Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Large meta-analysis indicates widespread use of vitamin D supplements to prevent osteoporosis in healthy adults unjustified

A large meta-analysis of 23 studies involving over 4,000 healthy adults found no significant benefit from vitamin D supplements in preventing osteoporosis. The study's authors conclude that continuing widespread use of vitamin D for osteoporosis prevention in healthy adults without specific risk factors is inappropriate.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 10, 2013

Does post-traumatic stress disorder increase the risk of metabolic syndrome?

A comprehensive review of medical literature reveals a link between PTSD and metabolic syndrome. The study suggests that the relationship is not clear and may be influenced by various factors such as socioeconomic status and lifestyle habits. Further investigation is needed to fully understand this connection.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMetabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders·DateOct 2, 2013

Bias pervades the scientific reporting of animal studies

A new study reveals substantial bias in animal studies reporting, which may lead to misleading conclusions about potential treatments' effectiveness in humans. The researchers analyzed 160 meta-analyses of animal studies and found that over twice as many studies reached statistical significance than expected.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 16, 2013

Stress at work very unlikely to cause cancer

A meta-analysis of 12 studies involving 116,000 participants found no evidence of an association between job strain and overall cancer risk. Stress can cause chronic inflammation, leading to unhealthy behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 7, 2013

Employees' interests predict how they will perform on the job

A new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science suggests that employees' interests are a stronger predictor of job performance than overall interest scores. The research found that those whose interest profiles matched their job profiles were more likely to perform well, help others, and stay with the company longer.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJul 5, 2012

Study examines stent implantation compared to initial medical therapy for stable coronary disease

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials suggests that initial stent implantation for patients with stable coronary artery disease is not associated with improved outcomes compared to initial medical therapy. The study found no significant reduction in mortality, nonfatal heart attacks, or angina after a mean follow-up of 4.3 years.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 27, 2012

Some link between CCSVI and MS but quality of evidence prevents definitive conclusion

A meta-analysis found a strong association between CCSVI and multiple sclerosis, but the low quality of included studies prevents a definitive conclusion. The variation in study results suggests that factors such as sample size, ultrasound techniques, and training of operators may contribute to the heterogeneity.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 3, 2011

Do women have what it takes?

A Northwestern University meta-analysis reveals that leadership continues to be viewed as culturally masculine, perpetuating barriers to women's advancement. The study finds that women are seen as less qualified or natural in leadership roles, and adopting masculine behaviors can lead to being viewed as inappropriate.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJul 13, 2011

Patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death

A meta-analysis of previous studies found that patients with eating disorders have an elevated rate of death, especially those with anorexia nervosa. The study also highlighted the seriousness of bulimia nervosa and disordered eating not otherwise specified, which are often overlooked due to limited published data.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJul 4, 2011

Thoughts that win

A meta-analysis of 32 sport psychological studies found that self-talk improves sport performance, but different types of self-talk work better for different tasks. Instructional self-talk is more effective for fine skills, while motivational self-talk boosts confidence for endurance tasks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMay 25, 2011

Emergency medical services should advise bystanders giving CPR to perform chest compression only, not mouth-to-mouth

A study published in The Lancet found that dispatcher-assisted CPR producing chest compression only results in improved survival rates compared to standard CPR. Continuous uninterrupted chest compressions are vital for successful CPR, and avoiding mouth-to-mouth ventilation increases the probability of a successful outcome.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 14, 2010

Meta-analysis shows no heart benefits for folic acid supplements

A meta-analysis of eight clinical trials found that folic acid supplements did not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, cancer, or death over a five-year period. The study showed a significant reduction in homocysteine levels with folic acid supplementation but no corresponding benefit for cardiovascular health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateOct 11, 2010

Meta-analysis: Radiotherapy variants improve survival in non-metastatic lung cancer

A new meta-analysis reports that hyperfractionated and accelerated radiotherapy regimens improve overall survival in non-small-cell lung cancer patients by 3% after 5 years. Modified fractionation of radiotherapy also shows benefits for small-cell lung cancer patients, although the difference is not statistically significant.

SourceEuropean Society for Medical Oncology·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 30, 2010

Women's bodies and minds agree less than men's on what's sexy

A meta-analysis of 134 studies involving over 3,400 participants found that men's subjective and physiological measures of sexual arousal were more closely matched than women's. The researchers identified two methodological differences - the type of stimuli and timing of assessment - that may contribute to this gender difference.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateJan 4, 2010