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Sunlight may help ward off rheumatoid arthritis in women

Regular sunlight exposure is linked to lower risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in older women due to increased production of vitamin D. However, younger women who cover up with sunscreen may not experience the same protective benefits, according to a large-scale study.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateFeb 4, 2013

Women with higher carotenoid levels have reduced risk of breast cancer

A pooled analysis of eight cohort studies found that women with higher circulating carotenoid levels had statistically significantly lower breast cancer risk. The inverse association was strongest for estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) breast cancers, highlighting carotenoids as a potential modifiable risk factor.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateDec 6, 2012

NSAID use linked to reduced hepatocellular carcinoma risk and mortality due to chronic liver disease

Researchers found a significant association between NSAID use and reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and death from chronic liver disease. Aspirin use was found to have the strongest protective effect, with participants experiencing a 41% reduced risk of HCC and 45% reduced risk of CLD mortality.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 28, 2012

Can't stop? Smoking less helps

A 40-year study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that smokers who reduced their cigarette consumption saw a 15% reduced risk of mortality and a 23% reduced risk of cardiovascular mortality. Formerly heavy smokers had the most to gain from smoking reduction.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 19, 2012

Intervention reduces sexual risk behavior and unintended preganancies in teen girls, study finds

A new study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that adolescent girls participating in a sexual risk reduction intervention were more likely to practice abstinence and showed substantial decreases in unprotected sex, number of partners, and unintended pregnancies. The intervention used age-appropriate games and interact...

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateOct 9, 2012

Aspirin-clopidogrel no better than aspirin alone for patients with lacunar stroke

The Aspirin-clopidogrel trial found that the combination did not offer significant benefits for stroke prevention in patients with lacunar strokes. Instead, it increased the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Meanwhile, overall stroke risk has decreased by more than three-fold over the past decade.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 29, 2012

Survey finds symptoms of burnout common among US physicians

A national survey of 7,288 US physicians found that 45.8% reported symptoms of burnout, with higher rates in emergency medicine and family medicine specialties. The study highlights the need for policy makers and healthcare organizations to address physician burnout to improve patient care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 20, 2012

Gene variant reduces cholesterol by 2 mechanisms

A gene variant in sortilin, responsible for higher protein expression in liver, has been found to reduce cholesterol levels. The study reveals two mechanisms: increased LDL degradation and decreased APOB secretion via lysosomal targeting.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 2, 2012

More accurate diagnostic test may reduce deaths

A novel diagnostic test has been developed to accurately detect Group B Streptococcal infection in babies, allowing for quicker treatment and potentially reducing mortality rates. The test detects the presence of a specific gene in the bacteria, which is an important disease-causing factor.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateJun 26, 2012

Surgical 'sling' reduces risk of weakened bladder control after prolapse surgery, U-M study says

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients who receive a mid-urethral sling during prolapse repair have less than half the risk of urinary incontinence. The study suggests that inserting a sling during surgery can significantly reduce urine leakage, but also increases the risk of certain side effects.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 21, 2012

Meta-analysis examines intensive glycemic control, renal disease in patients with type 2 diabetes

A meta-analysis of seven clinical trials found that intensive glucose control reduces microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria in type 2 diabetes patients, but lacks evidence for reduced risk of significant clinical renal outcomes. The study suggests a reevaluation of the benefits of intensive glycemic control in preventing renal disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMay 28, 2012