ABI5 binding protein2 inhibits ABA responses during germination without ABA-INSENSITIVE5 degradation.

Overexpression of ABA-INSENSITIVE5 binding proteins (AFPs) results in extreme ABA resistance of seeds and failure to acquire desiccation tolerance, at least in part through effects on chromatin modification. We tested the hypothesis that AFPs promote germination in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) by also functioning as adapters for E3 ligases that ubiquitinate ABI5, leading to its degradation. Interactions between AFPs and two well-characterized classes of E3 ligases targeting ABI5, DWD HYPERSENSITIVE TO ABA (DWA)s and KEEP ON GOING, were analyzed by yeast two-hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and genetic assays. Although weak direct interactions were detected between AFPs and E3 ligases, loss of function for these E3 ligases did not impair ABA-resistance conferred by overexpression of the YFP-AFP2 fusion. Comparison of ABI5 and AFP2 levels in these lines showed that AFP2 accumulation increased during germination, but that ABI5 degradation followed germination, demonstrating that AFP2 overexpression reduces ABA sensitivity, thereby permitting germination prior to ABI5 degradation. Surprisingly, AFP2 overexpression in the dwa1 dwa2 mutant background produced the unusual combination of extreme ABA resistance and desiccation tolerance, creating an opportunity to separate the underlying biochemical characteristics of ABA sensitivity and desiccation tolerance. Our quantitative proteomics analysis identified at least three-fold more differentially accumulated seed proteins than previous studies. Comparison of dry seed proteomes of wild-type or dwa1 dwa2 mutants with or without AFP2 overexpression allowed us to separate and refine the changes in protein accumulation patterns associated with desiccation tolerance independently of ABA sensitivity, or vice versa, to a subset of cold-induced and defense stress-responsive proteins and signaling regulators.

Overexpression of ABI5 Binding Proteins Suppresses Inhibition of Germination Due to Overaccumulation of DELLA Proteins.

Abscisic acid (ABA) and gibberellic acid (GA) antagonistically regulate many aspects of plant growth, including seed dormancy and germination. The effects of these hormones are mediated by a complex network of positive and negative regulators of transcription. The DELLA family of proteins repress GA response, and can promote an ABA response via interactions with numerous regulators, including the ABA-insensitive (ABI) transcription factors. The AFP family of ABI5 binding proteins are repressors of the ABA response. This study tested the hypothesis that the AFPs also interact antagonistically with DELLA proteins. Members of these protein families interacted weakly in yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation studies. Overexpression of AFPs in sleepy1, a mutant that over-accumulates DELLA proteins, suppressed DELLA-induced overaccumulation of storage proteins, hyperdormancy and hypersensitivity to ABA, but did not alter the dwarf phenotype of the mutant. The interaction appeared to reflect additive effects of the AFPs and DELLAs, consistent with action in convergent pathways.

Grape ASR Regulates Glucose Transport, Metabolism and Signaling.

To decipher the mediator role of the grape Abscisic acid, Stress, Ripening (ASR) protein, VvMSA, in the pathways of glucose signaling through the regulation of its target, the promoter of hexose transporter VvHT1, we overexpressed and repressed VvMSA in embryogenic and non-embryogenic grapevine cells. The embryogenic cells with organized cell proliferation were chosen as an appropriate model for high sensitivity to the glucose signal, due to their very low intracellular glucose content and low glycolysis flux. In contrast, the non-embryogenic cells displaying anarchic cell proliferation, supported by high glycolysis flux and a partial switch to fermentation, appeared particularly sensitive to inhibitors of glucose metabolism. By using different glucose analogs to discriminate between distinct pathways of glucose signal transduction, we revealed VvMSA positioning as a transcriptional regulator of the glucose transporter gene VvHT1 in glycolysis-dependent glucose signaling. The effects of both the overexpression and repression of VvMSA on glucose transport and metabolism via glycolysis were analyzed, and the results demonstrated its role as a mediator in the interplay of glucose metabolism, transport and signaling. The overexpression of VvMSA in the Arabidopsis mutant abi8 provided evidence for its partial functional complementation by improving glucose absorption activity.

PRPs localized to the middle lamellae are required for cortical tissue integrity in Medicago truncatula roots.

KEY MESSAGE: A family of repetitive proline-rich proteins interact with acidic pectins and play distinct roles in legume root cell walls affecting cortical and vascular structure. A proline-rich protein (PRP) family, composed of tandemly repeated Pro-Hyp-Val-X-Lys pentapeptide motifs, is found primarily in the Leguminosae. Four distinct size classes within this family are encoded by seven tightly linked genes: MtPRP1, MtPRP2 and MtPRP3, and four nearly identical MtPRP4 genes. Promoter fusions to ß-glucuronidase showed strong expression in the stele of hairy roots for all 4 PRP genes tested, with additional expression in the cortex for PRP1, PRP2 and PRP4. All except MtPRP4 are strongly expressed in non-tumorous roots, and secreted and ionically bound to root cell walls. These PRPs are absent from root epidermal cell walls, and PRP accumulation is highly localized within the walls of root cortical and vascular tissues. Within xylem tissue, PRPs are deposited in secondary thickenings where it is spatially exclusive to lignin. In newly differentiating xylem, PRPs are deposited in the regularly spaced paired-pits and pit membranes that hydraulically connect neighboring xylem elements. Hairpin-RNA knock-down constructs reducing PRP expression in Medicago truncatula hairy root tumors disrupted cortical and vascular patterning. Immunoblots showed that the knockdown tumors had potentially compensating increases in the non-targeted PRPs, all of which cross-react with the anti-PRP antibodies. However, PRP3 knockdown differed from knockdown of PRP1 and PRP2 in that it greatly reduced viability of hairy root tumors. We hypothesize that repetitive PRPs interact with acidic pectins to form block-copolymer gels that can play distinct roles in legume root cell walls.

ABI5-binding proteins (AFPs) alter transcription of ABA-induced genes via a variety of interactions with chromatin modifiers.

KEY MESSAGE: Overexpression of ABI5/ABF binding proteins (AFPs) results in extreme ABA resistance of seeds via multiple mechanisms repressing ABA response, including interactions with histone deacetylases and the co-repressor TOPLESS. Several ABI5/ABF binding proteins (AFPs) inhibit ABA response, resulting in extreme ABA resistance in transgenic Arabidopsis overexpression lines, but their mechanism of action has remained obscure. By analogy to the related Novel Interactor of JAZ (NINJA) protein, it was suggested that the AFPs interact with the co-repressor TOPLESS to inhibit ABA-regulated gene expression. This study shows that the AFPs that inhibit ABA response have intrinsic repressor activity in a heterologous system, which does not depend on the domain involved in the interaction with TOPLESS. This domain is also not essential for repressing ABA response in transgenic plants, but does contribute to stronger ABA resistance. Additional interactions between some AFPs and histone deacetylase subunits were observed in yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence assays, consistent with a more direct mechanism of AFP-mediated repression of gene expression. Chemical inhibition of histone deacetylase activity by trichostatin A suppressed AFP effects on a small fraction of the ABI5-regulated genes tested. Collectively, these results suggest that the AFPs participate in multiple mechanisms modulating ABA response, including both TOPLESS-dependent and -independent chromatin modification.

Molecular aspects of seed dormancy.

Seed dormancy provides a mechanism for plants to delay germination until conditions are optimal for survival of the next generation. Dormancy release is regulated by a combination of environmental and endogenous signals with both synergistic and competing effects. Molecular studies of dormancy have correlated changes in transcriptomes, proteomes, and hormone levels with dormancy states ranging from deep primary or secondary dormancy to varying degrees of release. The balance of abscisic acid (ABA):gibberellin (GA) levels and sensitivity is a major, but not the sole, regulator of dormancy status. ABA promotes dormancy induction and maintenance, whereas GA promotes progression from release through germination; environmental signals regulate this balance by modifying the expression of biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes. Mediators of environmental and hormonal response include both positive and negative regulators, many of which are feedback-regulated to enhance or attenuate the response. The net result is a slightly heterogeneous response, thereby providing more temporal options for successful germination.

Older adults' experiences with using information and communication technology and tech support services in New York City: findings and recommendations for post-pandemic digital pedagogy for older adults.

Introduction: Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has great potential to help older adults cope with challenges associated with aging, the intended benefits of ICT are not always realized in this population due to access barriers and low digital literacy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous tech support initiatives for older adults got underway. However, evaluation of the effectiveness of these initiatives is less common. This research partnered with a large, multi-service organization in New York City that gave some groups of their clients ICT devices, unlimited broadband, and access to technology training in response to COVID-19 lockdowns. This study investigates older adults' experiences with ICT and ICT support services to better inform the existing and emerging tech support for older adults during and beyond the pandemic. Methods: Data were obtained from interviewer-administered surveys of 35 older adult recipients of ICT devices, connectivity, and training in New York City. The average age was 74 years (range = 55-90 years). The group was diverse regarding race/ethnicity (Black 29%, Latino 19%, White 43%). All had low incomes. Surveys consisted of multiple-choice items and open-ended responses. Results: The study found that one size does not fit all when it comes to ICT training and support for older adults. While connection to devices and services and tech support led to a degree of ICT adoption, the newly learned skills did not always lead to expanded device usage. The readily available tech support training and support do not guarantee service utilization, as success with tech services is related to one's pre-existing ICT competence. Discussion: The study concludes that customized training based on individuals' skills rather than age is needed. Tech support training should start by understanding an individual's interests and incorporate tech education to help users identify a wide range of existing and emerging online services that can meet their needs. Service organizations should consider including an assessment of ICT access, use, and skills into their standard intake protocols to ensure effective service delivery.

Taking Charge: Social Support Dynamics among Older Adults and Their Significant Others in COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Efforts.

Older people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are often portrayed as passive victims of this global health crisis. However, older adults do take responsibility for their own health and that of others in large part through social network dynamics. The purpose of this study was to understand the processes whereby older adults' social networks shape their own health behaviors, and vice versa, in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and other mitigation efforts. Qualitative data from 77 older adults between ages 65 and 94 obtained through focus groups or individual interview participants were analyzed. Participant narratives demonstrated the reciprocal nature of social support and health behaviors and provided evidence that COVID-19-related health behaviors in this population were motivated by social support, altruism, and life experience. These findings emphasize older adults' active role as health promoters in their families and communities, keeping themselves and their significant others safe from COVID infection. Implications for the role of older adults in community health promotion efforts are discussed.

Direct interactions of ABA-insensitive(ABI)-clade protein phosphatase(PP)2Cs with calcium-dependent protein kinases and ABA response element-binding bZIPs may contribute to turning off ABA response.

Abscisic acid (ABA) signaling via the pyrabactin-resistant and related (PYR/PYL/RCAR) receptors begins with ABA-dependent inactivation of the ABA-insensitive(ABI)-clade protein phosphatases(PP)2Cs, thereby permitting phosphorylation and activation of the Snf1-related (SnRK)2 clade of protein kinases, and activation of their downstream targets such as ABA-response element binding basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factors (ABF/AREB/ABI5 clade). Several of these are also activated by calcium-dependent protein kinases such as CPK11. Turning off ABA response requires turnover and/or inactivation of these transcription factors, which could result from their dephosphorylation. To address the hypothesis that the ABI-clade PP2Cs regulate the bZIPs directly, in addition to their indirect effects via SnRKs, we have assayed interactions between multiple members of the ABF/AREB clade and the PP2Cs by yeast two-hybrid, in vitro phosphatase, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. In addition, we have expanded the list of documented specific interactions among these bZIP proteins and the kinases that could activate them and found that some PP2Cs can also interact directly with CPK11. These studies support specific interactions among kinases, phosphatases and transcription factors that are co-expressed in early seedling development.

Direct targets of the transcription factors ABA-Insensitive(ABI)4 and ABI5 reveal synergistic action by ABI4 and several bZIP ABA response factors.

The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) is a key regulator of seed development. In addition to promoting seed maturation, ABA inhibits seed germination and seedling growth. Many components involved in ABA response have been identified, including the transcription factors ABA insensitive (ABI)4 and ABI5. The genes encoding these factors are expressed predominantly in developing and mature seeds, and are positive regulators of ABA mediated inhibition of seed germination and growth. The direct effects of ABI4 and ABI5 in ABA response remain largely undefined. To address this question, plants over-expressing ABI4 or ABI5 were used to allow identification of direct transcriptional targets. Ectopically expressed ABI4 and ABI5 conferred ABA-dependent induction of slightly over 100 genes in 11 day old plants. In addition to effector genes involved in seed maturation and reserve storage, several signaling proteins and transcription factors were identified as targets of ABI4 and/or ABI5. Although only 12% of the ABA- and ABI-dependent transcriptional targets were induced by both ABI factors in 11 day old plants, 40% of those normally expressed in seeds had reduced transcript levels in both abi4 and abi5 mutants. Surprisingly, many of the ABI4 transcriptional targets do not contain the previously characterized ABI4 binding motifs, the CE1 or S box, in their promoters, but some of these interact with ABI4 in electrophoretic mobility shift assays, suggesting that sequence recognition by ABI4 may be more flexible than known canonical sequences. Yeast one-hybrid assays demonstrated synergistic action of ABI4 with ABI5 or related bZIP factors in regulating these promoters, and mutant analyses showed that ABI4 and these bZIPs share some functions in plants.

Accumulation of the transcription factor ABA-insensitive (ABI)4 is tightly regulated post-transcriptionally.

ABA-INSENSITIVE (ABI)4 is a transcription factor implicated in response to ABA in maturing seeds, and seedling responses to ABA, salt, and sugar. Previous studies have shown that ABI4 transcripts are high in seeds and in seedlings exposed to high concentrations of glucose and, to a lesser extent, osmotic agents and ABA, but that transcript levels are very low through most of vegetative growth. This study examined ABI4 protein accumulation indirectly, using transgenic lines expressing fusions to GFP and GUS. The GFP fusions were active, but undetectable visually or immunologically. Comparison of transcript and activity levels for GUS expression showed that inclusion of the ABI4 coding sequence reduced the ratio of activity to transcript ∼40-fold when driven by the CaMV 35S promoter, and nearly 150-fold when controlled by the ABI4 promoter. At least part of this discrepancy is due to proteasomal degradation of ABI4, resulting in a half-life of 5-6 h for the ABI4-GUS fusion. Comparison of the spatial localization of transcripts and fusion proteins indicated that the protein preferentially accumulated in roots such that transcript and protein distribution had little similarity. The components mediating targeting to the proteasome or other mechanisms of spatial restriction have not yet been identified, but several domains of ABI4 appear to contribute to its instability.

Roundtable on Urban Living Environment Research (RULER).

For 18 months in 2009-2010, the Rockefeller Foundation provided support to establish the Roundtable on Urban Living Environment Research (RULER). Composed of leading experts in population health measurement from a variety of disciplines, sectors, and continents, RULER met for the purpose of reviewing existing methods of measurement for urban health in the context of recent reports from UN agencies on health inequities in urban settings. The audience for this report was identified as international, national, and local governing bodies; civil society; and donor agencies. The goal of the report was to identify gaps in measurement that must be filled in order to assess and evaluate population health in urban settings, especially in informal settlements (or slums) in low- and middle-income countries. Care must be taken to integrate recommendations with existing platforms (e.g., Health Metrics Network, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation) that could incorporate, mature, and sustain efforts to address these gaps and promote effective data for healthy urban management. RULER noted that these existing platforms focus primarily on health outcomes and systems, mainly at the national level. Although substantial reviews of health outcomes and health service measures had been conducted elsewhere, such reviews covered these in an aggregate and perhaps misleading way. For example, some spatial aspects of health inequities, such as those pointed to in the 2008 report from the WHO's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health, received limited attention. If RULER were to focus on health inequities in the urban environment, access to disaggregated data was a priority. RULER observed that some urban health metrics were already available, if not always appreciated and utilized in ongoing efforts (e.g., census data with granular data on households, water, and sanitation but with little attention paid to the spatial dimensions of these data). Other less obvious elements had not exploited the gains realized in spatial measurement technology and techniques (e.g., defining geographic and social urban informal settlement boundaries, classification of population-based amenities and hazards, and innovative spatial measurement of local governance for health). In summary, the RULER team identified three major areas for enhancing measurement to motivate action for urban health-namely, disaggregation of geographic areas for intra-urban risk assessment and action, measures for both social environment and governance, and measures for a better understanding of the implications of the physical (e.g., climate) and built environment for health. The challenge of addressing these elements in resource-poor settings was acknowledged, as was the intensely political nature of urban health metrics. The RULER team went further to identify existing global health metrics structures that could serve as platforms for more granular metrics specific for urban settings.

Clinic-based treatment of opioid-dependent HIV-infected patients versus referral to an opioid treatment program: A randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Opioid dependence is common in HIV clinics. Buprenorphine-naloxone (BUP) is an effective treatment of opioid dependence that may be used in routine medical settings. OBJECTIVE: To compare clinic-based treatment with BUP (clinic-based BUP) with case management and referral to an opioid treatment program (referred treatment). DESIGN: Single-center, 12-month randomized trial. Participants and investigators were aware of treatment assignments. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00130819) SETTING: HIV clinic in Baltimore, Maryland. PATIENTS: 93 HIV-infected, opioid-dependent participants who were not receiving opioid agonist therapy and were not dependent on alcohol or benzodiazepines. INTERVENTION: Clinic-based BUP included BUP induction and dose titration, urine drug testing, and individual counseling. Referred treatment included case management and referral to an opioid-treatment program. MEASUREMENTS: Initiation and long-term receipt of opioid agonist therapy, urine drug test results, visit attendance with primary HIV care providers, use of antiretroviral therapy, and changes in HIV RNA levels and CD4 cell counts. RESULTS: The average estimated participation in opioid agonist therapy was 74% (95% CI, 61% to 84%) for clinic-based BUP and 41% (CI, 29% to 53%) for referred treatment (P < 0.001). Positive test results for opioids and cocaine were significantly less frequent in clinic-based BUP than in referred treatment, and study participants receiving clinic-based BUP attended significantly more HIV primary care visits than those receiving referred treatment. Use of antiretroviral therapy and changes in HIV RNA levels and CD4 cell counts did not differ between the 2 groups. LIMITATION: This was a small single-center study, follow-up was only moderate, and the study groups were unbalanced in terms of recent drug injections at baseline. CONCLUSION: Management of HIV-infected, opioid-dependent patients with a clinic-based BUP strategy facilitates access to opioid agonist therapy and improves outcomes of substance abuse treatment. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Health Resources and Services Administration Special Projects of National Significance program.

Rethinking the urban physical environment for century-long lives: from age-friendly to longevity-ready cities.

In response to increasing life expectancies and urbanization, initiatives for age-friendly cities seek to facilitate active and healthy aging by strengthening supports and services for older people. While laudable, these efforts typically neglect early-life exposures that influence long-term well-being. With a focus on the urban physical environment, we argue that longevity-ready cities can accomplish more than initiatives focused solely on old age. We review features of cities that cumulatively influence healthy aging and longevity, discuss the need for proactive interventions in a changing climate, and highlight inequities in the ambient physical environment, especially those encountered at early ages, that powerfully contribute to disparities in later life stages. Compared with strategies aimed largely at accommodating older populations, longevity-ready cities would aim to reduce the sources of disadvantages across the life course and simultaneously improve the well-being of older people.

Phosphorylation of Serine 114 of the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 4 is essential for activity.

The transcription factor ABA-INSENSITIVE(ABI)4 has diverse roles in regulating plant growth, including inhibiting germination and reserve mobilization in response to ABA and high salinity, inhibiting seedling growth in response to high sugars, inhibiting lateral root growth, and repressing light-induced gene expression. ABI4 activity is regulated at multiple levels, including gene expression, protein stability, and activation by phosphorylation. Although ABI4 can be phosphorylated at multiple residues by MAPKs, we found that S114 is the preferred site of MPK3. To examine the possible biological role of S114 phosphorylation, we transformed abi4-1 mutant plants with ABI4pro::ABI4 constructs encoding wild type (114S), phosphorylation-null (S114A) or phosphomimetic (S114E) forms of ABI4. Phosphorylation of S114 is necessary for the response to ABA, glucose, salt stress, and lateral root development, where the abi4 phenotype could be complemented by expressing ABI4 (114S) or ABI4 (S114E) but not ABI4 (S114A). Comparison of root transcriptomes in ABA-treated roots of abi4-1 mutant plants transformed with constructs encoding the different phosphorylation-forms of S114 of ABI4 revealed that 85 % of the ABI4-regulated genes whose expression pattern could be restored by expressing ABI4 (114S) are down-regulated by ABI4. Phosphorylation of S114 was required for regulation of 35 % of repressed genes, but only 17 % of induced genes. The genes whose repression requires the phosphorylation of S114 are mainly involved in embryo and seedling development, growth and differentiation, and regulation of gene expression.

More than ancillary: HIV social services, intermediate outcomes and quality of life.

In HIV care, the use of social or "ancillary" services to stabilize life situations and remove barriers to care is often seen as a means to the end of ensuring more consistent participation in medical care. By examining the impact of HIV social services on the achievement of intermediate outcomes (i.e., ceasing substance use, initiating anti-retroviral therapy (ART), and entering stable housing) and the relationship between intermediate outcome status and quality of life (QOL), our analysis aims to demonstrate the importance of achieving intermediate outcomes in and of themselves and thereby the importance of the ancillary services that assist clients in attaining desired intermediate outcomes. Our analysis relies on baseline and follow-up data from 1646 HIV-positive participants collected during a longitudinal outcome evaluation of 23 HIV social service programs in the New York metropolitan area. Multivariate linear regression modeling was used to assess the impact of achieving intermediate outcomes on QOL at follow-up, controlling for baseline QOL, and demographic factors. The greatest improvements in QOL were found in individuals who changed their intermediate outcome status from using drugs to not using, from not using ART to using ART, and from being unstably housed to being stably housed. Our analysis strongly suggests the importance of achieving intermediate outcomes in improving QOL, and thereby the importance of social services that facilitate the achievement of these intermediate outcomes. The analysis also provides further validation of a QOL measure, by showing that it varies in systematic and expected ways with the achievement of intermediate outcomes. Our study suggests that social services are not merely ancillary in HIV care but rather crucial for achieving both intermediate outcomes as well as the final outcome of improved QOL.

Feasibility of using audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) screening in routine HIV care.

We evaluated the feasibility of implementing audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) as part of routine clinical care at two community hospital-based HIV clinics in New York City. Between June 2003 and August 2006, 215 patients completed 1001 ACASI sessions in English or Spanish prior to their scheduled clinical appointments. Topics covered included antiretroviral therapy adherence, depression symptoms, alcohol and drug use, and condom use. Patients and providers received feedback reports immediately after each session. Feasibility was evaluated by quantitative analysis of ACASI responses, medical chart reviews, a brief patient questionnaire administered at the conclusion of each computer session, patient focus groups, and semi-structured provider interviews. ACASI interviews frequently identified inadequate medication adherence and depression symptoms: at baseline, 31% of patients reported < or =95% adherence over the past three days and 52% had symptoms of depression (CES-D score > or =16). Substance abuse problems were identified less frequently. Patients were comfortable with the ACASI and appreciated it as an additional communication route with their providers; however, expectations about the level of communication achieved were sometimes higher than actual practice. Providers felt the summary feedback information was useful when received in a timely fashion and when they were familiar with the clinical indicators reported. Repeated ACASI sessions did not have a favorable impact on adherence, depression, or substance use outcomes. No improvements in HIV RNA suppression were observed in comparison to patients who did not participate in the study. We conclude that it is feasible to integrate an ACASI screening tool into routine HIV clinical care to identify patients with inadequate medication adherence and depression symptoms. Repeated screening was not associated with improved clinical outcomes. ACASI screening should be considered in HIV clinical care settings to assist providers in identifying patients with the greatest need for targeted psychosocial services including adherence support and depression care.

Opioid use disorder in the United States: insurance status and treatment access.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, insurance status and rates of treatment for individuals with opioid use disorder are unknown. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey: 2002-2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). Bivariate and multivariate associations between demographics, treatment and insurance status and presence or absence of opioid use disorder were investigated. RESULTS: On unadjusted analysis, young respondents, respondents of Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.1-2.2), unemployed respondents (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.8-3.8) and respondents with Medicaid (OR 4.5; 95% CI 2.5-8.3) or lack of insurance (OR 3.2; 95% CI 1.8-5.9) were more likely to have opioid use disorder. On unadjusted analysis among those with any substance use disorder, 12-16 year olds were more likely to have opioid use disorder (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.0-5.8) than a non-opioid substance use disorder, as were women (OR for men 0.6; 95% CI 0.5-0.7) and unemployed respondents (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.02-2.1). Only 15.2% of those with past-year opioid use disorder received treatment in the past year. Respondents treated for opioid use had higher rates of Medicaid (p<0.01), Medicare (p<0.01) and other public assistance (p=0.01) compared with those treated for other substances. Treatments for opioid use were more likely to be hospital (p=0.04) and inpatient rehabilitation (p=0.02) settings compared to treatment for other substance use. Among those with opioid use disorder, not being employed was independently associated with receiving treatment (AOR 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-8.5). CONCLUSIONS: In the U.S., high rates of unemployment, Medicaid and uninsurance among those with opioid use disorder and low rates of treatment suggest that efforts to expand treatment must include policy strategies to help reach a population with significant barriers to treatment access.

Initial strategies for integrating buprenorphine into HIV care settings in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's HIV Prevention Strategic Plan Through 2005 advocated for increasing the proportion of persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and in need of substance abuse treatment who are successfully linked to services for these 2 conditions. There is evidence that integrating care for HIV infection and substance abuse optimizes outcomes for patients with both disorders. Buprenorphine, a recently approved medication for the treatment of opioid dependence in physicians' offices, provides the opportunity to integrate the treatment of HIV infection and substance abuse in one clinical setting, yet little information exists on the models of care that will most successfully facilitate this integration. To promote the uptake of this type of integrated care, the current review provides a description of 4 recently implemented models for combining buprenorphine treatment with HIV primary care: (1) an on-site addiction/HIV specialist treatment model; (2) a HIV primary care physician model; (3) a nonphysician health professional model; and (4) a community outreach model.

ABA and sugar interactions regulating development: cross-talk or voices in a crowd?

Plant growth and development are controlled by the concerted action of many signaling pathways that integrate information from environmental signals with that from developmental and metabolic cues. Physiological studies have demonstrated that abscisic acid and sugars have both similar and antagonistic effects on diverse processes, including seed development, germination, and seedling growth. Recent genetic studies have identified several loci that are involved in both sugar and hormonal responses. It is rarely clear whether these apparent linkages reflect direct or indirect interactions between sugar and hormone signaling pathways, but the identification of gene products that are encoded at these loci is allowing these possibilities to be tested.