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We explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and wellbeing of Indigenous gay and bisexual men (GBM) in Guatemala, a group that experiences intersectional stigma and structural barriers to health. Between February and May 2021, we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews via Zoom with key stakeholders (n=11) working with Indigenous GBM throughout Guatemala. We coded thematically and conducted narrative analysis to identify the most salient themes. Participants described that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Indigenous GBM migrated to urban centres to avoid stigma and violence from families and rural communities. After the onset of COVID-19, many Indigenous GBM lost their jobs and were forced to move back in with families. For Indigenous GBM who returned, participants described a perceived increase in the severity of physical and psychological violence. Participants attributed this increase in severity to retribution from families and communities for having left. Most Indigenous GBM-serving organizations reported a drastic increase in demand for mental health services. Organizations serving Indigenous GBM have an urgent need to scale up their mental health services and find innovative ways to provide these services remotely during the pandemic and beyond. Technology-based mental health interventions that require little “live” interaction may be appropriate.

Coastal zones are ecosystems that are sensitive to climate change and anthropogenic pollution, resulting in a potential loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services through eutrophication and nutrient imbalances, among others. The coastal El Sauce catchment area, Central Chile, is under multiple anthropogenic pressures including wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge, which its broad effect remains underexplored. In order to assess the impact of the WWTP on El Sauce stream, the benthic microbial communities and key functional groups variability (i.e., nitrifiers, methanogens and methanotrophs) were determined by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and by functional genes quantification, respectively, during two contrasted seasons in three catchment areas (pre-, WWTP and post-discharge). The microbial communities’ structure profiles were associated with the water quality, nutrients, greenhouse gas (GHG) distribution, and the organic matter isotopic signatures in the sediments, for the first time, in this ecosystem. The results show that organic matter isotopic signatures using nitrogen and carbon (δ15N and δ13C) and the physicochemical conditions in El Sauce estuary changed from the pre- to WWTP discharge areas (i.e., a pH decrease of 0.5 units and an increase of 4–6 °C in the water temperature). The WWTP discharge area was characterized by a low nutrient concentration and significantly higher GHG distribution (>600 µM CO2, >30,000 nM CH4, and >3000 nM N2O). In addition, the benthic microbial community structure shifted spatially and seasonally, including specific phyla known as sewage bioindicators, such as Firmicutes (Clostridiales order) and Bacteroidetes. In addition, other taxa were enriched or only retrieved in the sediments of the WWTP influenced area, e.g., Tenericutes, Lentisphaerae, Synergistetes, and LCP-89. Methanogens were more enriched near the WWTP discharge compared to those in the pre-discharge site in both seasons, while methanotrophs and ammonia oxidizers were unfavored only during winter. Our results indicate that the WWTP discharge impacts the biogeochemical conditions in El Sauce catchment area modifying the benthic microbial communities, including a decrease in the key functional groups able to mitigate CH4 and regulate nutrients recycling in these aquatic ecosystems.

BACKGROUND Hispanic/Latinx gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (SMM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in the United States. With the availability of HIV/STI self-testing services, through which individuals can self-collect specimens to screen for HIV and other STIs, HIV/STI testing may be more accessible for Latinx SMM who are foreign born and face multiple obstacles to obtaining HIV prevention services. Combining the potential of self-testing kits and the influence of peer educators may present an opportunity to address barriers and increase HIV/STI testing and PrEP uptake among Latinx immigrant SMM. OBJECTIVE The study’s objective was to develop and pilot a peer intervention to distribute HIV/STI self-testing kits and to provide peer counseling based on the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model to relay information, enhance motivation, and reinforce behavioral skills to increase PrEP uptake and HIV/STI testing behaviors among Latinx immigrant SMM. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with community stakeholders (N=15) to elicit important factors to consider for training and intervention implementation with Latinx immigrant SMM. Interview findings informed the development of the intervention and peer training protocols. We randomly assigned participants to the intervention group, who received peer-counseling and HIV/STI self-testing kits, or to the control group, who only received peer counseling. We administered baseline, 1-week, 6-week, and 12-week follow-up surveys to assess self-reports of motivation and behaviors related to PrEP uptake, HIV testing, and STI testing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all intervention components were delivered virtually (e.g., phone, internet). We performed 2-sample tests for equality of proportions with continuity correction to examine the effects of the intervention on self-reports of PrEP uptake, HIV testing, and STI testing motivation and behaviors. RESULTS A total of 50 Latinx immigrant SMM participated: 30 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. Eighty percent of participants across both groups indicated that the peer-based program motivated them to get tested for HIV. Post intervention, there were no differences between groups in reports of HIV testing. At 12 weeks post-intervention, 73% of SMM in the intervention group and 37% in the control group reported having tested for STIs (P=.02). Among participants in the intervention group, 84% reported being motivated to use PrEP compared to 59% in the control group (P=.07). CONCLUSIONS By facilitating access to HIV/STI testing through self-testing kits and enhancing testing and PrEP information, motivation, and behavioral skills through peers, our intervention demonstrated potential to increase HIV prevention behaviors in Latinx immigrant SMM. Peer-based programs that offer self-testing and virtual modes of accessing information may be a feasible and acceptable strategy to reach Latinx immigrant SMM. CLINICALTRIAL NCT03922126

