Sunlight and dysplastic nevus risk: results of a clinic-based case-control study

Article Abstract:

A dysplastic nevus is a mole on the skin with unusual shape and abnormal cellular structure when viewed under the microscope. Malignant melanoma is generally thought to arise from pre-existing dysplastic nevi, and it is therefore not surprising that dysplastic nevi constitute the most significant risk factor for malignant melanoma. It is estimated that as many as 9 percent of white people have dysplastic nevi; it is also estimated that as white Americans gain more leisure time and spend more time in the sun, the rate of melanoma will skyrocket. A study was undertaken to determine if the presence of dysplastic nevi could be correlated with exposure to sunlight in a population of 557 white adults seen as patients in a clinic for pigmented lesions. Of these subjects, 186 were found to have dysplastic nevi, and 186 had melanoma; 239 patients had neither and served as controls. The patients filled out questionnaires with a variety of questions relating to sun exposure, as well as general demographic considerations. The study could confirm no direct relation between sunlight exposure and the development of dysplastic nevi, but some trends indicated that such a relationship might exist. Patients with a history of more sunburns before the age of 20 years or lower latitude of residence seemed more likely to have dysplastic nevi, but the difference was not significant. Patients with dysplastic nevi were, however, more likely to be of a higher social class. Curiously, it was determined that patients who tanned only lightly had 2.8 time the risk for dysplastic nevi than dark tanners. However, patients who reported hardly tanning at all had only about 1.6 times the relative risk of dysplastic nevi. This effect may be due to a greater tendency of patients who tan especially poorly to avoid sunlight exposure than patients who tan more normally. The data from this study were not able to distinguish whether the risk of dysplastic nevi arises directly from sunlight exposure or from the individual patient's physiological reaction to sunlight exposure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Ultraviolet radiation, Melanoma, Mole (Dermatology), Nevus, Dysplastic nevus syndrome

---

Relation between intake of flavonoids and risk for coronary heart disease in male health professionals

Article Abstract:

A diet high in flavonols or flavones does not seem to have a significant protective effect in preventing first-time heart attack. Flavonols and flavones are antioxidants commonly found in a variety of food products. Dietary flavonol and flavone consumption, overall health, and heart disease history were analyzed among 34,789 male health professionals in 1986 and again in 1990. The 496 patients who had a first-time heart attack did not consume significantly more flavonoids than those who did not have a heart attack. However, men with pre-existing heart disease who ate high levels of flavonols had a reduced mortality rate.

Coronary heart disease, Heart attack, Flavonoids

---

The relation of physical activity to risk for symptomatic gallstone disease in men

Article Abstract:

About one-third of gallstone attacks in men might be prevented by 30 minutes of exercise every day. Researchers sent questionnaires to 45,813 men participating in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study in 1986 and every two years thereafter. During that time, 828 men developed gallstones. Men over 65 who exercised had a 42% lower risk of gallstones and men under 65 who exercised had a 25% lower risk. Vigorous physical activity was most strongly associated with a reduced risk of gallstones.

Exercise, Gallstones

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Surfactant treatment for premature babies - a review of clinical trials. Follow up of premature babies treated with artificial surfactant (ALEC) (artificial lung expanding compound) (Fetal and Neonatal Edition)
• Abstracts: Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of crural arteries. Laser angioplasty: results of a prospective, multicenter study at 3-year follow-up
• Abstracts: The nature of adverse events in hospitalized patients: results of the Harvard Medical Practice Study II. The economic consequences of medical injuries: implications for a no-fault insurance plan
• Abstracts: Periodic mammographic follow-up of probably benign lesions: results in 3,184 consecutive cases. The subtle and atypical mammographic features of invasive lobular carcinoma
• Abstracts: Suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in panic disorder and attacks

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.