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Recent reports in Science and Medicine for February 2006

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:::::::       February 28       :::::::

1. New England Journal of Medicine  Volume 354 February 23, 2006 Number 8
   • Antiviral Resistance in Influenza Viruses — Implications for Management and Pandemic Response. F. G. Hayden
   • Focus on Research: Herceptin and the Heart — A Molecular Modifier of Cardiac Failure. K. R. Chien
   • Functional Dyspepsia — Managing the Conundrum. G. F. Longstreth
   • * Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis. D. O. Clegg and Others [Medscape]
   • Adjuvant Docetaxel or Vinorelbine with or without Trastuzumab for Breast Cancer. H. Joensuu and Others
   • * Denosumab in Postmenopausal Women with Low Bone Mineral Density. M. R. McClung and Others [Eurekalert]
   • A Placebo-Controlled Trial of Itopride in Functional Dyspepsia. G. Holtmann and Others [Medscape]
     
   • Osteoarthritis of the Knee. D. T. Felson
   • Nutritional Supplements for Knee Osteoarthritis — Still No Resolution. M. C. Hochberg
   • The Long and the Short of Bone Therapy. M. P. Whyte
   • Strategies for Improving Surgical Quality — Should Payers Reward Excellence or Effort? N. J.O. Birkmeyer and J. D. Birkmeyer
   • Early Release
     • Expression of Concern Reaffirmed. Published at www.nejm.org February 22, 2006 (10.1056/NEJMe068054)
     • Response to Expression of Concern Regarding VIGOR Study. Published at www.nejm.org February 22, 2006 (10.1056/NEJMc066096) [Medscape]

:::::::       February 27       :::::::

1. JAMA Vol. 295 No. 8, pp. 859-960, February 22, 2006
   • * Adamantane Resistance Among Influenza A Viruses Isolated Early During the 2005-2006 Influenza Season in the United States. JAMA. 2006;295:891-894.
   • * Sirolimus- vs Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents in De Novo Coronary Artery Lesions: The REALITY Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2006;295:895-904.
   • Policies and Practices Related to the Role of Board Certification and Recertification of Pediatricians in Hospital Privileging. JAMA. 2006;295:905-912.
   • Use of Board Certification and Recertification of Pediatricians in Health Plan Credentialing Policies. JAMA. 2006;295:913-918.
   • Helmet Use and Risk of Head Injuries in Alpine Skiers and Snowboarders. JAMA. 2006;295:919-924.
   • Clinical Crossroads: A 54-Year-Old Woman With Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. JAMA. 2006;295:925-933.
   • Editorials: Adamantane Resistance in Influenza A. JAMA. 2006;295:934-936.
   • Wish List and REALITY: Choice of Stents and End Points for Treatment of De Novo Coronary Artery Lesions. JAMA. 2006;295:937-938.
   • Credentialing and Public Accountability: A Central Role for Board Certification. JAMA. 2006;295:939-940.

:::::::       February 24        :::::::

:::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::

1. FDA
• Approval: Eraxis™ (anidulafungin) to treat certain infections caused by Candida, a yeast-like fungus that can cause serious infections in hospitalized patients or patients with compromised immune systems.
2. * Prolonged diabetes reversal after intraportal xenotransplantation of wild-type porcine islets in immunosuppressed nonhuman primates. Nature-Medicine published online: 19 February 2006. (Milestone in diabetes research using pig islets [Eurekalert] )
3. * Gum Chewing Reduces Ileus After Elective Open Sigmoid Colectomy. Arch Surg. 2006;141:174-176.
4. * Activity-Dependent Regulation of MEF2 Transcription Factors Suppresses Excitatory Synapse Number. Science 17 February 2006: Vol. 311. no. 5763, pp. 1008 - 1012. [ScienceDaily]
5. Death and Injury from Motor Vehicle Crashes: A Tale of Two Countries. Am J Prev Med 2005; 5:440-449. [Eurekalert: Study indicates speed cameras could curb US road deaths.]
6. A Calcium-Regulated MEF2 Sumoylation Switch Controls Postsynaptic Differentiation. Science 17 February 2006:Vol. 311. no. 5763, pp. 1012 - 1017. [ScienceDaily]
   
7. * DNase Expression Allows the Pathogen Group A Streptococcus to Escape Killing in Neutrophil Extracellular Traps. Current Biology, Vol 16, 396-400, 21 February 2006. [Eurekalert : So-called flesh-eating "Strep" bacteria use a specific enzyme to break free of the body's immune system]
8. Clot Risk for Birth-Control Patch Is Found to Be Double That of Pill. New York Times, U.S. - Feb 17, 2006.
9. F.D.A. Allows Some Patients to Resume M.S. Drug. New York times. U.S. - Feb 16, 2006.

