Recent reports in Science and Medicine for December 2003

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Week of December 22 - 26

1. Annals of Internal Medicine 16 December 2003 Volume 139 Issue 12 [Reminder: Register your subscription]
   • § Using Risk for Advanced Proximal Colonic Neoplasia To Tailor Endoscopic Screening for Colorectal Cancer. Imperiale, et al.
   • Sunscreen Use and the Risk for Melanoma: A Quantitative Review. Dennis, et al.
   • § Chest Pain Relief by Nitroglycerin Does Not Predict Active Coronary Artery Disease. Henrikson, et al.
   • Contrary to common belief, relief of chest pain with nitroglycerin did not predict active coronary artery disease in patients admitted for acute chest pain.
   • Improving Patient Care Triage of Patients with Acute Chest Pain and Possible Cardiac Ischemia: The Elusive Search for Diagnostic Perfection. Goldman and Kirtane
   • Update in Geriatric Medicine. Leipzig
   • Varying Cost and Free Nicotinic Acid Content in Over-the-Counter Niacin Preparations for Dyslipidemia. Meyers, et al.
   • § Clinical Guidelines Management of Newly Detected Atrial Fibrillation: A Clinical Practice Guideline from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American College of Physicians. Snow, et al.
   • § Management of Atrial Fibrillation: Review of the Evidence for the Role of Pharmacologic Therapy, Electrical Cardioversion, and Echocardiography. McNamara, et al.
   • Editorials Screening Sigmoidoscopy: Can the Road to Colonoscopy Be Less Traveled? Winawer
   • Nitroglycerin: Should We Still Ask? Gibbons
   • Peer Review: Integral to Science and Indispensable to Annals, Laine and Mulrow
   • On Being a Doctor A Christmas Story. and Chapel for Christmas. Boshes
2. Study findings question COX-2 drug cost effectiveness [Eurekalert report from The American Journal of Managed Care]
3. American Journal of Resiratory and Critical Care Medicine Volume 168, Issue 12; December 15, 2003
   • § Inhaled Corticosteroids in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Risk of Death and Hospitalization: Time-dependent Analysis Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2003; 168: 1488-1494.
   • Modulation of Bacterial Growth by Tumor Necrosis Factor- In Vitro and In Vivo Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2003; 168: 1462-1470.
   • Cost-effectiveness of Ultrasound in Preventing Femoral Venous Catheter–associated Pulmonary Embolism Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2003; 168: 1481-1487.
4. Association of the Metabolic Syndrome With History of Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Ninomiya; et al. Circulation 2003: published online before print December 15, 2003
5. The New England Journal of Medicine Volume 349 December 18, 2003 Number 25 Article Summaries
   • § The Long-Term Effect of Doxazosin, Finasteride, and Combination Therapy on the Clinical Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. McConnell and Others
   • § Prevalence and Correlates of Accelerated Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Roman and Others
   • § Premature Coronary-Artery Atherosclerosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Asanuma and Others
   • Transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome on Aircraft. Olsen and Others
   • Genital Chlamydial Infections Peipert
   • The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Peiris, and Others.
   • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Accelerated Atherosclerosis Hahn
   • SARS — One Year Later Low and McGeer
   • Dispatch from India. Gawande
   • Medical Management of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia — Are Two Drugs Better Than One?Vaughan
   • Academic–Industrial Relationships in the Life Sciences. Blumenthal
6. British Medicial Journal for 20 December 2003 (Volume 327, Issue 7429) [Selected content linked] Editorials § Providing the world with clean water. BMJ  2003;327:1416-1418.
• § Clinical arithmetic BMJ  2003;327:1418-1419.
• Dignity is a useless concept BMJ  2003;327:1419-1420,
• The power of stories over statistics BMJ  2003;327:1424-1427,
• § § Thoughts for new medical students at a new medical school Richard Smith BMJ  2003;327:1430-1433,
• Misplaced trust SOAP OPERA: Christmas with the Millstones BMJ  2003;327:1434-1435,
• Snakes, ladders, and spin How to make a silk purse from a sow's ear—a comprehensive review of strategies to optimise data for corrupt managers and incompetent clinicians. BMJ  2003;327:1436-1439,
• HARLOT plc: an amalgamation of the world's two oldest professions. Sackett and Oxman. BMJ  2003;327:1442-1445,
• Ward round : The psychiatric protection order for the "battered mental patient" BMJ  2003;327:1449-1451
• Of Struldbruggs, sugar, and gatekeepers: a tale of our times BMJ  2003;327:1451-1453,
• § Audit of soap usage by a primary care team BMJ  2003;327:1453-1454, [Nurses vs. Docs Eurekalert]
• Drug point: Possible interaction between warfarin and cranberry juice BMJ  2003;327:1454
• Hazardous journeys Car colour and risk of car crash injury: population based case control studyBMJ  2003;327:1455-1456,
• This sporting life § Football position and atopy—both subject to the birth order effect? BMJ  2003;327:1473-1474,
• Why running is not for people BMJ  2003;327:1476
• BMJ USA EtOH and the numbers; Alcohol screening in primary care,

