DR. RONALD ALAN SUMMERS, MD

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This paper looks at how technology has improved the way doctors analyze abdominal CT scans over the last ten years. It highlights new automated techniques that help identify problems in organs like the liver and kidneys more accurately and quickly. Overall, these advancements can make the process smoother for healthcare providers and lead to better care for patients. Who this helps: These improvements benefit patients and doctors by making diagnosis faster and more reliable.

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In this study, researchers looked at a new program in Ohio that aims to improve blood pressure control for patients with hypertension by using a hub-and-spoke model in primary care. Over 18 months, they found that blood pressure control improved from 72.9% to 79.1%, which means an additional 4,542 patients achieved controlled blood pressure compared to what was expected. This is important because better blood pressure control reduces the risk of serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hypertension and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a key transporter called PfApiAT2 that helps parasites grow in mosquitoes. Researchers found that without PfApiAT2, the parasites couldn't develop properly, resulting in tiny oocysts that couldn't produce a crucial stage called sporozoites. Since adding nutrients could fix this issue, it shows how important this transporter is for the parasite's life cycle and transmission. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists and public health officials working on malaria prevention.

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This study focused on providing palliative care to a 38-year-old woman with advanced cervical cancer who is also a survivor of human trafficking. The medical team faced challenges such as building trust and addressing her complex emotional and physical needs, yet they successfully implemented a personalized care plan that prioritized her safety, dignity, and preferences. This approach highlighted the need for trauma-informed care and teamwork among healthcare professionals to better serve vulnerable patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly survivors of human trafficking with serious illnesses.

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This study focused on how to involve parents in improving financial support services for families facing poverty. Researchers gathered feedback from parents in a city to understand which families should receive support, how to make the service easier to access, and the best ways to deliver this assistance. They found that engaging parents in the design process led to more effective services that better meet their needs, ultimately aiming to improve outcomes for both parents and children. Who this helps: This benefits families living in poverty and the services that support them.

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This study looked at how pharmacists in rural Victoria, Australia, feel about selling vapes to help people quit smoking. Out of fifteen pharmacists interviewed, many see vaping as a way to support people trying to stop smoking, but they also expressed worries about safety, legal risks, and how it changes their daily work. They highlighted the need for better guidelines and more education on vaping to make this process easier and safer. Who this helps: This information is useful for pharmacists, patients trying to quit smoking, and health policymakers.

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This study looked at how often doctors check cardiovascular risk factors, like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, in men and women with and without depression. It examined data from over 2.2 million patients in Wales and found that those with depression were more regularly assessed for these risk factors—specifically, patients with depression had their blood pressure and cholesterol checked more frequently than those without depression. The results highlight that gender and age affect how risk assessments are done, which can help improve care for patients at risk of heart disease. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly those diagnosed with depression, and health care providers.

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This study looked at skin problems faced by explorers and researchers in the Arctic and Antarctic. It found that these individuals are more likely to develop skin cancer due to increased UV exposure from reflection off ice and snow. They also face higher risks of frostbite and have trouble accessing dermatological care. This matters because as polar research increases, better health support is needed for those working in these extreme environments. Who this helps: This helps polar explorers, researchers, and the medical teams that support them.

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This study looked at how well doctors in South Africa follow treatment guidelines when adjusting HIV medications for patients with kidney or liver problems. Out of 181 patient files reviewed, only 25% of those with liver failure and 41.3% of those with kidney issues were treated according to the recommended guidelines. This is important because when doctors don't follow these guidelines, patients face a higher risk of complications and drug resistance. Who this helps: This helps HIV-positive patients and their doctors by highlighting the need for better adherence to treatment guidelines.

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This study looked at how well blood pressure is treated and controlled in Welsh patients with and without depression who have high blood pressure (hypertension). It found that patients with depression were more likely to receive medication to control their blood pressure—71% for those with a history of hypertension and 67% for new cases—and they also generally had better control of their blood pressure. Additionally, women received less medication than men, particularly if they were not depressed. Who this helps: This benefits patients with hypertension, especially those with depression, as well as their doctors in understanding treatment patterns.

