DR. THOMAS EDWARD GREENE, M.D

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This study looked at the effectiveness of physical therapy (PT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Researchers found that after 10 weeks, PT led to better improvements in daily function compared to CBT, but neither treatment significantly reduced pain intensity. After a year, switching to mindfulness did not provide additional benefits for those who didn't respond to the first treatments. Who this helps: This research helps patients suffering from chronic low back pain by highlighting the effectiveness of physical therapy as the first treatment option.

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This study looked at how quick changes in kidney function, measured by a test called eGFR, affect the long-term benefits of a diabetes medication called SGLT-2 inhibitors in patients with chronic kidney disease. The researchers found that understanding these early changes in kidney function can help predict how well the medication will work over time. This is important because it helps doctors understand which patients are likely to benefit most from this treatment. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors.

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This survey focuses on how LiDAR technology can be used to identify and classify damage on road surfaces more effectively than traditional image-only methods, which struggle in poor lighting conditions. The review highlights various strategies for analyzing this data and emphasizes the importance of measuring road damage in detail, mentioning established practices used by road agencies. Key findings and practical concerns for using LiDAR in real-world situations are discussed, aiming to improve how we assess road conditions. Who this helps: This benefits road maintenance agencies and improves safety for all drivers.

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This study looked at heart patients who received left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) to see which factors predict their recovery. Researchers analyzed data from 208 patients, focusing on specific genetic markers and clinical characteristics, and found that high levels of the gene called *LRRN4C* were linked to a lower chance of heart muscle recovery. Understanding these relationships can help doctors identify patients who may struggle to improve and guide future treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients with advanced heart failure and their doctors by improving recovery assessments and treatment strategies.

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This study looked at a new treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) called the processing of positive memories technique (PPMT). Over four weeks, 70 adults exposed to trauma completed daily surveys before and after the treatment. The findings showed that after PPMT, participants experienced significantly fewer PTSD symptoms (a reduction of 24%), less negative feelings (32% less), and increased positive feelings (12% more), indicating that PPMT can help improve daily emotional well-being for those with PTSD. Who this helps: This benefits patients dealing with PTSD.

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This study examined the actual sleep duration of adults who reported sleeping less than 7 hours a night, focusing on 195 participants aged 18 to 65 with elevated blood pressure. It found that 54% of these individuals truly slept less than 7 hours, and on average, they underestimated their sleep duration by about 29 minutes. The research is crucial because recognizing short sleep duration is important for addressing chronic disease risks and improving public health. Who this helps: This helps patients who struggle with sleep issues and healthcare providers aiming to support their sleep health.

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This study looked at how positive emotions might help protect people from developing PTSD during and after traumatic events, specifically among civilians affected by the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict. Researchers found that when people experienced positive feelings during the conflict, it was linked to fewer negative thoughts and moods, showing a protective effect (with a moderate correlation of -0.24). This research is important because it suggests that fostering positive emotions in stressful situations might help reduce the impact of trauma. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially those exposed to traumatic events.

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This research focused on a project in Springfield, Massachusetts, called the Gambling Awareness Research Initiative (GARI), which involved young adults studying the effects of gambling in their community. The initiative highlighted the importance of young people actively participating in research about issues that affect them, using creative methods like storytelling to make these often hidden problems more visible. The findings showed that involving community members creates strong relationships and generates meaningful insights that can lead to lasting change. Who this helps: Young adults and their communities facing gambling-related issues.

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This study looked at the Warrior PATHH program, designed to help U.S. military veterans who have experienced trauma. It involved 164 veterans and found that those who participated in the program showed significant improvements in their psychological wellbeing, reporting greater resilience after trauma and fewer PTSD symptoms compared to those who were on a waiting list. Specifically, veterans in the program had a large reduction in PTSD symptoms and improved their overall quality of life within 90 days. Who this helps: This helps veterans dealing with trauma and PTSD.

