From the Editor's Desk

David E. Beck

The fall issue provides our readers with a variety of articles. The issue starts with an editorial on new prophylactic antibiotic recommendations for the prevention of infective endocarditis.

Drs. Beck, Margolin, Whitlow, and Hammond, Ochsner colon and rectal surgeons, then describe their experience with a common clinical problem: the evaluation and management of gastrointestinal bleeding.

Next, two of our gynecology colleagues, Drs. Judd and Byrd, compare postoperative readmissions following laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy.

Drs. Smetherman, Dydynski, and Jackson, from the Ochsner Department of Radiology, report their experience with core needle breast biopsies and demonstrate that the use of larger-size needles results in a higher incidence of early cancer detection.

Dr. Wardlaw and colleagues, from the Department of Gastroenterology, report an unusual case of mineral-induced esophageal stricture, and describe methods to help manage this serious problem and reduce its occurrence.

A new feature is “Guess the Case.” In two articles, Drs. Breaux, Richardson, Dorsey, Linnell, and Adolph, present cases from the Ochsner archives and a recent hospital admission.

In our ongoing “Under the Microscope” section, Drs. Moss, Bates, Parrino, and Woods describe their basic science success with a technique for isolation of endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells from internal mammary arteries. This new tool will allow further investigations into vascular diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Summer is always noteworthy for the start of our new residents and the graduation of current trainees. To mark this occasion, we are pleased to print the Graduation Lecture, “Reflections on Three Decades at Ochsner,” delivered by Edward D. Frohlich, MD, MACP, FACC at the House Staff Commencement Ceremony on June 13, 2007 at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation. His comments meant a lot to the graduates and their families and may provide some insight to those still in training, as well as those of us committed to their education.

To complete this issue, Ochsner CEO Emeritus Dr. Frank Riddick presents a follow-up to his previous article that described Ochsner's citations in fictional literature (Vol. 7-1). In this issue, he documents the numerous Ochsner citations in nonfictional literature.

The Editorial Board thanks all contributors for their assistance in providing articles of interest to our readers. We applaud them for their efforts and ask that you also consider submitting an article or editorial of your own. With support from many sources, the Editorial Board will continue production of The Ochsner Journal.