Background: Studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV infections however, at present, there is no study that compares and evaluates the association of perceived HIV stigma, gay related enacted stigma, and undiagnosed HIV infections among MSM by geographic region in the United States (U.S). This ecological study identifies clusters of cities with similar stigma measures in the U.S. Methods: We conducted the analysis using data from National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) collected during the 2017 MSM cycle. We used unsupervised machine learning procedure known as k-means clustering to identify clusters of cities with similar stigma measures. We also examined correlations between percentages of undiagnosed HIV infections both with perceived HIV stigma and gay related enacted stigma. In addition, we used American Community Survey (ACS), 2013-2017, data to characterize each city in terms of key population level characteristics. Results: Cities were grouped in two distinct clusters after the implementation of the clustering technique; each cluster was different in terms of their racial makeup. There was a moderate correlation (0.50) between percentage of perceived HIV stigma and undiagnosed HIV infections and a low correlation (0.23) between percentage of gay related enacted stigma and undiagnosed HIV infections among MSM. Conclusion: Stigma reduction interventions should be tailored by city to address the underlying HIV burden among MSM communities. This will not only improve the health of the MSM communities but the larger community as a whole. Future studies should include more cities from the Southern U.S and examine how stigma affects MSM populations, especially of color.

In 2019, heterosexual sex accounted for 23% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States and six dependent areas (1). Although preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can safely reduce the risk for HIV infection among heterosexual persons, this group is underrepresented in PrEP research (2). CDC analyzed National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) data to describe PrEP awareness among heterosexually active adults in cities with high HIV prevalence. Overall, although 32.3% of heterosexually active adults who were eligible were aware of PrEP

Men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United States are stigmatized for their same-sex practices, which can lead to risky sexual behavior, potentiating risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Improved measurement is necessary for accurately reporting and mitigating sexual behavior stigma. We added 13 sexual behavior stigma items to local surveys administered in 2017 at 9 sites in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system, which uses venue-based, time-sampling procedures to survey cisgender MSM in US Census Metropolitan Statistical Areas. We performed exploratory factor analytical procedures on site-specific (Baltimore, Maryland; Denver, Colorado; Detroit, Michigan; Houston, Texas; Nassau-Suffolk, New York; Portland, Oregon; Los Angeles, California; San Diego, California; and Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Virginia) and pooled responses to the survey items. A 3-factor solution—“stigma from family” (α = 0.70), “anticipated health-care stigma” (α = 0.75), and “general social stigma” (α = 0.66)—best fitted the pooled data and was the best-fitting solution across sites. Findings demonstrate that MSM across the United States experience sexual behavior stigma similarly. The results reflect the programmatic utility of enhanced stigma measurement, including tracking trends in stigma over time, making regional comparisons of stigma burden, and supporting evaluation of stigma-mitigation interventions among MSM across the United States.

Background Complex manifestation of stigma across personal, community, and structural levels and their effect on HIV outcomes are less understood than effects in isolation. Yet, multilevel approaches that jointly assesses HIV criminalization and personal sexual behavior stigma in relation to HIV testing have not been widely employed or have only focused on specific subpopulations. The current study assesses the association of three types of MSM-related sexual behavior-related stigma (family, healthcare, general social stigma) measured at both individual and site levels and the presence/absence of laws criminalizing HIV transmission with HIV testing behaviors to inform HIV surveillance and prevention efforts among HIV-negative MSM in a holistic and integrated way. Methods We included nine National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) 2017 sites: Baltimore, MD; Denver, CO; Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Long Island/Nassau-Suffolk, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Portland, OR; San Diego, CA; and Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA. Multivariable generalized hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine how sexual behavior stigmas (stigma from family, anticipated healthcare stigma, general social stigma) measured at the individual and site levels and state HIV criminalization legislation (no, HIV-specific, or sentence-enhancement laws) were associated with past-year HIV testing behaviors across sites (n = 3,278). Results The majority of MSM across sites were tested for HIV in the past two years (n = 2,909, 95.4%) with the average number of times tested ranging from 1.79 (SD = 3.11) in Portland, OR to 4.95 (SD = 4.35) in Los Angeles, CA. In unadjusted models, there was a significant positive relationship between stigma from family and being tested for HIV in the past two years. Site-level HIV-specific criminalization laws were associated with an approximate 5% reduction in the prevalence of receiving any HIV test in the past two years after individual level stigma and sociodemographic covariate adjustments (PR = 0.94, 95% CI, 0.90–0.99). Conclusions Structural barriers faced by MSM persist and ending the HIV epidemic in the US requires a supportive legal environment to ensure effective engagement in HIV services among MSM. Home-based solutions, such as self-testing, used to deliver HIV testing may be particularly important in punitive settings while legal change is advocated for on the community and state levels.

Coastal wetlands are ecosystems associated with intense carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) recycling, modulated by salinity and other environmental factors that influence the microbial community involved in greenhouse gases production and consumption. In this study, we evaluated the influence of environmental factors on GHG concentration and benthic microbial community composition in coastal wetlands along the coast of the semiarid region. Wetlands were situated in landscapes along a south-north gradient of higher aridity and lower anthropogenic impact. Our results indicate that wetlands have a latitudinal variability associated with higher organic matter content at the north, especially in summer, and higher nutrient concentration at the south, predominantly in winter. During our sampling, wetlands were characterized by positive CO2 μM and CH4 nM excess, and a shift of N2O nM excess from negative to positive values from the north to the south. Benthic microbial communities were taxonomically diverse with > 60 phyla, especially in low frequency taxa. Highly abundant bacterial phyla were classified into Gammaproteobacteria (Betaproteobacteria order), Alphaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria, including key functional groups such as nitrifying and methanotrophic bacteria. Generalized additive model (GAM) indicated that conductivity accounted for the larger variability of CH4 and CO2, but the predictions of CH4 and CO2 concentration were improved when latitude and pH concentration were included. Nitrate and latitude were the best predictors to account for the changes in the dissolved N2O distribution. Structural equation modeling (SEM), illustrated how the environment significantly influences functional microbial groups (nitrifiers and methane oxidizers) and their resulting effect on GHG distribution. Our results highlight the combined role of salinity and substrates of key functional microbial groups with metabolisms associated with both carbon and nitrogen, influencing dissolved GHG and their potential exchange in natural and anthropogenically impacted coastal wetlands.

Background In the United States, cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) who use methamphetamine are at substantial risk for HIV and can benefit from pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Methods We used data from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance 2017 survey from Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; and Denver, CO, to estimate PrEP awareness and use in the past 12 months among MSM who use methamphetamine. We then compared these estimates with participants who do not use methamphetamine but meet other criteria for PrEP use (i.e., condomless anal sex or a bacterial sexually transmitted infection). We explored reasons for not using PrEP and challenges using PrEP. Results Of the 1602 MSM who participated in the 2017 National HIV Behavioral Surveillance survey in Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; and Denver, CO, 881 met the inclusion criteria for this study, of whom 88 (10%) reported methamphetamine use in the past 12 months. Most (95%) participants had heard of PrEP, and 35% had used it in the past 12 months. Pre-exposure prophylaxis awareness was lower among MSM who used methamphetamine (P = 0.01), but use was not different (P = 0.26). Among those who had not used PrEP, the most common reason for not using it was not thinking one's HIV risk was high enough (51%). Men who have sex with men who used methamphetamine were more likely to report that they were not sure PrEP would prevent them from getting HIV (38% vs. 19%, P = 0.002). Conclusions These results highlight the need for continued efforts to educate and promote PrEP uptake among MSM, particularly those who use methamphetamine.

BACKGROUND Rectal gonorrhea and chlamydia are common and predict human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM); however, screening for rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not routine. METHODS In 2017, we recruited sexually active MSM in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area through venue-based sampling. Our outcome of interest was self-reported rectal STI screening in the prior 12 months among those who had a health care visit in the same time period. Stratified by HIV status and preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, we assessed the prevalence and predictors of screening. RESULTS Of 403 participants, 162 (40.2%) reported rectal STI screening. Sixty (25.7%) of 233 HIV-negative men who did not report PrEP use in the prior 12 months; 61 (69.3%) of the 88 HIV-negative men who reported PrEP use in the prior 12 months; and, 41 (59.4%) of 69 men living with HIV-reported screening, respectively. Among HIV-negative men who did not report PrEP use in the prior 12 months, having a health care provider who offered HIV testing (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-3.52) and condomless anal sex with casual partners in the prior 12 months (aPR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.01-2.65) were independently associated with rectal STI screening. The HIV-negative men on PrEP who had a syphilis diagnosis in the prior 12 months were more likely to be screened than those without syphilis (aPR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11-1.59). Men living with HIV who reported having a provider who always or often initiates conversations about sex were more likely to report screening compared with men who did not have such a provider (aPR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.06-2.03). CONCLUSIONS Rectal STI screening is not universal in a venue-based sample of sexually active MSM. Implementing innovative, acceptable, and accessible screening practices, enhancing health literacy around STI screening and improving provider comfort with talking about sex are paramount to increasing rectal STI screening.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with health problems in adolescence. However, the moderating role of race/ethnicity is not well understood. The current study examines direct and indirect effects of ACE on major depressive episodes and chronic health outcomes, and the moderating role of race/ethnicity among adolescents who participated in the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement. Results show an association between ACE and both health outcomes. Race/ethnicity was associated with differential outcomes and indicated moderation. Results underscore the importance of examining associations between ACE and adolescent well-being by race/ethnicity. The need for trauma-informed and culturally responsive services for adolescents is discussed.

