Alex Tsodikov

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This study focused on chronic ocular surface pain (COSP), a common issue that leads people to visit eye doctors, often linked to conditions like dry eye. Researchers believe that for some patients, the pain is not just caused by problems in the eye but also involves the central nervous system, which processes pain differently. They are studying 200 participants to see if certain symptoms indicate that the CNS plays a significant role in their pain, with the goal of discovering new treatments and improving the understanding of pain mechanisms. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic ocular surface pain by identifying new treatment options.

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This study looked at a new approach to help adults with chronic spinal pain and fibromyalgia, using a method called PRISM-CBT, which combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with activities aimed at building resilience. While there were no immediate improvements after 8 weeks compared to usual care, by 12 months, those using PRISM-CBT experienced a 7.4-point improvement in their overall symptom burden and had better control over pain interference. This is important because it shows that with time, this intervention can lead to significant, lasting improvements in managing chronic pain. Who this helps: Patients dealing with chronic spinal pain and fibromyalgia.

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This study examined how deactivating certain proteins called CDK12 and CDK13 affects prostate cancer and other cancers. Researchers found that when CDK12/13 were inactivated, it activated immune pathways that help the body fight tumors, leading to better survival rates and responses to immunotherapy. Specifically, this approach slowed tumor growth and boosted immune cell presence in tumors, which was crucial for the treatment to work. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer and potentially other cancers that have similar characteristics.

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This study looked at how long men with localized prostate cancer live after having surgery to remove their prostate. Out of nearly 22,000 men who had this surgery, about 27% experienced a rise in PSA levels, indicating a recurrence of cancer. The findings showed that men who had recurrence survived for a median of 14 years, and 70% were still alive after 10 years, which is better than what earlier studies found. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and doctors by providing clearer expectations for survival after treatment for recurrent prostate cancer.

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This study looked at two methods for estimating survival rates in prostate cancer patients: a more complex method called the Weighted Breslow estimator and a simpler one called the Breslow estimator. The researchers found that while the simpler Breslow estimator has been widely used due to its ease of use, it is less precise compared to the Weighted Breslow estimator, particularly as they analyzed data from prostate cancer patients. This finding is important because using the more accurate method can lead to better treatment planning and patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with prostate cancer patients.

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This study examined the effect of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening on reducing deaths from prostate cancer in the U.S. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 164 million person-years, finding that PSA screening is linked to a significant decrease in mortality, avoiding about 317,356 deaths, with reductions in prostate cancer deaths ranging from 46% to 63% across different regions. Importantly, more black men benefited from this reduction compared to white men in several areas. Who this helps: This research benefits patients, especially black men and those at higher risk of prostate cancer.

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This study examined how to best summarize pain reports from patients using a method called ecological momentary assessment (EMA), which collects pain data in real-time. Researchers found that using specific statistical models to analyze pain scores, instead of just dividing them into two groups (low and high pain), can improve accuracy by reducing errors by up to 50% and keep more detailed information. This matters because capturing the full range of pain experiences leads to better understanding and treatment for patients. Who this helps: Patients with chronic pain.

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This study looked at how different first-line treatments for advanced prostate cancer affect survival rates based on patients' initial health markers. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,100 men and found that, on average, patients lived about 18.8 months after starting treatment, although this varied greatly depending on their health status—those with poor prognoses lived around 5.7 months, while those in better health averaged 31.3 months. The findings highlight that choosing the right initial treatment can significantly impact survival, especially for men with poor prognoses. Who this helps: This benefits patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer and their doctors in making informed treatment decisions.

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This study explored how to better predict the chances of patients being cured or surviving their illness by using repeated measurements of certain biological markers over time. Researchers found that their new prediction models were more effective than traditional methods, providing more accurate forecasts for individual patients. For example, these models more accurately identified patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who might be cured based on their ongoing biomarker data. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic diseases, as well as their doctors, by providing clearer and more personalized treatment forecasts.