:::::::       February 23       :::::::

1. Bias in published cost effectiveness studies: systematic review. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38737.607558.80 (published 22 February 2006).
2. *  Treatment of low back pain by acupressure and physical therapy: randomised controlled trial. BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38744.672616.AE (published 17 February 2006). [Medscape]
3. Annals of Internal Medicine  21 February 2006 Volume 144 Issue 4 Previous Issue
   
   • *  Statin and ß-Blocker Therapy and the Initial Presentation of Coronary Heart Disease. AS Go, and Others. [Medscape]
   • Zoledronic Acid Prevents Bone Loss after Liver Transplantation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. BAL Crawford, and Others.
   • Preclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. MJ Roman, and Others
   • Brief Communication: Better Ways To Question Patients about Adverse Medical Events: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. S Bent, and Others.
     
   • Improving Patient Care: Volume, Quality of Care, and Outcome in Pneumonia. PK Lindenauer, and Others. [Medscape]
     
   • Update in Nephrology and Hypertension. PL Kimmel
     
   • Review: A Century of Inhalational Anthrax Cases from 1900 to 2005. JEC Holty, and Others
     
   • History of Medicine. John Loesch, Discoverer of Renovascular Hypertension, and Harry Goldblatt: Two Great Pioneers in Circulation Research.
     
   • Editorial: Can Preventive Therapy Alter the Initial Presentation of Coronary Heart Disease?
   • *   Adverse Events: The More You Search, the More You Find.
     
   • On Being a Doctor: First Response.

:::::::       February 22        :::::::

1. Prognostic Significance for Stroke of a Morning Pressor Surge and a Nocturnal Blood Pressure Decline: The Ohasama Study. Hypertension 2006 47: 149-154. [Medscape]
2. *  Evidence in Female Rhesus Monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that Nighttime Caloric Intake is not Associated with Weight Gain. Obesity Research 2005; 13:2072-2080. [Eurekalert]
3. Sexual Function and Endocrine Profile in Fertile Women With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2006 29: 312-316. [Medscape]
4. *  Non-degenerative mild cognitive impairment in elderly people and use of anticholinergic drugs: longitudinal cohort study. BMJ online 1 Feb 2006. [Medscape]
5. Brain imaging evidence of preclinical Alzheimer's disease in normal aging (p NA). Ann Neurology. Online: 8 Feb 2006 . [ScienceDaily]
6. Rates of Acute Care Admissions for Frail Older People Living with Met Versus Unmet Activity. J Am Geriatr Soc 54:339–344, 2006.
7. Top-10 List of Herbal and Supplemental Medicines Used by Cosmetic Patients: What the Plastic Surgeon Needs to Know. Plas & Reconst Surg 117(2):436-445, Feb 2006. [Eurekalert]
8. *  Increased Hippocampal Plaques and Tangles in Patients With Alzheimer Disease With a Lifetime History of Major Depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:161-167. [ScienceDaily]
9. *  Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in Late Life: A Prospective Epidemiological Study. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:153-160. [Medscape]
10. *  Pyridostigmine Treatment Trial in Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension. Arch Neurol. 2006;63:(early release). [Medscape]

:::::::       February 21       :::::::

