Howard G. Smith, MD, AM
PENTA Medical Network
+1-617-488-9699
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RoundUp - 3rd Week of Feb 2025
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HEALTH REPORTS
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Acetaminophen During Pregnancy Could Risk Childhood ADHD
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGV2ueHgWuy/
Regular use of this popular pain relief medication, branded as Tylenol, during a child’s gestational period could increase that child’s risk of later developing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by as much as 6-fold. This the conclusion of a University of Washington study of 307 mother-child pairs.
The study revealed that, by age 8 to 10 years, children exposed to acetaminophen in utero were 3 times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Tabulating the data by gender indicated that the risk for female children was the highest at 6-fold.
The study bears repeating with a larger and more diverse population as this study only looked at African-American families. Even so, it once again underscores the warning for all pregnant women to avoid unnecessary medications if at all possible.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-maternal-acetaminophen-paracetamol-placental-gene.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s44220-025-00387-6
#acetaminophen #adhd #females #pregnancy
acetaminophen, adhd, females, pregnancy
Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy Helps Diagnose Lung Cancer Earlier
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV3YEWscsY/
Using a surgical robot to precisely manipulate a fiberoptic bronchoscope was first reported in 2018 by Washington University-St. Louis pulmonologist Alexander Chen MD. The technique permitted examination and biopsy of smaller, more peripheral cancers leading to earlier initiation of therapy.
Just published in the journal CHEST is the first large prospective multi-center study of the technique to access its diagnostic utility and safety. Including 715 patients at 21 sites in the US and Hong Kong 88% of whom had lesions in difficult to access outer two-thirds of the lungs, the investigators found a successful lesion localization in up to 94%. The procedure was complication-free in over 96% of cases.
This technique is now being used by more clinicians in more centers. A second generation robotic bronchoscope is now available. Robotic bronchoscopy availability is however limited due to the high cost of the equipment.
#lung #cancer #robotic #bronchoscopy
lung, cancer, robotic, bronchoscopy
Flu Cases Are Surging
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGV34OuOFyT/
We are in a historically severe influenza season with cases driving an outpatient visit rate that is a 15 year high. During this 2024-2025 season so far, CDC has clocked more than 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths. A record breaking 57 children have already died.
The reasons? General flu immunity diminished due to fewer cases during the CoVid pandemic. That is unpreventable. But what is preventable is the abysmally low flu vaccination rate. Only 45% of Americans of ALL ages have received this years influenza vaccine.
While protection by the vaccine is not perfect and this years data is incomplete, vaccination will reduce your chance of developing severe disease by about 53%. The vaccine is available and at no cost with most health insurance. Seniors should get the double strength version.
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-05.html
https://www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/dashboard/index.html
https://www.eurosurveillance.org/content/10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.4.2500059
#influenza #vaccination #hospitalizations #death
influenza, vaccination, hospitalizations, death
Your Cat Could Give You Bird Flu
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV4gnitvGG/
Over the past 2 years, the incidence of bird flu, H5N1, has surged in domestic cats. This according to research veterinarians at the University of Maryland’s Schools of Public Health and Veterinary Medicine. Cats can contract the virus by eating infected birds or ingesting dairy products from infected animals. When they do, the case-fatality rate is 67%.
Cases of transmission of previous bird flu strains from cats to humans has been documented. The current strain could easily mutate to facilitate such transmission today.
The UMaryland vets urge cat owners to keep their pets indoors and avoid feeding them raw meat or raw milk. Signs that your cat may already be infected include breathing difficulties or unusual behavioral changes.
#H5N1 #birdflu #cats
H5N1, birdflu, cats
Blood Test Predicts Preeclampsia
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGV5FSROObD/
This condition of late pregnancy, heralded by dangerously high blood pressures and organ failure, kills 70,000 women worldwide each year. Seattle obstetricians and precision medicine researchers at the University of Washington now announce in the journal Nature a test that can predict this devastating complication with 80% accuracy months before its actual occurrence.
