Journal of general internal medicine
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The prevalence of torture among foreign-born patients presenting to urban medical clinics is not well documented. ⋯ Among foreign-born patients presenting to an urban primary care center, approximately 1 in 9 met the definition established by the UN Convention Against Torture. As survivors of torture may have significant psychological and physical sequelae, these data underscore the necessity for primary care physicians to screen for a torture history among foreign-born patients.
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English proficiency may be important in explaining disparities in health and health care access among older adults. ⋯ Provision of language assistance services to patients and training of providers in cultural competence are 2 means by which health care systems could reduce linguistic barriers, improve access to care, and ultimately improve health status for these vulnerable populations.
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Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) have increased mortality compared with patients without PAD. Coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for almost 75% of deaths in PAD patients. Studies suggest that PAD is underdiagnosed and atherosclerotic risk factors undertreated when compared with CAD. ⋯ The majority of veterans with PAD received lipid-lowering medication and achieve goal LDL, but they are more likely to do so if they are older than 70 and have a history of CAD.
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Diet books dominate the New York Times Advice Best Seller list and consumers cite such books as an important source of nutrition information. However, the scientific support for nutrition claims presented as fact (nutrition facts) in diet books is not known. ⋯ Consumers obtain nutrition information from diet books. We found that over 67% of nutrition facts in a best-seller diet book may not be supported in the peer-reviewed literature. These findings have important implications for educating consumers about nutrition information sources.
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To evaluate the psychological, socio-behavioral, and medical implications of apparently false-positive prostate cancer screening results. ⋯ One year later, men who underwent prostate biopsy more often reported worrying about prostate cancer. In addition, there were related psychological, socio-behavioral, and medical care implications. These hidden tolls associated with screening should be considered in the discussion about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening.