Differences in sexual behavior among HIV discordant and concordant gay men in primary relationships

We investigated differences in unprotected anal intercourse among gay men in HIV concordant and discordant primary relationships. Individuals were recruited in 1992 from household- and bar-based samples of gay/bisexual men in Portland, Oregon, and Tucson, Arizona. Respondents were men who reported that they were in primary relationships of > or = 1 month and who reported their own and their partner's HIV status (n = 785). Comparisons were made between three groups: (a) HIV + respondents/HIV + partners; (b) HIV- respondents/HIV- partners; and (c) respondents whose partner's HIV status was different from their own (discordant), on sexual behavior, psychosocial, and demographic variables. Men in HIV concordant relationships reported significantly higher rates of unprotected anal intercourse (54% for +2 and 48% for --) than discordant couples (17%). HIV- men in concordant relationships were more likely to be monogamous (58%) and younger (22% < or = 25 years) than the other two groups. There were no significant differences among the groups regarding the kind of sexual behaviors they engaged in with nonprimary partners. The substantially lower rate of unprotected anal intercourse among men in discordant relationships compared to men in concordant relationships suggests that individuals and couples make judgments about sex and behavior based on knowledge of one's own and one's partner's HIV status.

Applying the marketing concept in health care: the no-show problem

This article applies the marketing concept to the no-show problem in health care. The no-show problem at a hospital-based outpatient internal medicine clinic was analyzed to determine the determinants of no-show behavior. Two surveys were conducted: a patient questionnaire, and a telephone interview of patients that had recently missed an appointment. The surveys identified the lack of transportation as an important determinant of no-show behavior among the clinic's low-income and elderly patient population. The authors suggest that effective implementation of the marketing concept requires that health care organizations offer individualized transportation services to and from their facilities.

Identification of novel genes from Entamoeba histolytica by expressed sequence tag analysis

Shotgun sequencing of cDNA clones is now an established approach to gain insight into the expressed nucleotide (nt) sequences in a given cell. We analysed 100 randomly picked cDNA clones of the protozoan parasite, Entamoeba histolytica, by nt sequencing, with a view to obtain novel gene sequences not detected so far by biochemical and genetic analyses. About 56% of the analysed clones showed significant homology with other genes in the database, including a number of genes whose presence may not be suspected in E. histolytica owing to its unusual subcellular organization. The results suggest that this approach can provide important clues to understand unique biochemical mechanisms in this parasite.

Phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala dermatitidis following intra-articular steroid injection

A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis presented with a painful pigmented chronic nodule on the dorsum of the right hand, at the site of intra-articular steroid injections undertaken 5 years previously. Histology showed pigmented fungal elements consistent with phaeohyphomycosis. Cultures yielded black yeast-like colonies, identified as Exophiala dermatitidis and sensitive to itraconazole and amphotericin. A 1-month course of itraconazole resulted in marked clinical improvement but surgical excision and skin grafting were required for complete resolution. Phaeohyphomycosis has been related to inoculation injury but association with intra-articular steroid injection appears hitherto to be unreported.

Tuberculosis in Siberia: 2. Diagnosis, chemoprophylaxis and treatment

OBJECTIVE

To assess tuberculosis diagnosis, chemoprophylaxis and therapy in Siberia as a paradigm for the Russian Federation.

DESIGN

Data was obtained from official sources and through visits to dispensaries and hospitals in 1994.

RESULTS

Tuberculosis disease and cure is classified according to a Dispensary Group Register based principally on clinical and radiological criteria. Isoniazid is widely used for chemoprophylaxis and post-therapy and may be linked to high levels of isoniazid resistance. Combination drug therapy is individualized, frequently changed, and given orally, parenterally or intra-bronchially. Galvanization, autotransfusion of ultra-violet irradiated blood, antioxidants and steroids are used as adjunct treatment. Ambulatory treatment is uncommon. Surgical treatments including lobectomy and pneumonectomy are used in 5-10% of patients.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis is increasing in Siberia. An improved drug supply using short course standardized regimens is required supported by high quality co-ordinated bacteriological services. Surgery retains a useful role, but many adjunct therapies should be abandoned.

