JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) involves a genetically complex autoimmune component. However, except for genes in the HLA system, specific susceptibility loci are unknown or unconfirmed. ⋯ The significant chromosome 19q13.2 single-locus and multilocus haplotype associations with MS in Caucasian and Chinese patient samples indicate an effect from a nearby disease susceptibility locus. These initial observations are an encouraging step toward the description of non-HLA genetic susceptibility to MS.
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Biography Historical Article
1997 Albert Lasker and Gairdner Foundation International Medical Research awardees named.
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Recent studies suggest that many tuberculosis cases in urban areas result from recent transmission. Delineation of the epidemiologic links between patients is important to optimize strategies to reduce tuberculosis transmission. ⋯ (1) Traditional contact investigation does not reliably identify patients infected with the same M tuberculosis strain, and (2) locations at which the homeless congregate are important sites of tuberculosis transmission for homeless and nonhomeless persons. Measures that reduce tuberculosis transmission should be based on locations rather than on personal contacts.
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The use of race as a criterion for admission to medical schools and other professional schools has become increasingly controversial. This study documents the experience of students at one medical school, admitted through a special admissions process that included race as one consideration. ⋯ Criteria other than undergraduate grade point average and Medical College Admission Test scores can be used in predicting success in medical school. An admissions process that allows for ethnicity and other special characteristics to be used heavily in admission decisions yields powerful effects on the diversity of the student population and shows no evidence of diluting the quality of the graduates.
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To reexamine the conclusions of the 1991 National Institutes of Health Consensus Panel on Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Late Life in light of current scientific evidence. ⋯ The review concluded that, although the initial consensus statement still holds, there is important new information in a number of areas. These areas include the onset and course of late-life depression; comorbidity and disability; sex and hormonal issues; newer medications, psychotherapies, and approaches to long-term treatment; impact of depression on health services and health care resource use; late-life depression as a risk factor for suicide; and the importance of the heterogeneous forms of depression. Depression in older people remains a significant public health problem. The burden of unrecognized or inadequately treated depression is substantial. Efficacious treatments are available. Aggressive approaches to recognition, diagnosis, and treatment are warranted to minimize suffering, improve overall functioning and quality of life, and limit inappropriate use of health care resources.