DR. DAVID G. GOSS, M.D.

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This study looked at how the U.S. Army's Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program compares to traditional physical therapy for treating muscle and joint injuries in soldiers. Researchers found that soldiers in the H2F program were evaluated 33.8 days sooner than those receiving regular physical therapy and experienced better recovery, reporting less pain and improved functionality. This is important because it shows that a more comprehensive care approach can not only speed up treatment but also help soldiers recover more effectively. Who this helps: Soldiers recovering from injuries.

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This study looked at how the workplace can better support healthcare workers who have hearing loss. Out of 714 workers surveyed, 254 were in healthcare, with only 21% using personal assistive listening devices and 60% using American Sign Language. Many healthcare workers expressed a need for better accommodations like captioning technology and amplified stethoscopes, which could lead to better job satisfaction and patient care. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers with hearing loss, as well as their patients.

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This study looked at eye health research published in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2003 to 2022 to see who is writing these papers and if there are equal opportunities for local researchers, particularly women. Out of 1,777 publications, 6% had no local authors at all, 33% had no local first authors, and 45% had no local last authors. These findings highlight ongoing inequalities in authorship, indicating that researchers from high-income countries often dominate, which can limit the representation and involvement of local scientists, especially women. Who this helps: This benefits local researchers and health organizations aiming to improve the effectiveness and equity of eye health research in their communities.

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This study looked at how the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) team in the military provides care for Soldiers with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues, including injuries and recovery from surgery. Over a year, the team completed 4,862 medical visits related to MSK care, improving outcomes like reducing the need for imaging tests and speeding up recovery times. Notably, 93% of Soldiers returned to duty after surgery, and those with concussions returned to duty within three weeks of their injuries. Who this helps: This benefits Soldiers by providing them with faster and more effective recovery from injuries, allowing them to get back to their duties quickly.

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This study looked at how accurately certain measurements called minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) reflect meaningful improvements in patients' conditions within the field of ear, nose, and throat care. Out of 74 MCIDs identified from various studies, only 25% were considered credible, meaning that many of the commonly used measures may not accurately capture what patients deem significant changes in their health. This matters because having reliable MCIDs is crucial for both evaluating patient outcomes and guiding treatment decisions effectively. Who this helps: Patients and doctors in otolaryngology.

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Researchers looked at how patient preferences are studied in the field of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) medicine, focusing on different methods used to gather opinions, like asking patients what they prefer about treatments. They found 57 relevant studies from around the world, mostly using a method called "willingness-to-pay," which made up 58% of the research, while only 5% used "best-worst scaling." This information is important because it highlights gaps and inconsistencies in how we understand what patients want in their ENT care, helping to shape future research to better meet patient needs. Who this helps: This helps patients seeking ear, nose, and throat treatments.

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This study looked at how intense military training for eight weeks affected the feet of young adults in the U.S. military. Researchers measured different aspects of foot structure and function in 106 cadets at the start and after eight weeks. They found that, after training, the arches of the feet became higher, while foot function improved by reducing certain pressures and increasing forces in specific areas, which is important for reducing injury risk during demanding activities. Who this helps: This helps military training programs and young cadets by providing insights into how their feet adapt to rigorous training.

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This study looked at ways to automatically assess the skills of doctors performing ear surgeries, specifically focusing on methods that are partially or fully automated. Researchers reviewed 1,141 studies but found only 21 that met their criteria, most of which centered on a specific ear surgery called mastoidectomy and used virtual reality (VR) simulations to evaluate performance. The findings highlight that while there are advancements in using AI for skill assessment, most existing research is limited and does not effectively apply to a variety of real-world surgical situations. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and surgical trainees aiming to improve their skills in otology and neurotology procedures.

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This study looked at the relationship between blood lipids (fats and cholesterol) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a common cause of vision loss in older adults. The analysis included data from over 308,000 participants, revealing that people with early stages of AMD had lower levels of triglycerides and higher levels of HDL (good cholesterol), while those with advanced AMD had higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) compared to people without the condition. Understanding these differences helps researchers identify new treatment options for AMD. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with AMD and eye care professionals working to manage the disease.