Sulfate reducing prokaryotes (SRP) are a phylogenetically and physiologically diverse group of microorganisms that use sulfate as an electron acceptor. SRP have long been recognized as key players of the carbon and sulfur cycles, and more recently, they have been identified to play a relevant role as part of syntrophic and symbiotic relations and the human microbiome. Despite their environmental relevance, there is a poor understanding about the prevalence of prophages and CRISPR arrays and how their distribution and dynamic affect the ecological role of SRP. We addressed this question by analyzing the results of a comprehensive survey of prophages and CRISPR in a total of 91 genomes of SRP with several genotypic, phenotypic, and physiological traits, including genome size, cell volume, minimum doubling time, cell wall, and habitat, among others. Our analysis discovered 81 prophages in 51 strains, representing the 56% of the total evaluated strains. Prophages are non-uniformly distributed across the SRP phylogeny, where prophage-rich lineages belonged to Desulfovibrionaceae and Peptococcaceae. Furthermore, our study found 160 CRISPR arrays in 71 SRP, which is more abundant and widely spread than previously expected. Although there is no correlation between presence and abundance of prophages and CRISPR arrays at the strain level, our analysis showed that there is a directly proportional relation between cellular volumes and number of prophages per cell. This result suggests that there is an additional selective pressure for strains with smaller cells to get rid of foreign DNA, such as prophages, but not CRISPR, due to less availability of cellular resources. Analysis of the prophage genes encoding viral structural proteins reported that 44% of SRP prophages are classified as Myoviridae, and comparative analysis showed high level of homology, but not synteny, among prophages belonging to the Family Desulfovibrionaceae. We further recovered viral-like particles and structures that resemble outer membrane vesicles from D. vulgaris str. Hildenborough. The results of this study improved the current understanding of dynamic interactions between prophages and CRISPR with their hosts in both cultured and hitherto-uncultured SRP strains, and how their distribution affects the microbial community dynamics in several sulfidogenic natural and engineered environments.

The current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 testing policy and practice limits testing as a prevention tool. Radical shifts are required to increase the scale of rapid testing strategies and improve dissemination and implementation of venue-based and self-testing approaches. Attention to the full translation pipeline is required to reach high-risk segments of the population., We propose a broad translation perspective be applied to COVID-19 testing development with the goals of improving not only scalability, but also test dissemination, implementation, and reach.

Background: Women who report transactional sex are at increased risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However,in the United States, social, behavioral, and trauma-related vulnerabilities associated with transactional sex are understudied and data on access to biomedical HIV prevention among women who report transactional sex is limited. Methods: In 2016, we conducted a population-based, cross-sectional survey of women of low socioeconomic status recruited via respondent-driven sampling in Portland, Oregon. We calculated the prevalence and,assessed the correlates of, transactional sex using generalized linear models accounting for sampling design. We also compared health outcomes,HIV screening, and knowledge and uptake of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) between women who did and did not report transactional sex.Results: Of 334 women, 13.6% reported transactional sex (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.8%, 20.5%). Women who reported transactional sex were older, more likely to identify as black, to identify as lesbian or bisexual, to experience childhood trauma and recent sexual violence, and to have been homeless. Six percent(95%CI: 1.8%, 10.5%) of women with no adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) reported transactional sex compared to 23.8%(95%CI: 13.0%, 34.6%)of women who reported eleven ACEs (PConclusions:In a sample ofwomen of low socioeconomic status in Portland, Oregon, transactional sex was characterized by marginalized identities, homelessness, childhood trauma, sexual violence, substance use, and sexual vulnerability to HIV/STI. Multi-level interventions that address these social, behavioral, and trauma-related factors and increase access to biomedical HIV prevention are critical to the sexual health of women who engage in transactional sex.

Lignin is the second most abundant carbon polymer on earth and despite having more fuel value than cellulose, it currently is considered a waste byproduct in many industrial lignocellulose applications. Valorization of lignin relies on effective and green methods of de-lignification, with a growing interest in the use of microbes. Here we investigate the physiology and molecular response of the novel facultative anaerobic bacterium, Tolumonas lignolytica BRL6-1, to lignin under anoxic conditions. Physiological and biochemical changes were compared between cells grown anaerobically in either lignin-amended or unamended conditions. In the presence of lignin, BRL6-1 accumulates higher biomass and has a shorter lag phase compared to unamended conditions, and 14% of the proteins determined to be significantly higher in abundance by log2 fold-change of 2 or greater were related to Fe(II) transport in late logarithmic phase. Ferrozine assays of the supernatant confirmed that Fe(III) was bound to lignin and reduced to Fe(II) only in the presence of BRL6-1, suggesting redox activity by the cells. LC-MS/MS analysis of the secretome showed an extra band at 20 kDa in lignin-amended conditions. Protein sequencing of this band identified a protein of unknown function with homology to enzymes in the radical SAM superfamily. Expression of this protein in lignin-amended conditions suggests its role in radical formation. From our findings, we suggest that BRL6-1 is using a protein in the radical SAM superfamily to interact with the Fe(III) bound to lignin and reducing it to Fe(II) for cellular use, increasing BRL6-1 yield under lignin-amended conditions. This interaction potentially generates organic free radicals and causes a radical cascade which could modify and depolymerize lignin. Further research should clarify the extent to which this mechanism is similar to previously described aerobic chelator-mediated Fenton chemistry or radical producing lignolytic enzymes, such as lignin peroxidases, but under anoxic conditions.

