Search

Objectives. We assessed the extent to which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations have influenced routine HIV testing among Massachusetts community health center (CHC) personnel, and identified specific barriers and facilitators to routine testing. Methods. Thirty-one CHCs were enrolled in the study. We compared those that did and did not receive funding support from the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program. An anonymous survey was administered to a maximum five personnel from each CHC, including a senior administrator, the medical director, and three medical providers. Overall, 137 participants completed the survey. Results. Among all CHCs, 53% of administrators reported having implemented routine HIV testing at their CHCs; however, only 33% of medical directors/providers reported having implemented routine HIV testing in their practices ( pConclusions. Routine HIV testing is not currently being implemented uniformly among Massachusetts CHCs. Future efforts to increase implementation should address personnel concerns regarding time and staff availability.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in India are a core risk group for HIV. Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with increased sexual risk-taking behaviours in many cultures, in particular among MSM. However, no studies to date have explored alcohol use and HIV risk among MSM in India. MSM in Chennai, India ( n = 210) completed an interviewer-administered behavioural and psychosocial assessment. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression procedures examined behavioural and demographic associations with weekly alcohol consumption. Twenty-eight percent of the sample ( n = 58) reported using alcohol at least weekly to the point of being buzzed/intoxicated, which was associated with older age, being married to a woman, being panthi (masculine appearing, predominantly insertive partners) versus kothi (feminine acting/appearing and predominantly receptive partners), weekly tobacco use, unprotected anal sex and unprotected vaginal sex in the three months prior to study enrolment (all P < 0.05). In a multivariable model, unprotected vaginal sex in the previous three months and being married to a women were unique variables associated with weekly alcohol use (all P < 0.01). Further investigation of alcohol use within the context of sexual risk taking is warranted among Indian MSM. Panthis and MSM who are married to women may be particularly likely to benefit from interventions to decrease alcohol intake and concurrent unsafe sex.

Objectives. We sought to assess risk exposures, health care access, and screening rates for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Massachusetts. Methods. We used a modified respondent-driven sampling method to collect data between March 2006 and May 2007. Overall, 126 MSM completed a survey. Results. Seventy percent of participants reported unprotected receptive anal intercourse with at least 1 nonmonogamous male partner; 50% reported having had a previous STI. Although 98% had visited a health care provider in the previous year, 39% had not been screened for STIs during the previous 2 years. Bisexual respondents were less likely to have told their health care providers that they engage in male-to-male sexual contact (OR = 4.66; P < .001), less likely to have been tested for STIs during in the previous 2 years (OR = 6.91; P < .001), and more likely to engage in insertive anal intercourse without a condom with an HIV-infected partner (OR = 5.04; P < .005) than were non-bisexual respondents. Conclusions. Clinicians need to assess sexual risk-taking behaviors and more routinely screen for STIs among sexually active men regardless of disclosure of a history of having sex with men.

Background Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could protect individuals engaging in repeated high-risk behaviors from HIV infection. Understanding the demographic and behavioral predictors of intent to use PrEP may prove useful to identify clinical trial participants.

Four experiments were conducted to evaluate the tolerance of three landscape crops to over the top spray applications of diuron. Rates ≥ 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/A) provided excellent (100%) yellow woodsorrel control regardless of the time of year the treatment was made. Diuron applications ≤ 1.12 kg ai/ha (1.0 lb ai/A) in fall and spring caused slight to no injury to dormant abelia, barberry, and spirea. Plants leafed out normally in the spring after application and there was no difference in growth 180 days after treatment (DAT). Application at 2.24 kg ai/ha (2.0 lb ai/A) caused slight to no injury on abelia, moderate injury to spirea, and severe injury to barberry by the following spring. Spring application to actively growing abelia and spirea caused slight to moderate injury from which plants treated with ≤ 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/A) completely recovered by 90 DAT. Abelia treated with 1.12 kg ai/ha (1.0 lb ai/A) were slightly injured 90 DAT, and spirea were moderately injured 90 DAT. Abelia and spirea treated with 2.24 kg ai/ha (2.0 lb ai/A) were severely injured with many dead plants 60 DAT. Actively growing barberry treated with 0.28 kg ai/ha (0.25 lb ai/A) remained moderately injured by 90 DAT. Rates ≥ 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/A) caused death to actively growing barberry by 60 DAT.

