DR. MARK W. LAFFERTY, MD

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This study looked at how women connected to the military view safety measures related to lethal means, like firearms, in the context of suicide prevention. The researchers found that women veterans have varying beliefs about firearm safety and ownership, heavily influenced by their military experiences and relationships with partners. It’s important to ensure that suicide prevention strategies for these women are sensitive to their unique experiences and include conversations with their partners. Who this helps: This helps women veterans and active-duty women by informing better suicide prevention practices.

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This study looked at how living in rural areas affects Veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI) when they try to manage their health. Researchers interviewed 15 Veterans and found that living in rural areas made it harder for them to coordinate care, deal with long distances to doctors, and access wellness support. It’s important because these challenges can worsen their symptoms and overall quality of life, highlighting the need for better telehealth services and support for these Veterans. Who this helps: This helps Veterans with Gulf War Illness living in rural areas.

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This study looked at how mental health professionals understand and handle situations where military-affiliated clients don’t share their suicidal thoughts. Out of 17 clinicians interviewed, many observed that clients often felt ashamed or afraid to talk about these feelings, which made it harder for them to get help. The findings show that by creating a safe environment and openly discussing suicidal thoughts, clinicians can encourage clients to share their struggles more freely. Who this helps: This helps veterans and active-duty service members seeking mental health support.

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This study looked at who uses a community-based service for diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, focusing on characteristics like age and gender from nearly 6,400 patients. Researchers found that spine-related issues led to 28.7% fewer appointments compared to lower-body problems, indicating possible differences in how these conditions are managed. Understanding these patterns can help improve how patients access care and ensure they get the right support when they need it. Who this helps: This benefits patients with MSK conditions and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how older veterans and their healthcare providers feel about talking about firearm safety, especially for those with cognitive decline or dementia. Researchers interviewed 34 veterans and 22 clinicians at VA facilities, finding that most veterans were open to these discussions and believed addressing firearm safety would not deter them from seeking care. The study highlights the importance of incorporating firearm safety conversations into standard VA practice, particularly for veterans at high risk of injury, without pushing them away from treatment. Who this helps: This helps veterans, especially older ones with cognitive challenges, and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how many post-9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) used healthcare services purchased by the VA from community providers between 2016 and 2019. It found that 51% of these veterans utilized VA-purchased care, with nearly all of them also receiving care directly from the VA. Veterans with moderate to severe TBI, higher health risks, and mental health issues like depression or PTSD were more likely to seek this type of care. Who this helps: This research is important for veterans with TBI, their healthcare providers, and policymakers to ensure they receive appropriate care.

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This study looked at how consistently human cortical organoids (tiny 3D brain tissue models) developed across different research labs. The findings showed that these organoids produced a stable mix of brain cell types and had a similar structure, but some differences in size and gene activity were noted between sites. This is important because it highlights that while these models can be reliably produced, the quality of the starting stem cells and lab techniques can influence the results, which needs to be taken into account in future studies aimed at understanding brain disorders. Who this helps: This helps researchers working on brain diseases and disorders.

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This study focused on creating a reliable system to control plasma in a new type of nuclear fusion power plant called the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP). Researchers designed controllers to manage various aspects of the plasma, including its shape, position, and stability under different conditions. They found that the plasma behaves differently than in current fusion reactors, emphasizing the need for a system that can adapt when things don't go as expected, ultimately aiming to produce clean energy safely and efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits energy researchers and engineers working on fusion technology.

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The study looked at a program called the Veterans Health Administration (VA) innovators network (iNET), which was designed to boost innovation and improve employee experiences within VA healthcare. Out of the 50 employees interviewed, most reported feeling energized and more connected at work, with many appreciating new opportunities for collaboration and personal recognition. However, some faced challenges like time constraints. This program matters because it helps create a better work environment for healthcare workers, which can lead to improved patient care, especially important during times of high stress and burnout. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and ultimately benefits patients by improving the quality of care they receive.