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This research focuses on the creation of the Gendered Well-being Assessment (GWA), a new tool designed to evaluate the complex needs of women receiving support from Women’s Centres in the UK. The GWA combines different assessment methods to give a clear picture of women’s experiences and needs, covering five key areas and twelve sections to identify gaps in support. This tool is important because it aims to improve the lives of women by ensuring they receive the right help for their physical and mental health, ultimately leading to better overall well-being. Who this helps: This helps women with complex needs who are seeking support from community services.

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This study looked at the genetic history of people in the Casas Grandes region of Northern Mexico, a place that blends cultural influences from both the US Southwest and Mesoamerica. Researchers analyzed mitochondrial DNA from 114 individuals buried in the area across different time periods and found that instead of large migrations bringing in new populations, there were only a few instances of movement between these groups over the years. This finding challenges the long-held belief that a mass migration was responsible for the rise of the important site known as Paquimé in the thirteenth century. Who this helps: This research benefits historians and archaeologists studying the cultural and demographic changes in the region.

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This study examined a new treatment method for a condition called hypoattenuated leaflet thickening (HALT) that can occur after patients receive a transcatheter aortic valve replacement. Researchers found that using a low dose of a drug called tissue plasminogen activator over 48 hours successfully improved valve function in patients who did not respond to standard treatments. All patients showed complete resolution of HALT when checked with imaging tests afterward. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience complications after aortic valve replacement surgery.

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This research reviewed various mind-body programs, like yoga and meditation, to see how they affect the physical health of healthcare workers. Out of nearly 20,000 studies, 41 focused on how these programs impact things like heart rate and blood pressure. The findings showed that short programs of six weeks or less were particularly effective in improving health for workers under high stress, while longer programs helped to stabilize heart rate and blood pressure but had mixed results on other measures. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers by providing them with effective strategies to manage stress and improve their health.

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This research paper presents the "Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2025/26," which gives an overview of the key properties of around 1,900 drug targets and nearly 7,000 interactions involving 4,400 ligands, all aimed at improving our understanding of how different drugs work in the body. It acts as a reliable reference as it consolidates essential information in a user-friendly format and offers expert recommendations for pharmacological tools to help identify specific drug targets. This is important because it provides a solid foundation for researchers and healthcare professionals to develop and use drugs effectively and accurately. Who this helps: This benefits researchers, doctors, and healthcare professionals involved in drug development and treatment.

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This study looked at how to improve the quality of labels used to classify chest X-ray images by using a new method called MAPLEZ. They found that this approach produced better labels, showing a 3.6 percentage point increase in identifying abnormalities and over 20 percentage points improvement in pinpointing their location compared to traditional methods. This matters because better labels can lead to more accurate diagnoses, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and radiologists in diagnosing patients more accurately.

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The research paper focuses on the mental health of healthcare workers, especially those in cardiovascular care, and highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive work environment. It finds that many healthcare workers experience mental health issues but often avoid seeking help due to stigma. Improving workplace safety can lead to better mental health for workers, ultimately benefiting patient care. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and ultimately improves care for patients.

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This study developed a 10-step framework to help create and validate health measurement tools that can be used across different cultures and languages. By analyzing 141 studies from over the last decade, researchers identified 14 key strategies for creating these tools effectively, such as using focus groups for content validity and ensuring accurate translations through collaboration. This is important because it helps ensure that health research and tools are relevant and understandable for diverse populations, improving global health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers in diverse communities.

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This study looked at how well patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understand and use health information. It found that patients with more severe COPD felt less confident in their ability to manage their health, with a notable gap in feeling they had enough information to do so. However, these patients reported being better at evaluating health information they received. This matters because improving health literacy could help these patients manage their condition more effectively. Who this helps: Patients with COPD.