1. *  Multicycle Dose-Intensive Chemotherapy for Women With High-Risk Primary Breast Cancer: Results of International Breast Cancer Study Group Trial 15-95. J Clin Oncol 2006;24:370-378. [Medscape: Intensive Therapy May Benefit Women With Breast Cancer of a Poor Prognosis]
2. Supplemental and Dietary Vitamin E, -Carotene, and Vitamin C Intakes and Prostate Cancer Risk. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006;98:245-254. Editorial: Vitamin E in the Prevention of Prostate Cancer: Where Are We Today?
3. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 354 February 16, 2006 Number 7
   • The "Dis-location" of U.S. Medicine — The Implications of Medical Outsourcing. R. M. Wachter
   • International Teleradiology. R. M. Wachter
   • The Words Count — Radiology and Medical Linguistics. J. F. Bruzzi
   • *   Calcium plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Fractures. R. D. Jackson and Others [Medscape]
   • *   Calcium plus Vitamin D Supplementation and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer. J. Wactawski-Wende and Others [Medscape]
   • Evidence of a Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor in Refractory Asthma. M. A. Berry and Others
   • *  Prognostic Significance of Autoimmunity during Treatment of Melanoma with Interferon. H. Gogas and Others
   • *  Mortality after the Hospitalization of a Spouse. N. A. Christakis and P. D. Allison [LiveScience]
   • Current Concepts: Drug-Related Hepatotoxicity. V. J. Navarro and J. R. Senior [Eurekalert]
   • Calcium plus Vitamin D for Postmenopausal Women — Bone Appétit? J. S. Finkelstein
   • Calcium plus Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Colorectal Cancer in Women. M. R. Forman and B. Levin
   • Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor for Refractory Asthma. S. C. Erzurum
   • Autoimmunity and Immunotherapy for Cancer. H. Koon and M. Atkins
   • Colon Cancer — Understanding How NSAIDs Work. H. Clevers

:::::::       February 20        :::::::

1. *  Antiplatelet use after intracerebral hemorrhage . Neurology 2006 66: 206-209. [MedNews] Editorial: Primum non nocere: Antithombotics after intracerebral hemorrhage? Neurology 2006 66: 162-163.
2. IV tissue plasminogen activator use in acute stroke: Experience from a statewide registry. Neurology 2006 66: 306-312. [Medscape]
3. JAMA Vol. 295 No. 7, pp. 723-850, February 15, 2006
   • Effect of Rimonabant, a Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Blocker, on Weight and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Overweight or Obese Patients: RIO-North America: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2006;295:761-775. [ScienceDaily]
   • Body Weight and Mortality Among Men and Women in China. JAMA. 2006;295:776-783.
   • Association of Socioeconomic Status With Functional Capacity, Heart Rate Recovery, and All-Cause Mortality. JAMA. 2006;295:784-792. [Eurekalert]
   • Intravenous Morphine and Topical Tetracaine for Treatment of Pain in Preterm Neonates Undergoing Central Line Placement. JAMA. 2006;295:793-800.
   • Development and Validation of a Prognostic Index for 4-Year Mortality in Older Adults. JAMA. 2006;295:801-808.
   • Clinical Review: Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators: Expanding Indications and Technologies. JAMA. 2006;295:809-818.
   • Commentary: Law Enforcement Interviews of Hospital Patients: A Conundrum for Clinicians. JAMA. 2006;295:822-825.
   • Editorial: Obesity Research—Limitations of Methods, Measurements, and Medications. JAMA. 2006;295:826-828. [Medscape]
   • From the Archives Journals: Role of the Metabolic Syndrome in Risk Assessment for Coronary Heart Disease. JAMA. 2006;295:819-821.

:::::::       February 17        :::::::

:::::::::::::::::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::::::::::::::::

1. FDA
• Medwatch:
  • Nimotop (nimodipine) labeling changes including a boxed warning about medication administration errors with nimodipine. Nimodipine must not be administered intravenously or by any parenteral route. [Medscape]
  • Tequin (gatifloxacin) Stronger WARNINGS in labeling regarding hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), and a CONTRAINDICATION for use in diabetic patients. The changes also include information identifying other risk factors for developing low blood sugar and high blood sugar, including advanced age, renal insufficiency, and concomitant glucose-altering medications while taking Tequin.
  • Benzocaine spray (Hurricaine, Topex, Cetacaine) Public Health Advisory - adverse events, including methemoglobinemia, associated with the use of benzocaine sprays used in the mouth and throat.
• News:
  • Retapamulin (topical antibacterial) Accepted for review.
  • FDA Allows Clinical Studies of Tysabri (natalizumab) for Treatment of MS to Proceed
  • Rituxan (rituximab) approved for use in the first line treatment of patients with diffuse large B-cell, CD20 positive, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline based chemotherapy regimens.
2. Identification of Inflicted Traumatic Brain Injury in Well-Appearing Infants Using Serum and Cerebrospinal Markers: A Possible Screening Tool. Pediatrics 2006; 117: 325-332. [Eurekalert]
3. The Health Status of Southern Children: A Neglected Regional Disparity. Pediatrics 2005; 116: e746-e753.
4. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome After In Utero Exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Term Infants. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160:173-176. [Medscape & ScienceDaily]
5. Antipyretic Treatment in Young Children With Fever: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Both Alternating in a Randomized, Double-blind Study. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160:197-202. [Medscape]
6. Macrophage/Cancer Cell Interactions Mediate Hormone Resistance Through A Conserved Nuclear Receptor Derepression Pathway. Cell 2006; 124, 615-629. [ScienceDaily]
7. Evidence of focal small-fiber axonal degeneration in complex regional pain syndrome-I (reflex sympathetic dystrophy). Pain Article in Press, [Eurekalert: Reduction in small-fiber nerves may underlie complex regional pain syndrome-I ]

