Dtsch Arztebl Int
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Observational Study
Intended and Actual Participation in the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program—a Prospective Cohort Study With AOK Insurees.
The public generally has a positive view of colorectal cancer screening, but there is still room for improvement in participation rates. The aim of this study was to identify factors that are associated with intended and actual participation. ⋯ The wide gap between intended and actual participation implies that there is potential for improvement in the prevention of colorectal cancer, and that certain groups of people could benefit from targeted support in making their intention to undergo screening a reality. Because of the methodological limitations of this initial investigation, its findings need to be confirmed by further studies.
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Meta Analysis
Daylight Saving Time Transitions and Risk of Heart Attack—a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The health risks of daylight saving time transitions are intensely debated. Disturbed circadian rhythms and lack of sleep after transitions might increase the risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The only meta-analysis on the risk of AMI has now been considerably expanded. ⋯ Current evidence suggests that there may be an increased risk of AMI after the spring transition, although there is moderate to marked heterogeneity among the studies that support this conclusion. More easily interpretable studies, such as those already conducted in the field of economics, should clarify associations with the aid of discontinuity regression and placebo tests. To this end, comparative risk analyses using years or places wherein daylight saving time was not practiced would be suitable.
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Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a multifactorial, monophasic neuritis that mainly affects the nerves of the shoulder girdle. It is characterized by very severe pain and by weakness that arises some time after the pain. Its reported incidence is high (100 cases per 100 000 persons per year), but our data suggest that many or most cases are diagnosed late or not at all. ⋯ Particularly in view of the high incidence and improved therapeutic options, NA should be included in the differential diagnosis of all patients with suggestive symptoms.