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This study looked at how a mindfulness program, combined with biofeedback, affects sleep and stress levels among healthcare workers, who often deal with high stress and burnout. The findings showed that while there were no significant changes to sleep quality or physiological measures, participants reported feeling less stressed and had lower mood disturbances in weeks 3-8 of the program. They also spent more time in bed after MIM sessions, averaging about 8.33 hours compared to 8.05 hours the night before. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare professionals by providing a method to reduce stress and improve mood.

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This study looked at extreme obesity and weight loss management among adults living in rural and remote areas. It found that 13 studies revealed negative trends related to extreme obesity impacted by factors like gender, culture, and mental health, particularly highlighting challenges for women and Indigenous peoples. This matters because it shows that typical weight loss strategies often don't work for these groups; instead, tailored approaches that incorporate local food options and community support can be more effective. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially women, Indigenous peoples, and those from lower-income backgrounds struggling with extreme obesity in rural areas.

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This study looked at how quality improvement (QI) methods are being used in physical therapy research. Out of 70 studies reviewed, most were published since 2014, with many focused on acute care settings. The average score for quality was 12 out of 16, indicating that while there is an increase in QI research, many studies are not meeting the basic standards for quality and reporting. Who this helps: This benefits physical therapists and patients who seek effective treatment methods.

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This study focused on creating and testing a new tool to evaluate the experiences of medical interns in low-income and middle-income countries, where training conditions can be difficult. Researchers developed a scale that includes 50 questions divided into six main areas, such as clinical learning, job satisfaction, and mental well-being, based on responses from 1,646 interns and junior doctors. This tool will help measure the quality of training and working conditions for interns, ultimately aiming to improve their training experiences and outcomes in these regions. Who this helps: This helps medical interns and the healthcare systems in low- and middle-income countries.

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This paper reviews the latest edition of a resource that summarizes important information about drug targets, focusing on G protein-coupled receptors, which are key points where many drugs work. It covers about 1,800 drug targets and details nearly 6,000 interactions with around 3,900 ligands, providing a valuable reference for researchers and healthcare professionals. This guide is crucial because it offers a clear and concise overview of complex pharmacological information and is updated to include the most current knowledge. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors who need reliable information about how drugs interact with specific targets in the body.

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This study explored ways to improve wheat growth and soil health on farms by using grass-clover cover crops and special soil treatments. Researchers found that wheat grown after three years of grass-clover yielded between 7.2 and 8.3 tons per hectare, which is significantly better than the 3.4 to 3.9 tons per hectare seen with traditional ploughing methods. This approach not only enhances soil quality but also reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers by 75%, making farming more sustainable. Who this helps: Farmers looking to improve crop yields and soil health while using fewer chemicals.

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This study focused on identifying essential skills that Australian pharmacists need when providing prescribed opioids. Experts agreed on a set of core competencies, meaning there was strong support for what skills pharmacists should have. However, the experts felt that current pharmacists are not fully meeting these competencies, especially in newer and more complex areas of opioid supply. This is important because improving pharmacists’ skills can help reduce the risks associated with opioid use, like dependency and overdose. Who this helps: Patients receiving opioid prescriptions and the pharmacists who dispense them.

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This study looked at a fall-prevention program called PDSAFE that helps people with Parkinson's disease. While the program didn't significantly reduce falls overall, it was particularly beneficial for patients with more severe symptoms, improving their balance and confidence to prevent falls. Physiotherapists involved in the study found the program helpful, using various tailored strategies and exercises to meet individual patient needs. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with Parkinson's disease and the physiotherapists treating them.

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This study looked at how to successfully use low-titer O-positive whole blood for trauma patients before they reach the hospital. From January 2018 to October 2019, 450 patients received this type of blood transfusion through a specially developed program in Texas, which has kept blood wastage very low at just 1% to 2% and reported no complications from its use. This is important because it shows a reliable way to give critical blood to patients quickly, potentially saving lives in emergency situations. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients and emergency medical services.