:::::::       February 16       :::::::

1. Archives of Internal Medicine  Vol. 166 No. 3,  February 13, 2006
   • Editorial: Screening for Hemochromatosis. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:269-270.
     
   • Editorial: Universal Patient Disinfection as a Tool for Infection Control: Rub-A-Dub-Dub, No Need for a Tub. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:274-276.
     
   • Commentaries: An American Physician in the Canadian Health Care System. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:281-282.
   • Review: Effects of Low-Carbohydrate vs Low-Fat Diets on Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:285-293.
     
   • Screening for Hemochromatosis in Asymptomatic Subjects With or Without a Family History. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:294-301.
   • Chlorhexidine Gluconate to Cleanse Patients in a Medical Intensive Care Unit: The Effectiveness of Source Control to Reduce the Bioburden of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci. The Chicago Antimicrobial Resistance Project (CARP) Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:306-312.
   • Utility of Amino-Terminal Pro–Brain Natriuretic Peptide Testing for Prediction of 1-Year Mortality in Patients With Dyspnea Treated in the Emergency Department. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:315-320.
   • Computed Tomographic Screening for Lung Cancer: The Relationship of Disease Stage to Tumor Size. The International Early Lung Cancer Action Program Investigators. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:321-325. [Medscape]
   • Differences in Health Care Utilization at the End of Life Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Patients With Lung Cancer. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:326-331.
   • The Implications of Choice: Prescribing Generic or Preferred Pharmaceuticals Improves Medication Adherence for Chronic Condition. s Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:332-337.
   • Adherence to Black Box Warnings for Prescription Medications in Outpatients. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:338-344. [Medscape]
   • C-Reactive Protein Concentration and Incident Hypertension in Young Adults: The CARDIA Study. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:345-349.
   • Adipocytokines and Incident Diabetes Mellitus in Older Adults: The Independent Effect of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:350-356.
   • Conjugated Equine Estrogens and Coronary Heart Disease: The Women's Health Initiative. The Women's Health Initiative Investigators. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166:357-365.

:::::::       February 15       :::::::

1. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 354 February 9, 2006 Number 6
   • Facing the Diabetes Epidemic — Mandatory Reporting of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Values in New York City. R. Steinbrook
   • Becoming a Physician: The Demise of the Physical Exam. S. Jauhar
   • The Stethoscope and the Art of Listening. H. Markel
   • Focus on Research: Stroke and Neurovascular Protection. G. J. del Zoppo
   • *  Saw Palmetto for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. S. Bent and Others
   • Radiotherapy plus Cetuximab for Squamous-Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. J. A. Bonner and Others
   • *  Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors and Risk of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn. C. D. Chambers and Others
   • NXY-059 for Acute Ischemic Stroke. K. R. Lees and Others [Medscape]
   • *  Antibiotic Allergy. R. S. Gruchalla and M. Pirmohamed
   • Mechanisms of Disease: The Many Roles of Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors in Inflammation. I. F. Charo and R. M. Ransohoff
     
   • Proven and Unproven Therapy for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. R. S. DiPaola and R. A. Morton
   • Cetuximab and Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. M. R. Posner and L. J. Wirth
   • Depressing Observations on the Use of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors during Pregnancy. J. L. Mills
   • Expression of Concern: Sudbø J et al. DNA Content as a Prognostic Marker in Patients with Oral Leukoplakia. N Engl J Med 2001;344:1270-8 and Sudbø J et al. The Influence of Resection and Aneuploidy on Mortality in Oral Leukoplakia. N Engl J Med 2004;350:1405-13. G. D. Curfman, S. Morrissey, and J. M. Drazen

:::::::       February 14        :::::::

