and patient care.
Publications in plain English
Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Pediatric Radiology for Patient Safety: A Multisociety Statement From the ACR, ESPR, SPR, SLARP, AOSPR, SPIN.
2026
Journal of the American College of Radiology : JACR
Shelmerdine SC, Naidoo J, Kelly BS, Laborie LB, Toso S +25 more
Plain English This research looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) can be safely used in children's radiology, which is important because kids have different needs than adults. The study emphasizes that AI tools should be specifically designed for children, with suggested guidelines including safety ratings, diverse data for better accuracy, and ongoing monitoring to ensure effectiveness. By focusing on children's unique requirements, the goal is to improve care in pediatric medicine and keep young patients safe as AI technologies are integrated into their healthcare.
AI implementation in pediatric radiology for patient safety: a multi-society statement from the ACR, ESPR, SPR, SLARP, AOSPR, SPIN.
2026
Pediatric radiology
Shelmerdine SC, Naidoo J, Kelly BS, Laborie LB, Toso S +25 more
Plain English This study focuses on how to safely use artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology for children, which differs from adult care. Researchers found that existing guidelines mostly overlook kids' specific needs and recommend creating safety ratings for AI tools tailored to children, ensuring diverse data is used, and establishing clear monitoring systems. This is important because it helps ensure that AI technology in healthcare is safe, effective, and appropriate for young patients, ultimately prioritizing their health and safety.
Administration of a barcoded AAV capsid library to the putamen of non-human primates identifies variants with efficient retrograde transport.
2026
Molecular therapy : the journal of the American Society of Gene Therapy
Dzhashiashvili Y, McBride JL, Fabyanic E, Huang X, Kelly BM +11 more
Plain English Researchers studied how different variants of a viral vector, used for gene therapy, move within the brains of monkeys after injection. They tested 25 new variants and found that some had significantly better transport capabilities than the standard version, AAV2, suggesting greater effectiveness in reaching and affecting brain areas far from the injection site. This is important because improved delivery could enhance treatments for brain diseases, allowing therapies to reach more areas of the brain with less risk and more precision.
RePol: A high-throughput screen for optimizing membrane protein solubilization and purification using polymers.
2026
Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society
Evans A, Kelly B, Sridhar P, Rothnie AJ, Pollock NL +3 more
Plain English Researchers studied how to effectively extract and purify membrane proteins, which are important for understanding various biological processes. They found that there is no one-size-fits-all approach; different combinations of polymers and purification methods did not perform consistently well. This is important because it highlights the need for customized protocols to improve the extraction and purification of membrane proteins, making future research more efficient and effective.
Toxicity of Oil Sands Process-Affected Water to Early Life Stage Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
2026
Environmental toxicology and chemistry
Vega V, Piggott N, Cancelli AM, Kelly BC, Marlatt V +1 more
Plain English This study examined the effects of oil sands process-affected water (OSPW) on young rainbow trout. Researchers found that high concentrations of OSPW caused over 95% of the fish to die, and even lower concentrations led to serious health issues like delayed growth and deformities. The findings highlight the need for significant dilution of this contaminated water—at least 20 times—to protect the health of aquatic life.
The transition from monocyte to tissue-resident macrophage requires DHPS.
2026
Nature
Carrizo GE, Lin P, Lee SH, Shenderov K, Blériot C +16 more
Plain English This study looked at how immune cells called macrophages change from one form (monocytes) into a stable form that stays in tissues. Researchers found that an enzyme named DHPS is crucial for this transformation; without it, mice had trouble forming these tissue-resident macrophages, leading to ongoing, ineffective recruitment of monocytes into tissues. This matters because understanding how macrophages develop and function can help improve therapies for tissue repair and inflammation.
Post-mortem imaging in suspected child physical abuse: a systematic review.
