SUSAN LAURIE MORRISON, M.D.

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This study developed a tool called the Pressure Injury Care Environment Support (PrICES) tool to identify what factors in hospital settings help prevent pressure injuries, which can occur when patients are bedridden. Out of 1,450 nurses surveyed, 212 responses were analyzed, revealing four main supportive factors and explaining 60% of the variation in pressure injury risk. This tool is important because it can help hospitals improve their care environments, potentially reducing the number of pressure injuries in patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are at risk of pressure injuries.

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This study looked at how patients and healthcare professionals in Australia view care for endometriosis, a painful condition affecting 1 in 7 women and gender-diverse individuals. Researchers gathered opinions from 24 patients and caregivers, along with 29 healthcare providers, to identify what makes for effective multidisciplinary team (MDT) care. They found that people want empathetic and experienced staff, flexible communication options, affordable services, and personalized care plans to ensure better management of their condition. Who this helps: This benefits patients with endometriosis and their caregivers, as well as healthcare providers who work with them.

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This study looked at how walking speed and age affect variations in walking patterns, also known as gait variability. Researchers tested 34 adults aged 23 to 71 and found that while older age had a small connection to some walking pattern measures, it was primarily slower walking speed that linked to increased variability in their gait. Specifically, slower walkers showed a 51% increase in certain gait variations, which highlights how much walking speed, rather than age, influences how people walk. Who this helps: This information can benefit doctors and healthcare providers who assess the mobility of older adults.

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Researchers studied a specific genetic variant in two individuals that affects calmodulin proteins, which are important for various cellular functions. They found that the variant led to neurological issues, including low muscle tone, delays in movement and intellectual development, and abnormal brain activity, but did not cause heart rhythm problems. This is significant because it shows that certain genetic mutations can lead to new types of health issues beyond what was previously known, expanding our understanding of calmodulin-associated disorders. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers working with patients who have unexplained neurological symptoms linked to calmodulin mutations.

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This study looked at how much force a dog pulls on the leash during walks and how it affects the way people walk. They found that half of the dog owners felt their dog pulling with more than 125 newtons of force, which is significant, and that this pulling caused people to have more variability in their stride and balance while walking—meaning they walked less steadily. Understanding these effects is important because it helps highlight potential risks of injury for dog owners due to the impact of dog pulling on their balance and walking style. Who this helps: This helps dog owners, particularly those who may struggle with leash-pulling and balance issues.

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This study focused on using a method called statistical process control (SPC) to improve the quality of data collected in sports science. The researchers showed how SPC can help track player performance and identify when something is not going as expected, such as a sudden increase in injuries. By using this method, coaches and sports scientists can make better decisions to protect athletes and enhance their training. Who this helps: This helps coaches, athletes, and sports scientists by providing tools for better monitoring and decision-making.

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This study looked at how different ways of capturing and processing images from wearable cameras affect the measurement of screen time in children. Researchers used cameras that took pictures every two seconds for four days and found that longer intervals between images (up to 60 seconds) didn't significantly change the overall screen time estimates for groups of children. However, they discovered that allowing images of blocked devices to count as screen time could increase individual screen time estimates by nearly 60 minutes. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and health professionals who need accurate screen time data for children.

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This study looked at how different factors affect the success of a glaucoma surgery called goniotomy for patients in the United States, using data from nearly 50,000 patients treated from 2013 to 2022. It found that 52% of patients had at least a 20% reduction in eye pressure after six months, with the average eye pressure decreasing by 10.4% for those who also had cataract surgery and by 28.3% for those who had standalone goniotomy. The findings highlight that certain groups, like older patients or those with more severe glaucoma, are more likely to benefit from this surgery, which could help doctors make better treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with glaucoma needing surgery.

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In this study, researchers examined methane emissions from beef cattle that are raised in dairy herds, analyzing blood samples to understand the genetic factors that influence these emissions. They found 11 genes that are linked to methane production, with specific changes in gene expression that suggest the nervous, immune, and hormone systems play a role in how much methane these cattle produce. This is significant because it opens up new possibilities for breeding cattle that naturally emit less methane, which can improve environmental sustainability and farming practices. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers aiming to reduce methane emissions and environmental scientists focused on sustainability.