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This study looked at how well physical therapists in the United States understand their ability to refer patients for diagnostic imaging, like X-rays or MRIs. It found that only 42% of therapists in states that allow these referrals knew about their rights; those in states with specific laws on imaging referrals were more aware (71.4%) than those governed by state boards (25.2%). This lack of awareness can lead to fewer referrals for imaging, which may limit patient care, especially since therapists who know about their referral rights are much more likely to use them. Who this helps: Patients needing imaging for diagnosis and treatment.

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This study looked at how people experience chronic coughs that either don't respond to treatment (refractory chronic cough) or have no identifiable cause (unexplained chronic cough). Researchers interviewed 30 adults and found that many had been dealing with their coughs for an average of 9 years and half reported coughing at least once daily. Over half said their coughs negatively affected their communication, social interactions, and overall quality of life, highlighting the need for better treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from chronic coughs and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at using a mobile app called the SWAY App to assess balance in military cadets recovering from ankle sprains. Researchers found that cadets with ankle sprains had lower balance scores compared to healthy cadets (an average score of 74.2 for injured cadets versus 82.7 after four weeks of rehabilitation), indicating that the app effectively tracks improvements in balance after injury. This is significant because it shows that a simple mobile tool can help monitor and support recovery from ankle sprains. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from ankle sprains and healthcare providers monitoring their recovery.

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This study looked at a specific training program called "Run with CLASS" to help U.S. military personnel recover from running-related injuries. Researchers found that after a 3-week training program, 160 service members improved their running form, with a transition from heel strikes to forefoot strikes, and reported better scores on functional assessments. This improvement is important because it could reduce the number of injuries and enhance overall readiness for military personnel. Who this helps: Active duty service members recovering from running injuries.

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This study looked at how tiny particles from brain tissue, called small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), influence the behavior of aggressive breast cancer cells known as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Researchers found that these brain-derived sEVs decreased the growth of the cancer cells but helped them become more invasive and more like stem cells, which can worsen the cancer's ability to spread. This is important because it reveals that factors from the brain can make breast cancer more aggressive, highlighting potential new targets for treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with triple-negative breast cancer and their doctors by providing insights into how the cancer spreads and possible new treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how adults with amblyopia (lazy eye) can improve their vision in the weaker eye after losing sight in their other eye due to injury or disease. The researchers found that 60% of adults studied showed significant improvement, gaining an average of 2.6 lines of vision on an eye chart within a year of the vision loss. This is important because it shows that even in adults, the brain can adapt and improve vision after such loss, opening the door to new treatments for amblyopia. Who this helps: This helps adult patients with amblyopia and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effects of Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitors, like netarsudil and ripasudil, which are used to lower eye pressure in patients with conditions like glaucoma. Researchers reviewed 170 studies and found that while these medications help reduce intraocular pressure, they can also cause side effects like redness in the eye, corneal issues, and even complications like eyelid healing problems. The findings highlight that, while some risks exist, these drugs may also offer new treatment options for certain eye disorders, particularly helping with swelling in the cornea. Who this helps: This helps patients with glaucoma and other eye conditions, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients right after surgery to see if it can predict cancer recurrence. Researchers found that in the eight studies analyzed, patients with detectable ctDNA right after surgery had a higher chance of their cancer returning, regardless of the cancer type. This is important because it suggests that checking for ctDNA soon after surgery can help doctors make better treatment decisions earlier on. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing critical information for treatment planning.

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This study looked at the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) across different regions of the world. Researchers analyzed data from 46 studies involving over 6,300 patients, finding that the global rate of HPV-associated NPC is about 18%. North America showed the highest rate at 25%, while Asia had the lowest at 13%. Understanding HPV’s role in NPC helps improve diagnosis and treatment strategies, especially in areas where this cancer is less common. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients, particularly those in non-endemic regions.

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This research study looked at how common human papillomavirus (HPV) is in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) around the world. They found that overall, 18% of NPC cases had HPV, but this varied by region, with North America showing a higher prevalence of 25%, while Asia had a lower rate of 13%. Understanding these differences is important because it highlights the role of HPV in NPC, especially in regions where it is not typically found, which can help guide future research and treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors working with nasopharyngeal cancer.

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This study looked at different methods for detecting genetic material from human papillomavirus (HPV) in the blood of patients with HPV-related cancers, specifically throat, cervical, and anal cancers. The researchers found that next-generation sequencing (NGS) was the most effective at detecting this genetic material, while digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) was also good, but less so than NGS. This matters because using the right detection method can lead to better diagnosis and treatment for patients with these cancers. Who this helps: This benefits patients with HPV-related cancers and their doctors by providing more accurate testing options.

