DONALD H. ROSENBAUM, DO

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This study looked at how integrating psychiatric care into a palliative care program, specifically the PEACH program in Toronto, can help people facing serious illnesses who are also dealing with mental health challenges. Out of 62 patients referred to the program, 48 were analyzed, with most being middle-aged men; common issues included depression and substance use disorders. This integrated approach is crucial because it can enhance care for vulnerable populations, improving their overall health and well-being. Who this helps: This benefits patients with serious illnesses and mental health issues, especially those in vulnerable communities.

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This study looked at how using models of patients' anatomy helps doctors plan and perform surgeries for children with tumours in the chest and abdomen. Out of 15 surgeries performed, 93.8% of surgeons felt the models accurately reflected what they saw on scans, and 80% believed the models helped them better anticipate problems during surgery. This is important because it not only improves surgical efficiency but also helps families and medical trainees understand the situation better. Who this helps: Patients, their families, and doctors involved in pediatric surgeries.

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This study looked at how stress affects the brain's activity related to ruminating thoughts, which are repetitive and negative thoughts. Researchers found that people who frequently dwell on past failures or worry about negative outcomes showed lower activation in important areas of the brain associated with thinking and decision-making, specifically in the left prefrontal cortex. This is important because it highlights how certain negative thinking patterns can impact brain function during stressful situations, which could lead to better treatments for mental health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with stress or anxiety, as well as their doctors and mental health professionals.

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The study looked at how two online mental health programs helped people cope with stress during the COVID-19 lockdown in Germany. They found that participants who did the positive psychology exercises had a notable reduction in anxiety, especially those without gardens, with scores dropping significantly over the intervention period. The research highlights that staying active, connecting with others, and spending time in nature are effective ways to manage mental health during stressful times. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with anxiety during lockdowns.

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This study looked at children with a benign bone tumor called osteoid osteoma located in the femur, focusing on how the tumor's location affects MRI results. The researchers analyzed MRI results from 35 kids and found that tumors in the femoral neck were more common in older kids, while tumors in the shaft were more common in younger ones. Notably, 92% of patients with shaft lesions showed a complete dark rim on their MRI, compared to just 17% with neck lesions, and fluid buildup was significantly more common in neck lesions. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and radiologists by improving how they diagnose and treat these tumors in children.

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This study looked at what causes burnout among emergency and internal medicine doctors and how to prevent it. Researchers spoke with 41 physicians, who noted that heavy workloads, constant interruptions, and feeling undervalued were major contributors to their fatigue. The findings show that creating better communication, flexible scheduling, and a supportive work environment could help reduce burnout, which is crucial to keeping doctors healthy and improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps doctors, particularly those in emergency and internal medicine.

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This study focused on improving accessible housing in Canada for people with disabilities or those needing accessible living spaces. Researchers gathered input from 49 experts through surveys and then brought 45 of them together for a meeting. They identified three key priorities: working with government to boost accessible housing efforts, creating resources to educate the public about accessible housing options, and encouraging collaboration among important groups to drive positive changes. Who this helps: This benefits people with disabilities, policymakers, and housing advocates.

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The study looked at juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a condition that affects children under 16, and how it impacts different joints in the body. It emphasized the importance of using various imaging techniques to identify JIA, particularly in the knee, hand, wrist, and less commonly affected areas like the jaw and spine. Understanding which joints are affected and how to image them correctly is crucial for making treatment decisions and improving care for these young patients. Who this helps: This benefits children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and their doctors.

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This study looked at the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) tools to help people quit smoking when combined with a counseling program. Out of 246 smokers, 24% remained smoke-free after six months, with no significant difference in success between those using VR tools and those who engaged in relaxation exercises. The findings highlight that while craving and the number of cigarettes smoked decreased, the VR method didn't enhance the quit rates as expected, suggesting that a stronger or more personalized approach may be needed to better support smokers trying to quit. Who this helps: This benefits smokers looking to quit, therapists, and healthcare providers.

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This study focused on how a specific enzyme called ADAM10 affects proteins on the surface of kidney cells known as podocytes, which are crucial for filtering blood. Researchers discovered that when ADAM10 was blocked, two key proteins associated with kidney disease, THSD7A and PLA2R1, increased in amount. Understanding this relationship is important because it highlights how protein regulation by ADAM10 could influence kidney diseases, like membranous nephropathy. Who this helps: This helps patients with kidney diseases and their doctors by providing insights into disease mechanisms.

