DR. SCOTT D. HODGES, D.O.

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This study focuses on a special flower called Aquilegia eximia, which only grows in California and thrives in unique soil conditions. Researchers created a detailed map of its DNA, finding that its genetic structure is similar to other related columbine species, which will help scientists better understand plant diversity in California. This new genetic information is crucial for conservation efforts and studying how these plants adapt to their environments. Who this helps: This benefits conservationists and researchers studying plant biodiversity.

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This study looked at why some people with temporary pain develop long-lasting chronic pain. Researchers found that people who fully recovered from acute pain had different brain activity patterns compared to those who went on to experience chronic pain, with a notable difference in brain connections. They discovered that changes in brain connectivity could predict chronic pain development with a high accuracy (between 74% and 83%). Who this helps: This research helps patients at risk of developing chronic pain and doctors looking for ways to prevent it.

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This study examined a Marine recruit who displayed confusing symptoms that resembled catatonia, a condition affecting movement and speech, but were complicated by other potential medical issues. The findings showed that the recruit's symptoms were a mix of both neurological and psychiatric factors, indicating that these conditions can overlap and shouldn’t be seen as separate. This is important because it highlights the need for careful diagnosis and treatment adjustments, especially in complex cases like this one. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing similar symptoms and doctors treating them.

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The research study focused on the importance of providing surgical care for children from birth to age 21. It found that about 1.7 billion children worldwide are missing out on necessary surgical treatments, with 85% of these cases in low- and middle-income countries. Improving access to these services is crucial because effective surgeries can save lives, improve health, and promote fairness in healthcare systems. Who this helps: This benefits children in low- and middle-income countries who need surgical care.

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Researchers studied two antibodies, PGT145 and PGDM1400, that target a specific part of the HIV-1 virus to understand how they develop and function. They found that although both antibodies are similarly effective at neutralizing the virus, they interact with the virus differently at a molecular level, which allows them to potentially cover more variants of HIV-1. This is important because it helps create better treatments for HIV, increasing the chances of targeting different forms of the virus effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients living with HIV by providing enhanced treatment options.

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This study focused on improving how older adults, aged 60 and above, with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and their caregivers make treatment decisions. Researchers found that up to 78% of these patients and their caregivers experience significant psychological distress, which can lead to a lower quality of life and worse health outcomes. They are testing a new approach involving educational videos and structured discussions with doctors to help reduce this distress and enhance decision-making processes. Who this helps: This benefits older patients with AML and their caregivers, as well as the oncologists who treat them.

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This study looked at how suicide and thoughts of suicide are tracked in military personnel around the world. Researchers found that most data focuses only on suicides rather than on other important aspects like suicide attempts or self-harm, with 26 studies analyzed primarily from the U.S. published between 1968 and 2023. This matters because improving data collection can help create better prevention strategies for military populations at risk for suicidality. Who this helps: This information is valuable for military officials and mental health professionals aiming to support service members.

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This study looked at how two treatments for chronic low back pain—transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and acupuncture—affect blood flow in the brain. Researchers found that real tDCS increased blood flow in several brain areas related to pain processing, while real acupuncture had different effects, increasing blood flow in some areas and decreasing it in others. These findings are important because they reveal how these treatments may work in the brain to help relieve pain, paving the way for more effective pain management strategies. Who this helps: Patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

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This study looked at how well large language models (LLMs) can diagnose and recommend treatments in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by using an example involving acupuncture. The findings showed that these models performed similarly to human acupuncturists in Western diagnostics, and the best models—GPT-4o, Qwen 2.5 Max, and Doubao 1.5 Pro—had strong results in TCM diagnosis and choosing acupuncture points. This is important because it means LLMs could help make TCM care more accessible, especially for people who may not have easy access to trained professionals. Who this helps: Patients seeking TCM care.