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This study looked at how the structure of wheat leaf cells, specifically their size and shape, affects the leaf's function. Researchers found that as wheat has evolved, the cells called mesophyll have changed in both size and geometry, particularly in plants with higher ploidy levels (more sets of chromosomes). They discovered that bigger mesophyll cells help the plant use water more efficiently while still capturing carbon for growth, which is important for increasing crop yields under various growing conditions. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and agricultural scientists aiming to optimize wheat production.

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This study looked at the pressure on knee cartilage when athletes land from jumps, focusing on how different physical forces affect it. The researchers found that when athletes land, the pressure on the outer part of the knee can increase significantly—by up to 94% under certain conditions. Understanding these pressures is important because it can help athletes and trainers improve their techniques to reduce the risk of knee injuries and long-term problems like osteoarthritis. Who this helps: This benefits athletes and their coaches.

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This research paper presents a comprehensive resource called "The Concise Guide to Pharmacology 2021/22," which focuses on approximately 1,900 targets for human drugs, particularly G protein-coupled receptors, among other categories. It summarizes important information about these drug targets, aiming to help researchers and healthcare practitioners understand how different medications work and which ones are most effective. The guide is notable for being a reliable record of drug target information that remains accurate even as online databases get updated. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers by providing them with essential information about drug targets to improve treatment options for patients.

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This study focused on finding out what questions need to be answered in physiotherapy research across the UK. More than 1,500 people, including patients and healthcare providers, shared their thoughts, which led to identifying the top 10 research priorities like improving access to care and patient self-management. These findings are important because they highlight what matters most to patients and professionals in the field, helping direct future research and funding to where it's needed most. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers in physiotherapy.

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This study looked at using online tools to get consent from people in rural and low-income areas for joining research projects. The researchers found that 85% of participants signed up easily using the digital method, which is a significant improvement over traditional paper forms. This is important because it shows that using technology can make it simpler for underserved communities to participate in medical research. Who this helps: Patients in rural and low-income populations.

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This study looked at how Australian pharmacists feel about the change that made low-dose codeine available only by prescription instead of over-the-counter. Out of 191 pharmacists surveyed, most supported this change, although many were worried about its effects on their business and patients' access to pain relief. It’s important because it highlights pharmacists' concerns about their role in helping patients manage pain effectively after this change. Who this helps: This research benefits pharmacists and patients who rely on pain management options.

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This study looked at how people who frequently experience nightmares respond to emotional images, both negative and positive. Researchers found that people with nightmares rated their emotional reactions more intensely, scoring an average of 7.5 out of 9 for negative images, compared to a score of around 5 for positive images in control subjects. This matters because it highlights that nightmare sufferers have heightened emotional responses to both types of images, which could help in developing targeted treatments for their distress. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with frequent nightmares and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how general practitioners (GPs) in the UK address multiple health concerns during patient visits. On average, patients raised 2.1 concerns, with common issues including muscle and joint pain, administrative problems like test results, and skin symptoms. GPs trained to ask about additional concerns did so 92.6% of the time, compared to only 7% for those not trained, showing that brief training can significantly improve how GPs manage consultations. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring their health concerns are more effectively addressed during consultations.

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The study looked at how different types of retail businesses protect themselves from robberies. It found that gas stations and convenience stores did a better job at using robbery prevention strategies compared to liquor stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants. Specifically, liquor/grocery stores and restaurants were less likely to score well on safety measures related to robbery prevention. This matters because better prevention strategies can help reduce the risk of robberies in these at-risk businesses. Who this helps: This helps retail business owners and their employees.

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This study looked at the bile of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) to understand what causes the disease. Researchers found that PSC patients had significantly lower levels of important substances in their bile, including total bile acids and certain fats, compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, levels of these metabolites were reduced in PSC patients, indicating that their bile might be causing harm to their liver cells rather than being an autoimmune issue. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis by providing insight into the underlying cause of their condition.