Bacteriuria in a cohort of predominantly HIV-1 seropositive female commercial sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya

Although significant bacteriuria and urinary tract infection are more common in immunocompetent women than men, studies linking HIV immunosuppression with an increased risk of developing urinary infection have so far only been carried out in men. We therefore examined the relationship between bacteriuria and HIV status and CD4+cell count in a relatively homogeneous cohort of female commercial sex workers (CSW) attending a community clinic in Nairobi. Two hundred and twenty-two women were enrolled, and grouped according to HIV status and CD4 count. Group 1 were HIV seronegative (n = 52); Group 2 were HIV seropositive with CD4 + counts above 500 x 10(6)/l (n = 51); Group 3 were HIV seropositive with CD4 + counts between 201 and 500 x 10(6)/l (n = 67); Group 4 were HIV seropositive with CD4+counts below 200 x 10(6)/l (n = 52). Clinical signs and symptoms were noted and mid-stream specimens of urine obtained for culture and sensitivity. Overall 23% (50/222) had significant bacteriuria. The rates in each group respectively were 25%, 29%, 19% and 23% and there was no significant association between bacteriuria and HIV status; or between bacteriuria and level of immuno-suppression as indicated by CD4 + count. Overall 19% (30/222) of women had symptoms (frequency; dysuria; loin pain; smelly urine) or signs (fever; loin tenderness) compatible with urinary tract infection. However there was no significant association between symptoms or signs of infection and bacteriuria or HIV status. A typical range of pathogens, predominantly Enterobacteriaceae, were isolated and there were high rates of resistance to commonly used antimicrobials as well as 10% resistance to ciprofloxacin. Although high rates of significant bacteriuria can occur in highly sexually-active women, this appears unrelated to HIV infection or the level of HIV-related immunosuppression and is generally asymptomatic or clinically indistinct.

The reduction of radiation mucositis by selective decontamination antibiotic pastilles: a placebo-controlled double-blind trial

The aim of this study was to see if antibiotic pastilles could reduce radiation mucositis, pain, dysphagia and weight loss in patients undergoing radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. A total of 275 patients with T1-T4 tumours entered the study; 136 were allocated to suck four times daily a pastille containing amphotericin, polymyxin and tobramycin. The remaining 139 patients received an identical placebo. In all, 54 patients were unevaluable (24 active, 30 placebo). Bacteriological monitoring was carried out before and twice weekly during treatment. Both arms of the study were well balanced for T and N stage, age, sex and radiation dose (60 Gy). There was a slight imbalance in the site of disease which had no substantive effect on the results. The primary study end point was the percentage of patients who developed intermediate or thick pseudomembranes. No statistically significant difference was found in this end point, with 36% of patients in the active arm developing this type of membrane compared with 48% in the placebo arm (P = 0.118). The estimated odds ratio (placebo/active) of developing an intermediate or thick pseudomembrane was 1.59 (95% CI 0.89-2.82). However a more sensitive test comparing the worst recorded mucositis grade between the two arms was statistically significant (P = 0.009). This indicated that the active pastilles had a beneficial effect, but the magnitude was probably smaller than the trial was designed to detect. There was a reduction in mucositis distribution (P = 0.002), mucositis area (P = 0.028), dysphagia (P = 0.006) and weight loss (P = 0.009) in the active arm. There was a clear tendency for patients with positive cultures for aerobic Gram-negative bacteria (AGNB) (P = 0.003) and yeasts (P = 0.026) during treatment to have more severe mucositis. The active pastilles reduced the percentage of patients with yeast cultures (P = 0.003) but had less effect on AGNB. The benefit derived from the pastilles should materially increase patient tolerance to radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Mature results of a randomized trial of two doses of cisplatin for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Scottish Gynecology Cancer Trials Group

PURPOSE

In 1992, we reported the first results of a randomized study in ovarian cancer, comprising two doses of cisplatin and indicated a significant difference (P = .0008) in median survival. Four years later, we now describe the results of this trial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

After a median follow-up of 4 years and 9 months, 115 of 159 cases of advanced ovarian cancer, originally randomized to receive six cycles of cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 and either a high dose (HD) of 100 mg/m2 cisplatin or a low dose (LD) of 50 mg/m2 (LD) cisplatin, have now died.