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This research looked at how functional neurological disorders (conditions where patients have neurological symptoms without clear medical causes) affect active-duty military personnel and veterans. The study identified the difficulties in diagnosing these disorders due to overlapping symptoms with other medical issues and found that many patients experience significant challenges in receiving proper care. These findings highlight the need for better recognition and treatment strategies for veterans and service members facing these complex conditions. Who this helps: This benefits military personnel, veterans, and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at Australian Army personnel who had either one or multiple incidents of suicidal thoughts or actions between 2012 and 2021. It found that those with multiple incidents were much more likely to hurt themselves or attempt suicide, use alcohol or drugs, and had a harder time returning to work compared to those with just one incident. This research highlights the urgency of addressing repeated suicidality in the military to help prevent future deaths. Who this helps: This helps military personnel at risk of repeated suicidal behavior and the professionals supporting their mental health.

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This study looked at the effects of two treatments, transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and transcutaneous greater auricular nerve stimulation (tGANS), on the brain's pain pathways in 70 people with chronic low back pain. After four weeks of treatment, both methods showed a significant improvement in pain relief, with participants experiencing changes in brain activity and connections, although neither method was better than the other. This research is important because it highlights how these treatments can affect how pain is processed in the brain. Who this helps: Patients suffering from chronic low back pain.

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This study looked at a new online treatment called avatar-based video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment (AB-VGAIT) to help people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). It involved 60 participants, and after 4 weeks, those using AB-VGAIT reported their pain decreased by an average of 1.71 points on a scale of 0 to 10, while those in the control group reported a decrease of 1.24 points. Both treatments helped reduce pain, showing that these digital interventions could be useful for managing cLBP, especially for people who can’t easily access traditional care. Who this helps: Patients with chronic low back pain.

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This study examined the resistance of fungi to antifungal medications by analyzing 174 samples from hospitals and farms in 26 US states. The results showed that over 60% of clinical samples were resistant to key medications, with nearly half also resistant to agricultural antifungals. This matters because it shows a significant problem with antifungal resistance that could make treating infections more difficult, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and better treatment strategies. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients facing fungal infections.

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This study looked at a new type of malaria vaccine using mRNA technology to deliver pieces of a key malaria protein. The researchers found that their vaccines significantly reduced the amount of malaria in the liver of mice, achieving up to a 99% reduction in some cases. This is important because it shows promise for developing more effective malaria vaccines that could lead to better protection for people, especially in areas where malaria is common. Who this helps: This benefits patients in malaria-endemic regions and the healthcare providers treating them.

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Researchers studied a type of surfgrass called Torrey's surfgrass found along the California coast. They discovered that male surfgrass has a Y chromosome that is unusually large, measuring 124.8 megabases, which makes up more than a quarter of its genome. This matters because understanding the genetics of this plant can help scientists learn more about its role in marine ecosystems, including its dispersal and diversity. Who this helps: This benefits ecologists and conservationists working to protect marine environments.

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This study looked at how to better allocate resources for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in five integrated care systems (ICS) in England. It found that by using a new approach called STAR, healthcare providers could identify effective improvements, such as using virtual wards and increasing access to pulmonary rehabilitation services, which could lead to better health outcomes for patients while saving money. Implementing these changes could significantly enhance the quality of care for COPD patients, improving their overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients with COPD and the healthcare providers who support them.

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This study looked at the outcomes of 56 patients who underwent a new type of surgery called lumbar total joint replacement (TJR) for back problems over a two-year period. The results showed that, after 24 months, patients reported less back pain and leg pain, along with improved ability to perform daily activities, maintaining the progress seen at 12 months. This is important because it highlights TJR as a promising option for treating severe back issues, particularly when traditional fusion surgery may not be effective. Who this helps: This benefits patients with degenerative lumbar conditions looking for effective treatment options.

