Christopher E Cunningham

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This study looked at how a lack of support at work during pregnancy affects the well-being and job satisfaction of female surgeons. It found that out of 557 surveyed surgeons, 360 (about 65%) reported feeling unsupported during their pregnancy, leading to higher rates of burnout (over 2.5 times more likely) and a greater desire to leave their jobs (2.7 times more likely). This matters because improving workplace support can significantly enhance surgeons' quality of life and help retain them in their careers, which is crucial for attracting a diverse workforce in medicine. Who this helps: This helps surgeons who are pregnant and healthcare organizations seeking to retain talented professionals.

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This study focused on creating a specific health measurement tool for thyroid cancer survivors to better understand their quality of life. Researchers developed the Thyroid Cancer Quality of Life Index (TCQOLI) and tested it with over 200 patients, confirming that it accurately reflects their experiences. This tool helps improve health care decisions and resource planning for thyroid cancer, leading to better support and care for patients. Who this helps: Patients with thyroid cancer.

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Researchers studied 241 patients who had thyroid or parathyroid surgery and compared outcomes based on whether they'd previously had different types of stomach surgery—particularly whether their intestines had been rerouted to bypass the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). They found that patients with prior intestinal bypass surgery developed dangerously low calcium levels after their neck surgery at much higher rates than patients who had sleeve gastrectomy (a different weight-loss procedure that doesn't reroute the intestines). The risk was especially severe in patients with nonbariatric bypass surgery—those who had the intestinal rerouting for reasons other than weight loss—where 81% experienced low calcium levels shortly after surgery and 71% had persistent problems months later. Low calcium caused longer hospital stays and more readmissions. This matters because doctors now know they need to screen and monitor calcium levels more carefully before and after

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This study looked at the prices hospitals charge for thyroid and parathyroid surgeries in the U.S. and found significant price differences. For example, within the same hospital, prices varied by 2 to 2.4 times, and across different hospitals, prices differed by as much as 4.1 times. These findings are important because they highlight how hospitals negotiate rates with insurers, which can affect patient costs and access to care. Who this helps: Patients and their families who are facing surgery and need to understand potential costs.

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This study looked at cancers that have high levels of a protein called PLK1, which makes them unstable and harder to treat. Researchers found that targeting a specific gene called IGF2BP2 can reduce PLK1 levels and slow down tumor growth significantly—in laboratory tests, cancer cells with high PLK1 were severely affected when IGF2BP2 was inhibited. This is important because it presents a new treatment strategy for certain aggressive cancers that currently have limited options. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients whose tumors have high levels of PLK1.

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This study looked at the mental health of surgeons, finding that nearly 1 in 7 has thought about suicide in the past year. It discovered that surgeons who feel more fulfilled at work, have higher self-worth, and are more resilient are less likely to experience suicidal thoughts. Conversely, feeling lonely increases the likelihood of these thoughts. Improving workplace satisfaction and reducing loneliness could help lower suicide risks in surgeons. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and medical professionals by highlighting the importance of mental well-being in their field.

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This study looked at the differences between selective mutism (SM) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) in children. Researchers assessed 158 children and found that those with SM who were also highly anxious showed more social anxiety during specific situations like school compared to children with just SAD. Specifically, teachers observed that the SM group had higher levels of social anxiety-related behaviors. Understanding these differences is important for helping to tailor treatments for children based on their specific needs. Who this helps: This helps children with selective mutism and social anxiety, along with their parents and teachers.

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This study looked at whether routine ultrasound scans during the third trimester are effective at detecting growth problems in babies of obese pregnant women. Researchers analyzed data from 1,008 pregnancies and found that the ultrasounds mostly missed identifying smaller babies at birth, only detecting 8.1% of those cases, and accurately identified larger babies 61% of the time. Since these ultrasounds aren't reliable for tracking fetal growth, this means doctors may need to find better ways to monitor pregnancies in obese women to ensure healthier outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and obese pregnant women by highlighting the need for improved monitoring methods.

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This study looked at how to improve the use of motivational interviewing, a treatment method for children and teens with mental health issues, in four behavioral health agencies. Researchers found that, instead of immediately applying what they learned in training, the staff needed about seven months of support and follow-up to effectively use the new approach. This is important because it shows that ongoing support is crucial for making real changes in how treatment is delivered to young people in need. Who this helps: Patients and mental health professionals working with children and youth.

