Associations between psychosocial factors and antiretroviral therapy outcomes differ by gender and sexual orientation among people living with HIV in British Columbia, Canada.

Little is known about how the co-occurrence of psychosocial factors affect sub-populations of people living with HIV (PLWH). We used cross-sectional data from 999 PLWH, aged ≥19, accessing antiretroviral therapy (ART) in British Columbia, Canada (2007-2010) to examine associations between psychosocial factors and ART-related outcomes separately for trans/cis inclusive women; heterosexual men; and gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between psychosocial factors (0-3): any violence in the past 6 months, depressive symptoms in the past week, and current street drug use (heroin, crack, meth or speedball) with sub-optimal adherence (outcome 1: average annual ART adherence <95% from interview until end of follow-up, death, or December 31st, 2018) and ever viral rebound (outcome 2) adjusting for potential confounders. Of 999 PLWH (264 women, 382 heterosexual men, and 353 gbMSM), women and heterosexual men had significantly higher median counts than gbMSM. Overall, higher counts were associated with sub-optimal adherence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26/1-unit increase, 95%CI = 1.07-1.49). All effect estimates were of a greater magnitude among gbMSM, but not significant for women or heterosexual men, highlighting the need for population (e.g., gender and sexual orientation)-centered care and research.

Outcomes and Safety of Blenderized Tube Feedings in Pediatric Patients: A Single Center's Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, significant interest from families and healthcare providers has arisen to use blenderized tube feedings (BTF). Although many institutions are providing this nutritional option, literature documenting outcomes and safety is lacking. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on pediatric patients receiving BTF at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital between January 2013 and April 2017. Demographic data and dietary information before and after BTF were collected. Reasons for diet initiation, symptoms, and anthropometrics were recorded. Adverse events and outcomes were assessed through physician documentation and relevant medication changes. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients (24 boys) received BTF. Age at initiation of BTF ranged from 1 to 19 years (mean 8.3 +/- 5.8 [SD] years). Length of follow-up ranged from 1 to 45 months (mean 15 +/- 12.2 months). The most common reason for starting BTF was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (N = 32). Almost all patients were on medications for GERD, constipation, or gastrointestinal dysmotility before starting BTF (N = 33). Majority of patients had improvement in relevant symptoms (N = 20); 13 of 33 patients on gastrointestinal medications were able to wean or stop medication(s). BMI z scores did not differ before and after BTF initiation (P = 0.558). No serious life-threatening adverse events were found. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that BTF is a safe dietary intervention that may improve gastrointestinal symptoms in pediatric patients. Further prospective studies are needed to compare safety and efficacy of BTF and commercial formulas in pediatric patients.

A structural and genotypic scaffold underlying temporal integration.

The accumulation and storage of information over time, temporal integration, is key to numerous behaviors. Many oculomotor tasks depend on integration of eye-velocity signals to eye-position commands, a transformation achieved by a hindbrain cell group termed the velocity-to-position neural integrator (VPNI). Although the VPNI's coding properties have been well characterized, its mechanism of function remains poorly understood because few links exist between neuronal activity, structure, and genotypic identity. To fill this gap, we used calcium imaging and single-cell electroporation during oculomotor behaviors to map VPNI neural activity in zebrafish onto a hindbrain scaffold consisting of alternating excitatory and inhibitory parasagittal stripes. Three distinct classes of VPNI cells were identified. One glutamatergic class was medially located along a stripe associated with the alx transcription factor; these cells had ipsilateral projections terminating near abducens motoneurons and collateralized extensively within the ipsilateral VPNI in a manner consistent with integration through recurrent excitation. A second glutamatergic class was more laterally located along a stripe associated with transcription factor dbx1b; these glutamatergic cells had contralateral projections collateralizing near abducens motoneurons, consistent with a role in disconjugate eye movements. A third class, immunohistochemically suggested to be GABAergic, was located primarily in the dbx1b stripe and also had contralateral projections terminating near abducens motoneurons; these cells collateralized extensively in the dendritic field of contralateral VPNI neurons, consistent with a role in coordinating activity between functionally opposing populations. This mapping between VPNI activity, structure, and genotype may provide a blueprint for understanding the mechanisms governing temporal integration.

A workplace tuberculosis case investigation in the presence of immigrant contacts from high prevalence countries.

The highest prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) occurs in foreign born immigrants in the United States. Contact investigations at work sites with mostly immigrant workers present multiple practical problems. Recently 402 contacts were investigated at a meat packing plant in rural Texas by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Our objective was to study the approach and effectiveness of this intensive investigation. We reviewed information, including symptoms, BCG status, TB history, X-rays, and treatment, on the sentinel case and 47 contacts managed by the Texas DSHS TB Division in Lubbock, TX. We used a gamma interferon release assay (T-SPOT.TB) to identify contacts with TB infection. The sentinel case was foreign born and had cavitary TB with acid-fast positive smears. Forty-two work site contacts were foreign born, and five were US born. The foreign born contacts were from Sudan, Somalia, Mexico, Burma, and Haiti; 18 contacts had a history of BCG vaccination. T-SPOT.TB tests were positive in 20 contacts, borderline in four, and negative in 23. Contacts with borderline results had negative repeat tests. Twenty-three contacts with negative T-SPOT.TB tests were scheduled for repeat tests in 4 weeks, but only four returned for this testing. Chest X-rays were abnormal in two contacts who were started on treatment. Sputum was collected in three individuals; one was culture positive for pan-sensitive Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Twelve contacts were treated for latent TB. Our investigation established an infection rate of 42.5% in this work site contact cohort, which is similar to the 39% prevalence reported by the Center for Disease Control. The use of T-SPOT.TB assays simplified testing in immigrants with high rates of BCG vaccination. Our investigation was complicated by language barriers, varying and uncertain levels of exposure, and a high rate of drop outs in the negative T-SPOT.TB contacts. This concerted effort provides a model for investigating work site contacts, especially with numerous immigrants, and illustrates the problems associated with these investigations.

Dissemination of the Women-Centred HIV Care Model: A Multimodal Process and Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Using data from a national cohort study and focus groups, the Women-Centred HIV Care (WCHC) Model was developed to inform care delivery for women living with HIV. METHODS: Through an evidence-based, integrated knowledge translation approach, we developed 2 toolkits based on the WCHC Model for service providers and women living with HIV in English and French (Canada's national languages). To disseminate, we distributed printed advertising materials, hosted 3 national webinars and conducted 2 virtual capacity-building training series. RESULTS: A total of 315 individuals attended the webinars, and the average WCHC knowledge increased by 29% (SD 4.3%). In total, 131 service providers engaged in 22 virtual capacity-building training sessions with 21 clinical cases discussed. Learners self-reported increased confidence in 15/15 abilities, including the ability to provide WCHC. As of December 2023, the toolkits were downloaded 7766 times. CONCLUSIONS: We successfully developed WCHC toolkits and shared them with diverse clinical and community audiences through various dissemination methods.

A study on creating and sharing a toolkit for healthcare providers and women living with HIVWhy was the study done?:The research team created the Women-Centred HIV Care (WCHC) model to help healthcare providers deliver personalised and thorough care to women living with HIV in Canada. This study aimed to develop a practical toolkit based on the model. The goal was to share this toolkit with women and their providers in various ways to get feedback on its usefulness and to understand the best methods for sharing tools in the future.What did the researchers do?:Through an in-depth, collaborative process, English and French WCHC toolkits were developed by a large and diverse team of women and providers. Various methods including printed materials, national webinars and virtual trainings were used to share the toolkits across Canada. The team assessed the toolkit's reception by using surveys, focus groups and tracking toolkit downloads and webpage views.What did the researchers find?:The study found positive results, including a 29% increase in WCHC knowledge for 315 webinar participants and enhanced confidence in 15 abilities for 131 service providers during virtual training. The toolkits were downloaded 7766 times, indicating broad interest. Usability testing showed that the toolkits were easy to use and helpful. Attendees of the webinars and virtual trainings indicated they were likely to use the toolkit and recommend it to others.What do the findings mean?:Overall, the WCHC toolkits offer valuable guidance to women living with HIV and their providers. The study improved providers' knowledge and confidence in delivering WCHC, especially during the virtual training sessions that focused on applying this knowledge to real clinical cases. During months when the toolkit was shared through printed materials, webinars and virtual training, more people visited the toolkit webpage. The study highlighted the importance of involving those who will use healthcare tools from the beginning and using many ways to share these tools to reach more people.

Experiences and resultant care gaps among women with HIV in Canada: concept mapping the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) findings.

OBJECTIVES: The community-based, longitudinal, Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) explored the experiences of women with HIV in Canada over the past decade. CHIWOS' high-impact publications document significant gaps in the provision of healthcare to women with HIV. We used concept mapping to analyse and present a summary of CHIWOS findings on women's experiences navigating these gaps. DESIGN: Concept mapping procedures were performed in two steps between June 2019 and March 2021. First, two reviewers (AY and PM) independently reviewed CHIWOS manuscripts and conference abstracts written before 1 August 2019 to identify main themes and generate individual concept maps. Next, the preliminary results were presented to national experts, including women with HIV, to consolidate findings into visuals summarising the experiences and care gaps of women with HIV in CHIWOS. SETTING: British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 18 individual CHIWOS team members participated in this study including six lead investigators of CHIWOS and 12 community researchers. RESULTS: Overall, a total of 60 peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference abstracts met the inclusion criteria. Using concept mapping, themes were generated and structured through online meetings. In total, six composite concept maps were co-developed: quality of life, HIV care, psychosocial and mental health, sexual health, reproductive health, and trans women's health. Two summary diagrams were created encompassing the concept map themes, one for all women and one specific to trans women with HIV. Through our analysis, resilience, social support, positive healthy actions and women-centred HIV care were highlighted as strengths leading to well-being for women with HIV. CONCLUSIONS: Concept mapping resulted in a composite summary of 60 peer-reviewed CHIWOS publications. This activity allows for priority setting to optimise care and well-being for women with HIV.

Prevalence and Correlates of HIV Disclosure Without Consent Among Women Living With HIV in Metro Vancouver, Canada.

This study identified the prevalence and perpetrators of HIV disclosure without consent, and social-structural correlates, among women living with HIV (WLWH). Data were drawn from 7 years (September 14 to August 21) of a longitudinal community-based open cohort of cis and trans WLWH living and/or accessing care in Metro Vancouver, Canada. The study sample included 1871 observations among 299 participants. Overall, 160 (53.3%) women reported lifetime HIV disclosure without consent at baseline, and 115 (38.5%) reported HIV disclosure without consent in the previous 6 months during 7 years of follow-up. In a subanalysis (n = 98), the most common perpetrators of HIV disclosure without consent were friends, people in the community, family, health professionals, and neighbors. In multivariable logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations, recent (last 6 months) housing insecurity [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.43, 95% confidence interval: (1.10-1.86)], minoritized sexual identities (LGBQ2S) [AOR: 1.84 (1.22-2.78)], recently being treated, monitored, or diagnosed with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder [AOR: 1.37 (0.98-1.92)], and experiencing physical symptoms related to HIV [AOR: 1.75 (1.25-2.44)] was positively associated with recent disclosure without consent. In a context where HIV nondisclosure before sex is criminalized unless viral load is low and a condom is used, it is concerning that a large proportion of women have experienced HIV disclosure without consent. Laws should focus on protecting rights of WLWH, promoting equity, guaranteeing sexual and reproductive rights, and ensuring access to essential services and privacy. Findings highlight the need for trauma-informed approaches among health and housing services that are responsive to intersections of violence and stigma, and include a focus on confidentiality, autonomy, and safe disclosure practices.

Melatonin inhibits cell proliferation and induces caspase activation and apoptosis in human malignant lymphoid cell lines.

Melatonin exerts strong anti-tumour activity via several mechanisms, including anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in addition to its potent antioxidant activity. Several studies have investigated the effects of melatonin on haematological malignancies. However, the previous studies investigating lymphoid malignancies have been largely restricted to a single type of malignancy, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL). Thus, we examined the actions of melatonin on the growth and apoptosis in a small panel of cell lines representing different human lymphoid malignancies including Ramos (Epstein-Barr virus-negative BL), SU-DHL-4 (diffuse large B cell lymphoma), DoHH2 (follicular B non-Hodgkin lymphoma) and JURKAT (acute T cell leukaemia). We showed that melatonin promotes cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in all these cells, although there was marked variations in responses among different cell lines (sensitivity; Ramos/DoHH2 > SU-DHL-4 > JURKAT). Melatonin-induced apoptosis was relatively rapid, with increased caspase 3 and PARP cleavage detected within 0.5-1 h following melatonin addition. Moreover, there was evidence for rapid processing of both caspase 9, as well as a breakdown of the mitochondrial inner transmembrane potential. On the contrary, caspase activation was detected only in SU-DHL-4 and Ramos cells following melatonin treatment suggesting that the extrinsic pathway does not make a consistent contribution to melatonin-induced apoptosis in malignant lymphocytes. Although all cell lines expressed the high-affinity melatonin receptors, MT1 and MT2, melatonin-induced caspase activation appeared to be independent these receptors. Our findings confirm that melatonin could be a potential chemotherapeutic/preventive agent for malignant lymphocytes. However, it is necessary to take into account that different lymphoid malignancies may differ in their response to melatonin.

Recent sex work and associations with psychosocial outcomes among women living with HIV: findings from a longitudinal Canadian cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Sex workers are disproportionately impacted by the HIV pandemic across global contexts, in part due to social and structural contexts of stigma and criminalization. Among women living with HIV, there is a dearth of longitudinal information regarding dynamics of sex work engagement and associated social and health outcomes. In order to better understand the social contexts and health needs of sex working women living with HIV, this study aimed to understand recent sex work prevalence and its longitudinal associations with stigma, psychosocial and clinical HIV outcomes among women living with HIV in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a three-wave prospective cohort survey at 18-month intervals with women living with HIV aged 16 and older in three Canadian provinces between 2013 and 2018. We used generalized estimating equations to examine longitudinal associations between recent (past 6-month) sex work with three types of outcomes: psychosocial (recent violence, recent injection drug use, hazardous alcohol use, clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder), clinical HIV (CD4 count and viral load) and stigma (HIV-related stigma, racial discrimination and gender discrimination). Equations were adjusted for socio-demographic factors associated with sex work across all three waves: province, age, income, gender identity, sexual orientation, education level, ethnicity and housing security. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Of 1422 participants, 129 (9.1%) reported recent sex work during at least one wave (82 at baseline, 73 at first follow-up and 32 at second follow-up). In adjusted analyses, recent sex work was associated with psychosocial outcomes, including: past 3-month violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.47, 95% CI = 1.70, 3.60), past 6-month injection drug use (AOR = 3.49, 95% CI = 2.21-5.52), hazardous alcohol use (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.04-3.89) and depression (AOR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.06-2.15). In unadjusted analyses, sex work was also associated with clinical HIV outcomes and gender discrimination, but not racial discrimination/HIV-related stigma. CONCLUSIONS: Among women living with HIV in Canada, sex work engagement is dynamic, and sex workers are more likely to report recent violence, recent injection drug use, problematic alcohol use and clinical depression. Violence prevention and support, harm reduction, mental health promotion and sex work-affirming programs could be employed to optimize health and rights for sex working women living with HIV.

Sexual Relationship Power Equity Is Associated With Consistent Condom Use and Fewer Experiences of Recent Violence Among Women Living With HIV in Canada.

BACKGROUND: Sexual relationship power (SRP) inequities, including having a controlling partner, have not been widely examined among women living with HIV (WLWH). We measured the prevalence and key outcomes of relationship control among WLWH in Canada. METHODS: Baseline data from WLWH (≥16 years), reporting consensual sex in the last month enrolled in a Canadian community-collaborative cohort study in British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, included the relationship control SRP subscale by Pulerwitz (2000). Scale scores were dichotomized into medium/low (score = 1-2.82) vs. high relationship control (score = 2.82-4), and high scores indicate greater SRP equity. Cronbach's alpha assessed scale reliability. Bivariate analyses compared women with high vs. medium/low relationship control. Crude and adjusted multinomial regression examined associations between relationship control and condom use [consistent (ref), inconsistent, or never]; any sexual, physical, and/or emotional violence; and physical and/or sexual violence [never (ref), recent (≤3 months ago), and previous (>3 months ago)]. RESULTS: Overall, 473 sexually active WLWH (33% of cohort), median age = 39 (IQR = 33-46) years, 81% on antiretroviral therapy, and 78% with viral loads <50 copies/mL were included. The subscale demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.92). WLWH with high relationship control (80%) were more likely ( P < 0.05) to be in a relationship, have no children, have greater resilience, and report less sociostructural inequities. In adjusted models, high relationship control was associated with lower odds of inconsistent vs. consistent condom use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.39 (95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85)], any recent violence [aOR: 0.14 (0.04-0.47)] as well as recent physical and/or sexual [aOR : 0.05 (0.02-0.17)] but not previous violence (vs. never). DISCUSSION: Prioritizing relationship equity and support for WLWH is critical for addressing violence and promoting positive health outcomes.

Help-Seeking to Cope With Experiences of Violence Among Women Living With HIV in Canada.

Using baseline data from a community-collaborative cohort of women living with HIV in Canada, we assessed the prevalence and correlates of help-seeking among 1,057 women who reported experiencing violence in adulthood (≥16 years). After violence, 447 (42%) sought help, while 610 (58%) did not. Frequently accessed supports included health care providers (n = 313, 70%), family/friends (n = 244, 55%), and non-HIV community organizations (n = 235, 53%). All accessed supports were perceived as helpful. Independent correlates of help-seeking included reporting a previous mental health diagnosis, a history of injection drug use, experiencing childhood violence, and experiencing sexism. We discuss considerations for better supporting women who experience violence.

Prevalence and correlates of sexual concerns and associated distress among women living with HIV in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the prevalence and correlates of sexual concerns and associated distress among women living with HIV in Canada. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional survey data from the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (2017-2018). Self-identified women living with HIV were asked about sexual concerns post-HIV diagnosis and associated distress (none, mild, moderate, severe). Five areas of concern were assessed, including difficulties related to sexual self-esteem, sexual function, relationships, and emotional and behavioral aspects of sex. Logistic regression analyses identified correlates of reporting any sexual concerns and severe distress about these concerns. RESULTS: Of 906 participants (median age 48, Q1-Q3 = 41-55), 596 (65.8%) reported sexual concerns post-HIV diagnosis. We found a high prevalence of concerns related to relationships (43.3%), sexual self-esteem (49.4%), and emotional aspects of sex (45.4%), relative to sexual functioning (38.4%) and behavioral aspects (33.7%). Of those with sexual concerns, 36.7% reported severe distress. Reports of severe distress were the highest for relationship difficulties (32.5%), relative to other areas of concern (21.4%-22.8%). In adjusted analyses, women reporting sexual dissatisfaction and high HIV-related stigma had significantly higher odds of reporting sexual concerns. Conversely, those reporting higher resilience, better mental health, African, Caribbean, and Black identity, and sex as somewhat unimportant, not at all important, or neutral to their lives had lower adjusted odds. Factors associated with severe distress about sexual concerns included older age, body dissatisfaction, sexual dissatisfaction, and high HIV-related stigma, while better mental health and getting support from someone living with HIV were protective. While 84.4% of women had discussed with a provider how viral load impacts transmission risk, only 40.6% had conversations about sexual wellbeing. CONCLUSION: More attention to women's sexual wellbeing within social and relational contexts is critical to ensure the sexual rights of women living with HIV are upheld.

Further examination of the treatment of multiply controlled inappropriate mealtime behavior.

We systematically replicated Bachmeyer et al. (2009) by examining extinction procedures matched to each function, individually and in combination, to treat the food or liquid refusal of 4 children diagnosed with a feeding disorder whose inappropriate mealtime behavior was maintained by multiple functions (i.e., escape and attention). Previous research suggests that adding differential reinforcement to extinction procedures may result in better treatment outcomes. Therefore, we added differential reinforcement to extinction procedures matched to each function. Differential reinforcement and extinction matched only to escape or attention resulted in low rates of inappropriate mealtime behavior and high, stable levels of acceptance for only 1 child. Consistent with Bachmeyer et al., inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased, and acceptance increased for the remaining 3 children only after we matched differential reinforcement and extinction procedures to both escape and attention.

British Columbia CARMA-CHIWOS Collaboration (BCC3): protocol for a community-collaborative cohort study examining healthy ageing with and for women living with HIV.

INTRODUCTION: Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience accelerated ageing and an increased risk of age-associated diseases earlier in life, compared with women without HIV. This is likely due to a combination of viral factors, gender differences, hormonal imbalance and psychosocial and structural conditions. This interdisciplinary cohort study aims to understand how biological, clinical and sociostructural determinants of health interact to modulate healthy ageing in WLWH. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The British Columbia Children and Women: AntiRetroviral therapy and Markers of Aging-Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CARMA-CHIWOS) Collaboration (BCC3) study will enrol WLWH (n=350) and sociodemographically matched HIV-negative women (n=350) living in British Columbia. A subset of BCC3 participants will be past participants of CARMA, n≥1000 women and children living with and without HIV, 2008-2018 and/or CHIWOS, n=1422 WLWH, 2013-2018. Over two study visits, we will collect biological specimens for virus serologies, hormones and biological markers as well as administer a survey capturing demographic and sociostructural-behavioural factors. Sociodemographics, comorbidities, number and type of chronic/latent viral infections and hormonal irregularities will be compared between the two groups. Their association with biological markers and psychostructural and sociostructural factors will be investigated through multivariable regression and structural equation modelling. Retrospective longitudinal analyses will be conducted on data from past CARMA/CHIWOS participants. As BCC3 aims to follow participants as they age, this protocol will focus on the first study visits. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study has been approved by the University of British Columbia Children's and Women's Research Ethics Board (H19-00896). Results will be shared in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and at community events as well as at www.hivhearme.ca and @HIV_HEAR_me. WLWH are involved in study design, survey creation, participant recruitment, data collection and knowledge translation. A Community Advisory Board will advise the research team throughout the study.

