SCOTT DOUGLAS GREENWOOD, MD

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This research looked at how patients with kidney failure and their doctors experience and manage obesity before kidney transplantation. It found that patients face significant challenges, including feelings of hunger and exhaustion from dialysis, weight-related stigma, a lack of support, and insufficient resources for weight loss. These barriers can prevent patients from losing weight and accessing necessary transplants, highlighting the need for better training for healthcare providers and more equitable management of obesity in kidney failure. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney failure, healthcare providers, and transplant teams.

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This study looked at mercury levels in waterbirds living near the Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada, especially focusing on how the river affects mercury accumulation in animals. It found that the river contributed 62-94% of the mercury found in fish, otters, and terns living downstream. Over time, especially during years with heavy river flow, mercury levels in tern eggs doubled, suggesting that changes in river water can significantly increase mercury levels in wildlife. Who this helps: This helps wildlife researchers and environmental health advocates.

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This study looks at how continuing to wear a brace for six months after reaching skeletal maturity can affect the spine curvature in teens with idiopathic scoliosis, a condition that affects about 0.2% to 0.5% of adolescents. Researchers want to see if this extra bracing can prevent the spine from worsening, helping those who previously used braces when younger. They will follow about 228 participants for two years to see if this extended treatment makes a difference. Who this helps: This benefits teens with scoliosis, their families, and doctors managing their care.

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This study looked at a cat that was brought to Canada from Thailand and examined the parasites it carried. The cat was treated for various parasites, including tapeworms, and after initial treatment, it passed multiple tapeworms and other kinds of larvae. Ultimately, the cat showed no signs of infection after treatment, but it started shedding eggs again after 40 days, leading to additional treatment to clear the infection completely. Who this helps: This research helps veterinarians and pet owners by highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of imported animals to prevent the spread of foreign parasites.

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This study focuses on the benefits of prehabilitation (training before surgery) and rehabilitation (training after surgery) for patients receiving solid organ transplants, like kidney or liver transplants. The researchers found that these programs can enhance patients' fitness, muscle strength, and overall quality of life, which is important for reducing frailty and shortening hospital stays. However, there is still a need for more extensive research to establish effective programs and incorporate them into standard transplant care. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing organ transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) participate in life, assessing various surveys used to gather their experiences. Researchers found that out of 114 studies, only 41 different surveys were being used, with the most common ones being the SF-36 and KDQOL-SF. Importantly, only a few of these surveys were validated for CKD patients, highlighting the need for a better tool to consistently measure how CKD affects life participation. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by identifying the need for improved assessments of life participation in CKD.

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This study looked at ways to improve the disposal of compostable packaging in UK workplaces to ensure it is composted properly rather than ending up in regular trash. Researchers implemented a program with better labels on packaging and bins, along with a motivational video and training for staff. They found that after the program, there was a significant increase in the amount of compostable packaging being correctly placed in compost bins, but the program did not change people's feelings of ability or motivation to compost. Who this helps: This benefits workplaces and employees by making composting easier and more effective.

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This study looked at the body composition of patients undergoing dialysis to see if common measures like body mass index (BMI) accurately reflect their health. The research found that only 16% of patients had a healthy balance of fat and muscle, while 34% were misclassified by BMI, meaning they were labeled as overweight or obese when their body composition was actually healthy. Additionally, a 6-month exercise program during dialysis did not lead to improvements in fat and muscle levels. Who this helps: Patients with kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This research paper focuses on how important physical activity and exercise are for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aims to provide guidance for healthcare providers on how to encourage it among their patients. The findings highlight that many patients are inactive due to a lack of education and support from their healthcare teams, and emphasizes the need for personalized "exercise prescriptions" similar to medication, which can greatly improve patients' health. By addressing barriers and providing tailored exercise recommendations, this study seeks to make physical activity more accessible and effective for people with CKD. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic kidney disease and the healthcare providers who care for them.

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This study looked at how to connect a quality of life questionnaire for kidney disease patients, called the KDQoL-36, to a standardized health measurement index known as EQ-5D-5L. By analyzing data from over 6,600 patients, researchers developed a model that reliably translates scores from the KDQoL-36 into EQ-5D-5L values, which means it can help health economists assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments. This is important because it provides a new way to measure the impact of treatments on quality of life for patients undergoing hemodialysis. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving how the effectiveness of kidney disease treatments is measured.