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This study looked at whether touching (palpation) is necessary when creating custom foot orthotics using digital scans. Researchers found that using palpation resulted in more reliable foot measurements, especially when different clinicians were involved. For example, the reliability of using palpation was rated between 0.90 and 1.0, while measurements taken only from scans scored lower, between 0.31 and 0.75 when different users assessed them. This matters because better measurement reliability can lead to better-fitting orthotic designs. Who this helps: This helps patients who need custom foot orthotics for better comfort and support.

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This study examined a wearable insole that tracks how people walk, comparing those with foot problems from clinics to healthy individuals from a university. The researchers found that 10 out of 22 walking measurements showed significant differences between the two groups, indicating that people with foot issues have different walking patterns. This is important because understanding these differences can help tailor treatments and assessments for patients with foot-related problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with foot problems and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a tool called the Lung Donor Acceptability Score (LUNDON), which helps evaluate donor lungs to improve transplant outcomes. Researchers found that understanding what works and what hinders the adoption of the LUNDON score is crucial, as they gathered data from 242 surveys and 60 interviews, and engaged 120 participants in simulation experiments. By developing toolkits to make it easier for lung transplant centers and donor organizations to use this score, the goal is to increase the number of usable donor lungs and improve patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients waiting for lung transplants and the healthcare providers involved in organ donation and transplantation.

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This study looked at how effective and long-lasting a single dose of the HPV vaccine is for young women in Kenya. Researchers found that the vaccine was over 99% effective at preventing persistent HPV infections associated with certain strains after 54 months, with 104 infections noted before the crossover to the delayed vaccination strategy compared to only 11 cases afterward. This is important because it shows that a single dose of the HPV vaccine provides strong and lasting protection, which could simplify vaccination efforts and increase accessibility. Who this helps: This helps young women and public health programs aiming to reduce HPV-related diseases.

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This study examined the genome of a fungus that causes flower rot in passion fruit, a disease affecting fruit quality and crop yield. Researchers mapped out the fungus's DNA, which consists of 11 chromosomes and contains nearly 11,800 genes. They discovered that this fungus has a unique set of genes related to breaking down plant materials, which could help in understanding and controlling the disease better. Who this helps: This research benefits farmers and agricultural scientists working to protect passion fruit crops.

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This study looked at how well the digestive system works in adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by using a special capsule that records data as it travels through the gut. Researchers found that over 75% of patients experienced delays in how quickly food moves through their digestive system, especially with gastric emptying being the most common issue. This is important because many patients had high blood sugar levels and associated complications, which can affect their overall health and how diabetes is managed. Who this helps: This helps patients with diabetes and their doctors by highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing digestive issues.

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Researchers studied the risk of allergic reactions to fibrin glue used in a medical procedure called epidural blood patching (EBP) designed to treat spinal fluid leaks. They found that out of over 3,000 procedures, only 0.49% had hypersensitivity reactions, and these reactions were more likely in younger patients, those with a lower body mass index, and if there was an unintended injection into a vein. This information is important for doctors to help manage risks and inform patients about potential complications during the procedure. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing epidural blood patching procedures.

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This study looked at ways to help lung transplant patients feel less distressed and improve their physical activity after surgery. Researchers tested 180 patients by having them participate in either a coping and exercise program over 12 weeks or a standard care program with education. Both groups showed slight improvements, but those who were depressed before the study benefitted more from the coping program, reducing their depressive symptoms more than those in the standard care group. Who this helps: This helps lung transplant patients, particularly those dealing with depression after their surgery.

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This study looked at how a new group clinic called the Sleep Apnea Management (SAM) clinic affects how well patients stick to their positive airway pressure (PAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In 56 participants, those who attended the SAM clinic used their PAP machines for an average of 193 minutes a day after three months, compared to 148 minutes for those receiving regular care—a difference of about 46 minutes, though this wasn’t statistically significant. The importance of these findings is that better adherence to PAP treatment could lead to improved health outcomes for patients with sleep apnea. Who this helps: This benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

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This study looked at nerve injuries in children who had surgery to lengthen their thigh bones or correct their shape. Out of 173 surgeries on 135 children, 11 patients (6.3%) experienced nerve injuries, with most recovering fully or partially. The study found that children who had multiple surgeries or those with specific deformities were more at risk for these injuries. Who this helps: This information is beneficial for doctors treating children needing tibial osteotomy, as it guides them in discussing risks with families.

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Researchers at a community medical center studied how a beta-lactam allergy management program that included penicillin skin testing (PST) affected antibiotic use and costs. They found that 98% of the 600 patients tested had no allergy, which led to avoiding unnecessary alternative antibiotics for a total of 944.8 days of therapy, saving approximately $206,500 overall. This program not only reduced unnecessary medication use but also significantly lowered costs, which supports the continuation of such allergy management strategies. Who this helps: Patients who are prescribed antibiotics and healthcare providers aiming to optimize treatment.

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This study looked at how well HIV screening for teenagers and young adults was implemented in two pediatric emergency departments in Washington, DC, over ten years. Out of nearly 191,000 young patients, only 21.9% were approached for testing, and of those, 58.7% were actually tested, resulting in 23 new HIV infections identified, which is a rate of 0.09%. This matters because, despite the low rate of new infections, many eligible youths were not offered the test, highlighting the need for better strategies to increase testing rates. Who this helps: This helps teenagers and young adults who are at risk of HIV.

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The study looked at the 'Everyone In' policy, which provided shelter and health support to people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic in England. Interviews with 25 homeless individuals and 43 service providers helped identify what worked well, such as flexible funding and coordinated services, leading to better health outcomes overall. It also emphasized the need for compassionate support for issues like substance use and the importance of a comprehensive approach to care for homeless individuals. Who this helps: This benefits homeless individuals and the service providers who support them.

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This study looked at colonoscopy results for individuals with specific genetic variants in the CDH1 gene, which increase their risk of certain cancers. Out of 103 participants, the rate of finding adenomas (a type of polyp that can lead to cancer) during colonoscopies was 29.4% in Germany and 48.6% in Cleveland, and younger patients (under 45) had a detection rate of about 13.5%, similar to those with a family history of colorectal cancer. These findings suggest that people with these genetic variants could be at a higher risk for developing colorectal cancer earlier than the general population, highlighting the need for further research. Who this helps: Patients with CDH1 gene variants and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well an electronic consultation tool (eConsult) works for helping primary care doctors get advice on hereditary cancer issues. Researchers checked 200 cases and found that 65% of doctors got clear guidance on what to do next, while 34% reconsidered referring patients to specialists after using eConsult. Overall, 89% of doctors found eConsult valuable, and many identified areas where they lacked knowledge about cancer screening and genetics. Who this helps: This benefits primary care doctors and their patients who may be at risk for hereditary cancer.

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This study looked at how racial and ethnic differences affect the labeling of young patients as high risk for aggression in a pediatric emergency department. Out of over 5,100 visits, Black youths were almost twice as likely to be labeled as high aggression risk compared to White youths (19.8% vs. 9.8%). This matters because it highlights a potential bias in how mental health assessments are handled, which can lead to unequal treatment in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients by promoting fairer mental health assessments and care.

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Researchers studied the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 JN.1 variant in US wastewater from November 2023 to July 2024 using a special tool called Aquascope. They found that monitoring wastewater can effectively track virus variants, providing important information for public health efforts. This is significant because it helps detect new variants early, which can lead to better responses to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers.

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This study looked at how lung transplant patients fared after getting infected with SARS-CoV-2. Researchers followed 53 patients and found that 24.5% of them died within a year of their infection. Older age and requiring intensive care were linked to a higher risk of death, but overall lung function showed only small declines over time. Who this helps: This helps lung transplant patients and their doctors understand the risks of COVID-19.

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This study looked at a 33-year-old pregnant woman who developed a severe skin rash after a spider bite. Hospital treatment with high-dose steroids did not help her condition and caused complications. Instead, she was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), which quickly cleared her rash, allowing for the safe delivery of her baby. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women experiencing severe skin conditions and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at risks for serious surgical site infections after lung transplants performed at Duke University from 2017 to 2021. They found that such infections occurred in 13% of patients, with factors like a longer surgery time and certain health conditions increasing the risk of infection. Patients who developed these infections spent more time in the hospital and had a higher chance of dying within a year than those who did not have infections, showing the need for better prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps lung transplant patients and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how reliable different ways of measuring people's responses in tasks that involve making quick decisions—like pressing buttons or reaching for objects—are. Researchers found that using hand movements instead of button presses provided more consistent results, with some measurements showing reliability scores above .85 for various age groups. For example, in one test, adult responses had reliability scores as high as .89, indicating that these new methods can give clearer insights into how individuals process conflicting information. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and researchers studying decision-making in various age groups, helping them obtain more trustworthy data.

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This study focused on the genome of Oryza australiensis, a wild relative of cultivated rice, to find new genetic traits that could improve rice crops. The researchers created a detailed map of its genome, which contained 23,929 potential genes, including 1,431 unique to this wild type. Their findings are important because they identify specific genes that may help rice plants respond better to environmental stresses. Who this helps: This helps farmers and plant breeders who want to develop more resilient rice varieties.

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This study looked at how effective special shoe inserts (orthotics) are for treating children aged 6-14 with flat feet, compared to just providing exercises and advice. Out of 549 children assessed, only 134 were enrolled, with 70 receiving orthotics and 64 sticking to exercises alone. The results were inconclusive due to low participation rates and challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, but many parents believed orthotics were more helpful and were committed to using them. Who this helps: This is beneficial for children with flat feet and their parents, as well as healthcare providers seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how losing sleep affects the amount of time children spend on screens. Researchers found that when children got less sleep, they spent about 66 more minutes on screens during weekday afternoons and evenings, while parents reported an average increase of about 17 minutes in total screen use. This matters because it highlights the potential impact of sleep quality on children's screen habits, which is important for their overall health and well-being. Who this helps: This helps parents and caregivers of children aged 8-12 years.

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This study created a new tool called the GENDER-Q Youth to help young people receiving gender-affirming care share their experiences and health outcomes. Researchers talked to 47 youths to understand what matters most to them and came up with 16 topics to measure, with 248 questions in total. When tested with 406 young adults, most found the questions easy to understand and felt safe sharing their thoughts, showing that this tool is valid and respectful. Who this helps: This benefits young patients receiving gender-affirming care by giving them a voice and improving their care experience.

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This study looked at how wearable sensors, like gyroscopes and inertial measurement units, can improve our understanding of how people walk by tracking their movements. Researchers found that gyroscopes are most effective at detecting specific walking events, while combining these with inertial measurement units provides more reliable data about walking patterns. This is important because accurate measurements can help healthcare providers better assess and treat conditions related to walking difficulties. Who this helps: Patients with walking issues and healthcare professionals who treat them.

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This study looked at how much heparin, a blood-thinning medication, gets removed during a process called ultrafiltration before babies undergo heart surgery using a machine called a cardiopulmonary bypass. The researchers found that the amount of heparin left in the solution was higher than expected, with around 6.80 IU/ml in the initial solution and only reducing to about 3.31 IU/ml once the surgery started. This matters because having too much heparin can be risky for small patients, particularly those under one year old, as it could affect their blood's ability to clot properly during surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits infants and neonates undergoing heart surgery.

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This study looked at how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, infects brain neurons. Researchers found that the infection relies on specific proteins called cathepsins and that blocking these proteins can stop the virus from entering neurons. They discovered that while the virus can replicate in neuron cultures, it leads to the death of infected neurons over five days and causes harmful changes in proteins linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Who this helps: This research benefits patients and doctors by enhancing understanding of how COVID-19 affects brain health.