2026
European radiology
Kelly BS, van Rijn RR, Bliss H, Cain T, Carter J +12 more
Plain English This research reviewed how post-mortem imaging techniques, like X-rays and CT scans, can help identify injuries in children who are suspected victims of physical abuse. Out of 1,687 studies, 18 were included, highlighting that imaging can find injuries, such as subtle fractures and rib injuries, that might be missed during an autopsy. The findings are important because having better imaging practices could lead to more accurate diagnoses in child abuse cases, but the study also noted the need for improved methods and more reliable research.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation: Patient Experience under Conscious Sedation versus Anaesthesia.
2026
Irish medical journal
Maher L, McCarthy R, Helmi L, Byrne L, Kelly B +1 more
Plain English This study looked at how patients felt during a specific heart procedure called pulmonary vein isolation, comparing those who were under general anaesthesia to those who received conscious sedation. Out of 41 patients, those under general anaesthesia reported less pain (average rating of 2.9 on a scale where 5 is best, compared to 1.33 for conscious sedation) and were more likely to recommend it (average rating of 4.9 versus 3.4). This is important because it shows that general anaesthesia may provide a more comfortable experience for patients undergoing this treatment.
Interdigitating Dendritic Cell Sarcoma Arising on the Skin: An Exceedingly Rare Tumor With a Poor Prognosis.
2026
The American Journal of dermatopathology
Hamilton L, Jimenez A, Linfante A, Kelly B, Gibson B +2 more
Plain English This study focused on a very rare skin cancer called interdigitating dendritic cell sarcoma (IDCS), which has been seen in just over 100 cases, with only 8 occurring on the skin. The researchers examined a 44-year-old man whose IDCS started on his neck, but later spread to his lungs, and he also developed another type of skin cancer, melanoma, indicating that having IDCS might increase the risk of other cancers. This case emphasizes the need for more research to find better treatments for this challenging disease, as patients with metastatic IDCS typically face a poor outlook.
Use of nutrition content and health claims on ready meals in Australia.
2026
Nutrition & dietetics : the journal of the Dietitians Association of Australia
Hol E, Wellard-Cole L, Hughes C, Pettigrew S, Kelly B +2 more
Plain English This study examined ready meals sold in Australia to see how often they make nutrition and health claims on their packaging. Out of 777 ready meals, 88% were eligible to display health claims, and 93% of all claims were focused on nutrition content. Most of these claims met the safety standards, but there’s a concern that misleading information could still be present, highlighting the need for better rules and enforcement to protect consumers.
andMutations Cooperatively Modulate the Response to Inflammation to Promote Leukemic Transformation.
2026
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Vela PS, Kelly B, Brady C, Foox J, Glass J +7 more
Plain English This research studied how certain genetic mutations contribute to the development of blood cancers, particularly leukemia. It found that when both mutations are present in blood stem cells, they initially lead to abnormal cell growth and eventually result in aggressive leukemia, with inflammation playing a key role in this process. Understanding these mutations and their effects on inflammation is important because they help explain how these cancers progress and how patients might respond to chemotherapy.
Systemic Administration of AAV9-G266A with Focused Ultrasound Enables Robust Brain Transduction with Minimal Liver Transduction.
2026
Human gene therapy
Nelson AT, Smith A, Curley CT, Kelly B, Ganesh AN +5 more
Plain English Researchers studied a modified virus designed to deliver genes to the brain while minimizing effects on the liver. They found that the mutation (G266A) in the virus significantly reduced liver uptake from 70% to only about 5%, while still effectively reaching the brain. This is important because it makes brain gene therapy safer by lowering the risk of liver damage while still allowing treatment access to the brain.
Distinct control of T cell proliferation and effector function by partitioning of intracellular sulfur from cysteine.
2026
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Kelly B, Cha M, Gremelspacher T, Martin JL, Andreis M +7 more
Plain English Researchers studied how T cells (a type of immune cell) use the nutrient cysteine and found that it has two important roles: building protective molecules and helping T cells multiply. They discovered that when they blocked a key process related to cysteine, T cells were better able to fight cancer. This research is significant because it shows how managing cysteine use in T cells can enhance their effectiveness against tumors.