Using a machine learning analysis of cell-free DNA from the placenta shed into 1,854 blood samples from pregnant women, the researchers pinpointed signs of early tissue dysfunction associated with preeclampsia. With further test refinement and inclusion with standard pregnancy test batteries, this cell-free DNA assessment could save many lives.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-blood-cell-free-dna-placenta.html
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03509-w
#preeclampsia #cfDNA #pregnancy #women
preeclampsia, cfDNA, pregnancy, women
Yo-Yo Dieting A No-No For Diabetics
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV-ufCsp6u/
Yo-yo dieting, repeated cycles of weight loss and gain over years, is associated with a 25% higher risk of demonstrable kidney disease for insulin-dependent diabetics. French endocrinologists followed 1,432 subjects over 21 years tabulating body-weight variability and monitoring their kidney function.
Repeated body-weight cycling is associated with a 34% risk of doubling the serum creatinine, a measure of impeding kidney failure that could result in the need for dialysis and/or renal transplantation.
Yo-yo dieting isn’t uncommon. It occurs in 35% of men and 55% of women. Overweight diabetics should be particularly careful to avoid this potentially deadly trap instead looking for long-term weight stability at a healthy level.
#diabetes #insulindependent #yoyodieting #weightcycling #kidney #transplantation
diabetes, insulindependent, yoyodieting, weightcycling, kidney, transplantation
Protease Blood Test Signals Pancreatic Cancer
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGV_NA1RulM/
Pancreatic ductal carcinoma, a particularly deadly form of this dread cancer, emits a tell-tale enzymatic change that can help detect its presence earlier when it is more treatable.
Cancer biologists at the Oregon Health & Science University have developed a blood test, dubbed the PAC-MANN, that detects this form of pancreatic cancer with an 85% accuracy for early-stage cases. The test quantitates changes in protease activity that accompany development and progression of this cancer and is also useful for monitoring treatment effectiveness and cancer recurrences.
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/scitranslmed.adq3110
#pancreatic #cancer #protease #pacmann
pancreatic, cancer, protease, pacmann
Infant Fiber Intake Reduces Celiac Disease Risk
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGV_wiRN_Uo/
Feeding your infant a fiber-rich diet cuts the risk of later celiac disease by 40%. Swedish gastroenterologists at Lund University followed 6,500 children with celiac disease family history tabulating their dietary intake and testing for the development of celiac-specific antibodies.
The data shows that increasing fiber in a baby’s diet, particularly during the first 12 months but also before age 2, significantly reduces the risk of celiac disease development. When it occurs, it does so usually by age 3 to 4 years.
Interestingly, no one source of fiber in the diet, from fruits, vegetables, or grains, was more effective. Rather, the total fiber content and the age of the child mattered the most. Increasing fiber in the diet after age 2 did not produce this beneficial effect.
The researchers speculate that early fiber consumption generates a beneficial cluster of gastrointestinal bacteria, a healthier lining, and better immunity. More studies will better define this effect. Meanwhile, extra fiber in your baby’s diet seems to be a good idea.
https://www.gastrojournal.org/article/S0016-5085(25)00358-0/pdf?referrer=https://medicalxpress.com/
#fiber #infants #celiacdisease
fiber, infants, celiacdisease
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FUTURE MED
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Blood Test Pinpoints Stoke Type In Ambulance
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWAQ9WPyMT/
A handheld device carried in ambulances can rapidly determine whether a stroke is caused by a blocked brain blood vessel or by one that is bleeding. German neurologists have just reported this advance at this year’s International Stroke Conference.
The device determines blood levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein or GFAP for short. Using it to test 353 suspected stroke victims, the researchers found that those with high GFAP levels were most likely to have hemorrhagic or bleeding strokes while those with low GFAP levels below 30 pg/ml had ischemic strokes due to clotted or blocked blood vessels.
Knowing this information earlier permits a prompt initiation of appropriate therapy: clot dissolvers or clot removal for ischemic strokes or stringent blood pressure control for hemorrhagic strokes. This could drastically change pre-hospital care for strokes…….someday soon.