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This study looked at the experiences and health issues of women who served in the Gulf War. Researchers interviewed 10 women veterans and found that, like their male counterparts, they faced combat-related challenges but also dealt with additional difficulties due to their gender, leading to chronic health concerns that affected their relationships and work. Many of these women reported feeling frustrated with the Veterans Health Administration (VA) when seeking care and suggested that the VA needs to improve its services to better support their unique needs. Who this helps: This research helps women Gulf War veterans and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at how veterans decide between getting care from the VA or from outside providers paid for by the VA. Researchers interviewed 28 veterans and found that strong relationships with healthcare providers and a supportive care environment are crucial for these decisions. Veterans also wanted more information about their options, especially regarding how to coordinate their care. Who this helps: This helps veterans make better-informed healthcare choices.

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Researchers investigated whether human cortical organoids (hCOs), which are mini-brains made from stem cells, show consistent traits when created by different research teams. They found that while the main types of brain cells were similar in all samples, differences in size and shape were observed across sites. This consistency is crucial because it means that these organoids can reliably model brain development and disorders, paving the way for better understanding and treatment of neurodevelopmental issues. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors studying brain disorders.

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This study looked at how the amount of methadone a mother takes during pregnancy affects the severity of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) in newborns. Researchers analyzed data from 574 infants born between 2006 and 2018 who were treated for NAS. They found that infants whose mothers took higher doses of methadone (200 mg or more) needed more treatment for NAS, with a median treatment duration of 35 days, compared to 23 days for those on lower doses, which matters because it shows that higher methadone doses lead to worse outcomes for infants. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly newborns exposed to methadone during pregnancy.

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This study explored how doctors and nurses can communicate better in cancer treatment settings. Researchers analyzed video conversations between them and identified four key factors that help create a shared understanding: engagement, clarification, confirmation, and resolution. Recognizing these factors is important because effective communication can improve patient safety and care quality for cancer patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare teams, especially those involved in cancer treatment.

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This study looked at babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in a special care unit to see if they are smaller at birth and grow less well before they go home. Researchers found that at birth, these infants were generally smaller—at the 30th percentile for weight—but by the time they were discharged, they dropped to the 12th percentile, indicating significant growth problems. This matters because infants with NAS are not only smaller when they are born, but they also struggle to grow properly while in the hospital, which can affect their long-term health. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the growth challenges of infants with NAS so they can provide better care.

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This study looked at how healthcare providers who visit patients at home manage their relationships with those patients while maintaining professional boundaries. Researchers interviewed 14 clinicians and observed 6 team meetings, finding that while strong connections with patients helped improve care, clinicians faced challenges with emotional attachment and balancing care needs against their professional limits. This is important because it shows the complexity of home care, where strong relationships can enhance patient support but also require careful boundary management to avoid complications. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving home care and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at whether infants who are smaller than expected for their gestational age (SGA) experience less severe withdrawal symptoms from drugs after birth, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Researchers found that of 992 infants studied, those classified as SGA typically required less medical treatment for NAS (22 days compared to 26 days for non-SGA infants) and were less likely to need a specific medication called phenobarbital (19% versus 26.8%). Understanding these differences is important for creating better treatment plans for infants with NAS, especially those who are SGA. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers caring for infants experiencing NAS.

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This study looked at how a sense of belonging affects veterans' attendance at medical appointments in the Veterans Health Administration (VA). Researchers interviewed 27 veterans and found that feelings of camaraderie with other veterans, positive interactions with staff, and personalized communication made veterans feel more engaged and likely to attend their appointments. Strengthening this sense of belonging can lead to better healthcare participation, which is crucial for improving veterans' health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps veterans by making them feel more connected and engaged in their healthcare.

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This study looked at what helps and hinders doctors and nurses in outpatient cancer care. Researchers surveyed 298 healthcare professionals in Michigan and found that many reported issues like not having enough staff, dealing with too many patients, and difficulties with electronic health records were barriers to high-quality care. In contrast, strong teamwork and skilled colleagues were seen as positives that could enhance care delivery. Understanding these factors is important because it can help healthcare leaders improve how outpatient cancer care is organized and delivered. Who this helps: This helps patients receiving cancer treatment and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at how quickly doctors respond to messages from nurses in hospitals, which is crucial for patient safety. Researchers spoke with and observed 155 nurses and doctors across four hospitals and found that delays in responses often stemmed from issues with the way messages were communicated and the relationships between nurses and doctors. For example, if nurses used unclear messages or if doctors preferred certain communication methods, it could slow down their responses. Understanding these factors can lead to better communication strategies that enhance patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients by ensuring they receive timely medical attention when needed.

