Association of exposure to nonpersistent endocrine disruptors with sex hormones and metabolic health in US females.

Endocrine disruptive chemicals (EDCs) are considered as the potential attributes for the increasing trend in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS) through disruption of sex hormones, particularly in women. We evaluated the association of understudied EDC compounds with total testosterone (TT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), obesity, and MS. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets collected during the years 2013-2016.

Association of heavy menstrual bleeding with cardiovascular disease in US female hospitalizations.

Background: Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common menstrual disorder associated with multiple risk factors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. In addition, HMB is often present with irregular menstruation (IM) which is a risk factor for CVD outcomes. However, the relationship between HMB and CVD outcomes is unexplored in the presence or absence of IM.

Associations of sex hormone ratios with metabolic syndrome and inflammation in US adult men and women.

Background: Sex hormones play a critical role in sex differences and cardiovascular disease risk associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and inflammation. However, the associations of sex hormone ratios with metabolic and inflammatory markers are unclear according to sex and age differences. We evaluated the associations of sex hormone ratios with MS and inflammation among males and females.

Association of polycystic ovary syndrome with cardiovascular disease among female hospitalizations in the United States.

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder characterized by a wide range of symptoms related to ovulatory dysfunction and androgen overproduction. Although PCOS is associated with multiple cardiovascular disease (CVD)-risk factors, previous studies have reported controversial associations between PCOS and different types of CVD events. We sought to determine the association of PCOS with various CVD outcomes among hospitalized women.

Air Pollution and the Heart: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis Studies.

Purpose Of Review: Although environmental exposure such as air pollution is detrimental to cardiovascular disease (CVD), the effects of different air pollutants on different CVD endpoints produced variable findings. We provide updated evidence between air pollutants and CVD outcomes including mitigation strategies with meta-analytic evidence.

Recent Findings: An increased exposure to any class of air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), gas, toxic metals, and disruptive chemicals has been associated with CVD events.

Association of Exposure to Phthalate Metabolites With Sex Hormones, Obesity, and Metabolic Syndrome in US Women.

Importance: Obesity and metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent among the US population and are associated with the dysregulation of sex hormones. An increase in obesity and metabolic syndrome may also be associated with exposure to phthalates. The association of exposure to phthalate metabolites with sex hormones and metabolic health has been understudied in the female population.

Counseling increases immediate postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (LARC) acceptability in Hispanic women.

Objective: Determine if providing basic contraceptive counseling during prenatal visits increases pregnant Hispanic women's acceptance of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC).

Study Design: Respondents completed a short survey consisting of demographic information, an acculturation scale, and perceptions of immediate postpartum LARC use. After reading a brief educational excerpt on intrauterine devices (IUDs) and the subdermal contraceptive implant, LARC acceptability was reassessed.

Diet-microbiome interactions in cancer treatment: Opportunities and challenges for precision nutrition in cancer.

Dietary patterns contribute to cancer risk. Separately, microbial factors influence the development of several cancers. However, the interaction of diet and the microbiome and their joint contribution to cancer treatment response needs more research.

Targeting angiogenic growth factors using therapeutic glycosaminoglycans on doppel-expressing endothelial cells for blocking angiogenic signaling in cancer.

Growth factors (GF) regulate normal development to cancer progression. GFs interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) biomolecules, such as heparin sulfate (HS) glycosaminoglycan (GAG), to enhance their stability and angiogenic signaling. Biomaterials that modulate GF activity by mimicking interactions observed in the native ECM could be designed as an effective treatment strategy.

Associations of Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load with Cardiovascular Disease: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis and Cohort Studies.

Purpose Of Review: Diet and lifestyle patterns are considered major contributory factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. In particular, consuming a diet higher in carbohydrates (not inclusive of fruits and vegetables, but more processed carbohydrates) has been associated with metabolic abnormalities that subsequently may increase the risk of CVD and related mortality. Glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) are values given to foods based on how fast the body converts carbohydrates into glucose also referred to as the glycemic burden of carbohydrates from foods.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between maternal polycystic ovary syndrome and neuropsychiatric disorders in children.

There is emerging evidence demonstrating an association between maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, however, the cumulative effect of maternal PCOS on the development of ASD or other neuropsychiatry disorders (NPD) in children and separately for males and females has not been examined. We sought to systematically evaluate the influence of maternal PCOS on a wide range of NPD including ASD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), chronic tic disorder (CDT), other behavior disorders, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia in children as well as in women of reproductive age only. We queried electronic databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar, until March 2021.

Effect of Nutritional Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Hormonal and Lipid Profiles in PCOS-Affected Females.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects several reproductive and endocrine features in females and has a poorly understood etiology. Treatment strategies for PCOS are limited and are based primarily on diet and nutrient supplementation. Recent studies have recommended some nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and vitamin-like nutrients for the therapy for PCOS.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of geographic differences in comorbidities and associated severity and mortality among individuals with COVID-19.

Several comorbidities have been shown to be associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related severity and mortality. However, considerable variation in the prevalence estimates of comorbidities and their effects on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality have been observed in prior studies. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine geographical, age, and gender related differences in the prevalence of comorbidities and associated severity and mortality rates among COVID-19 patients.

Prevalence of at-risk hyperandrogenism by age and race/ethnicity among females in the United States using NHANES III.

Objective: Hyperandrogenism in females leads to multiple endocrine and metabolic disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that yields adverse health outcomes across all ages. We sought to estimate the prevalence of hyperandrogenemia and at-risk hyperandrogenism among the US females of different age groups, racial/ethnic, and metabolic characteristics.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective population-based cross-sectional study of females 6 years or older having serum testosterone measures using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 2013-2016 was conducted.

Current trends and geographical differences in therapeutic profile and outcomes of COVID-19 among pregnant women - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Due to the lack of effective treatments for COVID-19, it becomes imperative to assess the geographical differences and trends in the current clinical care and outcomes of COVID-19 in pregnant women.

Methods: A PubMed search was performed to screen articles reporting therapeutics and outcomes of confirmed COVID-19 in pregnant women prior to August 27, 2020.

Maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes among COVID-19 infected women: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and may adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. We estimated the adverse maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes among COVID-19 infected women and determined heterogeneity in the estimates and associated factors.

Study Designs: PubMed search was performed of confirmed COVID-19 pregnant cases and related outcomes were ascertained prior to July 8, 2020, in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Association Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Outcomes: Updated Evidence from Meta-analysis Studies.

Purpose Of Review: The prevalence of obesity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been increasing worldwide. Studies examining the association between adiposity and CVD outcomes have produced conflicting findings. The interplay between obesity and CVD outcomes in the general population and in specific subpopulations is complex and requires further elucidation.

Human Skin Allograft: Is it a Viable Option in Management of Burn Patients?

Tangential excision and autologous split-thickness skin grafting is the standard management of the burn wound, but autograft has limitation of donor-site availability and morbidity. Human skin allograft is an alternate option of wound coverage when autograft is not available. Various synthetic skin substitute dressings are now available in the market, and thus use of human skin allograft has decreased.

Innovative Skin Hook.

Skin hook is an important instrument for skin surgeries. There are situations, such as operating in a health camp or operating at a peripheral health center with a limited number of instruments, where skin hook is not available in the operation theater. We present an innovative design of skin hook, which can be prepared by surgeons in the operation theater with the help of readily available materials.

Innovative Use of Abdominoplasty Specimen.

Simulator training is important for understanding nipple-areolar complex reconstruction. Human tissue is the best tissue simulator for surgical training. Abdominoplasty specimen is a useful tissue simulator, which is suitable for practicing nipple-areolar complex reconstruction.

Developing Trans-Affirming Health Services in an Underserved Area: An Intersectional Approach.

Gender-nonconforming patients are at higher risk for medical problems that require prompt medical and mental health intervention. Barriers to healthcare for transgender individuals have been well characterized in the literature, but not in low resource settings. The purpose of this paper is to present the barriers encountered when bringing healthcare to transgender children, adolescents, and adults in a medically underserved, predominantly Hispanic area of the United States.

Unilateral Labial Edema in a Female Adolescent: A Gynecologic Presentation of Rhabdomyolysis.

Background: Rhabdomyolysis can be the result of vigorous physical activity. Typical signs and symptoms at presentation are muscle pain, weakness, or dark colored urine. There is no scientific literature associating rhabdomyolysis with gynecologic signs and symptoms.

Liver Abscesses Caused by Streptococcus intermedius in an Immunocompromised Patient.

Streptococcus intermedius is a Gram-positive bacterium that is part of the normal flora in the oral cavity, as well as in the upper respiratory, female urogenital, and gastrointestinal tracts. It may also be found in human feces and is the dominant species found in subgingival plaque. We present a case of a 50-year-old man who came to the emergency room with abdominal pain for weeks associated with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.