DR. WENDELL O. SCOTT, MD

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This study looked at a tool called the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) that measures how pain affects daily activities, known as pain-related disability. Researchers found that while this tool is useful, some of its questions overlap with other issues like pain severity and emotional distress, which can confuse results. They determined that, overall, the BPI does not measure pain-related disability alone and that careful consideration is needed before using it. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers better understand and measure the impact of pain on patients' lives.

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The Nursing Home to Home (NHTH) pilot program helps veterans transition from community nursing homes back to living at home. The study found that veterans discharged through this program saved an average of $5,496 per month compared to those who remained in nursing homes, making this an effective way to reduce costs while ensuring high satisfaction among veterans and their caregivers. This matters because the costs of caring for veterans in nursing homes are expected to double by 2037, so finding alternatives can significantly alleviate financial burdens. Who this helps: Veterans and their caregivers.

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This study examined how different levels of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) affect oxygen consumption and how difficult or unpleasant participants found the training. Thirty healthy adults completed IMT at various levels of difficulty, and it was found that oxygen consumption significantly increased as the training load increased, with an average increase of 0.013 mL/kg/min for each 1% increase in training load. Additionally, participants reported feeling more difficulty and unpleasantness at higher training loads, which is important for determining how to effectively prescribe IMT for better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and respiratory therapists looking to improve lung strength in patients.

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This study examined how psychological trauma, like PTSD, affects weight loss and mental health after bariatric and metabolic surgery. Out of 9 studies with over 5,400 participants, researchers found that PTSD did not significantly impact weight loss after surgery, but people with PTSD reported poorer quality of life. This is important because it highlights that while trauma might not hinder weight loss, it can affect overall well-being, and there is a need for better research in this area. Who this helps: This helps patients looking for weight-loss surgery and mental health professionals working with them.

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This study looked at whether continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) could help manage blood sugar levels better in hospitalized adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers tracked 110 patients and found that, on average, those using CGM had a blood sugar level of 170 mg/dL compared to 175 mg/dL for those receiving standard care, but only 7% of those in the CGM group reached the target range of 90-130 mg/dL. This is important because it highlights that aiming for very tight blood sugar control in the hospital may not be practical with current treatment methods. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers make more informed decisions about diabetes management in hospitalized patients.

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This study looked at how weight discrimination affects the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and pain levels over time in adults in England. Researchers found that higher BMI was linked to a greater chance of experiencing moderate or severe pain, with a specific connection showing that weight discrimination contributed to this effect. For every 1-point increase in BMI, the risk of severe pain increased significantly, and while obesity status alone predicted higher pain levels as well, weight discrimination played a key role, especially in those who initially reported little or no pain. Who this helps: This helps patients with higher body weight who may be dealing with increased pain due to both their BMI and weight discrimination.

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This review examines how stigma affects people with chronic pain, showing that it comes from both the pain they experience and broader social issues, like other health conditions and exclusion from society. The study highlights that stigma can significantly impact how well individuals manage their pain and live their lives. Understanding these factors is crucial because it can lead to better support and interventions for those suffering from chronic pain. Who this helps: Patients with chronic pain and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how changes to an electronic health record system improved the ordering of lab tests for wounds. Researchers found that after renaming the "Wound Culture" test to "Wound Swab Culture" and adding a helpful questionnaire, unnecessary tests on tissue samples dropped from 6.6% to 0%, while appropriate tissue culture orders increased from 228 to 349. These changes help ensure that patients get the right tests for their wounds, leading to better diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with wound care.

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Researchers studied how a new program designed to improve sexual health, called the PIMS trial, can help people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). They focused on sexual difficulties, which affect 50-80% of individuals with MS and can hurt their quality of life. The trial will involve 50 participants who will either take part in an eight-session program over 12 weeks or have a single educational meeting about treatment options. Tracking how many people join and stick with the program will help determine if this approach could be used more widely in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Multiple Sclerosis experiencing sexual difficulties.

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This study focuses on creating and testing a new treatment program called NeuOst for people with painful diabetic neuropathy, a condition that causes significant nerve pain due to diabetes. The program combines manual therapy, exercise, and psychological support and lasts for five weeks. Researchers are measuring how well this treatment works by looking at factors like participant engagement and safety; they want to see if it's effective before doing larger studies. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy.

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This study looked at how safe and effective different doses of a drug called cangrelor are for patients undergoing stenting during an acute ischemic stroke. Researchers examined 230 patients and found that using low doses (under 2 mcg/kg/min) versus high doses (2 mcg/kg/min or more) did not significantly change the rates of blood clots or bleeding complications during and after the procedure. This matters because it helps understand how to manage medication during important brain treatments, possibly improving patient care. Who this helps: Patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke who need stenting.

