STACY A. TAYLOR, MD

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This study looks at CT colonography (CTC), a special type of CT scan used to find colorectal polyps and cancer. It found that a recent approval to cover CTC costs for screening could lead to more people getting screened, which could help prevent colorectal cancer. However, it's important for radiologists to understand new information about polyps to make the most of this screening method. Who this helps: Patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

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The study explored how to assess damage in the intestines of patients with Crohn's disease using ultrasound instead of traditional imaging methods like MRI and CT scans. Thirty experts agreed on 22 key measures for using ultrasound to evaluate bowel damage, including details about how to capture ultrasound images, but they didn't reach an agreement on how to rate mild damage. This matters because it paves the way for using ultrasound as a safer, noninvasive option for monitoring bowel damage in Crohn's disease patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors by providing a new method for monitoring their condition.

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This study looked at how testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) before shoulder surgery affects recovery and complications. Researchers found that patients on TRT had higher rates of issues after surgery: 13.7% visited the emergency room within 90 days, compared to 8.1% of those not on TRT. At one year, TRT patients also had higher rates of kidney injury (17.5% vs 12.1%) and joint infections (4.8% vs 2.4%). These results show that TRT before shoulder surgery can lead to more health problems, emphasizing the importance of evaluating risks for patients on this treatment. Who this helps: This information benefits patients considering shoulder surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how preparing the skin before shoulder surgery can reduce the amount of Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, which is a common cause of infections after surgery. Researchers found that using a combination of benzoyl peroxide wash and blue light therapy lowered the presence of this bacteria from 26.8% in the standard group to 13.3% in the treatment group. This is significant because reducing bacteria can help prevent infections in patients undergoing shoulder joint replacement. Who this helps: This benefits patients getting shoulder surgery by potentially lowering their risk of infection.

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This study looked at how a shoulder surgery called reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) affects the movement of the shoulder blade (scapula) and the upper arm (humerus) during arm elevation. Researchers analyzed 27 studies involving 464 patients who had the surgery and found that the average movement ratio (scapulohumeral rhythm) was 1.6, with patients after rTSA showing a lower ratio (1.9) compared to healthy individuals (3.2). This means that after surgery, patients' shoulder blades rotate more in relation to their upper arms, especially at higher angles of arm elevation, which could impact their rehabilitation and function. Who this helps: This information benefits patients recovering from shoulder surgery and their doctors.

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This study looked at how the mating of different species, which produces hybrid offspring, can cause problems with their sleep and thinking abilities. The researchers found that sleep disruptions in hybrids can negatively affect brain functions important for learning and memory. This matters because it helps explain why hybrid birds often show cognitive struggles, which could also lead to difficulties in survival and reproduction. Who this helps: This research helps scientists understand the challenges faced by hybrid species and may inform conservation efforts.

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Researchers are working to create a detailed map of liver cells at different ages and from various backgrounds, aiming to understand how these cells function normally. They are collecting samples from healthy individuals to identify many different liver cell types and their interactions. This understanding is crucial for diagnosing and treating liver diseases effectively, as it will help researchers develop new therapies and improve patient care. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how the location of capsular repair affects shoulder stability after a specific surgical procedure for patients with shoulder instability and bone loss. Researchers tested human cadaver shoulders, finding that when the capsule was repaired to the original bone (the glenoid), the shoulder was more stable, showing only 0.7 mm of movement compared to 7 mm without this repair. This is important because it suggests that proper repair location can lead to better shoulder function after surgery, though further research is needed on patient experiences and long-term outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing surgery for shoulder instability.

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This study looked at research papers awarded the Charles S. Neer Award by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons since 1985 to understand their impact on shoulder injury care. It found that of the 81 award-winning abstracts, 74 were published, showing a trend towards more rigorous studies over time and an average citation count of 246.6 per paper. The shift in focus toward shoulder arthroplasty, particularly infections and implant design, highlights changing research priorities in shoulder surgery. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers specializing in shoulder care and treatment.

