This study examined the association between early exposure to thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative used in vaccines, and neuropsychological outcomes in children. Among the 42 neuropsychological outcomes assessed, only a few significant associations were identified, and the associations were small and both positive and negative. These findings suggest that exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccines does not reduce neuropsychological functioning in children.

Some kidney transplants fail despite good HLA matching, so other antigens might be involved. Major-histocompatibility-complex class I–related chain A (MICA) antigens are polymorphic and can elicit antibody production. This study shows that presensitization of kidney-transplant recipients against MICA antigens is associated with an increased frequency of graft loss. Immune response against MICA antigens might contribute to this loss among recipients well matched for HLA.

In a post hoc analysis of the Treating to New Targets study, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in patients receiving statin therapy were shown to be predictive of subsequent major cardiovascular events, even when low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels were taken into account and even among patients with very low levels of LDL cholesterol (<70 mg per deciliter).

This article provides a molecular update of the first published description of pheochromocytoma, attributed to Felix Fränkel, who described an 18-year-old woman with bilateral adrenal “sarcoma and angio-sarcoma.” The authors approached and assessed relatives, ultimately demonstrating the presence of germ-line RET mutations in four living relatives, thus indicating that this patient and members of her family had multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.