1. Racial/Ethnic Preferences, Sex Preferences, and Perceived Discrimination Related to End-of-Life Care. J Am Geriatrics Soc 2006; 54: 150. [LiveScience]
2. Communication in Critical Care Environments: Mobile Telephones Improve Patient Care . Anesth Analg 2006 102: 535-541. [Eurekalert]
3. Changing Incidence and Survival for Heart Failure in a Well-Defined Older Population, 1970-1974 and 1990-1994. Circulation 2006: published online Feb 6. [Medscape]
4. Renal Function as a Predictor of Outcome in a Broad Spectrum of Patients With Heart Failure. Circulation. 2006;113:671-678. (pdf)
5. AHA Scientific Statement: Dietary Approaches to Prevent and Treat Hypertension. A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension. 2006;47:296.
6. Challenging Existing Paradigms in Ischemic Heart Disease: The NHLBI-Sponsored Women's Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation (WISE). J Am Coll Cardiology 2006 Feb; 47 (3) : 1-71. (ScienceDirect) [Eurekalert]
7. Increased Myocardial Fatty Acid Metabolism in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. J Am Coll Cardiol 2006 47: 598-604. [Eurekalert]
8. Electrocardiographic Abnormalities That Predict Coronary Heart Disease Events and Mortality in Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. Circulation 2006 113: 473 - 480. [Medscape]
9. Dyslipidemia Prevalence, Treatment, and Control in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA): Gender, Ethnicity, and Coronary Artery Calcium. Circulation 2006 113: 647 - 656.
10. Blood pressure usually considered normal is associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Am J Med. 2006 Feb;119(2):133-41.

:::::::       February 13        :::::::

1. Effects of Enhanced Depression Treatment on Diabetes Self-Care. Ann Fam Med 4:46-53 (2006). [Medscape]
2. *  Multicenter Investigation of the Opioid Antagonist Nalmefene in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling. Am J Psychiatry 2006 163: 303-312.
3. Diagnosis, prevention and management of hepatitis B virus reactivation during anticancer therapy. Hepatology 2006; 43: 209 - 220. [Eurekalert]
4. Sham device v inert pill: randomised controlled trial of two placebo treatments. BMJ (published 1 Feb 2006) [Eurekalert , ScienceNOW ]
5. Association between Adrenal Insufficiency and Ventilator Weaning. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2006; 173: 276-280. [Eurekalert]
6. JAMA. Vol. 295 No. 6, February 8, 2006
   
   • *  Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial. JAMA. 2006;295:629-642.
   • *  Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial. JAMA. 2006;295:643-654.
   • *  Low-Fat Dietary Pattern and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: The Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Dietary Modification Trial. JAMA. 2006;295:655-666.
   • Transition of Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants From Adolescence to Young Adulthood: Comparison With Normal Birth-Weight Controls. JAMA. 2006;295:667-675. [Medscape]
   • Comparison of Two Methods to Detect Publication Bias in Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2006;295:676-680.
   • Meeting Palliative Care Needs in Post–Acute Care Settings: "To Help Them Live Until They Die". JAMA. 2006;295:681-686.
   • Commentaries: The Automated External Defibrillator: Clinical Benefits and Legal Liability. JAMA. 2006;295:687-690.
   • Editorials: Dietary Modification and Risk of Breast Cancer. JAMA. 2006;295:691-692.
   • Dietary Modification and CVD Prevention: A Matter of Fat. JAMA. 2006;295:693-695.
   • Young Adult Attainments of Preterm Infants. JAMA. 2006;295:695-696.

:::::::       February 10        :::::::

:::::::::::::::::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::::::::::::::::

1. FDA news
• Approval: RotaTeq™ (live, oral, vaccine) for use in preventing rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants. It is the only vaccine approved in the United States that can help protect against rotavirus, a viral infection that may cause diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration.
• Public Health Advisory for Trasylol (aprotinin) alerting doctors and their patients that Trasyolol has been linked in two scientific publications to higher risks of serious side effects including kidney problems, heart attacks and strokes in patients who undergo artery bypass graft surgery.
  