December 19

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

1. FDA Talk Paper: FDA Updates Physicians on Mortality Risks Associated with Aneurx Stent Graft System.
2. FDA News : FDA Approves Lab Tests for Genetic Clotting Risk
3. Use of antivirals by HIV-infected persons reduced their ability to infect partners. [Eurekalert summary of article in the January 2, 2004 issue of AIDS (subscription)]
4. Scientists identify molecular step that causes intoxication [Eurekalert report of Cell article]
5. Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology: Identified gene may contribute to salmonella in eggs, Different bacteria cause disease in grapes/almonds, Scientists identify cause of limp lobsters, and Triclosan: The next new drug?
6. COX-2 link to tumor angiogenesis [NewScientist report from the December 15 PNAS, DOI:10.1073/pnas.2535911100, December 15, 2003]
7. Estrogen Plus Progestin Doubles Risk of Venous Thrombosis [Medscape report from American Society of Hematology meeting]
8. Older prostate cancer patients may face age bias. [Eurekalert review from the January edition of the journal Cancer ]
9. Can The Mode Of Training Affect The Hormone Response To Different Modes Of Exercise? [Report from online Journal of Applied Physiology]
10. § New Findings Can Help Parents Looking To Combat Number Of Kids' Sick Days [Science Daily report from the December 2003 edition of the Journal Applied of Physiology.]

December 18

1. § Cardiovascular Mortality and Long-Term Exposure to Particulate Air Pollution. Epidemiological Evidence of General Pathophysiological Pathways of Disease. Pope, et al. Circulation 2003: published online before print December 15, 2003. [Eurekalert news]
2. § Stroke and the Risk of Alzheimer Disease. Honig; et al. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1707-1712.
3. Treatments of Parkinson Disease: Circa 2003. Shults Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1680-1684.
4. Levetiracetam for Phasic Spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis. Hawker; et al. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1772-1774.
5. The Lancet 2003 Volume 362, Number 9400 13 December 2003
   • § Treatment of Ebola virus infection with a recombinant inhibitor of factor VIIa/tissue factor: a study in rhesus monkeys Geisbert, et al.
   • Safety and antigenicity of whole virus and subunit influenza A/Hong Kong/1073/99 (H9N2) vaccine in healthy adults: phase I randomised trial Stephenson, et al.
6. This Week in JAMA. 2003;290:3033.
• Efalizumab for Patients With Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gordon; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:3073-3080.
• A Practice-Based Intervention to Enhance Quality of Care in the First 3 Years of Life: The Healthy Steps for Young Children Program. Minkovitz;et al. JAMA. 2003;290:3081-3091.
• § Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Young Adulthood and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors. Carnethon; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:3092-3100.
• Screening for Proteinuria in US Adults: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis. Boulware; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:3101-3114.
• Intra-articular Hyaluronic Acid in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-analysis. Lo; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:3115-3121.
• § Strengthening the Supply of Routinely Recommended Vaccines in the United States: Recommendations From the National Vaccine Advisory Committee. National Vaccine Advisory Committee JAMA. 2003;290:3122-3128.
• Sexual Activity in Patients With Angina. DeBusk. JAMA. 2003;290:3129-3132.
• EDITORIALS
  • A Promising Step Forward in Psoriasis Therapy. Stern JAMA. 2003;290:3133-3135.
  • Optimizing the Health and Development of Children Halfon and Inkelas JAMA. 2003;290:3136.