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Researchers reviewed studies on using ultrasound during surgery to treat tongue cancer and found that ultrasound measurements of tumor thickness matched pathology lab measurements almost perfectly. Surgeons using ultrasound during the operation achieved wider safety margins around the tumor compared to surgeons operating without ultrasound, because they could see how deep the cancer extended into the tissue. This means ultrasound-guided surgery may be a better way to ensure doctors remove all the cancer while preserving as much healthy tongue as possible.

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This study looked at young people with osteoporosis to see if they also experienced hearing loss and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). The findings showed that young patients with osteoporosis were 52% more likely to have hearing loss and 58% more likely to experience BPPV compared to those without osteoporosis. Understanding this connection is important because it highlights the need for early screening and treatment options for these conditions in younger patients with osteoporosis. Who this helps: This helps patients, particularly younger individuals with osteoporosis.

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This study looked at how adults with amblyopia (a condition where one eye has poorer vision) can recover their vision after losing sight in the other eye due to disease. The researchers found that about 60% of adult patients experienced a significant improvement in vision in their weaker eye after losing sight in the other eye, with an average improvement of 2.6 lines on a vision chart. This is important because it shows that adults can still regain meaningful vision, suggesting that new treatments could be developed for adults with amblyopia. Who this helps: This helps adults with amblyopia looking for vision recovery options.

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This study explored the experiences of patients and caregivers dealing with primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1), a rare condition that causes kidney damage and other serious health issues. The researchers interviewed 16 patients and 12 caregivers, finding that patients often faced a long diagnostic process and experienced significant worries and social limitations, especially adolescents, while adults struggled with physical challenges. Most notably, those with late-stage PH1 found dialysis to be particularly difficult, and the burden of living with the disease was worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with PH1 and their caregivers by highlighting the need for better disease management and support strategies.

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The study evaluated an electronic Asthma Symptom Diary designed for children aged 6-11 with asthma, aiming to help them report their symptoms without relying on adults. Ninety-one children used the diary for 8 days, and the results showed that it was a reliable and valid tool for understanding their asthma symptoms, correlating well with other measurement tools, with internal consistency scores above 0.52. This is important because it allows children to communicate their symptoms directly, helping doctors better manage their asthma treatment. Who this helps: Patients with asthma, particularly young children.

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The study looked at how different ways to rebuild the tongue after cancer surgery affect patients' ability to talk and swallow. It found that patients who had less than 20% of their tongue removed did better with a simpler non-flap reconstruction, while those with 40-50% removed reported better swallowing with a flap reconstruction. For those with 20-40% of their tongue removed, the results were mixed and didn't show a clear advantage for either method. Who this helps: This information benefits patients recovering from oral tongue cancer surgery.

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This research reviewed 34 studies to understand how the distance from cancer-free tissue, called margin distance, in surgeries for oral tongue cancer affects patients' chances of survival and recurrence of the cancer. The findings showed that a margin of 5 millimeters or more generally leads to better outcomes, but margins of 4 mm, 3.3 mm, and even 10 mm can still provide good results, although these were less common in the research. This information is important because it helps guide surgical practices and may improve the quality of care for patients with oral tongue cancer. Who this helps: Patients with oral tongue cancer and their doctors.

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This study looked at how circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels right after surgery can indicate the risk of cancer coming back. Researchers found that in patients with six types of cancer, those who tested positive for ctDNA within three days post-surgery were at a higher risk of recurrence. This matters because it shows that checking ctDNA soon after surgery can help guide future treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients recovering from cancer surgery.

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Surgeons sometimes rebuild the head and neck after cancer or injury by taking tissue from the arm or chest and grafting it to the damaged area. This study compared how well patients' arms and shoulders work after four different types of these grafts, measuring disability using a standard questionnaire given an average of 20 months after surgery. All four graft types resulted in similar outcomes: patients reported minimal to mild arm problems and generally functioned well, meaning the choice of graft type doesn't significantly affect how much your arm gets worse after surgery.

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Researchers studied the impact of COVID-19 on surgical literature, particularly focusing on otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) articles published in 2020. They analyzed 907 specific otolaryngology articles and found that 64.5% were based mainly on expert opinion, but those backed by stronger evidence received significantly more citations and attention online. This is important because it shows that even during a crisis, quality research can be recognized and valued, helping to guide medical practices during the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps doctors and medical professionals in the field of otolaryngology.