Postemergence-applied diuron effectively controls yellow woodsorrel in nursery crops grown in pine bark–based container substrate. Whether the phytotoxicity of diuron on yellow woodsorrel is exclusively the result of foliar activity or is partially the result of root-based activity has not been determined. Application in which diuron was allowed to contact both the foliage and the pine bark–based substrate provided 84% control as determined by shoot fresh-weight reduction relative to that of a nontreated control. Foliar-only and root-only applications provided 52 and 12% shoot fresh-weight reduction, respectively. Absorption and translocation of foliar-applied diuron by yellow woodsorrel was evaluated using radiotracer techniques. After 24 h, 86% of the applied diuron had been absorbed, and 76% of the amount applied remained in the treated leaflet, indicating minimal translocation. Diuron sorption by the pine bark–based substrate was evaluated using radiotracer techniques. After 3 h, less than 6% of applied diuron remained in the aqueous phase, indicating 94% sorption. Exposing yellow woodsorrel roots to diuron concentrations as low as 0.50 mg/L resulted in injury, and concentrations equal to or greater than 10 mg/L resulted in death. Calculations described herein indicate the concentration that probably would occur within the aqueous solution held within the substrate following a 1.12-kg ai/ha application is sufficient to be phytotoxic to yellow woodsorrel. Thus, root-based absorption is a contributing factor in the overall efficacy of postemergence-applied diuron in controlling yellow woodsorrel.

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of postemergence applied diuron (Direx 4L) for oxalis control and crop safety in container nursery crops. The first experiment, treated on March 15, 2001, evaluated diuron at 0.14, 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg ai/ha (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 lb ai/A) rates without a surfactant and provided a maximum of 74% oxalis control in liriope and 57% in camellia. Diuron caused slight to no injury on ‘Pink Icicle’ camellia, ‘Anthony Waterer’ spirea and ‘Big Blue’ liriope which dissipated completely by 60 DAT. Experiment two, treated on April 6, 2001, used higher rates and included a surfactant. Diuron provided excellent oxalis control at rates ≥ 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/A) by 21 days after treatment (DAT) and reduced oxalis shoot fresh weight (SFW) and shoot dry weight (SDW) by ≥ 95%. Unlike the first experiment, no injury was observed on either liriope or camellia. Experiment three, treated on April 15, 2001, evaluated diuron rate and oxalis size on oxalis control. At 9 DAT a significant diuron rate × oxalis size interaction occurred, but at 15 and 21 DAT only diuron rate affected oxalis control for the sizes of oxalis tested. At 21 DAT, rates of 0.56 kg ai/ha (0.5 lb ai/A) and higher provided excellent oxalis control. These data indicate that diuron provides excellent oxalis control when applied postemergence in tolerant nursery crops.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in India have an HIV seroprevalence 22 times greater than the country's general population and face unique challenges that may hinder the effectiveness of current HIV prevention efforts. To obtain an understanding of the logistical and sociocultural barriers MSM experience while accessing HIV prevention services, focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted with 55 MSM in Chennai, India. Qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative content analysis. Sixty-five percent of participants identified as kothi (receptive partners), 9% as panthi (insertive partners), 22% as double decker (receptive and insertive), and 4% did not disclose. Themes included: (a) fatigue with current HIV risk reduction messages; (b) increased need for non-judgmental and confidential services; and (c) inclusion of content that acknowledges individual and structural-level determinants of risk such as low self-esteem, depression, and social discrimination. MSM interventions may benefit from approaches that address multilevel psychosocial factors, including skills building and strategies to foster self-acceptance and increased social support.

In India men who have sex with men (MSM) are a stigmatized and hidden population, vulnerable to a variety of psychosocial and societal stressors. This population is also much more likely to be HIV-infected compared to the general population. However, little research exists about how psychosocial and societal stressors result in mental health problems. A confidential, quantitative mental-health interview was conducted among 150 MSM in Mumbai, India at The Humsafar Trust, the largest non-governmental organization serving MSM in India. The interview collected information on sociodemographics and assessed self-esteem, social support and DSM-IV psychiatric disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Participants' mean age was 25.1 years (SD = 5.1); 21% were married to women. Forty-five percent reported current suicidal ideation, with 66% low risk, 19% moderate risk, and 15% high risk for suicide per MINI guidelines. Twenty-nine percent screened in for current major depression and 24% for any anxiety disorder. None of the respondents reported current treatment for any psychiatric disorder. In multivariable models controlling for age, education, income, and sexual identity, participants reporting higher levels of self-esteem and greater levels of satisfaction with the social support they receive from family and friends were at lower risk of suicidality (self-esteem AOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.78-0.93; social support AOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.93) and major depression (self-esteem AOR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.71-0.89; social support AOR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.54-0.85). Those who reported greater social support satisfaction were also at lower risk of a clinical diagnosis of an anxiety disorder (AOR = 0.80; 95% CI: 0.65-0.99). MSM in Mumbai have high rates of suicidal ideation, depression, and anxiety. Programs to improve self-esteem and perceived social support may improve these mental health outcomes. Because they are also a high-risk group for HIV, MSM HIV prevention and treatment services may benefit from incorporating mental health services and referrals into their programs.

India has the greatest number of HIV infections in Asia and the third highest total number of infected persons globally. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered by the Government of India's National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) a "core risk group" for HIV in need of HIV prevention efforts. However there is a dearth of information on the frequency of participation in HIV prevention interventions and subsequent HIV risk and other correlates among MSM in India. Recruited through peer outreach workers, word of mouth and snowball sampling techniques, 210 MSM in Chennai completed an interviewer-administered assessment, including questions about participating in any HIV prevention interventions in the past year, sexual risk taking, demographics, MSM identities, and other psychosocial variables. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to examine behavioral and demographic correlates with HIV prevention intervention participation. More than a quarter (26%) of the sample reported participating in an HIV prevention intervention in the year prior to study participation. Participants who reported engaging in unprotected anal sex (UAS; odds ratio [OR] = 0.28; p = 0.01) in the 3 months prior to study enrollment were less likely to have participated in an HIV prevention program in the past year. MSM who were older (OR = 1.04; p = 0.05), kothis (feminine acting/appearing and predominantly receptive partners in anal sex) compared to panthis (masculine appearing, predominantly insertive partners; OR = 5.52, p = 0.0004), those with higher educational attainment (OR = 1.48, p = 0.01), being "out" about having sex with other men (OR = 4.03, p = 0.0001), and MSM who reported ever having been paid in exchange for sex (OR = 2.92, p = 0.001) were more likely to have reported participation in an HIV prevention intervention in the preceding year. In a multivariable model, MSM reporting UAS in the prior 3 months were less likely to have participated in an HIV prevention intervention (AOR = 0.34, p = 0.04). MSM who were older (AOR = 1.05, p = 0.05), those with higher educational attainment (AOR = 1.92, p = 0.0009), and MSM who were "out" about having sex with other men (AOR = 2.71, p = 0.04) were more likely to have reported participating in an HIV prevention program. Findings suggest that exposure to HIV prevention interventions may be protective against engaging in UAS for some MSM in India. Understanding predictors of participation in an HIV prevention intervention is helpful for identifying Indian MSM who might have had no exposure to HIV prevention information and skills building, hence allowing researchers and prevention workers to focus efforts on individuals at greatest need.

Background: CT scan measures of emphysema and airway disease have been correlated with lung function in cohorts of subjects with a range of COPD severity. The contribution of CT scan-assessed airway disease to objective measures of lung function and respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea in severe emphysema is less clear. Methods: Using data from 338 subjects in the National Emphysema Treatment Trial (NETT) Genetics Ancillary Study, densitometric measures of emphysema using a threshold of -950 Hounsfield units (%LAA-950) and airway wall phenotypes of the wall thickness (WT) and the square root of wall area (SRWA) of a 10-mm luminal perimeter airway were calculated for each subject. Linear regression analysis was performed for outcome variables FEV1and percent predicted value of FEV1with CT scan measures of emphysema and airway disease. Results: In univariate analysis, there were significant negative correlations between %LAA-950 and both the WT (r = -0.28, p = 0.0001) and SRWA (r = -0.19, p = 0.0008). Airway wall thickness was weakly but significantly correlated with postbronchodilator FEV1% predicted (R = -0.12, p = 0.02). Multivariate analysis showed significant associations between either WT or SRWA (β = -5.2, p = 0.009; β = -2.6, p = 0.008, respectively) and %LAA-950 (β = -10.6, p = 0.03) with the postbronchodilator FEV1% predicted. Male subjects exhibited significantly thicker airway wall phenotypes (p = 0.007 for WT and p = 0.0006 for SRWA). Conclusions: Airway disease and emphysema detected by CT scanning are inversely related in patients with severe COPD. Airway wall phenotypes were influenced by gender and associated with lung function in subjects with severe emphysema. © 2009 American College of Chest Physicians.

Advances in antiretroviral medications have resulted in precipitous declines in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality; however, high levels of adherence are crucial to the success of HIV therapies. This article reviews published studies in the United States on HIV-infected youth (ages 13 to 24 years), focusing on adherence to antiretroviral regimens and interventions designed to enhance adherence. A systematic search yielded 21 articles published between 1999 and 2008 that reported data on medication adherence in HIV-infected youth, of which 7 described unique interventions to enhance medication adherence. Five thematic areas were identified to classify factors associated with adherence. Findings suggest psychosocial factors, in particular depression and anxiety, were consistently associated with poorer adherence across studies. Three types of adherence interventions with HIV-infected youth were found. Results suggest that examining adherence within the broader contextual issues present in the lives of youth, including HIV stigma and disclosure, caregiver stress, peer relations, mental health and substance use, and length of time on medications, may be most important to understanding how best to intervene with adherence among this population. Secondary HIV prevention interventions for youth represent a possible mode through which to deliver individually tailored adherence skill building and counseling to improve medication adherence.