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This study looked at albuminuria, a protein in urine that signals kidney disease, to see if changes in its levels could predict kidney failure. Researchers analyzed data from 48 trials with nearly 86,000 participants and found that a 30% drop in albumin levels was linked to a 19% lower risk of developing kidney failure. This finding reinforces the idea that monitoring albuminuria can help assess how treatments are working in kidney disease. Who this helps: Patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors benefit from these insights.

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This study looked at how many days of monitoring PTSD symptoms are needed to get an accurate picture of a person's experiences. Researchers had 70 participants fill out a PTSD questionnaire for 21 days, both before and after they attended therapy sessions. They found that tracking symptoms for just 7-11 days could yield estimates similar to those gathered over the full 21 days, making the process quicker and still effective. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals by providing a more efficient way to monitor and understand PTSD symptoms.

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This study looked at how different feelings related to prolonged grief, like sadness and yearning, are linked to each other over time in people grieving the loss of a loved one. Researchers tracked 229 adults who lost someone about 30 months ago and found that feelings of yearning and sadness were strongly connected, while emotional numbness influenced other symptoms the most. Understanding these connections can help develop better support strategies for those grieving, making it easier for them to cope and adapt. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing prolonged grief and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at how two types of diabetes medications—SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists—affect kidney health and heart health in veterans with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that SGLT2 inhibitors better protect the kidneys for those at low risk of kidney failure, while GLP-1 receptor agonists are better for heart health in those at moderate risk. For veterans with high risk of kidney failure, SGLT2 inhibitors showed more benefits. Who this helps: This helps veterans with type 2 diabetes by guiding medication choices based on their risk of kidney failure.

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This study examined the impact of a housing assistance program for veterans at risk of homelessness, called the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. Researchers found that veterans who enrolled in the program had a 13% lower risk of dying compared to those who did not participate. Additionally, while outpatient health care costs increased by about $7,534, inpatient costs dropped by around $10,020, indicating better overall health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits veterans experiencing housing instability by improving their health and reducing hospital costs.

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This study looked at a treatment method called Positive Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers found that after four PPMT sessions, participants reported significantly fewer PTSD symptoms, with an average reduction score of nearly 1 point, indicating they felt better overall. The study also discovered that improvements in how easily participants could recall positive memories and how clearly they could share those memories were linked to better outcomes regarding their PTSD symptoms. Who this helps: This benefits patients with PTSD by providing them with a potentially effective treatment.

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This research looked at how sounds combined with visuals affect our sense of movement in virtual reality (VR). The study involved 44 participants who tried different setups: only visuals, only sounds, and a mix of both. It found that when people experienced the combination of sound and visuals, they felt a convincing sense of movement faster compared to just visuals or sounds alone. However, this effect weakened after multiple experiences, suggesting the brain starts to ignore the sounds over time. Who this helps: This helps VR developers and users seeking more immersive experiences.

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The National Toxicology Program studied the effects of a chemical called tris(2-chloroisopropyl)phosphate (TCPP) on rats and mice over two years. They found that high doses of TCPP significantly increased the rates of liver tumors in male and female rats and female mice, particularly at doses of 10,000 parts per million. This is important as it raises concerns about the safety of TCPP exposure for humans, especially since the study highlights potential cancer risks at levels higher than what typical humans might be exposed to. Who this helps: This helps patients and health regulators who need clear safety guidelines regarding TCPP exposure.

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This research looked at how a medication called vericiguat affects blood vessel function in patients with heart failure who have difficulty pumping blood. They studied 26 patients over 12 weeks and found that taking vericiguat led to a slight improvement in blood vessel function, with a 0.7% increase in flow, although this was not statistically significant. A notable decrease in a heart failure-related marker (NT-proBNP) was found with a reduction of 0.42, indicating a potential benefit. Who this helps: This study helps patients with heart failure by exploring new treatment options for improving heart function.

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This study looked at how quickly patients with heart failure were prescribed four key medications that help manage their condition effectively. Out of nearly 53,000 patients, only 21.2% received all four medications within an average of 197 days after their initial diagnosis. Importantly, Black and Hispanic patients had higher rates of achieving this therapy compared to White patients, and higher prescription copays made it less likely for patients to get on the quadruple therapy. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with heart failure, particularly those from different racial backgrounds and those facing financial barriers to medication.