December 17

1. How Far Should Salt Intake Be Reduced? He and MacGregor. Hypertension 2003 42: 1093-1099
2. Home Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review of the Literature: An Evidence Review Cosponsored by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, the American College of Chest Physicians, and the American Thoracic Society. Chest 2003 124: 1543-1579.
3. Aspirin Data Insufficient To Support Primary Prevention Of Heart Attack Indication. FDA Advisory Committee
4. FDA News FDA Converts Gleevec in Second Line Setting to Regular Approval
5. Treatment of Ebola virus infection with a recombinant inhibitor of factor VIIa/tissue factor: a study in rhesus monkeys. Geisbert, et al. Lancet 2003: 362,  13 December.
6. Incidence and Predictors of Low Dose-Intensity in Adjuvant Breast Cancer Chemotherapy: A Nationwide Study of Community Practices. Lyman, et al. JCO Dec 15 2003: 4524–4531.
7. Leflunomide use during the first 33 months after food and drug administration approval: Experience with a national cohort of 3,325 patients. Siva, et al. Arthritis Care & Research 2003; 49: 745 - 751 [Eurekalert summary]
8. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 349 December 11, 2003 Number 24 Article Summaries
   • § Comparison of Sequential Three-Drug Regimens as Initial Therapy for HIV-1 Infection. G. K. Robbins and Others
   • § Comparison of Four-Drug Regimens and Pairs of Sequential Three-Drug Regimens as Initial Therapy for HIV-1 Infection. R. W. Shafer and Others
   • Intraplaque Hemorrhage and Progression of Coronary Atheroma F. D. Kolodgie and Others
   • The Natural History of Chronic Allograft Nephropathy. B. J. Nankivell and Others
   • Brief Report: Use of an Anti–Interleukin-5 Antibody in the Hypereosinophilic Syndrome with Eosinophilic Dermatitis. S.-G. Plötz and Others
   • Retrospective: The Discovery of HIV as the Cause of AIDS. R. C. Gallo and L. Montagnier
   • Unstable Coronary-Artery Plaques. D. D. Heistad
   • Chronic Allograft Nephropathy. R. B. Colvin
   • Out of the Shadows — MRI and the Nobel Prize. J. Gore
   • HIV Therapy — What Do We Know, and When Do We Know It? P. R. Skolnik
   • The Meningococcal Vaccine — Public Policy and Individual Choices. P. A. Offit and G. Peter
   • Hepatic Diseases — Hitting the Target with Inhibitory RNAs. B. L. Davidson