A modern radiologist's guide to artificial intelligence.
2026
Pediatric radiology
Kapur J, Kelly BS, Vega R
Plain English This paper explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in radiology, especially when working with children. It finds that AI can help radiologists by making processes more efficient and accurate, but it's important to understand its limitations since pediatric cases have unique challenges. Overall, AI is meant to assist radiologists, not replace them, ultimately leading to better care for patients.
Differences in white matter detected by ex vivo 9.4 T MRI are associated with axonal changes in the R6/1 model of Huntington's disease.
2026
Neurobiology of disease
Casella C, Kelly B, Murillo A, Mills-Smith I, Parker GD +7 more
Plain English This study looked at changes in brain tissue in a mouse model of Huntington’s disease to understand how the disease affects white matter in the brain. Researchers discovered that these mice had less myelin, which protects nerve fibers, and more densely packed axons—nerve fibers that send signals—compared to normal mice. These findings are important because they suggest that imaging techniques could help detect early signs of Huntington’s disease and monitor its progression.
Cancer and Ageing Reflections for Elders (CARE): Australian Adaptation of a Psychotherapy for Older Adults With Cancer.
2026
Psycho-oncology
Galpin K, He S, Shaw J, Dhillon H, Nelson C +6 more
Plain English The study looked at a type of therapy for older Australians with cancer, aiming to make it suitable for their specific cultural needs. Researchers spoke with 20 participants, averaging 74 years old, mainly diagnosed with blood or breast cancer, and found that while the therapy resources were generally well-received, changes were needed to make the language clearer and more culturally relevant. This matters because adapting mental health support for elderly cancer patients can help them feel more comfortable and more likely to engage with the care they need.
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
Fletcher-Salt T, Kelly B, Williams A
Plain English This study looked at how confident and well-prepared diabetes specialists are in hospitals when using new diabetes technology, specifically continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and hybrid closed loop (HCL) systems. While the specialists reported being very confident in using CGM, they felt less confident and lacked adequate training for HCL systems. The research highlights important issues, like the need for better training and resources, to ensure these technologies can be safely used in hospitals, which can improve patient care.
Australian media professionals' views on reporting suicide and evidence-informed guidelines: a qualitative study.
2026
Health promotion international
Skehan J, Maple M, Paton E, Peprah J, Pirkis J +1 more
Plain English Australian media professionals believe that reporting on suicide can benefit the community, but they also worry that guidelines for reporting may limit their ability to cover important stories. In a survey of 83 media workers, many showed support for existing guidelines, but their opinions varied on specific recommendations. Understanding these views is crucial because it can help improve how suicide is reported in the media, ultimately supporting public health efforts to prevent suicide.
Artificial intelligence in paediatric neuroradiology: current landscape, challenges, and future directions.
2026
Pediatric radiology
Kelly BS, Clifford SM, Mankad K, Colleran GC
Plain English This review looks at how artificial intelligence (AI) is currently being used in brain imaging for children and unborn babies, highlighting both its potential and the challenges it faces. The findings show that AI can effectively identify brain tumors and other conditions in young patients, but it hasn't yet been widely adopted in hospitals due to high costs, a lack of diverse data for training the systems, and safety concerns. To improve the situation, experts suggest better data sharing and new regulations, which could help integrate AI into children's healthcare and support radiologists in providing better care.
Lymphatic phenotype characterisation by MR lymphangiography and near-infrared fluorescence imaging in a patient with pleural effusions and oedema.
2026
BMJ case reports
Cehov M, Sheyanth IN, Kelly B, Mohanakumar S
Plain English This study looked at a man who had recurring fluid buildup in his lungs and swelling in his legs. Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to identify problems with his lymphatic system, showing that he had enlarged lymphatic vessels. This finding is important because it can help doctors better understand and treat patients with similar symptoms in the future.
