The first case of 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) infection in China was identified on May 10, 2009. An initial policy of quarantine was instituted, and the early cases were systematically monitored. In these early 426 cases, the incubation period (2 days), spectrum of illness (67.4% with fever), and duration of viral shedding by PCR (6 days) were determined.

Using a novel gene chip, investigators identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from three chromosomal regions, including the LPA locus, that were associated with the risk of coronary disease. Two SNPs in LPA were strongly associated with both the level of Lp(a) lipoprotein and the risk of coronary disease. After adjustment for the Lp(a) lipoprotein level, the association with the risk of coronary disease was abolished. These findings support a causal role of an increased Lp(a) lipoprotein level in the risk of coronary disease.

Early-repolarization patterns on electrocardiography are generally considered to be benign. However, this study with 30 years of follow-up in a Finnish population indicates that early-repolarization patterns in the inferior and lateral leads are associated with an increased risk of death from cardiac causes and from arrhythmia.

In a retrospective analysis from a randomized trial, stored serum samples from patients with stable coronary artery disease were analyzed with the use of a new, highly sensitive assay for cardiac troponin T. At levels well below the limit of detection of the conventional assay, troponin T concentrations correlated significantly with the subsequent risk of cardiovascular death and heart failure but not with the risk of myocardial infarction.