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This study looked at what features of antibullying programs encourage middle school students (grades 5 to 8) to step in when they see bullying happening. Researchers surveyed over 2,000 students and found that 28.7% believed daily antibullying activities, many playground supervisors, mandatory reporting, and punishments for bullies would motivate them to help. In contrast, 10.3% thought less frequent activities and fewer supervisors would work, but these students were often older and had more experience being bullies themselves. Who this helps: This research helps educators design more effective antibullying programs to encourage student intervention.

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This study looked at how shyness develops in children and its effects on their social interactions over three years. Researchers followed 130 kids around ages 7 to 10 and found that 19% consistently showed high levels of shyness, while 81% showed low levels. Children with high shyness were rated as more socially anxious and the boys in this group also showed more signs of depression compared to girls. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and teachers by highlighting the need for support for socially anxious children.

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This study looked at what teachers from junior kindergarten to Grade 8 want in bullying prevention programs. Out of 1,080 teachers, 22% wanted all staff to supervise areas like playgrounds, while 62% preferred involving students in anti-bullying activities with some staff supervision, and almost 17% thought non-teaching staff should handle supervision. Importantly, teachers wanted programs that run from kindergarten through Grade 12 to tackle the root causes of bullying and emphasized fair consequences for students. Who this helps: This benefits educators by aligning programs with their preferences and supporting effective bullying prevention strategies in schools.

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This study focused on a protein called PLK1, which is found in high amounts in many cancer types and is linked to cancer cells becoming unstable and diverse. It highlighted that while PLK1 could be a potential target for cancer treatment, previous drugs aiming at this protein have often not worked well or caused harmful side effects. Instead, the researchers suggest that targeting related genetic interactions could be a safer and more effective way to treat cancer, especially since PLK1 plays a role in making tumors less uniform and more aggressive. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors by providing new strategies for more effective and personalized treatment.

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This study looked at what features of mental health services keep patients engaged, particularly in early intervention treatments. Researchers surveyed 516 people, including patients, their family members, and mental health professionals, and found that both groups wanted 24-hour crisis support and various treatment options. The results showed that while 60% of patients believed they would stay engaged with hospital services, 69% of professionals thought online services would be more effective in keeping patients involved. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and their families by improving the design of mental health services.

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This study looked at a gene called MLL1 that can fuse with other genes and how these fusions might contribute to cancer, particularly in solid tumors like prostate cancer. The researchers found that MLL1 fusions were associated with problems in cell division and increased tumor growth, specifically noting that one fusion, MLL1-ZC3H13, was linked to higher levels of a marker for cancer stem cells. This finding is important because it suggests that MLL1 fusions could lead to more aggressive tumors and helps in understanding ways to target these cancers more effectively. Who this helps: Patients with prostate cancer and researchers studying cancer therapies.

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This study looked at how genetic instability in tumors, specifically chromosomal instability (CIN), creates a variety of genetic changes that complicate cancer treatment. Researchers found that this instability leads to significant differences in the genetics of tumors, making it harder to treat effectively. By understanding how to target this genetic diversity, the research aims to improve personalized cancer therapies and make them more effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer by guiding doctors towards better treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how 563 mental health providers decide whether to use new, research-backed services for children's mental health. They found two main groups: one group (12%) was willing to fully commit to intense training and make big changes, while the larger group (88%) preferred less training and more flexibility in how they implemented new practices. This is important because understanding these preferences can help providers tailor their support to encourage more effective adoption of these important services. Who this helps: This benefits mental health providers and the children they serve.

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This study looked at how both a child's biological response to stress and their parent's social anxiety affect the child's own social anxiety over time. Researchers followed 112 children, finding that those with socially anxious parents and high stress-reactivity showed the highest levels of social anxiety, which stayed significantly elevated throughout the study. This matters because it shows that both genetic and environmental factors play a critical role in the long-term anxiety of children, which can inform better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps children with social anxiety and their families by identifying risk factors for persistent anxiety.

