New London

Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a periodontal hydrogel wound dressing called Emanate Perio PODS in people with generalized stage III periodontitis. The study aims to see if this dressing helps the healing process better than no treatment after cleaning plaque and tartar from teeth. Periodontitis is considered a chronic wound where harmful bacteria can invade the gums, and this study focuses on healing after scaling and root planing (SRP). Participants in the treatment group will use the Emanate Perio PODS device twice daily for 30 minutes immediately after toothbrushing and interdental cleaning. This device physically protects the healing periodontal pocket from bacteria during the critical healing phase, which usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes. By four weeks after SRP, the gum tissue is expected to mature enough to stop treatment. The device is only used after oral hygiene when the tissue is vulnerable to mechanical forces, minimizing patient burden and aligning with regular twice-daily toothbrushing. During the study, participants will be assessed for periodontal wound healing by checking for the presence or absence of gum bleeding 60 days after non-surgical therapy. Researchers will monitor safety and wound healing effectiveness while participants follow study procedures and avoid certain oral hygiene products and devices. The study includes thorough periodontal evaluations and digital scans to track healing progress over time.

Researchers are studying patient experiences, health-related quality of life, and decision-making in prostate cancer patients undergoing Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) PET imaging, a newer and more sensitive method to detect metastatic cancer earlier and more accurately. The study focuses on measuring anxiety related to cancer, decisional conflict, physical functioning, and health preferences in these patients. A secondary goal includes conducting in-depth interviews to understand patient perspectives on PET imaging. The study is conducted in two phases. Initially, participants complete surveys at three timepoints: within one month after their PSMA PET scan, at 3-6 months, and again at 12 months. These surveys assess psychological factors and health-related quality of life. In the second phase, a smaller group from the first phase will participate in detailed interviews to further explore their experiences with PET imaging. Participants provide clinical and sociodemographic information collected automatically from medical records, supplemented by manual entry if needed. The study measures changes over time in anxiety, decisional conflict, quality of life, and health preferences using several validated scales. Surveys can be completed electronically or on paper, and participants must have access to a mobile device or computer. The total involvement includes completing surveys over a year and possibly participating in interviews for a deeper understanding of their experiences.

Researchers are evaluating the use of postoperative sitz baths to understand their effect on pain perception and recovery after surgical repair of pelvic organ prolapse. This prospective, randomized controlled trial focuses on comparing pain intensity one week after native tissue repair between patients who follow a sitz bath regimen and those who receive usual postoperative care. The study also aims to assess patient satisfaction with pain management, opioid usage, healthcare visits, adherence to pain plans, and healing outcomes. Participants are divided into two groups: one group receives a warm water sitz bath treatment lasting 10 minutes each night for seven nights after surgery, and the other group receives usual care without sitz baths. The study involves women undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery performed by a urogynecologist, including both ambulatory and inpatient procedures. During the study, participants will be monitored and assessed for pain intensity using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Pain Intensity short form questionnaire on the seventh day after surgery. Researchers will also track opioid use, complications, and patient adherence to the postoperative pain plan. The trial seeks to improve postoperative pain management while considering potential reductions in medical waste and simplification of care. Participation includes follow-up assessments and evaluations related to pain and healing after surgery.