Katie McMillan

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This study looked at antibiotic-resistant bacteria called Enterococcus from Australian cattle to see how they compare to those found in humans and other animals. Out of 1,001 fecal samples tested, most bacteria were not resistant to antibiotics. Specifically, 18.7% of E. faecium had resistance to erythromycin, and some bacteria were resistant to linezolid, but the strains in cattle are different from those that cause serious infections in hospitals, meaning cattle are not a major source of these dangerous resistant bacteria. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers and public health officials in managing antibiotic resistance.

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This research paper plans to explore how gamification—using game-like elements in learning—can be applied to nurse education before they officially become registered nurses. The study will look at different ways gamification is designed and how well these designs motivate and engage nursing students. The researchers aim to gather and analyze existing data to see what works best and will start this work in November 2025. Who this helps: This benefits nursing students and educators by improving teaching methods.

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This study looked at how to improve the quality of self-collected swabs for testing two sexually transmitted infections, Chlamydia and Gonorrhea. After updating visual aids and providing in-person teaching to staff, the number of incorrect swab samples dropped from 3% to 1.4%. This is important because better swab samples lead to more accurate test results, ensuring patients receive the right care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing testing for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.

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This study examines the use of an artificial intelligence tool called the ArteraAI Prostate Test in helping doctors decide whether men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer should receive short-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) during radiotherapy. The researchers plan to enroll 800 participants and measure how often the AI tool changes doctors' recommendations for treatment. By providing more personalized treatment options, this approach aims to reduce unnecessary side effects from ADT and improve patients' overall quality of life. Who this helps: This benefits men with intermediate-risk prostate cancer and their healthcare providers.

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The study focused on improving how well nurses understand palliative care for patients suffering from advanced heart failure. After taking part in educational sessions, nurses' knowledge about using opioids for symptom relief improved significantly, with some scores reaching 90-100%, and understanding of certain palliative care concepts increased from 80% to 90%. This is important because better-informed nurses can provide more effective care, helping to improve the quality of life for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure and their families.

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This study looked at how certain organic compounds can cause ammonium sulfate droplets in the atmosphere to turn from liquid to solid. Researchers found that pinonic acid was especially effective in doing this, triggering the transformation at a specific humidity level. This is important because understanding these processes helps us learn more about weather patterns and how particles in the atmosphere interact. Who this helps: This benefits climate scientists and meteorologists.

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This study examined how the exotic pet trade is portrayed in both scientific journals and newspaper articles from 2001 to 2020. It found that while animal welfare was the main topic of newspaper articles, it was not emphasized in scientific publications, which primarily focused on other aspects of the trade. These findings highlight the need to improve how we discuss animal welfare in scientific contexts to promote a more ethical and sustainable exotic pet trade. Who this helps: This benefits animal welfare advocates and policymakers.

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This study explored using unique fat patterns in beef steaks as a way to track the meat's origin and assess its quality without relying on labels that can be tampered with. Researchers created a large collection of over 38,000 detailed images of steaks and developed a system that accurately predicts marbling quality (96.24% accurate), identifies the breed (91.23%), and even determines the cow's diet (90.90%). This method improves the ability to trace meat back to its source and ensures quality, making the red meat supply chain more reliable and reducing fraud. Who this helps: This benefits consumers and producers in the red meat industry.

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This paper studied the idea of "Compassionate Communities" and how it can impact nursing and healthcare. The authors found that while compassion is crucial for nursing, the responsibility to practice it often falls on individual nurses, neglecting the need for supportive policies in healthcare institutions. They argue that by adopting the Compassionate Communities approach, healthcare settings can create more caring environments, benefiting nurses, patients, and families alike. Who this helps: This helps patients, nurses, and healthcare organizations.

