DR. LAURA LINDA MCCANN, M.D.

Plain English
This study looked at how children's connective tissue diseases (CTDs) are monitored for lung problems in the UK. Researchers found that 39.7% of children with juvenile lupus had lung issues, but many weren’t consistently screened—only about half had regular assessments. Improving the way these screenings are done can lead to better detection and treatment of lung complications, helping doctors follow more uniform practices. Who this helps: This helps patients with CTDs and their doctors.

Plain English
This study focused on creating a new method for confirming the genetic identity of fruit fly strains to prevent contamination in experiments. The researchers developed a reliable and affordable approach that quickly verifies the genetic makeup of these strains, ensuring that they remain consistent and reproducible across different labs. This is important because it helps guarantee the quality of research results, which can significantly impact scientific findings. Who this helps: This benefits researchers working with fruit flies in genetic studies.

Plain English
This study looked at how the genders of both students and their supervisors affect the experiences of physician associate students during their clinical placements in the UK. The research found that male students had fewer chances to observe and interact with female patients, while female students faced the same issue with male patients. This is particularly problematic when male students are supervised by male supervisors, which can lead to significant differences in training experiences. Who this helps: This benefits physician associate students and educational programs by highlighting the need for more equitable clinical training.

Plain English
This study looked at how orthopaedic surgeries are performed in private healthcare versus the NHS in England from 2019 to 2023, focusing on differences between the North and South. The researchers found that the South has nearly double the number of privately funded surgeries compared to the North (23 vs. 12 per 10,000 people), while the North had shorter waiting times for NHS surgeries. This highlights growing inequalities in access to healthcare services, which could lead to a two-tier healthcare system where some regions have much better access than others. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those needing orthopaedic care.

Plain English
This study looked at heart failure patients in Harlem and found that 27% experienced worsening kidney function during their hospital stay, which led to longer stays and less follow-up care. Older age, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and certain heart-related blood tests increased the risk of this kidney issue; notably, those who scored 6 or higher on a new risk assessment scale were four times more likely to develop it. Understanding these factors can help doctors improve care for heart failure patients and potentially reduce complications in similar communities. Who this helps: Patients with heart failure and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how different ways of funding primary care can affect health inequalities in high-income countries. It found that capitation funding was more fair for different ethnic groups compared to pay-for-performance models, which can widen inequalities based on sex. The introduction of pay-for-performance in the UK reduced some health disparities, but only overall and not across the board, highlighting that some groups still struggle. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly those from minority groups and lower-income backgrounds.

Plain English
This study focused on creating a better way to analyze health interventions by looking at how they affect different disadvantaged groups. Researchers reviewed 325 previous studies and found that the existing method used (PROGRESS-Plus) missed key groups and factors, like those with disabilities and multi-layered disadvantages. Their new framework, called EQUALSS GUIDE Multiple, includes a broader range of factors such as ethnicity, education, income, and more, to better understand and address health inequalities. Who this helps: This helps patients from disadvantaged backgrounds and the doctors who treat them.

Plain English
This study looked at why older adults with chronic diseases have trouble using digital health technologies, especially in rural areas and among older women. It found that key barriers include limited digital skills and physical challenges, while factors that help adoption include tailored training and support from healthcare providers. Understanding these barriers and facilitators is important for creating effective digital health solutions that can improve care for older adults. Who this helps: This research benefits older adults, particularly those with chronic diseases and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study examined a remote monitoring system called CARE-PAC designed to improve palliative and end-of-life care for patients and their caregivers in the UK. While overall quality of life (QoL) scores for patients didn't change dramatically, significant improvements were noted in areas related to their overall and social well-being. Caregivers had high usability ratings for the system, with patients scoring an average of 87.9 out of 100, indicating they found it very user-friendly. Who this helps: This benefits patients facing end-of-life care and their caregivers by improving their support and well-being.

Plain English
This study looked at the ADLIFE program, a digital intervention designed to improve care for patients over 55 with severe chronic diseases like heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Researchers found that after using the ADLIFE program, emergency visits dropped significantly while consultations with specialists increased. By 2030, the number of patients with these conditions is expected to rise by 37-50%, but the ADLIFE program could help lower healthcare costs by up to €58 million. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced chronic diseases and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at the health needs of both church leaders and members by analyzing data from a survey of nearly 830 people in 92 congregations. Both groups agreed that issues like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and stress were important, but they differed on other needs, with leaders highlighting obesity and diabetes, while members prioritized affordable health care and heart disease. Understanding these differing perspectives helps churches focus their health programs effectively to better support their communities. Who this helps: This study benefits church leaders and health program planners who aim to improve community health initiatives.