Development and psychometric evaluation of two substance use disorder knowledge scales.
2026
Drug and alcohol dependence
Earnshaw VA, Mousavi M, Kelly B, Zawislak K, Fox AB +1 more
Plain English Researchers created and tested two knowledge scales about substance use disorders (SUD) to see how much people understand about prevention, treatment, and recovery. They surveyed over 5,000 community members and found that these scales worked well, showing consistent results and reliability. This is important because the scales can help measure how much people know about SUD, which can inform community programs and interventions to improve understanding and help those affected.
Exploring the validity of using the English index of Multiple Deprivation as a proxy for individual or household income.
2026
Public health
Kelly B
Plain English This study looked at whether the English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) can accurately represent individual or household income. It found that IMD only explained about 5% of the differences in household income and 1% for individual income, indicating it is not a reliable measure, especially for young people, women, and those in social rental housing. This is important because using IMD as a stand-in for income can lead to significant mistakes in understanding financial situations within communities.
What constitutes optimal care coordination for primary brain tumors and how do we assess it in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand? A Delphi consensus study.
2026
Neuro-oncology practice
Jeon MS, He S, Shaw J, Koh ES, Kelly B +9 more
Plain English This study looked at how to improve care coordination for people with primary brain tumors in Australia and New Zealand. Experts agreed on guidelines that identified 136 key items to ensure better care, including definitions, goals, and quality indicators. This framework is important because it helps healthcare providers offer more tailored and effective support to patients, ultimately improving their overall care experience.
Analysis of 5317 Consecutive Pediatric Spinal Deformity Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM) Alerts: Importance of Normotension at Correction and IONM Recovery.
2026
Spine
Bozorgmehr CK, Rakers L, Kelly B, Luhmann SJ
Plain English This study looked at data from over 5,300 pediatric spinal surgeries to understand how alerts from a monitoring system during surgery affected patient outcomes. Out of 223 patients who had alerts, most alerts were resolved with corrective actions, mainly by fixing low blood pressure. In the end, almost all patients with alerts fully recovered, demonstrating that the monitoring system is effective in preventing serious complications during surgery. This research helps doctors make better decisions to protect children's health during these operations.
Detailed View at Magnetic Dipole Strengths: The Case of Semimagic ^{50}Ti.
2026
Physical review letters
Kelly B, Spieker M, Friman-Gayer U, Baby LT, Beck T +12 more
Plain English Researchers examined the magnetic properties of the titanium isotope ^{50}Ti by using various methods to analyze how its neutrons behave. They found that specific neutron transitions, which were expected to contribute significantly to the magnetic properties, actually played a smaller role than anticipated. This finding challenges existing beliefs about how these magnetic strengths are formed, which could influence future studies on similar isotopes and their behaviors.
Development and implementation of food and nutrition labelling policies in Mongolia: a policy analysis.
2026
Public health nutrition
Chimedtseren N, Kelly B, McMahon AT, Yeatman H, Jamiyan B
Plain English Researchers studied the food and nutrition labelling policies in Mongolia to find out what helps and hinders their development and implementation. They interviewed 18 stakeholders and discovered that government support, along with help from international agencies, was crucial for creating these regulations, but challenges like industry pushback and lack of consumer involvement made progress difficult. Overall, the study highlights the need for better nutrition labelling to improve public health, urging clear regulations and more engagement with consumers to ensure effective implementation.
Plain English The study looked at how certain brain and spinal cord conditions, specifically Chiari-1 malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM), affect the size of the cervical spinal canal in children. Researchers found that kids with both CM and SM had significantly larger spinal canals than those with just CM or no conditions at all. These findings are important because they show that having these conditions can lead to more significant changes in spinal canal size, especially in young girls and as children grow.
Adolescents' substance use trajectories across the COVID-19 pandemic: implications of pandemic disruptions and other risk and protective factors.