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This study looked at how to improve the way households in the UK dispose of compostable packaging so that it can be successfully composted instead of ending up in landfills. Researchers provided tools like clear labels and reminders to help 120 households learn how to correctly sort their waste. As a result, households reported feeling more confident and motivated to throw away compostable items correctly, leading to an increase in the amount of compostable packaging collected. Who this helps: This helps households and the environment by promoting better waste disposal practices.

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This research focused on creating a standardized way to measure how patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) participate in everyday life, especially for those not yet on kidney replacement therapy (KRT). A series of workshops with 130 participants from 18 countries helped to identify important themes for this measure, such as being relevant to patients’ everyday experiences and ensuring it can be easily understood across different cultures. Having a consistent measure will help to better understand and improve the quality of life for patients with CKD in future studies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with CKD, their caregivers, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how networks of geoparks—special areas recognized for their natural and cultural features—can support the conservation of plant and animal life as the climate changes. The researchers found that if these geoparks are well-planned and managed as part of larger habitat areas, they can help protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. This matters because maintaining these natural spaces can aid in adapting to climate change and its effects on different species. Who this helps: This benefits local communities, wildlife conservationists, and policymakers focused on environmental sustainability.

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This study looked at how old carbon from rivers affects the ecosystem in Lake Athabasca, Canada. Researchers found that this old carbon, which is transported by the Athabasca River, reaches at least 50 kilometers into the lake and makes up about 20-50% of the carbon used by fish and aquatic birds. Understanding this carbon transfer is important because it shows how interconnected river systems and lake ecosystems are, which can influence biodiversity and food sources. Who this helps: This benefits ecologists and environmental scientists studying freshwater ecosystems as well as conservation efforts.

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This study looked at how older mothers affect the health of their pregnancies by examining mouse models. It found that male fetuses had more oxidative damage and cell death in the placenta compared to female fetuses, indicating that the placentas of male infants are working harder to supply energy despite being under stress. Specifically, male fetuses showed increased signs of mitochondrial stress and more adaptations in their placentas than females. This research matters because it helps us understand how advanced maternal age can lead to potential risks like fetal growth restrictions and stillbirths, particularly in male fetuses. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with expectant mothers of advanced age.

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This study looked at whether certain mental health programs can improve both mental and physical health for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are not on dialysis or receiving a transplant. Researchers reviewed five trials with a total of 631 participants and found that these programs, which included therapy and physical activity, generally improved self-confidence and physical function, with 100% of studies showing positive results in these areas. However, the effects on depression were mixed, with two-thirds of studies showing improvements but one study reporting worsened symptoms, highlighting the need for better-targeted interventions. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with chronic kidney disease who struggle with mental health issues.

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This study looked at a new approach to help people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in primary care settings by using quick tests for kidney function to guide treatment decisions. Out of 48 eligible patients, 25 agreed to participate, and 80% of those who completed the program were successfully put on better medications for their kidney health. This approach not only helped many patients receive needed treatment but also showed that it was well-received, with 92% of participants satisfied with their experience. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease, especially those with high blood pressure or diabetes.

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This study looked at how a predatory bacterium, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, identifies and invades other bacteria. Researchers found that a special protein called CpoB helps the bacterium form a compartment that contains various adhesive proteins, known as the mosaic adhesive trimer (MAT) superfamily, which allows it to attach to and invade a wide range of bacterial targets. This is important because it reveals how Bdellovibrio uses these proteins to effectively hunt different types of bacteria, which could be useful in developing new treatments for bacterial infections. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from bacterial infections and doctors seeking new treatment options.

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This research looked at how chicken packaging and consumer habits in the UK affect the environment. It found that simple changes, like extending the shelf life of chicken packs, can lead to an 18% reduction in environmental impact overall and up to a 69% reduction in waste treatment. This is significant because it could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 130,000 tons annually. Who this helps: This benefits consumers, environmental advocates, and policymakers looking to reduce waste and improve sustainability.

