JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Rapid progress in gene discovery has dramatically increased diagnostic capabilities for carrier screening and prenatal testing for genetic diseases. However, simultaneous prenatal carrier screening for prevalent genetic disease has not been evaluated, and patient acceptance and attitudes toward this testing strategy remain undefined. ⋯ These findings emphasize the importance of genetic counseling for prenatal carrier testing and may improve understanding, acceptance, and informed decision making for prenatal carrier screening for multiple genetic diseases.
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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.