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This study looked at how a program called Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) helps veterans at risk of losing their homes. Researchers reviewed data from over 238,000 veterans and found that those who enrolled in SSVF had a 12.9% lower risk of housing instability after 120 days and a 2.4% lower risk after three years, compared to those who didn't enroll. This is important because it shows that SSVF makes a positive difference in keeping veterans stably housed, which can guide future housing policies. Who this helps: This helps veterans who are facing housing instability.

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This study looked at how using decision aids improved discussions about stroke prevention for patients with atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that increases stroke risk. Researchers found that using these aids significantly enhanced the quality of the conversations, increased patient knowledge, and reduced confusion about treatment choices; specifically, the combined use of decision aids improved decision-making quality by 12.1 points and knowledge by 1.68 times compared to standard care. This is important because better informed patients are likely to make more confident decisions about their healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients with atrial fibrillation and their doctors by improving communication and understanding regarding stroke prevention options.

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Researchers studied a technique called Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) to see if it could help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. They found that after four sessions, participants (70 people in total) reported a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms (by 17%) and depression (by 13%), along with lowered negative feelings and harmful thoughts, while also increasing their positive emotional responses. This research is important because it highlights a potential new approach for improving mental health after trauma. Who this helps: This helps patients dealing with PTSD and depression.

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Researchers studied the salaries of doctors in different medical specialties and how those salaries relate to the percentage of women in each specialty. They found that as the number of women in a specialty increases, the average salary tends to decrease; specifically, for every 10% increase in women in a specialty, there is a 7% drop in salary. This matters because it highlights a significant pay gap that could affect women's career choices and earnings in medicine. Who this helps: This helps patients and women considering a medical career.

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This study looked at how three different diabetes treatments—insulin glargine, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and SGLT2 inhibitors—affect the risk of death and heart problems in over 161,000 veterans with type 2 diabetes. It found that insulin glargine is linked to a 57% higher risk of death compared to GLP-1 receptor agonists and a 55% higher risk compared to SGLT2 inhibitors, especially in patients with HbA1C levels under 9%. Understanding these risks is crucial for choosing the safest diabetes treatments and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers.

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This paper reviews 15 years of research on trauma and its effects, showing that many people worldwide face traumatic events, which can lead to various mental and physical health issues, not just PTSD. The findings highlight that factors like age, gender, and cultural context influence how trauma affects individuals. Early interventions can prevent severe reactions to trauma, but more research is needed on prevention compared to treatment options. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing trauma and the healthcare providers supporting them.

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This research reviewed several exercise programs aimed at helping adults with intellectual disabilities become more active and improve their health. Out of 9,034 studies, only five met the criteria for inclusion, and those focused on various forms of walking and exercise combinations. The review found that multi-component programs that included walking and aerobics significantly improved physical activity levels and body composition, but did not improve quality of life and had limitations due to small sample sizes and potential biases in the studies. Who this helps: This helps adults with intellectual disabilities by highlighting the value of community exercise programs to enhance their health.

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This study looked at how blood flow and pressure in newly created arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) affect their growth and readiness for use in dialysis. Researchers found that as blood flow increased shortly after the AVF was created, the size of the veins and arteries improved significantly; doubling the blood flow pressure led to a 9% bigger vein and a 5% bigger artery over six weeks. This matters because better growth of the fistula means it can be used sooner for treatments, improving patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients who need hemodialysis.

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This study looked at how multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) spread among nursing home residents in the U.S. Researchers examined 197 new residents and found that many were already carrying MDROs, and about 17% of the time, these germs were passed on during visits for therapy or other services. These findings show that MDROs can easily spread in nursing homes, highlighting the need for better prevention methods to protect residents. Who this helps: This benefits nursing home patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to improve the collection and sharing of data from trauma-related research by following the FAIR principles, which focus on making data easy to find, access, and share. The researchers highlighted the importance of proper design and data handling in studies that track trauma symptoms in real-life settings, noting that challenges like privacy concerns can complicate these efforts. By suggesting best practices for researchers, this work aims to enhance the overall understanding of trauma and its effects. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and ultimately the patients experiencing trauma by enhancing the quality of trauma research.