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This study looked at a 12-week training program for parents called Strongest Families™, which helps manage disruptive behavior in children aged 6 to 12. Researchers found that this program led to greater improvement in reducing disruptive behavior after 10 months, with a moderate effect size (0.43), but these effects lessened by 22 months. Importantly, the program also helped parents adopt more consistent discipline methods and showed potential cost benefits compared to usual care. Who this helps: This benefits families dealing with childhood disruptive behavior, as well as mental health providers and policymakers looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how adults with cerebral palsy feel about the information they received while transitioning to adulthood. Researchers interviewed nine adults aged 20 to 40, revealing three main findings: the need for better support in finding information, the creative ways they sought out information despite challenges, and the importance of gaining real-world experience as they approach adulthood. These insights show the need for healthcare providers to improve information sharing and create opportunities for young people to prepare for adult responsibilities. Who this helps: This benefits adults with cerebral palsy and the healthcare professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how changes in gene activity (not mutations) contribute to the growth and development of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Researchers examined tumor samples from 158 patients and found 219 important genes that changed their expression early in tumor development, primarily because of low oxygen levels in the tumor. These changes lead to instability in chromosomes and alter the environment around the tumor, which helps it grow. Who this helps: This benefits patients with breast cancer, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer.

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This study explored how caregivers choose to treat their child's attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and whether their preferences match the treatments their children currently receive. Among 184 caregivers surveyed, 36% preferred continuous medication while 64% favored minimal medication. Important findings show that a third of families were not receiving the individual educational support they preferred, and 42% of those who favored minimal medication still used medication every day of the year. Understanding these preferences is crucial because it highlights gaps in ADHD care that could improve children's treatment and support. Who this helps: This benefits caregivers of children with ADHD and healthcare providers.

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This study examined what outcomes are important to patients with psychotic disorders, like schizophrenia, by surveying 300 individuals from specialized clinics. Researchers identified three main groups based on preferences: 48% wanted full recovery and to work, while 29% preferred some symptoms but to live independently, and 23% prioritized health and preferred living in supervised housing. Understanding these differing preferences is crucial for tailoring care and improving the lives of those with psychotic disorders. Who this helps: This helps patients with psychotic disorders by ensuring that treatment options align with their individual needs and goals.

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This study aimed to involve users in planning a new outpatient health center for children and youth. Researchers surveyed 467 people, including health staff and community members, to understand their design preferences. They found that 57% of participants wanted a facility with personal interactions and family-friendly features, while 11% preferred a more independent approach with self-service options, and the remaining 32% valued privacy and staff contact. This input is crucial as it helps ensure that the new center aligns with the actual needs and preferences of families and health professionals. Who this helps: Families seeking healthcare for their children.

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This study looked at how well nurses use evidence-based practices (EBP) in a hospital, involving 402 nurses. It found that while nurses believed in the importance of EBP, they didn't always use it in their work; on average, their belief scores were higher than their implementation scores. Nurses with higher education levels, like bachelor's or master's degrees, showed better beliefs and practices compared to those with lower qualifications, and bedside nurses had lower scores than those in other roles. Who this helps: This helps nurses improve their practices and ultimately benefits patients receiving care.

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This study followed 506 children aged 8-14 with epilepsy and their parents to understand how their quality of life (QoL) changed over 28 months. It was found that 62% of the children rated their QoL as high or moderately high, and factors like social support from family and peers, lower depression symptoms, and better vocabulary skills were strongly linked to better QoL scores. This research highlights the importance of addressing social and emotional factors, rather than just focusing on seizures or medications, to improve the lives of children with epilepsy. Who this helps: This helps children with epilepsy and their families by highlighting areas for support and intervention.

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This study looked at how university students decide whether to use mental health services on campus. Researchers found that out of 909 students, 45.5% preferred talking to psychologists or psychiatrists, while 39.3% would rather speak to peer counselors who understand their struggles. Some students (15.2%) felt distressed but were less likely to seek help and also preferred seeing professionals. The study shows that offering immediate access to online mental health services could attract students who might not wait for traditional counseling. Who this helps: This benefits university students seeking mental health support.

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This study focused on a gene called FUT9 and its role in colorectal cancer. Researchers found that while reducing FUT9 levels helped some tumor cells grow less and reduced a marker for aggressive cancer stem cells, it also allowed other tumor cells to grow more aggressively. Specifically, lowering FUT9 decreased a cancer marker called CD44 and a protein known as OCT4, which helps cancer cells thrive. Understanding FUT9's role can lead to new ways to treat colorectal cancer and possibly other types of cancer too. Who this helps: This benefits patients with colorectal cancer and researchers developing new cancer treatments.