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This research examined how quickly patients could return to work after undergoing a new type of back surgery called lumbar total joint replacement (TJR). The study found that all 32 working patients were able to return to work within six months of the surgery, with most (96.9%) back at work by three months. The findings suggest that patients with better pre-surgery function were able to get back to work faster, indicating that this new surgical option could help improve recovery times and overall quality of life for those with back pain. Who this helps: This benefits patients with lumbar degenerative conditions looking for effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how low back pain (LBP) affects certain areas of the brain over time. Researchers found that people with acute LBP had larger brain structures in the limbic system, specifically the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, hippocampus, and thalamus, compared to those with chronic LBP and those without pain. This matters because these changes suggest that the brain is actively responding to pain at the early stage, highlighting a critical phase for understanding and managing LBP. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing low back pain and their doctors understand the brain's response to different stages of pain.

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This study looked at how noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) can help manage chronic pain by focusing on specific areas in the brain. Researchers analyzed data from 90 patients with chronic low back pain and found that the primary motor cortex and prefrontal cortex were the most common targets for stimulation. They also identified other promising brain areas, which could improve treatment options for chronic pain patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic pain by potentially offering them more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at the health of bacterial communities in the Buffalo National River in Arkansas over 17 months, focusing on how they reacted to nutrients near a concentrated animal feed operation. The researchers found that bacterial growth was highest near this operation 27% of the time, but the bacteria were less active in breaking down organic materials, particularly at this site. This matters because it shows that contaminants from farming can significantly disrupt the natural bacterial processes crucial for maintaining ecosystem health. Who this helps: This benefits environmental scientists and policymakers working to protect water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

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This study focused on how patient experiences can shape a community advisory board (CAB) for sarcoidosis, a rare lung disease. Researchers gathered feedback from patient members about the best ways to create and run the CAB. They found that having a dedicated coordinator and working on projects aimed at improving patient care were helpful, while challenges included rigid structure and an overemphasis on academic projects that didn’t immediately benefit patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients with sarcoidosis by ensuring their voices are heard in research and care improvements.

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This study looked at a case where a baby suffered serious skin damage to his penis after being circumcised using a Gomco device. The injury was severe enough that it required immediate surgical repair. This highlights the importance of using the right tools and methods during circumcision to prevent serious complications. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors performing circumcisions and parents considering the procedure for their newborns.

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This study looked at how different motivations affect couples' ability to understand each other's feelings during arguments. Researchers had 172 couples participate in a conflict discussion and then report their own feelings and thoughts, as well as guess their partner's feelings. They found that when couples focused on the relationship as a whole, they were better at understanding each other, while men tended to be less accurate when motivated by their partner's needs. Who this helps: This helps couples by providing insights into improving communication during conflicts.

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This study looked at how musculoskeletal pain, sleep duration, and inflammation (measured by C-reactive protein levels) are connected. Researchers examined data from over 59,000 people and found that those with chronic pain had higher CRP levels and poorer sleep quality compared to those with acute pain or no pain at all. Specifically, chronic pain patients had higher CRP levels and lower sleep scores than the pain-free group, which highlights the complex relationship between pain and sleep. Who this helps: This information helps patients dealing with chronic pain as well as healthcare providers looking to improve their treatment strategies.

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This study looked at different treatment methods for adult patients with blood cancers undergoing stem cell transplants. Researchers compared two groups: one that received a standard treatment and another that got an additional radiation treatment. They found that after five years, the group that received both the standard treatment and radiation had a 50% chance of staying cancer-free compared to 34% for the standard group, and their overall survival rate was 53% versus 39%. Importantly, the radiation group also had a lower risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease, a common complication. Who this helps: This benefits adult patients with blood cancers looking for effective treatment options.

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This study examined the role of a new protein called StARD9 in transporting cholesterol within cells, which is crucial for the survival of brain cells known as Purkinje cells. Researchers found that when StARD9 was removed in lab mice, it led to a significant buildup of cholesterol in certain cell compartments and mimicked the loss of Purkinje cells seen in Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, highlighting that StARD9 is essential for cholesterol transport and cell health. This research is important because understanding how cholesterol accumulates in NPC could lead to better treatments for this disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with Niemann-Pick type C disease and their doctors.