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This study looked at how doctors in emergency departments in the UK and Ireland handle cases of children who accidentally swallow coins. The researchers found that 78% of hospitals would remove coins with an endoscope for those stuck in the upper part of the esophagus, while others chose to observe the situation instead. Only 55% of hospitals used hand-held metal detectors to help identify the coins, and most of those had little formal training on how to use them properly. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and emergency departments treating children with swallowed coins.

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This study looked at how the design of cancer treatment centers affects patient safety and communication between doctors. Researchers found that better physical layouts, like making sure patients are visible during treatment and placing clinicians close to each other, led to higher safety scores and better satisfaction with communication. Specific findings included a strong connection (correlation of .414) between the way safety is organized and how satisfied clinicians are with communication. Improving these layouts can make a real difference in patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients receiving cancer treatment and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how doctors and nurses communicate in hospitals, especially using one-way tools like pagers and phones. Researchers found that these tools led to issues such as "pager fatigue" and interruptions in patient care, increasing the risk of errors. By understanding these problems, the study emphasizes the need for better communication methods, like two-way technologies, to improve patient safety. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by enhancing communication and reducing errors in care.

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This study looked at how well stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) works for dogs with bone cancer in their limbs, specifically 123 dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma. The treatment helped 84% of dogs improve their limping within about three weeks, with many showing improvements lasting for up to six months. However, 41% ended up with fractures after treatment, and survival times varied, with dogs undergoing salvage amputation living longer on average (346 days) than those who did not (202 days). Who this helps: This research benefits dogs with osteosarcoma and their owners, offering an alternative treatment option to amputation.

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This study looked at how doctors and nurses communicate during patient care rounds in hospitals. Researchers observed 163 healthcare professionals across four hospitals and found that clear communication is often hindered by complex workflows and that when nurses and patients actively participate in rounds, it helps reduce interruptions and makes communication easier. The study highlights the importance of fostering good relationships and social interactions between nurses and doctors to improve collaboration. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare staff improve care and communication during hospital stays.

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This study looked at why chemotherapy treatments are often delayed in outpatient cancer care and how these delays can affect patient safety and recovery. Researchers spent five days observing and interviewing staff at eight different oncology practices, discovering that there are four main reasons for these delays. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure that patients receive their chemotherapy on time, which is essential for their treatment success. Who this helps: This benefits cancer patients who rely on timely chemotherapy for their treatment.

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This study looked at how common low mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is in newborns in intensive care and whether it can help diagnose a condition called alpha thalassemia. Out of 3,851 infants analyzed, 22.2% had low MCV, and it was found more often in full-term babies (25%) than in preterm babies (17.1%). Low MCV was identified as a useful indicator for alpha thalassemia, accurately detecting it in 71.4% of cases, but only 11.1% of infants with low MCV tested positive for it. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors caring for newborns, especially those in intensive care.

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This study looked at very-low-birth-weight infants, weighing 1500 grams or less, to compare the rates of severe brain bleeding, known as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), in babies born to mothers with high blood pressure issues during pregnancy versus those without. The researchers found that infants born to mothers with high blood pressure had a 58% lower risk of severe IVH and spent about 12 days less in the hospital on average—49 days compared to 61 days. This finding is important because it suggests that high blood pressure disorders in pregnancy may have unexpected protective effects for these vulnerable infants. Who this helps: This helps very-low-birth-weight infants and their families by potentially reducing serious health issues and hospital stays.

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This study looked at the outcomes and complications of surgery to remove one thyroid gland in 156 dogs with thyroid tumors. The researchers found that 19.9% of the dogs had complications during or shortly after surgery, with the most common issues being bleeding and pneumonia, but an impressive 98.1% of the dogs survived their hospital stays. On average, dogs lived for about 911 days after the surgery. Who this helps: This information is valuable for pet owners and veterinarians considering treatment options for dogs with thyroid tumors.