Lignin is the second most abundant carbon polymer on earth and despite having more fuel value than cellulose, it currently is considered a waste byproduct in many industrial lignocellulose applications. Valorization of lignin relies on effective and green methods of delignification, with a growing interest in the use of microbes. Here we investigate the physiology and lignin biotransformation mechanisms of the novel facultative anaerobic bacterium,Tolumonas lignolyticaBRL6-1, under anoxic conditions. Physiological and biochemical changes were compared between cells grown anaerobically in either lignin-amended or unamended conditions. In the presence of lignin, BRL6-1 had a higher biomass and shorter lag phase compared to unamended conditions, and 14% of the proteins determined to be significantly higher in abundance by log2fold-change of 2 or greater were related to Fe(II) transport in early exponential phase. Ferrozine assays of the supernatant (

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with increased risk for psychopathology over the life course. However, few studies have examined the differential impact of ACE and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for racially and ethnically diverse adolescent populations. The findings from the few studies that examine differential effects are contradictory. This study uses data from the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement (NCS-A), a nationally representative adolescent sample (N = 10,123) to examine the impact of race/ethnicity on the association between ACE and PTSD among youth in a nationally representative sample in the United States. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the main effects of ACE and race/ethnicity on PTSD, as well as the moderating role of race/ethnicity adjusting for socio-demographic variables. Findings suggest that race/ethnicity moderates the association between ACE and PTSD. Higher ACE score increased probability of lifetime PTSD for White non-Hispanic, Black, and Hispanic adolescents with White non-Hispanic adolescents presenting with a much higher probability of lifetime PTSD compared to their Hispanic and Black peers. Implications for future research and practice are discussed, specifically trauma informed strategies and culturally inclusive/specific practices that address the structural, interpersonal, and intrapersonal influences adolescent outcomes.

Background: Although it is well known that the relationship between siblings has demonstrable influence on positive youth development, little is known about which aspects of the sibling relationshi...

Purpose Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can be effectively administered by bystanders to prevent overdose. We determined the proportion of people who had naloxone and identified predictors of naloxone ownership among two samples of people who inject drugs (PWID) who use opioids in Portland and rural Western Oregon. Basic procedures We used data from participants in Portland’s National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS, N = 477) and the Oregon HIV/Hepatitis and Opioid Prevention and Engagement Study (OR-HOPE, N = 133). For each sample, we determined the proportion of participants who had naloxone and estimated unadjusted and adjusted relative risk of having naloxone associated with participant characteristics. Main findings Sixty one percent of NHBS and 30 % of OR-HOPE participants had naloxone. In adjusted analysis, having naloxone was associated with female gender, injecting goofballs (compared to heroin alone), housing stability, and overdose training in the urban NHBS sample, and having naloxone was associated with drug of choice, frequency of injection, and race in the rural OR-HOPE sample. In both samples, having naloxone was crudely associated with SSP use, but this was attenuated after adjustment. Principal conclusions Naloxone ownership was insufficient and highly variable among two samples of PWID who use opioids in Oregon. People who use methamphetamine, males, and people experiencing homelessness may be at increased risk for not having naloxone and SSP may play a key role in improving access.

Some hyperthermophilic heterotrophs in the genus Thermococcus produce H2 in the absence of S° and have up to seven hydrogenases, but their combined physiological roles are unclear. Here, we show which hydrogenases in Thermococcus paralvinellae are affected by added H2 during growth without S°. Growth rates and steady-state cell concentrations decreased while formate production rates increased when T. paralvinallae was grown in a chemostat with 65 µM of added H2(aq) . Differential gene expression analysis using RNA-Seq showed consistent expression of six hydrogenase operons with and without added H2 . In contrast, expression of the formate hydrogenlyase 1 (fhl1) operon increased with added H2 . Flux balance analysis showed H2 oxidation and formate production using FHL became an alternate route for electron disposal during H2 inhibition with a concomitant increase in growth rate relative to cells without FHL. T. paralvinellae also grew on formate with an increase in H2 production rate relative to growth on maltose or tryptone. Growth on formate increased fhl1 expression but decreased expression of all other hydrogenases. Therefore, Thermococcus that possess fhl1 have a competitive advantage over other Thermococcus species in hot subsurface environments where organic substrates are present, S° is absent and slow H2 efflux causes growth inhibition.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

This study was conducted in Florida among two urban Native American youth programs that are sponsored by urban Native American community organizations. Convenience and snowballing were used as a sample recruitment strategy. Assignment to the experimental condition (UTC) and the control condition (SE) was established by randomizing the two community youth program sites to the two conditions. Utilization of a culturally relevant theory, Native-Reliance, guided the intervention approach for the prevention of substance use among urban Native American youth. Results of this study provided evidence that a culturally based intervention was significantly more effective for the reduction of substance use interest and general well-being than a non-culturally based intervention for urban Native American youth. Prevention programs for urban Native American early adolescent youth that utilize Native American strengths, values, and beliefs to promote healthy behavior and reduce the harm associated with high-risk behaviors such as substance use are strongly recommended.

