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Woman develops rare life-threatening condition after liposuction

A 45-year-old woman developed a rare but life-threatening condition called fat embolism syndrome (FES) after undergoing liposuction. FES is notoriously difficult to diagnose due to a lack of standardized diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the need for clinicians to think outside the box and consider alternative diagnoses.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateSep 25, 2017

Finding a natural defense against clogged arteries

Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified PKC-delta as a natural protective factor that works against chronic inflammation in diabetes, which can lead to cardiovascular disease. The study found that PKC-delta suppresses the population of macrophages and inhibits a biological pathway that protects cells from dying.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalCirculation Research·DateSep 20, 2017

Scientists list 50 terms you may be confusing

A new paper defines 50 term pairs in psychology, including envy/jealousy and disease/illness, to improve psychological literacy. The list helps distinguish between related concepts, such as punishment vs. negative reinforcement, antisocial vs. asocial behavior.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateSep 11, 2017

Recommendations vary for vision screening in young children

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends vision screening for children aged 3-5 to detect amblyopia. However, the evidence for this age group is considered moderate, while it is insufficient for children under 3 years old. Early detection of vision abnormalities can prevent permanent vision loss in affected eyes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 5, 2017

Survey examines pubic hair grooming-related injuries

A national survey of pubic hair grooming habits found that 76.1% of participants reported a history of grooming, with 25.6% experiencing injuries such as cuts, burns, and rashes. The study's findings may contribute to the development of clinical guidelines for safe pubic hair removal.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateAug 16, 2017

Arthritis on the rise

A recent Harvard University study reveals that knee osteoarthritis has dramatically increased in prevalence over the past 70 years, affecting an estimated one-third of Americans over 60. The research challenges the long-held assumption that osteoarthritis is simply a wear-and-tear disease related to aging and obesity.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 14, 2017

Certain occupations linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that male workers in the manufacturing sector have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those in other sectors. Women working in certain occupations, such as assistant nurses and attendants, also showed a slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateAug 10, 2017

Midlife cardiovascular risk factors may increase chances of dementia

A large NIH-funded study found that middle-aged Americans with vascular health risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to develop dementia later in life. The study analyzed data from 15,744 participants over 25 years and found a strong link between midlife vascular health and the risk of developing dementia.

Risk for bipolar disorder associated with faster aging

Research suggests that individuals with a family history of bipolar disorder may experience faster biological aging. The study found that patients treated with lithium had longer telomeres, which could help reverse age-related changes. This association may explain the higher rates of aging-related diseases among bipolar disorder patients.

SourceKing's College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJul 26, 2017

AAP counsels pediatricians to focus on clusters of cardiometabolic risk factors to help obese kids

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends focusing on clusters of cardiometabolic risk factors, such as high blood sugar, hypertension, and obesity, to identify overweight or obese children at highest risk for cardiovascular and metabolic complications. Pediatricians should target youth with multiple component risk factors for more...

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 24, 2017

Additional studies needed to evaluate CVD risks of hormone therapy for transgender patients

New narrative review calls for additional research to better understand cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors in transgender individuals receiving long-term cross-sex hormone therapy. Studies suggest worsening cardiovascular risk factors in transgender men and increased thromboembolic risk in transgender women.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2017

Well-being in later life: The mind plays an important role

A recent study found that psychosocial factors such as depression and anxiety disorders have a stronger negative impact on subjective well-being in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,600 participants aged 73 and found that women living alone were more likely to experience low well-being.

Falls lead to declines in seniors

A recent study found that elderly patients who visit emergency departments due to falls are at risk for adverse events, including additional falls, hospitalization, and death within 6 months. The study highlights the importance of educating patients on how to prevent falls after discharge from the emergency department.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 6, 2017

Genes, ozone, and autism

A new analysis shows that genetic variation and elevated ozone exposure increase the risk of developing autism, with an added effect when combined. The study found that copy-number variation and particulate matter in the environment had significant individual impacts on autism risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalAutism Research·DateJun 23, 2017