The issue image this month takes its theme from an essay (see Braun et al. e271) and a related perspective (see Ellison et al. e287) that explore the controversy and offer opinions on the best way to name, define, and study race and ethnicity in medicine. Human race and ethnicity, although socially determined categories, are routinely used to assign people to groups in research and clinical medicine. But if these designations are socially determined, what do "black" and "white" really mean in biomedical science and clinical medicine? Is it even possible to reach a consensus on how most accurately and sensitively to name and define race and other groupings that are subject to social tension? The editorial (see Brown et al. e288) focuses on the editorial viewpoint of this question and surveys different solutions adopted by the publishing field.
Image Credit: Race Cube Mixed by Nathan Gibbs
Editorial
Defining Human Differences in Biomedicine
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040288
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Essays
Racial Categories in Medical Practice: How Useful Are They?
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040271
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Ghost Management: How Much of the Medical Literature Is Shaped Behind the Scenes by the Pharmaceutical Industry?
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040286
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Perspectives
Racial Categories in Medicine: A Failure of Evidence-Based Practice?
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040287
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Do Abstinence-Plus Interventions Reduce Sexual Risk Behavior among Youth?
PLOS Medicine: published September 18, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040276
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Policy Forums
Grand Challenges in Global Health: The Ethical, Social and Cultural Program
PLOS Medicine: published September 11, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040265
Grand Challenges in Global Health: Ethical, Social, and Cultural Issues Based on Key Informant Perspectives
PLOS Medicine: published September 11, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040268
Grand Challenges in Global Health: Community Engagement in Research in Developing Countries
PLOS Medicine: published September 11, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040273
Grand Challenges in Global Health: Engaging Civil Society Organizations in Biomedical Research in Developing Countries
PLOS Medicine: published September 11, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040272
Will Spam Overwhelm Our Defenses? Evaluating Offerings for Drugs and Natural Health Products
PLOS Medicine: published September 18, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040274
Research in Translation
Hypertrophic Scar Formation Following Burns and Trauma: New Approaches to Treatment
PLOS Medicine: published September 4, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040234
Research Articles
Systematic Review of Abstinence-Plus HIV Prevention Programs in High-Income Countries
PLOS Medicine: published September 18, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040275
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Physician Awareness of Drug Cost: A Systematic Review
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040283
Renal Function and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in General Populations: New Prospective Study and Systematic Review
PLOS Medicine: published September 4, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040270
The Absolute Risk of Venous Thrombosis after Air Travel: A Cohort Study of 8,755 Employees of International Organisations
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040290
A Candidate Gene Approach Identifies the TRAF1/C5 Region as a Risk Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis
PLOS Medicine: published September 18, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040278
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Prevention of LPS-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice by Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Angiopoietin 1
PLOS Medicine: published September 4, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040269
Optimal Management of High-Risk T1G3 Bladder Cancer: A Decision Analysis
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040284
Correspondence
Treating Schizophrenia with DOTS in Developing Countries: One Size Does Not Fit All
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040281
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Treating Schizophrenia with DOTS in Developing Countries: Author's Reply
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040285
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Excessive Work Hours of Physicians in Training: Maladaptive Coping Strategies
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040279
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Corrections
Correction: Incorporating a Rapid-Impact Package for Neglected Tropical Diseases with Programs for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040277
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Correction: The Global Threat of Counterfeit Drugs: Why Industry and Governments Must Communicate the Dangers
PLOS Medicine: published September 25, 2007 | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0040289