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This study examined how different types of brain stimulation affect people's thoughts and feelings during stress. Researchers found that when participants felt more in control of a stressful situation, they recovered from negative thinking faster after receiving a specific type of stimulation (sham TBS), and their negative emotions improved more quickly with other brain stimulation types (continuous and intermittent TBS). This is important because it shows that how we think about stress can change how effective these brain stimulation techniques are in helping us cope. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience high levels of stress and anxiety.

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This study looked at how stimulating a specific part of the brain, called the Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex, affects people’s stress levels and their tendency to overthink when under stress. Researchers tested 88 healthy individuals, finding that people who often ruminate became more stressed after receiving a certain type of brain stimulation (iTBS) compared to those who received a sham (fake) treatment. Meanwhile, those who don't typically ruminate experienced less overthinking after the iTBS treatment than they did after the sham treatment. Who this helps: This research benefits mental health professionals and patients dealing with stress and rumination, particularly those with depression.

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This study looked at whether using psychedelics can help people who are grieving the loss of someone due to a serious illness. Among the 18 studies reviewed, most reported that psychedelics may help reduce symptoms of grief, but overall, there's not enough strong evidence yet to make clear recommendations. This matters because improving how people handle grief could greatly benefit those struggling with loss. Who this helps: Patients dealing with grief after losing a loved one.

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This study looked at how patients with psychotic disorders experience feelings of external influence, compared to healthy individuals, when given specific instructions and physical setups. Researchers found that 81% of patients felt a stronger sense of external influence than healthy controls, indicating that physical elements had a more significant impact on their beliefs. This matters because understanding these feelings could help improve treatments and support for people with psychotic disorders. Who this helps: Patients with psychotic disorders and their doctors.

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This research looked at how a method called Theta Burst Stimulation (TBS) affects brain connectivity, particularly in areas involved in cognitive control and emotional regulation, after people experienced stress from a social situation. In two studies with a total of 177 participants, those who received intermittent TBS showed stronger brain connections compared to those who got a different type of stimulation. The findings suggest that individual differences in people's tendency to ruminate—think repetitively about distress—can influence how effective this brain stimulation is. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with stress-related issues and mental health professionals looking for more effective treatments.

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This study looked at how a particular type of brain stimulation affects people who often dwell on negative thoughts (called ruminators) during stressful situations. Researchers tested 89 participants, dividing them into those who tend to ruminate a lot and those who don’t. They found that certain brain stimulation techniques increased feelings of stress in the ruminators after the first round of stimulation but not in later tests. Who this helps: This study helps mental health researchers and clinicians understand how to better address stress and negative thinking in patients with depression.

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This study looked at how a mindfulness-based training program helps people with major depression better manage their emotions and reduce negative thoughts (called rumination). After participating in eight sessions of this program, 40 patients showed significant improvements: their rumination decreased and their feelings of self-efficacy, self-kindness, and sleep quality improved. This matters because it shows that mindfulness training can help people in real-life situations by making them less reactive to stress and negative thoughts. Who this helps: This benefits patients with major depression by providing them with effective coping strategies.

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Researchers studied a new approach to help advanced pancreatic cancer patients by combining traditional chemotherapy with digital support for pain management, nutrition, and exercise. In a trial involving 132 patients from Estonia, Israel, and Germany, those receiving the personalized digital support reported better health-related quality of life after 8 weeks compared to those getting standard care. This matters because it shows that integrating technology and tailored care can significantly improve how patients feel during treatment, making their experience more manageable. Who this helps: This benefits pancreatic cancer patients seeking better support during their treatment.

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This study focused on a new therapy called PEARL therapy, which uses a substance called psilocybin to help patients with advanced cancer deal with distress. Researchers tested this therapy on 15 participants to see if it was acceptable, safe, and easy to administer. They found that PEARL therapy could significantly improve the quality of life for these patients and provides valuable insights for future treatment guidelines. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced cancer seeking relief from emotional distress.

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This study focused on a protein called ADAM10, which plays a key role in how cells communicate and how proteins on their surfaces are processed. The researchers found that ADAM10 is involved in many health issues, including Alzheimer's, cancer, and autoimmune diseases, and it can affect about 100 different proteins. Understanding ADAM10's functions and the diseases linked to it could lead to new treatments for various conditions related to cell communication problems. Who this helps: This benefits patients with diseases like Alzheimer's, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.

