September 30, 2009 – 8:05 am
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A new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology suggests that Vitamin D levels are linked to the rate and amount of melanoma development. Specifically, people with low levels of Vitamin D get more frequent melanoma lesions and the lesions are thicker and more virulent.
“Although avoiding sunburn is very important in order to [...]
September 29, 2009 – 8:50 am
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Well – if you are getting too much UV radiation and potentially developing squamous cell carcinoma anyway. A study at the Stanford Cancer Center and Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection suggests that periods of short-term stress can boost the immune system temporarily and help protect against cancer cell development. The effect [...]
September 27, 2009 – 9:50 pm
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A recent British study that analyzed results from over 7,500 patients in a series of previous studies has revealed evidence that suggests the prevention of further strokes after a first stroke may also help to prevent dementia. Specifically the study suggests that subsequent strokes after a first stroke increase the risk [...]
September 25, 2009 – 12:45 am
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Here’s a quick DocGurley public service announcement. Johnson & Johnson, one of the largest US manufacturers, has recalled a large quantity of childrens’ and infants’ liquid Tylenol that it manufactured from March to June. Apparently some of the base components didn’t meet quality standards and contained bacteria. Fortunately no bacteria [...]
September 15, 2009 – 4:43 pm
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The latest Grand Rounds has been posted – with a wonderful theme – Around the world in 80 days! It’s at R.L. Bates’ blog, “Suture For A Living” and it’s a HUGE collection of great medical posts. You should read her blog regularly, too. She covers a wide range of topics really well.
September 10, 2009 – 2:03 pm
I’ve been watching the healthcare reform debate from a distance, like all doctors. It was a brilliant stroke of genius on the part of both Republicans and Democrats (when they undertook the job of changing all of healthcare) to do so without the input of any practicing physicians. I’m very glad about this – it [...]
September 3, 2009 – 3:39 pm
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New research has found a gene in mice that when blocked can prevent mice from getting obese no matter how fat-rich the diet they consume may be. The gene, appropriately named IKKE, produces a protein kinase. Protein kinases are enzymes that effectively turn other proteins on or off. The proteins that are turned [...]