Studies have found that between 14% and 46% of US men who have sex with men (MSM) consistently report “barebacking” behavior (i.e., intentional unprotected anal intercourse) with other men. This is of public health significance because MSM continue to constitute more than 50% of new HIV infections in the USA. Men who self-identify as barebackers may represent a different and unique subset of MSM with distinct HIV prevention needs. In 2007, 227 HIV seronegative MSM recruited through modified respondent-driven sampling completed an interviewer-administered survey which assessed barebacker identity (i.e., personally identifying with the barebacker scene), demographics, sexual risk behaviors, psychosocial variables, and drug/alcohol use. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression procedures were used to examine predictors of barebacker identity in relation to HIV risk behavior. Overall, 31% of participants identified as a barebacker. In bivariate analyses, lower education (OR = 1.76; 95% CI = 0.99–3.13; p < 0.05), a current drinking problem (OR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.29–4.23; p < 0.01), higher levels of HIV treatment optimism (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.01–1.12; p < 0.05), meeting sexual partners at private sex parties (OR = 2.47; 95% CI = 1.28–4.74; p < 0.01) or at bars/cubs (OR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.10–3.52; p < 0.05), and engaging in serodiscordant unprotected insertive anal sex (OR = 3.42; 95% CI = 1.27–9.21; p < 0.01) significantly predicted barebacker identification compared to those with no barebacker identification. In a multivariable model, barebackers were more likely to screen in for alcohol abuse (adjusted OR = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.09–4.27; p < 0.05) and engage in serodiscordant unprotected insertive anal sex (adjusted OR = 3.17; 95% CI = 1.09–9.20; p < 0.05) compared to their non-barebacker counterparts. No significant differences were found in serodiscordant unprotected receptive anal sex between barebackers and non-barebackers. These findings suggest that barebacker identity is related to intentional HIV sexual risk taking and alcohol abuse. Furthermore, strategic positioning (i.e., engaging in insertive rather than receptive sex) might be associated with barebacker identification and may indicate a harm-reduction strategy being used among some HIV-uninfected MSM to reduce their risk of becoming infected. Additional research is warranted to understand the social identity of barebacking among MSM in order to develop more nuanced prevention strategies.

International audience; A terroir can be defined as a grouping of homogenous environmental units based on the typicality of the products obtained. Identification and characterisation of terroirs depends on knowledge of environmental parameters, the functioning of the grapevine and characteristics of the final product, which must be placed in a spatial context. Field studies, resulting in point data, are considered necessary to investigate the functioning of the grapevine, but the use of representative sites to determine the response of the grapevine to its environment is time consuming and costly and limits terroir studies. We surveyed vineyard managers on their perceptions of the functioning of established Sauvignon blanc vineyards in the Stellenbosch Wine of Origin District. Comparison of data generated with these questionnaires to measured data in commercial vineyards suggested that the vineyard managers were able to characterise the performance of vineyards with respect to vigour, signs of drought stress and yield. Each vineyard was mapped and the responses were linked to modelled environmental variables. Classification and regression tree methodology indicated that the viticultural and oenological aptitude of a site was closely related to temperature, exposure to dominant winds, height above sea level and soil type. This data was used to construct decision trees, which could be applied to environmental data in a geographic information system to determine viticultural terroirs for production of Sauvignon blanc. Further study is required to test the validity of the delimitation with sensory analysis of commercial wines

The Bioconductor project is an initiative for the collaborative creation of extensible software for computational biology and bioinformatics. The goals of the project include: fostering collaborative development and widespread use of innovative software, reducing barriers to entry into interdisciplinary scientific research, and promoting the achievement of remote reproducibility of research results. We describe details of our aims and methods, identify current challenges, compare Bioconductor to other open bioinformatics projects, and provide working examples., Genome Biology, 5 (10), ISSN:1474-760X

The presentations made, as well as the discussions, in the panels at the workshop, Thermal Challenges in Next Generation Electronic Systems (THERMES), are summarized in this paper. The panels dealt with diverse topics including thermal management roadmaps, microscale cooling systems, numerical modeling from the component to system levels, hardware for future high performance and internet computing architectures, and transport issues in the manufacturing of electronic packages. The focus of the panels was to identify barriers to further progress in each area that require the attention of the research community.