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This study investigated how a technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects blood flow in the brain when used repeatedly on healthy individuals. Researchers found that this stimulation increased blood flow in areas of the brain involved in processing information, with blood flow rising by 12% to 14% in specific regions across different days. Understanding these changes is important because it can help explain how tDCS might be used to treat various mental health conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients with mental health issues that tDCS might improve.

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This study examined how effective fungal cultures and susceptibility testing are in diagnosing and treating histoplasmosis in cats and dogs. Out of 71 animals tested, cultures accurately diagnosed the disease in about 52% of cats and 79% of dogs. It also found that while most antifungal drugs tested could be effective, 25% of the fungal isolates had high resistance levels to fluconazole, making it less likely to work for those cases. Who this helps: This research benefits veterinarians treating cats and dogs with histoplasmosis.

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This study looked at the relationship between iron deficiency and gastrointestinal cancers in patients in Western Australia. Out of 584 patients examined, those with iron deficiency anemia had a significantly higher cancer rate of 8.76%, compared to just 1.20% in those without anemia. More than 60% of all patients had some form of gastrointestinal issue causing their iron deficiency, highlighting the importance of screening for cancers in patients with these deficiencies. Who this helps: This helps patients with iron deficiency and doctors who are treating them.

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Researchers studied the effects of a treatment called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) on migraine patients. After 4 weeks, those receiving real taVNS experienced a significant decrease in migraine days and pain intensity, with 59 patients completing the study showing reduced migraine attack days and headache pain intensity by 0.024 and 0.008, respectively. This research is important because it suggests that taVNS may help improve the treatment of migraines by altering the way certain brain areas communicate. Who this helps: This helps migraine patients seeking better pain management options.

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This study examined how real acupuncture and a technique called video-guided acupuncture imagery treatment (VGAIT) affect the brain's pain-processing networks. It involved 27 healthy participants and found that real acupuncture changed the connectivity in brain areas related to sensory and emotional responses, while VGAIT showed even stronger connections in areas tied to body awareness and motor function. Understanding how these treatments work can help improve pain management strategies, especially with VGAIT, which can be done remotely. Who this helps: Patients dealing with chronic pain.

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The researchers developed GillesPy2, a new and improved software tool that helps scientists create and run simulations of biochemical processes. This tool allows users to quickly build mathematical models, making it easier to study complex biological systems. GillesPy2 offers an easy-to-use interface and efficient algorithms for simulating different types of models, streamlining the research process in this field. Who this helps: This helps scientists and researchers working in biochemistry and related fields.

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This study looked at the gaps in safe anesthesia care for children in low- and middle-income countries, where pediatric surgical deaths are significantly higher compared to wealthier nations. It found that many challenges exist, such as a shortage of trained anesthesiologists, lack of essential medications and equipment, and insufficient training for emergency situations. Improving these areas is crucial to ensure safer surgeries for children, especially as some countries are collecting data to better understand and address these issues. Who this helps: This research benefits pediatric patients in low- and middle-income countries by aiming to enhance their surgical care safety.

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This study looked at how a brain stimulation technique called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) affects brain networks involved in attention and cognitive control over three days. Researchers found that both types of tDCS—anodal and cathodal—changed the way different parts of the brain connect with each other. Specifically, cathodal tDCS improved connectivity related to pain relief (the placebo effect) more than the sham (fake) treatment, indicating that tDCS could enhance how the brain processes pain in relation to attention. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing pain by potentially improving pain management strategies.

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This study looked at whether virtual reality (VR) glasses could help reduce pain and fear in children with physical disabilities during painful medical procedures in Uganda. Out of 79 children aged 4-17, 96% enjoyed using the VR glasses to watch cartoons while receiving treatment, and both children and caregivers noted a decrease in pain and fear levels. This is important because finding effective ways to comfort kids during painful procedures can improve their overall experience and help healthcare providers do their jobs better. Who this helps: This benefits children undergoing medical procedures, their caregivers, and nurses working in healthcare settings.