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This study examined how adolescents with chronic pain think about their bodies and how those thoughts impact their ability to accept pain. Researchers found that out of 102 adolescents, those who viewed their bodies as an "adversary" were less willing to experience pain, while those who believed their bodies were "capable" were more likely to engage in activities they value despite their pain. These insights are important because they suggest that changing how young people view their bodies could improve their acceptance of pain and overall quality of life. Who this helps: This helps adolescents with chronic pain, their families, and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at different forms of a protein called tropomyosin, which is crucial for muscle function and other cell activities. Researchers created special fluorescent tags to help visualize these protein forms in human cells without disrupting their function. They tested these tags on eight different tropomyosin isoforms and found that they worked well, showing bright fluorescence without causing harm to the cells, which is important for studying how these proteins interact in the body. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors studying muscle diseases and related conditions.

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This study looked at how stigma affects Spanish-speaking individuals with chronic pain by using a specific scale called the SSCI-8 to measure it. Researchers surveyed 530 adults aged 18-70 and found that the SSCI-8 scale is accurate and reliable, showing strong connections between stigma and issues like depression and pain intensity. Understanding and accurately measuring stigma is important because it can help improve support for individuals dealing with chronic pain. Who this helps: This research benefits patients living with chronic pain by highlighting the stigma they face and how it impacts their mental health.

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This study looked at how a protein called TERT could help obese mice by improving their fat tissue health. Researchers found that when TERT was active, the mice showed a reduction in insulin resistance and better blood sugar control. Specifically, they saw fewer damaged fat cells and improvements in how fat cells grow and work, which could help protect against diseases related to obesity. Who this helps: This research could benefit patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic issues.

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This research paper looked at how to include microbiomes—groups of microorganisms important for health and the environment—in city planning. Experts from various fields identified 40 key research questions, focusing on areas like communication and pollution prevention that could help improve urban health and sustainability. By addressing these questions, cities can better utilize microbiomes, leading to healthier environments and stronger communities. Who this helps: This benefits city planners, environmental scientists, and urban residents.

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This study focused on creating a new fluorescent protein called StayRose, which is a modified version of the existing StayGold protein. Researchers found that StayRose emits a red color when excited, with specific light absorption at 530 nm and emission at 588 nm, while still being highly stable under light, maintaining this quality in both bacteria and zebrafish embryos. This development is significant because it allows scientists to tag different targets in experiments more effectively, contributing to better imaging techniques in biological studies. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working in microscopy and cellular imaging.

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This study looked at a new method called FLERO for calculating the power of intraocular lenses (IOLs) used in cataract surgery, improving the predictions made by the existing Barrett Universal II (BUII) calculator. The findings showed that FLERO led to better outcomes: 50.7% of patients had their vision within 0.25 diopters of the target after surgery, compared to 47% with BUII, and the average error in predictions dropped from 0.345 diopters to 0.315 diopters. This is important because it means patients are more likely to have clearer vision after surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing cataract surgery.

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This study looked at how effective dopamine antagonists (like haloperidol) and topical capsaicin (a cream made from chili peppers) are in treating cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) in adults visiting the emergency room. Out of 492 patients reviewed, the results were unclear for capsaicin, but dopamine antagonists showed some benefits compared to standard care. Overall, more well-designed research is needed to determine the best ways to help patients with CHS in emergency settings. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from cannabis hyperemesis syndrome and the doctors treating them.

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This research paper looked at how effective phenobarbital is for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms in emergency departments, especially when standard medications like benzodiazepines aren’t sufficient. It found that patients treated with phenobarbital had a lower chance of returning to the emergency room and a higher rate of being discharged compared to those who received only benzodiazepines. However, the evidence isn't strong enough yet to make firm conclusions, indicating that further studies are needed. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal and the healthcare providers treating them.

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This research review looked at whether certain medications can help people craving alcohol when they visit the emergency room. It found that using naltrexone, especially in the form of an extended-release injection, leads to less alcohol consumption and better quality of life for patients. With only six relevant studies included, more research is needed to confirm these findings and ensure effective treatment options are available. Who this helps: This helps patients with alcohol use disorder seeking support in emergency departments.

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This study looked at how having a baby with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) affects parents' quality of life from the time the baby is in the hospital until one year after leaving. Researchers found that while 81% of parents felt their quality of life was about the same or better after discharge compared to their time in the hospital, those whose babies had breathing problems reported less improvement. Understanding these impacts is important because it highlights the need to support parents dealing with ongoing respiratory issues and social challenges related to their child's health. Who this helps: This helps parents of infants with BPD and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well different treatments can help people who have both chronic pain and mental illness. Researchers examined 26 trials involving 2,311 participants and found that cognitive-behavioral therapy might help reduce pain for people with depression, while multi-component interventions show some benefit for those with substance use disorders. These findings are important because they highlight potential treatment options for a group of people who often struggle with both chronic pain and mental health issues. Who this helps: This research helps patients dealing with chronic pain and mental illness, as well as their doctors.