RESULTS

The overall survival for HD and LD patients is 32.4% and 26.6%, respectively, and the overall relative death rate is 0.68 (P = .043). This represents a reduction in overall benefit with longer follow-up compared with the first 2 years (relative death rate of 0.52). Toxicity, particularly neurotoxicity, is still evident in the fourth year (10/31 on HD compared with 1/24 on LD).

CONCLUSION

Our recommended dose of cisplatin in combination schedule is therefore 75 mg/m2, representing the optimal balance between efficacy and toxicity.

Tuberculosis in Siberia: 1. An epidemiological and microbiological assessment

SETTING

Siberia, Russian Federation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the situation regarding tuberculosis as a paradigm for the Russian Federation.

DESIGN

Data was obtained from official sources and through visits to dispensaries and hospitals in 1994.

RESULTS

The downward trend in notifications of tuberculosis throughout Russia reversed in 1990/91, the rate increasing from 34/100,000 to 42.9/100,000 in 1993. Incidence rates are higher in Siberia, varying from approximately 43 to 108/100,000; prevalence is 250-300/100,000. The tuberculosis service is centralized and based on specialized polyclinics and dispensaries. An extensive surveillance system employs regular fluorography and tuberculin testing: half of the cases diagnosed are detected by fluorography, against 1% through contact tracing. Patients are classified principally on clinical and radiological grounds. Bacille Calmette-Guérin immunisation is performed at birth and at age 7, and again at 13, 21, and 28 years if Mantoux test is negative. Microscopy and culture services are organisationally separate, and direct comparison of smear and culture data is not possible. Drug resistance to isoniazid and streptomycin is probably high and resistance to rifampicin low, but data on susceptibility of isolates from new cases are not available.

CONCLUSION

Tuberculosis is increasing in Siberia. Homelessness, unemployment and alcoholism are important factors, but concurrent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection appears to be uncommon. Prisons probably form a significant reservoir of infectious cases.

Invasive pneumococcal disease in a cohort of predominantly HIV-1 infected female sex-workers in Nairobi, Kenya

BACKGROUND

HIV infection is a major risk factor for pneumococcal disease in industrialised countries. Although both are common infections in sub-Saharan Africa, few studies have investigated the importance of this interaction. We have followed up a cohort of female sex-workers in Nairobi and report here on the extent of invasive pneumococcal disease.

METHODS

A well-established cohort of low-class female sex-workers, based around a community clinic, was followed up from October, 1989, to September, 1992. 587 participants were HIV positive and 132 remained HIV negative. Set protocols were used to investigate common presentations. Cases were identified clinically and radiographically. Streptococcus pneumoniae and other pathogens were diagnosed by culture.

FINDINGS

Seventy-nine episodes of invasive pneumococcal disease were seen in the 587 HIV-positive women compared with one episode in the 132 seronegative women (relative risk 17.8, 95% CI 2.5 to 126.5). In seropositive women the incidence rate was 42.5 per 1000 person-years and the recurrence rate was 264 per 1000 person-years. By serotyping, most recurrent events were re-infection. A wide spectrum of HIV-related pneumococcal disease was seen: only 56% of cases were pneumonia; sinusitis was seen in 30% of cases, and occult bacteraemia, a novel adult presentation, in 11%. Despite forty-two bacteraemic episodes, no deaths were attributable to Strep pneumoniae. At first presentation the mean CD4 cell count was 302/microL(SD 191) and was 171/microL (105) for recurrent episodes. During acute Strep pneumoniae infection the CD4 cell count was reversibly suppressed (mean fall in sixteen episodes, 105/microL [123]). The neutrophil response to acute infection was blunted and was correlated with CD4 count (r=0.50, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.66). Strep pneumoniae caused more disease, at an earlier stage of HIV immunosuppression, than Mycobacterium tuberculosis or non-typhi salmonellae.

INTERPRETATION

Our study highlights the importance of the pneumococcus as an early but readily treatable complication of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa.

