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Diet plays a significant role in the development of gout and hyperuricemia. Gout and hyperuricemia have likewise been associated with the development of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Epidemiological studies have shown that certain foods influence levels of serum uric acid and the risk for development of gout.This article reviews the influence of dietary factors on serum uric acid levels and risk of gout, as well as the role of urate transporters in the development of hyperuricemia and gout.Various epidemiological studies have shown the effects of certain foods on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia. Low-fat dairy products, purine-rich vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes, and less sugary fruits, coffee and vitamin C supplements decrease the risk, whereas intake of red meat, fructose-containing beverages and alcohol increase the risk of gout. There is also an increased although basic understanding of the effects of vitamin C, alcohol and fructose on urate transporters. Certain foods can lead to a decreased or increased risk of development of gout and hyperuricemia. Advances have established the interplay of certain foods on urate transporters and renal handling of urate. More studies, especially prospective ones, are needed to increase our understanding of the roles of foods and urate transporters and other molecular mechanisms on the risk of developing gout and hyperuricemia.

Objective To assess the association of industry funding with the characteristics, outcome, and reported quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify original RA drug therapy RCTs published in 2002–3 & 2006–7. Two reviewers independently assessed each RCT for the funding source, characteristics, outcome [positive (statistically significant result favoring experimental drug for the primary outcome) or not positive], and reporting of methodological measures whose inadequate performance may bias treatment effect assessment. RCTs registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and completed in the study years were assessed for publication bias. Results 103 eligible RCTs were identified with following funding sources: 58 (56.3%) industry; 19 (18.4%) non-profit; 6 (5.8%) mixed; and 20 (19.4%) unspecified. Industry funded RCTs had significantly more study centers and subjects; while non-profit funded RCTs had longer duration, and were more likely to study different treatment strategies. Outcome could be assessed for 86 (83.5%) RCTs. Funding source was not associated with higher likelihood of positive outcomes favoring the sponsored experimental drug [industry (75.5%), non-profit (68.8%), mixed (40%), and unspecified (81.2%); p = 0.37]. Industry funded RCTs had trend towards higher likelihood of non-publication (38.6% versus 16.7%, p = 0.093). Industry-funded RCTs reported more frequent performance of double-blinding, adequate participant flow description, and intention-to-treat analysis. Conclusion Industry funding was not associated with higher likelihood of positive outcomes of published drug therapy RCTs for RA, and reported better on some key RCT quality measures.

Depression, and not disease activity, appears to have a major influence on quality of life in both Hispanic and Caucasian patients in this lupus cohort.

Many questions remain to be answered. More studies looking at the reliability of certain serological and radiological biomarkers are needed. Issues concerning the safety of the use of biological response modifiers in inducing sarcoidosis need further study.

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Background Psychological safety (PS) is the perception that it is safe to take interpersonal risks in the work environment. In teaching hospitals, PS may influence the clinical learning environment for trainees.