#stroke #gfap #hemorrhagic #ischemic #ambulance #prehospital
stroke, gfap, hemorrhagic, ischemic, ambulance, prehospital
3D Printed Heart Valve Regenerates Itself And Grows With The Patient
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWAQ9WPyMT/
This groundbreaking valve is custom-printed for each adult and pediatric patient. Created by Georgia Tech bioengineers using shape memory material, the folded valve is introduced in a catheter. Once in place, it resorbs over time after providing a scaffold for the patient’s own body to regenerate and reconstruct it with tissue over time. Currently available tissue valves of animal origin lack this ability. This rebuilding feature is particularly valuable for pediatric patients with constantly growing hearts.
Currently, these 3D printed Bioresorbable valves have only been tested in a left heart simulator. Once they are ready for human use, they could save kids from the need for multiple open heart surgical valve replacements…… someday soon.
https://research.gatech.edu/feature/heart-valves
#3dprinting #heart #valves #growing #children
3dprinting, heart, valves, growing,children
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WARNINGS
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BUSINESS OF HEALTH
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CPSC Recalls
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Igloo Flip & Tow Rolling Coolers have defective lids.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWPZ2Vs0pm/
The tow handle on these coolers can pinch consumers' fingertips creating a risk of amputation and crushing injuries. The recall includes multiple models manufactured before January 2024, and the date codes may be found on the bottom of the cooler.
About 1 million of these coolers were sold at major retailers, including Costco, Target, Academy, and Dick’s Sporting Goods, as well as online through Amazon and Igloo’s website. Sales occurred nationwide as well as in Canada and Mexico.
Immediately stop using the recalled coolers and contact Igloo at 1-888-943-5182 or via the email igloo90qt@sedgwick.com to receive a free replacement handle.
#iglooncooler #lid #amputation #recall
igloo, cooler, lid, amputation, recall
SHEIN EVRYDAY Kids’ Pajama Sets violate federal flammability regulations for children's sleepwear.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWP8p-ufB7/
About 17,300 pjs were sold exclusively online at SHEIN.com between August 2023 and November 2024.
Stop allowing your kids to wear these recalled sleepwear. Contact SHEIN at 1-833-853-8668 or via the email uscsteam@shein.com to obtain a refund.
#shein #pajamas #flammability #fire #burs #recall
shein, pajamas, flammability, fire, burs, recall
LoGest Climbing Ropes weaken and break creating falling and injury hazards for users.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWQZljvlUL/
Affected are both LoGest Climbing Ropes with Carabiners and LoGest Climbing Ropes with Heavy-Duty Metal Hook.
About 22,500 units ropes sold exclusively online at Amazon.com from March 2021 through November 2024 nationwide and in Canada and Mexico.
Immediately stop climbing with these recalled climbing ropes, uninstall them, and register for a full refund at www.LoGestRopeRecall.com. To get the refund, sign a form and email a photo of the disposed rope to LoGestRecall@gmail.com.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Setsmart-Recalls-LoGest-Climbing-Ropes-Due-to-Fall-Hazard
#logest #climbing #ropes #break #falls #injuries #recall
logest, climbing, ropes, break, falls, injuries, recall
Spritz Taper Resin Hanukkah Dino Menorahs burn or catch fire when holding lit candles.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWQ2Nktz8i/
Affected is model number 240-14-1380.
About 4,400 menorahs were sold nationwide at Target stores and online at Target.com starting in October 2024.
Immediately stop using these recalled menorahs and return them to any Target store for a full refund, either in the original form of payment or as a Target gift card. Consumers who purchased online can contact Target at 1-800-440-0680 for a prepaid return label to return the menorah by mail.
#spritz #resin #menorah #dinosaur #flammable #burns #recall
spritz, resin, menorah, dinosaur, flammable, burns, recall
BlockBlueLight Multi-Mode Sleep Lamps have lithium-ion batteries that overheat while charging.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWRUL6NfqB/
Affected is model number BBL-MM-LAMP.
About 1,280 units were sold at blockbluelight.com from December 2023 through November 2024.
Stop using these recalled lamps and contact BlockBlueLight at 1-917-277-8422 or via the email product@blockbluelight.com for a full refund, store credit, or a free replacement lamp. Dispose of these lithium battery-containing lamps safely in a recycling facility.