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This study looked at how well different types of grafts restore the shape and stability of the shoulder joint when there is significant bone loss. The researchers tested three graft options: distal tibial allograft, medial tibial plateau allograft, and distal clavicle autograft. They found that all three grafts were able to restore shoulder stability to levels similar to healthy shoulders, showing no significant differences in stability between them. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with shoulder instability and bone loss, as it identifies effective surgical options for their condition.

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This study looked at a condition called biceps chondromalacia (BCM), which affects the tendon in the shoulder, in patients with shoulder symptoms related to the biceps-labrum complex. Among 68 patients who had surgery for these symptoms, over half (51.5%) were found to have BCM, with most lesions located in the medial area of the shoulder. These findings highlight the importance of checking for BCM when diagnosing and treating shoulder problems, as it is a common issue in patients with chronic symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients with shoulder pain and their doctors by improving the diagnosis and treatment of their condition.

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This study looked at how well certain tests, including magnetic resonance enterography (an imaging test), can predict whether patients recently diagnosed with Crohn's disease would develop severe symptoms within five years. Researchers found that 42% of the 194 patients studied developed disabling symptoms, and while initial clinical assessments had moderate accuracy (49% sensitivity), adding the imaging scores did not significantly improve this prediction. The average healthcare cost for patients over five years was about £24,267, with younger patients and those with severe disease incurring higher costs, emphasizing the need for better prediction tools to manage treatment effectively. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looks at a new way to treat Crohn's disease by focusing on complete healing of the intestinal wall, called transmural healing (TMH). Researchers will track around 304 adult patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease to see if those aiming for TMH have better outcomes than those only focused on clinical symptoms and certain lab results. The main goal is to see if the TMH group enjoys more success in staying off corticosteroids and achieving complete healing by week 48. Who this helps: This research helps patients with Crohn's disease by potentially offering a more effective treatment approach.

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This study looked at how hand dominance affects the ability of active patients aged 65 and younger to return to sports after shoulder replacement surgery. It found that patients who had surgery on their nondominant shoulder were more likely to return to sports, with 85.7% achieving this compared to just 69.5% for those with surgery on their dominant shoulder. This is important because it highlights that which shoulder is operated on can impact recovery and sports participation, suggesting that doctors should consider hand dominance when planning surgery. Who this helps: This helps active patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

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This study examined how different designs of shoulder implants, specifically focusing on the positioning of components (lateralization), affect the function of rotator cuff muscles after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). Researchers used 3D models based on scans of 16 healthy shoulders and found that while changing the glenoid component's position didn't significantly change muscle mechanics, shifting the humeral component improved the effectiveness of rotator cuff muscles. For example, humeral lateralization enhanced the muscle's ability to perform internal and external rotations, especially at various arm positions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients undergoing shoulder surgeries and the doctors who perform these procedures.

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This study looked at the outcomes of a specific shoulder surgery called reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for patients with different shoulder problems: fractures of the upper arm bone (proxima humerus fractures or PHFs) and wear and tear of the shoulder muscle tendons (rotator cuff arthropathy or RCA). Researchers found that patients with PHFs had slightly worse shoulder function, with lower scores on a shoulder function test and less movement forward and sideways compared to those with RCA. They also had a higher risk of needing additional surgery due to dislocation, although the differences in pain levels were similar between the two groups. Who this helps: This information is valuable for orthopedic surgeons and patients deciding on shoulder surgery options.

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This study examined the outcomes of liver transplants in children with cystic fibrosis, comparing isolated liver transplants to combined liver-lung transplants and liver transplants for other reasons. They found that 5 years after an isolated liver transplant, about 89% of children with cystic fibrosis survived, compared to only 72% for those who had a combined transplant. The research also indicated that children with higher bilirubin levels had worse outcomes, making it crucial to understand these factors for better patient care. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis make informed decisions about transplantation options.

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This study looked at how different hospitals in the UK use imaging techniques to diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) over the course of a year. It found that MRI was the most common imaging method, used in nearly 70% of cases, but there were significant differences in how imaging was done across various hospitals. Inpatients often received more radiation-based imaging than outpatients, highlighting a need for improvements in access to safer imaging options. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease by promoting better and safer imaging practices.

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This study looked at how body fat and muscle mass could predict how well patients with small bowel Crohn's disease respond to biologic therapy over one year. Researchers found that among 96 participants, only 34 (about 35%) responded positively to the treatment, and key body composition factors like muscle mass did not help predict who would respond; in fact, the differences between responders and non-responders were not significant. This matters because understanding how to predict treatment success could lead to better care and outcomes for Crohn's disease patients. Who this helps: This research helps doctors determine that current body composition assessments may not be useful for predicting treatment outcomes in Crohn's disease patients.

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This study examined how researchers report risk factors for acromial stress fractures (ASFs) in patients who have had reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) surgery. Out of 23 studies reviewed, the most commonly identified risk factors included osteoporosis in 43.5% of studies, along with female sex and rheumatoid arthritis at around 30% each. The findings matter because inconsistent reporting can make it difficult to understand the risks of ASFs, which can lead to better prevention strategies in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing shoulder surgery and their doctors in preventing complications.

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This study looked at how much hospitals and surgeons get paid to perform shoulder surgery (total shoulder arthroplasty) for patients who are considered higher risk due to health issues. They found that while hospitals received more money for treating higher-risk patients ($19,063 compared to $15,239 for healthier patients), surgeons actually earned less for these cases ($787.78 for higher-risk versus $798.19 for healthier patients). This difference in payments may lead to hospitals being more willing to help sicker patients, while surgeons may avoid taking on more complex cases. Who this helps: Patients with complex health issues who need shoulder surgery.

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This study looked at how women from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds are recruited for the Houston HeartReach Registry, which tracks heart health trends in Houston. Out of 1,476 enrolled women, the majority are Hispanic (67.5%), with fewer non-Hispanic Whites (15.8%), Black women (12.9%), and others. The findings highlight the need for better recruitment strategies to include more diverse ethnic and sexual minority groups, ensuring that research considers the health risks facing everyone, not just the majority. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those from underrepresented communities in cardiovascular research.

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This study examined nerve injuries in patients who developed brachial plexopathy after total shoulder surgery. Researchers looked at MR neurography images from 27 patients and found that nerve issues were confirmed by other tests in 13 of them. They identified causes like nerve pressure from screws or cement and noticed that 8 out of 19 patients with nerve signal problems also showed muscle damage on the MR images. Understanding these nerve injuries is important because it can help guide treatment and improve recovery for affected patients. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from total shoulder surgery.

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This study examined whether a type of imaging called magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) could help predict if newly diagnosed Crohn's disease patients would develop severe disability from the condition within five years. The researchers followed 194 patients across nine hospitals and found that 42% of them did develop severe disability. They discovered that using MRE scores along with clinical information did not improve the ability to predict future disability risks compared to using clinical information alone. Who this helps: This benefits patients newly diagnosed with Crohn's disease and their doctors in understanding prognosis.

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In this study, researchers looked at how consistently different doctors can measure bowel movements in patients with small bowel Crohn's disease using a type of MRI called motility MRI. They found that the agreement on measurements was moderate to good, with scores ranging from 0.59 to 0.71 depending on the radiologist’s experience. This is important because it means motility MRI could be reliably used to monitor disease activity and treatment response in patients with Crohn's disease. Who this helps: Patients with small bowel Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This study explored a surgical method called the quadriceps tendon turndown technique to treat chronic injuries where the quadriceps tendon is not functioning properly. The researchers found that using a piece of the quadriceps tendon to repair these injuries can lead to better outcomes for patients, especially compared to other existing treatment options. This matters because effective treatment can help patients recover and regain strength more successfully. Who this helps: Patients with chronic quadriceps tendon injuries.

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This study looked at how well different readers can assess bowel movement activity in children with inflammatory bowel disease using specialized imaging techniques. The findings showed that junior readers agreed with experienced readers about 73-84% of the time, while senior readers agreed 67-85% of the time, demonstrating that even less experienced readers can accurately measure bowel motility. This is important because it suggests that quantifying bowel movement activity could be reliably done in clinical settings, helping doctors better monitor and treat these young patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors by providing reliable methods for assessing disease activity.