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This study examined how a protein called eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3) interacts with specific regions of the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) mRNA to help it produce proteins. Researchers found that when another protein, eIF4F, is present, eIF3 changes its position on the mRNA, which is crucial for starting the process of translation. This discovery is important because it reveals a new way that viruses might use protein interactions to boost their ability to produce proteins, which could apply to other viruses as well. Who this helps: This helps researchers and scientists working on viral infections and developing treatments.

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This study looked at how federated learning, a way for hospitals to collaborate on developing healthcare algorithms without sharing patient data, is currently being used in medicine. Researchers reviewed 13 studies, mainly focused on cancer and radiology, and found that while the majority followed important reporting guidelines, 46% were at high risk of bias. This means improvements are needed to ensure that federated learning can be more effective and reliable in healthcare settings. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by potentially leading to better and more accurate medical treatments and decisions based on combined data insights.

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This study reviewed various strategies aimed at increasing racial and ethnic diversity among surgeons in the U.S. from 2000 to 2020. The researchers found that methods like internship programs, mentorship improvements, and changes in the residency selection process successfully boosted diversity, with more than half of the studies (54.5%) highlighting enhanced exposure to surgery among underrepresented groups. Increasing diversity in the surgical workforce is important because it can lead to improved patient care and better representation in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare systems by ensuring a more diverse and capable surgical workforce.

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This study looked at a rare type of cancer called adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), which affects the salivary glands. Researchers reviewed 55 studies and found that a specific genetic change, known as MYB-NFIB translocation, is a key driver of this cancer. They also noted other targets like cKIT, the EGFR pathway, and NOTCH1, but these have shown limited success in treatments. Understanding these molecular details is important for developing better therapies. Who this helps: This helps patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma and their doctors looking for more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how satisfied patients with advanced neuroendocrine tumors are with long-acting injectable treatments for their condition. Out of the 202 surveyed patients, about 91% were satisfied right after their injection, though satisfaction dropped slightly to 85% by day 14 and 28. Interestingly, nearly 69% of patients felt that their satisfaction varied based on who gave them the injection, highlighting the importance of the nursing staff in the treatment experience. Who this helps: This helps patients with neuroendocrine tumors and the healthcare professionals who treat them.

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A 20-year-old male military cadet injured his right hand while playing handball and was found to have a fracture in his third metacarpal bone, which is one of the bones in the hand. The injury was confirmed through imaging tests that showed the fracture clearly. This finding is important as it highlights how quickly and effectively injuries can be assessed and treated, ensuring athletes can get the care they need. Who this helps: This helps athletes and their medical teams to better address hand injuries swiftly.

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Researchers wanted to see if adding dry needling (a technique that uses thin needles to relieve pain) to regular physical therapy would help patients recover better after shoulder stabilization surgery. They studied 39 patients and found that while both groups improved over six months, those who only had physical therapy did show a bit more improvement in shoulder flexibility. This matters because it suggests that for post-surgery rehab, traditional physical therapy might be just as effective as adding dry needling. Who this helps: Patients recovering from shoulder surgery.

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This study looked at how certain features of honeybee combs, like the rounded corners and tops of the cells, affect the strength and performance of man-made honeycomb structures used in building lightweight panels. The researchers found that having a specific interface design improved the bending strength of the panels, while the rounded tops enhanced their overall strength. However, the shape of the corners did not help and even made performance worse in some tests. Who this helps: This benefits engineers and manufacturers looking to create stronger, lighter materials.

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This study looked at how long men should abstain from ejaculation before providing a semen sample, specifically focusing on the fluids produced by certain glands. The researchers found that men who abstained for just 4 hours had better sperm motility (the ability of sperm to move) compared to those who abstained for 4 days, even though there were decreases in total sperm count and volume after the shorter abstinence. This matters because improved sperm motility can be crucial for fertility. Who this helps: This helps men trying to conceive and healthcare providers who assist them.

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A 23-year-old military cadet sprained his ankle and, during his treatment, doctors discovered unusual small, rounded masses in his ankle that were not fractures. Further imaging revealed that these masses were made of cartilage and bone. This finding is significant because it highlights the importance of thorough examination and imaging in cases of ankle injuries to identify rare conditions that could affect ongoing treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients with unexplained joint issues and healthcare providers who diagnose musculoskeletal injuries.