2. Physical and Mental Health Costs of Traumatic War Experiences Among Civil War Veterans. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2006;63:193-200. [ ScienceDaily]
3. Self-Management of Warfarin Dosing May Be Safe. Lancet. 2006;367:404-411.(limited sccess) [Medscape report][PubMed source]
4. CSF Markers Predict Progression From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's. Lancet Neurol 2006;5:228-234. [Medscape report]
5. *  Statins and sepsis in patients with cardiovascular disease: a population-based cohort analysis. Lancet 2006 (limited access) . [Medscape report]
6. Podcast: American College of Cardiology Conversations with Experts (free)
   • 

:::::::       February 9        :::::::

1. Vaginal estradiol appears to be contraindicated in postmenopausal women on adjuvant aromatase inhibitors. Ann Oncol published online Jan 27, 2006. [Medscape]
2. Associations Between Hospital and Surgeon Procedure Volumes and Patient Outcomes After Ovarian Cancer Resection. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98: 163-171. [Medscape]
3. Effect of Surgeon Specialty on Processes of Care and Outcomes for Ovarian Cancer Patients. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98: 172-180.
4. Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy: Experience With 1,100 Cases. Ann Thorac Surg 2006 81: 421-426. [MedNews: Minimally invasive lung surgery has low risk with same results as open surgery]
5. Annals of Internal Medicine 7 February 2006 Volume 144 Issue 3
   • *  Appropriateness of Diagnostic Management and Outcomes of Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. The EMDEPU Study Group
   • *  Prediction of Pulmonary Embolism in the Emergency Department: The Revised Geneva Score. Gal, and Others.
   • Cardiovascular Outcomes in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients Stratified by Baseline Glomerular Filtration Rate. The ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group. [ScienceDaily] [Medscape]
   • * Successful Treatment of Pure Red-Cell Aplasia with an Anti–Interleukin-2 Receptor Antibody (Daclizumab). Sloand, and Others.
   • Translating Clinical Research into Clinical Practice: Impact of Using Prediction Rules To Make Decisions. Reilly and Evans.
   • Update in Hospital Medicine. Wiese and Holman
   • Review: Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus
   • Editorial: Better Care for Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. Sox
   • Editorial: Which Antihypertensive Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease? Levey and Uhlig
   • On Being a Doctor: Transport. Gianakos
   • On Being a Doctor: The Middle Time. Aylward

:::::::       February 8        :::::::

1. *  Eotaxin-3 and a uniquely conserved gene-expression profile in eosinophilic esophagitis. J. Clin. Invest. 2006 116: 536-547.
2. *  Protection of Mice and Poultry from Lethal H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus through Adenovirus-Based Immunization. J. Virol. 2006 80: 1959-1964. [Eurekalert] [NewScientist]
3. Development of adenoviral-vector-based pandemic influenza vaccine against antigenically distinct human H5N1 strains in mice: The Lancet (limited access)
4. Highlights From MMWR:
   • New Laboratory Assay for Diagnostic Testing of Avian Influenza A/H5 (Asian Lineage) [Early release]
   • Surveillance Guidelines for Smallpox Vaccine (vaccinia) Adverse Reactions. February 3, 2006 / 55(RR01);1-16. [Medscape]
   • Orf Virus Infection in Humans --- New York, Illinois, California, and Tennessee, 2004--2005. January 27, 2006 / 55(03);65-68.
5. Influenza Vaccination and Health Care Workers in the United States. J Gen Internal Med Online Early. [Medscape]
6. Adipogenic potential of multiple human adenoviruses in vivo and in vitro in animals. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 290: R190-R194, 2006. [ScienceDaily]
7. Anaerobic killing of mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa by acidified nitrite derivatives under cystic fibrosis airway conditions. JCI 2006; Published January 26, 2006. [New Scientist ]
8. Hormone replacement therapy, body mass index and asthma in perimenopausal women: a cross sectional survey. Thorax 2006; 61: 34-40. [Medscape]
9. Blocking airway mucous cell metaplasia by inhibiting EGFR antiapoptosis and IL-13 transdifferentiation signals. J. Clin. Invest. 2006 116: 309-321.
10. Role of Genes and Environments for Explaining Alzheimer Disease. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2006;63:168-174. [Medscape] [ScienceDaily]

:::::::       February 7        :::::::