December 16

1. In This Issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. 2003;163:2669.
   • §Economy Class Syndrome: Too Much Flying or Too Much Sitting? Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2674-2676.
   • Overcome Clinical Inertia to Control Systolic Blood Pressure Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2677-2678.
   • What Do Good Doctors Try To Do? Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2681-2686.
   • Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders and Medical Futility Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2689-2694.
   • Role of the Natriuretic Peptide System in Cardiorenal Protection Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2696-2704.
   • §Hypertension Control: How Well Are We Doing? Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2705-2711.
   • §Updating the Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults: Results of a US Consensus Panel of Experts Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2716-2724.
   • Extent of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Associated With Treatment of Isolated Systolic Hypertension Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2728-2731.
   • Leaving the Practice: Effects of Primary Care Physician Departure on Patient Care Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2733-2736.
   • Limb Fractures in Elderly Men as Indicators of Subsequent Fracture Risk Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2741-2747.
   • Primary Care Physician Preferences Regarding Spiritual Behavior in Medical Practice. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2751-2756.
   • Venous Thrombosis After Long-haul Flights Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2759-2764.
   • Incidence of Air Travel–Related Pulmonary Embolism at the Madrid-Barajas Airport Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2766-2770.
   • Risk of Venous Thromboembolism After Air Travel: Interaction With Thrombophilia and Oral Contraceptives Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2771-2774.
   • Coaching patients On Achieving Cardiovascular Health (COACH): A Multicenter Randomized Trial in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2775-2783.
   • Relative Risk of Physicians and Nurses to Transmit Pathogens in a Medical Intensive Care Unit. Nijssen; et al. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2785-2786.
2. §Thiazolidinedione Use, Fluid Retention, and Congestive Heart Failure: A Consensus Statement From the American Heart Association and American Diabetes Association Nesto, et al. Circulation 2003 108: 2941 - 2948
3. § Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Chobanian, et al. Hypertension 2003 42: 1206-1252
4. Crohn's disease: the cold chain hypothesis Hugot, et al Lancet 2003; 362: 2012-15
5. Editorial: The health consequences of the first Gulf war. Daniel Clauw BMJ  2003;327:1357-1358
   • Gulf war illness—better, worse, or just the same? A cohort study. Hotopf et al. BMJ  2003;327:1370.
   • Incidence of cancer among UK Gulf war veterans: cohort study. Macfarlane, et al. BMJ  2003;327:1373.
   • Risk of suicide and related adverse outcomes after exposure to a suicide prevention programme in the US Air Force: cohort study. Knox, et al. BMJ; 2003; 327:1376

December 15

1. §Association Between Hyperglycemia and Increased Hospital Mortality in a Heterogeneous Population of Critically Ill Patients.Krinsley Mayo Clin Proc 2003:78  1463.
2. Prevalence of Severe Hypovitaminosis D in Patients With Persistent, Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain. Plotnikoff and Quigley Mayo Clin Proc:;2003:78: 1471.(Eurekalert)
3. Proneness to psychological distress is associated with risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Wilson, et al Neurology 2003 61: 1479-1485. (Editorial)
4. JAMA. 2003;290:2907. Contents
   • §C-Reactive Protein and the Risk of Developing Hypertension. Sesso; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2945-2951.
   • Combined Levothyroxine Plus Liothyronine Compared With Levothyroxine Alone in Primary Hypothyroidism: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Clyde; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2952-2958.
   • Risk Factors for Advanced Colonic Neoplasia and Hyperplastic Polyps in Asymptomatic Individuals. Lieberman; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2959-2967.
   • Trends in Pertussis Among Infants in the United States, 1980-1999. Tanaka; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2968-2975.
   • § Comparison of Community- and Health Care–Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection. Naimi; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2976-2984.
   • Secular Trends in Nosocomial Infections and Mortality Associated With Noninvasive Ventilation in Patients With Exacerbation of COPD and Pulmonary Edema. Girou; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2985-2991.
   • Perceptions of Medical School Deans and State Medical Society Executives About Physician Supply. Cooper; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2992-2995.
   • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Sokol; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2996-2999.
   • EDITORIALS: Inflammation, Hypertension, and the Metabolic Syndrome..Grundy JAMA. 2003;290:3000-3002.
   • Combined T4 and T3 Therapy—Back to the Drawing Board Cooper. JAMA. 2003;290:3002-3004.
   • Benzodiazepine Use and Risk of Mortality in Individuals Aged 85 Years or Older. Vinkers; et al. JAMA. 2003;290:2942-2943.

December 12

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

1. § Editor's choice: The drugs don't work. Smith. BMJ  2003;327 (13 December), doi:10.1136/bmj.327.7428.0-h
2. § Cardiologists Offer New View Of Link Between Aging, Atherosclerosis [Science Daily report from "Science of Aging Knowledge Environment" (SAGE KE),from the journal Science and Circulation. 2003;108:457
3. New Scientist: Meet the people shaping the future of science, Psychiatrist Brian Fallon on management of hypochondriacs.
4. Estrogen may prompt megakaryocyte cells to boost platelet formation.[Science NOW reivew]
5. Notch ligation by Delta1 inhibits peripheral immune responses to transplantation antigens by a CD8+ cell–dependent mechanism. Wong, et al. J. Clin. Invest. 2003 112: 1741-1750. [Eurekalert report: Scientists develop a novel strategy to help prevent transplant rejection]
6. Very Elderly Men Benefit From Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer [Medscape report from meeting of the Radiological Society of North America]
7. High level of antibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause food poisoning {Eurekalert report from BMC Public Health]
8. Levetiracetam Effective Monotherapy for Epilepsy [Medscape report from American Epilepsy Society meeting.]

December 11

1. §Advances in Neuropathic Pain: Diagnosis, Mechanisms, and Treatment Recommendations. Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1524-1534.
2. Active Tamoxifen Metabolite Plasma Concentrations After Coadministration of Tamoxifen and the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Paroxetine. Stearns, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95: 1758-1764. (Editorial: A Hot Flash on Tamoxifen Metabolism Goetz and Loprinzi J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95: 1734-1735.
3. Prostate-Specific Antigen Screening in Elderly Men Lu-Yao, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95: 1792-1797.
4. Vitamin D, Calcium Supplementation, and Colorectal Adenomas: Results of a Randomized Trial Grau, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst 2003; 95: 1765-1771.
5. §Editorials: Aspirin for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Diabetes John A. Colwell Diabetes Care 2003 26: 3349-3350.
6. New England Journal of Medicine December 4, 2003 Volume 349 Number 23  Contents
   • §Computed Tomographic Virtual Colonoscopy to Screen for Colorectal Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Adults. P. J. Pickhardt and Others
   • Relation of an Interleukin-10 Promoter Polymorphism to Graft-versus-Host Disease and Survival after Hematopoietic-Cell Transplantation. M.-T. Lin and Others
   • IGF-I Receptor Mutations Resulting in Intrauterine and Postnatal Growth Retardation. M. J. Abuzzahab and Others
   • The Effect of Incentive-Based Formularies on Prescription-Drug Utilization and Spending. H. A. Huskamp and Others
   • Medical Progress: Esophageal Cancer P. C. Enzinger and R. J. Mayer
   • A Protective Gene for Graft-versus-Host Disease K. R. Cooke and J. L.M. Ferrara
   • Insulin-like Growth Factors and the Basis of Growth R. G. Rosenfeld
   • Incentive-Based Formularies C. P. Thomas
   • Canadian Drugs A. Zuger
   • §Grants, Politics, and the NIH. J. M. Drazen and J. R. Ingelfinger
   • Screening Virtual Colonoscopy — Ready for Prime Time? M. M. Morrin and J. T. LaMont
   • Forestalling Fibrosis J. R. Ingelfinger
7. Alcohol Intake and Cerebral Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Community-Based Population of Middle-Aged Adults. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Ding, et al. Stroke published December 4, 2003, 10.1161/01.[Eurekalert Moderate alcohol consumption linked to brain shrinkage Study finds low to moderate alcohol use does not lower stroke risk]

DECEMBER 10

1. This week in the BMJ 6 December 2003 (Volume 327, Issue 7427)
   • COMMENTARIES: Defibrillation by first responder has limited benefit; Public place defibrillators are not cost effective; Medium dose aspirin may improve graft patency; Perinatal mortality in Chinese girls is high; Children with sore throat may not benefit from penicillin; Treat anaphylaxis with adrenaline; Cold can protect life in near drowning
   • Editorials Missing women—revisited BMJ  2003;327:1297-1298
   • Giving aspirin and ibuprofen after myocardial infarction BMJ  2003;327:1298-1299.
   • §Indirect comparison meta-analysis of aspirin therapy after coronary surgery. BMJ  2003;327:1309.
   • Use of automated external defibrillator by first responders in out of hospital cardiac arrest: prospective controlled trial. BMJ  2003;327:1312.
   • Cost effectiveness and cost utility model of public place defibrillators in improving survival after prehospital cardiopulmonary arrest. BMJ  2003;327:1316,.
   • §Aspirin, ibuprofen, and mortality after myocardial infarction: retrospective cohort study. BMJ  2003;327:1322-1323. (Commentary)
   • §Penicillin for acute sore throat in children: randomised, double blind trial. BMJ  2003;327:1324. [Medscape review]
   • §Knowledge about using auto-injectable adrenaline: review of patients' case notes and interviews with general practitioners. BMJ  2003;327:1328.
   • § Clinical review: Adrenaline in the treatment of anaphylaxis: what is the evidence? BMJ  2003;327:1332-1335.
   • ABC of resuscitation: Near drowning BMJ  2003;327:1336-1338.
   • Faecal incontinence. BMJ  2003;327:1299-130.
2. From the Lancet Volume 362, Number 9399     06 December 2003

• §Management of women who test positive for high-risk types of human papillomavirus: the HART study. J Cuzick, et al.[Medscape review]
• Cardiac catheterisation guided by MRI in children and adults with congenital heart disease. Razavi, et al.
• Effect of ultrasound screening on the rate of first operative procedures for developmental hip dysplasia in Germany. Von Kries, et al.
• Acquisition of 16S rRNA methylase gene in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Yokoyama, et al.
• Effects of a SARS-associated coronavirus vaccine in monkeys. Gao, et al.
• Screening for hereditary haemochromatosis within families and beyond. McCune, et al.

December 9

1. Archives Internal Medicine. 2003;163:2550.
   • The Quest for Nursing Home Quality: Learning History's Lessons Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2552-2556.
   • Do Thiazide Diuretics Confer Specific Protection Against Strokes? Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2557-2560.
   • §Physical Activity and Functional Status in Community-Dwelling Older Women Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2565-2571.
   • In-Hospital Initiation of Lipid-Lowering Therapy After Coronary Intervention as a Predictor of Long-term Utilization: A Propensity Analysis Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2576-2582.
   • §Conversion From Intravenous to Oral Medications: Assessment of a Computerized Intervention for Hospitalized Patients Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2585-2589.
   • §Risk of Fatal and Nonfatal Lactic Acidosis With Metformin Use in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2594-2602.
   • Blood Exposures and Hepatitis C Virus Infections Among Emergency Responders Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2605-2610.
   • Deep Vein Thrombosis in Elderly Patients Hospitalized in Subacute Care Facilities: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study of Risk Factors, Prophylaxis, and Prevalence Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2613-2618.
   • Suggested Guidelines for Evaluation and Treatment of Glucocorticoid-Induced Osteoporosis for the Department of Veterans Affairs Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2619-2624.
   • Physicians' Decisions to Override Computerized Drug Alerts in Primary Care Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2625-2631.
   • The Long-term Effects of a Self-management Program for Inner-city Primary Care Patients With Acute Low Back Pain Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2632-2638.
   • Comparison of the Quality of Oral Anticoagulant Therapy Through Patient Self-management and Management by Specialized Anticoagulation Clinics in the Netherlands: A Randomized Clinical Trial Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:2639-2646.

December 8

1. Annals of Internal Medicine 2 December 2003 Volume 139 Issue 11
   • Test Performance of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography for Mediastinal Staging in Patients with Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis. Gould, et al.
   • Clinical Impact of Bleeding in Patients Taking Oral Anticoagulant Therapy for Venous Thromboembolism: A Meta-Analysis. Linkins, et al.
   • Albuminuria and Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy: The LIFE Study. Wachtell, et al.
   • Patient-Centered Communication, Ratings of Care, and Concordance of Patient and Physician Race. Cooper, et al.
   • Update in Hematology. Edward D. Ball
   • Perspectives The Discrepancy between Observational Studies and Randomized Trials of Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Did Expectations Shape Experience? Col and Pauker
   • §Clinical Guidelines Screening for Obesity in Adults: Recommendations and Rationale. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [AHCPR site]
   • §Screening and Interventions for Obesity in Adults: Summary of the Evidence for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
   • Editorials New Diagnostic Tests: Breakthrough Approaches or Expensive Add-ons? Deyo and Jarvik
   • Moving beyond Black and White. Delbanco
2. §U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Screening for Obesity in Adults Release Date: December 2003
3. Characterization of clonogenic multiple myeloma cells. Matsui, et al. prepublished Blood online DOI 10.1182/blood-2003-09-3064. [Eurekalert report: Origin of multiple myeloma found in rare stem cell]
4. Does sports activity enhance the risk of sudden death in adolescents and young adults?Corrado, et al. JACC 2003; 42: 1959-1963.Editorial: Identifying athletes at risk for sudden death. JACC 2003; :1964-1966.  (news report)
5. §Lifestyle Modification Improves Endothelial Function in Obese Subjects With the Insulin Resistance Syndrome.. Hamdy, et al. Diabetes Care 26: 2119-2125. [Eurekalert report - It’s never too late to start exercising and losing weight]
6. Partner Counseling and Referral Services to Identify Persons with Undiagnosed HIV. MMWR December 5, 2003 / 52(48);1181-1184

December 5

Weekend Reading - Basic Science and general interest articles

1. Journal of Applied Physiology Aging: The Continuous Process From Birth To Death and A Human Hormone, Combined With A Full Stomach, Offers Clues For Understanding Our Food Intake
2. A Bacterium's Borrowed Weapon [Science review of § CDC VISA/VRSA - Vancomycin-Intermediate/Resistant Stapylococcus aureus Fact Sheet ] and Cross species transfer is last straw: Staphylococcus-acquired vancomycin resistance from enterococcal co-isolate[The Scientist report from Science]
3. §Advances in Neuropathic Pain Diagnosis, Mechanisms, and Treatment Recommendations. Dworkin, et al Arch Neurol. 2003;60:1524-1534. .
4. Age-related muscle loss linked to protein interplay [Eurekalert report form the Nov. 28 issue of Science]
5. Novel Role For Estrogen In Bone Marrow [Science Daily report from the December 1 issue of Genes & Development]
6. High vitamin B12 level and good treatment outcome may be associated in major depressive disorder. Hintikka, et al. BMC Psychiatry 2003, 3:17
7. Relax through the right channels?1H T-type Ca2+ channels are essential for normal relaxation of coronary arteries [The Scientist report from November 18 Science]
8. Laboratory studies show a natural protein analog may fix insulin-making cells isolated from pancreas [Eurekalert report from the December issue of Endocrinology]
9. Brain's 'Master Molecule' Produces Same Behavior In Mice From Three Different Psychostimulant Drugs [Science Daily report on novel studies on schizophrenia-like symptoms reported in Science]
10. FDA update leflunomide safety information [Aventis letter ]
11. §Changing the Face of Medicine: Celebrating America's Women Physicians. Helen S. More and Manon Parry, Curators National Library of Medicine.
12. §U.S. is poorly prepared for influenza pandemic [Eurekalert report from the Nov. 28 issue of the journal Science]
13. Women at high risk of lung cancer [Science Daily report from the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America]
14. Nicotine Patch May Alleviate "Senior Moments" [Science Daily report from Phsychopharmacology]
15. Glycerin may help skin disease [Eurekalert report from the December issue of The Journal of Investigative Dermatology]

December 4

1. This Week in JAMA 2003;290:2769.
   • §A Calcium Antagonist vs a Non–Calcium Antagonist Hypertension Treatment Strategy for Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: The International Verapamil-Trandolapril Study (INVEST): A Randomized Controlled Trial JAMA. 2003;290:2805-2816.
   • Survival After Pancreas Transplantation in Patients With Diabetes and Preserved Kidney Function JAMA. 2003;290:2817-2823.
   • Efficacy and Safety of Echinacea in Treating Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial JAMA. 2003;290:2824-2830.
   • Valvular Dysfunction and Carotid, Subclavian, and Coronary Artery Disease in Survivors of Hodgkin Lymphoma Treated With Radiation Therapy JAMA. 2003;290:2831-2837
   • §Discussion of Medical Errors in Morbidity and Mortality Conferences JAMA. 2003;290:2838-2842.
   • Association of the Cyclin D1 A870G Polymorphism With Advanced Colorectal Cancer JAMA. 2003;290:2843-2848.
   • Does This Patient Have Pulmonary Embolism? JAMA. 2003;290:2849-2858.
   • COMMENTARIES: Isolated Pancreas Transplantation for Type 1 Diabetes: A Doctor's Dilemma JAMA. 2003;290:2861-2863.
   • EDITORIALS The Return on INVEST JAMA. 2003;290:2859-2861.
2. Domestic Elder Abuse and the Law. Jogerst, et al. Am J Public Health 2003 93: 2131-2136.
3. The Lancet Volume 362, Number 9398   29 November 2003
   • Caesarean section and risk of unexplained stillbirth in subsequent pregnancy.
   • Effect of ultraviolet germicidal lights installed in office ventilation systems on workers' health and wellbeing: double-blind multiple crossover trial
   • Potential effect of climate change on malaria transmission in Africa
   • Mechanisms of disease: Apoptosis of neurons in cardiovascular autonomic centres triggered by inducible nitric oxide synthase after death from septic shock
4. FDA Updates Information for Physicians on Cordis Cypher Stent
5. § FDA Approves New Drug for Advanced Prostate Cancer: Plenaxis (abarelix)

