Arch Intern Med
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.
Massage therapy is an attractive treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy for OA of the knee. ⋯ Massage therapy seems to be efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee. Further study of cost effectiveness and duration of treatment effect is clearly warranted. .
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The clinical significance of elevated cardiac troponin (cTn) level in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is uncertain. We reviewed the frequency of cTn elevation and its association with mortality and length of ICU stay in these patients. ⋯ Elevated cTn measurements among critically ill patients are associated with increased mortality and ICU length of stay. Research is needed to clarify the underlying causes of elevated cTn in this population and to examine their clinical significance.
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Meta Analysis
Alcohol dosing and total mortality in men and women: an updated meta-analysis of 34 prospective studies.
Moderate consumption of alcohol is inversely related with coronary disease, but its association with mortality is controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of prospective studies on alcohol dosing and total mortality. ⋯ Low levels of alcohol intake (1-2 drinks per day for women and 2-4 drinks per day for men) are inversely associated with total mortality in both men and women. Our findings, while confirming the hazards of excess drinking, indicate potential windows of alcohol intake that may confer a net beneficial effect of moderate drinking, at least in terms of survival.
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Physical activity is a potentially modifiable breast cancer risk factor. There is considerable recent evidence to suggest that risk factors for breast cancer differ based on its subtype, particularly estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR) status, but this has been less well studied for physical activity. The objective of this study was to examine the association of physical activity with breast cancer incidence based on ER/PR status of the tumor. ⋯ Higher recreational physical activity might reduce the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer overall. Risk reduction varies by ER/PR status of the tumor, being most marked for ER+/PR- tumors, which, in general, have been associated with a clinically more aggressive tumor phenotype. If confirmed in additional studies, these results would suggest that additional mechanisms, besides an effect on body mass, may account for observed protective effects of physical activity in reducing breast cancer.
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Increased Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) in a hospital and an affiliated long-term care facility continued despite infection control measures. We investigated this outbreak to determine risk factors and transmission settings. ⋯ The hospital outbreak of CDAD was caused by transmission of a more virulent, fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of C difficile. More selective fluoroquinolone and proton pump inhibitor use may be important in controlling and preventing such outbreaks.