DR. CLARK E. HASKINS, MD

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This study looked at how providing specially designed grocery packages and food coaching to patients with chronic health issues and food insecurity can improve their health. The researchers are comparing three groups of patients over four months: one group receives regular pantry services, another gets medically tailored groceries, and the third receives groceries plus coaching. The outcome will show whether these food programs help improve patients' diets and overall well-being. Who this helps: This benefits patients struggling with chronic diseases and limited access to healthy food.

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This study looked at how American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Veterans started treatment with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder (OUD) during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the use of telehealth. Researchers found that fewer veterans were prescribed buprenorphine during the pandemic (12.9%) compared to before it (18.5%), and while rural veterans were more likely to start treatment during the pandemic, in-person visits were essential for initiating treatment. This matters because it highlights the challenges of accessing care through telehealth, especially for those living in urban areas, reinforcing the need for better telehealth strategies and training for healthcare providers. Who this helps: This helps patients with opioid use disorder and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how different food assistance programs could help patients with chronic diseases who are undergoing long infusion treatments, like cancer therapy. Researchers provided three types of food support for 45 patients over three months: access to a food pantry, a pantry plus 12 specially prepared meals each month, or a pantry plus $75 cash payments. They found that while food security improved for those using the pantry and the meal program, only half of the patients used the pantry regularly, and those receiving meals saw increased fruit and vegetable intake. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing long-term treatments who struggle with food insecurity.

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This study looked at how mental health symptoms affected COVID-19 testing and vaccination among urban American Indian and Alaska Native people. Researchers found that while over 75% of participants were tested for COVID-19 and almost half were vaccinated, those experiencing high stress or PTSD were less likely to get vaccinated (about 17% less likely with high stress) and tested for the virus (about 22% less likely with PTSD). These findings are important because they show that mental health challenges can hinder access to crucial health services, especially in communities already facing significant health disparities. Who this helps: This helps American Indian and Alaska Native patients and healthcare providers working to improve health outcomes in these communities.

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This study looked at what types of food and nutrition programs people want when using a big food pantry in Dallas, Texas. Out of 200 clients surveyed, the most popular cuisines were Mexican, Chinese, and Italian. Participants mostly wanted the pantry to provide more healthy food options rather than restrict unhealthy donations, with overall wellbeing being the top priority for them, and weight loss being less important. Who this helps: This helps food pantry clients and the organizations that serve them.

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This study looked at how American Indian and Alaska Native adults coped with emotional stress during the COVID-19 pandemic and how social support played a role. Out of 1,164 participants, 465 (39%) reported their emotional health got worse since the pandemic started. Those who used problem-solving skills and received emotional support were more likely to report better emotional health, with feelings of support reducing the chance of poor emotional outcomes by 60%. Who this helps: This information benefits American Indian and Alaska Native communities, mental health providers, and support organizations.

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This study looked at how couples with a hereditary risk of cancer talk about having children and the decisions they face. Researchers listened to conversations from 15 couples and found that they discussed both easy topics, like their options for family building, and tough issues, such as the emotional and financial implications of having a child. Understanding these discussions is important because it can help health professionals better support these couples in making informed decisions about starting families when there may be genetic risks involved. Who this helps: This helps couples at risk of inherited cancer, healthcare providers, and genetic counselors.

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This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the emotional health and substance use of urban American Indian and Alaska Native people. Researchers found that 46% of participants reported worse emotional health, and 20% reported increased substance use since the pandemic started. The disruption caused by the pandemic and concerns about its effects on their culture were linked to poorer emotional health, highlighting the importance of community and cultural resources in improving mental well-being. Who this helps: This helps American Indian and Alaska Native communities and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at two ways to help clients at food pantries eat healthier: meal kits with recipes and nutritious no-prep meals that just need heating. Out of 70 participants, those who received meal kits reported a greater enjoyment of their meals and significant improvements in their diet quality and food security. Both meal options helped increase overall food security and perceived dietary quality, but the meal kits led to better satisfaction. Who this helps: This benefits food pantry clients, especially those struggling with food insecurity.

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In this study, researchers looked at how providing food pantry clients with meal kits (which include ingredients and recipes) or ready-to-eat meals affects food security and diet quality. Out of 70 participants, those who received meal kits reported better enjoyment of meals over time, and both groups showed improvements in their perceived diet quality and food security. The results are important because they demonstrate that both types of meal interventions can help people facing food insecurity eat better and feel more secure about their food. Who this helps: This benefits food pantry clients who struggle with access to nutritious meals.