1. Diagnostic Value of CT Enteroclysis Compared with Conventional Enteroclysis in Patients with Crohn's Disease. AJR 2005; 185:1575-1581. Improved diagnostic technology for Crohn's disease. [Eurekalert]
2. Kinetics of hepatitis C virus reinfection after liver transplantation. Liver Transplantation 2006; 12: 207-216. [Eurekalert].
3. *  Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Synovial Cells by Statins Through the Blocking of Protein Geranlgeranylation. Arth & Rheum 2006; 54: 579-586. [Eurekalert]
4. *  Vaccination against influenza in rheumatoid arthritis: the effect of disease modifying drugs, including TNF blockers. Ann Rheum Dis. 2006;65:191-194. [Medscape]
5. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 354 February 2, 2006 Number 5
   • Home Testing for HIV. A. A. Wright and I. T. Katz
   • Unfinished Business — Expanding HIV Testing in Developing Countries. K. M. De Cock, R. Bunnell, and J. Mermin
   • Volunteering Overseas — Lessons from Surgical Brigades. A. J. Wolfberg
   • Focus on Research: Adopting Orphan Drugs — Two Dozen Years of Treating Rare Diseases. M. E. Haffner
   • Empirically Incorrect. A. Schmitt, D. J. Gilden, S. Saint, and R. H. Moseley
   • Intensive Insulin Therapy in the Medical ICU. G. Van den Berghe and Others
   • Human Botulism Immune Globulin for the Treatment of Infant Botulism. S. S. Arnon and Others
   • Clozapine Alone versus Clozapine and Risperidone with Refractory Schizophrenia. W. G. Honer and Others
   • Drug Therapy: Coronary-Artery Stents. P. W. Serruys, M. J.B. Kutryk, and A. T.L. Ong
   • Current Concepts: Positron-Emission Tomography and Assessment of Cancer Therapy. M. E. Juweid and B. D. Cheson
   • Intensive Insulin in Intensive Care. A. Malhotra
   • The Choice of Drugs for Schizophrenia. J. M. Davis
   • No Stem Cell Is an Islet (Yet). D. Stainier

:::::::       February 6        :::::::

1. JAMA Vol. 295 No. 5, pp. 469-584, February 1, 2006
   • Relapse of Major Depression During Pregnancy in Women Who Maintain or Discontinue Antidepressant Treatment. JAMA. 2006;295:499-507.
     
   • Bone Marrow Transplantation for Severe Combined Immune Deficiency. JAMA. 2006;295:508-518.
   • Prevalence of HIV-1 in Blood Donations Following Implementation of a Structured Blood Safety Policy in South Africa. JAMA. 2006;295:519-526.
   • *  Nonmyeloablative Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. JAMA. 2006;295:527-535. [NewScientist}
   • The Rational Clinical Examination: Does the Clinical Examination Predict Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease? JAMA. 2006;295:536-546.
   • Clinical Review: Medical Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Disease. JAMA. 2006;295:547-553.
   • Medical Countermeasures for Pandemic Influenza: Ethics and the Law. JAMA. 2006;295:554-556. [Medscape]
   • Editorials: Blood Safety—At What Cost? JAMA. 2006;295:557-558.
   • High-Dose Cyclophosphamide and Stem Cell Transplantation for Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. JAMA. 2006;295:559-560.

:::::::       February 3        :::::::

:::::::  Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles  :::::::

1. FDA news
• Approvals
  • Ranexa (ranolazine) a new molecular entity (NME) for the treatment of chronic angina. The precise way the drug works is not fully understood. Because Ranexa affects electrical conduction in the heart (prolong the QT interval), it should only be used by patients who have not responded to other anti-anginal (long-acting nitrates, calcium channel blockers and beta blockers) drugs.
  • Amitiza (lubiprostone) a new molecular entity (NME) for the treatment of chronic constipation in the adult population where there is no known cause for the condition.
  • *  Exubera (inhaled insulin) an inhaled powder form of recombinant human insulin (rDNA) for the treatment of adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
2. Proposals to Avert Looming Collapse of Primary Care. American College of Physicians - Annual Report on "The State of the Nation's Health Care". [Medscape]
• The Impending Collapse of Primary Care Medicine and Its Implications for the State of the Nation's Health Care: a report from the ACCP.
3. Spectrin mutations cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 5. Nature Genetics Published online: 22 Jan 2006. [ News: Disease May Have Caused Lincoln's Gait]
4. *  Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) Glu504Lys polymorphism contributes to the variation in efficacy of sublingual nitroglycerin. JCI 2006; online first. Published Jan 26, 2006. [ScienceDaily: Asian Populations Less Likely To Get Relief From Chest Pain With Nitroglycerin]
5. *  Prions in Skeletal Muscles of Deer with Chronic Wasting Disease. Science Published online Jan. 26, 2006. [MedNews]