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This study focused on improving the way researchers assess the quality of questions used in a method called experience sampling, which gathers data on people's daily lives. The researchers, involving 42 experts, created a tool called ESM-Q that includes 10 key criteria and 15 additional optional criteria for evaluating these questions. This matters because it helps ensure that the questions used in research are clear and reliable, which can lead to better data and insights about people's experiences. Who this helps: This helps researchers who use experience sampling in their studies.

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This study looked at vision loss and blindness in men and women over 50 in the United States, analyzing data from over 14 million eye exams conducted in 2018. It found that women are more likely than men to experience vision loss, with women having a 54% higher chance of being blind compared to men, and higher rates of vision loss due to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. This is important because understanding these differences can help improve eye care and treatment strategies for each gender. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially older women and those with eye diseases.

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This study looked at how kidney function affects treatment outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Researchers found that both short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) changes in kidney function each play a significant role in predicting whether a treatment will prevent serious issues like kidney failure. Specifically, they noted that a decline in kidney function of 1 unit in the short-term could increase the risk of severe outcomes by about 11.4%. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and researchers working with CKD patients by improving treatment evaluation.

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This article discusses how recent political decisions in the U.S. are affecting trauma both in the country and around the world. The authors highlight that these choices can increase the risk of trauma, whether it’s from individual events or larger disasters, and can also hinder research and treatment for those affected. This matters because it shows that leadership actions can lead to widespread health concerns affecting many lives. Who this helps: This helps patients affected by trauma and the professionals who support them.

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This study looked at the mental health impact on family members living with healthcare workers in the UK, specifically focusing on "secondary traumatic stress" (STS) that those family members may experience. The research found that 33.8% of these household members reported severe levels of STS, with female spouses of healthcare workers in clinical roles being the most affected. This is important because it highlights the need for better support not just for healthcare workers, but also for their families who are adversely affected by the stress of caregiving. Who this helps: This helps patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.

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This study looked at a program called "Not Deciding Alone," designed to help Inuit individuals make informed health decisions. Researchers trained community health representatives and created a radio show, finding that all participating health representatives had a positive experience, and most survey respondents from the radio show found it helpful and informative for making future health choices. Ultimately, this program showed promise in supporting health decision-making for the Inuit community, enhancing their confidence and knowledge. Who this helps: Inuit patients and their families.

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This study explored how patients with oropharyngeal cancer view the HPV vaccine. The researchers interviewed 14 patients and found that many lacked knowledge about HPV and felt stigma around it, which contributed to low vaccination rates—only 58% of young women and 35% of young men in the U.S. were vaccinated in 2022. These insights are important as targeting these gaps can help increase awareness and vaccination rates, potentially preventing more HPV-related cancers in the future. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health advocates working to increase HPV vaccination rates.

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This study examined how the support people receive from others impacts their feelings and mental health. Researchers tracked 88 adults who had experienced trauma by asking them about their mood and the support they received multiple times a day for a week. They found that receiving help—both emotional and practical—tended to improve people's positive feelings, while practical support could also lower negative feelings at times. Who this helps: This helps trauma survivors seeking better mental health support.

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This study looked at how different diabetes medications affect stomach issues in veterans with type 2 diabetes. It found that veterans taking GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) had a higher risk of gastroparesis compared to those on SGLT2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and insulin glargine, with a hazard ratio of 1.65 compared to SGLT2i. Importantly, while GLP-1RA was linked to a lower risk of death, insulin glargine had higher risks for both gastroparesis and intestinal obstruction, with a hazard ratio of 1.26 for the latter. Who this helps: This research benefits veterans with type 2 diabetes and their healthcare providers by guiding medication choices based on risk factors.

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This study looked at how to better understand the effects of treatments for chronic kidney disease by using an earlier, measurable outcome called the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) instead of waiting for long-term results. The researchers created a new statistical method that helps to analyze both how GFR changes over time and the risk of serious events like kidney failure or death. When they applied this method to data from a specific trial, they were able to effectively estimate treatment effects on GFR slope, showing that the approach works well and could lead to quicker insights into treatment benefits. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors by providing faster and more accurate information about treatment effectiveness.

