D-4F decreases brain arteriole inflammation and improves cognitive performance in LDL receptor-null mice on a Western diet.

LDL receptor-null mice on a Western diet (WD) have inflammation in large arteries and endothelial dysfunction in small arteries, which are improved with the apolipoprotein A-I mimetic D-4F. The role of hyperlipidemia in causing inflammation of very small vessels such as brain arterioles has not previously been studied. A WD caused a marked increase in the percent of brain arterioles with associated macrophages (microglia) (P < 0.

Factors affecting medical students' selection of an internal medicine residency program.

Objective: To determine factors that influence medical student selection of internal medicine residency programs by ethnicity and gender.

Design/setting: A cross-sectional mailed survey of graduating medical students applying to four residency programs in 1999.

Measurements: A five-point (5=most important) Likert scale was used to evaluate factors and included 14 items on location characteristics, 20 on program features, six on recruitment, three on future plans and three on advising.

The relationship between obesity and mortality in patients with heart failure.

Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate the role of obesity in the prognosis of patients with heart failure (HF).

Background: Previous reports link obesity to the development of HF. However, the impact of obesity in patients with established HF has not been studied.

Improved treatment of coronary heart disease by implementation of a Cardiac Hospitalization Atherosclerosis Management Program (CHAMP).

Despite scientific evidence that secondary prevention medical therapies reduce mortality in patients with established coronary artery disease, these therapies continue to be underutilized in patients receiving conventional care. To address this issue, a Cardiac Hospital Atherosclerosis Management Program (CHAMP) focused on initiation of aspirin, cholesterol-lowering medication (hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A [HMG CoA] reductase inhibitor titrated to achieve low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol < or =100 mg/dl), beta blocker, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor therapy in conjunction with diet and exercise counseling before hospital discharge in patients with established coronary artery disease. Treatment rates and clinical outcome were compared in patients discharged after myocardial infarction in the 2-year period before (1992 to 1993) and the 2-year period after (1994 to 1995) CHAMP was implemented.

Treatment of intermediate risk rhabdomyosarcoma and undifferentiated sarcoma with alternating cycles of vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and etoposide/ifosfamide.

Over 50% of patients with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are in the 'intermediate risk' group with a 3-year progression-free survival of approximately 65%. This group consists of stage 1, group III, non-orbit tumours; stage 2, group II and III; and all stage 3 patients utilising the Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study (IRS) staging system. The role of doxorubicin in the treatment of RMS has been controversial.