@ruprekha This study presents novel evidence of the impact of COVID-19 on psychological states specific to children with ASD. Public health policies, such as mask wearing, have the potential to negatively affect the social communication skills of children with ASD, particularly those with restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB)

A randomized study in France demonstrated that a 30-day treatment with the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum 35624 resulted in a significant improvement in symptoms for approximately two thirds of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This improvement was also seen in patients who had the most severe symptoms at baseline. In addition, patients reported that their quality of life was better after the treatment.

Although early menopause is linked to increased risks in bone loss and fracture, new research indicates that, even among the majority of women who have menopause after age 45, the time since the final menstrual period can be a stronger predictor than chronological age for key risks in bone health and fracture. In a large longitudinal cohort, the number of years since a woman's final menstrual period specifically showed a stronger association with femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD) than chronological age, while an earlier age at menopause – even among those over 45 years, was linked to an increased risk of fracture.

@manideepa The AS progression rate was significantly proportional to A1c level at baseline, with a more rapid rate of progression in those with a higher baseline A1c. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, mean A1c level at baseline was significantly associated with accelerated AS progression, with an adjusted 27% increased rate of faster AS progression for each 1 percentage point increase in baseline A1c. When the authors analyzed A1c as a categorical variable, an A1c of 7% or higher at baseline significantly linked with an adjusted 52% increased rate of accelerated AS progression compared with people with an A1c of less than 7% at baseline.

Infants raised on farms with environmental and animal diversity have enriched levels of bacteria in their gut microbiomes, which is associated with a lower risk for allergy and asthma, new research suggests. Just being raised on a farm is, in fact, correlated with changes in the gut. But questions remain about safety and effectiveness that will challenge regulators.

@sumana In 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of sexually transmitted infections. These are some of the highlights of the recommendations for presumptive therapy for cervicitis.
The recommended treatment regimen for cervicitis is as follows:
Doxycycline 100 mg orally 2 times per day for 7 days
Concurrent therapy for gonococcal infection should be considered if the patient is at risk for gonorrhea or lives in a community with a high prevalence of gonorrhea.
The alternative treatment regimen for cervicitis is as follows:
Azithromycin 1 g orally in a single dose
Women who have received treatment for cervicitis should be advised to avoid sexual intercourse until they and their partners have been treated (ie, until completion of a 7-day regimen or for 7 days after single-dose therapy) and all symptoms have resolved.

Among healthy middle-aged men, those who were more anxious were more likely to develop high levels of multiple biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk over a 40-year follow-up in a new study. By middle adulthood, higher anxiety levels are associated with stable differences in biomarkers of risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, and type 2 diabetes, which are maintained into older ages.

@manideepa Claudication treatment can take various forms, all of which focus on improving the circulation in the areas where you feel pain. Unfortunately, claudication also increases your risk for serious heart and circulatory problems, which is why treatment usually involves preventive measures to avoid those complications. Drugs can often play a major role in treating intermittent claudication. These drugs typically help improve circulation or prevent serious problems that are more likely because of claudication. These usually include:
Blood-thinning medications. These drugs reduce your blood’s ability to clot. This is important because it helps prevent life-threatening complications like stroke, pulmonary embolism or clots that can develop and block the arteries in your legs.
Statins. These medications lower your blood cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol levels can cause plaque to build up more quickly. Lowering those levels helps prevent that buildup and any related complications like heart attacks.
Blood pressure medications. These medications typically make your blood vessels relax and widen, improving blood flow. Improving blood flow can ease or stop claudication-related pain entirely. These medications also help prevent problems like heart attack and stroke.

@sucheta Fasting blood sugar levels give vital clues about how a person is managing their blood sugar. Blood sugar tends to peak about an hour after eating and declines after that. High fasting blood sugar levels point to insulin resistance or diabetes, while abnormally low fasting blood sugar could be due to diabetes medications. Knowing when to test and what to look for can help people stay healthy, especially if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition. Keep reading to learn more about fasting blood sugar levels, including information on testing and tips for maintaining normal levels.

Hello, I would like to know the contraindications of using continuous glucose monitoring device. My friend is 65 years old. He has been advised to use it as it may help monitor the blood glucose level in real time. Please let me know about it.