Ethnic background

Our sincere appreciation goes to all the members of the K. C.N. group whose dedication, brilliance, and diverse ethnic background have made this group s contributions both possible and enjoyable. 

The incidence of these syndromes seems to vary according to geographical area and ethnic background but is about 0.2-0.3 per 100,000.population (mean annual incidence rate). However incidence rates calculated for adult populations are up to three times higher. The fifth and sixth decades show peak incidence rates and there is also clear biomodality across the full age spectrum due to the existence of a juvenile form of dermatomyositis (JDM) which is pathogenetically distinct. Polymyositis, uncomplicated by skin changes, can also occur as a juvenile condition. 

Generally, younger patients with a better performance status tolerate chemotherapy better than elderly patients. Caucasian women tend to have a worse prognosis and response to therapy compared with other ethnic backgrounds.2,4,5... 

An increased risk of developing or passing on a particular genetic disorder on the basis of a person s ethnic background. 

Haverberg, L., Kwon, P. H. and Scrimshaw, N. S. 1980. Comparative tolerance of adolescents of differing ethnic backgrounds to lactose-containing and lactose-free dairy drinks. I. Initial experience with a double blind procedure. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 33, 17-21. 

Gender, age, and ethnic background have all been reported to influence the incidence of antibody response to specific therapeutic proteins. However, the only patient characteristic that consistently has been identified for a number of different products is the disease that the patients suffer from. Cancer patients are less likely to produce antibodies to therapeutic protein than other patients. The most widely accepted explanation for this difference is the immune-compromised state of cancer patients, both by the disease as by anticancer treatment. Also the median survival of patients on treatment by therapeutic proteins may be too short to develop an antibody response. In any case, cancer reduces the probability of an antibody response to a protein considerably. 

Skin eruptions can also occur. Methazolamide should be used cautiously in patients of Japanese or Korean descent. Reports of severe Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been documented, with one case occurring after a single dose. Although Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been reported after use of acetazolamide in patients with various ethnic backgrounds, methazolamide-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome has been encountered only in the Japanese. 

Numbers vary but it is estimated that betw een 1 and 4 million people have Sjogren s syndrome (National Institute Arthritis, Musculoskeletal Skin Disease, 2005). The majority of those diagnosed with Sjogren s are women (90%) and the syndrome is usually diagnosed after age 40 but may occur at any age. Sjogren s syndrome affects all races and ethnic backgrounds. 

As with our two previous editions we remained true to our concept of a multi-nationally author hook. Our belief remains strong that scientific information is an international commodity whose interpretahon and applicahon are significantly influenced hy both the cultural and ethnic background of the observer. The opportunity to share in the rich diversity of the international scientific community continues as a fundamental goal of this endeavor. The sharing of intellectual resources fostered by this effort continues to facilitate the advancement of sound science. 

Social and environmental factors, such as urban versus rural residence, gender, age, and racial/ethnic background, are associated with alcohol-consumption rates. The same is true for the prevalence of heavy drinking. 

From items such as those contained in the component subtests listed in Table 3, a test score, equivalent to a test age, is derived. The IQ is computed as the quotient of the test age, based on the performance of a standardized population of children, divided by the child s chronological age. A child who is average for his or her age will yield an IQ of 100. An above-average child will obtain an IQ above 100. There is some dispute about the interpretation of an IQ based on a standardized population significantly different in ethnic background and socioeconomic status from the child being tested so that exposure conditions and the child s other environmental circumstances should not be confounded. 

---