Free Republic

A major study led by University of Otago researchers has found that genetics play a significant role in gout, challenging the myth that lifestyle is the primary cause. The findings highlight the genetic basis of gout and may lead to better treatments, with the potential repurposing of existing immune-related drugs. New research has found that genetics, not lifestyle, is the primary cause of gout. The study identified key genes and immune pathways, opening the door to improved treatments and challenging the stigma that links gout to poor lifestyle choices. A major international study has revealed that gout is primarily a...

For patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), treatment with diosmin—a flavonoid supplement derived from citrus fruits—reduced swelling of the knee and leg and some measures of associated pain can be achieved, reports a clinical trial. Swelling is a common problem in patients undergoing TKA, and one that contributes to pain and patient dissatisfaction. Currently, there are no effective medication choices to reduce swelling after TKA. Diosmin—often in combination with a related flavonoid called hesperidin—has been used to reduce swelling of the limbs in patients with venous disorders. The exploratory study included 330 patients undergoing TKA at 13 university-affiliated hospitals. Patients...

Ok I have swelling legs - they are swollen about 7-12%.

The wave of "Last Minute Refusals" is growing by the hour, with soldiers throughout the IDF stating they will not obey orders relating to the forced expulsion of Jews from Gaza and northern Samaria. According to Rotter.net, five IDF battalion commanders have warned of mass refusal by soldiers in a document written to Defense Minister Sha'ul Mofaz and Chief of Staff Dan Halutz last week. The letter reportedly reveals a phenomenon called "last minute refusal." The five lieutenant colonels wrote that there is a possibility that up to half of all soldiers, including officers, assigned to Disengagement duties intend to...

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger came into office promising to "blow up the boxes" of government bureaucracy, eliminating state jobs and useless positions. Instead, he has drawn new boxes and filled them with new state workers - 4,983 more in fiscal year 2004-05, which ended June 30, and a planned 6,288 more in fiscal 2005-06, which began July 1, according to state documents obtained by the San Francisco Chronicle. This is just another way he, unfortunately, is imitating recalled Gov. Gray Davis. As we noted in an April 10, 2003, editorial, a Davis call to "freeze" hiring actually turned out to mean...

<p>WASHINGTON -- The unemployment rate rose to 6 percent last month, matching an eight-year high, as the deepest jobs slump in almost 20 years continued to worsen.</p> <p>The economy lost 48,000 jobs in April, the U.S. Labor Department reported Friday, ratcheting up the jobless rate 0.2 percentage points. In the last three months 525,000 jobs have disappeared. Since 1960, every loss of that magnitude has occurred during a recession.</p>

<p>VOLCANO, Hawai'i — Mauna Loa, the world's largest volcano, has been quiet for 18 1/2 years. Now it appears to be stirring again, scientists report.</p> <p>In their weekly "Volcano Report," dated today, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory geologists report that Mauna Loa began inflating again on Mother's Day.</p>