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Human health effects of 'e-waste' focus of international research study

A new international population study led by the University of Cincinnati examines the human developmental effects of environmental exposure to complex metal mixtures found in electronic waste. The research aims to identify potential preventative measures to reduce human exposures, particularly for pregnant women and young children livi...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateNov 18, 2010

Innovative Web-based tool helps doctors improve care

A Web-based tool extracted from the electronic medical record helps primary care physicians manage care for individual patients, groups of patients or their entire panel. The Panel Support Tool (PST) improves care for patients with diabetes and/or heart disease, and provides better preventive care for healthy patients.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateOct 1, 2010

BPA and testosterone levels

A large population study found a statistically significant association between BPA exposure and increased testosterone levels in men. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 adults aged 20-74 years, suggests that even low-level exposure to BPA may have endocrine-disrupting effects on human health.

SourceThe Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateAug 25, 2010

Vitamin D levels associated with Parkinson's disease risk

A 29-year follow-up study of Finnish men and women found that individuals with higher vitamin D levels had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a potential link between chronic inadequacy of vitamin D and the development of Parkinson's disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateJul 12, 2010

Women's group support can improve birth outcomes

Research findings suggest that participatory women's groups can reduce neonatal mortality by up to one-third and moderate maternal depression. The groups' impact was attributed to improved hygiene and care practices, as well as increased community mobilization and support for the poorest populations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 7, 2010

Women veterans less likely to report pain than male counterparts

A recent study published in Pain Medicine found that women veterans are less likely to report pain compared to their male counterparts. The study, which analyzed data from over 153,000 veterans, revealed that female veterans were more likely to report moderate-severe pain but less likely to experience persistent pain.

SourceWiley·JournalPain Medicine·DateOct 21, 2009

Multiple strokes rather than underlying vascular risk factors increase risk of post-stroke dementia

A systematic review found that post-stroke dementia rates varied greatly, but were closely related to stroke characteristics and complications. The authors suggest that optimum acute stroke care and secondary prevention measures could reduce the burden of dementia. Further studies are needed to identify independent predictive factors.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateSep 23, 2009

MADIT-CRT trial

The MADIT-CRT study found that CRT-D therapy reduces the risk of heart failure or death by 34% compared to ICD-only therapy, with benefits seen across various patient sub-groups. This results validate a new indication for CRT-D therapy in preventing heart failure in at-risk patients.

Public schools as good as private schools in raising math scores, study says

A new University of Illinois study found that public school students made significantly greater gains in math scores by fifth grade compared to their Catholic school peers. Public schools rivaled the performance of other non-Catholic private schools, suggesting they are at least as effective in promoting student learning over time.

Wine may protect against dementia

A Swedish study found that women who consumed wine regularly had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those who drank beer or liquor. The study, which followed 1,458 women over 34 years, suggests that moderate wine consumption may have protective effects against dementia.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateApr 10, 2008

Elevated liver enzymes associated with higher future mortality

A new US population-based study found that elevated liver enzymes discovered during routine medical care are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Elevated AST and ALT levels were linked to increased standardized mortality rates, suggesting these simple blood tests could be valuable indicators of long-term outcome.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateMar 3, 2008

Breast cancer patients suffer considerable wage losses in first year after diagnosis

A study of 829 Canadian women diagnosed with early breast cancer found that they lost an average of 27% of their typical income during the first 12 months after diagnosis. The researchers also discovered that wage losses were more common among less educated women, those with more serious disease, and those with less social support.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateFeb 26, 2008

Intact tonsils triple risk of recurrent strep throat

A Mayo Clinic study reveals that children with recurrent strep throat who retain their tonsils are at triple the risk of developing subsequent episodes. Tonsillectomy is found to be an effective treatment for this condition, decreasing infections and improving quality of life.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Laryngoscope·DateNov 2, 2006