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Science News for November 12, 2016


Gut bacteria may be a trigger for antiphospholipid syndrome

Research findings suggest that gut microbiomes of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome show higher levels of phospholipid-producing bacteria, pointing to microbes as a trigger for the disease. The study identified Slackia bacteria as a promising candidate, which can produce phospholipids including cardiolipin.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 12, 2016

Men and women show sex-specific improvements after hip replacement

New research findings suggest that men and women have different post-surgical outcomes after total hip arthroplasty. Women who had improved functional recovery showed more abductor strength improvement and better gait function during walking. Tailoring rehabilitation to each sex may help patients achieve better outcomes.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

CPR skills low among older adults

Studies in the US and Denmark show that older adults are undertrained in CPR, with only 18% reporting current training. Higher education level and household income are linked to increased likelihood of CPR training, but there is a steep drop-off after age 50. The elderly often cite lack of knowledge and fear as barriers to performing CPR.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 12, 2016

First-line therapy with rituximab may lower mortality risk in RA patients with lung conditions

Researchers found that patients treated with rituximab as their first biologic had a lower mortality risk compared to those treated with TNFi. The study included 353 patients with RA-ILD and analyzed five-year mortality rates, with RTX-treated patients showing numerically lower but not statistically significant risks.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016

Myocardial inflammation elevated in RA patients

Research finds elevated myocardial inflammation in RA patients, with treatment showing potential to improve inflammation levels. Studies use advanced imaging techniques to detect and quantify heart inflammation, suggesting a link between joint and heart inflammation.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 12, 2016

Combination of NSAIDs and TNF-inhibitors shows benefit for ankylosing spondylitis

Researchers found a significant interaction between TNF-inhibitors and NSAIDs, with patients experiencing a 70% reduction in radiographic progression when used together. The study suggests that combining these therapies may be especially helpful for patients at higher risk of disease progression.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateNov 12, 2016
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Three gene sets could predict response to rheumatoid arthritis therapies

Researchers identified three gene expression signatures that can help rheumatologists predict which patients are more likely to respond to certain therapies. The findings could lead to higher response rates and reduced likelihood of ineffective treatment, ultimately improving patient care.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016

Women & long-term axial spondyloarthropathy patients at higher risk for manifestations

A study of 564 patients found that women with long-term axial spondyloarthropathy are at higher risk for extra-articular manifestations, including uveitis, which is significantly more prevalent in women (46.7%) and those in late disease stages. IBD prevalence was also higher in women (16.5%), particularly those with elevated CRP levels.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016

Staying on dmards through surgery does not increase post-op infection risk

A study of 9,362 surgeries on 5,544 RA patients found that continuing DMARDs prior to surgery does not increase post-operative infection risk. Researchers recommend considering medication continuation during the perioperative period to maintain better control over RA and reduce complications.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Use of statins before cardiac arrest may aid survival afterwards

A study found that prior statin use was associated with higher survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Patients with Type 2 diabetes showed the most significant improvement in survival rate. Statins were linked to increased survival to hospital discharge and beyond a year after the event.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 12, 2016

Urate-lowering therapy helps chronic kidney disease patients improve organ function

A retrospective cohort study found that chronic kidney disease patients who achieve target urate levels show improvement in kidney function. The study suggests that urate-lowering therapy may help stabilize or improve kidney function in patients with significantly elevated serum uric acid and moderate kidney failure.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016

Bystander CPR improves survival, neurological outcomes in US children

A study of over 3,900 US children who suffered cardiac arrest outside a hospital found that those receiving bystander CPR had better survival rates and neurological outcomes. Racial disparities in CPR provision were also noted, highlighting the need for education interventions to improve minority community access.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Most people with knee OA meet physical function level to walk recommended 6,000 steps a day

New research from the American College of Rheumatology finds that most people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) meet the minimum physical function level necessary to walk at least 6,000 steps a day. This suggests that many individuals with OA can adopt physically active lifestyles and achieve significant health benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Rheumatology practices differ widely on meeting quality measures for patient care

Quality of care varies significantly among rheumatology practices, with the largest gaps seen in osteoporosis and gout care, and some practices consistently performing well across measures. The study highlights the need for improvement in preventive care and counseling, and RISE provides a tool for guiding quality-improvement efforts.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016

Allopurinol does not increase chronic kidney disease risk in gout patients

Research found no association between allopurinol use and increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 3 or higher in gout patients with normal kidney function. Allopurinol may be beneficial for preventing renal decline, suggesting its safe use in managing gout symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Rheumatology·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateNov 12, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

CPR from bystanders associated with better outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatrics

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander improved overall and neurologically favorable survival for children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 cases and showed that conventional CPR provided better outcomes than compr...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 12, 2016