Challenges and strategies in recruiting, interviewing, and retaining recent Latino immigrants in substance abuse and HIV epidemiologic studies

The growth of immigrant populations in the United States over the past 20 years has increased the need to enhance understanding about the risk factors that influence their substance abuse and HIV risk behaviors. Today, Latinos account for the largest majority of immigrants gaining entry into the United States. As the largest and fastest growing minority subgroup in the United States, they bear a disproportionate burden of disease and death compared to non-Latinos. Latinos are confronted with escalating HIV and substance-abuse problems, particularly Latinos between the ages of 18-34. This paper is based on our longitudinal study on the drug using and HIV risk behaviors of 527 recent Latino immigrants between the ages of 18-34 who have lived in the United States less than 1 year. The data collection activities of this study have provided insights in identifying, recruiting, interviewing, and retaining Latinos in community-based studies. Strategies, such as utilizing a combination of translation techniques, ensured the development and implementation of culturally appropriate questionnaires. Respondent-driven sampling facilitated identifying participants. Establishing rapport and trust was critical for interviewing, and maintaining a tracking protocol was most important for retention. The lessons learned from this study can guide substance abuse and HIV researchers when recruiting, interviewing, and retaining recent Latino immigrants in future epidemiologic studies.     

Fatal pneumonitis induced by oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin has been approved for adjuvant treatment of colorectal cancer. Toxicity induced by oxaliplatin is moderate and manageable, but some isolated cases of severe pulmonary toxicity associated to oxaliplatin have been reported. Two fatal cases of interstitial pneumonitis rapidly evolving to pulmonary fibrosis are reported here.     

Chemotherapy And Radiotherapy In Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer

Radiotherapy has been standard therapy for locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is being studied to improve responses and survival. We report a phase II study in locally advanced squamous cell cervical cancer (FIGO stages III and IVA) using chemotherapy with bleomycin, methotrexate and cisplatin (BMP) followed by radical radiotherapy. Of the 35 patients, 31 in stage III and 4 in stage IVA, 3 complete responses (CR) and 22 partial responses (PR) were achieved after chemotherapy treatment. Thirty-one patients completed radiotherapy; 19 achieved CR and 4 PR. Five-year actuarial survival for the entire group was 45% (95% confidence interval, 37-53%) with a median survival of 56 months, Patients with CR had a significantly better survival: the 5-year actuarial survival was 74% (95% CI, 59-89%). Recurrence developed in 4 of 19 patients. The most frequent side-effects were nausea and vomiting. Myelosuppression and impaired renal function also occurred. There was no evidence of radiotherapy toxicity enhancement. The stage and Karnofsky index were significant prognostic factors. It is concluded that BMP chemotherapy in advanced cervical cancer is effective and, followed by radiotherapy, allows a good control of this tumor. The group of patients with complete response have a low rate of recurrences and a long survival chance.     

Statistical analyses of structural magnetic resonance imaging of the head of the caudate nucleus in Colombian children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the caudate nucleus have reported reversal asymmetry and alterations of its size, suggesting a striate cortical disorder related to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The objective was to evaluate whether alterations of the asymmetry and size of the caudate nucleus head exist in a sample of well-controlled 7- to 11-year-old Colombian children, with different types of ADHD. Two groups of cases-ADHD of the combined type and ADHD of the inattentive type-and one control group, were selected. Multiple methods for assessing ADHD (rating scales, psychologic.interview, neurologic history and examination, and neuropsychologic evaluation) were used to confirm the diagnoses. Participants with a history of language disorder, learning disabilities, depression, and other major neurologic and psychiatric conditions were excluded. Finally all groups had 15 children, matched by sex (7 male, 8 female), age, socioeconomic status, and grade. Height, weight, head circumference, and encephalic index were statistically controlled. Three T1-weighted volumetric (three-dimensional) MRI slides of the caudate nucleus head were obtained with a 1.5-Tesla Gyroscan apparatus. The control group had a significantly higher Wechsler Full-Scale IQ than the groups with ADHD of the combined type and ADHD of the inattentive type (P < .001). Volumes from the left caudate nucleus head were significantly larger than volumes from the right in all groups (P < .001). There were no group differences when volumes were compared between groups. All of the groups had left caudate nucleus head volumes significantly higher than right, although there were no between-group differences. The results in relation to previous studies are discussed.     

46,XX sex reversal with partial duplication of chromosome arm 22q

We present a case of 46,XX sex reversal in the absence of SRY but with partial duplication of chromosome 22q. The subject had multiple congenital anomalies but nearly complete masculinization of the external genitalia. Our case along with a previous case supports the existence of a gene on chromosome 22q that can trigger testis determination in the absence of SRY. We proposed that overexpression of the SOX10 gene at 22q13 might be the cause of sex reversal. We investigated 13 additional subjects with SRY-negative 46,XX sex reversal for microduplication of chromosome arm 22q in the region of SOX10 gene, but could not find evidence for it.