Research regarding men who have sex with men (MSM) indicates that exposure to discrimination based on race and sexuality are positively associated with increased incidence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). In an effort to better understand this association, we assessed the associations of discriminatory distress with UAI among a sample of 183 American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) MSM using survey data drawn from the HONOR Project. The HONOR Project examined the relationship between trauma, coping, and health behaviors among Two-Spirits (a contemporary name for gender and sexual minorities among American Indian and Alaska Native people). Using multivariable logistic regression techniques, our analysis showed participants reporting higher mean levels of distress from two-spirit discrimination had higher odds of reporting UAI (OR = 1.99, 95% CI, 1.19–3.32) compared to those reporting lower levels of distress. This analysis also showed lower odds of engaging in UAI among participants reporting higher levels of participation in LGBT specific online forums (OR = 0.86, CI = 0.75, 0.99; p < .05) and attending Two-Spirit events (OR = 0.82, CI = 0.71, 0.94; p < .01). Future prevention research and program designs should address the differential impact of discrimination and community participation on sexual behavior specifically among AI/AN MSM.

Background Rectal gonorrhea and Chlamydia are common and predict HIV acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM); however, screening for rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is not routine. Methods In 2017, we recruited sexually-active MSM in the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area through venue-based sampling. Our outcome of interest was self-reported rectal STI screening in the prior 12 months. Stratified by HIV status, we assessed the prevalence and demographic, healthcare, clinical, and behavioral predictors of screening. Results Of 448 participants, 168 (37.5%) reported rectal STI screening. One hundred twenty-seven (35.8%) of 355 HIV-negative men, 41 (58.6%) of 70 HIV-positive men, and none of 23 men who did not know their HIV status reported screening. Among HIV-negative men, having a healthcare provider who offered HIV testing (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]=2.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43, 3.04), a syphilis diagnosis (aPR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.69), use of pre-exposure prophylaxis (aPR=1.57; 95% CI 1.21, 2.04), and condomless anal sex with casual partners in the prior 12 months (aPR=1.74; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.22) independently predicted screening for rectal STI in multivariable analysis. HIV-positive men who reported having a provider who always or often initiates conversations about sex were significantly more likely to report screening compared with men who did not have such a provider (aPR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.06). Conclusion Rectal STI screening is not universal in a venue-based sample of sexually-active MSM. Implementing innovative, acceptable, and accessible screening practices and improving provider comfort with talking about sex are paramount to increasing rectal STI screening. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

This study examined the relationship between community adversity and childhood internalizing and externalizing problems, and whether this relationship is moderated by service utilization and race. The study involved 3225 children ages 2–17, and their caregivers, who participated in the second cohort of the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Bivariate correlation and regression analysis indicate that childhood internalizing problems were correlated with sex and community adversity. Children externalizing problems were correlated with race, sex, service utilization, and community adversity. Childhood internalizing and externalizing problems were highly correlated. Regression analysis reveals a strong relationship between community adversity and childhood externalizing problems. Service utilization was found to significantly and positively moderate the relationship between community adversity and externalizing problems. While a strong correlation between race and childhood externalizing problems exist, race did not moderate the relationship between community adversity and externalizing problems. Internalizing problems were excluded from the regression analysis since it did not correlate with any of the moderator variables. The findings are discussed and the study limitations are examined. Implications for child welfare practice, policy, and research are highlighted.

With few exceptions, much of sexual science builds upon data from opportunistic nonprobability samples of limited generalizability. Although probability-based studies are considered the gold standard in terms of generalizability, they are costly to apply to many of the hard-to-reach populations of interest to sexologists. The present article discusses recent conclusions by sampling experts that have relevance to sexual science that advocates for nonprobability methods. In this regard, we provide an overview of Internet sampling as a useful, cost-efficient, nonprobability sampling method of value to sex researchers conducting modeling work or clinical trials. We also argue that probability-based sampling methods may be more readily applied in sex research with hard-to-reach populations than is typically thought. In this context, we provide three case studies that utilize qualitative and quantitative techniques directed at reducing limitations in applying probability-based sampling to hard-to-reach populations: indigenous Peruvians, African American youth, and urban men who have sex with men (MSM). Recommendations are made with regard to presampling studies, adaptive and disproportionate sampling methods, and strategies that may be utilized in evaluating nonprobability and probability-based sampling methods.

We investigated HIV, drug use, and health and social service needs of traveling homeless youth.We conducted in-depth, qualitative interviews with homeless youth in Portland, Oregon between 2015-17. Forty-two participants, with an average age of 23 years, agreed to interview and discuss their experiences of homelessness and traveling. Participants described experiences of trauma, parental drug and alcohol abuse in their childhood as reasons for their homelessness. Drug use among participants was common, with marijuana and alcohol being the most reported substances. High-risk sexual behaviors were also reported. Unprotected sex and needle sharing appeared to be common. Knowledge of HIV/STI prevention strategies was low. Access to, and engagement with, social and health services was minimal due to institutional barriers and the high mobility of the group. Current prevention services available for traditional (non-traveling) homeless youth may not be effectively reaching and engaging travelers. Due to the high mobility of this group, multilevel, multi-city, prevention strategies are urgently needed. In addition to behavioral risk-reduction interventions, homeless travelers need access to clean needles, condoms, and other survival services.

Extremophiles are organisms capable of adjust, survive or thrive in hostile habitats that were previously thought to be adverse or lethal for life. Chile gathers a wide range of extreme environments: salars, geothermal springs, and geysers located at Altiplano and Atacama Desert, salars and cold mountains in Central Chile, and ice fields, cold lakes and fjords, and geothermal sites in Patagonia and Antarctica. The aims of this review are to describe extremophiles that inhabit main extreme biotopes in Chile, and their molecular and physiological capabilities that may be advantageous for bioremediation processes. After briefly describing the main ecological niches of extremophiles along Chilean territory, this review is focused on the microbial diversity and composition of these biotopes microbiomes. Extremophiles have been isolated in diverse zones in Chile that possess extreme conditions such as Altiplano, Atacama Desert, Central Chile, Patagonia, and Antarctica. Interesting extremophiles from Chile with potential biotechnological applications include thermophiles (e.g., Methanofollis tationis from Tatio Geyser), acidophiles (e.g., Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Leptospirillum ferriphilum from Atacama Desert and Central Chile copper ores), halophiles (e.g., Shewanella sp. Asc-3 from Altiplano, Streptomyces sp. HKF-8 from Patagonia), alkaliphiles (Exiguobacterium sp. SH31 from Altiplano), xerotolerant bacteria (S. atacamensis from Atacama Desert), UV- and Gamma-resistant bacteria (Deinococcus peraridilitoris from Atacama Desert) and psychrophiles (e.g., Pseudomonas putida ATH-43 from Antarctica). The molecular and physiological properties of diverse extremophiles from Chile and their application in bioremediation or waste treatments are further discussed. Interestingly, the remarkable adaptative capabilities of extremophiles convert them into an attractive source of catalysts for bioremediation and industrial processes.

This study examined the relationships between caregiver alcohol dependence, drug dependence, and serious mental illness and internalizing and externalizing behaviors and whether these risks were moderated by social support. The study included 3,225 children ages 2–17 and their current caregivers, who participated in the second cohort of the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Regression analysis indicated that caregiver alcohol dependence, serious mental illness, and social support were significantly associated with internalizing behaviors and caregiver serious mental illness and social support were significantly associated with externalizing behaviors. Results indicated that social support moderated the associations between caregiver alcohol dependence and internalizing and caregiver drug dependence and externalizing behaviors. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Child welfare research suggests that a family's social support and stress levels impact both caregiver health and child well-being. Furthermore, studies indicate that caregiver mental and physical health affects the quality of caregiving practices, and may mediate the damaging effects of low social support and high family stress upon child mental health. Using a national sample of child welfare-involved children and their caregivers, this study examines whether caregiver mental and physical health mediates the impact of low social support and high family stress upon child mental health. Subjects were 3255 children and adolescents involved with Child Protective Services (CPS), from the second cohort of the National Survey on Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW II). Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were used to examine the pathways between each predictor variable (i.e., low social support and high family stress), caregiver mental and physical health, and child internalizing and externalizing problems. A series of multiple regression analyses found that caregiver mental and physical health mediated the relationship between high family stress and increased child internalizing problems. In addition, caregiver mental health partially mediated the relationship between low social support and child internalizing and externalizing problems. Findings are discussed within the context of child welfare policy, practice, and future research.

Objective: This study highlights Dr. Elsie Pinkston and colleagues’ research on the effectiveness of behavior parent training and examines the application of single-parent training group (SPG) programs to three parent–child dyads exposed to distressed family circumstances. Methods: Single-system evaluation designs were conducted with two single birth parents, one single foster parent, and each parent’s three respective children, in an effort to appraise the results of a SPG program. Results: Two of the three parent–child dyads benefited from the SPG. Results suggested that there were changes in parent reinforcement and attention behaviors and children’s noncompliant behaviors. Conclusion: Behavioral improvements in single parent and child dyads lend support for the effectiveness of the parent training group for single parents. Implications for practice and future research on SPG programs are discussed.

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify features and content that short message service (SMS) should have in order to motivate HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. Methods: From October, 2010 to February, 2011, we conducted focus groups at two stages; six focus groups were conducted to explore and identify SMS content and features and two additional focus groups were conducted to tailor SMS content. The text messages were elaborated within the theoretical framework of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and the Social Support Theory. Results: A total of 62 individuals participated in the focus groups. The mean age of participants was 28 years (range 18-39). We identified important features and content items needed for the successful delivery of text messages, including: a) the use of neutral and coded language; b) appropriate frequency and time of delivery; c) avoiding mass and repetitive messages; and d) use of short, concise and creative messages. Although in Peru receiving text messages is usually a free service, it is important to remind participants that receiving messages will be free of charge. Conclusion: Text messages can be used to promote HIV testing among Peruvian MSM. It is important to consider adequate frequency, message content and cost when delivering messages to promote HIV testing in this population.