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This study examines how different treatments for chronic low back pain (cLBP) work for different patients. It involves 400 participants who will start with a web-based pain self-management program. Those who don't see improvement will be assigned to various treatments, such as mindfulness, physical therapy, or medication, for eight weeks, and they may switch treatments if they're still in pain. The goal is to find out which treatments work best for specific types of pain, enabling more effective personalized care. Who this helps: This research will benefit patients suffering from chronic low back pain by improving how their treatment is tailored to their individual needs.

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This study looked at a type of antibody called anti-neutrophil extracellular trap (anti-NET) antibodies in patients who have antiphospholipid antibodies but do not have lupus. Researchers tested blood samples from 389 patients and found that 45% had high levels of these antibodies, which were linked to changes in the brain's white matter and other immune responses. Understanding these antibodies is important because it can help doctors identify and manage complications in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome. Who this helps: Patients with antiphospholipid syndrome and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well radiation therapy works for men with localized prostate cancer across the Veterans Health Administration from 2005 to 2015. Researchers found that after 10 years, 96% of men with low-risk cancer were free from metastasis, and 98% were alive without prostate cancer, but only 62% of men with high-risk cancer survived overall. These results highlight significant improvements in treatment outcomes, especially for men with high-risk disease. Who this helps: This benefits patients with prostate cancer and their doctors by providing important survival and treatment outcome data.

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This study looked at why Black men in the U.S. die from prostate cancer at higher rates than other groups. It found that 38% of the difference in mortality is due to Black men developing cancer more often, 34% is linked to more aggressive tumors, and 22% stems from worse survival rates after diagnosis. This is important because it highlights the need for better screening and treatment options for Black men to reduce these inequities in cancer outcomes. Who this helps: This helps Black men at risk of prostate cancer and doctors providing their care.

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This study looked at how to improve survival rates for patients receiving different treatments based on their previous responses. The researchers used advanced statistical methods to analyze data from a specific type of trial, finding a more accurate way to estimate how different factors affected survival. This matters because it helps optimize treatment decisions, ultimately leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing treatment for serious illnesses.

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This study looked at children's brain activity to see if there are specific patterns that might predict whether they would develop chronic pain later on. Researchers found that 9-10 year-olds who later experienced multisite pain showed increased neural activity in certain areas of the brain compared to those who remained pain-free. This is important because recognizing these brain patterns early on could help identify children who are at risk for developing chronic pain. Who this helps: This research benefits parents and doctors by identifying at-risk children before they develop chronic pain.

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This study developed an instructional video to help patients manage a common type of dizziness called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Out of 771 people surveyed about dizziness, 124 watched and evaluated the video, scoring it an average of 9 out of 10 for helpfulness and understanding. This means the video is likely effective in encouraging patients to manage their condition independently and could be used in future studies to assess patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients experiencing BPPV.

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This study examined how the timing of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) affects survival in prostate cancer patients who experienced a rise in PSA levels after treatment. It found that among 125 patients who had previously received ADT, those who started immediate ADT had significantly better survival rates compared to those who delayed treatment, with a survival benefit marked by a P-value of .02. However, this survival advantage was not seen in patients who had not received prior ADT. Who this helps: This research benefits prostate cancer patients and their doctors by providing insights into the timing of treatment for those who have previously undergone ADT.

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This study looked at patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) and how well their left atrium (a heart chamber) functions. The researchers found that 36% of the 98 patients died during the average follow-up of about four years, and 56% experienced serious health issues like hospitalizations. Patients whose left atrial function was severely reduced (less than 15%) were about six times more likely to die and almost four times more likely to have serious events compared to those with better function. Who this helps: Patients with restrictive cardiomyopathy and their doctors can benefit from understanding how left atrial function affects their health risks.

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This study examined how effective prostate cancer screenings could be for men in the Bahamas, particularly focusing on high-risk groups, like Black men. Researchers used data from over 4,300 men and found that screening men once at age 60 could save about 500 to 600 lives out of every 10,000 to 14,000 prostate cancer deaths, while screening at ages 50 and 60 nearly doubled the tests but only increased lives saved by 15-16%. This is important because it highlights that while screening can save lives, there are trade-offs in terms of the number of tests needed and the resources available for healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for prostate cancer, especially those in the Bahamas and similar low-resource areas.

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This study looked at the genetic changes in patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, a difficult-to-treat blood cancer. Researchers analyzed data from 511 patients and found that major genetic pathways linked to drug resistance were affected in 45-65% of cases, and about 22% of these patients had specific alterations that made them resistant to common treatments. Understanding these genetic factors is crucial for improving future therapies and managing the disease more effectively. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with multiple myeloma and their doctors by providing insights into treatment resistance.

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This study focused on a new method for predicting how long patients will live based on ongoing health measurements. Researchers found that their approach, which uses a Gaussian copula, allows for more accurate predictions compared to traditional methods, helping to better forecast outcomes for patients over time. Specifically, it was tested with heart valve transplant patients, showing promising results for using their heart health data to inform treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients by providing better survival predictions for individuals undergoing heart valve transplants.

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Researchers looked at the increase in advanced prostate cancer cases in the U.S. since 2012 when national guidelines recommended against routine screening with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. They found that in 2017, the rate of new metastatic prostate cancer cases was 44% to 60% of what would have been expected if screening had continued. This indicates that the drop in screening likely contributed to the rise in advanced cancer cases, which is significant because early detection can lead to better outcomes. Who this helps: This study helps doctors and patients by highlighting the importance of prostate cancer screening.

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This study looked at whether giving caffeine during surgery can lower the amount of opioids patients need after laparoscopic surgery. It found that patients who received caffeine actually used more opioids—an average of 87 mg compared to 51 mg for those who received a placebo, suggesting caffeine doesn't help reduce opioid use. This matters because it challenges the idea that caffeine can ease pain after surgery and highlights the need for alternative pain management strategies. Who this helps: Patients recovering from laparoscopic surgery.

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This study looked at how different prostate cancer screening strategies can benefit Black men, who are at higher risk for the disease. The findings showed that annual screening for Black men aged 40 to 84 could lower the death rate by up to 31%, but it also increases the chance of unnecessary diagnoses. If screening is limited to men aged 45 to 69, it can still significantly reduce mortality, while lowering the rate of overdiagnosis. Who this helps: This benefits Black men at risk for prostate cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at new methods for predicting how long patients might survive based on changing health markers over time. Researchers found that using a specific statistical approach called a Gaussian copula for tracking these markers provided accurate survival predictions, and when tested with prostate cancer data, it performed better than previous methods. This matters because better predictions can help doctors make more informed treatment decisions, improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with prostate cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how common ongoing pelvic pain is for women who had a hysterectomy to treat chronic pelvic pain. Out of 176 women, 15 (about 12%) continued to experience pelvic pain six months after the surgery. It found that having higher levels of centralized pain before the surgery significantly increased the chances of continuing to feel pain after the procedure. Who this helps: This information benefits women considering a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain by providing insights on pain outcomes.

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This study looked at how patients with fibromyalgia symptoms responded after having hip or knee replacement surgery. Out of 150 patients, 48 showed significant improvement in their fibromyalgia symptoms, while 102 experienced little to no change. The patients who didn't improve tended to have higher levels of fatigue, depression, and pain before surgery, which affected their recovery. Understanding why some patients benefit more than others can help doctors provide better care. Who this helps: This helps patients with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis planning for joint replacement surgery.

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This study looked at how much of fibromyalgia's characteristics can be passed down through families, focusing on different ages and sexes. Researchers found that about 14% of the differences in fibromyalgia scores can be attributed to genetics, but this number was much higher (23.5%) in people aged 50 and younger, compared to just 7.5% in those over 60. This matters because understanding these patterns can improve how we study fibromyalgia and related conditions in the future. Who this helps: This helps researchers and healthcare providers working with fibromyalgia patients.