2026
Child development
Serang S, Zhou W, Page L, Kelly BC, Maggs JL +2 more
Plain English This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected substance use among adolescents, focusing on alcohol and cannabis use in 682 families with teens. It found that substance use increased during the pandemic: among those who started using earlier, the frequency of use was noticeably higher compared to before the pandemic. The results highlight that the pandemic worsened substance use patterns, indicating that support for these young people as they grow up is essential to help manage the long-term effects of their substance use.
Defining the Society of Pediatric Liver Transplantation (SPLIT) research agenda: A Delphi consensus project.
2026
Hepatology communications
Wadhwani SI, Spector PR, Feldman AG, Furuya KN, Hartjes K +12 more
Plain English Researchers studied the key areas needing improvement in pediatric liver transplantation (LT) care, finding that only one-third of children are healthy 10 years after receiving a transplant. They identified 46 high-priority research topics, including better tools for organ allocation and new methods to preserve organs. This research agenda is important because it aims to improve the survival rates and overall health of children who undergo liver transplants.
Moral Distress, Coping Resilience, and Self-Care: A Study of Nurses in the Intensive Care Unit.
2025
American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
Kelly B, Gallegos C, Quon AC
Plain English This study examined how critical care nurses experience moral distress and how it affects their coping and self-care practices. Out of 74 nurses surveyed, many reported feeling significant distress, especially when families pushed for aggressive treatments that weren’t likely to help. The findings suggest that self-care is linked to better coping skills, which is important because supporting nurses through self-care and outside support can help them manage the stress of their job more effectively.
National implementation of guided self-help family-based treatment for youth with eating disorders: a study protocol.
2025
BMC psychiatry
Couturier J, Smith J, Nicula M, Nella E, Yanover T +34 more
Plain English Researchers are testing a new treatment approach called guided self-help family-based treatment (GSH-FBT) for young people with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa, across various clinics in Canada. The study will involve ten families at each site participating in ten virtual sessions, and it will look at things like how well the treatment is delivered, how long families wait for help, and improvements in the teens’ symptoms and parents' confidence. The results will help understand how effective this new treatment is and if it can be widely used in real-life settings, potentially making it easier and faster for families to get the help they need.
Return to Sport and Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery for Treatment of Femoroacetabular Impingement in Professional Athletes.
2025
The American journal of sports medicine
Baker HP, Capitano A, Uvodich ME, Hicks J, Nawabi DH +1 more
Plain English Researchers studied how well professional athletes return to their sports after undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery for a condition called femoroacetabular impingement. They found that 85% of the 128 athletes returned to play, with baseball players having the highest return rate at 90% and hockey players at 84%. While most athletes returned to their sport, their performance levels varied, with some sports like hockey seeing significant improvements, while football players had a decline in performance; older athletes were less likely to return to their sport after surgery. This research is important as it provides insights into recovery outcomes for professional athletes, informing both players and medical teams about what to expect after surgery.
Glutamine-Dependent Slc25a39-Nrf2 Axis Couples Mitochondrial Dynamics with Metabolic Reprogramming to Establish Myogenic Commitment.
2025
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Kelly B, Wu CH, Eskut KI, McCauley E, Dhungel S +7 more
Plain English This study focused on how muscle cells (myoblasts) respond to the availability of glutamine, an amino acid crucial for muscle development. Researchers found that when glutamine is lacking, muscle cells stop growing and enter a state called "Poised Metabolic Arrest," which helps them avoid damage but hinders their ability to mature into muscle. This is important because understanding this process can help improve muscle recovery and regeneration, especially in conditions where nutrient supply is limited.
From volume to value: leveraging artificial intelligence and deliberate practice to foster precision learning in radiology.