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This study looked at a surgical method called tibiotalocalcaneal nailing to treat complicated ankle fractures in patients with diabetes. Researchers found that this approach had a high success rate, with 96% of patients able to keep their limbs and 81% maintaining the ability to walk after surgery. The average hospital stay was six days, and patients could start putting weight on their injured ankle in about 6.7 weeks. Who this helps: This helps patients with complicated diabetes who suffer from ankle fractures.

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This study looked at how different types of honeycomb structures made from polymer, composite, and metal respond to compression when tested at low speed. Researchers found that the polymer and composite honeycombs showed a strong change in their strength based on the speed of the test, while the metal honeycombs were less affected. This is important because understanding how these materials behave under different conditions can help improve their design and use in practical applications. Who this helps: This helps engineers and manufacturers looking to create stronger, more reliable materials for various products.

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This study looked at a 20-year-old military cadet who dislocated his left shoulder during an obstacle course, which also resulted in a significant injury called a Hill-Sachs lesion. Imaging tests showed that the dislocation and lesion were serious, impacting the shoulder joint's function. Understanding these injuries is important because they can affect treatment options and recovery for individuals who experience similar shoulder dislocations. Who this helps: This helps patients who suffer from shoulder dislocations and their doctors in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

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Researchers studied a case of a 26-year-old man who injured his shoulder during a military training class. After his injury, scans revealed that he had completely torn a muscle in his chest (the pectoralis major) and had a severe shoulder injury that included a significant tear in the cartilage. This matters because understanding these types of injuries can help improve treatment and recovery for athletes and military personnel. Who this helps: This helps patients and medical professionals involved in sports and physical training injuries.

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A 21-year-old military academy cadet experienced increasing lower back pain after lifting weights. Medical imaging revealed a fluid-filled cyst outside the spinal canal, called an extradural cystic lesion. This finding is important because it can explain the cadet's pain and guide treatment decisions for better management of back issues. Who this helps: Patients with similar back pain and potential cystic lesions.

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This study examined a new screening tool designed to identify military recruits at risk of musculoskeletal injuries during basic training. Researchers tested 292 recruits and found that those scoring 6 or lower on the screening tool were more than twice as likely to get injured compared to those scoring higher. This matters because it can help the military target support and preventative measures for recruits who are at higher risk of injury, ultimately improving their readiness. Who this helps: This helps military recruits and trainers.

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This study looked at whether using telemetry (a method to monitor heart activity) for patients hospitalized with respiratory infections—who didn’t meet certain medical guidelines for needing it—affects their chances of dying, how long they stay in the hospital, or if they end up coming back to the hospital soon after. Researchers found that patients who had telemetry stayed in the hospital longer, averaging about 3 days compared to 2 days for those who didn’t use telemetry, but there was no significant difference in mortality rates or readmissions between the two groups. This matters because it shows that unnecessary telemetry may lead to longer hospital stays without improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with respiratory infections by optimizing their hospital care.

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This study looked at how changes in self-reported physical function relate to a specific movement assessment called the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) in 85 participants who had musculoskeletal issues. The researchers found that as patients reported better function, they also experienced fewer painful movements, with correlations such as 0.52 for those with shoulder issues and 0.41 for those with lower back pain. Importantly, while improvements in self-reported outcomes were linked to less pain, they did not necessarily reflect better overall movement quality. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with muscle and joint pain.

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This study examined how consistently physical therapists score movement assessments using the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA). The researchers found that two therapists working together rated the same movements with good agreement on their scores, achieving a moderate level of reliability in 10 out of 15 movement patterns. This is important because it shows that certified therapists can accurately assess musculoskeletal issues, which can lead to better treatment for patients. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are undergoing movement assessments for musculoskeletal problems.

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This study looked at how often severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, happened in U.S. schools and who was affected. They found that there were 1,140 cases of anaphylaxis reported, mostly among students, with 89.5% of the cases occurring in children. The most common cause was food allergies, and notably, 25% of the affected individuals had no known allergies beforehand, which highlights the unpredictable nature of these reactions and the necessity for easy access to emergency treatment like epinephrine. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, particularly students who may experience anaphylaxis, and school staff responsible for their care.