In this long-term trial, the combination of an alpha-blocker (doxazosin) and a 5-reductase inhibitor (finasteride) was superior to either drug alone in retarding the clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, a common disorder in men over the age of 60 years, can cause distressing symptoms and sometimes requires invasive treatment. The findings of this carefully conducted study may change the medical management of the disorder.

Patients with systemic lupus are at increased risk for myocardial infarction. In this study, the extent of carotid atherosclerosis was investigated by ultrasonography in patients with lupus and matched controls. Patients with lupus had premature atherosclerosis that was not related to traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Premature atherosclerosis in lupus may be promoted by disease-related factors such as chronic inflammation. The findings in this study and that by Asanuma et al. (also in this issue of the Journal ) point to the need for interventions to prevent vascular disease in patients with lupus.

Coronary artery disease is an important cause of death in patients with systemic lupus. In this study, electron-beam computed tomography was used to assess coronary-artery calcification in patients with lupus and matched controls. Coronary calcification was more frequent and more extensive and occurred at a younger age in the patients than in the controls.

The findings could not be explained by traditional coronary risk factors. Novel approaches to the prevention of vascular disease in patients with lupus are needed.

This careful study is based on interviews of passengers and crew members on three flights that carried patients with the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Twenty-two persons became ill a mean of four days after one of the flights. The risk was highest among the passengers seated within three rows in front of the symptomatic index patient (relative risk, 3.1).

SARS became a global crisis because infected persons traveled on aircraft to many countries. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission are warranted.

This Health Policy Report reviews the history of the relationships between academic institutions and industrial organizations in the United States and discusses recent developments in this area. Academic–industrial relationships have fostered the development and dissemination of valuable medical advances, but they have also resulted in financial conflicts of interest that have threatened both the welfare of subjects enrolled in clinical research trials and the integrity of the research process. The author outlines strategies for managing academic–industrial relationships so as to safeguard both human subjects and the integrity of research.

A 19-year-old woman visits her primary care provider for counseling about contraception. She became sexually active one year earlier and has had a new sexual partner for the past three months. Her partner currently uses a condom intermittently. She reports no medical problems, and her physical examination is unremarkable. Is testing for Chlamydia trachomatis indicated?