bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O06.4 Using SMS Text Reminders to Reduce ‘Did Not Attend’ (DNA) Rates in Sexual Health and HIV Appointment Clinics
Authors: Brook G , Farmer T , Murphy S , McSorley J
Published: July 2013

Background

DNA rates in sexual health and HIV clinics have historically been high and this can reduce the ability of the clinic to see patients within the UK national target of two working days. The availability of technology such as SMS texting allows appointment reminders to be readily sent just prior to the appointment.

Objectives

To measure the impact of the SMS text appointment reminders on the DNA rates in a clinic providing sexual health and HIV appointments.

Methods

DNA rates were measured for two 2-month periods before (2009) and after (2012) the introduction of routine SMS text reminders being sent to patients who have pre-booked appointments. Texts were sent two working days before the booked appointments.

Results

Overall, after the introduction of SMS text appointment reminders, the DNA rates fell by 35% from 203/768 (26%) to 119/699 (17%), P < 0.0001. The fall was especially large for male sexual health appointments: 56/200(28%) vs 24/165 (15%), P < 0.004 a fall of 46%. Female sexual health DNA rates also fell: 69/302(23%) vs 43/273(16%), P < 0.02, a fall of 30%, as did DNA rates for HIV clinics: 78/266(29%) vs 52/261(20%), P < 0.001, a fall of 31%

Conclusions

SMS texts sent to patients two days before a booked appointment reduced the DNA rate by an average of one in three. The decrease was especially large for male patient appointments. Routine text reminders for appointments are an effective way of ensuring that the clinic runs efficiently.
O07.1 Sexual Relationship Importance and Condom Use Among Men Attending STD Clinics in Two Southern Cities in the United States
Authors: Kissinger P , White S , Schmidt N , Taylor S N , Mena L , Lillis R , Some S , Defayette K , Adamski A , Rosenthal S L
Published: July 2013

Background

Relationship type and perception of importance of the relationship may be predictors of condom use.

Methods

Men who presented at STD clinics in New Orleans, LA and Jackson, MS with NGU, tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), or were contacts of women with Ct underwent computer-assisted/self-administered interviews and were asked to report information on up to 4 sexual partners in the last two months. Importance of relationship was determined using 4 variables: having history together, shared feelings, commitment to each other, and physical passion.

Results

1065 men reported information on 1924 partnerships; 98.9% of which were with women, 47% were considered main, but only 30% of the men lived with and 6% were married to main partners. Relationships were described as: girlfriend/boyfriend (32%), mother-of-child (6.8%), friend-with-benefit (26.4%), sex with but not friend (6.2%), ex-girlfriend/boyfriend (9.1%), someone I want to have relationship with (5.8%), one night stand (12.3%), paid for sex (1.4%). Most (82.1%) had sex in a home, while 11.3% in hotel, and 6.6% in public place/other. Importance of relationship variables by relationship (most important to least 1–8) were: girlfriend/boyfriend (1.1) and mother-of-child (1.7), and someone I might want to have a relationship (2.6), ex-girlfriend/boyfriend (3.7), friend-with-benefit (5.3), sex but not friend (6.8), paid for sex (7.1) and one night stand (7.2). The less important the relationship was, the more likely they were to be using a condom O.R. 1.13 (95% C.I. 1.08–1.18). Condom use at last sex act was least likely with the mother of child (34.5%) and most likely with paid to have sex (91.7%). Condom use was between 51% - 78% for the other categories.

Conclusion

In general, condoms were used more frequently with partners whose relationships were perceived as less important, but this was not universal.
O08.1 Assessing the Added Value of Internet Partner Services For Syphilis and HIV
Authors: Bernstein K T , Kohn R , Wolf W , Strona F , Fann C , Philip S
Published: July 2013

Background

Internet partner services (IPS) is the process of notifying named sexual partners to a newly diagnosed syphilis or HIV patient, where the only contact information for that partner is an email address or website handle. Although IPS is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, limited data are available regarding outcomes and the benefits to public health. San Francisco STD Prevention and Control Services has implemented IPS for over a decade. IPS data collected between 2006 and 2011 from newly diagnosed HIV and syphilis index patients and the outcomes of their partner investigations were examined.

Methods

The proportion of partners with only internet contact information who, through IPS, had more contact information gathered was calculated. Additionally, the proportion of these partners who were presumptively treated or brought to treatment (for syphilis investigation) or who were tested for HIV (for HIV investigation) was also examined.

Results

Between 2006 and 2011, 4,255 partners were elicited from syphilis cases and 3,607 partners from HIV cases. Of these partners, 645 from syphilis index cases and 691 from HIV index cases only had internet contact information. Overall, 47.1% and 46.6% of the syphilis and HIV internet partners, respectively, were successfully contacted and resulted in more contact information being gathered. Of the syphilis internet partners with updated contact information, 129 (42.4%) were either presumptively treated or brought to treatment and represented an increase of 7.2% in successful partner service outcomes. Among the HIV internet contacts, 55 (17.1%) were tested for HIV; a 7.9% increase in successful partner outcomes.

Conclusions

By developing and maintaining IPS infrastructure in San Francisco, a substantially larger proportion of partners were able to be contacted by Disease Intervention Specialists (DIS) and successful outcomes of partner services increased for both syphilis and HIV.
O09.1 Voices of HIV Infected Children and Their Families
Authors: Panda B , Shaw K
Published: July 2013

Chandipur Mother & Child Welfare Society, in partnership with Bengal Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS tied up with district networks, to achieve the following objectives:

Building capacity of the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS to track children.

Assessing the profile of these children, their families and the extent to which these children are able to access basic services related to health, nutrition and education.

Sixty trained HIV positive network members collected the information in 2010–11. Information collected from the families have HIV/AIDS infected or exposed children. The study team traced 1,639 children in 995 families, out of whom 857 children were reported as HIV infected and 130 were exposed children. To gather more qualitative information, number of FGDs & consultations were held.

72% families fall in BPL category and mostly engaged in unorganised sector

29% of fathers and 33% of mothers illiterate

65% mothers not received any PPTCT services during their last pregnancy

11% transmission through contaminated blood and blood products

60% children receive care from a single institution

43% families have spent an out of pocket expense

Very few children who were tracked are below 2 years of age, indicating late detection & initiation of treatment

65% of eligible children attend school & 62% children, < six years are enrolled in ICDS

Parents exhibit an inherent fear of stigma and discrimination

The study reveals that most of these children belong to poor socio-economic condition. It emphasises the need to improve existing services in terms of timely access to appropriate medicine, treatment and nutrition.

It also strongly recommends the need to scale up the coverage of services towards virtual elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV. There is need to change in attitude of service providers and society at large to remove stigma and discrimination.
O09.4 Mobilization For HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B and C Testing During Brazil’s Carnival
Authors: Bolzan A , Santos E , Serafim D , Ayer E , Neto A , Chaves M , Araújo V , Cerqueira J
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Testing campaigns (entitled “Get to know”) during high-traffic public events have been conducted in Brazil since July 2008. On these occasions, people are offered information about health and prevention and rapid tests (RTs), as well as condoms and lubricating gels. Initially, only rapid HIV testing was conducted; RTs for syphilis screening was included in 2010 and hepatitis B and C screening in 2012. Twenty-two national mobilizations were organised between 2008 and 2012, with approximately 26,300 RTs performed.

Methodology

A large number of people attend the carnival celebrations in the cities of Recife and Salvador and are the focus of Ministry of Health campaigns. In 2013, for the first time, the “Get to Know” campaign in these cities offered RTs for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C. Testing was conducted in health centres near places where large numbers of people congregated and at temporary centres at the carnival venues. In cases with RT reactive results, patients received the test results and were referred to qualified services for follow-up and healthcare.

Results

More than 8,000 tests were performed during the four days of carnival in Recife and Salvador. In Salvador, 5,280 tests were conducted in three locations, and 1,458,984 condoms were distributed by eleven mobile teams. Of those tested, 16 were reactive for HIV, 84 for syphilis, 7 for hepatitis B, and 14 for hepatitis C. In Recife, 5,527 RTs were performed in 3 locations, and 800,000 condoms were distributed. Twenty people were reactive for HIV, 60 for syphilis, 2 for hepatitis B, and 4 for hepatitis C.

Conclusion

The “Get to Know” campaign has been proven efficient in scaling up access to early diagnosis and reaching large numbers of people with information about the importance of getting tested and with awareness-raising activities about prevention.
O10.3 Predictors of Women’s Intentions to Receive Cervical Cancer Screening with Primary HPV Testing
Authors: Ogilvie G , Smith L , Niekerk D van , Khurshed F , Greene S , Hobbs S , Coldman A , Franco E
Published: July 2013

Background

Primary HPV testing for cervical cancer screening (HPV-CCS) could result in significant CCS programme changes including extended screening intervals, later age to start of screening and use of a test for a sexually acquired infection. We examine the predictors of women’s intentions to undergo HPV-CCS compared to screening with Pap smears in different screening scenarios.

Methods

Participants from a Canadian trial of primary HPV CCS completed a survey which determined women’s intentions to attend CCS in three different models - (a): HPV-CCS conducted annually; (b): HPV-CCS conducted every 4 years; and (c): HPV-CCS conducted every 4 years and starting after age 25. Demographic and health data were assessed, and scales for attitudes about HPV testing (AT), perceived behavioural control (PBC) and direct and indirect subjective norms (SND, SNI) were created. Three logistic regression models were created, to determine predictors of women’s intentions to attend HPV-CCS in each scenario.

Results

981 of 2016 emailed surveys were completed. Eighty four percent of women intend to be screened with HPV, which decreased to 54.2% with an extended screening interval, and 51.4% with a delayed start of age 25. Predictors of intention to undergo HPV-CCS screening in Model A were attitudes (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.15, 1.30), SNI (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03) and PBC (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.10; 1.22). In Model B, predictors were attitudes (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.28; 1.37), and in Model C, predictors were attitudes (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.23; 1.30), education (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.37; 0.93), and PBC (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02; 1.10).

Discussion

Women’s intentions to be screened for cervical cancer with HPV decreases substantially with an extended screening interval and delayed screening start. CCS programmes considering primary HPV screening must ensure robust planning to mitigate any negative impact on screening attendance.
O10.6 A Potent Combination Microbicide Gel Inhibits SHIV-RT, HSV-2 and HPV Infectionsin Vivo
Authors: Kizima L , Rodriguez A , Kenney J , Hsu M , Derby N , Mizenina O , Menon R , Zydowsky T , Robbiani M , Fernandez-Romero J
Published: July 2013

Background

HIV acquisition is fueled by infection with HSV-2 and HPV. Microbicides that target all three STIs may more effectively limit HIV incidence. We previously showed that a gel containing the NNRTI MIV-150, zinc acetate (Z) and carrageenan (C, MZC) significantly protected macaques from vaginal SHIV-RT challenge, while ZC also protected mice against HSV-2 vaginally and rectally. Here we evaluate a new formulation of MZC optimised for clinical use against SHIV-RT, HSV-2, and HPV.

Methods

Toxicity was measured using the HSV-2 increased susceptibility model in mice. Macaques received gels vaginally every day for 14d followed by SHIV-RT (103TCID50) 8 or 24h post-last gel or SHIV-RT plus HSV-2 (2 × 108pfu) 8h post-last gel. Rectally, gels were applied 1h before SHIV-RT. Anti-HSV-2 and anti-HPV16 PsV activities were assessed by vaginally or rectally challenging mice with different viral doses 24h before to 8h after single gel application. Significance was determined by Fisher’s exact or Mann Whitney U tests (P < 0.05).

Results

MZC pretreatment did not enhance HSV-2 infection of mice. MZC protected macaques against vaginal SHIV-RT infection (in the presence or absence of HSV-2) for up to 8h (p < 0.0001 vs. C) and rectal SHIV-RT infection (0/5 MZC infected vs. 1/4 C; C barrier effect). While MZC only reduced vaginal HSV-2 infection of macaques by 27% after challenge with 2 × 108 pfu, MZC significantly reduced vaginal (p < 0.0001) and rectal (p = 0.0187) HSV-2 infection of mice when 106 pfu were applied immediately and also when 5 × 103 pfu were applied between 8h before and 2h after vaginal challenge (p < 0.0021). Protection of mice against HPV16 PsV was significant (p < 0.0001 vs. HEC) for MZC applied up to 24h before and 2h after challenge.

Conclusion

MZC provides a durable window of protection against SHIV-RT, HSV-2, and HPVin vivo, making MZC an excellent candidate microbicide for clinical use.
O13.1 The Use of Rapid Epidemic Appraisals For Planning and Scaling Up Focused HIV Prevention Programmes For Female Sex Workers in Nigeria
Authors: Ikpeazu A , Daniel U , Momah A , Ameyan W , Mari B Madu , Akala F A , Blanchard J
Published: July 2013

Background

The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex with substantial heterogeneity in its distribution across different regions and diverse factors that drive the epidemic. Therefore, it is critical that HIV prevention programmes and strategies match the local context and that resources are allocated to interventions with the greatest impact. Nigeria’s National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) is coordinating a large-scale initiative to conduct rapid epidemic appraisals across most states, including the mapping and size estimates of female sex workers (FSWs). Seven states have completed the appraisal of FSWs, and are now planning programmes accordingly.

Methodology

Mapping was done using a two-level process of identifying and validating locations where FSWs solicit and/or meet clients. The first level involved conducting interviews with secondary key informants to collect information on the location and profile of hotspots, size estimates and typology of FSWs. The second level was done by interviewing primary key informants (FSWs themselves) at each hotspot to validate the information collected and generate more detailed information.

Results

A total of 10,233 hotspots were identified across the states and 126,489 FSWs {Hotel/Lodge (29.6%) Bar/Nightclub (30%), Home based (4.1%), Brothel (14.6%) and Street based (16.6%)} were mapped. There was substantial variability in the population density of FSWs (per thousand adult men) across the states ranging from 17 in Abuja to 2 in Anambra. Furthermore, there were clear differences in the density of FSWs per spot with the mean number of FSWs/spot ranging from 17 in Abuja to 8 in Ondo.

Conclusion

The FSW population in Nigeria is large and diverse, with substantial differences between and within states with respect to the population size, density and organisational typologies of sex work. This information is central to Nigeria’s planning process for scaling up focused HIV prevention programmes and services.
O14.2 Predictors and Pathogens Among 4,326 Cases of Acute Non-Gonoccocal Urethritis
Authors: Rane V S , Fairley C K , Weerakoon A , Chen M Y , Read T R , Bradshaw C S
Published: July 2013

Background

This large series examines the behavioural, demographic and laboratory characteristics and pathogens among males with first presentation of acute NGU.

Methods

Retrospective review using the electronic-medical record database of Melbourne Sexual Health Centre, Australia, from January 2006 to December 2011. Cases were men with their first presentation with symptoms of acute NGU, in this period. First-stream urine was routinely tested forC.trachomatisandM.genitaliumby PCR, and selectively tested, for trichomoniasis by culture, and HSV-1/2, and adenoviruses by PCR. We examined characteristics of cases, stratifying by pathogen, pathogen-clusters and sexual preference.

Results

Of 5452 cases of acute NGU during the study period, 4326 (79%) first presentations were included. 799(18.5%) hadC.trachomatis,and 264(6.0%)M.genitaliumdetected. Of cases tested selectively on clinical grounds: 28/70 had adenovirus, 31/85 HSV-1/2 and 2/50 trichomoniasis. The majority (74.5%) had no pathogen-detected. Cases with bacterial-STIs were more likely than cases with viruses to have ≥ 5 PMNL/HPF on urethral Gram-stain (62.6% vs 31.5%),p < 0.001. Cases with viruses or no pathogen detected, were more likely to report unprotected oro-genital sex as their only exposure (10.3% & 10%,respectively) compared to cases with bacterial-STIs (5.2%),p < 0.001. Compared to heterosexuals, men who have sex with men (MSM) were less likely to have a bacterial-STI (OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4–0.6, p < 0.001), more likely to have no pathogen-detected (OR = 1.9; 95% CI: 0.1.6–2.3, p < 0.001), and to report 100% condom-use (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 3.5–4.9, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to heterosexual men, MSM were less likely to haveC.trachomatisandM.genitaliumand more likely to have no pathogen detected in acute NGU. Cases with viral agents and pathogen-negative cases were significantly more likely to report unprotected oral sex as the only exposure, raising the possibility that other oropharyngeal pathogens may have an aetiologic role in acute NGU. The urethral Gram stain cut off ≥ 5 PMNL/HPF fails to detect a significant proportion of cases with bacterial and viral pathogens.
O16.1 The Behavioural Impact of Chlamydia Testing and Attitudes Towards Testing Among Young Adults in England
Authors: Hartney T , Baraitser P , Nardone A
Published: July 2013

Background

In England, the National Chlamydia Screening Programme aims to control chlamydia infection in young adults (aged 15–24 years old) through opportunistic testing. This study aimed to investigate the impact of testing on young adults’ subsequent healthcare seeking and sexual behaviour. Young adults’ attitudes to chlamydia and chlamydia testing are important barriers to screening, and thus questions on attitudes to testing and reasons for not testing were included.

Methods

A cross-sectional web-based anonymous survey of 1,521 young adults aged 16–24 resident in England was conducted using a nationally representative research panel. The impact of chlamydia testing on subsequent behaviour, and attitudes towards chlamydia testing, were assessed by asking respondents to use a Likert scale to score how well they agreed with a series of statements.

Results

Just under half (46%; 695/1,521) of respondents had been tested for chlamydia previously: of whom 14% (94/695) reported ever having received a positive result. Those tested (n = 695) reported a positive impact on subsequent healthcare seeking behaviour (e.g. 68% agreeing that they were more likely to test again), and a smaller impact on sexual behaviour (e.g. 40% agreeing that they were more likely to use condoms consistently). Having positive attitudes towards chlamydia testing was associated with a higher likelihood of having been tested (OR 4.9; 95% CI 3.9–6.1). Of those sexually active but not tested (32%; 488/1,521), 70% did not consider themselves to be at risk.

Conclusions

Young adults reported that being tested for chlamydia had a positive impact on their willingness to engage with future testing, and a smaller impact on subsequent sexual behaviour. The use of online surveys is warranted as the results were comparable to those of nationally representative population based surveys. Addressing young adults’ underlying attitudes towards testing and perceptions of risk could increase their willingness to test for chlamydia.
O17.1 Increased HIV Prevention Programme Coverage and Decline in HIV Prevalence Among Female Sex Workers in South India
Authors: Alary M , Banandur P , Rajaram S P , Thammattoor U K , Thomas T , Mainkar M K , Paranjape R , Adhikary R , Duchesne T , Ramesh B M
Published: July 2013

Objectives

As one way of assessing the impact ofAvahan, the India AIDS Initiative of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we examined the association between HIV prevention programme indicators and changes in HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs) between 2006 and 2010.

Methods

HIV prevalence among FSWs was measured in two large surveys (2006 and 2010) across 24 districts in south India (n∼11,000 per round). A random-effect multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed using HIV as the outcome, with individual independent variables (from both surveys) at level 1 and district-level FSW-specific programme indicators (from theAvahancomputerised monitoring system) and contextual variables (from Indian government datasets) at level 2. Program indicators included their 2006 value, the difference in their values between the surveys, and the interaction between the latter and study round. The analysis also controlled for baseline HIV prevalence and its interaction with study round.

Results

HIV prevalence among FSWs decreased from 17.0% (round 1) to 14.2% (round 2; p < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) of the interaction term between the difference in programme coverage (% of FSWs contacted by the programme in a given year) and the survey round was 0.995 (p = 0.006), indicating that increased coverage was significantly associated with the decline in HIV prevalence between rounds. ORs comparing HIV prevalence between rounds varied with the level of increase in coverage and were statistically significant with coverage increase ≥ quartile (Q) 1: OR = 0.85 at Q1, 0.78 at Q2, 0.66 at Q3 and 0.51 at Q4.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that increased programme coverage was associated with declining HIV prevalence among FSWs covered by theAvahanprogramme. The triangulation of our results with those from other approaches used in evaluatingAvahansuggests a major impact of this intervention on the HIV epidemic in southern India.
O17.5 Impact of Comprehensive HIV/AIDS - Youth Peer Education Program with Integrated ‘Life Skills’ and ‘Community Links’ Components on Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour of Youths in 65 Schools in 2 Districts of Karnataka State, India
Authors: Borkar P
Published: July 2013

Background

Rapid physical and psychosocial development, wrong information, tendency to experiment and sociocultural sensitivity to discuss issues around sexuality make young people vulnerable to HIV. In 2009, young people aged 15–24 accounted for 41% of new HIV infections in people aged > 15. The objective of this evaluation was to analyse the impact of comprehensive HIV/AIDS Youth Peer Education Program (April 2008-March 2011) on knowledge, attitude and behaviour of targeted youths comparing with those without any such intervention.

Methods

As part of evaluation in February–March 2011, a sample of 26 programme schools was chosen (confidence level of 95% and confidence interval of +/- 15%). One non-programme school was selected for every two sample programme schools. The multistage stratified systematic random sampling method was deployed for selection of students and self-administered structured questionnaires were given. Descriptive statistics, graphical representations and cross tabulation of relevant factors were used for data analysis. Also, z and chi - square tests were applied at relevant places.

Results

Overall knowledge about HIV/AIDS was found significantly better in schools having peer education mechanism. Awareness on HIV testing centres was more among programme students (92%) in-comparison to non-programme student (62%). Most students from programme schools (99%) indicated positive attitude towards people living with HIV than non-programme students (39%). Adaptations of ‘prevention methods’ was high in programme students (91%) than in non-programme students (53%). Most of the programme students reported getting influenced to adopt safe sex practises (z-6.062, p-0.0001). Statistically significant no. of parents of programme students reported noticing improvement in inter-personal behaviour of their children (z-8.411, p-0.0001).

Conclusion

Comprehensive youth peer education with integrated ‘life skills’ and ‘community links’ components can be the strategy for India and many other countries who are struggling for a comprehensive, culturally appropriate, sustainable and cost-effective strategy for adolescent/youth education on HIV/AIDS.
O18.6 Persistence of PharyngealChlamydia TrachomatisFor 1–2 Weeks is Common Among Clients at the Amsterdam STI Clinic
Authors: Rooijen M S van , Loeff M F Schim van der , Dam A P van , Speksnijder A G C L , Vries H J C de
Published: July 2013

Background

PharyngealChlamydia trachomatis(PCt) must persist to contribute to ongoing transmission. We examined the prevalence, persistence and determinants of PCt among STI clinic clients.

Methods

All men having sex with men (MSM) and women with a high risk profile were screened for anogenital and pharyngeal Ct with the APTIMACombo2 assay. After one week, clients with PCt were recalled for treatment, a follow-up pharyngeal swab and a questionnaire. Clients who used antibiotics since first visit were excluded from the analysis.

Results

Between January 2011 and July 2012, we detected 148 PCt in MSM (13,111 visits; prevalence 1.1%) and 160 PCt in women (6,915 visits; 2.3%). In both groups, PCt was associated with being notified for STI, concurrent urogenital Ct and > 10 partners, but not with pharyngeal symptoms. Women reporting sex work had a lower risk, while women with pharyngeal gonorrhoea and MSM with anorectal Ct had a higher risk for PCt. 53% of MSM and 32% of women with PCt had no concurrent anogenitial Ct.

Of 43 (29%) MSM and 55 (34%) women, follow-up swabs and questionnaire data were available. The median time between both visits was 10 days. PCt persisted in 27 (63%) MSM and in 35 (64%) women. In both groups 50% had unprotected active oral sex between first and second visit, but this did not affect persistence.

Among MSM no determinants for persistence were detected; among women being notified for STI, younger age and urogenital Ct were significantly associated with persistence in univariate analysis.

Among clients (n = 16) whose second visit was more than 3 weeks after the first visit, 11 (69%) had PCt at second visit.

Discussion

The prevalence of PCt is low among STI clinic clients, but persistence is common. Therefore, the pharynx is a potential reservoir for ongoing Ct transmission.
O21.3 Fitness Studies onNeisseria GonorrhoeaeHarboring MosaicpenAAlleles from Ceftriaxone-Resistant Isolates Predict the Spread of Resistance to Extended-Spectrum Cephalosporins
Authors: Vincent L R , Unemo M , Duncan M , Nicholas R A , Jerse A E
Published: July 2013

Background

Approximately 106 million cases of gonorrhoea occur worldwide each year. Gonorrhea significantly affects reproductive health and increases transmission of HIV. Antibiotic treatment is a critical control measure; however, this strategy is threatened by the rapid evolution of resistance inNeisseria gonorrhoeae(Gc). Gc susceptibility to ceftriaxone, the last remaining option for antibiotic monotherapy, has decreased globally over the last decade. Recently Gc has been elevated to “superbug” status due to the emergence of ceftriaxone-resistant (CROR) strains. Dual antibiotic therapy is now recommended in the USA and Europe. Ceftriaxone resistance in Gc is conferred primarily by mosaicpenAalleles that encode an altered penicillin-binding protein 2 with up to 70 amino acid substitutions. Whether acquisition of these mosaic alleles is accompanied by a fitness cost is unknown.

Methods and Results

Here we examined the impact of mosaicpenAalleles from two well-characterised CRORclinical isolates, H041 (MIC = 2–4 µg/ml) and F89 (MIC = 1–2 µg/ml), on Gcfitnessin vitroandin vivo. The wild-typepenAallele of laboratory strain FA19 (CROS) was replaced bypenA41orpenA89to create mutants FA19penA41and FA19penA89, respectively. Acquisition of the mosaic alleles increased ceftriaxone resistance ≥ 500-fold. Both mutants grew significantly slower than FA19 in liquid culture. When cultured competitively with the parent strain, FA19penA41and FA19penA89demonstrated a fitness defect, as measured by competitive index. Mutants were attenuated relative to the parent strain during competitive murine infection. However, only CRORbacteria were recovered at later time points from 3 of 7 mice co-inoculated with FA19penA41andFA19, suggesting selection of compensatory mutationsin vivo.

Conclusions

Acquisition ofmosaic alleles significantly reduced fitness of Gc, but compensatory mutations can be selectedin vivothat alleviate fitness defects while maintaining resistance. Our studies may be useful in predicting the national and international spread of CRORGc.
Proteolytic antigens interfere with endosome/lysosome fusion in epithelial cells
Authors: Liao Yu-Wei , Wu Xing-Mao , Jia Jia , Wu Xiao-Lei , Tao Hong , Wang Hai-Yuan
Published: July 2013

The airway epithelial barrier function is important in maintaining the homeostasis in the body. A number of airway disorders are associated with the epithelial barrier dysfunction. The present study aims to elucidate a possible mechanism by which the proteolytic allergens compromise the epithelial barrier function. The airway epithelial cell line, RPMI 2650 cells (Rp cells) and kidney epithelial cell line, MDCK cells, were cultured to be monolayers and used as an in vitro epithelial barrier model. House dust mite antigen, Der P1 (Der) was used as an antigen that has the proteolytic property. The epithelial barrier permeability and transepithelial resistance (TER) were used as the indicators of epithelial barrier function. Both epithelial cell lines could endocytose Der in the culture. Some of the Der was transported across the epithelial barrier to the basal chambers of the Transwells without affecting the TER. The endocytic Der could suppress the expression of ubiquitin E3 lases A20 and further interfered with the fusion of endosome/lysosome in the epithelial cells. Mite antigen, Der, can interfere with the fusion of endosome/lysosome in epithelial cells to induce the epithelial barrier dysfunction.
Addressing catch mechanisms in gillnets improves modeling of selectivity and estimates of mortality rates: a case study using survey data on an endangered stock of Arctic char
Authors: Jonsson Tomas , Setzer Malin , Pope John G. , Sandström Alfred
Published: July 2013

Estimation of fish stock size distributions from survey data requires knowledge about gear selectivity. However, selectivity models rest on assumptions that seldom are analyzed. Departures from these can lead to misinterpretations and biased management recommendations. Here, we use survey data on great Arctic char (Salvelinus umbla) to analyze how correcting for entanglement of fish and nonisometric growth might improve estimates of selectivity curves, and subsequently estimates of size distribution and age-specific mortality. Initial selectivity curves, using the entire data set, were wide and asymmetric, with poor model fits. Removing potentially nonmeshed fish had the greatest positive effect on model fit, resulting in much narrower and less asymmetric selection curves, while attempting to take nonisometric growth into account, by using girth rather than length, improved model fit but not as much. Using simulations we show that correcting for both entanglement and size selectivity produces accurate estimates of mortality rates, while correcting for size selectivity only does not. Our study demonstrates an approach that increases the accuracy of estimates of fish size distributions and mortality rates from survey data.
Utilizing random forest analysis with otolith mass and total fish length to obtain rapid and objective estimates of fish age
Authors: Dub Joshua D. , Redman Rebecca A. , Wahl David H. , Czesny Sergiusz J.
Published: July 2013

Age estimates from otolith morphometrics represent a rapid and objective alternative to traditional ageing techniques though use has been limited to marine and short-lived freshwater species. We utilized random forest analysis with otolith mass, total length, and several temporal and spatial predictor variables to assess variable importance and accuracy of age estimates for age-0 through age-11 yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in southwestern Lake Michigan. Accuracy of age predictions decreased with increasing age as 95% of juvenile (age-0 through age-2) ages were predicted correctly compared with 55% for adults (age-3 through age-11). Precision of age estimates within 1 year of reader-assigned age were high for both juvenile and adult yellow perch at 100% and 86%, respectively. Otolith mass was the most important predictor variable; however, substantial overlap existed among adult ages. Random forest analysis utilizing otolith mass, total length, and other pertinent predictor variables represents an applicable tool to reduce subjectivity and resource expenditure while providing accurate age estimates for juvenile and short-lived fishes.
Spatially structured interactions between lobsters and lobster fishers in a coastal habitat: fine-scale behaviour and survival estimated from acoustic telemetry
Authors: Wiig Jørgen Ree , Moland Even , Haugen Thrond O. , Olsen Esben Moland
Published: July 2013

Fishing can have profound impacts on the ecology and evolution of marine populations. Understanding population-level changes ultimately depends on knowledge about individual survival and how it varies in time and space. We used acoustic tags and a network of receivers to monitor individual behaviour and fate of European lobster (Homarus gammarus) exposed to commercial and recreational trap fisheries on the Norwegian Skagerrak coast. In August 2011, 50 male lobsters above minimum legal size were tagged and monitored before and during the lobster fishing season. We also quantified the spatial and temporal variation in fishing activity. There was no significant effect of home-range size on the probability of surviving the fishery. However, there was substantial fine-scale spatial variation in fishing activity, and lobsters with short-term home ranges positioned away from trap-dense areas had a significantly higher survival probability. Also, the overall survival probability of 16.7% suggests that fishing depletes the catchable lobster population at a high rate. The current harvesting regime may drive selection in favour of movement behaviours avoiding habitats typically targeted by fishers.
The eruption of a high-pressure cylindrical heavy gas cloud
Authors: Zhuang Zhihong , Xue Dawen , Chen Zhihua , Jiang Xiaohai
Published: July 2013

The physical explosion of a high-pressure and cylindrical dense gas (SF6) cloud has been simulated with the use of large eddy simulation (LES), and hybrid high-order schemes have been employed to solve the LES equations. Our results show that, while the shockwave is exploding from the SF6 to the air, it bifurcates into the reflected rarefaction wave and the transmitted shock, and a reverse shock also appears. The rarefaction wave moves inward first, the Richtmyer–Meshkov (RM) instabilities occur as the transmitted shock accelerates the interface between the SF6 and the air. Later, the rarefaction wave merges with the reverse shock, and finally converges at the origin of the cloud, which generates a strong circular reflected shock, and makes the flow field complex.
CURRENT ALGEBRA FUNCTORS AND EXTENSIONS
Authors: ALEKSEEV ANTON , SEVERA PAVOL , VIZMAN CORNELIA
Published: July 2013

We show how the fundamental cocycles on current Lie algebras and the Lie algebra of symmetries for the sigma model are obtained via the current algebra functors introduced in [A. Alekseev and P. Severa, Equivariant cohomology and current algebras, Confluentes Math.4 (2012) 1250001, 40 pp.]. We present current group extensions integrating some of these current Lie algebra extensions.
ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF HOMOGENEOUS HYPERSURFACES IN COMPLEX SPACE
Authors: ISAEV A. V.
Published: July 2013

We discuss a family [Formula: see text], with n ≥ 2, t > 1, of real hypersurfaces in a complex affine n-dimensional quadric arising in connection with the classification of homogeneous compact simply connected real-analytic hypersurfaces in ℂn due to Morimoto and Nagano. To finalize their classification, one needs to resolve the problem of the embeddability of [Formula: see text] in ℂn for n = 3, 7. We show that [Formula: see text] is not embeddable in ℂ7 for every t and that [Formula: see text] is embeddable in ℂ3 for all 1 < t < 1 + 10-6. As a consequence of our analysis of a map constructed by Ahern and Rudin, we also conjecture that the embeddability of [Formula: see text] takes place for all [Formula: see text].
ELEMENTARY EXCITATIONS DUE TO ORBITAL DEGREES OF FREEDOM IN IRON-BASED SUPERCONDUCTORS
Authors: LEE WEI-CHENG , LV WEICHENG , ARHAM HAMOOD Z.
Published: July 2013

One central issue under intense debate in the study of the iron-based superconductors is the origin of the structural phase transition that changes the crystal lattice symmetry from tetragonal to orthorhombic. This structural phase transition, occurring universally in almost every family of the iron-based superconductors, breaks the lattice C4 rotational symmetry and results in an anisotropy in a number of physical properties. Due to the unique topology of the Fermi surface, both orbital- and spin-based scenarios have been proposed as the driving force. In this review, we focus on theories from the orbital-based scenario and discuss several related experiments. It is pointed out that although both scenarios lead to the same macroscopic phases and are not distinguishable in bulk measurements of the thermodynamic properties, the elementary excitations could be fundamentally different, and provide us with the possibility to resolve this long-standing debate between orbital- and spin-based theories.
THE GORDIAN COMPLEX OF VIRTUAL KNOTS BY FORBIDDEN MOVES
Authors: HORIUCHI SUMIKO , OHYAMA YOSHIYUKI
Published: July 2013

Hirasawa and Uchida defined the Gordian complex of knots which is a simplicial complex whose vertices consist of all knot types in S3. In this paper, we define the Gordian complex of virtual knots by using forbidden moves. We show that for any virtual knot K0 and for any given natural number n, there exists a family of virtual knots {K0, K1, …, Kn} such that for any pair (Ki, Kj) of distinct elements of the family, the Gordian distance of virtual knots by forbidden moves dF(Ki, Kj) = 1.
BAYESIAN SELF-ORGANIZING MAP FOR DATA CLASSIFICATION AND CLUSTERING
Authors: GUO XIAOLIAN , WANG HAIYING , GLASS DAVID H.
Published: July 2013

The Bayesian self-organizing map (BSOM) has typically been used for density estimation. In this study, we implemented an adaptation of the model for performing unsupervized and supervised classification. In order to determine the optimal number of neurons to represent the given dataset during the learning process, an extended Bayesian learning process is proposed called the growing BSOM. It starts with two neurons and adds new neurons to the network via a process in which the neuron with the lowest individual log-likelihood is identified. The system has been tested using three synthetic datasets and one real dataset. The experimental results suggest that the BSOM-based approach can achieve better classification performance in comparisons to several widely-used models such as k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM) and Gaussian mixture model (GMM). By using the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) as a stopping criterion, the growing BSOM can model the data under study and estimate the number of clusters.
HETEROCLINIC BIFURCATIONS OF A PREY–PREDATOR FISHERY MODEL WITH IMPULSIVE HARVESTING
Authors: WEI CHUNJIN , CHEN LANSUN
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we consider a prey–predator fishery model with Allee effect and state-dependent impulsive harvesting. First, we investigate the existence of order-1 heteroclinic cycle. Second, choosing p as a control parameter, we obtain the sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of order-1 periodic solution of system (2.3) by using the geometry theory of semi-continuous dynamic systems. Finally, on the basis of the theory of rotated vector fields, heteroclinic bifurcation to perturbed system of system (2.3) is also studied. The methods used in this paper are novel to prove the existence of order-1 heteroclinic cycle and heteroclinic bifurcations.
Systems Biology Characterization of Engineered Tissues
Authors: Rajagopalan Padmavathy , Kasif Simon , Murali T.M.
Published: July 2013

Tissue engineering and molecular systems biology are inherently interdisciplinary fields that have been developed independently so far. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction to tissue engineering and to molecular systems biology. Next, we highlight some prominent applications of systems biology techniques in tissue engineering. Finally, we outline research directions that can successfully blend these two fields. Through these examples, we propose that experimental and computational advances in molecular systems biology can lead to predictive models of bioengineered tissues that enhance our understanding of bioengineered systems. In turn, the unique challenges posed by tissue engineering will usher in new experimental techniques and computational advances in systems biology.
The inhibitory effect of Gβγand Gβisoform specificity on ENaC activity
Authors: Yu Ling , Al-Khalili Otor , Duke Billie Jeanne , Stockand James D. , Eaton Douglas C. , Bao Hui-Fang
Published: July 2013

Epithelial Na+channel (ENaC) activity, which determines the rate of renal Na+reabsorption, can be regulated by G protein-coupled receptors. Regulation of ENaC by Gα-mediated downstream effectors has been studied extensively, but the effect of Gβγdimers on ENaC is unclear. A6 cells endogenously contain high levels of Gβ1but low levels of Gβ3, Gβ4, and Gβ5were detected by Q-PCR. We tested Gγ2combined individually with Gβ1through Gβ5expressed in A6 cells, after which we recorded single-channel ENaC activity. Among the five β and γ2combinations, β1γ2strongly inhibits ENaC activity by reducing both ENaC channel number ( N) and open probability ( Po) compared with control cells. In contrast, the other four β-isoforms combined with γ2have no significant effect on ENaC activity. By using various inhibitors to probe Gβ1γ2effects on ENaC regulation, we found that Gβ1γ2-mediated ENaC inhibition involved activation of phospholipase C-β and its enzymatic products that induce protein kinase C and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
Evidence for increased renal tubule and parathyroid gland sensitivity to serum calcium in human idiopathic hypercalciuria
Authors: Worcester Elaine M. , Bergsland Kristin J. , Gillen Daniel L. , Coe Fredric L.
Published: July 2013

Patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria (IH) have decreased renal calcium reabsorption, most marked in the postprandial state, but the mechanisms are unknown. We compared 29 subjects with IH and 17 normal subjects (N) each fed meals providing identical amounts of calcium. Urine and blood samples were collected fasting and after meals. Levels of three candidate signalers, serum calcium (SCa), insulin (I), and plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH), did not differ between IH and N either fasting or fed, but all changed with feeding, and the change in SCa was greater in IH than in N. Regression analysis of fractional excretion of calcium (FECa) was significant for PTH and SCa in IH but not N. With the use of multivariable analysis, Sca entered the model while PTH and I did not. To avoid internal correlation we decomposed FECa into its independent terms: adjusted urine calcium (UCa) and UFCa molarity. Analyses using adjusted Uca and unadjusted Uca parallel those using FECa, showing a dominant effect of SCa with no effect of PTH or I. The effect of SCa may be mediated via vitamin D receptor-stimulated increased abundance of basolateral Ca receptor, which is supported by the fact PTH levels also seem more responsive to serum Ca in IH than in N. Although our data support an effect of SCa on FECa and UCa, which is more marked in IH than in N, it can account for only a modest fraction of the meal effect, perhaps 10–20%, suggesting additional mediators are also responsible for the exaggerated postprandial hypercalciuria seen in IH.
Shifted encoding strategy in retinal luminance adaptation: from firing rate to neural correlation
Authors: Xiao Lei , Zhang Mingsha , Xing Dajun , Liang Pei-Ji , Wu Si
Published: July 2013

Neuronal responses to prolonged stimulation attenuate over time. Here, we ask a fundamental question: is adaptation a simple process for the neural system during which sustained input is ignored, or is it actually part of a strategy for the neural system to adjust its encoding properties dynamically? After simultaneously recording the activities of a group of bullfrog's retinal ganglion cells (dimming detectors) in response to sustained dimming stimulation, we applied a combination of information analysis approaches to explore the time-dependent nature of information encoding during the adaptation. We found that at the early stage of the adaptation, the stimulus information was mainly encoded in firing rates, whereas at the late stage of the adaptation, it was more encoded in neural correlations. Such a transition in encoding properties is not a simple consequence of the attenuation of neuronal firing rates, but rather involves an active change in the neural correlation strengths, suggesting that it is a strategy adopted by the neural system for functional purposes. Our results reveal that in encoding a prolonged stimulation, the neural system may utilize concerted, but less active, firings of neurons to encode information.