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Dietary fat intake affects hidden stomach flab

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that consuming more saturated fats can lead to higher amounts of visceral fat, which is linked to a stronger risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A diet low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce visceral fat.

New study reveals that only men are at greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by smoking

A recent study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in men. However, female smokers do not face a higher risk, contrary to previous assumptions. The study suggests pre-menopausal women may block the link between smoking and RA development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalArthritis Research & Therapy·DateMar 24, 2003

Researchers study women's risk of rape in military

A study involving over 500 female veterans found that workplace factors, such as superior behavior, were highly associated with the risk of sexual assault during military service. The research highlights the need for interventions and policies to increase the safety of women in the workplace.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·DateMar 11, 2003

Keeping blood pressure in check

A study found that mice deficient in RGS2, a regulatory protein, exhibited persistent vessel constriction and strongly hypertensive effects. This suggests that abnormally prolonged GPCR signaling may contribute to the onset of hypertension.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateFeb 15, 2003

Oxygen deprivation at or immediately after birth may place premature babies at risk for problems

A study found that premature babies with mild to moderate oxygen deprivation during or immediately after birth had significantly lower cognitive and language skills compared to those with no such risk. The researchers suggest that even minor risk of hypoxia may be associated with damage to the brain's periventricular white matter.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalNeuropsychology·DateJan 26, 2003

Tooth loss linked to increased stroke risk

A new study by the American Heart Association has found a significant link between tooth loss and an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Men with fewer than 25 teeth had a 57% higher risk of ischemic stroke compared to those with 25 or more teeth, suggesting that infection plays a role in stroke and heart disease.

High iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase cardiovascular risk

A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high iron stores in women of reproductive age may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. The research analyzed serum ferritin concentrations and their impact on cardiovascular risk factors, revealing a significant association between iron levels and...

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002

Healthy diet index study discloses dramatic reductions in chronic disease risk

Researchers analyzed data from two large studies and found that individuals with the highest adherence to dietary guidelines had significantly lower risks of chronic diseases. Men in the highest-scoring quintile of the AHEI had a 20% reduced risk of developing major chronic disease, while women had an 11% reduced risk.

SourceAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 21, 2002

Risk from breast cancer susceptibility gene may be exaggerated in most studies

A recent study suggests that breast cancer susceptibility gene may be associated with lower penetrance than previously estimated. Genetic counselors must consider multiple risk factors when predicting an individual's risk for breast cancer, as the presence of a BRCA mutation does not define her overall risk.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateAug 20, 2002

When mistreated children act out later in life: Brain gene may play a role, study says

Researchers identified a significant link between a specific gene variant and increased risk of antisocial behavior in maltreated children. The study found that individuals with a certain variation of the MAOA gene were more likely to develop behavioral problems, comparable to major risk factors for heart disease.

Women with rare twin-pregnancy complication

A study of 77 twin pregnancies found that women who chose to continue their pregnancy despite a hydatidiform mole experienced a 40% chance of a successful outcome. This choice was associated with a relatively small chance of serious obstetric complications and did not increase the risk of developing malignant disease.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 20, 2002

Breast cancer rising among Asian-American women

A recent study by the University of Southern California reveals that breast cancer incidence rates have increased significantly among Asian-American women, particularly those of Japanese descent. The study found that breast cancer rates for Japanese and Filipino women were about double those for Chinese and Korean women.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateJun 10, 2002

Putting cancer in context

A new report by Dartmouth and VA researchers has introduced simple, low-tech risk charts that place cancer mortality in context. These charts show the 10-year chance of dying from various causes, such as heart disease, stroke, or breast cancer, side-by-side for men and women of different ages and smoking statuses.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 4, 2002

Optimistic outlook may benefit lungs

A new study suggests that an optimistic outlook may improve lung function in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Optimism was linked to higher lung function and slower rate of decline in lung function compared to pessimistic individuals, even after controlling for smoking.