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This study explored how certain chemical groups (specifically chalcogen-phosphorus) affect a specific chemical reaction called Bergman cyclization. Researchers found that adding these groups lowers the energy needed for the reaction to occur, which makes it more likely to happen. For example, the energy needed for the reaction dropped from 7.84 to 6.07, 3.71, and 3.47 kcal/mol when using oxygen, sulfur, and selenium, respectively. These findings are important because they can help scientists understand and potentially improve chemical reactions important for creating new materials or medicines. Who this helps: This helps researchers and chemists developing new drugs and materials.

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This research looked at how kidney function, measured by the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), can be effectively tracked in patients with heart failure. The study found that recognizing slowing declines in GFR, whether as an average yearly decrease or time to significant declines, can help assess kidney health and improve treatment for these patients. This is important because even though therapies for heart failure can initially lower GFR, understanding the long-term kidney benefits of these treatments can lead to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients with heart failure and chronic kidney disease, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at how the amount of fludarabine, a drug used before CAR-T treatment, affects patient outcomes and side effects in people with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma receiving idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel). Out of 285 patients, the results showed that higher fludarabine levels were linked to a greater risk of grade 1 or higher cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), and severe low blood platelets, along with other serious side effects. Understanding fludarabine exposure helps develop better dosing strategies to reduce side effects and improve treatment success. Who this helps: Patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.

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This study compared the effectiveness and safety of three diabetes medications—liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide—in veterans with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that all three medications had similar risks for kidney and heart-related issues, but liraglutide was linked to a lower risk of death compared to semaglutide and dulaglutide. This is important because it helps inform medical professionals about which medication might be safer for certain patients. Who this helps: Patients with type 2 diabetes, especially veterans.

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This study looked at how different blood pressure treatments affect the risk of heart-related issues in people without existing heart disease. It involved 6,554 participants and found that those at higher risk for cardiovascular disease benefited more from intensive blood pressure control (keeping it below 120 mm Hg) compared to standard treatment (keeping it below 140 mm Hg). Specifically, patients with high risk saw a 2.4% greater benefit over four years, which shows that tailored blood pressure management can significantly impact overall health. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for heart disease, helping them receive more effective treatment.

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Researchers developed a shorter version of an existing questionnaire called the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, which helps measure personal growth after experiencing trauma. They tested the new 10-item version with over 2,000 adults and found it effectively captures the same aspects of growth as the longer version. This is important because it gives doctors and therapists a quick and reliable tool to understand how their patients are coping with adversity. Who this helps: This helps patients and mental health professionals assess trauma recovery more efficiently.

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This study looked at how red blood cells (RBCs) behave in people with diabetes compared to those without. Researchers found that people with diabetes tend to have red blood cells that stick together more (higher aggregation index of 75) than those without diabetes (index of 71), especially in people with type 2 diabetes (index of 77), which impacts how well these cells can deliver oxygen. Understanding these changes is important because it can help in developing better strategies to reduce vascular risks for diabetes patients. Who this helps: Patients with diabetes.

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This study looked at how lifestyle, medication use, and age affect acne in young people aged 12 to 24. Researchers found that most participants with acne felt their condition improved over six weeks, with 69% reporting better skin. Additionally, those who took acne medication every day had better emotions and increased their fruit and vegetable intake from an average of 2.4 to 3.0 servings per day. Who this helps: This research benefits teenagers and young adults struggling with acne, as well as their doctors.

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This study looked at different ways to deliver at-home COVID-19 testing using digital methods, including text messaging, chatbots, and patient navigation help. The research found that simple text messages led to requests for test kits from 52.1% of participants compared to only 16.6% for chatbots. Additionally, texting reminders every 10 days increased kit requests slightly, but more people opted out of the program from that frequency than from reminders every 30 days. Who this helps: This helps patients who want easier access to COVID-19 testing at home.