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Biological DMARD guidelines associated with a reduced need for knee and hip replacements in RA

A Danish study found a clear downward trend in knee and hip replacements in RA patients since the introduction of biological DMARDs to treatment protocols. The incidence of total knee replacements decreased by 0.20 per year after 2003, while the incidence of total hip replacements also showed a downward trend.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2017

Eating poorly can make us depressed

A six-year study of 12,059 volunteers found that high intake of trans-fats increased the risk of depression by up to 48%, while polyunsaturated fats and olive oil were associated with a lower risk. The researchers suggest that diet may play a key role in both depression and cardiovascular disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 26, 2011

Serious stress causes strokes

Research reveals strong correlation between prolonged stress and increased risk of large vessel disease, small vessel disease, and cryptogenic stroke. Stress may be related to behaviors such as smoking and physical inactivity that increase stroke susceptibility.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateOct 1, 2009

Smoking increases risk of developing active TB

A recent study found that smoking is a significant risk factor for active tuberculosis (TB), with current smokers twice as likely to develop active TB as never-smokers. The study analyzed data from nearly 17,000 individuals in Taiwan and found that younger smokers were more likely to develop active TB.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateAug 24, 2009

Mobile health clinics: Saving lives and money

Researchers found that mobile health clinics decrease both the incidence and economic burden of preventable diseases, saving $36 in combined emergency department costs for every $1 invested. The model also showed a net profit to the healthcare system due to reduced costs and increased value of life years saved.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateJun 1, 2009

Marine disease on the rise?

A new method by Jessica Ward and Kevin Lafferty confirms fears of rising distress in threatened populations, revealing a real underlying pattern in nature. Disease trends were found to increase in all groups except seagrasses, decapods, and sharks/rays, while fishes experienced decreased disease reports.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 13, 2004

Pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduces disease in South African children

A South African clinical trial showed a significant reduction in pneumococcal disease incidence with the conjugate vaccine, resulting in a 5% decrease among all children and a 6% decrease among HIV-infected children. The study demonstrates the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and saving lives.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2003

Vitamin D deficiency and bowel diseases connected

Research at Penn State reveals vitamin D deficiency worsens symptoms of Chron's disease and ulcerative colitis in mice, while treatment with Vitamin D supplements reduces inflammation. The connection between vitamin D status and inflammatory bowel disease incidence is also suggested by geographical distribution.

Eating disorders continue to increase in young females

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic found that eating disorders continue to increase in young females, with a steady rise in incidence over the past 50 years. The study suggests that the type of eating disorder being reported is shifting towards more cases of bulimia (binge and purge).

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of Eating Disorders·DateJan 11, 2000