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This study looked at the effects of a brain stimulation technique called theta burst stimulation (TBS) on stress responses in 127 healthy people who handle stress differently. Researchers found that individuals who tend to ruminate (think negative thoughts repeatedly) experienced less stress as measured by lower cortisol levels when treated with continuous TBS (cTBS) compared to those who received a placebo treatment; specifically, high trait ruminators had lower stress responses than low ruminators. This research is important because it shows that brain stimulation can specifically help those who struggle more with stress and negative thinking, potentially offering a new way to support mental health. Who this helps: This helps patients who experience high levels of stress and rumination.

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This study focuses on palliative psychiatry, which aims to improve the quality of life for people with severe and persistent mental illnesses. The authors highlight that more practical research is needed to turn theoretical ideas into actual care practices. They emphasize the importance of involving people with lived experiences in developing this approach and addressing the fears mental health care providers have about using it. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe mental illnesses, their families, and mental health care providers.

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This study looked at how stress affects thinking patterns in people with depression, particularly those who experienced trauma in childhood and have social anxiety. Researchers tested 55 people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and 42 healthy individuals during a stressful task and found that depressed participants had significantly higher levels of rumination and lower brain activity in key areas (the Cognitive Control Network) compared to healthy individuals. These findings highlight the links between childhood trauma, social anxiety, and how stress impacts people with depression, which could inform treatment approaches. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and their doctors by providing insights into their treatment strategies.

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This study looked at mercury contamination in alligator snapping turtles from eastern Texas. Researchers tested 93 turtles and found that the average mercury levels were 1.16 micrograms per gram in their muscle and 4.21 micrograms per gram in their nails. Some turtles showed concentrations high enough to potentially harm human health if consumed, with levels varying significantly depending on where the turtles were found. Who this helps: This helps patients and consumers who may eat these turtles, as well as conservationists working to protect the species.

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This study looked at how a condition called "leaky gut" is related to irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C). It found that people with IBS-C often have increased intestinal permeability, which can lead to abdominal pain. Treatment with a drug called tenapanor, which affects a specific protein involved in gut function, may help restore the gut barrier and reduce symptoms in these patients. Who this helps: This research benefits patients suffering from IBS-C and healthcare providers treating them.

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This study looked at how stable people's tendency to ruminate, or dwell on negative thoughts, is over time by using a specific questionnaire called the Ruminative Response Scale (RRS). The researchers found that many participants changed their scores significantly when tested again, causing some to shift to different groups based on their rumination levels. By changing their recruitment methods to improve response accuracy, they identified that score changes might be effectively tracked using certain statistical measures. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and researchers who use questionnaires to study mental health.

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This study looked at burnout levels among doctors from different specialties during the COVID-19 pandemic. They found that 69% of physicians reported feeling burned out, and although surgical doctors experienced more work-life conflict, burnout levels were similar across all specialties. This is important because it shows that all doctors, not just those in certain fields, need support to manage stress and prevent burnout. Who this helps: This helps all physicians and healthcare organizations aiming to improve doctors' well-being.

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This study looked at how two types of therapy—hypnotherapy (HT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)—affect brain activity in depressed patients. They studied 75 patients and found that both therapies significantly reduced depression symptoms. Although there were hints that these therapies might change certain brain functions, the results weren't strong enough to be conclusive. This research is important because it begins to explore how hypnotherapy could work in treating depression alongside established methods. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with depression seeking alternative therapy options.

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This study examined whether therapists training to provide psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) should go through their own therapy with psychedelics, known as experiential training. The researchers found that while there can be benefits to this training approach, it also poses risks, including psychological harm and issues with equity and privacy. They concluded that making experiential training mandatory is not advisable, even though many programs already include it, suggesting that better strategies should be developed to manage risks. Who this helps: This helps therapists and training programs in providing safer and more effective healthcare.

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This research examined how the emerging for-profit psychedelic industry influences health research by providing financial support to scientists. The findings indicate that such funding might compromise the integrity and goals of research, posing risks to public health. This matters because it raises ethical concerns about the influence of corporate money on healthcare and scientific research practices. Who this helps: Patients and scientists working in psychedelic research.

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This study looked at how a specific part of the brain known as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) helps people focus and ignore distractions when they encounter conflicting information, like hearing a name while seeing a face. The researchers found that when the DLPFC was temporarily inhibited, participants had a harder time resolving these conflicts, showing a noticeable "Gratton effect," where previous conflicting trials made it easier to focus afterward, which only happened when the DLPFC was working properly. This is important because it helps us understand how our brains manage distractions, which can improve strategies for treating attention-related issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with attention disorders and helps doctors develop better interventions.