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This study looked at the levels of fifteen harmful pesticides found in sediments from River Rwizi in Western Uganda. It was discovered that the total concentration of these pesticides ranged from 84.34 to 159.5 micrograms per kilogram of sediment, and while the overall health risk to humans was low, the ecological risk from certain pesticides, like heptachlor and endosulfan II, was alarmingly high, with risk values reaching 9780.37 and 835.98 respectively. This is important because it highlights the need for urgent action to protect the environment, as these contaminants can build up and harm wildlife. Who this helps: This helps environmental scientists and policymakers address pollution in waterways.

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This study looked at how many people in Canada used a particular type of migraine medication called CGRP inhibitors between 2018 and 2023. Over the five years, use of these medications rose from 11.8 to 57.3 per 100,000 adults, and after starting the treatment, patients used fewer migraine medications and visited healthcare providers less often. This is important because it shows that CGRP inhibitors might help reduce the need for other treatments and medical visits, making them a valuable option for managing migraines. Who this helps: This benefits migraine patients and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well hospitals in England followed European guidelines for supporting survivors of sudden cardiac arrest after they were discharged. Out of 143 survivors, only 57% completed recommended assessments before leaving the hospital, and just 25% received follow-up care within three months. This matters because early support can improve long-term health for these patients, but many were not getting the necessary help due to issues like early discharge and limited resources. Who this helps: This benefits cardiac arrest survivors and their families by ensuring they receive timely follow-up care.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Melbourne, there was a notable increase in pediatric bone stress injuries, with 13 cases documented between April 2020 and March 2022, compared to only four cases during the years before the pandemic. The average age of these patients was 11.6 years, and they experienced symptoms for about seven weeks before being diagnosed. This surge likely resulted from reduced physical activity due to school closures and the halt of organized sports, emphasizing the need for awareness in diagnosing and managing these injuries. Who this helps: This benefits pediatric patients at risk for bone stress injuries and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at changes in the monkeypox virus during the 2022 outbreak in the U.S. Researchers found 31 large deletions in the virus's genetic material across over 2,000 samples, with sizes ranging from 573 to 21,576 base pairs. These deletions can lead to significant gene loss in the virus and may impact how we diagnose and treat monkeypox. Who this helps: This helps public health officials and researchers tracking virus changes.

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This study surveyed orthopedic surgeons worldwide to learn how they treat infections that can occur after removing bone tumors, specifically focusing on a method called debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). The results showed that 62% of surgeons regularly performed debridement, but only 39% replaced all the components of the implant during treatment, indicating varying practices among surgeons. Understanding these differences is important because it can help standardize treatment and improve care for patients with infections following surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo surgery for bone tumors and may face post-operative infections.

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This study brought together 309 health professionals to discuss and agree on best practices for treating infections that can occur around prosthetic joints in patients with bone cancer. They found that while most topics about managing these infections received strong support, there was no complete agreement on everything. Notably, shorter courses of antibiotics were considered just as effective as longer ones for certain patients, and managing leaking wounds quickly is crucial to prevent serious infections. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients dealing with bone cancer and related surgeries.

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This study looked at a new way to collect family health history in family clinics to see if it worked better than the usual method. They found that 16.1% of patients in the new system had their family health history documented within 30 days, compared to only 0.2% in the regular method. This improvement is important because understanding family health history can help in detecting and preventing health issues, particularly cancers. Who this helps: This benefits patients by improving their health screenings and referrals based on family history.

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Researchers studied how family doctors use a new method to collect family history information from patients through their electronic medical records. They found that 14 out of 15 doctors believed that having complete family history was crucial for personalizing patient care and identifying hereditary health risks. The strategy worked well when patients were engaged and the information was easily integrated into their medical records, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to improve how this information is collected. Who this helps: This helps family physicians and their patients by enhancing the care provided through better understanding of family health histories.

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This study looked at how a specific beneficial microbe, known as CH-106, affects blood sugar and heart health in adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. Over three months, those taking CH-106 saw a 6% improvement in blood sugar control and a 3 mm Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure, while experiencing no negative side effects. These findings are important because they suggest that this microbe could help manage health risks associated with diabetes. Who this helps: This benefits prediabetic patients and potentially reduces their risk of developing type 2 diabetes.