Risk factors for acanthamoeba keratitis among contact lens users

The risk of acanthamoeba keratitis increases 4-folds among individuals who use reusable contact lenses compared to those who used disposable contact lenses daily. Taking a shower while wearing the contact lenses and sleeping with contact lenses were risk factors for the infection. Those who wore daily disposable lenses were at a higher risk if they reused them…(Source: Ophthalmology, Aug. 8, 2022).

USPSTF draft statement recommends screening adults ≤ 64 years for anxiety

Marking a first, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) has recommended screening for anxiety among adults aged ≤ 64 years in a draft statement posted on its website. Pregnant and postpartum women should also be screened for anxiety. However, the statement does not recommend screening older adults citing lack of sufficient evidence. The draft recommendations are available in public domain for comments till 17^th October.…(Source: USPSTF, Sept. 20, 2022)

Wearing a pedometer may help increase daily steps

Wearing a pedometer has a moderate effect in increasing the number of daily steps, finds a study published in the Sept. 2022 issue of American Journal of Health Behavior. The participants walked 388 steps more when they wore a pedometer while walking than those who did not wear one… (Source: American Journal of Health Behavior, Sept. 2022).

Surgeries with highest risk for blood transfusion

A study published in the British Journal of Surgery has identified 20 surgeries that are associated with the highest risk of blood transfusion. These include: Cardiac valve replacement, CABG, aortic aneurysm repair, radical cystectomy with urinary diversion, open femoral fracture repair, open radical nephrectomy, abdominal/retroperitoneal tumor excision >10 cm, vascular bypass, splenectomy, leg amputation, pancreatectomy, liver resection, bowel resection, spinal arthrodesis, arterial embolectomy, gastrectomy, myomectomy, open radical prostatectomy, total abdominal hysterectomy and endovascular repair of thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysm…(Source: British Journal of Surgery, Dec. 2020)