Search

Congenital syphilis, a preventable and deadly disease, has witnessed an alarming resurgence in the US in recent years, posing a vital public health challenge. Historically, effective prevention and treatment strategies led to a decline in congenital syphilis, and some believed that it could be eradicated. However, inadequate prenatal care, limited access to healthcare services, and gaps in syphilis screening programs have led to a resurgence of congenital syphilis. In this narrative review, we aim to highlight the key factors contributing to the reemergence of congenital syphilis and its implications on maternal and child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a survey conducted in a dermatology department in southern Rajasthan, India. The study aimed to assess the prescription patterns and drug utilization among outdoor patients. The results revealed that fungal infection and dermatitis were the most common disorders, and antihistamines and antifungal drugs were the most frequently prescribed medications. The study concluded that this information could be used to enhance the quality of prescriptions and promote cost-effective treatment. Additionally, the study examined the distribution of patients based on age groups and diseases, finding that the highest number of patients fell within the age groups of 21-30 years and 31-40 years. Fungal infection was the most prevalent disease, followed by dermatitis and viral infection. The majority of patients were prescribed topical medications, with tablets being the most common dosage form. The study suggested that drug utilization studies could encourage rational and economical drug prescribing. [Extracted from the article]

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. Methods: All women hospitalizations between the ages of 15 and 65 years recorded in the National Inpatient Sample database, 2017 were analyzed with sampling-weighted logistic regression analysis. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, codes were used to define outcomes including composite CVD, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke/ cerebrovascular accident (CVA), heart failure (HF), arterial fibrillation (AF) or arrhythmia, pulmonary heart disease (PHD), myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and diabetes. Results: Among the total hospitalizations of women, 13 896 (0.64) had a PCOS diagnosis. Polycystic ovary syndrome was found to be associated with most CVD outcomes, including composite CVD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.73, 95% CI, 1.55-1.93, P< .001), MACE (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI, 1.12-1.53, P< .001), CHD (aOR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.35-2.01, P< .001), stroke/CVA (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI, 1.08-1.98, P = .014), HF (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI, 1.07-1.57, P = .007), AF/arrhythmia (aOR = 2.20, 95% CI, 1.88-2.57, P< .001), and PHD (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI, 1.23-2.03, P< .001) among hospitalized women with an age of ≤40 years. However, the associations between PCOS and CVD outcomes were mediated by obesity and metabolic syndrome conditions. Conclusions: Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with CVD events and the association is mediated by obesity and metabolic syndrome conditions, particularly among hospitalized women aged ≤40 years in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 metabolic syndrome (MS). A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey datasets collected during the years 2013-2016. Women of age ≥15 years with urinary measurements of non-persistent EDCs including bisphenol, triclosan, triclocarban, dichlorophenol, and paraben compounds were included in this study. Data were analyzed using the modified Poisson models to estimate the adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The associations were also validated by considering TT and SHBG concentrations as the outcomes. The study included 1974 women with 11% high TT, 10.5% low SHBG, 40% obesity, and 46.2% MS. A medium to high exposure to bisphenol-A (RR=1.64; 95%CI: 1.14, 2.35, p=0.009), bisphenol-F (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p<0.001), bisphenol-S (RR=1.83; 95%CI: 1.35, 2.49, p=0.041) and 2, 4- dichlorophenol (RR=1.61; 95%CI: 1.06, 2.45, p=0.026) were associated with low SHBG but not with high TT. In addition, high exposure to triclosan was also inversely associated with lower SHBG concentrations (regression coefficient=-0.09; 95%CI: -0.15, -0.02, p=0.013). However, these EDCs were found to be associated with SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status. High exposure to certain non-persistent EDCs was associated with low SHBG, obesity, and MS according to menopausal status.

Endogenous oestrogens regulate essential functions to include menstrual cycles, energy balance, adipose tissue distribution, pancreatic β -cell function, insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis. Oestrogens are a family of hormones which include oestradiol (E2), oestrone (E1) and oestriol (E3). Oestrogens function by binding and activating oestrogen receptors (ERs). Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds which exhibit oestrogenic-like activity and can bind to ERs. Phytoestrogens exert potential oestrogenic-like benefits; however, their effects are context-dependent and require cautious consideration regarding generalised health benefits. Xenoestrogens are synthetic compounds which have been determined to disrupt endocrine function through binding to ERs. Xenoestrogens enter the body through various routes and given their chemical structure they can accumulate, posing long-term health risks. Xenoestrogens interfere with endogenous oestrogens and their functions contributing to conditions like cancer, infertility, and metabolic disorders. Understanding the interplay between endogenous and exogenous oestrogens is critical in order to determine their potential health consequences and requires further investigation. This manuscript provides a summary of the role endogenous oestrogens have in regulating metabolic functions. Additionally, we discuss the impact phytoestrogens and synthetic xenoestrogens have on biological systems across various life stages. We highlight their mechanisms of action, potential benefits, risks and discuss the need for further research to bridge gaps in understanding and mitigate exposure-related health risks.