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This study looked at a new method for treating a large bone cancer in a dog by using a specialized implant after surgery to preserve the limb. A 9-year-old dog underwent this modified surgery, which allowed for the successful removal of the tumor while maintaining acceptable use of the leg; the dog walked normally with only a slight limp for over two months after surgery. Unfortunately, the dog was later euthanized due to the cancer spreading, but this new approach shows promise in helping to keep dogs active even after serious surgeries. Who this helps: This benefits dog owners and veterinarians dealing with canine bone cancer.

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This study looked at a method for detecting lies in insurance claims by adding a model statement that consists of verifiable information. Researchers found that including this model statement improved the accuracy of identifying truth tellers and liars from 65% to 90%. This matters because it can help insurance companies better assess claims and reduce fraud. Who this helps: This helps insurance companies and claims adjusters.

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This study focused on improving the care of patients with dementia in a hospital's trauma and orthopaedics unit. Researchers found that by implementing a special dementia toolkit, the quality of care for these patients improved significantly in areas like communication and pain management. Specifically, after using the toolkit, all aspects of care saw marked improvements due to staff training and better awareness of dementia needs. Who this helps: This benefits patients with dementia and their families, as well as healthcare staff in the unit.

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This study looked at a type of immune cell called Th17 cells and how they relate to HIV infection. Researchers found that Th17 cells are more likely to be infected by HIV compared to other types of immune cells, with infection rates significantly higher among Th17 cells. Specifically, when activated with certain signals, Th17 cells produced more of the virus, suggesting they play a big role in the spread of HIV and can worsen disease progression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV by identifying potential targets for new treatments.

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This study looked at a rare type of bone cancer called extraskeletal osteosarcoma that occurred at the site where a dog had previously received an injection. The dog was treated with surgery and a combination of chemotherapy drugs, which allowed it to live for over 20 months after being diagnosed, even though it later developed lung cancer. This is significant because it highlights a successful treatment option for a challenging cancer in dogs. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians dealing with similar cases of cancer in dogs.

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This study focused on a new tool called a biosensor that measures the activity of proteins known as proteases in living cells and mice. It found that this biosensor, named GloSensor Caspase 3/7, can produce clear signals indicating how active these proteases are, making it 50 to 100 times better at detecting changes compared to previous methods. This is important because understanding how proteases work can help researchers learn more about diseases like cancer and inflammation, potentially leading to new treatments. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on cancer and other diseases.

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This study looked at a type of immune cell called plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) in lymph nodes of patients with untreated HIV-1. Researchers found that these cells were accumulating in lymph nodes and producing a high amount of a substance called interferon alpha (IFNalpha), which can harm the immune system. Specifically, HIV-1 patients had a significant increase in interferon alpha compared to uninfected individuals, which may worsen their immune response and contribute to disease progression. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with HIV, as it helps understand how their immune system is affected by the virus.

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This study looked at the effects of using two chemotherapy drugs, carboplatin and doxorubicin, in 50 dogs that had their legs amputated due to a type of bone cancer called appendicular osteosarcoma. The researchers found that, on average, these dogs lived for about 258 days after starting the treatment, with a disease-free period of about 202 days. Some dogs experienced side effects, like severe drop in blood cell counts or gastrointestinal issues, but there were no deaths directly caused by the chemotherapy. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners making treatment decisions for dogs with this type of cancer.

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This study looked at the survival times of 90 dogs with stage III osteosarcoma that received treatment between 1985 and 2004. The average survival time was about 76 days, but dogs treated with both radiation and chemotherapy lived significantly longer, around 130 days, compared to those who only had surgery, who survived just 3 days. Understanding these outcomes helps veterinarians choose the best treatment options to improve the lives of dogs with this aggressive cancer. Who this helps: This helps pet owners and veterinarians in making informed treatment decisions for dogs with osteosarcoma.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of giving one versus two treatments of a cancer drug called cisplatin, delivered locally, for treating osteosarcoma in dogs after amputation. They reviewed records of 105 dogs and found that while 39% received one treatment and 61% received two, the second treatment did not improve how long the dogs lived or how long they were free from the disease. The location of the tumor did affect outcomes, with dogs that had tumors near the shoulder living shorter times compared to those with tumors in other locations. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners dealing with osteosarcoma treatments.

