Identification of SDG gene family members and exploration of flowering related genes in different cultivars of chrysanthemums and their wild ancestors.

The SET domain genes (SDGs) are significant contributors to various aspects of plant growth and development, mainly includes flowering, pollen development, root growth, regulation of the biological clock and branching patterns. To clarify the biological functions of the chrysanthemum SDG family, the SDG family members of four chrysanthemum cultivars and three related wild species were identified; their physical and chemical properties, protein domains and conserved motifs were predicted and analyzed. The results showed that 59, 67, 67, 102, 106, 114, and 123 SDGs were identified from Chrysanthemum nankingense, Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium, Chrysanthemum seticuspe, Chrysanthemum × morifolium cv. 'Hechengxinghuo', 'Zhongshanzigui', 'Quanxiangshuichang' and 'Jinbeidahong', respectively. The SDGs were divided into 5-7 subfamilies by cluster analysis; different conserved motifs were observed in particular families. The SDGs of C. lavandulifolium and C. seticuspe were distributed unevenly on 9 chromosomes. SDG promoters of different species include growth and development, photo-response, stress response and hormone responsive elements, among them, the cis-acting elements related to MeJA response had the largest proportion. The expression of chrysanthemum SDG genes was observed for most variable selected genes which has close association with important Arabidopsis thaliana genes related to flowering regulation. The qPCR results showed that the expression trend of SDG genes varied in different tissues at different growth stages with high expression in the flowering period. The ClSDG29 showed higher expression in the flower and bud tissues, which indicate that ClSDG29 might be associated with flowering regulation in chrysanthemum. In summary, the results of this study can provide a basis for subsequent research on chrysanthemum flowering time regulation.

H3K36 methyltransferase GhKMT3;1a and GhKMT3;2a promote flowering in upland cotton.

BACKGROUND: The SET domain group (SDG) genes encode histone lysine methyltransferases, which regulate gene transcription by altering chromatin structure and play pivotal roles in plant flowering determination. However, few studies have investigated their role in the regulation of flowering in upland cotton. RESULTS: A total of 86 SDG genes were identified through genome-wide analysis in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). These genes were unevenly distributed across 25 chromosomes. Cluster analysis revealed that the 86 GhSDGs were divided into seven main branches. RNA-seq data and qRT‒PCR analysis revealed that lysine methyltransferase 3 (KMT3) genes were expressed at high levels in stamens, pistils and other floral organs. Using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), functional characterization of GhKMT3;1a and GhKMT3;2a revealed that, compared with those of the controls, the GhKMT3;1a- and GhKMT3;2a-silenced plants exhibited later budding and flowering and lower plant heightwere shorter. In addition, the expression of flowering-related genes (GhAP1, GhSOC1 and GhFT) significantly decreased and the expression level of GhSVP significantly increased in the GhKMT3;1a- and GhKMT3;2a-silenced plants compared with the control plants. CONCLUSION: A total of 86 SDG genes were identified in upland cotton, among which GhKMT3;1a and GhKMT3;2a might regulate flowering by affecting the expression of GhAP1, GhSOC1, GhFT and GhSVP. These findings will provide genetic resources for advanced molecular breeding in the future.

Unravelling the metabolomic diversity of pigmented and non-pigmented traditional rice from Tamil Nadu, India.

Rice metabolomics is widely used for biomarker research in the fields of pharmacology. As a consequence, characterization of the variations of the pigmented and non-pigmented traditional rice varieties of Tamil Nadu is crucial. These varieties possess fatty acids, sugars, terpenoids, plant sterols, phenols, carotenoids and other compounds that plays a major role in achieving sustainable development goal 2 (SDG 2). Gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to profile complete untargeted metabolomics of Kullkar (red colour) and Milagu Samba (white colour) for the first time and a total of 168 metabolites were identified. The metabolite profiles were subjected to data mining processes, including principal component analysis (PCA), Orthogonal Partial Least Square Discrimination Analysis (OPLS-DA) and Heat map analysis. OPLS-DA identified 144 differential metabolites between the 2 rice groups, variable importance in projection (VIP) ≥ 1 and fold change (FC) ≥ 2 or FC ≤ 0.5. Volcano plot (64 down regulated, 80 up regulated) was used to illustrate the differential metabolites. OPLS-DA predictive model showed good fit (R2X = 0.687) and predictability (Q2 = 0.977). The pathway enrichment analysis revealed the presence of three distinct pathways that were enriched. These findings serve as a foundation for further investigation into the function and nutritional significance of both pigmented and non-pigmented rice grains thereby can achieve the SDG 2.

Assessment of wood smoke induced pulmonary toxicity in normal- and chronic bronchitis-like bronchial and alveolar lung mucosa models at air-liquid interface.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has the highest increased risk due to household air pollution arising from biomass fuel burning. However, knowledge on COPD patho-mechanisms is mainly limited to tobacco smoke exposure. In this study, a repeated direct wood smoke (WS) exposure was performed using normal- (bro-ALI) and chronic bronchitis-like bronchial (bro-ALI-CB), and alveolar (alv-ALI) lung mucosa models at air-liquid interface (ALI) to assess broad toxicological end points. METHODS: The bro-ALI and bro-ALI-CB models were developed using human primary bronchial epithelial cells and the alv-ALI model was developed using a representative type-II pneumocyte cell line. The lung models were exposed to WS (10 min/exposure; 5-exposures over 3-days; n = 6-7 independent experiments). Sham exposed samples served as control. WS composition was analyzed following passive sampling. Cytotoxicity, total cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and stress responsive NFkB were assessed by flow cytometry. WS exposure induced changes in gene expression were evaluated by RNA-seq (p ≤ 0.01) followed by pathway enrichment analysis. Secreted levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed in the basal media. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: 147 unique compounds were annotated in WS of which 42 compounds have inhalation toxicity (9 very high). WS exposure resulted in significantly increased ROS in bro-ALI (11.2%) and bro-ALI-CB (25.7%) along with correspondingly increased NFkB levels (bro-ALI: 35.6%; bro-ALI-CB: 18.1%). A total of 1262 (817-up and 445-down), 329 (141-up and 188-down), and 102 (33-up and 69-down) genes were differentially regulated in the WS-exposed bro-ALI, bro-ALI-CB, and alv-ALI models respectively. The enriched pathways included the terms acute phase response, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, NFkB, ROS, xenobiotic metabolism of AHR, and chronic respiratory disorder. The enrichment of the 'cilium' related genes was predominant in the WS-exposed bro-ALI (180-up and 7-down). The pathways primary ciliary dyskinesia, ciliopathy, and ciliary movement were enriched in both WS-exposed bro-ALI and bro-ALI-CB. Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were reduced (p < 0.05) in WS-exposed bro-ALI and bro-ALI-CB. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study indicate differential response to WS-exposure in different lung regions and in chronic bronchitis, a condition commonly associated with COPD. Further, the data suggests ciliopathy as a candidate pathway in relation to WS-exposure.

Assessing CRISPR/Cas9 potential in SDG3 attainment: malaria elimination-regulatory and community engagement landscape.

Elimination of malaria has become a United Nations member states target: Target 3.3 of the sustainable development goal no. 3 (SDG3). Despite the measures taken, the attainment of this goal is jeopardized by an alarming trend of increasing malaria case incidence. Globally, there were an estimated 241 million malaria cases in 2020 in 85 malaria-endemic countries, increasing from 227 million in 2019. Malaria case incidence was 59, which means effectively no changes in the numbers occurred, compared with the baseline 2015. Jennifer Doudna-co-inventor of CRISPR/Cas9 technology-claims that CRISPR holds the potential to lessen or even eradicate problems lying in the centre of SDGs. On the same note, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mosquito-targeting gene drives (MGD) are perceived as a potential means to turn this trend back and put momentum into the malaria elimination effort. This paper assessed two of the critical elements of the World Health Organization Genetically modified mosquitoes (WHO GMM) Critical Pathway framework: the community and stakeholders' engagement (inability to employ widely used frameworks, segmentation of the public, 'bystander' status, and guidelines operationalization) and the regulatory landscape (lex generali, 'goldilocks dilemma', and mode of regulation) concerning mosquito-oriented gene drives (MGD) advances. Based on the assessment findings, the author believes that CRISPR/Cas-9-mediated MGD will not contribute to the attainment of SDG3 (Target 3.3), despite the undisputable technology's potential. This research pertains to the state of knowledge, legal frameworks, and legislature, as of November 2022.

One story as part of the Global Conversation on Sustainability: dye adsorption studies using a novel bio-derived calcite material.

Many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be addressed through chemistry. Researchers at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, have been sharing their stories on September 25 for the past two years through the Global Conversation on Sustainability. This article describes the details of one of these stories. As the global population increases, food production including aquaculture is increasing to provide for this. At the same time, this means more waste is produced. Waste from aquaculture is often overlooked as a source of valuable chemicals. By-products from farming blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) is dominated by shells rich in calcite. A 'soft' calcite material prepared from waste mussels, via a combination of heat and acetic acid treatment, was investigated for its adsorptive properties and its possible use in wastewater remediation. The adsorption of two cationic dyes, methylene blue and safranin-O, on this material were evaluated through isothermal and kinetic modelling. The adsorption systems for both methylene blue and safranin-O can best be described using Langmuir isotherms and the respective adsorption capacities were 1.81 and 1.51 mg/g. The adsorption process was dominated by pseudo-second order rate kinetics. Comparisons are made with other mollusc-derived materials reported to date.

A scoping review of interventions targeting HIV stigma in women living with HIV.

Since its initial detection in the 1980s, AIDS has become a significant global health threat, disproportionately affecting women. Stigma constitutes the substantial barrier to accessing healthcare for women living with HIV (WLWH). This scoping review based on the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework aimed to provide evidence-based guidance for clinical caregivers to develop intervention strategies and assess their effectiveness. From database inception to May 2023, research on stigma interventions for WLWH was searched in databases including Embase (OVID), MEDLINE (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), ProQuest, Scopus, WANFANG, VIP, CNKI, and SinoMed. Literature was screened based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and results were extracted for scoping review. Twelve studies were included featuring information-based, skills-based interventions, and a combination of both, targeting individuals and institutions. Six studies reported significant reduction in stigma. Assessment tools used included the 7-item Questionnaire on Attitudes toward AIDS Victims (AQAV-7), the 40-item HIV Stigma Scale (HSS-40), the 14-item Chronic Illness Stigma Scale (SSCI-14), the 28-item Internalization HIV-Related Stigma Scale (IHSS-28), the 57-item Internalized Stigma Scale (IS-57), and the 6-item Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale (IA-RSS-6). Validation of existing intervention and the development of mechanisms linking interventions to stigma reduction are needed.

High PrEP acceptability and need for tailored implementation in Cambodian key populations: results from a qualitative assessment.

The HIV epidemics in Cambodia is concentrated in key populations (KPs). Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has been officially approved in the country since 2019. However, its use may still be controversial after a PrEP clinical trial was interrupted in Cambodia after being deemed unethical in 2004. In this context, it was necessary to evaluate PrEP acceptability and administration preferences of KPs in Cambodia, with a view to increasing roll-out and uptake. We conducted a qualitative study in 2022 comprising six focus groups and four semi-structured individual interviews with transgender women, men who have sex with men, male entertainment workers, venue-based female entertainment workers (FEW), street-based FEW, and PrEP users who participated in a PrEP pilot study that started in 2019. Overall, KPs positively perceived PrEP, with some reservations. They preferred daily, community-based PrEP to event-driven, hospital-based PrEP, and highlighted that injectable PrEP would be a potential option if it became available in Cambodia. We recommend (i) proposing different PrEP regimens and PrEP delivery-models to broaden PrEP acceptability and adherence in Cambodia (ii) increasing the number of community-based organisations and improving the services they offer, (iii) rolling out injectable PrEP when it becomes officially available, and (iv) improving PrEP side effects information.

Factors influencing the health-related quality of life of older men and women living with HIV in Spain.

The number of older people living with HIV (OPLHIV) is increasing worldwide. However, little is known about the factors that better predict their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). We administered the validated WHOQoL-HIV BREF questionnaire to 247 Spanish OPLHIV (192 men and 55 women). In addition to the six domains of the questionnaire, we constructed a seventh domain as theaverage of punctuations of all domains. Multivariable Poisson regression models with robust estimates by sex were constructed for the seven domains (14 in total). The best-subset selection method together with Mallow's Cp metric was used to select the model factors. The percentage of variability explained by Poisson models ranged from15-38% for men and 29-70% for women. The analysis showed that women were most affected by ageing (four domains), mobility impairments (five domains), and mental disorders (five domains). The factors with the greatest negative influence on men were heterosexuality (six domains), mental disorders (six domains), being single (five domains), and poverty risk (three domains). Physical activity was found to improve HRQoL in both men (six domains) and women (four domains). Future OPLHIV programmes would benefit from considering sex specific HRQoL factors. This could also improve the cost-effectiveness of interventions.

Lifetime HIV testing among three samples of adults with histories of incarceration in Southern California.

ABSTRACTJustice-impacted persons may inconsistently access HIV testing. This cross-sectional secondary analysis investigates lifetime HIV testing prevalence among adults with prior histories of incarceration in Southern California, United States, participating in health-focused programming (n = 3 studies). Self-reported demographic and lifetime HIV testing data were collected between 2017-2023; descriptive analyses were conducted. Across the three samples, at least 74% of participants were male; Latino and African American individuals accounted for nearly two-thirds of participants. Lifetime HIV testing ranged from 72.8% to 84.2%. Males were significantly more likely than females to report never being tested in two samples and accounted for >95% of those never tested. No statistically significant differences in testing were observed by race/ethnicity. Single young adults (ages 18-26) were less likely than their partnered peers to report testing. HIV testing is critical for ensuring that individuals access prevention and treatment. HIV testing among justice-impacted adults in this study was higher than in the general population, potentially due to opt-out testing in correctional settings. Nevertheless, these findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted interventions to reduce structural (e.g., health insurance, access to self-testing kits) and social barriers (e.g., HIV stigma) to increase HIV testing among justice-impacted males and single young adults.

Utility of the Alcohol Use Disorder Inventory Test in determining caseness for alcohol use disorder among persons receiving antiretroviral therapy.

We sought to determine the utility of the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) in screening for alcohol use disorder (AUD) among 688 users of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess whether the AUDIT reliably detected AUD against the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM (SCID). Of the samples, 22.09% (CI: 19.05% to 25.38%) of participants met the diagnostic criteria for AUD. Among men (n = 135) and women (n = 553), the prevalence estimates were 31.9% and 19.7%, respectively. For men, a cut-off score of 6 predicted AUD with 88.36% (95%CI: 74.92-96.11) sensitivity and 88.04% (95%CI: 79.61-93.88) specificity. For women, a cut-off score of 4 on the AUDIT yielded an optimal sensitivity of 92.66% (95% CI: 86.05%-96.78%) and a specificity of 93.24% (95% CI: 90.49-95.40%). For men, the AUDIT yielded a positive predictive value (PPV) of 75.55% (95% CI: 66.26%-85.87%) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 91.49% (95% CI: 87.63-97.37%); for women the PPV and NPV were 77.09% (70.34%-82.68%) and 98.11% (96.37%-99.02%), respectively. The instrument's good sensitivity and specificity indicate it is likely to be useful for screening and referral of ART users who are probably cases of AUD.

Associations between perceived discrimination experiences, treatment adherence self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV in the Southern United States.

This study examined associations between perceived discrimination, treatment adherence self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Southern United States. Cross-sectional survey data were collected from 402 PLHIV who self-reported on interpersonal discrimination experiences based on HIV status, sexuality, gender, income, and living condition. Participants also reported on adherence self-efficacy and depressive symptoms. We employed K-means clustering to identify groups based on discrimination experiences, and logistic regressions to examine group differences on adherence self-efficacy and depressive symptoms. Results suggested three groups: a cluster with high perceived discrimination across all identities/conditions (n = 41; 11%; Cluster 1); a cluster with high perceived discrimination based on HIV status, income, and living condition (n = 49; 13%; Cluster 2); and a cluster with low perceived discrimination across all identities/conditions (n = 288; 76%; Cluster 3). Compared to Cluster 3, Cluster 1 and 2 had 2.22 times (p = .037) and 3.98 times (p<.001) greater odds of reporting depressive symptoms. Compared to Cluster 3, Cluster 2 had 3.40 times (p = .003) greater odds of reporting lower adherence self-efficacy. Findings demonstrate the need for individual-level support for PLHIV with discrimination histories, and broader efforts to end the stigma, discrimination, and marginalization of PLHIV based on HIV status and other characteristics.

The burden of secrecy in the management of multimorbidity in older people living with HIV aged 70 and over.

The secrecy surrounding HIV continues to be a major concern for older people living with HIV (OPWH) despite their long-term experience of HIV and the presence of other chronic diseases. Our study aims to highlight how the secrecy surrounding HIV can affect the management of the other conditions. The results of this socio-anthropological sub-study of the ANRS EP66 SEPTAVIH study, which assesses frailty in OPWH, are based on in-depth interviews conducted with 20 OPWH with multimorbidities aged 70 years and over and 9 caregivers. Based on a cross-sectional thematic analysis, this study shows that HIV infection differs from other chronic diseases due to the secrecy and stigma associated with HIV. These specific issues associated with HIV complicate the lives of OPWH, depriving them of support from loved ones and forcing them to exclude their general practitioner from their care system. This then causes OPWH with multiple chronic diseases to become socially vulnerable and isolated. Interventions that support the sharing of information on HIV among OPWH and also among caregivers need to be identified as a matter of urgency in order to improve the lives and management of OPWH with multimorbidities.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03958786.

HIV status disclosure in the era of treat-all: the complexities of societal expectations and disclosure in marital relationships in Shinyanga, Tanzania.

Robust advancements in clinical treatment of people living with HIV (PLHIV) have resulted in the current "treatment as prevention" strategy: the inability to transmit the virus when it is undetectable. Nevertheless, disclosure within marital relationships remains important to adhere optimally to treatment and further limit transmission in the era of treat-all. Disclosure, however, can have serious social repercussions, particularly for women. This paper examines gendered disclosure decisions and their social consequences in marital relationships in Tanzania. Drawing from a 9-month ethnographic study in Shinyanga Region, we explore how Sukuma societal values shape disclosure decisions. In-depth interviews with 103 PLHIV and 19 FGDs inform our analysis. We found that societal values regarding gender and marriage significantly influence disclosure decisions in marital relationships. The HIV treat-all approach, with its focus on early treatment initiation preserved health and inability to transmit allowed men and women to carefully weigh the costs and benefits of disclosure to their marital aspirations. The benefits of antiretroviral treatment for social relations are often overlooked in medical interventions. We conclude that to reduce difficult disclosure decisions for PLHIV, emphasising community awareness of HIV treatment as prevention to mitigate the negative impacts of disclosure is needed.

Perceptions of nicotine vaping products among Australians living with HIV.

People living with HIV (PLHIV) are two to three times more likely to smoke tobacco compared to the general community. Evidence from the general population suggests that nicotine vaping products (NVPs) can be acceptable and effective smoking cessation aids, but there is limited evidence on the extent to which this is the case among PLHIV. This manuscript reports findings from the Tobacco Harm Reduction with Vaporised Nicotine (THRiVe) trial, a mixed-methods study investigating the feasibility of NVPs as smoking cessation aids among 29 PLHIV who smoked tobacco. Surveys and semi-structured interviews explored participants' experiences and perceptions of NVPs, their features and functions, and support for various NVP regulatory policy options. Participants described seven reasons why NVPs were acceptable cessation aids: they satisfied nicotine cravings; differences between NVPs and cigarettes facilitated habit breaking; fewer adverse effects compared to traditional cessation aids; NVPs allowed for a "weaning process" rather than requiring abrupt abstinence; tobacco became increasingly unpleasant to smoke; NVPs provided an increased sense of control; and participants experienced a deeper understanding of personal smoking behaviours. This study provides valuable insight into the preferred features of NVPs among PLHIV and reasons why NVPs may be effective for promoting smoking cessation among PLHIV.

Disparities in HIV incidence and mortality rates between Japanese nationals and international migrants before and during the COVID-19 pandemic: evidence from Japan's national HIV surveillance data (2018-2021).

Migrants often encounter heightened health risks during crises. We analysed the disparities in the burden of HIV between Japanese nationals and international migrants in Japan by comparing new HIV infections, AIDS cases, and HIV-related deaths between 2018-2019 (pre-COVID-19) and 2020-2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic). Between 2018 and 2021, 4,705 new HIV infections were reported in Japan (2,813 Japanese nationals and 522 international migrants). Additionally, 1,370 AIDS cases (1,188 Japanese nationals, 182 international migrants) were recorded, representing 29.1% of the total. Comparative analysis of HIV incidence and mortality rates between Japanese nationals and international migrants indicates elevated disparities: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HIV incidence rate among Japanese nationals decreased from 1.8 to 1.5 cases/100,000 people, while the rate among international migrants remained high at 12.8 cases/100,000 people. The AIDS incidence also increased for international migrants from 2.8 to 3.8 per 100,000 people, while Japanese nationals maintained a low at 0.5 per 100,000 people. International migrants living with HIV experienced a significantly younger age at death due to HIV-related illness (coefficient = -11.7, p < .01). The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated the disparities with more international migrants living with HIV being diagnosed late and with less precise reporting. Investment in more equitable HIV care is warranted.

COVID-19, pandemic lockdowns and intimate partner violence among HIV-positive women in Ghana.

This study examines the prevalence and risk factors of physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence during lockdowns associated with COVID-19 among HIV-positive women in Ghana. Data were collected in August 2021 from a cross-section of 538 HIV-positive women aged 18 years and older in the Lower Manya Krobo District in the Eastern region of Ghana. Logit models were used to explore relationships between women's self-reported experiences of physical, sexual, psychological /emotional, and economic violence under lockdown and key socio-economic and demographic characteristics. The findings indicate moderate to high prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) under lockdown in our sample: physical violence (30.1%), sexual violence (28.6%), emotional/psychological violence (53.7%), and economic violence (54.2%). IPV was higher on all four measures for educated women, poorer women, employed women, cohabiting and married women, and HIV seroconcordant couples.

Peripartum mobility and maternal/child separation among women living with HIV in South Africa.

This prospective cohort study investigated the mobility patterns of 200 pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV in South Africa. Participants were enrolled during their third trimester from routine antenatal care near Cape Town, South Africa, and followed for six months postpartum. Quantitative data were collected at enrollment and follow-up. Mobility (self-reported) was common among the participants, despite the brief study period and the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic. While most reported stability in their current residence, 71% had a second main residence, primarily in the Eastern Cape (EC). Participants had a median of two lifetime moves, motivated by work, education, and family life. During the study period, 20% of participants met the study definition of travel (>7 days and >50 km), with trips predominantly to the EC, lasting a median duration of 30 days. Over one-third of participants with other living children reported that these children lived apart from them, with the mother's family being primary caregivers. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to support continuity of care for mobile populations, particularly peripartum women living with HIV. The study contributes valuable insights into mobility dynamics and highlights unique barriers faced by this population, contributing to improved HIV care in resource-limited settings.

Acceptability, feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of the mHealth intervention, InTSHA, on retention in care and viral suppression among adolescents with HIV in South Africa: a pilot randomized clinical trial.

We describe the results of a pilot randomized clinical trial of a mobile phone-based intervention, InTSHA: Interactive Transition Support for Adolescents with HIV, compared to standard care. Encrypted, closed group chats delivered via WhatsApp provided peer support and improved communication between adolescents with HIV, their caregivers, and healthcare providers. We randomized 80 South African adolescents ages 15 to 19 years with perinatally-acquired HIV to receive either the intervention (n=40) or standard of care (n=40). We measured acceptability (Acceptability of Intervention Measure [AIM]) and feasibility (Feasibility of Intervention Measure [FIM]) as primary outcomes. We evaluated impact on retention in care and viral suppression six months after randomization as secondary endpoints. We performed bivariable and multivariable analyses using logistic regression models to assess the effect of the InTSHA intervention compared to standard of care. Among the adolescents randomized to the InTSHA intervention, the median AIM was 4.1/5.0 (82%) and median FIM was 3.9/5.0 (78%). We found no difference in retention in care or in viral suppression comparing intervention and control groups. Among adolescents who attended three or more sessions, retention in care was 100% at 6 months. InTSHA is an acceptable and feasible mHealth intervention warranting further study in a larger population.

The path towards an HIV-free generation: engaging adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in sub-Saharan Africa from lessons learned and future directions.

This paper highlights the pressing need to address the HIV epidemic among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite progress in HIV prevention, ABYM still experience low diagnosis rates, treatment adherence, and linkage to care. The paper emphasizes ABYM's vulnerability due to societal norms, limited healthcare access, and economic pressures. It calls for gender-responsive interventions, including comprehensive sexual education, youth-friendly health services, community engagement, and targeted outreach. Comprehensive sexual education is pivotal in HIV prevention for ABYM, providing them with age-appropriate sexual health knowledge and safer sexual practices to reduce HIV incidence. Harmful masculine norms must be countered to promote respectful relationships, benefiting boys, men, and their partners. Inadequate access to youth-friendly health services hampers HIV prevention. Establishing spaces with confidential, non-judgmental care offering testing, counselling, circumcision, and provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is essential, especially considering ABYM's unique clinic experiences. Engaging communities, leaders, educators, and peers combats stigma and discrimination. ABYM's input in intervention design, targeted outreach, and innovative technology enhances effectiveness of HIV prevention programmes. Economic factors should also be addressed. Comprehensive multi-sectoral interventions, including conditional cash transfers, effective for AGYW, could benefit ABYM. Addressing structural factors alongside behaviour change and social support is key.