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This study looked at what qualities in doctors are most important to patients, other doctors, and medical students. Researchers interviewed 34 people and found that five main attributes mattered most: being caring, a good communicator, an expert, professional, and curious. The key finding was that a trusting relationship between the doctor and patient is essential for good care, and qualities like "caring" and "open-mindedness" are often overlooked in existing frameworks for training doctors. Who this helps: This helps patients and medical students by emphasizing the importance of qualities that foster strong doctor-patient relationships.

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Researchers discovered a new variant of a protein called VPS29, named VPS29C, which has a unique part at its beginning that prevents it from easily interacting with other protein complexes involved in sorting and transporting materials within cells. Unlike the earlier known versions, VPS29A and VPS29B, which help with various cell functions, VPS29C specifically limits how certain proteins are sorted. This distinction is important because it reveals a more complex system of protein interactions that could be targeted in treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors looking for new therapies for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.

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This study focused on using hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to treat a young man who developed severe swelling of the tongue (traumatic macroglossia) after being shot in the mouth. After undergoing surgery, he needed to be intubated to help him breathe, but after starting HBOT, he was able to breathe on his own just three days later. Using HBOT appears to speed up recovery in similar cases, which is important for improving patient outcomes after traumatic injuries like this. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe tongue swelling from traumatic injuries.

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Researchers studied Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome (RSS), a genetic condition that leads to problems in the brain, heart, and other organs. They found that mutations in specific genes disrupted the body's ability to recycle important proteins, which are crucial for the development of the kidneys, bones, and brain. In mouse models, they observed symptoms similar to those seen in affected patients, confirming the link between these genetic mutations and the syndrome. Who this helps: This helps patients with Ritscher-Schinzel syndrome and their families by providing insights into the genetic causes of their condition.

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This study looked at how the media reports on pet abandonment and relinquishment, focusing on different types of pets like cats, dogs, and reptiles. Researchers found that articles about cats and dogs were much more common than those about reptiles and amphibians, which were often described using negative language that made them seem less valuable or important. This matters because how pets are portrayed in the news can influence public attitudes towards them, potentially affecting their welfare and the support for policies that would help them. Who this helps: This helps pet owners, animal welfare advocates, and policymakers.

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This study looked at how certain organic acids can help water droplets freeze into ice at higher temperatures than pure water. The researchers found that most of these organic solids, like docosanol and palmitic acid, caused freezing to occur at temperatures between -15.0 to -18.5 °C, while pure water froze at -21.3 °C. Understanding these processes is important because they can affect weather patterns and climate by influencing how clouds form and precipitation occurs. Who this helps: This helps scientists and meteorologists understand cloud formation and improve weather predictions.

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This study focused on a teenager diagnosed with a severe form of Loeys-Dietz syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects connective tissues and causes issues with the heart and blood vessels. The teenager showed serious heart problems, including a dilated heart and a defect in the heart's structure; these issues were likely due to the syndrome's effects, which can lead to early health complications. The findings underline the need for quick identification and treatment of Loeys-Dietz syndrome in young patients because prompt surgical intervention can significantly reduce the risk of sudden, life-threatening heart events. Who this helps: This research primarily benefits patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome and their healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how to better integrate palliative care for children with rare jaw conditions that can be life-limiting, specifically infantile osteopetrosis and osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia. Researchers developed a new "traffic light" system to help doctors identify how urgently a patient needs care, which is being tested to improve communication and support between various healthcare teams involved in the children’s treatment. The findings point to the importance of timely palliative support, as it can significantly enhance the quality of life for these young patients. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients with severe jaw conditions and their healthcare teams.

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The study looked at the problems caused by weak regulations in the UK puppy trade, which has grown rapidly due to high demand, especially on social media and during the COVID-19 pandemic. It found that unregulated breeding practices and the illegal import of unvaccinated puppies are leading to health issues for dogs and potential risks to public health, with concerns such as high rates of parasites in urban dog populations. The authors highlight the need for stronger laws to protect animal welfare and public health. Who this helps: This research helps animal welfare advocates, pet owners, and public health officials.