Development of the Canadian Women-Centred HIV Care Model Using the Knowledge-to-Action Framework.

In Canada, women make up 25% of the prevalent HIV cases and represent an important population of those living with HIV, as a high proportion are racialized and systemically marginalized; furthermore, many have unmet healthcare needs. Using the knowledge-to-action framework as an implementation science methodology, we developed the "Women-Centred HIV Care" (WCHC) Model to address the needs of women living with HIV. The WCHC Model is depicted in the shape of a house with trauma- and violence-aware care as the "foundation". Person-centred care with attention with attention to social determinants of health and family make up the "first" floor. Women's health (including sexual and reproductive health and rights) and mental and addiction health care are integrated with HIV care, forming the "second" floor. Peer support, leadership, and capacity building make up the "roof". To address the priorities of women living with HIV in all their diversity and across their life course, the WCHC Model should be flexible in its delivery (e.g., single provider, interdisciplinary clinic or multiple providers) and implementation settings (e.g., urban, rural).

Severe intimate partner violence is associated with all-cause mortality among women living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the independent association between intimate partner violence (IPV) severity and all-cause mortality among women living with HIV (WLHIV). DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire linked to longitudinal vital statistics data. METHODS: We examined the lifetime prevalence of IPV and age-standardized all-cause mortality rates by IPV severity reported by WLHIV. Lifetime IPV (emotional/verbal, physical, or sexual) severity was assessed as a categorical variable: no history of any IPV (none); experienced one or two forms of IPV (moderate); or experienced all three forms of IPV (severe IPV). Two separate logistic regression models examined associations between any IPV (vs. none) as well as IPV severity (none vs. moderate, severe) and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: At the time of interview (2007-2010), 260 participants self-identified as women with a median (Q1-Q3) age of 41 years (35-46). Of these women, the majority were unemployed (85%), 59% reported any IPV and 24% reported severe IPV. Of the 252 women followed until 31 December 2017, 25% (n = 63) died. Age-standardized all-cause mortality rates for WLHIV who experienced severe IPV were two-times higher than women with no history of IPV (44.7 per 1000 woman-years vs. 20.9 per 1000 woman-years). After adjustment for confounding, experiences of severe IPV (vs. none) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality (aOR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.03-5.70). CONCLUSION: Although we found that any lifetime experience of IPV was not associated with all-cause mortality, women ever experiencing severe IPV were significantly more likely to die during the study period. This may suggest a need for increased trauma- and violence-aware approaches.

Utilizing in-vivo feedback for caregiver training of pediatric feeding protocols.

Researchers have used multicomponent behavioral skills training packages including written and verbal instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback when teaching caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols (e.g., Anderson & McMillan, 2001; Seiverling et al., 2012). Some investigators have shown that fewer behavioral skills training components may be necessary for effective training (e.g., Mueller et al., 2003; Pangborn et al., 2013). We examined the use of in-vivo feedback following written instructions to train caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols using a multiple baseline design across 3 caregiver dyads. Correct implementation of the feeding treatment procedures was low during baseline (written instructions only), increased with only the addition of in-vivo feedback, and remained high during follow-up sessions for all caregivers. Results are discussed in terms of clinical implications and caregiver satisfaction.

Inhibition of proteasomal degradation of Mcl-1 by cobalt chloride suppresses cobalt chloride-induced apoptosis in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells.

Cobalt promotes apoptosis in multiple cell systems, however, the molecular mechanisms that influence cobalt-induced apoptosis are not fully understood. We investigated mechanisms of cobalt chloride induced apoptosis in HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Cobalt chloride induced dose dependent apoptosis in HCT116 cells (250-750 muM) which, at higher concentrations (500-750 muM), was associated with an increase in the expression of the Bcl-2-related Mcl-1 survival protein. Cobalt chloride caused the accumulation of higher molecular weight ubiquitin-conjugates of Mcl-1 in intact HCT116 cells and inhibited the activity of the trypsin-like site of the 20S proteasome in an in vitro assay. Although siRNA-mediated knockdown of Mcl-1 increased apoptosis in HCT116 cells, the combination of Mcl-1 siRNA and cobalt chloride induced very high levels of cell killing. Therefore, inhibition of the proteasome by cobalt chloride leads to the accumulation of Mcl-1 which acts to limit cobalt chloride induced apoptosis.