2025
Pediatric radiology
Kelly BS, Duignan S, Booth CC, Gangadharan S, Clifford SM
Plain English This paper looks at how incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into radiology training can improve education for future radiologists. The researchers found that while AI can enhance learning by providing personalized feedback and helping identify errors, it can also limit hands-on experience and create reliance on automated systems. Therefore, it’s important to carefully integrate AI into training programs to ensure that radiologists continue to develop strong judgment and skills, allowing them to work effectively alongside AI technologies.
The Layer + Model: Incorporating Psychosocial Considerations into Hip Preservation Surgery.
2025
Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine
Gornitzky AL, Zaltz I, Hartwell MJ, Bedi A, Kelly BT
Plain English This study focuses on improving how doctors diagnose and treat non-arthritic hip pain by introducing a new model that includes psychological and social factors. The researchers found that considering these "psychosocial" aspects, along with physical ones, leads to better understanding and treatment of patients, acknowledging that factors like mental health and quality of life can greatly affect pain and recovery. This enhanced approach aims to create more personalized care and improve outcomes for those undergoing hip preservation surgery, suggesting that addressing emotional and social issues is just as important as treating physical symptoms.
Dissemination and diffusion of research to address the opioid crisis in justice settings: a Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) case study.
2025
Research square
Hulsey J, Kelly B, Rosenberg J, Molfenter T, Taxman F
Plain English The study focused on how to better share research on treating opioid addiction in the criminal justice system through the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Over five years, JCOIN created and shared 168 educational resources, engaging nearly 18,000 practitioners and groups to help them use this research. This effort is important because it reduces the gap between research and practice, ensuring that new findings reach those who need them to effectively address the opioid crisis.
Psycho-oncology care for women with cancer in Ireland: overview, evidence, and future directions.
2025
Irish journal of psychological medicine
Carter E, Plunkett R, Collier S, Kelly BD
Plain English This study looked at the mental health needs of women with cancer in Ireland, highlighting that they experience more emotional distress than men. It found that while Ireland has started to recognize the unique challenges faced by these women, more work is needed to create and fully implement policies that specifically support their mental health. Addressing these needs is important to ensure fair treatment and support for both women and men dealing with cancer.
Confidence gap in community specialist diabetes nurses and general practice nurses in navigating diabetes technology.
2025
British journal of community nursing
Kelly B, Fletcher-Salt T, Williams A
Plain English Researchers studied the confidence levels of community diabetes specialist nurses and general practice nurses in using new diabetes technologies, like continuous glucose monitoring. They found that diabetes specialist nurses felt fairly confident about these tools, but general practice nurses reported low confidence across the board and had little formal training. This matters because improving the training and support for these nurses is essential to provide better diabetes care to patients in community settings.
Aortic Dissection During Diagnostic Coronary Angiography in a Patient With Acute Coronary Syndrome: The Role of Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.
2025
Journal of medical cases
Roldan CA, Sagheer S, Allen K, Serkland L, Kelly B +1 more
Plain English This study examined a rare but serious complication called aortic dissection that can happen during heart imaging procedures in patients with chest pain. The researchers reported a specific case where a patient experienced this complication during a coronary angiography but was treated effectively without additional surgery. By quickly diagnosing and stabilizing the patient, doctors successfully performed a heart bypass using the patient's own arteries, leading to excellent health results afterward. This matters because it highlights the importance of prompt treatment in preventing serious complications during heart procedures.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Susceptibility to ENDS Initiation in Adolescence.
2025
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco
Staff J, Mongilio JM, Vuolo M, Maggs JL, Kelly BC
Plain English This study looked at what factors make teenagers more likely to start using e-cigarettes (ENDS). Researchers found that about 26% of the youth surveyed showed a willingness to try vaping, particularly if they thought e-cigarettes were safer than traditional smoking or easier to get. Teenagers with friends who vape or engaging in risky behaviors, like drinking alcohol, were also more susceptible. Conversely, those living in homes with strict no-vaping rules or believing that their parents would disapprove were less likely to want to vape. Understanding these factors is important for preventing vaping among teens.