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This research paper examines how societal conditions influence scientific work and argues that scientists are affected by their context more than is typically acknowledged. The author critiques two main views: one that ignores these influences and another that recognizes them but lacks clarity. The findings highlight the need for more in-depth studies and theoretical frameworks to understand the complex relationships between science and society better. Who this helps: This helps researchers and policymakers understand the impact of societal factors on scientific research.

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This study looked at how people in the audience of classical concerts reacted physically to the music and how their feelings and personalities affected their responses. Out of 695 participants, it was found that their heart rates and other bodily responses were often synchronized during performances, especially when they were more open-minded or focused on the music. This is important because it shows how shared musical experiences can enhance emotional connection among listeners and suggests that understanding audience dynamics may improve concert experiences. Who this helps: This helps musicians, concert organizers, and educators in better engaging audiences.

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This study looked into how physical activity and reduced sitting time can help people who are both frail and dealing with multiple long-term health issues, as well as their caregivers. The review included 155 studies, mostly focusing on structured exercise, and found that adherence to these programs was around 81%. The findings show that while many interventions led to positive health outcomes, more research is needed to improve the involvement of caregivers and better understand how everyday activities and sitting impacts this group. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic health conditions and their caregivers.

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This study focused on testing a new questionnaire called the VASQoL, which measures how patients with kidney failure feel about their treatment through vascular access. Researchers found that the VASQoL is reliable and effectively captures changes in quality of life, especially after patients experience issues with their vascular access. The results showed a high level of reliability, with a score of 0.916 for test-retest reliability, indicating that patients repeated the test consistently over time. Who this helps: This helps kidney failure patients by providing a better way to assess their quality of life related to treatment.

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This study looked at how completing a heart failure rehabilitation program affects the health and survival of patients. It involved 137 patients who participated in a 12-week program; 86% finished it. While those who improved their walking distance over six minutes showed some short-term benefits (like a small increase in time without health issues), there was no significant difference in overall health outcomes or survival rates for those who completed the program compared to those who didn't. Who this helps: This research helps doctors and healthcare providers understand the impact of heart failure rehabilitation on patient outcomes.

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This research discusses how preparing patients who need organ transplants (called prehabilitation) can improve their health and outcomes after surgery. It emphasizes the importance of making lifestyle changes, such as exercising, managing diets, and getting support for mental health, to help these patients recover better from their procedures. The study produced ten recommendations based on expert discussions and existing research, highlighting that most people involved in this field agree on the benefits of prehabilitation. Who this helps: This helps patients awaiting organ transplants and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at animal experiments to understand how older mothers (age 35 and older) face higher risks during pregnancy. The researchers found that aging in mice and rats resulted in smaller litter sizes and lighter babies, with mice having an average reduction of about 1.59 fewer offspring and a drop in fetal weight of about 0.87 grams compared to younger mothers. Understanding these effects is important because it helps researchers identify reasons for poor pregnancy outcomes in older women and develop better treatments. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers working on improving pregnancy care for older mothers.

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The LUX-ZEPLIN experiment studied dark matter by using a specialized detector in South Dakota to search for elusive particles called WIMPs. After analyzing data from 60 days of operation, researchers found that the signals matched background noise, which means they did not detect any dark matter particles. They set new limits on how likely it is for these WIMPs to interact with regular matter, specifically ruling out interactions for certain heavier WIMP types. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying dark matter and developing theories about the universe's structure.

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This study looked at 132 concertgoers at three classical music performances to see how their bodies reacted while listening to the same pieces of music. The researchers found that audience members showed synchronized heart rates and movements, especially when they felt emotionally moved or inspired by the music. This shows that music can create a powerful shared experience among listeners, which is important for understanding how live performances affect people emotionally. Who this helps: This helps concertgoers and musicians by highlighting the emotional impact of live music events.