#blockbluelight #lamp #lithiumbattery #overheating #fire #burns #recall
blockbluelight, lamp, lithiumbattery, overheating, fire, burns, recall
Umarex T4E TR50 Air Pistols have CO2 cartridges that can unintentionally eject with force.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWR5B-tMr6/
Affected are model numbers 2292112, 2280182, and 2280199.
About 26,500 pistols were sold at Big 5 stores in the Western U.S., Modern Combat Sports in Vista, California, and online at Amazon.com, Valken.com, and MCSUS.com between May 2022 and July 2023.
Immediately stop using the recalled air pistols and contact Umarex at1- 877-212-1036 or via the email service@umarex.com for a free replacement air pistol.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Umarex-USA-Recalls-T4E-TR50-Air-Pistols-Due-to-Impact-Hazard
#umarex #airpistol #co2cartridge #projectile #injury #recall
umarex, airpistol , co2cartridge, projectile, injury, recall
Sunkids Factory Sling Carriers violate federal safety regulations for baby carriers.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWSbKUPZpi/
These baby carriers fail structural integrity and occupant retention standards.
About 18,650 sling carriers were sold exclusively on Temu.com between July 2023 and September 2024.
Stop using the recalled sling carriers. To receive a full refund, tcut the carrier into pieces, take a photo of the destroyed product, and email it to 1251530867@qq.com or message Sunkids Factory on Temu.com.
#sunkids #infant #carriers #structure #babyretention #injuries #recall
sunkids, infant, carriers, structure, babyretention, injuries, recall
UVIPC Baby Gates create an entrapment hazard.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWS6OLxGVI/
These gates violate federal safety regulations for expansion gates and enclosures since a child's body can fit through openings with subsequent entrapment. The recall affects four versions of the model number W046 pressure-mounted steel and ABS plastic gates including those with pet doors. About 1,500 gates were sold exclusively on Amazon.com between November 2022 and September 2024.Immediately stop using these recalled baby gates and contact the company at 1-626-529-6048 or via the email xianshengyouli@outlook.com for instructions disposal and submission of destruction proof in order to receive a full refund.
#uvipc #babygates #entrapment #recall
uvipc, babygates, entrapment, recall
TravisMathew women’s sweatshirts and men’s and women’s hoodies are dangerously flammable.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWTj3bPYT1/
These garments violate federal flammability standards for clothing.About 59,450 units were sold nationwide at TravisMathew stores, independent clothing and golf course retailers, and online at TravisMathew.com and other websites from January 2024 through October 2024.Stop wearing these recalled garments and contact TravisMathew at 1-877-969-1952 for a full refund or store credit. To get the refund or credit, you must cut the garment in half, take a photo of the destroyed item and its sewn-in tag, and email the photo to info@travismathew.com to receive reimbursement.
#travismathew #sweatshirts #hoodies #flammable #fire #burns #recall
travis, sweatshirts, hoodies, flammable, fire, burns, recall
LG slide-in and freestanding electric ranges have front-mounted control knobs that can be accidentally activated by people or pets.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWUG7_ssfi/
About 500,000 ranges were sold nationwide at Best Buy, Costco, The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and other appliance retailers, as well as online at LG.com, from 2015 through January 2025.
Immediately contact LG at 1-800-399-3265 to receive a free warning label and instructions on how to properly use the Control Lock or Lock Out feature to prevent accidental activation. Also keep children and pets away from the knobs, check that all burners are off before leaving home or going to bed, and avoid placing objects on the stove when not in use.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/LG-Recalls-Electric-Ranges-Due-to-Fire-Hazard
#lg #electricranges #controls #ignition #fires #burns #recall
lg, electricranges, controls, ignition, fires, burns, recall
America’s Got Talent microphones have lithium-ion batteries that overcharge and ignite.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWUozTOm95/
About 125,000 of these microphones were sold nationwide at Meijer, DD's Discounts/Ross, Target, Walmart, and Nebraska Furniture Mart stores in Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, and Kansas, as well as online at Amazon.com and Target.com, from October 2020 through October 2022.
