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Can Ovarian Cancer Screening Save Lives?
This study showed that vaginal ultrasound screening can lower ovarian cancer mortality--but the positive predictive value is still too low to recommend it as a routine practice.
February 08, 2012
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Androgen-deprivation Therapy and Cardiovascular Mortality
This meta-analysis looks at the cardiovascular risk associated with androgen-deprivation therapy.
February 06, 2012
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Dexpramipexole in ALS: Cautious Optimism
Might the experimental drug dexpramipexole slow disease progression in ALS? Results of a Phase II trial are promising.
February 02, 2012
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Gloves Are No Substitute for Proper Hand Hygiene
WHO guidelines recommend that hands be cleaned both before putting on gloves and after removing them--but these guidelines are frequently ignored by healthcare workers.
January 30, 2012
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How Effective Is Melanoma Screening?
In this large study, melanoma mortality dropped significantly in one German state after a population-wide screening project, while mortality rates remained stable in the rest of the country.
January 29, 2012
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Even With Anticoagulation Therapy, Higher CHADS2 Scores Predict Worse Outcomes
This study evaluated the CHADS2 algorithm as a predictor of stroke in AF patients taking anticoagulants.
January 26, 2012
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Sodium Excretion of >7 g or <3 g Daily Is Associated With Elevated Cardiovascular Morbidity
The results of this controversial study conflict with current recommendations to limit daily sodium intake for cardiovascular health--but there may be several confounding factors.
January 24, 2012
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For Losing Weight, Commercial Programs Are Better and Cheaper Than Noncommercial Programs
In this study, researchers compared the relative effectiveness of various 12-week weight loss programs. How did the noncommercial programs fare against the commercial ones?
January 22, 2012
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Does Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection Mean Reinfection or Relapse?
This study indicates that even after months, most apparent recurrences of C. difficile infection are actually relapses.
January 19, 2012
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Poststroke Blood Pressure Affects Risk for Recurrent Stroke
What is the optimal post-stroke blood pressure for prevention of recurrent stroke?
January 18, 2012
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Monitoring at 3-month Intervals Might Be Feasible for Some Warfarin Patients
Is monthly testing necessary for stable patients on warfarin, or is quarterly testing sufficient?
January 18, 2012
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The Real Risk for Suicide in Mental Disorders
While suicide is certainly elevated in patients with mental disorders, new results suggest that the risk is lower than previously thought.
January 10, 2012
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Social Phobia Is Distinct From Shyness
Is social phobia a distinct entity or merely the "medicalization" of common human shyness? This study interviewed 10,000 adolescents to find out.
January 05, 2012
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Are the Effects of Bariatric Surgery Socially Contagious?
For patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, there may be an added benefit of weight loss and improved healthy behavior for their family.
January 03, 2012
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Patients With Diabetes and Prior Stroke Benefit From Thrombolytic Therapy for Treatment of Acute Stroke
Concomitant diabetes mellitus and prior stroke was thought to contraindicate thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke, but this study indicates otherwise, and should expand eligibility for thrombolysis.
January 01, 2012
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Dronedarone: A Cautionary Tale From PALLAS
While the anti-arrhythmic drug dronedarone proved safe and effective in patients with intermittent atrial fibrillation, a new study shows its use in high-risk permanent AF to be ill-advised.
December 29, 2011
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Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin Equally Effective at Reducing Atheroma Volume
This study comparing the effect of two intensive statin regimens on progression of coronary disease showed little difference between the two.
December 27, 2011
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A Trial of Weight-loss Strategies in Primary Care
In two separate studies, researchers studied differing models of weight loss intervention. What worked best?
December 25, 2011
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Dual-energy CT: A New Diagnostic Tool for Gout
Dual-energy CT is a relatively new approach to gout diagnosis that could emerge as a useful adjunctive tool for certain hard-to-confirm cases.
December 22, 2011
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Detection Rates Are Similar for Digital and Film Mammography
This study showed that for most patients, cancer detection rates were similar for digital or film-screen mammography--but certain subgroups may be better off with digital exams.
December 20, 2011