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This study looked at how a structured communication intervention can help couples where one partner has an inherited cancer risk discuss their family building goals and concerns. Fifteen couples participated, and they found that this intervention allowed them to share their thoughts openly, addressing both shared and differing concerns without adding stress. Importantly, it helped them agree on the next steps for their family planning and proved to be both practical and well-received. Who this helps: This benefits patients with inherited cancer risk and their partners.

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This research studied the impact of low carbohydrate diets on cancer treatment. The findings show that these diets can work well alongside standard cancer therapies, making them a beneficial addition to treatment plans. For example, recent clinical trials indicate that low carbohydrate diets are safe and easy to implement in cancer clinics, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Who this helps: This research helps patients with cancer looking for complementary treatment options.

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This research paper looks into how diet influences the risk and progression of prostate cancer. It found that being insulin resistant and overweight can worsen prostate cancer, with specific emphasis on how fat cells around the prostate can promote aggressive cancer growth. Adjusting diet, especially with low-carb or ketogenic diets, could help in managing prostate cancer more effectively by improving weight and metabolic health. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer and those at risk of developing it.

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This study examined the accuracy of specific medical codes used to identify cases of heart attacks (acute myocardial infarction or AMI) among patients receiving intravenous immune globulin (IGIV) treatment. Researchers reviewed patient charts and found that the codes had a 75% overall accuracy rate, with the highest accuracy for primary codes (93%) but much lower for unspecified codes (38%). This is important because accurate coding helps improve understanding of the risks associated with medications and ensures that patients receive appropriate care based on their actual health conditions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and healthcare providers who rely on accurate data to make treatment decisions for patients.

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This study looked at the accuracy of diagnosis codes for a serious condition called venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes blood clots like pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, in a large healthcare database. The research found that when doctors used primary diagnosis codes, the accuracy was high at 90%, meaning 9 out of 10 cases were correctly identified. However, the accuracy dropped to 26% for less specific diagnoses, indicating that not all of these cases were true VTE events. This is important because accurate diagnosis coding affects treatment decisions and patient care for those receiving intravenous immune globulin (IGIV). Who this helps: This helps patients with VTE and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at fast radio bursts (FRBs), which are powerful radio signals from far beyond our Galaxy. Researchers conducted a wide-field survey and found 20 FRBs, with none repeating in follow-up checks even after several hours of monitoring. They discovered a link between how dispersed and how bright these bursts are, indicating that more intense bursts may be similar to those found in previous narrower surveys, but closer to us. Who this helps: This research helps astronomers better understand the characteristics and origins of fast radio bursts.

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This study looked at how exposing pregnant mice to a drug called URB597, which affects certain brain chemicals, impacts the development and behavior of their offspring. The researchers found that while the drug did not harm the mothers or early brain development, the adult mice that had been exposed to URB597 showed specific behavior changes: they had less preference for cocaine, displayed more signs of depression, and had trouble with working memory. These findings matter because they highlight how early changes in brain chemistry can lead to lasting behavioral differences. Who this helps: This study provides insights that could benefit future treatments for mental health issues by understanding how early interventions might influence behavior later in life.

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This study looked at how different compounds, known as ligands, interact with the CB(2) cannabinoid receptor, which is a target for new therapies. Researchers found that some ligands, like WIN55,212-2, did not cause the CB(2) receptors to internalize (get taken inside the cell), while others like CP55,940 did so strongly—showing a major difference in their action. This is important because understanding these differences can help in developing more effective treatments that use CB(2) receptors. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors working on cannabinoid-based therapies.

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This study explored a new vaccine targeting a specific protein called Sm-p80 to fight against Schistosoma mansoni infection in mice. The researchers found that their vaccine strategies led to a 70% reduction in the number of parasites and a 75% decrease in egg production, showcasing a robust immune response in the vaccinated mice. This is important because it offers hope for developing an effective vaccine against schistosomiasis, a disease that significantly impacts health, especially in developing countries. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of schistosomiasis and public health officials working to control the disease.

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This study focused on how cells undergo programmed death, also known as apoptosis, by tracking a specific activity called caspase activation in real-time within live cells. Researchers developed a new method that uses a special imaging system to observe this process, discovering that caspase-3 activity was present in the mitochondria of cells at advanced stages of apoptosis. This finding is significant because it enhances our understanding of how cell death occurs, which can impact treatments for diseases like cancer. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on therapies for diseases that involve abnormal cell death, such as cancer.

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This paper shares the author's personal experience of having eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) while being under hypnosis instead of traditional sedation. The author details their preparation for the surgery and offers advice for nurses who want to use hypnosis during operations. Using hypnosis can help make surgeries less stressful for patients and might change how certain procedures are approached in the future. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery who may be anxious about anesthesia.