Plain English
This study looked at the differences between two groups of patients: those with anti-synthetase syndrome (ASyS) and those with dermatomyositis (DM). Researchers found that 31% of ASyS patients had skin issues similar to those in DM, but ASyS patients experienced more other health problems like arthritis and lung disease. Additionally, only 3% of ASyS patients were linked to cancer, compared to 17% in the DM group, so ASyS patients may not need extra cancer screenings. Who this helps: Patients with ASyS and their doctors.

Plain English
This study looked at how the amount of fat in infants can affect their health as they grow into children and teenagers. Researchers analyzed 30 high-quality studies, finding that higher infant fat mass is linked to increased fat mass and body mass index (BMI) later in life, though the evidence is not strong for all health outcomes. Understanding these connections is important because it can help in preventing obesity and related health issues starting from a young age. Who this helps: This helps parents and healthcare providers understand early risks for obesity in children.

Plain English
The study looked at how effective game-based learning is for training health staff on addressing health inequalities. Out of 7,615 articles, 13 studies involving 2,412 healthcare workers showed that using games can boost motivation, knowledge, and engagement among health workers, although results varied based on the type of game. This matters because improving training methods can help healthcare professionals better understand and address the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups in their care. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare workers and their patients, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Plain English
This study looked at the importance of screening for social needs in primary care settings, which is a way for healthcare professionals to ask patients about social issues like jobs, housing, and isolation. The research found that this approach can improve individual health outcomes and healthcare usage, with positive changes noted in patient care. By systematically gathering this information, healthcare providers can better address the specific needs of patients, ultimately helping to reduce health inequalities in communities. Who this helps: This benefits patients who may be struggling with social issues affecting their health and the doctors who care for them.

Plain English
This study looked at how people with colorectal cancer and their family caregivers connect with technology designed to help manage symptoms during chemotherapy. Researchers interviewed three patients and four caregivers, finding that both groups developed emotional attachments to the technology, feeling it guided them through treatment. This connection boosted their confidence and ability to manage symptoms on their own, even after the technology was returned. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients and their caregivers.

Plain English
This study looked at how factors like education, gender, and access to healthcare affect the concerns people have about diabetes within faith-based communities in the Mid-South U.S. Researchers found that people with less education and men were less likely to see diabetes as an important health issue, while African Americans were much more likely to report it as a concern (nearly four times more likely). Those who recognized needs for affordable healthcare, healthy food, and employment were also more likely to view diabetes as a health problem. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially African American communities and those with lower educational levels.

Plain English
This study looks at ways to improve the early detection of ovarian cancer, which is often diagnosed too late for successful treatment. It finds that using a combination of two blood tests, CA125 and HE4, along with other patient information, could detect the cancer more accurately than using either test alone. This improvement could lead to better survival rates, as nearly 70% of ovarian cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages where recovery chances are low. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of ovarian cancer by potentially enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how effective take-home naloxone (THN) is at not just saving lives during opioid overdoses, but also getting people into treatment for opioid use disorders (OUDs) in rural Appalachia. Out of 29 overdoses where THN was used, only 8 people went on to seek treatment. Researchers found five main reasons people struggle to seek help, including fear of withdrawal, feelings of shame, and concerns about legal issues. Who this helps: This research helps patients struggling with opioid addiction and those seeking to understand barriers to treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients and the public are involved in stroke research from 2014 to 2023. Out of over 18,000 articles examined, only 72 (about 2%) reported actually including patient and public involvement (PPI) in their research. The findings show that while PPI can improve research quality and relevance, it is rarely used, especially in low-income countries where strokes are more common. Who this helps: This helps stroke patients and their families by ensuring that research is more relevant to their needs.

Plain English
This study examined how patients and doctors feel about using predictive models to manage symptoms related to chemotherapy. Researchers found that both groups see the potential benefits of these models for providing personalized care but are also cautious and worried about how reliable the information is. Specifically, participants noted challenges in effectively presenting this data so it could be used easily in real-world settings. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This paper looks at how digital health technologies, like online consultations and home monitoring, can improve physiotherapy for people with cystic fibrosis, especially as treatments have changed and allowed for more care at home. Researchers found that many patients are now benefiting from remote therapies, which improve access and personalize care, but it's essential to understand how patients and therapists feel about these new methods to make them more effective. As health care moves towards more digital solutions, this is important for ensuring everyone has equal access to the best care possible. Who this helps: This benefits patients with cystic fibrosis and their physiotherapists.

