Gender dysphoria in adolescents: can adolescents or parents give valid consent to puberty blockers?

This article considers the claim that gender diverse minors and their families should not be able to consent to hormonal treatment for gender dysphoria. The claim refers particularly to hormonal treatment with so-called 'blockers', analogues that suspend temporarily pubertal development. We discuss particularly four reasons why consent may be deemed invalid in these cases: (1) the decision is too complex; (2) the decision-makers are too emotionally involved; (3) the decision-makers are on a 'conveyor belt'; (4) the possibility of detransitioning.

Are low ultraviolet B and vitamin D associated with higher incidence of multiple myeloma?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an inverse association exists between latitude, solar ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiance, and incidence rates of multiple myeloma.Methods Associations of latitude and UVB irradiance with age-standardized incidence rates of multiple myeloma were analyzed for 175 countries while controlling for sex-specific obesity prevalence, cigarette consumption, and alcohol consumption using multiple linear regression.Results Incidence rates of multiple myeloma were greater at higher latitudes (R(2) for latitude for males=0.

High serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is associated with a low incidence of stress fractures.

Low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations are associated with hip fractures, but the dose-response relationship of serum 25(OH)D with risk of stress fractures in young women is unknown. This nested case-control study in a cohort of female Navy recruits was designed to determine whether those with low prediagnostic serum 25(OH)D concentrations had greater risk of stress fracture. Sera were drawn in 2002-2009 from 600 women who were diagnosed subsequently with stress fracture of the tibia or fibula and 600 matched controls who did not experience a stress fracture.

Ultraviolet B and incidence rates of leukemia worldwide.

Background: Recent research has suggested a relationship between vitamin D deficiency and risk of leukemia.

Purpose: Using data from the UN cancer database, GLOBOCAN, this study will determine whether a relationship exists for latitude and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiance with incidence rates of leukemia in 175 countries.

Methods: Multiple regression was used to analyze the independent association between UVB and age-adjusted incidence rates of leukemia in 139 countries in 2002.