Petroleum hydrocarbons are highly persistent in the environment and represent a significant risk for humans, biodiversity, and the ecosystems. Frequently, hydrocarbon-contaminated sites remain polluted for decades due to a lack of proper decontamination treatments. Although bioremediation techniques have gained attention for being environmentally friendly, cost-effective and applicable in situ, their application is still limited. Each polluted soil has particularities, therefore, the bioremediation approach for a contaminated site is unique. Bioremediation cost studies are usually based on hypothetical assumptions rather than technical or experimental data. The research aims of this study were to clean-up chronically hydrocarbon-polluted soils using aerobic and anaerobic bioremediation techniques and to carry out an economic evaluation of the most promising bioremediation treatments. The results showed that aerobic biostimulation with vermicompost and aerobic bioaugmentation plus air venting were the most effective treatments, degrading 78% and 73% of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in chronically hydrocarbonpolluted soils after six weeks, respectively. In contrast, no significant degradation of hydrocarbon was observed by anaerobic biostimulation treatments with lactate and acetate. An economic evaluation of the aerobic treatments were carried out. This analysis revealed that the cost of treating one cubic meter of soil by biostimulation is US$ 59, while bioaugmentation costs US$77. This study provides a clear structure of costs for both aerobic bioremediation approaches based on projections made from these lab-scale incubations. These values represent the first step towards a better understanding of the feasibility of such treatments at larger scales, which is crucial to move on industrial bioremediation of soils chronically polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons.

Previous studies ofin situbioremediation of uranium-contaminated groundwater with acetate injections have focused on the role ofGeobacterspecies in U(VI) reduction because of a lack of other abundant known U(VI)-reducing microorganisms. Monitoring the levels of methyl CoM reductase subunit A (mcrA) transcripts during an acetate-injection field experiment demonstrated that acetoclastic methanogens from the genusMethanosarcinawere enriched after 40 days of acetate amendment. The increased abundance ofMethanosarcinacorresponded with an accumulation of methane in the groundwater. An enrichment culture dominated by aMethanosarcinaspecies with the sameMethanosarcina mcrAsequence that predominated in the field experiment could effectively convert acetate to methane. In order to determine whetherMethanosarcinaspecies could be participating in U(VI) reduction in the subsurface, cell suspensions ofM. barkeriwere incubated in the presence of U(VI) with acetate provided as the electron donor. U(VI) was reduced by metabolically activeM. barkericells, however, no U(VI) reduction was observed in inactive controls. These results demonstrate thatMethanosarcinaspecies could play an important role in the long-term bioremediation of uranium-contaminated aquifers after depletion of Fe(III) oxides limits the growth ofGeobacterspecies. The results also suggest thatMethanosarcinahave the potential to influence uranium geochemistry in a diversity of anaerobic sedimentary environments.

This qualitative study used focus groups to explore child welfare and collaborating system decision makers, community partners, and families' perspectives on the dynamics that contribute to racial disproportionality and disparity in Oregon's child welfare system. Findings revealed that poverty, lack of trust, negative perceptions of clients' behaviors, inability to relate to clients, raising/differing expectations for families of color, holding onto the past, and lack of family engagement were dynamics that contributed to racial disproportionality and disparate treatment of families of color in the child welfare system. Practice and policy implications are discussed and recommendations for action steps and interventions to improve outcomes for children and families of color are presented.

We examined the potential for increasing the reach of HIV testing to African American youths through the dissemination of oral-HIV testing. From 2012 through 2013 we examined the perceptions of alternatives to pharmacy dissemination of SITs in African American youths (5 focus groups) and service providers (4 focus groups), and conducted an ethnographic study of pharmacies (n = 10). Participants perceived significant advantages to delivering SITs through community health and services for adolescents (e.g., increased confidentiality, reduced stigma) over pharmacy dissemination. Given proper attention to fit, SIT dissemination could be facilitated through distribution by health and social service sites, and by improving elements of pharmacy dissemination.

Providing HIV prevention services to high-risk individuals remains challenging. We assessed factors associated with nonparticipation among high-risk, sexually active MSM found eligible to participate in a brief, telephone-delivered HIV prevention trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of motivational enhancement therapy (the Sex Check). Two levels of nonparticipation are evaluated: eligible participants who did versus those who did not complete their baseline/enrollment interview, and enrolled participants who did versus those who did not attend any of their counseling sessions. Nonenrollers were younger, less educated, more closeted, and were more likely to report sex with an injection drug using partner. Enrolled participants who did not engage in their counseling session(s) were less educated, reported greater use of alcohol and drugs during sex and use of injection drugs. Innovative methods to reduce barriers to engaging high-risk, sexually active MSM in risk reduction counseling are needed.