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This study looked at a new treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) that develops from a condition called essential thrombocythemia (ET). The researchers found that a drug named Bomedemstat led to a significant and lasting improvement in one older patient, showing that the leukemia cells transformed into a more normal type of cell. This is important because it offers hope for better treatments for older patients with this serious form of leukemia, which usually has a very poor outlook. Who this helps: This helps older patients with AML, especially those whose cancer started from ET.

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This study looked at alternatives to hospital admissions for children and teens facing mental health crises. Researchers found that while in-home therapies, especially multisystemic therapy, showed improvements in mental health, many children still needed to be admitted to hospitals, although their stay was shorter. Understanding these alternatives is important because it can help manage care for young people in crisis without the burdens of hospitalization. Who this helps: This benefits children and adolescents experiencing mental health crises, as well as their families and healthcare providers.

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This study compared two treatments for major depressive disorder: transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) and the antidepressant citalopram. Over 12 weeks, both treatments helped reduce depression symptoms, but taVNS showed a higher remission rate at 4 and 6 weeks. This means taVNS could be a useful alternative for treating depression, although it's important to consider that the improvements might partly be due to the placebo effect. Who this helps: Patients with major depressive disorder seeking effective treatment options.

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Researchers created a checklist to evaluate how well orthodontic departments in English hospitals provided information about COVID-19 on their websites. They looked at 61 hospital webpages and found that while 95% had some COVID-19 information, only 18% included guidance on handling broken orthodontic appliances, and just one site met all the checklist criteria. This research matters because it highlights gaps in essential information that could affect patient care during the pandemic. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking clear and reliable COVID-19 information related to their orthodontic care.

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The California Conservation Genomics Project (CCGP) aims to use genetic data to improve the management of California's natural resources. The project plans to create a high-quality reference genome and analyze the genomes of 100-150 species across California’s diverse ecosystems, totaling around 20,000 genomes. After two years and $12 million in funding, the project is set to identify crucial areas for preserving biodiversity and to help combat species decline through informed conservation strategies. Who this helps: This benefits conservationists, environmental policymakers, and the wildlife that depend on these ecosystems.

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This study looked at how patients in the U.S. with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks after spine surgery are treated and the costs associated with those treatments. They examined over 21,000 patients and found that 46.6% received a common treatment called an epidural blood patch (EBP), which had a failure rate of about 9.7%, while treatments like lumbar drains and surgical repairs were more expensive and less successful. The findings highlight that using EBP can be an effective and less costly option compared to other treatments, encouraging its use in appropriate cases. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from spine surgery and their doctors when deciding on treatment options for CSF leaks.

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This study looked at how long germinal centers, which are vital for creating effective antibodies against diseases like HIV, can last without re-immunization. Researchers found that these germinal centers can remain active for at least 6 months, showing a 186-fold increase in B cells, and that antibody production continues to improve over time. This matters because it indicates that a slow and steady approach to immunization might be more effective in developing vaccines, especially for tough targets like HIV. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing effective vaccines, particularly those vulnerable to HIV and other similar infections.

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This study looked at how different frequencies of a treatment called transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) affect how the brain's pain control centers work in people with migraines. Researchers tested 24 patients using two frequencies: 1 Hz and 20 Hz. They found that 1 Hz stimulation increased communication between key brain areas related to pain more than 20 Hz did, and patients with more migraines had less brain connectivity before treatment. This is important because it shows that the frequency of taVNS can significantly influence its effectiveness for migraine relief. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from migraines by providing insights into more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how mental health services for children and young people were impacted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in North Central London. Researchers found that many young patients, particularly those who attempted suicide (43% of admissions), faced more serious mental health issues than typically seen. The new collaborative approach helped create specialized care hubs, connecting mental health teams with emergency departments, improving support for youth in crisis. Who this helps: This helps children and young people struggling with mental health issues, as well as their families and healthcare providers.