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This study looked at how places of worship in the UK, particularly for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, impact public health. Researchers interviewed 19 individuals and held three focus groups to explore how these religious settings can contribute to health and wellbeing. They found that these locations not only serve as spiritual spaces but also act as supportive environments that help people manage their health, showing the importance of integrating faith-based approaches into public health services. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers working with BAME communities.

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This study focused on improving care for trauma patients by providing them with whole blood at the site of injury, instead of only in hospitals. They found that among the first 25 patients treated with low-titer O+ whole blood, there was a significant decrease in deaths compared to previous treatments, with zero transfusion reactions. This matters because quicker access to the right type of blood can dramatically save lives in emergency situations. Who this helps: Trauma patients and emergency medical teams.

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This study looked at how nurses view hospice care for children who passed away after donating their organs. They found that the hospice model, which offers ongoing support to families, works well and eases the emotional burden on both families and nurses involved in organ donation. Specifically, nurses highlighted five key areas, such as the value of family-centered care and the reduction of stress for healthcare staff. Who this helps: This benefits families of deceased children and the healthcare staff involved in organ donation.

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This study focused on a substance called hemozoin, which malaria parasites create while growing inside red blood cells. The researchers developed a new imaging technique using transient absorption microscopy that can quickly and accurately identify hemozoin in these cells. They found that this method could effectively measure the amount of hemozoin at different stages of infection, potentially improving how we screen for malaria drugs and understand how they work. Who this helps: This helps researchers and pharmaceutical companies working on malaria treatments.

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This paper looks at various ways to treat brain aneurysms, which can cause strokes. The study reviews treatments from open surgery to newer techniques and discusses findings from major trials, highlighting methods that have been successful over the past 20 years, such as coiling and clipping. Importantly, these treatments have improved decision-making for healthcare providers dealing with this serious condition. Who this helps: This benefits patients with intracranial aneurysms and the doctors who treat them.

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This study focuses on a new tool called NegBio, designed to accurately identify negative and uncertain medical findings in radiology reports. The researchers found that NegBio outperformed a popular existing system, NegEx, showing an average improvement of 9.5% in precision and 5.1% in overall accuracy. This is important because accurately detecting these negative and uncertain findings can lead to better patient care and more reliable medical records. Who this helps: This helps doctors and radiologists by improving the clarity and accuracy of reports.

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This study compared South Africa's clinical trials register with five international registers to see how easy it is to find and use the information about clinical trials. It found that while South Africa's register had 2,196 trials listed, it provided the least information in terms of data items (only 11) compared to others like ClinicalTrials.gov, which had 2,260 trials and offered full details on all 24 data items. The less user-friendly nature of South Africa’s register means that both patients and healthcare professionals might struggle to access important trial information. Who this helps: Patients and doctors searching for information on clinical trials in South Africa.

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This study looked at new ways to measure the slopes of the upper part of the shin bone (tibia) using advanced 3D imaging techniques compared to traditional 2D methods. Researchers found that the new 3D approach was more reliable, with consistency ratings between 0.84 and 0.97, compared to 0.43 to 0.81 for the old method. This is important because better measurements can lead to improved risk assessments for knee injuries and help in designing knee implants. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing more accurate assessments for knee injury risks and treatments.

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This research focused on how certain bacteria can break down caffeine and other compounds, which could help with both drug development and environmental clean-up. Researchers discovered that a strain of bacteria called Pseudomonas putida CES is particularly effective at degrading caffeine, thriving at much higher caffeine concentrations than other strains—three times higher. They found 2,406 proteins in these bacteria and identified several new enzymes that help in caffeine degradation, achieving better understanding of how these microbes work. Who this helps: This benefits scientists and researchers working on environmental remediation and drug synthesis.

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This study looked at a type of treatment using low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) to help people with chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Patients who received the EMF therapy reported better pain relief and increased mobility compared to those who did not receive the active treatment. Specifically, those in the EMF group showed more improvement in pain ratings and physical health. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease.