DR. ANTHONY WHEELER, MD

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This study looked at how researchers and mental health service users can work together to improve the relevance of mental health research. It reviewed 28 studies on co-design and found that while some common values like social justice and valuing personal experiences exist, there are still many different ideas about what co-design means. The researchers recommend clearer guidelines to help more projects use co-design, which is important for creating effective mental health services. Who this helps: This benefits mental health patients and researchers looking to ensure research meets the needs of those receiving care.

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This study looked at how cervical decompression surgeries are coded in the English hospital records, focusing on whether the diagnostic codes used were appropriate. Out of 44,623 patients, about 32% were given vague or incorrect codes instead of the correct diagnoses like myelopathy or radiculopathy. This matters because accurate coding is essential for proper patient treatment, reporting, and healthcare planning. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers ensure patients receive the correct diagnoses and appropriate care.

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This study looked at how well a genetic risk score (GRS) and a combined risk score (CRS) can predict pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Out of 1,115 RA patients studied, 60 (about 5.6%) developed PF. The combined risk score (AUC of 0.75) was better at predicting PF risk than the genetic score alone (AUC of 0.62), showing that using both genetic and clinical information together is more effective for identifying patients at risk. Who this helps: This helps patients with early rheumatoid arthritis and their doctors by improving risk assessment for pulmonary fibrosis.

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This study looked at how traumatic childbirth experiences affect mothers' ability to breastfeed and their mental health, involving 93 mothers in an online survey. Out of these, 50 mothers reported experiencing trauma during birth, and those who received supportive care from healthcare staff found it helped their recovery and bonding with their babies. However, some faced pressure or challenges from staff, which negatively impacted their mental health and pushed them to seek additional help. Who this helps: Mothers who experience birth trauma.

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The study explored how mothers with substance use disorder (SUD) feel their drug use affects their children. Out of 23 mothers in focus groups, many shared that their substance use made it hard for them to give proper care and emotional support to their kids. They used different strategies to protect their children but often weren't aware of tools like naloxone that could help prevent overdoses. This information is important because it highlights the need for better support and communication between healthcare providers and families dealing with these issues. Who this helps: This benefits mothers with substance use disorder and their children, as well as healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at ways to improve hepatitis C testing and treatment for people in prison. The researchers found that certain methods, like simplified blood tests and quick testing at the point of care, significantly increased the number of people getting tested and starting treatment — for example, point-of-care testing increased treatment initiation by nearly ten times. Improving access to hepatitis C care is crucial because this virus affects many incarcerated individuals, and better treatment can help reduce its spread. Who this helps: Patients in prisons and recently released individuals benefit from improved hepatitis C care.

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This study looked at how pregnant people with opioid use disorder (OUD) view their pregnancies and their interest in contraception after giving birth. Out of 155 participants, 28% had intended pregnancies, while 30% were ambivalent, and 15% never wanted to be pregnant. It was found that those who intended their pregnancies used fewer substances compared to others, and 47% of participants were interested in highly effective contraception after delivery. Who this helps: This research benefits pregnant individuals with opioid use disorder and healthcare providers involved in their care.

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This study looked at cognitive impairment among adults receiving treatment for substance use issues in Australia. It found that 72% of these individuals showed signs of cognitive problems, with factors like neurodevelopmental conditions and education levels playing a big role in their mental abilities. Understanding these factors is important because it helps identify who might need further cognitive testing to better support their treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients seeking substance use treatment and the doctors helping them.

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This study looked at how the use of clozapine, a medication for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, has changed worldwide from 2014 to 2024 across 75 countries. It found that global average clozapine use increased slightly from 0.33 to 0.46 doses per 1,000 people per day, with the highest usage in New Zealand (2.99) and the lowest in Singapore (0.0007). The study highlights that while clozapine usage is growing, there are still large differences between countries, and having more psychiatrists is linked to increased use. Who this helps: This benefits patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia and their doctors.

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This study looked at how challenging behaviors in young children with rare neurogenetic conditions changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers followed 228 children over seven years and found that behaviors became more difficult, especially in families already facing higher risks. For example, children from higher-risk families showed a sharper increase in internalizing behaviors like anxiety or withdrawal. Understanding these patterns is important for supporting families during tough times. Who this helps: This helps families of children with rare neurogenetic conditions.

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This study examined how the Caribbean can better prepare for diseases spread by insects, like dengue or Zika, especially during times between outbreaks when little is done. It found that improving disease tracking, building strong community partnerships, and aligning research with policy can help create a stronger health system. The researchers emphasize that investing in these preparation strategies now, rather than waiting for outbreaks, is key to reducing risks later. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials, local communities, and patients at risk for vector-borne diseases.

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This study looked at how local networks of light microscopy facilities can improve research efforts. The researchers found that these small networks help staff feel more connected and provide quick support, sharing resources and mentorship in a way that larger networks can't. This is important because it enhances research productivity and collaboration while lowering costs. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and scientists who use light microscopy in their work.

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This study looked at how quickly the brain transfers visual information between its left and right sides in adults who had a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), commonly known as a concussion. Researchers found that those with mTBI had slower transfer times early on (P1 IHTT) and at a follow-up nearly ten months later, while later processing speeds were similar to those without injuries. Additionally, the MRI scans showed lower integrity of the brain's white matter in mTBI patients, indicating lasting changes in brain structure. Who this helps: This research benefits patients recovering from concussions and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at the experiences of pregnant and postpartum people of color with opioid use disorder (OUD) who participated in a clinical trial for a medication called buprenorphine. Out of 17 interview participants, the majority reported feeling respected and well-cared for during the trial, which helped them stick with the medication despite their challenges. The findings highlight the importance of compassionate and personalized care in promoting treatment adherence among marginalized groups dealing with addiction. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant and postpartum patients of color struggling with opioid use disorder.

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This study looked at the daily lives of 495 parents caring for children with rare genetic conditions by collecting over 18,000 responses about their experiences. The researchers found that these parents spend a lot of time meeting their family's needs but receive little social support and rarely engage in enjoyable activities, which affects their well-being. This information is important because it highlights the need for better support systems for these caregivers to help improve their quality of life and family dynamics. Who this helps: This helps parents caring for children with rare neurogenetic conditions.

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This study examined how a surgical method called tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing affects elderly patients with unstable ankle fractures. The researchers found that patients who had TTC nailing were able to put weight on their injured ankle just 1.6 weeks after surgery, compared to 9.8 weeks for those who had traditional surgery. Importantly, both methods showed similar rates of complications, meaning that TTC nailing allows for quicker recovery without increasing risks. Who this helps: This benefits elderly patients with ankle fractures, allowing them to recover more quickly.

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This study looked at how stress affects the temperature of nasal skin in healthy adults using thermal imaging, a method that doesn't require physical contact. The researchers found that when individuals experienced psychological stress, their nasal temperature dropped significantly; for instance, during social stress tasks, the temperature decreased more than during cognitive tasks. Understanding these changes helps us better grasp how stress impacts our bodies and could improve approaches in healthcare and stress management. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and anyone dealing with stress-related issues.

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This study focused on improving clinical trials for Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (AGS), a rare genetic disease. Researchers aimed to include feedback from patients and their caregivers to ensure that trials measure what matters most to them. They achieved an agreement among experts on key aspects of the disease's impact and how to measure it, which will help design better clinical trials in the future. Who this helps: Patients with Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome and their families.

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This research focused on improving how imaging data is managed in biological research, which is important for reliable and accessible results. The study identified key challenges in current practices through surveys and community feedback, leading to the development of a training program that includes three main topics: managing data, storing and sharing it, and submitting to public repositories. This matters because better data management will enhance research quality and create new job opportunities in the imaging field. Who this helps: This helps research technicians, scientists, and ultimately, patients who rely on accurate research findings.

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The study focused on measuring specific proteins called MUC5AC and MUC5B in sputum, which can help understand respiratory diseases like COPD. Researchers found that frozen spontaneous sputum could be effectively used for these measurements, leading to accurate results. This is important because it enables better tracking of respiratory diseases and helps in research across different clinical sites. Who this helps: Patients with respiratory diseases and their doctors.

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This research looked at how well surgical studies in New Zealand address the needs of Māori, the country's Indigenous people, from 2000 to 2024. Out of 254 studies reviewed, a staggering 96% were rated as low quality in how they considered Māori perspectives and leadership. This matters because it highlights a critical gap in surgical research, suggesting that Māori patients may not be receiving the appropriate care and support they need. Who this helps: This helps Māori patients and healthcare providers working to improve surgical care for Indigenous communities.

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This study looked at how breastfeeding affects the mental health of mothers who experienced traumatic births. Out of 501 mothers surveyed, 159 (32%) reported their birth was traumatic, and those who had positive breastfeeding experiences felt more connected to their babies and had better mental health. In contrast, mothers who struggled with breastfeeding reported increased pain and stress, which worsened their mental health. Who this helps: This research benefits mothers who have experienced birth trauma and healthcare providers supporting them.

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This study looked at how common bacterial and fungal infections are among people who use drugs by injection. The researchers found that 13% of individuals had skin infections in the past month and 30% had them in the past year. These infections are a significant issue for people who inject drugs, highlighting the need for better prevention and treatment efforts. Who this helps: This helps patients who inject drugs and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study looked at how well Māori and Pacific peoples in New Zealand are assessed and treated for cardiovascular disease compared to other ethnic groups. It found that only 49% of Māori and Pacific people received proper cardiovascular disease risk assessments, which is below the national target of 90%. While some medication access was better or the same as for other groups, adherence to treatment was lower, and these groups faced ongoing barriers to care, including lack of health literacy and cultural safety. Who this helps: This helps patients from Māori and Pacific communities by highlighting the need for better healthcare access and treatment.

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This study focused on improving how emergency nurses care for patients who self-injure, a behavior that is often a sign of underlying emotional distress. After completing a specialized training program, 60 nurses showed increased knowledge, empathy, and confidence, with their negative attitudes and feelings of burnout decreasing. One month later, these positive changes remained, highlighting the training's effectiveness in helping both nurses and their patients. Who this helps: This benefits emergency nurses and the patients they care for who self-injure.

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This research focused on creating low-cost and realistic models of skin and intestines to help train surgeons. The new training models were found to be over 90% cheaper than current commercial options, and they provided better accuracy in simulating human tissue according to feedback from surgical residents. This is important because it allows for more effective surgical training without the high costs associated with traditional models, making training more accessible for surgical residents. Who this helps: This benefits surgical residents and training programs by providing more affordable and effective training tools.

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This study focused on improving mental health support for caregivers of children with rare neurogenetic conditions, especially during the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers created a program called Project WellCAST to test various online support options and see which ones worked best for caregivers’ unique needs. The study aims to determine if using a tailored health decision-making tool and peer coaching from experienced caregivers can help improve mental health and support program participation among caregivers. Who this helps: This benefits caregivers of children with neurogenetic conditions, giving them better access to mental health support.

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The study looked at how certain genetic factors affect pain levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Researchers found that participants with a higher genetic risk score for pain experienced more pain and had higher disease activity scores, with those in the top quartile of the genetic risk score reporting an increase in pain by 0.55 points compared to those in the lowest quartile. This information is important because understanding genetic risk can help doctors better manage pain treatment and expectations for patients with RA. Who this helps: This helps patients with rheumatoid arthritis by guiding their treatment based on genetic risk factors.

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This study looked at how different treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) affected emergency room (ER) visits over six months. It found that patients treated with a long-lasting version of buprenorphine (BUP-XR) had 57% lower odds of visiting the ER compared to those not receiving any treatment, while those on a shorter version (BUP-TM) had 22% lower odds. These findings are important because they suggest that using buprenorphine can help reduce the number of ER visits, which can ease the burden on healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients with opioid use disorder and healthcare providers.

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This study focused on finding ways to better recruit and keep pregnant women with opioid use disorder (OUD) involved in clinical trials testing treatments for their condition. Researchers conducted interviews and focus groups and examined the best strategies for overcoming challenges in this process. They aim to improve how these trials are designed to ultimately support better health outcomes for mothers and their babies. Who this helps: This benefits pregnant women with opioid use disorder and the healthcare providers treating them.

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The study looked at how to better support women with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, focusing on both physical and mental health. It found that programs that include physical treatments alongside mental health support—like education, relaxation techniques, and yoga—lead to better quality of life for these women. This is important because it shows that addressing both physical and emotional aspects can make a significant difference in recovery. Who this helps: This helps women recovering from breast cancer and lymphedema.

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This study looked at a method for efficiently collecting a type of virus called adeno-associated virus serotype 2, which is useful in gene therapy. Researchers found that by using special membranes in a filtration process, they could recover 94% of the virus while keeping the filtration pressure stable at 3.5 kPa. This method is significant because it improves the efficiency of harvesting viruses, which can lead to better production processes for gene therapies that help treat various diseases. Who this helps: This helps patients who need gene therapy treatments.

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Researchers studied a rare type of tumor called cardiac paraganglioma found unexpectedly in a 59-year-old man during a routine health check. They discovered a large mass in his heart that was linked to high levels of certain hormones in his blood, which can cause serious health issues. This finding is important because cardiac paragangliomas can often go unnoticed and are difficult to diagnose, yet they can lead to serious complications, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and treatment plans. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart conditions and doctors involved in their diagnosis and treatment.