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This study looked at how noninvasive imaging techniques, like cross-sectional imaging and video capsule endoscopy, can help diagnose and manage patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The researchers found that these imaging methods are increasingly valuable for assessing the disease and monitoring its progress, providing a way to evaluate patients without more invasive procedures like endoscopy. This matters because it can make diagnosis and treatment less uncomfortable for patients and help doctors make better decisions about their care. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study focuses on the best ways to diagnose and monitor treatment for patients with luminal Crohn's disease, particularly in the small intestine. Researchers found that Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MRE) and ultrasound are the most effective tools for assessing the condition, as they accurately show inflammation and other issues in the gut. Clearly communicating these findings can help doctors make better treatment decisions and improve patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with luminal Crohn's disease and their healthcare providers.

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This paper discusses updated guidelines for managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in adults, introduced by the British Society of Gastroenterology to improve diagnosis and treatment. Using input from 89 clinical experts, the guidelines focus on achieving clear health goals, such as clinical remission, and emphasize timely diagnosis through a standardized approach for lower gastrointestinal symptoms. These updates are important because they aim to ensure that healthcare providers have the best practices available, ultimately leading to better care for patients with IBD. Who this helps: This helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how intestinal ultrasound can be used to assess constipation and faecal loading, which is when there is a buildup of stool in the intestines. The research team, made up of experts in gastrointestinal health, found that intestinal ultrasound is a suitable tool for this purpose and identified key ultrasound features, such as the size of the rectum at 30 mm for children, to help diagnose faecal loading. This finding is important because it provides clearer criteria for using ultrasound in diagnosing gastrointestinal issues, improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially children with constipation and related gastrointestinal problems.

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This research studied how food-caching chickadees develop their memory and learning skills in different environments. The findings revealed that chickadees living in harsher conditions had better memory abilities and larger brains in areas related to spatial thinking—specifically, they had about 30% more neurons in their hippocampus compared to those in milder environments. This matters because improved cognitive skills can lead to better survival rates, longer lifespans, and greater reproductive success for these birds. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying animal behavior and survival strategies.

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This study looked at the impact of serious bacterial infections in children waiting for liver transplants. Out of 1,849 children hospitalized before their transplant, 32% experienced these infections, which meant longer hospital stays and a higher need for intensive care. Surprisingly, despite having more severe complications, these children did not get transplants more quickly and often waited longer than those without infections, showing that the current system for organizing transplants does not prioritize their urgent needs. Who this helps: This benefits children with liver disease and their families by highlighting gaps in the transplant system that need to be addressed.

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This study focused on developing a scoring system to help doctors identify gestational alloimmune liver disease (GALD) in newborns who have liver failure. Researchers created a system based on six specific tissue features and found that the best version of the scoring system, which used three key features, provided an accuracy rating of 89%, allowing doctors to reliably distinguish GALD from other causes of liver failure in newborns. This is important because accurate diagnosis can lead to better outcomes for future pregnancies and reduce serious health risks for affected babies. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and families of newborns at risk of liver disease.

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This study looked at how well articles on predictive models for medical outcomes in radiology follow the TRIPOD guidelines, which help ensure clear reporting. Out of 140 articles reviewed, only 4% mentioned TRIPOD, and the average adherence score to these reporting standards was just 57%, indicating poor quality in many areas like titles and statistical analysis. This matters because better reporting can improve the reliability of medical predictions, ultimately benefiting patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers who rely on accurate predictive models for patient treatment decisions.

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Researchers studied how the oxygen levels in lymph nodes (LNs) of patients with head and neck cancer affected their treatment outcomes after chemoradiotherapy (CRT). They found that patients whose lymph nodes responded well to treatment had significantly lower oxygen levels, as measured by a technique called R2*, compared to those whose cancer returned; specifically, 32 out of 54 patients had a complete response (CR) while 22 had a relapse (RD). This information is important because it could help doctors identify high-risk patients before treatment, allowing for more tailored treatment plans. Who this helps: This helps patients and their doctors by providing insights to improve treatment strategies and outcomes.