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This study looked at how different steroid hormones can help identify the source of high aldosterone levels in patients with primary aldosteronism, which is a condition affecting blood pressure. Researchers tested 131 patients and found that eight specific steroids were better than cortisol at deciding whether the problem was from one or both adrenal glands. In cases where standard tests failed, these alternative steroids offered a reliable way to classify the condition, potentially helping more patients get accurate diagnoses without invasive procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients with primary aldosteronism by providing more accurate testing options.

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This study looked at how to improve the diagnosis and treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) in emergency departments (EDs). Researchers found that after educational sessions and decision aids were introduced, the use of the recommended tests and treatments increased from 1.5% to 3.5% of dizziness visits. Additionally, fewer patients needed head CT scans in the intervention group (36.9% compared to 44.0% in the control group), indicating a potential gain in efficiency without increasing risks. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing dizziness and healthcare providers in emergency departments.

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This study looked at different ways to screen men for prostate cancer based on their prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Researchers found that using a risk-based approach, which means checking fewer men with low PSA levels, could reduce the number of tests by up to 47%, and reduce unnecessary diagnoses by up to 24%. However, this approach might also lead to 13% fewer lives saved compared to regular screening every two years. Who this helps: This benefits men undergoing prostate cancer screening and their doctors by providing insights into more efficient testing strategies.

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This study looked at a new way to measure how influential radiology journals are, called the "adjusted citation rate." Researchers found that this new measure closely matched the traditional impact factor for most journals, showing consistent rankings for the top three journals. This matters because it offers a fairer way to evaluate journal prestige by focusing only on valuable research articles, avoiding the influence of less relevant content. Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals who rely on journal quality when choosing where to publish or find information.

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This study focused on improving how emergency doctors diagnose and treat common dizziness caused by a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). After an educational program, doctors who received the training scored significantly higher on their understanding and use of the right tests and treatments for BPPV, with scores increasing from an average of 68.6 to 113.2 out of 200. This is important because better training for doctors can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, ultimately improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing dizziness, ensuring they receive proper diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how well doctors follow guidelines for monitoring prostate cancer in men after surgery, specifically focusing on PSA test results. Researchers found that adherence to these guidelines dropped significantly over time—from 95% in the first year to 79% by the seventh year. However, when PSA levels rose above 4.0 ng/mL, doctors were more likely to follow the guidelines, highlighting a problem where the screening threshold is wrongly applied in post-surgery situations. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have had prostate cancer surgery, particularly younger and Black men who may receive less follow-up care.

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This study examined the effects of self-acupressure on pain and physical function in older adults suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Out of 150 participants, those practicing real or sham acupressure reported significant improvements in pain levels and overall function compared to those receiving only usual care, with reductions in pain scores of about 1.27 units and improvements in physical function by about 4.83 units after 8 weeks. This matters because it shows that self-acupressure could be a useful tool for older adults to manage their knee pain and improve their daily activities. Who this helps: Older adults with knee osteoarthritis.

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This study looked at how cancer progresses through different stages, like diagnosis, metastasis (spread of cancer), and death, using a new statistical model. The researchers used real data from prostate cancer patients and found that their model can better explain how these stages are connected than previous methods. By understanding these connections, doctors can improve treatment strategies and patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors better understand cancer progression and improve treatment outcomes.

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This research examined the effects of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening on prostate cancer deaths using data from two major studies: the ERSPC and the PLCO trials. The ERSPC showed a significant reduction in deaths from prostate cancer by about 21%, while the PLCO found no clear benefit, with a slight increase in mortality risk of about 9%. This is important because it highlights how different screening practices and trial conditions can affect outcomes, suggesting that uniform guidelines could improve screening effectiveness. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing clearer insights on the benefits of PSA screening for prostate cancer.

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This study looked at how much brown fat (which helps burn calories) there is compared to white fat (which stores calories) using advanced imaging techniques on tissues from mice. Researchers found that brown fat has a lower fat density measurement (known as proton density fat fraction) than white fat, making it easier to distinguish between the two types of fat. For instance, the average fat density for brown fat was significantly less than that for white fat, which could help in identifying and measuring brown fat in humans and understanding its role in fighting obesity. Who this helps: This research benefits patients struggling with obesity, as well as doctors looking for better ways to manage weight.

