Commercialization of genetic testing services: the FDA, market forces, and biological tarot cards

Many women fear being diagnosed with breast cancer, and rightfully so. Despite the capabilities of modern medicine, the cumulative lifetime risk of getting the disease has risen to one in eight and, despite decades of research, no cures exist. In this Article, the authors explore the commercialization of so-called breast cancer gene tests, based upon genetic alterations linked to the disease. Although the authors fully address this specific technology, they use what constitutes the seminal case of predictive genetic testing to analyze the adequacy of the existing regulatory framework. The authors conclude that the present regulatory system is inadequate and places a dangerous amount of reliance on primary care physicians. Their conclusion is grounded in the observation that most primary care physicians lack sufficient knowledge about this evolving investigative technology--which is highly subject to misinterpretation, and, though potentially helpful to some "high risk" patients, offers questionable clinical value for the general public. The authors set forth numerous proposals to promote both the quality and clinical value of predictive genetic testing so that it conforms to public health standards and can be properly integrated as a reliable component of medical care in specific situations.     

Risk assessment: Identifying patterns of risk in young offenders with the Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory

Effective case management of juvenile offenders requires differential treatment of juveniles that is based on clearly established patterns of need and risk ascertained by valid risk prediction tools. This study was the first attempt to determine whether profiles of offenders would provide valid and useful information beyond simple risk level (high, medium, and low). Using cluster analytic techniques, this study identified five risk profiles using juvenile court intake and probation samples (n = 301 and n = 372, respectively). The two samples were selected to represent youth entering the juvenile justice system and those already under the jurisdiction of the court. The results indicated that statistically dependable profiles could be identified which may provide more detailed information than risk level alone. Further, it appears that risk profile may provide a more useful method of categorizing offenders and their needs.     

Job selection using task analysis

Finding the right person for the right job is personnel's greatest challenge. In this article, Malinowski outlines a four-step technique that can help you meet this challenge.     

Ordnance gelatin for ballistic studies. Detrimental effect of excess heat used in gelatin preparation

Most users of ordnance gelatin for ballistics studies are apparently unaware of the detrimental effects on this tissue simulant's properties caused by excess heating in reconstitution of the gelatin powder. Material published by the Gelatin Manufacturers Institute of America states that heating gelatin above 40 degrees C can be detrimental to its properties. The manufacturer of type 250 A Ordnance Gelatin does not include directions for preparation with the gelatin powder. Directions that can be obtained by contacting the manufacturer fail to give any recommendations on the amount of heat applied during gelatin preparation and do not mention the detrimental effects of excess heat. These oversights are corrected in the revised set of directions included in this article.