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This study looked at dogs with osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, that underwent limb-salvage surgery and how postoperative infections impacted their survival. Researchers found that among the 47 dogs treated, 32 (68%) developed infections, but those with infections were actually less likely to die, with a hazard ratio of 0.446. Additionally, heavier dogs and those with larger tumors saw higher death rates, while a smaller initial tumor size and lower body weight improved chances of survival. Who this helps: This helps dog owners and veterinarians understand the complexities of wound infections in cancer treatment.

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This study looked at how a specialized approach to palliative care can improve the quality of life for patients with chronic heart failure (HF). Researchers developed a collaborative model that combined heart failure management with palliative care, and they found that only 8.3% of patients needed specialized help for complex issues. This matters because it shows that a supportive care structure can effectively manage symptoms and support families, emphasizing the importance of integrating palliative care in heart failure treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart failure and their families by providing better symptom management and emotional support.

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This study looked at a surgical method for removing tumors from the upper jaw (maxilla) in dogs. The researchers found that 14 out of 20 dogs had clean margins after surgery, meaning no cancerous cells were seen at the edges of the removed tissue. However, half of these dogs had their tumors come back within two years, but overall, this new technique led to better results compared to earlier methods because it provided better visibility and access during surgery. Who this helps: Dogs with jaw tumors and their owners.

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This study looked at how effective a special imaging test, called nuclear scintigraphy, is in finding hidden bone cancer spread in dogs with osteosarcoma when they are first diagnosed. Out of 399 dogs assessed, 82% had only one potential site of cancer, while 18% had more than one, and the scans found previously unnoticed secondary cancer lesions in 7.8% of the cases. This matters because identifying these hidden cancer spreads early can better inform treatment options for the dogs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and dog owners.

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This study examined how effective a cancer drug called cisplatin is when combined with a treatment known as Virulizin in mice with breast tumors. The researchers found that using a special form of cisplatin (delivered through a sponge) led to better outcomes, such as lower rates of tumor regrowth and longer survival times compared to other methods, with improvements seen at 60 days after treatment. Importantly, there were no harmful side effects from the treatments. Who this helps: This research helps cancer patients by providing insights into potentially more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how male soccer players' tendency to give socially acceptable answers affects their responses to an anxiety questionnaire before a match. In a group of 117 players—including professionals and amateurs—17 out of 18 comparisons showed a significant link between their anxiety scores and their social desirability tendencies, with the strongest relationship seen in professional players. This is important because it highlights the need for caution when analyzing anxiety data, suggesting that players may not always be honest about how they feel. Who this helps: This helps coaches and sports psychologists better understand player anxiety and improve how they assess it.

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This study looked at two genes, Pgk1 and Hprt, in mouse embryos that inherit X-chromosomes from both parents. It found that the maternal version of the Pgk1 gene was present in greater amounts than the paternal version, and similarly, the maternal Hprt gene was more active in certain stages of development. This matters because it helps us understand how genes from mothers and fathers might be expressed differently during early development, which could impact fertility and embryo health. Who this helps: Patients undergoing fertility treatments and researchers studying genetic development.

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This study looked at treating soft tissue sarcomas in dogs using a method that delivers cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug, directly to the tumor site through a special biodegradable device. Out of 32 tumors treated, 31% came back after treatment, and 28% of the devices had to be removed due to complications. The findings are significant because they show that while this treatment approach can help manage tumors, it also carries risks that need to be improved. Who this helps: This helps dogs with soft tissue sarcomas and their veterinarians.

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This study looked at the dry skin and itching experienced by patients undergoing dialysis for kidney problems. It found that 27% of patients on haemodialysis and 54% of those on peritoneal dialysis had significant itching, with patients on peritoneal dialysis showing much drier skin. Using moisturizing creams helped reduce the itching, completely eliminating it for nine out of 21 patients treated. Who this helps: This benefits dialysis patients who suffer from skin dryness and itching.