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Narcissism and social networking

A recent meta-analysis of 57 studies involving over 25,000 participants found a weak to moderate link between social media activity and narcissistic tendencies. Grandiose narcissists are more likely to frequent social networking sites, whereas vulnerable narcissism is associated with insecurity and social withdrawal.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalJournal of Personality·DateApr 18, 2017

People who trust their doctor tend to feel better

A meta-analysis by psychologists at the University of Basel found that patients' confidence in medical personnel has a positive effect on satisfaction, health-related behavior, and quality of life. However, the study did not find a clear-cut result when using objective clinical parameters or doctors' assessments.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2017

November/December 2016 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A recent study by European researchers found that patients with acute bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) had only slightly worse symptoms and returned more often to their physician than those without bacterial LRTIs. The authors conclude that these infections are generally mild and self-limiting, allowing physicians t...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 14, 2016

Smells like teen spirit

A recent meta-analysis found that all three sensory agents affect shoppers, but in different ways. Music is positively related to pleasure and satisfaction, while scent affects arousal, pleasure, and behavioral intentions. Retailers can tailor their environments using these stimuli to increase appeal.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 3, 2016

Study links omega-3s to reduced mortality

A recent meta-analysis in Scientific Reports supports the link between omega-3s and reduced mortality. The analysis showed a 9% reduced risk of all-cause death associated with high versus low omega-3 intake.

SourceGOED·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 22, 2016

Literature on cycads continues to accumulate

A study by April Cascasan and Thomas Marler reveals that cycad biologists have limited access to crucial information due to inadequate keyword use in historical publications. The authors suggest incorporating keywords like 'cycad' into article titles or index lists to improve discoverability.

SourceUniversity of Guam·JournalJournal of Threatened Taxa·DateMay 2, 2016

Reasons reported by children, youth for being on the streets

A global review of 13,559 participants found that poverty was the most common reason reported by children and youth for being on the streets, followed by family conflict and abuse. The study highlights the urgent need for international collaborations to prevent street involvement and assist those already involved.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 4, 2016

Antibiotics for appendicitis -- yes and no

A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials suggests that antibiotics can be used as primary treatment for mild appendicitis, reducing surgeries by 92% within the first month. However, recurrence rates remain high at 23% and long-term follow-up is needed to determine effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBJS·DateMar 18, 2016

Rice U research sheds light on Amazon vs. Wal-Mart competition

Researchers at Rice University found that consistent superior e-service quality is key to winning the e-commerce battle between Amazon and Wal-Mart. The study identified four core dimensions of e-service quality, including website design, fulfilment, customer service, and security/privacy, which strongly impact overall e-service quality.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateJul 14, 2015

PTSD common in ICU survivors

Research found that nearly one-quarter of ICU survivors suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a recent Johns Hopkins study. The study identified possible triggers for PTSD, including existing psychological problems and large amounts of sedation medication, and suggested using ICU diaries as a potential prevent...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateApr 20, 2015

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Women with type 1 diabetes at significantly higher risk of dying compared with men

A large meta-analysis involving over 200,000 people with type 1 diabetes found that women face a 40% increased excess risk of death from all causes and have more than twice the risk of dying from heart disease compared to men. Women with type 1 diabetes also face a greater excess risk of strokes and kidney disease.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 5, 2015

Review of nonmedicinal interventions for delirium in older patients

A meta-analysis of multicomponent nonpharmacological interventions found significant reductions in delirium incidence and falls among hospitalized older patients. These strategies also trended toward decreases in length of hospital stay and institutionalization, suggesting a potential cost savings of over $16 billion annually.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2015

Frontline diagnosis and treatment of infant infections

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that frontline health workers can accurately diagnose bacterial infections in young infants, but access to antibiotics is limited. The study suggests that improving diagnosis and antibiotic access can help reduce neonatal deaths in low- and middle-income countries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 14, 2014

Vitamin D deficiency raises risk of schizophrenia diagnosis

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that individuals with schizophrenia have lower levels of vitamin D than healthy people. People with vitamin D deficiency are 2.16 times more likely to have schizophrenia, highlighting a potential connection between vitamin D and psychi...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 22, 2014