In this prospective study of more than 65,000 women, fine particulate air pollution was found to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death from cardiovascular causes. These observations add to the growing evidence that air pollution, especially fine particulate matter, has important adverse health consequences.

A V617F mutation in the Janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2) occurs in most patients with polycythemia vera and in many with essential thrombocythemia or idiopathic myelofibrosis. The mutation causes unregulated signaling by the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase of the JAK2 protein. The authors describe new mutations in exon 12 of JAK2 in patients with polycythemia vera or idiopathic erythrocytosis who do not have the V617F mutation. The exon 12 mutations, which also induce unregulated signaling by JAK2, appear to define a distinctive myeloproliferative syndrome.

The death of a loved one in an intensive care unit is an emotionally trying experience. These investigators compared a proactive end-of-life conference with family members, including the provision of an informational brochure, with a customary conference; outcomes were reported by family members 90 days after the loved one's death. Family members who participated in the intervention conference had improved outcomes, as compared with those who participated in the standard conference.

Three otherwise healthy prepubertal boys with normal endogenous steroid levels had gynecomastia coincident with the topical application of products containing lavender and tea tree oils. Gynecomastia resolved after the use of these products was stopped. Studies in human cell lines indicated that both oils exhibited estrogenic and antiandrogenic activities, suggesting that repeated topical exposure probably caused prepubertal gynecomastia.