Stop using these recalled microphones and contact Jazwares at 1-888-341-0881 for a full refund in the form of a pre-paid gift card. Properly dispose of these lithium-in-office battery-containing microphones at battery recycling centers.
#americasgottalent #microphone #lithiumion #battery #overheating #fire #recall
americasgottalent, microphone, lithiumion, battery, overheating, fire, recall
Ariens DELUXE-, PLATINUM-, and PROFESSIONAL-series Snow Throwers can run out of control.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWVOU1tfu_/
The impeller and auger assembly in these machines can continue rotating after the control lever is released creating risks.About 6,260 of these snow throwers were sold nationwide at authorized Ariens dealers, as well as at Ace Hardware, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Do It Best, Family Farm & Home, Mills Fleet Farm, Northern Tool and Equipment, Lowe’s, and True Value. They were also available online at AceHardware.com, Farmandfleet.com, Doitbest.com, Familyfarmandhome.com, Lowes.com, Fleetfarm.com, Northerntool.com, and TrueValue.com between August 2024 and October 2024.Immediately stop using the recalled snow throwers and contact Ariens or an authorized dealer for a free repair. For more information, contact Ariens at 1-877-740-7060.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2025/Ariens-Recalls-Snow-Throwers-Due-to-Laceration-Hazard
#ariens #snowthrowers #throttle #injuries #recall
ariens, snowthrowers, throttle, injuries, recall
RYOBI 40-Volt Brushless 21” Cordless Walk-Behind Mowers can ignite.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWV0XwRYWy/
A push-on connector inside the powerhead overheats leading to fires and burns.About 217,500 of these recalled mowers were sold nationwide at Home Depot and Direct Tools Factory Outlet stores, as well as online at www.homedepot.com and www.directtoolsoutlet.com, between February 2021 and January 2025.Stop using these recalled mowers and contact TTI at 1-800-597-9624 for instructions on disabling the unit and receiving a free replacement mower.
#ryobi #mower #overheating #fires #burns #recall
ryobi, mower, overheating, fires, burns, recall
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FDA Recalls
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Menma Ajitsuke Prepared Bamboo Shoots have Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWWTxeP0fQ/
The recall involves 120 8.8-ounce plastic bags with the CHOSHIYA brand and an expiration date of January 29, 2025. This bacterium can cause serious illness if ingested.
These packages were sold exclusively at Tokyo Central Costa Mesa in Costa Mesa, California.
Immediately discard the product or return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. For more information, contact AKT Trading Inc. at 310-715-2174 or via the email info@aktusa.com.
#menma #bambooshoots #clostridium #infection #recall
menma, bambooshoots, clostridium, infection, recall
Genova, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Trader Joe’s brands canned tuna products have Clostridium botulinum contamination.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGWWyWkPN40/
A defect in the can lid can compromise the product’s seal with leakage and/or contamination.
The recalled tuna was sold at H-E-B stores in Texas; Trader Joe’s locations in Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin; Costco stores in Florida and Georgia; and various major retailers—including Harris Teeter, Publix, Kroger, Safeway, Walmart, and independent retailers—in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas.
Immediately stop consuming this recalled tuna, even if it appears normal. Return it to your retailer for a full refund, dispose of it, or contact Tri-Union Seafoods at 1-833-374-0171 or email the company at support@thaiunionhelp.zendesk.com.
#triunion #genova #vancamps #heb #traderjoes #tunafish #clostridium #infection #recall
triunion, genova, vancamps, heb, traderjoes, tunafish, clostridium, infection, recall
Aleppo Tahini Sesame Paste has salmonella contamination.
Vidcast: https://www.instagram.com/drhowardsmithreports/reel/DGWXhd2NTUc/
Affected is Lot #120824-01, expiration 8/26.
This recalled product was sold in Florida, Kentucky, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Massachusetts, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, Ohio, Alabama, Missouri, and California.
Immediately return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund. For questions, contact Turkana Foods Inc. at 1-908-810-8800 or emailthe company at info@turkanafood.com.
#aleppo #tahini #sesamepaste #salmonella #infection #recall
aleppo, tahini, sesamepaste, salmonella, infection, recall