Gregory B Firth

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The SPELL trial studied the effects of a specific stretching program for children with spastic cerebral palsy, comparing it to standard care. Researchers found that children who participated in the stretching program showed improved mobility, which they measured using a parent-reported assessment at six months. This matters because effective stretching can enhance movement and quality of life for these children. Who this helps: This helps children with spastic cerebral palsy and their families.

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This research studied the effects of a customized exercise program designed to strengthen muscles in adolescents with spastic cerebral palsy, comparing it to usual care practices. The trial involved 334 participants, with those following the tailored program receiving six weeks of one-on-one physiotherapy sessions, while the control group got just one session. After six months, those in the tailored program showed improved mobility, strength, and function, which matters because better physical skills can enhance independence and quality of life for these young individuals. Who this helps: Patients with spastic cerebral palsy and their families.

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This study looks at how well MRI and ultrasound can diagnose bone and joint infections in children, which are rare but serious. Researchers will review past cases and gather new data to check how accurately these imaging methods identify infections. They plan to create helpful models to predict infections based on the imaging results. Who this helps: This benefits children with suspected bone and joint infections, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study compared three methods for fixing a tendon in children who had surgery for clubfoot after an initial treatment. The researchers looked at 130 children and found that after an average of about 3.5 years, relapse rates were similar across the three methods: 27.8% for the button technique, 30.8% for the screw technique, and 15.4% for the anchor technique, showing no significant differences overall. Understanding which technique works best can help doctors choose the right approach for individual patients, potentially improving outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons treating children with clubfoot.

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This study looked at a new way to track a breast cancer treatment called trastuzumab using a special metal tag to see where it goes in the body. Researchers found that when this metal-tagged treatment was given to mice with breast cancer, it mostly collected in the tumors, spleen, and liver, with specific amounts of the tag detected in the tissue—highlighting its targeted delivery as well as varied uptake in different cells. This is important because it shows a promising method for monitoring how effectively cancer treatments target and accumulate in tumors, which could lead to better treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and their doctors by providing insights into treatment effectiveness.

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This study looked at how well artificial intelligence (AI) can find fractures in children and teenagers, a task that's tough for doctors because kids have different bone structures than adults. Researchers reviewed 11 studies and found that AI was better at detecting fractures than doctors alone, showing a higher sensitivity (4% better), and that using AI made doctors more accurate by 7%. This is important because better fracture detection can lead to faster and more accurate treatment for young patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and children with fractures.

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This study explored ways to improve treatment for aggressive thyroid cancer patients who struggle with the standard therapy of radioiodide (RAI) due to problems with a protein called sodium/iodide symporter (NIS), which helps the body absorb iodine. Researchers found that combining two existing drugs, chloroquine and vorinostat, significantly increased iodine uptake in mouse models; specifically, chloroquine treatment enhanced iodine absorption by more than 100% when used with vorinostat. This matters because it offers a new approach to boost the effectiveness of radioiodide therapy, potentially helping patients who currently have limited treatment options. Who this helps: Patients with aggressive thyroid cancer.

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This study looked at how long children with certain arm fractures should be kept in casts after surgery. Researchers compared two groups: one group was kept in a cast for 28 days or less, while the other group was in a cast for more than 28 days. They found that the shorter cast duration, averaging 27.5 days, did not lead to more problems like rebreaking the arm or losing proper alignment compared to the longer duration, which averaged 43.9 days. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients and their families by reducing recovery time and anxiety related to long immobilization periods.

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This study looked at how changes in sodium levels and a specific enzyme (Na/K-ATPase) affect energy production (glycolysis) in breast cancer cells. Researchers found that breast cancer cells had higher sodium levels, and when they used a drug to block Na/K-ATPase, the energy production in these cells dropped significantly—by up to 50% in some cases—compared to cancer cells without the blockage. Understanding this relationship is important because it could lead to new treatments that target energy production in cancer cells, potentially slowing their growth. Who this helps: This helps patients with breast cancer by paving the way for new treatment methods.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of different types of radioactive substances—specifically [Tc]TcO, [I]I, and [Re]ReO—used in cancer treatment. Researchers found that [I]I was particularly effective, requiring fewer radioactive emissions to reduce cancer cell survival, and that it and [Re]ReO were better at killing cancer cells in lab tests than traditional X-ray treatments. However, X-rays resulted in longer survival times for mice with tumors, suggesting that while these radionuclides show promise, more research is needed. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study examined new methods for creating special agents that can be used for both imaging and treating prostate cancer. Researchers developed two kits that can easily label a peptide that targets prostate cancer cells with two different radioactive elements (technetium and rhenium) for diagnostics and treatment. The results showed these new agents effectively targeted cancer cells while showing minimal effects on non-target areas, with 18-30% of the injected dose taken up by the tumors within two hours. Who this helps: This benefits prostate cancer patients by providing more accessible diagnostic and treatment options.

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Researchers studied a new imaging tool called gallium-68-labeled schizokinen, or [Ga]Ga-SKN, to help detect bacterial infections in the body. They found that it works specifically for certain types of bacteria and is quickly cleared from the body, especially through the kidneys, with very little interference in other organs. This is important because it could lead to better, more precise ways to diagnose bacterial infections, which are often hard to detect. Who this helps: Patients with bacterial infections.

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This study focused on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and how to identify NRF2 activation, a process linked to treatment resistance. The researchers found that a special imaging method using a tracer called [F]FSPG can accurately detect NRF2 activation in cancer models and a large group of NSCLC patients. This discovery is important because it could lead to better ways to select patients for targeted therapies, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer and their doctors by providing better tools to guide treatment decisions.

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This study focused on a surgery called tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT), which is used to treat children with a foot deformity known as clubfoot. Researchers looked at the results from 61 children who underwent this surgery using a new method involving a bone anchor instead of traditional techniques. They found that 98.7% of the children did not experience any issues with their foot movement after the surgery, and no complications required further surgery. Who this helps: This benefits children with clubfoot and their families, as well as the doctors performing the surgery.

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This research looked at how instrumented gait analysis (IGA) can help doctors make better treatment decisions for children and young people with cerebral palsy. The study reviewed 17 previous studies involving 1,144 patients, revealing that IGA can change treatment plans, often resulting in fewer surgical recommendations. Understanding and using IGA can improve care for these patients, but the exact benefits on individual outcomes still need more investigation. Who this helps: This helps children and young people with cerebral palsy and their caregivers, as well as the doctors treating them.

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The study focused on a 9-year-old girl who had an unstable elbow after a fracture and also had joint hypermobility. After surgery to strengthen the elbow using a graft, she was found to have a stable and pain-free elbow one year later, with no limitations on movement. This matters because it provides a possible solution for managing elbow instability in children with similar issues, offering them a better quality of life. Who this helps: This helps pediatric patients with elbow instability and their doctors.

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This study looked at how zinc levels affect how platelets in the blood respond to a signaling molecule called prostacyclin, which helps stop bleeding by preventing platelets from clumping together. The researchers found that when they reduced zinc levels in blood samples, it made prostacyclin work even better at stopping platelets from aggregating, leading to a greater risk of bleeding. Specifically, using low doses of zinc chelators enhanced the ability of prostacyclin to inhibit platelet activity, which is important for managing bleeding risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients with bleeding disorders or those at risk of excessive bleeding.

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This study looked at how to effectively diagnose and treat serious infections in children's bones and muscles, which can lead to major health issues if not handled quickly. The research highlighted the importance of following specific guidelines from the British Orthopaedic Association to ensure timely care, as delays can lead to life-threatening situations or long-term health problems. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for healthcare providers who work with children to improve outcomes in these challenging cases. Who this helps: This helps children with musculoskeletal infections and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a specific gene variant and its effect on zinc and manganese levels in the pancreas of mice. Researchers found that mice with one copy of the gene variant had 1.6 times more zinc in their pancreas compared to normal mice, while those with two copies had only 40% of the zinc found in healthy mice. This research is important because it challenges existing ideas about how zinc affects diabetes, suggesting that having one copy of the variant might actually help regulate insulin better. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of type 2 diabetes, especially those with specific gene variations.

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This study explored a new cancer treatment called a photoactivatable Pt(IV) anticancer agent, designed to work with imaging techniques using radioactivity. Researchers found that this treatment is effective in killing cancer cells and safely shows promise in animals, with limited side effects and rapid elimination from the body. The ability to see where this treatment goes in the body using imaging is crucial for developing better cancer therapies. Who this helps: This research benefits cancer patients and doctors by improving targeted treatment options.

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This research compared two methods for treating thigh bone fractures in children: plate fixation and flexible intramedullary nails. It found that using plate fixation led to fewer cases of soft tissue infections, with a relative risk of 0.26, while other complications like malunion and the need for unplanned surgeries showed no significant difference between the two methods. This is important because it can help doctors choose safer treatment options for young patients with these types of fractures. Who this helps: Patients with femoral shaft fractures and their families.

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This study looked at how a specific pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) affects treatment resistance and how it can be seen using a special imaging technique called PET scanning. Researchers found that a marker called [F]FSPG can effectively indicate how active this pathway is, which helps in understanding how well a tumor might respond to treatment. They also found that this pathway presents a potential target for new therapies that could stop tumor growth, offering hope for patients with aggressive forms of NSCLC. Who this helps: This helps patients with non-small cell lung cancer and their doctors by identifying effective treatment strategies.

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Researchers studied the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) as a cheaper and more efficient way to test cancer imaging techniques instead of using mice. They found that tumors grown on the CAM were able to produce clear imaging results, showing a greater amount of tumor-related signals compared to traditional mouse models. This matters because it opens up opportunities for more affordable cancer research and imaging methods that can be used by a wider range of researchers. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in cancer treatment and imaging.

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Researchers developed a new chemical method to attach glucose molecules to special compounds that can grab onto radioactive atoms (technetium and rhenium), making it possible to create medical tracers that both diagnose diseases and treat them simultaneously. They successfully attached these radioactive atoms to glucose-based compounds with very high efficiency (over 95% success rate), and tests in mice showed the resulting molecules traveled quickly through the bloodstream and were safely cleared through the kidneys while remaining stable in the body. This breakthrough could allow doctors to use a single type of molecule for both detecting tumors with imaging scans and destroying cancer cells with radiation therapy.

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This study looked at how often infantile tibia vara, also known as Blount disease, comes back after children undergo surgery to correct it. Out of 44 kids studied, 63.3% experienced recurrence after surgery, especially those who had the operation after age 4, were in advanced stages of the disease, or were corrected too little. Because of these findings, the authors recommend that surgery be done before age 4 and that more correction should be applied for older patients to reduce the chance of recurrence. Who this helps: This helps doctors and parents of children with Blount disease.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the treatment of children with a foot deformity called congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) at a hospital in the UK. During the first wave of the pandemic, 23 babies began treatment in 2020, which is an increase from 11 babies treated in the same periods of 2018 and 2019. The findings highlight that with proper health protocols, children could still receive necessary care during the pandemic, helping to reduce future treatment needs. Who this helps: This benefits children with CTEV and their families by ensuring they receive timely treatment.

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This study looked at how well different tools measure health and function in children who have suffered multiple injuries. Researchers reviewed 22 studies with over 16,000 young participants and found 34 different assessment tools, but many were designed for adults rather than children. The findings highlight that using tools validated for adults on children may miss important aspects of their recovery, which means there's a need for new, child-specific measures. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand how to better evaluate recovery in children after severe injuries.

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This study focused on a new type of imaging agent, called [F]FRPG, designed to help visualize tumors more effectively. The researchers found that [F]FRPG is taken up by cancer cells better than an older imaging agent, [F]FSPG, achieving tumor-to-blood ratios of over 10 and showing 2.5 times more retention in lung tumors than in inflamed tissue. This is important because it could allow for clearer imaging of tumors and help doctors track how well treatments are working. Who this helps: Patients with cancer and their doctors benefit from improved tumor imaging.

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This study looked into new ways to use thallium, a toxic metal, for medical imaging by developing better chelators, which are molecules that can hold and deliver thallium to specific disease sites. The researchers created several new chelators that can attach to thallium efficiently, but found that one particular targeted delivery method did not work as hoped, with no observable uptake by cancer cells. This research is important because finding effective ways to use thallium could improve imaging techniques in nuclear medicine. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on advanced medical imaging techniques.

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This study focuses on using a type of imaging called PET scans to track how essential metal elements move in the body, which is important for health. The researchers highlighted how new methods allow for observing these metals in real time without needing invasive procedures. This is significant because understanding metal trafficking can lead to better insights into diseases linked to metal imbalances. Who this helps: This benefits patients with conditions related to metal deficiencies or excesses, as well as doctors treating them.

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This study explored the use of new chemical compounds to better deliver a radioactive substance called Thallium-201 for cancer treatment. Researchers created several new chelators (molecules that bind metals) and found that one, called Hpypa, formed stable complexes with Thallium-201 that showed promising imaging and targeting properties in prostate cancer cells. Although they observed higher uptake of the Thallium-201 complex in prostate cancer cells that expressed a specific marker, the overall targeting was not strong enough for effective treatment, indicating the need for further improvements. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and scientists working on innovative cancer treatments.

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This study explored a new imaging technique using a substance called zinc-62 to track zinc movement in the body without needing invasive procedures. The researchers found that zinc-62 showed similar behavior to another form of copper in how it traveled through the body, particularly accumulating significantly in the pancreas, which had over ten times more zinc-62 than copper one hour after injection. This is important because it opens up new possibilities for studying diseases where zinc balance is upset, allowing for better understanding and potential treatment options. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors focusing on diseases related to zinc imbalances, such as certain cancers and metabolic disorders.

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This study looked at a specific surgery called hemiepiphysiodesis, which is usually done as an outpatient procedure but sometimes requires an overnight stay due to pain. Researchers analyzed 79 patients to find out how factors like the number of surgical sites and the patients' health scores affected their pain levels and how long they stayed in the hospital. They found that patients with higher health risks and more sites operated on had increased pain management needs and longer hospital stays, which highlights the importance of careful planning for this type of surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families in preparing for surgery and managing expectations regarding recovery.

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This study looked at how closely doctors followed specific guidelines for treating a common elbow fracture in children between 2015 and 2018. They found that out of 109 children treated for these fractures, many didn’t fully follow the recommendations on how to document treatment and choose fixation techniques, but this did not lead to any worse outcomes for the patients. Still, better documentation could help track patient health, especially regarding potential nerve and blood vessel injuries. Who this helps: This helps children with elbow fractures and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on improving how antibodies are labeled for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging by introducing new chelators, which are molecules that help attach the imaging radioisotopes. Researchers developed two new types of chelators that can attach to a specific part of the antibodies and found that over 99% of these newly labeled antibodies remained stable in the body and worked well for imaging. This advancement is important because it enhances the ability to track antibodies in the body, which can help in diagnosing and treating diseases like cancer more effectively. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how the timing of a hip condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) varies between children in Johannesburg, South Africa, and London, UK. Researchers examined 137 patients and found that in South Africa, symptoms often started in summer, while children in the UK were more likely to present during autumn. On average, children in the UK waited longer to seek treatment (90 days) than those in South Africa (60 days), indicating a need for faster diagnosis and care in the UK. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers by identifying important differences in SCFE presentation and timing that can improve patient management.

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This study looked at how reliable and consistent the Langenskiöld classification system is for assessing Blount's disease, a condition that affects the growth of the knee in children. Researchers reviewed 70 X-rays and found that only about 3% were agreed upon by all six doctors involved, while 29% had only slight differences in staging. This matters because it highlights that doctors may not always agree on how to classify the disease based on these images, which could affect treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors who assess and treat children with Blount’s disease.

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This study focuses on the development of special imaging agents, called radiotracers, that can help detect bacterial infections more effectively. Researchers found that these radiotracers can visualize specific bacteria and improve our understanding of how drugs work at infection sites. This matters because it can lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment for serious infections in patients, especially as antibiotic resistance rises. Who this helps: This benefits patients with bacterial infections and healthcare professionals involved in their treatment.

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This study examined how a specific leg bone deformity occurs in children with Blount's disease, which affects the growth of the lower leg. Researchers looked at 72 children from a hospital and measured the angle of the bone in their legs, finding that the average angle was 87 degrees in those with Blount's, compared to 82 degrees in unaffected children. This difference shows that children with Blount's disease have a significant leg deformity that should be considered when planning treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors treating children with Blount's disease.

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This study looked at how the amino acid L-cysteine affects copper levels in prostate cancer cells. Researchers found that adding L-cysteine significantly boosted the accumulation of a radioactive form of copper (64Cu) in several cancer cell types, but when tested in live mice, a related compound called N-acetyl-cysteine actually reduced copper levels in tumors. These findings matter because understanding how copper is transported in cancer cells could lead to better treatments. Who this helps: This helps cancer researchers and potentially patients with prostate cancer.

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Researchers studied a rare foot injury called Lisfranc injury in an 11-year-old girl and explored the effectiveness of a device called the "mini" TightRope™. The treatment was successful, showing excellent results in both clinical checks and imaging at follow-up. This is significant because it suggests a new method for treating this uncommon injury in children without needing to remove any metal hardware later. Who this helps: This helps young patients with Lisfranc injuries and their doctors.

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This study looked at necrotising fasciitis, a serious infection in kids, analyzing data from cases reported between 1930 and 2018. The findings showed that this infection is rare, occurring in about 0.022 to 0.843 per 100,000 children each year, with a case-fatality rate of 0% to 14.3%. It highlighted that common symptoms include redness and swelling of the skin, and about 52% of children needed skin grafts, indicating significant health issues even if they survived. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating children with serious infections.

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This paper reviews all the research on necrotizing fasciitis in children from 1930 to 2018. It makes a correction to the names of some authors in the original study. Accurate authorship is important because it gives proper credit to those who contributed to the research. Who this helps: This helps researchers and readers of medical literature.

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This study looked at a specific measurement called the ossific nucleus center edge angle (ONCEA) in young children with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) to see if it could help predict the success of treatment and the need for additional surgeries. Researchers analyzed results from 101 children with hip issues and found that different ONCEA measurements clearly correlated with treatment outcomes, meaning they could help identify which children might need more help later on. The ONCEA showed high reliability in measurements, which supports its use in predicting how well treatment will work over time. Who this helps: This helps doctors make better treatment decisions for young patients with hip problems.

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Researchers developed a new sensor called AQA-F that can detect zinc ions (Zn(ii)) in a very specific way. The sensor changed its light emission by up to 80 nanometers when it bound to zinc and showed a significant increase in its effectiveness in detecting zinc levels. This is important because it can help detect zinc levels in prostate cells and may lead to better imaging techniques for prostate cancer. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on prostate cancer.

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Researchers developed a new imaging tool that uses tiny gold particles to visualize mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells. This tool can detect changes in acidity (pH) in cells, showing a strong signal at a basic pH level of around 6.62, which is common in healthy tissues. In tests, this probe successfully entered various types of human cells and targeted the mitochondria, making it a promising option for studying cell health and disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving the way we can visualize and understand mitochondrial function in different diseases.

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This study examined cases of a specific type of tuberculosis (TB) that affects the bones and joints in children, known as extraspinal osteoarticular multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (ESOA MDR-TB), at a hospital in South Africa. Researchers found 19 cases from 2006 to 2015, with 10.5% of those being multidrug-resistant, meaning standard treatments were ineffective; 33% of the tested cases also involved HIV infection. This matters because it reveals a significant and challenging health issue for children in South Africa, highlighting the need for increased awareness and attention to TB diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating children with TB.