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This study looked at what types of parent training programs parents prefer for dealing with their children's ADHD symptoms. Out of 445 parents, 58.7% preferred individual training sessions, focusing on understanding their child's challenges. In contrast, only 19.4% favored group training, which is more about skill-building. This matters because it shows that addressing parents' preferences could help improve their participation in help programs, especially for those who are under extra stress. Who this helps: This helps parents of children with ADHD.

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This study looked at how to encourage people with mental health issues to use early intervention services by understanding their preferences. Researchers surveyed 562 patients, family members, and mental health professionals to find out what features of these services would make them more appealing. They discovered that 43% preferred traditional services like clinics with psychologists, while 57% favored convenient options like easy access from home. Both groups wanted quick access to support, autonomy in their treatment, and information about psychological care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and their families by ensuring mental health services are more accessible and tailored to their needs.

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This study looked at what low-income Hispanic patients in southwestern Arizona want from their mental health services in a primary care setting. Researchers found that the most important factors for these patients were having services available in their own community and having providers who understand their culture and language. Implementing even one change, like offering mental health services at the clinic, could greatly enhance patient experience and satisfaction. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking mental health care and their providers.

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This study looked at how to effectively understand what low-income Hispanic patients prefer when accessing mental health services through their primary care. Researchers used a survey method and focus groups involving 64 patients, and from a larger group of 604 patients, they found that tailored mental health services were preferred. Specifically, patients revealed different preferences for services, which can help health providers offer better care and improve access to mental health support for this community. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking mental health care, especially within low-income Hispanic communities.

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This study looked at how different factors in survey design affect the quality of data collected when asking patients about their healthcare preferences. Researchers created 3,204 survey designs and found that as the number of survey questions and attributes increased, the efficiency of the survey typically went down. However, having more alternatives in the surveys made the results more reliable. Understanding these design features is important because it helps researchers create better surveys that accurately capture what patients want in healthcare. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare researchers benefit from these improved survey designs.

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This study looked at how patients and their families want to work with hospital staff to improve safety during medical care. Researchers found that 73.3% of participants preferred a hands-on approach where they actively engage in safety checks, like verifying their identity and medications, while 26.7% preferred a more passive role, needing more explanation about their involvement. This is important because understanding these preferences can help hospitals create better safety partnerships and more effective communication strategies tailored to different patients. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families improve their involvement in hospital safety.

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This study focused on a protein called PP2A and its role in various types of cancer, particularly those with high levels of another protein, PLK1. Researchers found that blocking PP2A can effectively kill cancer cells that overproduce PLK1, as seen in breast, pancreatic, ovarian, glioblastoma, and prostate cancers. Notably, patients with high levels of PLK1 and low levels of specific PP2A subunits had better survival rates, indicating that targeting PP2A might be a promising treatment strategy. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients, particularly those with tumors that have high PLK1 levels.

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This study looked at how parenting programs can help families who are waiting for mental health treatment for their children. Researchers found that families have different preferences for support, with 22.1% wanting weekly group sessions with a therapist, while 24.7% preferred sessions every two weeks. Overall, 58% of families preferred programs that met less frequently, like twice a month, meaning that more flexible options could better meet their needs while they wait for professional help. Who this helps: This benefits families waiting for children's mental health services.

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This study looked at what university students think would work best in programs to fight cyberbullying. Out of 1,004 students, over 60% had experienced some form of cyberbullying, either as witnesses or victims, with 45.7% having witnessed it. Students preferred programs that feature famous people addressing the effects of cyberbullying and suggested strategies that include teaching prevention skills, encouraging reporting, and taking serious action against offenders. Who this helps: This benefits university students who face cyberbullying and the programs designed to protect them.

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This study looked at what patients and parents think about different treatment options for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Researchers reviewed 41 studies and found that most focused on medication, with many parents unsure about using stimulant medications, while others preferred behavioral therapies. Understanding these preferences is crucial for tailoring ADHD treatments to meet the needs of families and patients better. Who this helps: This benefits patients with ADHD and their families by informing treatment decisions.