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This study examined the effects of a drug called NT-0796 on inflammation in the brain of Parkinson's disease patients. Researchers found that after 28 days of taking NT-0796, there were significant reductions in inflammation markers, such as interleukin-1β and C-reactive protein, suggesting that the drug effectively targets inflammation within the central nervous system. This is important because it shows promise for improving treatment options for reducing inflammation related to neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with Parkinson's disease.

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This study developed a new method to detect viruses, particularly SARS-CoV-2, more efficiently and at earlier stages than traditional methods. The researchers created a system using special membranes made from human cells that can identify when a virus begins to merge with a cell. This method is faster and can help screen potential antiviral drugs, increasing testing speed and accuracy. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and drug developers looking to create more effective antiviral treatments.

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This study looked at a specific enzyme from a tick-borne pathogen that is important for making DNA. The researchers found that this enzyme has unique features that allow it to function effectively in harsh environments, making it resistant to certain treatments. Notably, when this enzyme is actively working, it becomes 8000 times more sensitive to hydroxyurea, a common drug used to treat cancer. This information is significant because it reveals how the pathogen might survive in host organisms and could help in developing new treatments. Who this helps: Patients with infections from tick-borne pathogens and healthcare providers treating these infections.

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This study looked at a type of therapy called mentalization-based treatment (MBT) provided in group sessions within a community mental health service in Ireland. Results showed that participants improved their ability to understand their own and others' thoughts and feelings, with scores on a specific measure indicating significant improvements (an average increase of 0.54). Additionally, participants reported better psychological health and social relationships after the program. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking mental health support, particularly in community settings.

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Researchers studied how well the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III works for assessing children with Angelman syndrome, testing 142 kids in different locations and repeating the tests for 52 of them. They found that most areas of the test worked well, but there were problems specifically with the expressive language section due to the children's speech challenges, and scores changed significantly over time for most kids. This matters because it shows that relying solely on these scores can be misleading, and other assessment methods are needed for a clearer understanding of each child's abilities. Who this helps: This helps doctors and families of children with Angelman syndrome.

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This study looked at the experiences of 18 women dealing with lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, a condition affecting about 30% of survivors. The research found that participants faced significant mental health issues, physical limitations, and inconsistent healthcare services, highlighting their need for better support and awareness. It stresses the importance of a complete care approach to help these women with both their physical and emotional needs. Who this helps: This helps breast cancer survivors dealing with lymphedema, as well as healthcare providers.

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This study looked at online mental health treatments for caregivers of children with Prader Willi and Williams syndromes. It involved 80 caregivers who participated in three types of virtual therapy over 12 weeks, and the results showed that these therapies were manageable, well-received, and likely helpful for improving caregivers' mental health. This is important because many caregivers face mental health issues that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, and finding effective support is essential for their well-being. Who this helps: Caregivers of children with Prader Willi and Williams syndromes.

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This study looked at the use of intranasal nalmefene, a drug approved to reverse opioid overdoses, and examined cases of withdrawal symptoms that could occur after its use. Out of 246 uses of nalmefene, only 2 cases of withdrawal symptoms were reported, indicating that such reactions are rare. This is important because it supports the continued use of nalmefene as a safe option for treating opioid overdoses without a significant risk of causing withdrawal symptoms. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of opioid overdose and emergency responders who treat them.

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This study looked at how police officers view and interact with athletic trainers when dealing with work-related injuries. Seven officers were interviewed, revealing that while they respect athletic trainers, they often don't fully understand what they do. Officers commonly try to handle their own injuries because of pressure to keep working and lack of support, indicating a need for better resources and care in their profession. Who this helps: This benefits police officers and athletic trainers by improving injury prevention and support for law enforcement personnel.

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This study examines a rare complication that occurred after a surgical procedure called Girdlestone excision arthroplasty, which is used to treat severe hip joint problems. A 65-year-old woman experienced a dangerous post-surgery bleeding from a blood vessel called the superior gluteal artery due to movements during her recovery. Quick medical intervention was required to stop the bleeding, highlighting the need for careful monitoring of patients after this surgery to prevent similar issues. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and medical teams caring for patients undergoing hip surgeries.

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This study explored whether heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B) could improve heart rate patterns and reduce stress in people who have had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Out of 58 participants, those who received HRV-B showed a notable increase in their heart rate balance during rest and stress recovery, with their heart rate's low-frequency to high-frequency ratio improving significantly. Overall, both groups reported improvements in thinking skills and feelings of anxiety and depression, but the changes were more pronounced in the HRV-B group for depression. Who this helps: This research benefits individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries and the healthcare providers supporting their recovery.