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Corticosteroid use does not appear to increase infectious complications in non-COVID-19 pneumonia

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that adjunct corticosteroids probably reduce short-term mortality in cases of severe pneumonia and ARDS, but have little effect on hospital-acquired infections. The evidence suggests that there is no increased risk of infectious complications with corticosteroid use for non-COVID-19 pneumonia.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article

Smarter sepsis care: Deep learning model guides steroid treatment decisions

A deep learning model developed by researchers identified subgroups of ICU patients with sepsis who could benefit from corticosteroid therapy. Patients with severe metabolic acidosis and circulatory dysfunction benefited the most from treatment.

SourceJournal of Intensive Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Pediatric investigation study identifies the optimal dose of methylprednisolone for treating severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia

Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial to compare low- and high-dose methylprednisolone with azithromycin for treating severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia. The study found that lower dose regimen of glucocorticoids is sufficient, equally effective, and safer than the high dose regimen.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Common medication for lung cancer symptoms found to limit effectiveness of cancer treatment

Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC found that high doses of corticosteroids can limit the effectiveness of immunotherapies in treating non-small cell lung cancer. Corticosteroids, commonly prescribed for symptom management, were shown to stop T-cells from maturing, reducing their ability to attack cancer cells.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences

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.

New golden standard for medicine safety during breastfeeding

A new protocol has been developed to establish a safer standard for medication use during breastfeeding. The study focuses on the concentration of prednisolone and metformin in breast milk and infant plasma, addressing a significant knowledge gap in human lactation studies.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBMJ Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods may face higher incidence rates of asthma with recurrent exacerbations, NIH study finds

A new NIH study found that children born in lower-opportunity neighborhoods are more likely to experience repeated asthma flares requiring emergency care. Non-Hispanic Black children have the highest incidence rates of severe childhood asthma, also known as asthma with recurrent exacerbations (ARE).

SourceEnvironmental influences on Child Health Outcomes·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·TypeObservational study

Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use for COPD linked to serious long-term health risks

Long-term inhaled corticosteroid use increases risk of type 2 diabetes, cataracts, pneumonia, osteoporosis, and fractures in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Long-term ICS users are nearly three times as likely to develop recurrent cases of pneumonia and fractures.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine

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.

Pediatric investigation study releases updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection

The Chinese Medical Association has released updated guidelines for pediatric mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, emphasizing a multi-faceted diagnostic approach and evidence-based treatment strategies. The guidelines highlight the importance of accurate diagnosis and responsible antibiotic use to combat rising resistance.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSystematic review

New study supports caution regarding use of steroids

A new study of 2,900 patients with lupus pericarditis found that using corticosteroids increases the risk of recurring pericarditis. The study suggests minimizing corticosteroid use and exploring alternative treatments to reduce recurrence rates.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open

A common steroid therapy may influence brain development in preterm infants

Research reveals that antenatal corticosteroids can lead to smaller volumes of key brain areas in preterm infants, affecting emotion processing and motor control. The study suggests a delicate balance between benefits for respiratory health and potential risks to neurological development.

SourceNagoya University·JournalEuropean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology

HLA-DRB1*01:03 and severe ulcerative colitis

A study found that HLA-DRB1*01:03 is associated with severe ulcerative colitis, requiring major operations and systemic corticosteroid use. The allele has previously been linked to ulcerative colitis incidence, supporting earlier genetic studies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Recurrent wheezing in children linked to 'silent' viral infections

Research from the University of Virginia School of Medicine reveals that nearly a quarter of children with recurrent wheezing have undetected lung infections that do not respond to commonly prescribed steroids. The study suggests that antiviral medications such as azithromycin may be a more effective treatment for these cases.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

New drug could help those with CAH reduce the use of corticosteroids

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that crinecerfont reduces adrenal androgen production by half in adults with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH), allowing for lower doses of corticosteroids. This could lead to fewer long-term side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroid use.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine

Bisoprolol in patients with COPD at high risk of exacerbation

Treatment with bisoprolol did not reduce self-reported COPD exacerbations, contradicting previous expectations. Researchers found bisoprolol effective for cardiovascular conditions but noted physician reluctance to prescribe it for COPD patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Follow-up 50 years on finds landmark steroid study remains safe

A new study has found that corticosteroid injections given to pregnant women at risk of early birth do not lead to long-term cardiovascular health consequences. The analysis of 424 infants born in the 1960s and 1970s found no evidence of adverse consequences for pre-diabetes, diabetes, or cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis

Hospital care at home benefits medically complex, socially vulnerable patients

A study of over 5,000 adults found that acute hospital care at home (AHCaH) is associated with low mortality, escalation, and readmission rates among medically complex and socially vulnerable patients. AHCaH was also linked to improved experiences and physical activity levels.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Do steroid creams affect bone health?

Researchers found a clear dose-response relationship between long-term topical corticosteroid use and elevated risks of osteoporosis and major osteoporotic fractures. Women under 50 had higher risks compared to men and other age groups, emphasizing the importance of careful treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

A novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory

AG5, a novel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, has been developed by a multidisciplinary team to inhibit the cytokine storm like corticosteroids but preserve innate immunity. It has shown promise in animal models of inflammation and is expected to be useful in treating chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalBiomedicine & Pharmacotherapy·TypeMeta-analysis

New study calls into question the superiority of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain

A recent study published in Nature Medicine calls into question the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for treating knee pain. While some patients showed improvement, there was no significant advantage found in using stem cell therapies compared to corticosteroid injections over a one-year period.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New studies shed more light on potential risks of antenatal steroids

Two new studies examine the health risks of antenatal steroid treatment for premature infants, revealing increased risk of serious infection and long-term health issues. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to exercise caution when considering steroid treatment.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ

Researchers find drugs that reduce infant death may lead to long-term health issues

A new study published in The BMJ found that steroid use during pregnancy may increase the risk of short and long-term health issues in infants. Researchers analyzed data from 1.6 million infants and found that full-term babies exposed to corticosteroids had a higher risk of neonatal intensive care admission, respiratory and growth issu...

SourceMcMaster University·JournalBMJ·TypeSystematic review

The latest weapon against cancer is … a keto diet?

A keto diet may help reduce body weight and slow tumor growth in cancer patients. However, research found that this diet can cause early-onset cachexia, a lethal wasting disease, in mice with pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Pairing keto with corticosteroids prevented cachexia in mice, allowing them to live longer.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Metabolism

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Does hydrocortisone improve treatment of septic shock?

Researchers found that hydrocortisone was associated with a decrease in the need for vasopressor drugs and improvement in survival when used in combination with other corticosteroids. The study also suggests that combining fludrocortisone with hydrocortisone may provide a greater benefit in terms of survival.

SourceUniversity of California San Francisco Medical Center·JournalNEJM Evidence·TypeData/statistical analysis

A sharp increase in the price of the gout drug colchicine led to lower use and poorer disease control, UCLA research suggests

A sharp increase in colchicine's price led to a 17% drop in its use and worsened disease control in gout patients. Patients turned to alternative medications with potentially different side effects, resulting in increased emergency department visits and specialist consultations.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Nurse sounds a warning on hearing loss for COVID-19 patients

A nurse has shared her experience of developing sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) after a mild COVID-19 infection. She highlights the importance of clinicians including SSNHL as a potential side effect of COVID-19 and recommends high-dose corticosteroids as treatment.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBMJ Case Reports·TypeCase study

Higher dose corticosteroids associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy (The Lancet / RECOVERY trial)

A new study published in The Lancet found that higher dose corticosteroids are associated with a 60% increased risk of death in hypoxic COVID-19 patients requiring only non-invasive oxygen therapy. The RECOVERY trial also identified an excess of pneumonia and hyperglycaemia in the higher-dose corticosteroid group.

SourceEuropean Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases·JournalThe Lancet

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, March 2023

The March issue of CHEST journal features 44 articles on topics such as asthma, critical care, and sleep medicine. The journal also includes complementary web resources, including visual abstracts.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·Journalthe journal CHEST

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Overweight and obesity prevalent and poorly managed among adults with type 1 diabetes

A recent study found that adults with type 1 diabetes are at a high risk of being overweight or obese, but only half receive lifestyle recommendations to manage their weight. The study also highlighted the importance of individualized patient education in improving weight management for these patients.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis

New rat lungworm disease resource to help doctors with diagnosis, treatment

A new review paper aims to educate medical professionals on diagnosing and treating rat lungworm disease, which is expected to spread globally due to climate change. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in reducing the risk of complications such as long-term disability.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·TypeLiterature review

Non-surgical treatment relieves carpal tunnel syndrome

A minimally invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome provides complete and long-term relief to patients. Ultrasound-guided hydrodissection effectively treats nerve entrapments without surgery or corticosteroids.

SourceRadiological Society of North America

Steroid injections worsen knee arthritis

Two studies found corticosteroid injections associated with osteoarthritis progression, while hyaluronic acid injections may slow down progression. Corticosteroids increase risk of disease progression, highlighting need for cautious use.

SourceRadiological Society of North America

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, July 2022

The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

More than a quarter of people with asthma are still over-using rescue inhalers – putting them at increased risk of severe attacks and hospitalisation

A study by Queen Mary University of London found that 26% of patients with asthma are overusing rescue inhalers, which can lead to poor asthma control and increased risk of severe attacks. By reducing SABA overprescribing, hospitals can see a 70% decrease in asthma-related hospital admissions.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis

Big study answers treatment question for little known kidney condition

A large randomized controlled trial found that treatment with methylprednisolone reduces the risk of kidney function loss and failure in patients with IgA nephropathy. The study's results suggest a lower dose regimen may be effective while minimizing side effects.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial

Allergic asthma, allergies may be risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

A new study reveals that allergic asthma is a significant risk factor for human cardiovascular diseases, with certain medications affecting heart health. Researchers found that inflammatory cells play a crucial role in both conditions and that targeting them may lead to better treatment options.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Cardiovascular Research·TypeLiterature review

Drug combination reduces the risk of asthma attacks

A global study found a combination of two drugs dramatically reduces the chances of suffering an asthma attack. The combination of albuterol and budesonide lowers the number of sudden episodes of shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing in patients.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeObservational study

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Daily steroids safe and slows progression of duchenne muscular dystrophy

Researchers recommend daily steroid doses for children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, finding improved motor and pulmonary functions in boys with the disease. The study suggests a standard of care is needed to establish benefits over potential side effects.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA

Wilderness Medical Society issues new clinical practice guidelines on anaphylaxis

The Wilderness Medical Society has published evidence-based guidelines for anaphylaxis treatment in remote areas. The guidelines recommend administering intramuscular epinephrine as the primary prehospital treatment, while also discussing prevention strategies such as extracting additional epinephrine from autoinjectors and using expir...

SourceElsevier·JournalWilderness and Environmental Medicine·TypeSystematic review

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Smoke exposure in the early stages of life alters sleep patterns in adults

Researchers found that prenatal exposure to nicotine and its by-products produces long-term effects on sleep and stress-response in mice. This early-life exposure can lead to alterations in the hippocampus, a sensitive structure that develops after birth.

SourceUniversità di Bologna·JournalScientific Reports

Massive cost, meager benefit

A new evidence review by Oregon Health & Science University researchers found that the expensive multiple sclerosis drug Acthar provides very little clinical benefit compared to less-expensive alternatives. The study screened 41 studies and found weak or no benefit from Acthar against standard medications like corticosteroids.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeLiterature review

Cleveland Clinic study suggests steroid nasal sprays may help improve outcomes in severe COVID-19 disease

A recent Cleveland Clinic study found that patients who use steroid nasal sprays are less likely to develop severe COVID-19-related disease, including lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The study showed a 20-25% reduction in these outcomes for patients using intranasal corticosteroids.

SourceCleveland Clinic·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Overweight and obesity may affect asthmatic children’s response to inhaled steroids

Research suggests that overweight and obese asthmatic children are less likely to respond to inhaled steroid medication, leading to more frequent asthma attacks. The study used genetic variants linked to BMI to investigate this link, finding a correlation between higher BMI z-scores and poor ICS response.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeObservational study

Tailoring treatment of patients with the lung disease COPD

The study found that patients with low risk of exacerbations do not benefit from low to moderate dose inhaled corticosteroids, while high doses are associated with severe side effects. Tailoring treatment according to patient characteristics, such as age and blood cell count, can minimize over- and underuse of inhaled corticosteroids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·TypeNews article

Interleukin-6 antagonists improve outcomes in hospitalised COVID-19 patients

A new analysis of 27 randomised trials involving nearly 11,000 patients found that interleukin-6 antagonists reduce the risk of death and mechanical ventilation in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Administering one of these drugs with corticosteroids reduces the risk of death by 17% compared to using corticosteroids alone.

SourceKing's College London·JournalJAMA

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.