Minority groups

Special needs - people who are members of minority groups (the physically disabled, for example) are mentored by people from similar situations who imderstand their difficulties. 

Verify whether minority group mentees require additional help with finding a mentor, and if yes, respond to that need. 

A pooled analysis of 14 875 adults (Hispanic, n = 361 White, n = 10 108 African American, n = 547 Asian, n = 112) who participated in 104 double-blind, placebo-controlled paroxetine trials for mood and anxiety disorders was performed to ascertain minority group differences (Roy-Byrne et al., 2005). There were significant differences in rates of response by ethnicity (p = 0.014) with the odds of responding being lower for the Asian and Hispanic subjects compared to the African American and White subjects. There was also a higher placebo response rate in Hispanic subjects. Rapidity of response and emergence of adverse effects were similar across groups. 

It is widely held that differences exist in the usage and dosage of antipsychotics among ethnic minority groups. A number of factors are felt to account for these differences and include sociocultural variables (racial bias, cultural divide between patient and physician, language), as well as biological variables (pharmacogenetic, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic). 

The argument is often made that African Americans and other ethnic minorities do not participate in clinical trials because they do not want to. African Americans in particular were thought to be suspicious of participation because of previous experiences of exploitation and manhandling of vulnerable minority groups (Melfi et al, 2000 Corbie-Smith et al, 1999). The Tusgekee syphilis study is often cited as a reason for mistrust (Shavers et al, 2000 Shavers et al, 2002 Corbie-Smith et al, 1999). This study was a federally funded study of the long-term consequences of syphilis on African American men initially started before antibiotics were available. 

Hofer F. Members of the low density lipoprotein receptor family mediate cell entry of a minor group common cold virus. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1994 91 1839-1842. 

In general, the 10 different forms of adenylyl cyclase can be divided into three major and two minor groups based on their functional attributes as well as on their sequence homology. The three major families are (1) the Ca2+/calmodulin-stimulated isoforms, which include AC1, AC3, and AC8 certain of these enzymes are inhibited by GPt (2) the G[ -stimulated isoforms, which include AC2, AC4, and AC7 and (3) the Ca2+ and Gai inhibited isoforms, which are AC5 and AC6. The other two categories each have a single member (4) AC9, which is the most divergent of the membrane-bound isoforms, is stimulated by G(IS, inhibited by calcineurin (a protein phosphatase), and is insensitive to forskolin (5) sAC, the only soluble isoform, is the most divergent and is most similar to the adenylyl cyclase found in Cyanobacteria. 

II. General Concerns with Special Implications for Minority Groups... 

Research subjects may want to limit the research use of their materials and data to scientists they trust and ends of which they approve. It currently may take a lawyer s reading of the consent form to determine whether the materials and data may be shared or used for other purposes. Even if the form does limit who can use the research materials and data and for what purposes, the extent to which those forms can and will be enforced is limited. Minority groups with special concerns about the use of samples and data from their groups need to reach clear and enforceable understandings with researchers. Groups may want to limit the research use of their samples and data to the questions initially posed or further questions expressly approved by the group. Similarly, they may wish to limit to whom the samples and data can be transferred. 

Minority groups, especially those disproportionately poor or excluded from good health care, may want to negotiate some share of the financial benefits derived from research with their group. It is important that those involved realize that most research does not lead to pharmaceutical products and most products do not lead to large revenues. A small royalty,... 

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