Plain English
This study looked at expert opinions on two treatments for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare inflammatory disease. Experts estimated that there is a 55% chance of patients achieving no disease activity without steroids after 12 months on baricitinib, compared to 23% with the standard treatment, methotrexate (MTX). This is important because it helps shape a future clinical trial that will provide more concrete evidence on which treatment is better for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with juvenile dermatomyositis and their doctors in deciding on treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at whether giving patients a single dose of tamsulosin before surgery would help them urinate sooner and leave the hospital faster after having a minimally invasive hysterectomy. The results showed no difference; those who received tamsulosin took about 106 minutes to urinate compared to 100 minutes for those who got a placebo, and the time to leave the recovery area was similar for both groups (144 minutes for tamsulosin vs. 156 minutes for placebo). This matters because it shows that tamsulosin doesn't help speed up recovery after this type of surgery. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand that tamsulosin isn't effective for improving recovery times in these patients.

Plain English
This study focused on creating national guidelines for treating IgA vasculitis (IgAV) in children, a common type of vasculitis with potential complications like kidney disease. The research involved a group of 28 experts over 14 months and resulted in 21 key recommendations for managing the condition and its complications. These guidelines, backed by reputable medical organizations, standardize care and aim to improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and healthcare providers involved in treating children with IgA vasculitis.

Plain English
This study looked at ways to improve prevention strategies for cervical cancer, which is a leading cause of cancer deaths among women, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The findings highlight that HPV vaccines are very effective, reducing cervical cancer risk by 90-97%, and that regular screening can boost the 5-year survival rate to over 90%. However, barriers like lack of public awareness, poor infrastructure for screening and vaccination, and socio-economic challenges continue to hinder progress in preventing this disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly women at risk for cervical cancer, as well as healthcare providers working to improve cancer prevention.

Plain English
This study looked at digital mental health programs for teenagers in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers found 20 papers that explored different types of online tools for helping teens deal with issues like depression and anxiety, but they noted that important information about long-term effectiveness and cultural suitability is still missing. Understanding and improving these digital tools is important because it can make mental health support more accessible for young people in regions where traditional services may not be available. Who this helps: This benefits adolescents struggling with mental health issues and the professionals working to support them.

Plain English
This study looked at how patients undergoing chemotherapy and their healthcare providers experienced a remote monitoring system called ASyMS, which helps manage symptoms in real-time. Researchers interviewed 29 patients and 18 clinicians across five European countries and found that users felt more reassured, communicated better, and understood what to expect during treatment. The positive feedback indicates that this technology can improve cancer care delivery, making it easier for clinicians to provide timely support. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving chemotherapy and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at how digital health tools help people with colorectal cancer and their family caregivers manage symptoms during chemotherapy. It found that these tools provide continuous care, psychological support, and improve the well-being of caregivers. Specifically, participants reported feeling more in control and safer while facing their diagnosis, which is important for both their emotional health and daily management of cancer treatment. Who this helps: This helps cancer patients and their families.

Plain English
This study looked at how a person’s ethnicity affects the success of psychological therapies for anxiety and depression, using treatment data from 2009 to 2016. The researchers found that outcomes differed by ethnic group, but many of these differences were linked to other factors like social status and initial severity of mental health issues. Ultimately, while ethnicity alone did influence treatment results, it was often tied to broader social disadvantages experienced by some ethnic minority groups. Who this helps: This helps patients from ethnic minority backgrounds seeking mental health treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at how well different pathologists agree on interpreting a specific scoring system, called the Combined Positive Score (CPS), used to evaluate a protein linked to cancer in tissue samples from 108 patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. The researchers found that the pathologists generally agreed on scores of 10 or 20, with a 70% agreement at 7 raters, but had much lower agreement—with only 30%—at lower cut points. This variability in scoring suggests that the CPS system may not reliably predict which patients will benefit from certain cancer therapies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients who need accurate assessments to determine the best treatment options for gastric cancer.

