MOSHE SCHEIN, M.D.

Plain English
This study looked at how pregabalin, a medication often abused, is used by people in substance abuse treatment centers in France from 2008 to 2022. Researchers found that pregabalin users increased from fewer than 15 per year in the earlier years to between 40 and 60 per year in the later years, with a significant rise in users reporting pregabalin as their main substance of dependence and experiencing more severe issues like withdrawal and higher doses. These findings highlight a troubling shift in pregabalin use, particularly among younger individuals and those in challenging situations, suggesting a growing risk of addiction. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and substance abuse treatment facilities by informing them of changing patterns in drug dependency.

Plain English
This study looked at how well different surveys measure social support for people living with HIV or affected by it. Researchers reviewed 17 studies and found 19 different scales to assess social support. Most of these scales focused on positive support, and their reliability varied, with scores between 0.67 and 0.97, indicating that some are more trustworthy than others. Understanding the effectiveness of these scales is important to ensure that people with HIV receive the support they need. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV and healthcare providers working to support them.

Plain English
This study looked at a method called ecological momentary assessment (EMA), which collects real-time data on patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Researchers found that EMA can save clinicians time and costs, help reach more patients, and provide more accurate information since it doesn't rely on people's memories. Utilizing EMA can lead to better understanding and treatment of complex health issues in rehabilitation. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic illnesses and disabilities, as well as their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study examines the Oedipus complex, a key idea in psychology introduced by Freud, focusing on its development and how it relates to the way we know and understand ourselves. The researcher found that the Oedipus complex serves as both a guide and a barrier to self-knowledge, making it complex and multifaceted. This understanding is important because it can help clarify how our inner conflicts and unresolved issues can influence our perception and awareness. Who this helps: This helps patients and therapists understand the deeper meanings behind emotional struggles.

Plain English
This study looked at how often surgery to remove the gallbladder, called cholecystectomy, is done in the United States for a condition known as biliary dyskinesia (BD), compared to four other countries. Researchers found that between 2008 and 2011, the U.S. performed more than 85 procedures per million people each year, while the other countries did fewer than 25 (P < .01). This indicates that, over time, cholecystectomy for BD has been increasingly common in the U.S., suggesting that it is being done more often than necessary. Who this helps: This helps patients diagnosed with biliary dyskinesia and healthcare providers considering treatment options.

Plain English
This study looked at how heart rate changes during alcohol withdrawal and treatment with a medication called clomethiazole. Researchers monitored 22 patients and found that while heart rate variability showed some minor changes during withdrawal, measures of heart rate turbulence did not change significantly. This is important because understanding heart function during withdrawal can help in managing risks of serious heart problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing alcohol withdrawal and their healthcare providers.

Plain English
This study looked at whether using a drug called filgrastim, which helps boost the immune system, could help high-risk colorectal cancer patients recover better after surgery. While the main outcomes did not show significant improvements, patients receiving filgrastim reported better quality of life in terms of family and social functioning, with 14 patients recovering to their pre-surgery state compared to 4 on placebo. Additionally, those on filgrastim had a shorter hospital stay (14 days vs. 12 days) and fewer non-infectious complications (3% vs. 8%). Who this helps: This research helps high-risk colorectal cancer patients by potentially improving their recovery experience.

Plain English
This study looked at a health program for teenagers aged 12 to 18 in two family practices in Israel, aimed at improving their preventive care based on established guidelines. Out of 321 teenagers invited, 184 (57%) attended the health visits, where they discussed various health issues, including weight problems, acne, and emotional concerns. The findings showed that a community approach effectively brings teens in for check-ups and helps uncover important health and behavioral issues, with 78% of the teens wanting to talk about personal health matters. Who this helps: This benefits teenagers and their families by promoting better health and addressing important issues early on.

Plain English
This study looked at a 44-year-old man who had a urachal cyst, which is a leftover tissue from the bladder development that can sometimes cause problems. The cyst became inflamed and led to a blockage in his small intestine. Understanding this case is important because it highlights how rare conditions like this can result in serious health issues, like bowel obstruction. Who this helps: This helps doctors who treat unusual medical conditions.

Plain English
This study looked at how a group of proteins linked to pollen evolved quickly in three plant species: Arabidopsis thaliana, Arabidopsis lyrata, and Boechera drummondii. Researchers found that these proteins, called oleopollenins, change rapidly due to genetic events, including duplication and loss of genes, with some of the fastest changes seen among proteins in Arabidopsis. Understanding these proteins is important because they may help plants recognize each other and successfully breed, which affects plant diversity and reproduction. Who this helps: This benefits researchers studying plant evolution and agriculture, as well as farmers interested in plant breeding.

Plain English
This study focused on a specific type of bowel blockage that can happen shortly after surgery, called early postoperative small bowel obstruction (EPSBO). It found that if bowel function does not return within five days after surgery, doctors should investigate the cause, but most obstructions can be managed wait-and-watch for 10 to 14 days without major risks. Understanding and identifying the right approach to EPSBO is important because it helps avoid unnecessary operations and improves patient recovery. Who this helps: This information helps surgeons and their patients recover more safely after surgery.

Plain English
This paper discusses "source control," which refers to the medical procedures used to treat infections by removing the source of the infection. The authors find that source control is crucial for effectively managing serious infections, yet it hasn't been widely studied. Understanding and improving source control methods can lead to better patient outcomes and lower complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with serious infections and the doctors treating them.

Plain English
This study focuses on a new surgical method called a "trephine" sigmoid colostomy, which combines colonoscopy with colostomy to safely divert stool away from the rectum in complex cases. The technique helps surgeons locate the right section of the colon and prevents mistakes that could lead to serious complications. This matters because it avoids the need for a more invasive surgery, potentially reducing recovery time and patient risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients with difficult bowel conditions needing safe and effective surgical treatment.

Plain English
This study looked at a case of endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in areas outside of it. Researchers found that a 28-year-old woman had endometriosis in her abdominal wall without any prior surgery, which is unusual as most cases are linked to surgical scars. This matters because it highlights that endometriosis can occur in unexpected places without a clear cause, helping doctors better diagnose and treat it. Who this helps: This helps patients with abdominal masses who may have undiagnosed endometriosis.

Plain English
This study looked at 12 patients who had endometriomas, which are growths caused by endometriosis, located in the abdominal wall. Out of nearly 300 endometriosis patients treated over seven years, only 4% had these specific growths, typically appearing at surgical incision sites. Most patients experienced pain and had a history of previous gynecologic surgeries, but the correct diagnosis was only made before surgery in one-third of cases. The main takeaway is that the best treatment is to remove these growths completely, and follow-ups showed no recurrences. Who this helps: This benefits patients with endometriosis who have abdominal wall growths.

Plain English
This study looked at a newborn who had a condition called duodenal atresia, where part of the intestine is not formed correctly, and also had multiple holes in the upper part of the small intestine. The researchers found that this combination of issues had not been documented before in medical literature. Understanding these rare cases is important because it can help doctors recognize and treat similar situations in other newborns, potentially improving outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treating newborns with intestinal issues.

Plain English
This study looked at how infectious disease specialists and surgeons approach the use of antibiotics for common abdominal infections. It found that surgeons typically treat infections with antibiotics for a shorter time than specialists, with surgeons averaging 3.4 days compared to the 6.8 days for ID specialists. This matters because the excessive use of antibiotics by ID specialists might lead to unnecessary treatments and complications for patients. Who this helps: This helps doctors by clarifying the best practices for treating surgical infections.