Understanding the determinants of exceptional longevity
Article Abstract:
Centenarians represent an extreme of life expectancy. They achieve their exceptional longevity in part by lacking genetic variations linked to premature death. Pedigree studies have shown a substantial familial component in the ability to survive to extreme old age, and a recent study demonstrated a locus on chromosome 4 linked to exceptional longevity, indicating the likely existence of at least one longevity-enabling gene in humans. The children of centenarians have markedly reduce relative risks for age-related diseases, particularly heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, and are a promising model for genetic and phenotypic studies of 1) aging slowly relative to the general population and 2) the delay of and perhaps escape from important age-related diseases. These studies and those of other mammals and lower organisms show great promise for the delineation of important environmental and genetic determinants of aging well.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2003
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Cocaine abuse
Article Abstract:
An adverse reaction to cocaine can cause a variety of serious disorders. Cocaine was first extracted from the coca plant in 1860, and its use became widespread during the 1880s and 1890s. Its use declined in the 1920s but increased again with the development of 'freebase' and 'crack' cocaine in the 1970s and 1980s. Cocaine can be inhaled, smoked and injected intravenously. It blocks the re-uptake of neurotransmitters and increases their concentration in the junctions between nerve cells. This causes stimulation of the central nervous system and can result in a feeling of intense euphoria. Different complications caused by cocaine include sudden death, heart disease, lung disease, neurological abnormalities, kidney failure and gastrointestinal disorders. Some individuals who use cocaine may become addicted. The number of complications caused by cocaine has increased since the development of smokable forms of the drug.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1993
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Understanding the fraud and abuse laws: guidance for internists
Article Abstract:
An analysis of the federal fraud and abuse laws and how they can affect physicians is described. These laws were passed to prevent doctors from overcharging Medicare and Medicaid or billing for services that were never provided. The laws cover kickbacks, or money received for referring a patient, and referrals to health care organizations in which the physician has a financial interest. It also prohibits doctors from filing false claims. Even a good faith error in recording the wrong code on a form can be prosecuted. Prosecution can include criminal charges and large monetary penalties.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1998
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