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This paper studied the mental health struggles and burnout experienced by nurses, especially intensified by the pandemic. Researchers found that many of the 53 nurses interviewed felt overwhelmed due to a combination of personal, workplace, and societal pressures, leading to higher levels of burnout and increases in time off from work. This research is important because it highlights the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to help nurses regain their health and continue providing care. Who this helps: This helps nurses and the healthcare systems that employ them.

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This study looked at the relationship between a condition called hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and certain benign jaw tumors, specifically fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, and central giant cell granulomas, over a 25-year period at Mayo Clinic. Out of the patients studied, 3.1% with fibrous dysplasia and 4.2% with ossifying fibroma had PHPT, while none with central giant cell granulomas had it. The findings suggest that patients with these jaw tumors may be at a higher risk for hyperparathyroidism, which is important for doctors to consider when treating these patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons treating patients with benign jaw tumors.

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This study looked at injuries to the face caused by electric scooters in Birmingham, UK, from September 2021 to September 2022. Researchers found that falls were the most common cause of these injuries, making up 44.3% of cases, with soft tissue lacerations being the most frequent type of injury, at 38%. Understanding these injuries is important as e-scooter use continues to grow, which could influence safety regulations and public health policies. Who this helps: This helps patients, healthcare providers, and lawmakers.

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The study looked at how long different breeds of dogs tend to live, analyzing data from over half a million dogs in the UK, including nearly 285,000 that have died. It found that factors like whether the dog is purebred or mixed, its size, and its breed all affect life expectancy. For example, the study emphasizes that some breeds, particularly those that are genetically similar, are at a higher risk of dying young, highlighting the importance of these findings for dog health and breeding practices. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners, breeders, and animal welfare organizations.

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This study looked at the long-term results of low-dose-rate brachytherapy—a type of radiation treatment—specifically for men under 60 with localized prostate cancer. The researchers found that 94% of these patients remained free of cancer progression after 8 years, and 97% were still alive after an average of nearly 7 years. Importantly, serious side effects were low, with only 11% of patients experiencing significant urinary issues. Who this helps: This benefits younger men with prostate cancer and their doctors in choosing effective treatment options.

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This study looked at dental injuries caused by e-scooters in the UK over a two-year period after new guidance on their use was issued. Researchers found that out of 32 patients, there were 71 dental injuries, with nearly half affecting teeth, especially the upper front ones. The most common injuries were cuts and injuries to the lips, and many of these incidents were due to falls while riding the scooters. This matters because it highlights the need for better awareness and preventive measures regarding dental injuries related to e-scooter use. Who this helps: Patients who use e-scooters and healthcare professionals treating their injuries.

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This study looked at the mental health challenges faced by 53 Canadian nurses, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. It found that nurses felt very isolated at home, at work, and within the healthcare system, while also managing family responsibilities. This matters because addressing these feelings of isolation can help reduce burnout and improve the overall well-being of nurses, who play a critical role in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps nurses by highlighting their needs and suggesting ways to support them better.

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This study examined a training program called CAPACITI designed to improve teamwork among healthcare providers who care for seriously ill patients in their communities. After participating in the program, 17 primary care teams in Ontario reported a marked improvement in their ability to work together, with their overall teamwork scores rising from 86.6 to 96.0, indicating better partnership and cooperation. This matters because better collaboration among healthcare providers can lead to improved care and support for patients at the end of life. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious illnesses and their families by ensuring they receive coordinated and compassionate care.

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This study looked at two online toolkits designed to improve mental health in the workplace: one for education workers and another for healthcare workers dealing with burnout. While these toolkits offered valuable resources, many workplaces found the volume of information overwhelming, and their readiness to engage with the materials varied significantly. This matters because effective mental health support can reduce absenteeism and improve overall worker well-being, making it essential that these tools are easy to use and tailored to the specific needs of employees. Who this helps: This helps employees in educational and healthcare fields who are struggling with mental health issues.