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The BASIS study is investigating whether wearing a brace for the entire day or just at night is more effective for treating adolescents with a common spinal condition called scoliosis. The study will include 780 participants aged 10 to 15 with specific curvature measurements, and it aims to determine which bracing method prevents the spine's curvature from worsening. Specifically, they will look at treatment failure, which is when the curvature reaches 50° or more before the patient finishes growing, and a successful outcome is defined as keeping this curvature under 50°. Who this helps: This research benefits adolescents with scoliosis and their families by finding a more acceptable and effective treatment method.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected cardiac rehabilitation services in the UK. It found that during the pandemic, patient referrals dropped by over 30% and patient engagement fell by more than half compared to before. However, after the pandemic, a new hybrid program improved the speed of contact with patients by an average of about 5 days and increased patient engagement, especially for those recovering from heart attacks and surgeries—engagement went up by 56% for heart attacks and 76% after surgery. Who this helps: This benefits heart patients who need rehabilitation and psychological support after their procedures.

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This research focused on the use of imaging technology to guide procedures around the hip joint for better treatment outcomes. A group of 53 experts reviewed existing studies and agreed on 10 key treatment scenarios, but found that there is limited strong evidence supporting many of these procedures—only one had high-level backing. This information is important because it helps doctors understand which techniques are more reliable and emphasizes the need for more thorough research. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers making treatment decisions for patients with hip-related issues.

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Researchers from the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR) studied the best ways to use image-guided procedures for treating foot and ankle problems. They reviewed existing research and reached a strong agreement on 16 key statements, with 100% agreement on four specific recommendations—especially that using ultrasound guidance significantly enhances success rates for treatments like corticosteroid injections for Morton's neuroma and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for plantar fasciitis. This matters because it provides clear, evidence-based guidelines for effectively treating common foot and ankle conditions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and their patients struggling with foot and ankle issues.

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This study focused on the use of imaging guidance for interventional procedures around the knee, such as injections for various conditions. A group of 53 experts reviewed the existing research and created a list of 10 clinical guidelines, all of which received full agreement, emphasizing the strong recommendation for using ultrasound guidance for better results in knee treatments. Understanding these procedures and their effectiveness is important because it can lead to more accurate and successful treatments for knee issues. Who this helps: This helps patients with knee problems and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on understanding the best uses of image-guided procedures for treating nerve problems in the lower leg and foot, excluding one specific condition. Experts agreed on nine key findings, with strong support for the safety and effectiveness of procedures like the pudendal nerve block, which has few complications. They also noted that while injections near the sciatic nerve can relieve pain for conditions like piriformis syndrome, it's unclear whether adding steroids improves results. Who this helps: Patients with lower limb nerve issues.

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This study created detailed global maps showing soil temperatures at different depths (0-5 cm and 5-15 cm) to better understand ecological conditions beneath vegetation. Researchers found that, on average, soil temperatures can be up to 10°C different from air temperatures, with cold and dry areas having soils about 3.6°C warmer than air temperatures, while warm and humid areas are slightly cooler by about 0.7°C. These findings matter because they highlight the inaccuracies in understanding how climate change affects ecosystems if only air temperature is considered. Who this helps: This helps ecologists and researchers studying climate impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity.

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This study looked at how newborn boys and girls process speech in their brains. Researchers found that both girls and boys responded more strongly to speech than to other sounds, but girls showed stronger brain activity in one side of the brain, while boys had activity on both sides, particularly in a larger area on the right side. This difference suggests that girls may have brain areas for language development that mature earlier than boys, which is important for understanding how language skills develop in infants. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers understand early language development in newborns.

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The European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) set up a platform to create reliable and regularly updated guidelines for organ transplantation practices. They involved leading experts to review important topics and gather recommendations, which will be discussed publicly and evaluated by an independent jury. This process ensures that all findings and recommendations are based on strong evidence and are openly shared. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors involved in organ transplantation.

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This study examined the challenges and motivations early-career nephrology practitioners in the UK face when it comes to participating in research. Out of 211 respondents, many were aware of local research projects, but less than half were actively involved. Key issues included a shortage of staff, time constraints, and insufficient funding, which were worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but there was a strong interest in mentorship and online resources to enhance research engagement. Who this helps: This benefits early-career healthcare practitioners in nephrology and ultimately improves patient care through enhanced research efforts.