Nurse-identified needs, recommendations, and referrals during consultations with family carers of patients diagnosed with high-grade glioma.
2025
Neuro-oncology practice
Halkett GKB, McDougall E, Berg MN, Clarke J, Dhillon HM +12 more
Plain English The study looked at the needs and support that nurses provided to family caregivers of patients with high-grade glioma, a serious brain cancer, during monthly phone assessments. It found that over 90% of caregivers had at least one identified need, with the most common concerns being treatment side effects (up to 85%), understanding physical symptoms (up to 76%), and mental health changes (up to 67%). This is significant because it highlights the important role nurses play in addressing caregivers' varied and evolving needs, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and support during a challenging time.
Cervicothoracic Segment Fusion and Its Effects on Adjacent-Level Range of Motion: A Biomechanical Study Comparing Interlaminar Hooks, Lateral Mass Screws, and Side Connectors.
2025
Operative neurosurgery (Hagerstown, Md.)
Assefa TG, Mugge LA, Sawa AGU, DiDomenico JD, Farber SH +5 more
Plain English This study looked at how different types of spine fixations in the neck and upper back affect movement at nearby joints. Researchers tested six human spines and found that joints above the fixation moved similarly to normal when using screw methods, but using hooks significantly reduced movement at those joints. This is important because it helps in choosing the best method for surgery to ensure proper motion and stability in the neck and upper back.
Conversion of subjective cognitive decline to MCI and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of sex differences and risk factors.
2025
Journal of clinical and experimental neuropsychology
Tallman MD, Timblin H, Maynard T, Kelly BE, MacAulay RK
Plain English This study looked at how subjective cognitive decline (SCD), which is when people notice a slight decline in their thinking abilities, can lead to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The researchers found that 17.2% of people with SCD progressed to MCI, and 8.7% progressed to dementia, regardless of having conditions like depression, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Understanding these rates helps highlight the need for better awareness and monitoring of cognitive decline as it can affect many people's lives, especially those with additional health challenges.
Replanting the Birthing Trees to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies: protocol for developmental evaluation of a comprehensive culturally responsive, trauma-aware, healing-informed, continuity of care(r) model.
2025
Frontiers in public health
Chamberlain C, Sundbery J, Segal L, Krakouer J, Langton M +48 more
Plain English This research focuses on improving support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and their babies during pregnancy and the first five years of life. The project called "Replanting the Birthing Trees" aims to replace cycles of trauma with cycles of nurturing by providing culturally sensitive care through various programs and training. By evaluating this initiative across multiple health services, the study will identify effective strategies to enhance the well-being of these families, which matters because it addresses the long-lasting effects of colonization and promotes healthier futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Long-term management challenges in postmyopathic dermatomyositis.
2025
Dermatology online journal
Kelly BG, Sontheimer RD
Plain English Researchers studied a 35-year-old woman with dermatomyositis, a condition that affects the skin and muscles, over 14 years. Despite receiving monthly infusions of a treatment called IVIG for 11 years, her condition did not improve significantly, and she developed worsening skin issues. The researchers suggest switching her to an oral medication called tofacitinib, which may better control her symptoms and could lead to lower healthcare costs while reducing her risk of serious heart problems related to her illness.
Multiomic characterization, early detection, and therapeutic targeting of myeloid sarcoma.
2025
bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology
Nadorp B, Lasry A, Loghavi S, Patel R, Mansour H +32 more
Plain English Researchers performed comprehensive molecular profiling of myeloid sarcoma — a rare form of leukemia that grows outside the bone marrow — to understand how it develops and find potential treatments. The tumors evolved from standard leukemia through distinct genetic changes and showed immune evasion signatures; RAS pathway mutations were a consistent hallmark. Blocking the RAS pathway in mouse models effectively shrank tumors, identifying RAS inhibition as a promising treatment strategy for this neglected and aggressive disease.