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The study looked at whether adding the long head of the biceps tendon to the surgical repair of large, irreparable rotator cuff tears leads to better recovery than repair alone. The researchers analyzed data from six studies involving 367 patients and found that the rate of re-tears was 38% in the group that received the biceps tendon augmentation compared to 52% for those who did not, which is a 14% reduction, but not enough to be seen as statistically significant. Additionally, only one of the patient-reported outcome measures showed a meaningful improvement for the augmentation group. Who this helps: This research helps doctors in deciding the best surgical options for patients with large rotator cuff tears.

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This study looks at how using intestinal ultrasound (IUS) can help track disease activity in patients with Crohn's disease during clinical trials. The researchers found that IUS is effective in detecting inflammation and complications without the drawbacks of more invasive methods, noting that it is more patient-friendly and cost-effective, but challenges remain in standardizing practices and training. This matters because better tools for monitoring Crohn's disease can lead to improved treatment and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This study focused on finding better ways to diagnose cholestatic liver diseases in infants, which can lead to serious conditions like cirrhosis or liver failure. It highlighted that early detection of a specific cause, biliary atresia, is crucial for timely surgery and effective treatment. The study found that using tools like stool color cards and blood tests can help identify affected infants before they show symptoms, and noted that advancements in genetic testing are improving diagnosis. Who this helps: This benefits infants with liver diseases, their families, and healthcare providers.

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Researchers studied two types of songbirds, black-capped and mountain chickadees, to understand their breeding habits and how often they hybridize, especially in areas affected by human activities like urban development. They found that, while only a few new hybrids are being formed today, all of the sampled chickadees in overlapping areas showed some hybrid ancestry, indicating that these birds have hybridized in the past. This matters because it highlights how human disturbances can impact the evolution of these species, suggesting potential long-term effects on their survival and adaptation. Who this helps: This research benefits conservationists and wildlife managers by providing insights into the effects of human activity on bird populations.

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This study looked at sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass, in children waiting for liver transplants, especially those with liver diseases that involve bile flow problems (cholestasis). The researchers found that understanding and addressing sarcopenia is crucial because it can lead to worse outcomes for these children during and after their transplants. They emphasized the need for better ways to identify and treat sarcopenia in young patients to improve their transplant success. Who this helps: This helps children awaiting liver transplants and their doctors by highlighting the importance of muscle health in managing their care.

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This study looked at how different imaging techniques can help doctors identify and measure strictures, or narrowings, in the intestines of patients with Crohn's disease. Researchers found that certain imaging features could reliably show the severity of these strictures and help predict which patients might need surgery—potentially reducing complications. This is important because effective imaging can lead to better treatment plans and improved patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with Crohn's disease and their doctors.

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This study investigated the experiences of individuals from minoritized ethnic groups in the UK who have autoimmune diseases. Researchers interviewed 29 patients and 16 clinicians, revealing three main issues: experiences of racism in healthcare, negative stereotypes about ethnic groups, and cultural barriers that affect communication between patients and doctors. These issues lead to poorer healthcare experiences for these patients and highlight the need for changes in how care is provided. Who this helps: This benefits patients from minoritized ethnic groups and healthcare providers seeking to improve care.

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Researchers looked at how to improve clinical trials for patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease (PFCD), a challenging condition with limited treatment options. They gathered expert opinions and found that out of 292 proposed guidelines, 156 were deemed appropriate for creating standardized trial designs. This matters because having clear and consistent guidelines can lead to better testing of new therapies, ultimately benefiting patients seeking effective treatments. Who this helps: Patients with perianal fistulizing Crohn's disease.

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Researchers studied the costs associated with treating biliary strictures in children who received liver transplants. They found that 42% of the patients achieved the best possible outcome after undergoing a median of 4 procedures and spending 2 nights in the hospital, compared to others who faced more procedures and longer stays. This matters because it shows that addressing issues early and effectively can lower treatment costs and improve overall care for these young patients.

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This study looked at how machine perfusion (MP), a method to keep donor livers healthy longer, affects liver transplants in children. Researchers compared 40 children who received livers using machine perfusion to over 3,800 children who did not, finding that those with MP were more likely to have older donor organs and longer preservation times. The good news is that using MP did not harm survival rates for the children, which means it could improve access to healthy organs for sick kids in need of a transplant.