Serotypes and antibiotic susceptibilities of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Nairobi, Kenya

Two hundred and sixteen clinically significant isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from 138 adult patients attending clinics in Nairobi, Kenya over a 2 year period were characterized by antibiotic sensitivity testing and serotyping. Overall antibiotic resistance rates were: penicillin, 25%; tetracycline, 34%; erythromycin, 0%; chloramphenicol, 0.4%. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC's) of penicillin ranged from < 0.008-0.5 microgram/ml. Determination of penicillin resistance (MIC > or = 0.1 microgram/ml) by oxacillin 1 microgram disc diffusion zone diameter < or = 20 mm was 100% sensitive, 92% specific. Relative resistance to oxacillin (MIC range 0.25-1.0 microgram/ml) accounted for penicillin sensitive isolates determined falsely to be penicillin resistant by oxacillin disc testing. Penicillin resistance was more frequent in sputum isolates at 35% than in blood isolates at 18% (P = 0.013). Serotypes 6, 10, 14, 16, 19 and 23 were associated with penicillin resistance. This study provides information of value for planning management strategies for pneumococcal disease from an area where there are few existing data.

Risk factors for metastatic uveal melanoma after trans-scleral local resection

AIMS

This study reports the metastatic death rate after trans-scleral local resection of uveal melanoma and identifies relevant risk factors.

METHODS

Local resection was performed in 332 patients (mean age 51 years), with follow up ranging to 20.9 years (median for living patients 33 months). The tumours had a mean largest basal diameter of 13.1 mm and mean thickness of 7.5 mm, with 135 containing epithelioid cells. Risk factors were identified by Cox analysis and metastatic rates demonstrated using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

There were 52 deaths from metastatic melanoma. The significant risk factors were (i) age more than 60 years at treatment (p = 0.001), (ii) mixed/epithelioid tumours (p = 0.003), (iii) superior location of mixed/epithelioid tumours (over and above (ii)) (p = 0.001), (iv) largest basal tumour diameter of 16 mm or more (p < 0.001), (v) lack of adjunctive radiotherapy (p = 0.031), (vi) secondary enucleation for bulky residual/recurrent tumour (p = 0.002), and (vii) secondary enucleation for small residual/recurrent tumour extraocularly (p = 0.019). Metastatic death was not significantly associated with (i) incomplete tumour excision (p = 0.163), and (ii) small residual/recurrent tumour treated by enucleation (p = 0.855).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival diminished from 92% at 15 years if less than two risk factors were present to less than 30% in 3.5 years if more than three risk factors were present.

Risk factors for residual and recurrent uveal melanoma after trans-scleral local resection

AIMS

The aims of this study were to report local tumour control after trans-scleral local resection of uveal melanoma and to identify risk factors for (i) clinical residual tumour recognised immediately after surgery, and (ii) delayed tumour recurrence from subclinical microscopic deposits.

METHODS

The sample included 310 patients, treated by choroidectomy (188), cyclochoroidectomy (87), or iridocyclectomy (35), with follow up ranging from 42 days to 20.9 years (median 36 months), a mean basal largest tumour diameter of 13.2 mm, and a mean tumour thickness of 7.4 mm.

RESULTS

There were 24 patients with residual tumour. Forward stepwise logistic regression indicated that posterior extension to within 1 disc diameter of the optic disc or fovea was the sole best indicator of the risk of residual disease (p < 0.001). After excluding these cases, 286 patients were studied for the development of delayed local recurrence, which occurred in 57 cases. Forward stepwise multivariate analysis showed the statistically significant predictors for recurrent tumour to be epithelioid cellularity (p = 0.002), posterior tumour extension to < 1 disc diameter of disc of fovea (p = 0.002), large tumour diameter > or = 16 mm (p = 0.019) and lack of adjunctive plaque radiotherapy (p = 0.018).

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence rate at 4 years varied from 6% if no risk factors were present to 57% if there were more than two risk factors.

Decisions to get HIV tested and to accept antiretroviral therapies among gay/bisexual men: implications for secondary prevention efforts

The objective of this study was to report prevalence rates of adherence by HIV-seropositive individuals to medical recommendations for the treatment of HIV infection, a behavioral pattern referred to as AIDS secondary prevention. We report cross-sectional data (n = 2,593) from two household-based and two bar-based samples of gay/bisexual men, gathered in 1992 in Tucson, Arizona, and Portland, Oregon. The main outcome variables were prevalence of HIV antibody testing and adherence to recommended secondary prevention behaviors to prevent onset of AIDS symptoms. Approximately one-third of the gay/bisexual men in these samples do not know their current HIV status. Of the gay/bisexual men who do know that they are HIV-seropositive, approximately three-fourths adhere to each of the secondary prevention recommendations, as appropriate to their stage of disease progression. In a multivariate logistic model, three variables distinguished between HIV-seropositive men who did and did not adhere: perceived antiviral treatment norms (OR = 1.4, CI = 1.1-1.7), perceived efficacy of secondary prevention treatments (OR = 1.4, CI = 1.1-1.7), and quality of the relationship with one's health-care provider (OR = 2.5, CI = 1.6-4.0). These findings indicate that efforts to support AIDS secondary prevention behaviors can occur not only through health education to change the perceptions of at-risk communities about the options available to delay the onset of opportunistic infections among HIV-seropositive individuals but also by enhancing effective doctor/patient communication.

Carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil and folinic acid: a 48-hour chemotherapy regimen in advanced and recurrent squamous carcinoma of the head and neck

Eighty patients with advanced squamous carcinoma of the head and neck were entered into a study using a 2-day, inpatient, intravenous regimen. Folinic acid 200 mg/m2, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 500 mg/ m2 bolus followed by 5-FU 500 mg/m2 in a 22-hour infusion were given on days 1 and 2, with carboplatin 300 mg/m2 on day 2. The whole was repeated every 21 days. Forty-three patients had advanced disease with no prior treatment; 37 had recurred following radical treatment. Fifty-eight patients were male and the median age was 60 years. In total, 275 cycles of chemotherapy were given. The major toxicity was haematological, which delayed 65 cycles of chemotherapy and contributed to the death of two patients. Non-haematological toxicity was mild, with less than 8% of patients experiencing any toxicity greater than WHO grade 2. The patients who had had no previous treatment had a 65% response rate (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 48-80). Those who had been previously treated had a 37% response rate (95% CI 21-55). The overall response rate was 52% (95% CI 40-64), of whom 5% were complete responders. The median survival time was 36 weeks (95% CI 29-45), with the majority of patients dying with progressive disease. We conclude that this chemotherapy regimen was well tolerated and produced minimal toxicity, while maintaining an acceptable response rate of 52%.

[Nutritional status and plasma amino acid levels in hemodialysis]

The objective of this work is to study the relation between the variations of the plasmatic aminogram, and the nutritional state of the patient with chronic kidney failure on hemodialysis. We studied 79 patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis treatment, with and evolution of 46 +/- 37 months. They were subjected to a dietary questionnaire, and anthropometric study after dialysis (body mass index, triceps skin fold, muscular circumference of the arm), and determination of the levels of serum amino acids after a pre-dialysis nocturnal fast half way through the week, and finally a record is made of the number of times each patient was hospitalized in the 6 months prior to the study. In the amino acids with a pyruvate origin, there is a significant reduction of alanine (p: 0.002), serine (p: 0.004), and methionine (p: 0.001), and a significant increase of glycine, cystathionine, and cystine (p: 0.0001), with the Glycine/Serine coefficient being elevated (p: 0.001). All amino acids with a ketoglutarate origin are increased significantly (p < 0.007), except glutamine which is decreased (p: 0.0009), and arginine which does not show any significant differences. The essential amino acids are decreased in relation to the non-essential ones (p: 0.0001), although if they are compared with the normal values, only threonine is decreased (p: 0.001). Of the rest, histidine, isoleucine (p: 0.0001) and phenylalanine (p: 0.001) are significantly increased. The tyrosine/phenylalanine coefficient is decreased (p: 0.001). The daily ingestion of protein is correlated negatively with alanine, proline, hydroxyproline, and aspartic acid. The anthropometric parameters are correlated positively with the branched amino acids, alanine and proline. Finally, the number of hospital admissions in the last 6 months, is correlated positively with valine, leucine, phenylalanine, and glutamic acid. In conclusion, we consider that the increase of the glycine/serine, phenylalanine/serine and non essential/essential coefficients, is related to alterations of the metabolism, intrinsic to the condition of uremia, while the alterations of the levels of branched amino acids is related to the nutritional condition of the patients.