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This study focused on identifying people at high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications, which can include serious health issues like heart failure and kidney disease. Researchers highlighted that many people may unknowingly live with diabetes for years, leading to complications before they are diagnosed. They established a system to predict risk levels—high, moderate, or low—based on various risk factors, which is crucial for early intervention and reducing healthcare costs. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for diabetes and healthcare providers aiming to offer better preventative care.

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This study looked at how improving the housing for young dairy calves in Kenya affects their growth. Researchers found that calves in better housing gained about 5.6% more weight after weaning compared to those in poorer conditions. Factors like better feeding and having more pens also contributed to better growth rates, while issues like calf mortality and certain environmental factors negatively impacted growth. Who this helps: This benefits smallholder dairy farmers and the calves they raise.

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This study looked at how climate change affects the diversity and health of pollinators—like bees and butterflies—in the Northern Hemisphere. The researchers found that rising temperatures are actually making these populations less diverse and more vulnerable, particularly by negatively impacting less-studied aspects of biodiversity like genetic variety. This matters because a decline in pollinator diversity threatens food production and ecosystems, and simply focusing on preserving existing habitats is not enough; we need to create more connected and varied landscapes. Who this helps: This helps farmers, environmentalists, and anyone concerned about food security and ecosystem health.

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This study looked at two parasites, Angiostrongylus vasorum and Crenosoma vulpis, which can infect dogs and other canids. Researchers found that third-stage larvae (L3) shed by infected slugs can remain infective for dogs for up to eight weeks, with all four tested dogs showing signs of infection: they began shedding larvae from the Crenosoma vulpis by 26-36 days and A. vasorum by 50 days after exposure. This is important because it shows that dogs could get infected by simply being around contaminated areas where slugs have been, increasing the risk of these harmful infections. Who this helps: This information is valuable for dog owners and veterinarians in preventing parasite infections.

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This study looked at how mental health nurses try to build strong relationships with their patients in challenging work environments, where strict management and high staff turnover often get in the way. The research found that, despite their dedication, nurses are facing significant obstacles due to these managerial pressures, which can hurt patient recovery. The authors argue that changes to the healthcare system are necessary to support nurses in their essential therapeutic work. Who this helps: This benefits mental health patients and the nurses who care for them.

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This study looked at how the variety of pollinators in temperate ecosystems affects crop pollination. It found that having a diverse range of pollinators is essential for not just the quantity of crops produced but also the overall health and stability of pollination. Unfortunately, many current conservation plans do not effectively promote this diversity, which could put food security at risk. Who this helps: This helps farmers and food producers.

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This study examined how common a virus called papillomavirus type-2 (EcPV-2) is among healthy horses in Western Canada. Researchers found that 29% of 70 tested horses had the virus without showing any symptoms, and 36% of 50 healthy horses were exposed to it. These findings suggest that more horses might be infected with this virus than previously believed, indicating a need for further understanding of its potential link to certain types of cancer in horses. Who this helps: This information benefits veterinarians and horse owners.

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This study looked at how common a specific virus, called papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV-2), is in skin cancers of horses in Western Canada and whether having this virus affects survival rates for those horse cancers. Researchers found that EcPV-2 was present in 17% of squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and 30% of papillomas, but it didn't impact how long horses survived after being treated for these cancers. They noted that not treating the cancer and having a recurrence after treatment were the biggest factors that hurt survival chances. Who this helps: This information is useful for veterinarians and horse owners managing skin cancers in horses.

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This study looked at how reliable different physical and mental health tests are for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers tested 40 people using five different assessments, finding that all tests showed strong consistency over two visits. For example, the timed up and go test scored the highest reliability (0.96), while the hospital anxiety and depression scale scored lower at 0.71. These results help healthcare providers identify real improvements in physical and mental health for CKD patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at whether a short program could encourage hospital patients with low levels of physical activity to start exercising after they leave the hospital. Out of 526 patients, 342 were identified as inactive or moderately inactive, and 77% agreed to participate in the program. After receiving the intervention, 100% of participants wanted to join an exercise program, and 66% reported that they actively engaged in exercises in their communities afterwards. This matters because it shows that even a brief intervention can help patients overcome barriers to starting regular physical activity, which is crucial for their long-term health. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from hospital stays.