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This study looked at how many pet dogs live in the UK in 2019 and found that there are about 12.64 million dogs, with a range from 8.54 to 15.16 million. The researchers gathered data from various sources to create a detailed picture of the dog population, including information on age, breed, and size, which helps understand how to improve dog welfare and reduce problems like poor breeding and illegal dog imports. Knowing the size and makeup of the dog population is crucial for making better policies and interventions for their health and safety. Who this helps: This benefits pet owners, animal welfare organizations, and veterinarians.

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The study looked at a teleaudiology service in regional Australia to see how well it worked for patients needing hearing assessments. Researchers found that 95% of patients could get their audiology assessments on the same day as their ENT appointments, and assessments were typically completed in about 33 minutes. Overall, patients and staff reported high satisfaction with the service, highlighting its convenience and efficiency. Who this helps: This benefits patients in remote areas who need quick and accessible hearing care.

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This study looked at how palliative care is understood and used in cancer treatment. Researchers found that many healthcare providers misunderstand what palliative care means, leading to inconsistent implementation across different settings. This matters because effective palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer patients by managing symptoms and providing support. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cancer and their families, as well as healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study examined the risk of mouth cancer coming back in patients who had surgery to remove tumors and then received dental implants right away or later. Out of 33 patients followed for about 6.4 years, only 3 (12.5%) had a recurrence of cancer, and the timing of when implants were placed did not significantly affect this risk. This research matters because it shows that immediate dental implants can be safely placed without increasing cancer recurrence, which can help patients recover more quickly. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from oral cancer surgery.

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This study looked at the survival rates of men diagnosed with penile cancer in Western Australia from 1992 to 2017, particularly focusing on Aboriginal people and those living in remote areas. Out of 186 cases, 33% were from regional or remote areas, and 4.8% were Aboriginal; 13 men from remote locations and 5 Aboriginal men died from the disease. Results showed that Aboriginal patients were more than six times, and patients from remote areas were over twice as likely to die from penile cancer compared to others, indicating significant health disparities. Who this helps: This information benefits Aboriginal communities and healthcare providers in remote areas addressing cancer care and support.

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This study looked at new graduate nurses in Ontario, Canada, entering the workforce during the Covid-19 pandemic, about a year after they started working. Researchers found that many felt unprepared for their roles, with half of them leaving their first job due to unmet needs in orientation and mental health. Despite these challenges, all participants were determined to stay in nursing, highlighting the special support this group requires as they navigate their early careers. Who this helps: This helps new graduate nurses by identifying their specific challenges and needs as they begin their careers.

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This study looked at facial injuries related to e-scooters in Birmingham during a one-year trial from September 2020 to September 2021. Out of 29 patients with facial injuries, most were young men; 59% were under 30 years old, and nearly half of the injuries involved serious damage to the bones in the face. Importantly, 34% of patients did not wear helmets, and 100% of those under the influence of drugs or alcohol needed surgery for their injuries, highlighting significant safety concerns around e-scooter use. Who this helps: This information benefits city planners, safety regulators, and e-scooter users.

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This study looked at Twitter conversations about dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK and Ireland, analyzing over 61,000 tweets. Researchers found that while the public's feelings about dogs stayed mostly positive at first, negativity increased significantly in the final months, with a 44.4% decrease in positive sentiment. Different groups, like the media and government, influenced public attitudes, especially as negative discussions about dog theft and anxiety grew, highlighting the importance of responsible messaging to protect human-animal relationships. Who this helps: This helps animal welfare organizations, pet owners, and the general public.

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This study looked at how to create an app called Cancer Helpmate to support young adults (ages 16-26) diagnosed with cancer. Researchers interviewed and surveyed 7 young patients and 15 health care professionals to gather ideas on what features would be most helpful in the app. They found strong interest in using digital tools for better support, indicating that more user-friendly resources are needed to help young adults manage their cancer experience. Who this helps: This helps young adults with cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at online advertisements for puppies in the UK over two years to understand the current puppy market. Researchers found 17,389 ads, with a surprising 57.2% coming from a pet-specific website, mainly during the COVID-19 lockdown. They discovered that certain breeds are extremely popular, like the French Bulldog, and that dogs with conformational disorders tend to be more expensive, averaging about £208 more than healthy breeds. Who this helps: Pet buyers and animal welfare advocates.

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This research paper examines the challenges faced by nurses when monitoring the brain health of infants, children, and young people with acquired brain injuries (ABIs). It highlights the need for accurate and consistent neurological assessments to detect problems early and improve patient care. Understanding the types and causes of ABIs, along with the complications that may arise, is crucial for providing effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits nurses and healthcare providers caring for young patients with brain injuries.

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The study looked at online ads for turtles and tortoises in the UK to understand the pet trade better. Over a year, researchers found that most ads were from casual sellers looking to resell animals rather than professional breeders, with turtles often listed at lower prices and in larger groups than tortoises. This matters because improving the welfare and sustainability of these animals would be more effective if changes happened earlier in the selling process, not just on these ad sites. Who this helps: This helps animal welfare advocates and policymakers focused on improving the treatment of exotic pets.

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This study focuses on how to properly assess brain injuries in infants, children, and young people. It emphasizes the importance of using consistent methods for checking neurological health, such as observing alertness and response to stimuli. Accurate assessments can help identify serious issues early and improve care, ultimately leading to better outcomes for young patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain injuries and their families, as well as doctors and nurses involved in their care.

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This study looked at the types of dogs registered with vets in the UK during 2019, analyzing over 2.2 million dogs. It found that 69.4% were purebred, with the most common breeds being nondesigner-crossbred dogs, Labrador Retrievers, and Jack Russell Terriers. The research highlights health concerns related to dog breeds with extreme physical traits, signaling a need for better guidance for dog owners on choosing healthier pets. Who this helps: This helps dog owners and breeders.

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This study looked at the job satisfaction and career outlook of nursing faculty across Canada, involving 645 participants. It found that a supportive workplace culture boosts job satisfaction and confidence in their profession, while a poor work-life balance leads to lower satisfaction and higher desires to leave their jobs—specifically, a supportive culture improved job satisfaction by significant amounts, while poor work-life balance decreased it. This research is important because it highlights how workplace environments can directly affect nurses' intentions to stay or leave their positions, which impacts the quality of education and care in nursing. Who this helps: This benefits nursing faculty, healthcare institutions, and ultimately patients who rely on well-trained nurses.

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This study looked at the short-term effects of a program called "I Spy Feelings," which teaches children aged 5 to 6 how to manage their emotions better. After two months, children who participated in the program were reported by their parents to have a significantly improved ability to cope with anger, with 33 children benefiting from the program compared to 40 who did not participate. While there was no significant improvement in handling sadness, this research shows that teaching young children how to manage their emotions can be helpful and worth exploring further. Who this helps: This benefits young children, their parents, and educators.

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This study looked at how nurses' health is affected by their working conditions and how that influences their desire to leave the nursing profession. Researchers analyzed data from 3,478 nurses in British Columbia and found that worse working conditions led to poorer health for nurses, which increased their intent to leave their jobs. Specifically, nurses with poorer health were more likely to report wanting to quit and expected to leave sooner if their working conditions didn't improve. This is important because better working environments and support for nurses' mental health could help keep them in the profession and maintain patient care quality. Who this helps: This helps nurses and healthcare organizations.

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This study looks at a rare genetic bone disorder called osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD) in two brothers who both have a new mutation in a specific gene. The six-year-old boy showed signs of the disorder, like bone thickening and severe vision problems, while his twelve-year-old brother experienced similar bone issues along with jaw problems that required surgery. These findings are important because they add to our understanding of the condition and suggest that treatments like stem cell transplants might be beneficial for patients with OSMD. Who this helps: Patients with osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia and their families can benefit from this research.