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This study looked at how people manage their emotions in everyday life and how different strategies affect their emotional well-being. Researchers found that using positive strategies, like changing one’s perspective or solving problems, led to better emotional outcomes and higher self-confidence, while negative strategies such as suppressing emotions resulted in increased stress and repetitive negative thoughts. Specifically, those who used good strategies had an easier time handling their emotions, while those who didn’t experienced more stress and difficulties. Who this helps: This research benefits patients dealing with stress and emotional challenges.

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This study looked at how forests in the western United States are struggling to recover after disturbances like drought, pests, and wildfires. Researchers estimated that about 3,470 square kilometers of disturbed forest may not heal or return to their original state. This is important because it highlights the significant impacts of climate change and wildfires on forest health and could help guide conservation efforts. Who this helps: This benefits environmentalists, policymakers, and anyone interested in forest conservation.

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This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the mental health of freelance musicians between July and August 2021. Researchers found that these musicians experienced higher levels of psychological distress compared to the general public, with many struggling to meet their basic mental health needs and showing less willingness to seek help as their depression worsened. This is important because it highlights the urgent need for tailored mental health support for musicians who faced significant challenges during the pandemic. Who this helps: This helps freelance musicians who are experiencing mental health issues.

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This study examined how orexin A, a small protein important for regulating sleep, energy, and immune responses, interacts with cell membranes. Researchers found that orexin A binds strongly to the membranes and changes its structure when attached, which is crucial for its function. This understanding can lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease by targeting orexin A's beneficial effects on inflammation and brain health. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurological disorders, especially those dealing with inflammation-related issues.

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This paper discusses the need to focus on both the promise of psychedelic therapies and the importance of accessible end-of-life care. The authors highlight that while psychedelics may help alleviate psychological suffering, it's essential not to ignore more established forms of care, which should be prioritized to ensure everyone has access to high-quality support. They emphasize that improving equity in care is crucial when considering how to make psychedelics available. Who this helps: This helps patients facing end-of-life psychological distress and advocates for more equitable healthcare access.

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This study looked at a web-based self-help program called Selfapy for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Researchers involved 156 adults and found that after 12 weeks, those using Selfapy saw improvements in their anxiety symptoms and overall quality of life, as well as possible reductions in treatment costs. This matters because it shows that online therapy can make mental health support more accessible and potentially less expensive for those in need. Who this helps: This helps patients with generalized anxiety disorder seeking effective and convenient treatment options.

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The study looked at how language use and social-economic background affect the performance of medical school applicants on a test called Casper. It involved 10,266 applicants and found that bilingual students generally performed better than those who only spoke English or who were learning it as a second language. Interestingly, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds actually scored higher on the test, and this pattern was consistent regardless of their language use. Who this helps: This research benefits medical school applicants, particularly those who are bilingual or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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This study looked at how the brain responds to stress in people with depression compared to healthy individuals, specifically focusing on a part of the brain involved in thinking and decision-making. Researchers found that people with depression had less brain activity when under stress, particularly in areas associated with processing emotions and executive function, with 77% of participants showing lower oxygen levels in crucial brain areas. Importantly, those who ruminated less during stressful times showed better brain responses, highlighting that how people think about stress can significantly affect their brain health. Who this helps: This helps patients with depression and their doctors by emphasizing the importance of managing ruminative thoughts.

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This study looked at how a specific therapy called Mindfulness-based Emotion Regulation Training (MBERT) helps people with major depressive disorder who often dwell on negative thoughts. Researchers found that this therapy effectively reduced symptoms of depression and repetitive negative thoughts in the 42 participants. They also observed increased brain activity in areas linked to emotional control during the therapy sessions, indicating that the brain is actively responding to this treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with major depressive disorder and their therapists.

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This study looked at how people naturally take the perspectives of others when judging space, especially when they see actions happening. Researchers found that when people's choices were inconsistent, it led to more brain activity in certain areas, indicating they were using more thought-out strategies rather than automatic ones. Specifically, inconsistent decisions triggered more activation in parts of the brain related to cognitive control rather than the areas typically linked with mirroring others' actions. Who this helps: This research benefits psychologists and neuroscientists studying social understanding and decision-making.