:::::::       February 2      :::::::

1. Circulation Volume 113, Issue 4; January 31, 2006: Cardiovascular Disease in Women (NIH National Awareness Site)
   • *  Electrocardiographic Abnormalities That Predict Coronary Heart Disease Events and Mortality in Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. Circulation 2006 113: 473 - 480.
   • *  Electrocardiographic Predictors of Incident Congestive Heart Failure and All-Cause Mortality in Postmenopausal Women: The Women’s Health Initiative. Circulation 2006 113: 481 - 489.
   • *  Gender Differences in the Management and Clinical Outcome of Stable Angina. Circulation 2006 113: 490 - 498.
   • *  Obesity as Compared With Physical Activity in Predicting Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women. Circulation 2006 113: 499 - 506.
   • Gender Differences in Outcomes After Hospital Discharge From Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting. Circulation 2006 113: 507 - 516.
   • Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Congenital Heart Disease. Circulation 2006 113: 517 - 524.
   • National Study of Women’s Awareness, Preventive Action, and Barriers to Cardiovascular Health. Circulation 2006 113: 525 - 534.
2. *  Antiplatelet use after intracerebral hemorrhage . Neurology 2006 66: 206-209. [MedNews] Editorial: Primum non nocere: Antithombotics after intracerebral hemorrhage? Neurology 2006 66: 162-163.
3. *  Fatigue in long-term breast carcinoma survivors: A longitudinal investigation (p NA) . Cancer 2006: Published Online: 9 Jan 2006. [MedNews]
4. Failures in the Management of Elderly Women with Breast Cancer. PLoS 2006; 3(3): e92. [Eurekalert]
5. Differences in Management of Older Women Influence Breast Cancer Survival: Results from a Population-Based Database in Sweden. PLoS Med 2006; 3(3): e48. [Eurekalert]
6. *  Unexpected long-term survival after low-dose palliative radiotherapy for nonsmall cell lung cancer (p NA). Cancer 2006 Published Online: 23 Jan 2006 [ScienceDaily]

:::::::       February 1       :::::::

1. *  The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Glucose and Counterregulatory Hormone Concentrations in Children With Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 29:20-25, 2006. [Medscape]
2. *  A Single Factor Underlies the Metabolic Syndrome: A confirmatory factor analysis. Diabetes Care 2006;29:113-122. [Medscape]
3. Lifestyle Intervention Is Associated With Lower Prevalence of Urinary Incontinence: The Diabetes Prevention Program. Diabetes Care 2006; 29 (2). [Eurekalert]
4. Ribose Versus Dextrose Supplementation, Association With Rowing Performance: A Double-Blind Study. Clin J Sport Med 16(1):68-71, Jan 2006. [Eurekalert]
5. Cross-sectional Study of Bisphosphonate Use in Dermatology Patients Receiving Long-term Oral Corticosteroid Therapy. Arch Dermatol. 2006;142:37-41. [Eurekalert]
6. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 354 January 26, 2006 Number 4
   • Beyond Fraud — Stem-Cell Research Continues. E. Y. Snyder and J. F. Loring
   • Egg Donation and Human Embryonic Stem-Cell Research. R. Steinbrook
   • Becoming a Physician: The Physical Exam and the Sense of Smell. A. Bomback
   • Focus on Research: First, Gather the Data. D. Hunter
   • Ethnic and Racial Differences in the Smoking-Related Risk of Lung Cancer. C. A. Haiman and Others
   • Long-Term Outcome of Renal Transplantation from Older Donors. G. Remuzzi and Others
   • *  The Risk Associated with Aprotinin in Cardiac Surgery. D. T. Mangano, I. C. Tudor, and C. Dietzel
   • A National Evaluation of the Effect of Trauma-Center Care on Mortality. E. J. MacKenzie and Others
   • Preventing Nephropathy Induced by Contrast Medium. B. J. Barrett and P. S. Parfrey
   • Current Concepts: Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. J. I. Suarez, R. W. Tarr, and W. R. Selman
   • Dissecting Racial and Ethnic Differences. N. Risch
   • Maximizing the Success of Transplantation with Kidneys from Older Donors. F. L. Delmonico and J. F. Burdick
   • The Value of Phase 4 Clinical Testing. G. J. Vlahakes

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