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This study focused on a baby boy with a rare genetic change that caused a severe form of diarrhea called congenital secretory diarrhea (CSD). The researchers found that using a drug called Crofelemer helped manage his symptoms, marking the first time this treatment has been tested for this particular condition. This is important because it opens the door for new ways to help children with similar genetic causes of chronic diarrhea, improving their health and growth. Who this helps: Patients with congenital secretory diarrhea and their families.

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This study focused on a new version of a bright and durable fluorescent protein called StayGold, which was modified to prevent it from clumping together. The researchers created a version called mStayGold that is just as bright and stable but does not form pairs, making it easier to use in experiments. This is important because it allows for more accurate visualization of cells and molecules, benefiting scientific research and potentially improving our understanding of biological processes. Who this helps: Researchers in biology and medicine.

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This study looked at how feelings of stigma affect people with chronic pain and whether self-compassion can help reduce that impact during treatment using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Researchers found that while patients reported improvements in self-compassion and their pain outcomes after treatment (with significant numbers indicating better results), feelings of stigma did not change significantly. This matters because understanding the relationship between stigma and self-compassion can lead to improved treatment approaches for those suffering from chronic pain. Who this helps: Patients with chronic pain.

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The study looked at ways to reduce the amount of time infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) need to use home oxygen therapy after leaving the hospital. By teaching parents how to manage the weaning process while still in the hospital, the average duration of home oxygen therapy decreased from 27 weeks to just 12 weeks. This matters because shorter oxygen therapy can make life easier for families and reduce the burden of care after discharge. Who this helps: Parents of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

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This study looked at how well research priorities align with the needs of adults living with both HIV and chronic pain. Researchers conducted an online survey and found that 311 participants, mostly from the U.S., often experience long-term, moderate to severe pain, and they reported trying a median of 10 different pain treatments, with over 80% rating various research topics as very important. Notably, optimizing pain management for people with HIV was seen as the top priority. Who this helps: This benefits patients living with HIV and chronic pain, as well as healthcare providers focused on their treatment.

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This study looked at whether sending monthly reports to teams providing home care to veterans would help them document patients' preferences for life-sustaining treatments. While the overall completion of these important notes increased from 6.3% to 41.9% during the study period, the reports themselves did not make a noticeable difference compared to teams that did not receive them. This matters because it shows that merely providing feedback is not enough to improve documentation, highlighting the need for more effective strategies to engage veterans in discussing their care preferences. Who this helps: This benefits veterans receiving home-based care and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well a pain management program for adults with sickle cell disease can be delivered and whether it helps reduce pain and improve quality of life. Out of 29 participants, 86% attended most sessions, and many reported lower pain and better mental health after completing the program. The program seems feasible and well-received, which is important for improving care for these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with sickle cell disease who struggle with chronic pain.

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This study looked at the levels of harmful chemicals called PFASs in white sharks along the eastern coast of North America, from Nova Scotia to Florida. Researchers found that sharks had varying amounts of these chemicals in their blood and muscle, with plasma concentrations ranging from 0.56 to 2.9 nanograms per milliliter and muscle concentrations from 0.20 to 0.84 nanograms per gram. This is important because it shows that PFASs are accumulating in top ocean predators, which can have effects on marine ecosystems and may pose health risks to species higher up the food chain, including humans. Who this helps: This information benefits environmental scientists, conservationists, and public health officials.

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This research looked at how stigma affects people with chronic pain and found that feeling stigmatized can make pain worse. Specifically, those who experience stigma reported higher pain intensity, more disability, and increased depression, with studies showing these issues are connected in small to moderate ways. Understanding this relationship is important because it could lead to better support and treatment for those suffering from chronic pain. Who this helps: Patients dealing with chronic pain.

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This study looked at brain tissue from people with schizophrenia and compared it to tissue from people without psychiatric disorders. Researchers found that microglia, a type of brain cell, showed higher levels of inflammasome proteins in those with schizophrenia—specifically, they found 16% more microglia in the frontal cortex of these patients, along with increased expression of key proteins related to inflammation. This matters because it highlights a potential link between inflammation in the brain and schizophrenia, which could lead to new treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients with schizophrenia and their doctors.

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This study focused on how two different methods of delivering a gene therapy can help improve vision problems in mice with Sanfilippo syndrome, a severe childhood dementia. The researchers found that both intravenous (i.v.) and intra-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) injections of the gene therapy helped to thicken the retina, but only the i.v. method significantly improved the outer parts of the retina and the health of cell structures. These findings are important because they suggest that the i.v. method may offer better outcomes for preserving vision, while the other method might need additional treatments to be effective. Who this helps: This helps patients with Sanfilippo syndrome and their families by providing insights into potential treatment options for improving eyesight.

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This study looked at how different types of fake treatments (sham interventions) in pain treatment trials impact the results. Researchers analyzed 198 trials and found that when sham treatments closely resembled real treatments, it influenced the effectiveness of those treatments, the number of participants who dropped out, and how well participants believed they were blinded to the treatment they received. Specifically, treatments that had similar control conditions showed more consistent results in pain relief. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers design better trials and improve pain management treatments for patients.

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Researchers studied the impact of a specialized neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on the survival rates of newborns at Georgetown Public Hospital in Guyana. They found that after the NICU was fully implemented in 2015, the survival rate for babies admitted to the unit increased from about 64% to around 87%. Additionally, the overall mortality rate for newborns at the hospital dropped from 2.9% to 1.4%. This improvement is significant because it shows that enhanced neonatal care can save more lives in hospitals with limited resources. Who this helps: This helps newborns and their families, as well as healthcare providers working in resource-limited settings.

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This study looked at why some people with sciatica, a painful condition affecting the lower back and legs, continue to experience pain even after initial treatment. Researchers are studying 180 individuals with recent sciatica to find out which factors—like sensory experiences, emotional health, and biological markers—might predict ongoing pain. They hope to identify specific predictors to better understand and manage sciatica, as about one-third of patients develop long-lasting symptoms. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from sciatica and healthcare professionals treating them.

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This study looked at how a molecule called IL-1β affects lung quality during a process called ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP), which is used to prepare donor lungs for transplantation. Researchers found that lungs treated with IL-1β attracted fewer immune cells called neutrophils, leading to increased lung weight and changes in certain inflammation-related genes, indicating injury. These findings help understand how IL-1β contributes to lung damage and suggest that targeting it could improve lung preservation and outcomes after transplant. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients waiting for lung transplants.

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In this study, researchers tested a new method called the dTAG system to remove two specific proteins, CDK2 and CDK5, from adult mice and looked into its safety. They found that using dTAG-13 led to a quick and significant removal of these proteins in various organs without harming the mice's overall health; specifically, no serious side effects were noted except for some minor changes observed in the testes of mice with CDK2 loss. This matters because it shows that dTAG is an effective way to study protein function without the risks associated with traditional genetic methods. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists studying protein roles in diseases.

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This research looked at how patients were selected for pain management programs before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the shift to virtual sessions. The audit included data from 339 patients and found that more patients were accepted for treatment during the pandemic—indicating a broader approach to selection. This is important because it shows that offering both in-person and online options can better meet patients' needs for pain management. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking pain management options, especially those needing more flexible treatment formats.

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This study looked at how effective virtual pain management programs, based on acceptance and commitment therapy, were during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers found that participants in high-intensity virtual programs showed improvements in pain, depression, and coping skills, while those in low-intensity programs did not see significant benefits. This is important because it suggests that higher intensity programs may be more helpful for managing pain during challenging times. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic pain.

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This study looked at how well an online program using self-compassion techniques and acceptance and commitment therapy could help reduce feelings of distress in people with type 2 diabetes. Out of 91 people who showed interest, 55 joined, and only 33 completed the trial—19 received the treatment and 14 were in a waitlist group. The results showed that while some participants began the program, only about 47% finished, indicating that changes are needed to make the treatment more appealing and effective for a larger group in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients with type 2 diabetes looking for support to manage their psychological distress.

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This study looked at ways to improve how Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities document life-sustaining treatment decisions for veterans in long-term care. Researchers tested whether tailored feedback reports that included specific tips and comparisons to national data could help increase the completion of these important templates. They found that even with these tailored reports, there was no significant improvement in the rates of completed templates, with only about 12.8 to 25.5% of staff reporting they had seen the feedback. Who this helps: This research informs healthcare providers working with veterans, especially in long-term care settings, about the effectiveness of using tailored feedback for improving documentation practices.

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The study looked at how psychological factors impact pain, especially for those with chronic pain. It found that current research often misses clear connections between psychological causes and pain outcomes, highlighting issues with the data quality and the assumptions used. Improving how researchers think about these connections can lead to better studies and a deeper understanding of pain, which matters because it can help us develop more effective treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from chronic pain and the healthcare professionals treating them.