Plain English
Researchers studied a medication called pazopanib to see how well it works for patients with advanced kidney cancer, comparing it to a placebo (a dummy pill). They found that patients taking pazopanib had a median progression-free survival of 9.2 months, significantly longer than those on the placebo, who had a median of about 4.2 months. Additionally, 30% of patients responded to the medication by having their tumors shrink, compared to just 3% in the placebo group. This research matters because it shows that pazopanib can effectively extend the time patients live without their cancer worsening and can help more patients see positive changes in their tumors. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced kidney cancer.

Plain English
This study looked at a new way of performing colon exams using a small video capsule that patients can swallow and use at home instead of having a traditional colonoscopy in a hospital. Out of 209 surveyed patients, many appreciated the CCE service for its convenience, mentioning benefits like reduced travel and waiting times, and the ability to do the procedure at home. The study found that clear information about the process and better management of patient expectations are crucial for making this service work well, leading to recommendations that could improve CCE use across Scotland and beyond. Who this helps: This helps patients who need colon exams, making the process easier and more accessible.

Plain English
This study looked at how the kynurenine pathway, which processes the amino acid tryptophan, is regulated, especially when tryptophan levels are high. Researchers found that three specific enzymes (HAO, ACMSD, and AMSDH) may work together by forming a temporary complex to control the distribution of metabolites, which helps prevent unwanted side products from forming. Understanding this process is important because it could influence the development of treatments for various neurological conditions tied to metabolism. Who this helps: This benefits patients with neurological disorders and doctors seeking better treatments for them.

Plain English
The study focused on juvenile idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (JIIMs), which are rare autoimmune diseases affecting children and young people that mainly target muscles and skin but can impact other organs too. Researchers found that specific autoantibodies can categorize different types of JIIMs, helping to understand their unique features and how they respond to treatments. Although care for these conditions has improved in the last ten years, many treatments still lack solid evidence of effectiveness, and there are few reliable ways to predict how patients will respond to them. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and doctors involved in treating young people with these complex conditions.

Plain English
This study focused on testing two different blood tests for detecting antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in people to understand how widespread the virus has been. Researchers found that the new Ortho test performed similarly to the Roche test, with a 96.4% agreement between them, meaning they generally produced the same results. This matters because it supports the use of either test in large-scale studies to effectively monitor COVID-19 virus exposure in the population. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials monitoring COVID-19 spread.

Plain English
This study looked at the differences in DNA patterns in a type of immune cell (CD4 T-cells) from patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) compared to healthy individuals. Researchers found that there were 883 specific areas of DNA that were different in psoriasis patients, with some areas also showing clear differences between those with just skin psoriasis and those with PsA. This is important because understanding these DNA changes can help doctors better diagnose and treat patients, especially since PsA can sometimes develop before the skin symptoms appear. Who this helps: This helps patients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis by leading to better diagnostics and treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at why some high-risk opioid users in rural Appalachia do not carry or use naloxone, a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Researchers identified five main reasons: people start using opioids at a young age, they often progress to stronger drugs like heroin and fentanyl, they fear police involvement if they call for help, and they lack knowledge about laws that protect helpers. Since these issues can prevent timely use of naloxone, improving education and outreach about naloxone and legal protections is crucial for saving lives. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with opioid addiction and their support networks.

Plain English
The ADLIFE study investigates how a digital tool can improve the care of older patients with advanced chronic diseases (ACD). It focuses on whether this tool can enhance patients' quality of life, boost their independence, and better manage healthcare resources compared to standard care. The study will assess this across seven sites in six countries, providing valuable information about the effectiveness and acceptance of the digital solution. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced chronic diseases and their caregivers.

Plain English
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.

Plain English
This study looked at the long-term experiences of young people with Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM), a rare muscle disease. Out of 190 surveys sent to patients, 84 responded, revealing that 59% still felt their disease was active, and 65% were on medication. Many reported struggling academically and were twice as likely to be unemployed compared to others their age in the UK, with a significant number living with their parents. Who this helps: This information is valuable for patients with JDM and their doctors to improve treatment and support strategies.

Plain English
This study looked at how psychological support services for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were experienced by the providers of those services. Out of 84 therapists surveyed, many found support programs, like wellbeing helplines, to be helpful and reported feeling motivated in their roles. The findings highlight the need for better planning and guidance so that these support services can be effective for healthcare staff both now and in the future. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers who have faced significant mental health challenges during the pandemic.