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SCIENCE, COMMERCE AND SOCIETY
This is the first of a group of posts about science. They are new in that I attempt to embed science in the larger context of society and commerce, and in the special case of medicine - the only case where I have real expertise. Examples are important to illustrate...
BRUSHITE STONE DISEASE
The magnificent painting (oil on oak panel) by Hieronymus Bosch ("The Extraction of the Stone of Madness"), created between 1501-1505), dwells in the Museo del Prado since 1839, and has a provenance unbroken from its first owner, Philip of Burgundy, Bishop of Utrecht....
THE NEW THIAZIDE TRIAL
I picture a younger me on this article because the long line of thiazide trials stretches back decades in time to when I looked just like the photograph. The large picture that heads this article depicts my spreadsheet of all of the trials I have reviewed, and this...
PHOSPHATE FOR CALCIUM KIDNEY STONE PREVENTION
Long ago, physicians gave calcium kidney stone formers oral phosphate supplements to reduce urine calcium and kidney stone production. But trials were small and informal, so when a single and excellent trial showed lack of benefit our generation left phosphate by the...
Do Vitamin D Supplements Raise Kidney Stone Risk?
Not rarely patients and readers on this site ask about vitamin D supplements and whether they raise the risk for kidney stones or reduce risk for bone fractures. This article is about the first question. In pursuit of the answer, I would like to share with you how one...
How to Read About Science: P Harmala to Prevent Kidney Stones
I notice a lot of interest in OTC supplements and remedies for stone prevention. P harmala is a good example and has a very recent publication. In addition, I am committed to the idea that informed patients do best for themselves, thence this site. Nothing can can...