December 3

1. This week in the BMJ Volume 327, Number 7426, Issue of 29 Nov 2003
   • §Coronary heart disease prevention: insights from modelling incremental cost effectiveness BMJ  2003;327:1264
   • §Predictive accuracy of the Framingham coronary risk score in British men: prospective cohort study BMJ  2003;327:1267
   • Lassa fever: epidemiology, clinical features, and social consequences. BMJ  2003;327:1271-1275
   • Colchicine in acute gout. BMJ  2003;327:1275-1276
   • ABC of Resuscitation: Resuscitation in pregnancy. BMJ  2003;327:1277-1279
   • Using socioeconomic evidence in clinical practice guidelines. BMJ  2003;327:1283-1285.
   • Treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding. BMJ  2003;327:1243-124
   • What do we gain from the sixth coronary heart disease drug? BMJ  2003;327:1237-1238.
   • §Risk factor scoring for coronary heart disease. BMJ  2003;327:1238-1239
2. Cigarette Smoking Impairs the Therapeutic Response to Oral Corticosteroids in Chronic Asthma. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 2003; 168: 1308-1311.
3. Serum Vitamin D and Falls in Older Women in Residential Care in Australia J Am Geriatrics Soc Volume 51 Issue 11 Page 1533 [Elderly falls linked to vitamin deficiency - New Scientist]

December 2

1. §Computed Tomographic Virtual Colonoscopy to Screen for Colorectal Neoplasia in Asymptomatic Adults. Pickhardt, and Others.Published at www.nejm.org December 1, 2003 (10.1056/NEJMoa031618)
2. New England Journal of Medicine Volume 349 November 27, 2003 Number 22  Article Summaries
   • Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy for Organ Preservation in Advanced Laryngeal Cancer. A. A. Forastiere and Others
   • Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Premature Infants with the Respiratory Distress Syndrome. M. D. Schreiber and Others
   • Lp(a) Lipoprotein, Vascular Disease, and Mortality in the Elderly. A. Ariyo, and Others
   • §Surgeon Volume and Operative Mortality in the United States. J. D. Birkmeyer and Others
   • Current Concepts: ST-Segment Elevation in Conditions Other Than Acute Myocardial Infarction. K. Wang, and Othersl
   • Drug Therapy: Irritable Bowel Syndrome. H. R. Mertz
   • Therapeutic Options for Laryngeal Cancer. E. E. Vokes and K. M. Stenson
   • Lp(a) Lipoprotein — Coping with Heterogeneity. A. M. Scanu
   • The Volume–Outcome Conundrum. K. W. Kizer
   • Shedding Light on Microbial Detection. D. A. Relman

December 1

1. Health System Status Quo Must Become Last, Not Second, Choice: A Newsmaker Interview with Arthur Kellermann, MD, MPH [Medscape report]
2. Side of Brain Infarction and Long-Term Risk of Sudden Death in Patients With Symptomatic Carotid Disease. Algra, et al. Stroke online November 20, 2003,.
3. FDA Approves Third Drug To Treat Erectile Dysfunction
4. Assessment of Mortality after Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia. Mortensen, et al. Clin Inf Dis 2003;37 (Dec 1)