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The study looked at why men and women might retaliate even when it hurts them financially. Researchers found that women (80 participants) were more likely to retaliate when they faced higher costs, while men (90 participants) were more likely to retaliate when they were provoked frequently, regardless of costs. Additionally, women responded more strongly to threats to their resources, while men reacted more to threats to their status. Who this helps: This information is useful for psychologists and social researchers studying aggression and conflict resolution.

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This study explored how children's mental health, parental support, and social connections impact the quality of life for kids aged 8 to 14 with epilepsy. Researchers found that a child's mental health and support from friends significantly influence their quality of life, while the severity of their seizures plays a much smaller role. Specifically, good mental health and strong peer support showed direct links to better quality of life. Who this helps: This research helps children with epilepsy by highlighting the importance of their mental health and social support in improving their overall well-being.

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This study looked at how young adults prefer to receive information about anxiety and depression. Researchers found that 28.7% of participants liked using the Internet to get information from peers who had experienced similar issues, while 30.1% preferred traditional resources like books recommended by doctors. The results showed that providing information through various methods, both online and offline, is important for helping young adults deal with mental health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits young adults with mood and anxiety disorders.

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This study focuses on understanding how childhood epilepsy affects children's health and their families over time. Researchers are observing 8- to 14-year-old children with epilepsy across Canada for 28 months, gathering information through 17 different measures. They aim to identify how various factors related to epilepsy, other health conditions, and family dynamics influence health outcomes, which is important for developing better support and treatment for these children. Who this helps: Patients and their families affected by childhood epilepsy.

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This study looked at what patients with osteoarthritis prefer in drugs that aim to slow down the disease. Researchers surveyed 304 patients and found that 59% were open to using these drugs, even if there was a moderate level of risk involved. Only a small group (5%) wanted to use them only in the best-case scenario, while 16.4% rejected the drugs entirely. These findings are important because they help understand how patients weigh benefits and risks when considering treatments for knee osteoarthritis. Who this helps: Patients with osteoarthritis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how educators decide to adopt new strategies for improving students' mental health. Researchers surveyed 1,010 educators, discovering that 77.1% preferred small-group workshops led by engaging experts and wanted schools to drive these changes, while 22.9% preferred individual decision-making with little support. The findings show that when educators, administrators, and unions are not on the same page, it's less likely that effective mental health strategies will be put into practice. Who this helps: This helps educators and school administrators in improving mental health initiatives for students.

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This study looked at how the environment of schools (school climate), experiences of bullying (peer victimization), and students' grades (GPA) are connected among 1,023 fifth-grade children in 50 different schools. It found that students who reported being bullied had lower GPAs, and those in schools with a poor climate also had lower grades—boys had an average GPA of 2.78, while girls averaged 3.22. These findings highlight that a positive school environment is crucial for students' academic success and that bullying can significantly harm their performance. Who this helps: This study helps educators and school administrators focus on creating better school climates to support students' success.

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This study looked at the effects of space travel on astronauts' eyes, specifically looking at how the space environment might cause damage to their retinas. Researchers found that after spaceflight, certain harmful proteins and cell death were significantly higher in the eyes of mice that went to space compared to those that stayed on Earth, indicating that space can lead to eye problems. These findings are important because they suggest that astronauts may face an increased risk of long-term eye issues from their time in space. Who this helps: This information benefits astronauts and space agencies working to keep them healthy during and after missions.

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This study looked at the effects of a short space mission on the thymus and spleen of mice, which are important for the immune system. After the mission, the thymus and spleen of the space-exposed mice showed significant changes: while the size of the thymus didn't change much, there was more DNA damage, and the spleen was smaller by about 20%. Also, many genes related to T cells and cancer showed altered activity, suggesting that being in space can harm the immune system and possibly increase cancer risks. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and scientists understand how space travel affects astronaut health.

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The researchers studied how spending time in space affected the thymus and spleen of mice, which are important for the immune system. They found that after the mice returned from a space mission, their thymus and spleen showed notable changes, though specific numbers were not provided in the abstract. Understanding these changes is important because it helps scientists learn how space travel can impact health, which is crucial for future space missions and the well-being of astronauts. Who this helps: This helps astronauts and space agencies planning long-duration space missions.