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This study looked at ways to improve the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a common cause of dizziness that affects 8% of people with severe dizziness. Researchers aimed to ensure that patients received proper testing and treatment, specifically the Dix-Hallpike Test and the modified Epley maneuver, by training hospital staff over time. The goal is to document these procedures better, which can potentially lead to better patient outcomes and pave the way for larger studies in the future. Who this helps: This benefits patients suffering from BPPV and healthcare providers who treat them.

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This study looked at bladder cancer patients who had surgery and were monitored for how long it took for cancer to come back and how advanced it was at that time. The researchers found that understanding both the timing of the recurrence and the stage of cancer gives better insights into patient care. Specifically, they created a new model that helps predict not just when cancer might return but also how serious it will be when it does, offering more useful information for treatment decisions. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors in making informed decisions about cancer treatment and management.

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This study looked at how sensitivity to pressure pain affects the effectiveness of real (verum) versus fake (sham) acupuncture in treating fibromyalgia, a condition known for chronic pain. Researchers found that patients who could tolerate more pressure had a better response to real acupuncture, reducing their pain significantly, while those who were more sensitive had worse pain outcomes with real acupuncture and better results with the fake treatment. This indicates that understanding individual pain sensitivity can help create more tailored and effective acupuncture treatments for fibromyalgia. Who this helps: This helps fibromyalgia patients seeking more effective pain management options.

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This study looked at how prostate cancer affects black men compared to the general population. It found that 30% to 43% of black men develop early-stage prostate cancer by age 85, which is 28% to 56% higher than the general population, and they also face a significantly greater risk of the disease spreading aggressively once diagnosed. This matters because it highlights the need for earlier screening for black men to better manage their prostate cancer risk. Who this helps: This helps black men and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a condition called 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), which affects hormone production and can lead to various health issues. Researchers tested 114 patients to see if certain hormone levels, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, could indicate the state of the disease and related complications. They found that these hormone levels, especially in males with testicular tumors, were significantly higher—up to 6.8 times higher for one hormone—suggesting they could help doctors better manage the condition and foresee potential health problems. Who this helps: Patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency and their doctors.

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The researchers compared two methods for predicting how long patients may live after treatment: a complex "joint model" and a simpler "landmark model." They found that while the landmark model is easier to use, it may not be as accurate as the joint model in certain cases, particularly when tracking cancer patients. In their study, they showed that the joint model aligns better with patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of using more comprehensive methods for predicting survival. Who this helps: This benefits doctors who are treating patients with severe illnesses like cancer by providing better tools for predicting patient survival.

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This research studied a method to measure fat inside the chest, specifically focusing on two types: fat around the heart (epicardial fat) and fat outside the heart (extrapericardial fat). Scientists analyzed chest scans from 62 healthy participants and found that the average total intrathoracic fat volume was 141 cm³, with 58 cm³ as epicardial fat and 84 cm³ as extrapericardial fat. The measurements were consistent between two different readers, showing that this method is reliable and could help predict heart problems based on fat levels. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and researchers looking to assess heart health in patients.

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This study looked at two large trials comparing the effects of prostate cancer screening on death rates. It found that screening can lower the risk of dying from prostate cancer by about 25% to 32% compared to not being screened. Additionally, the benefits of screening increase with the amount of time since a man was screened. Who this helps: This helps men at risk for prostate cancer and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how much pain medication (opioids) doctors prescribe to patients after a hysterectomy and how much of that medication patients actually use over two weeks. Out of 103 patients, those prescribed opioids were given a median of 200 morphine equivalents, but on average, they only used about half of that. This research is important because it shows that doctors are prescribing significantly more opioids than patients need, which suggests that a more tailored approach to prescribing could help reduce excess medication dependence. Who this helps: This helps patients who undergo hysterectomy by minimizing unnecessary opioid exposure.