Genetic analyses of Icelandic and North American subjects with periodic leg movements and restless legs syndrome implicate a genetic susceptibility variant that has a population attributable risk for the combined populations of about 50%.

Studies have shown that surgical abortion during the first trimester of pregnancy is not associated with increased risks for adverse outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy, but little is known about pregnancy outcomes after medical abortion. This study, using national registry data in Denmark, showed that medical abortion, as compared with surgical abortion, was not associated with an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy, spontaneous abortion, preterm birth, or low birth weight.

Current techniques for the identification of the infecting organism in prosthetic-joint (e.g., hip or knee) infection remain insensitive. In this study of 331 surgeries involving prosthetic joint replacement, a new technique that sonicates the removed artificial joint is found to be more sensitive in identifying the infecting organism than are standard culture techniques.

Symptomatic brain metastases are a major clinical problem in small-cell lung cancer. This trial compared prophylactic cranial irradiation with observation in patients with small-cell lung cancer who had had any response to chemotherapy. Prophylactic irradiation reduced the risk of symptomatic brain metastases and was associated with longer overall survival.

This study of direct-to-consumer advertising by pharmaceutical companies reports a 330% increase in spending from 1996 to 2005. Such advertising campaigns were often initiated within 1 year after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of the drug. Some experts have proposed changing regulations to prohibit such advertising during the first year after FDA approval. These data suggest that such a policy change would lead to a substantial change in the industry's advertising practices.

A 52-year-old man with psoriasis seeks treatment for his skin condition. Treatment with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) is recommended. PUVA has been used since the 1970s for the treatment of psoriasis, although few randomized studies and clinical trials comparing this treatment with no treatment or with other forms of treatment have been conducted. PUVA therapy increases the risks of both nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma.

A 60-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of 5 months of fatigue and weight loss and the recent onset of arthralgias, odynophagia, rash, and fever. On examination, the rash involved the facial cheeks and the upper chest and back. There was palpable cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Imaging studies showed focal lung consolidation and intrathoracic and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy. A diagnostic procedure was performed.

Invasive E. coli adhere to enterocytes in patients with Crohn's disease before invading the cells. A recent study implicates carcinoembryonic antigen–related cell-adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) in the mediation of this adherence.