Protocol of a drug-drug interaction study between bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and feminizing hormones in trans women living with HIV.

AIMS: Trans/transfeminine women are disproportionally affected by HIV. Concerns regarding negative drug-drug interactions (DDIs) between ART drugs and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), specifically feminizing hormone therapy (FHT), may contribute to the lower ART uptake by trans women with HIV compared with their cis counterparts. The aim of this study is to investigate the bidirectional pharmacokinetic effects of components of FHT regimens (oral oestradiol and androgen-suppressing medications) with the ART regimen (bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide [B/F/TAF)]. METHODS: We present a protocol for a three-armed, parallel-group, longitudinal (6-month), DDI study. Group 1 includes 15 3trans women with HIV taking FHT and ART; group 2 includes 15 premenopausal cis women with HIV taking ART; group 3 includes 15 trans women without HIV taking FHT. Women with HIV must be on or switch to B/F/TAF at baseline and be virally suppressed for ≥3 months. Trans women must be taking a stable regimen of ≥2 mg daily oral oestradiol and an anti-androgen (pharmaceutical, and/or surgical, and/or medical) for ≥3 months. Plasma ART drug concentrations will be sampled at Month 2 and compared between groups 1 and 2. Serum oestradiol concentrations will be sampled at baseline and Month 2 visits and compared between groups 1 and 3. The primary outcomes are B/F/TAF pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmin, Cmax and AUC) and oestradiol concentrations (Cmin, C4h, Cmax and AUC) at month 2. DISCUSSION: This study is of global importance as it provides critical information regarding safe coadministration of B/F/TAF and FHT, both of which are life-saving therapies for trans women with HIV.

Cultural Responsiveness in Academic Physical Therapy: An Administrative Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes how the administrative leadership of 1 physical therapy department curated, implemented, and evaluated a culturally responsive administrative support strategy to foster a positive working environment. Authors summarize participants' perceptions of culturally responsive practices using climate survey data. METHODS: This case occurred in the physical therapy and rehabilitation science department at an American academic medical center. The department administers 5 educational programs, 3 faculty practices, a community clinic, and a robust research enterprise, and employs over 100 employees. After a historic socio-cultural event, administrators implemented a series of actions to understand the needs of department employees and to respond in a culturally responsive manner. Interventions included supportive activities, educational opportunities, and community-building events. The department administered an annual climate survey to assess the employees' perceptions of the working climate, perceived impacts of the culturally responsive interventions, and suggestions for improving department climate. Survey analysis included frequency statistics (STATA Version 17; StataCorp LLC; College Station, Texas, USA) and thematic content analysis with sensitizing concepts from a culturally responsive practice framework previously applied in primary and secondary school settings. RESULTS: A total of 131 employees participated in the annual climate survey from 2020 to 2022. Employees' confidence to identify and address microaggressions in working environments showed trends of overall improvement, and overall self-reported experiences with racial discrimination decreased. Participants reported positive trends in addressing discrimination among colleagues, but difficulty addressing offensive behaviors perpetrated by patients. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that culturally responsive interventions are associated with positive trends in employee climate. Interventions tailored to the audience and curated to deepen cultural knowledge, enhance self-awareness, and validate others, fostered a shared commitment to cultural equity. IMPACT: Administrative leaders have a role in fostering an inclusive climate by capitalizing on culturally significant teachable moments with sound culturally responsive strategy, bi-directional culturally sensitive communication, individual development, and collective action.

Clinical HIV outcome trajectories associated with a history of child protective service out-of-home care: Longitudinal cohort findings with women living with HIV in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: Knowledge gaps exist regarding the effects of experiencing child protective services (CPS) out-of-home care (e.g. foster homes) among women with HIV. We examined whether CPS out-of-home care was associated with HIV clinical outcome trajectories among women with HIV in a longitudinal cohort study in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, Canada. METHODS: At three timepoints across 5 years (2013-2018), we examined self-reported current antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and viral load (VL) detectability (>50 copies/mL). We used latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to identify trajectories of ART use and VL outcomes across study waves. LCGA identifies subgroups (classes) with similar trajectories within the sample. We assessed whether HIV outcome trajectories could be predicted by CPS history. We then conducted a mediation analysis to test whether a mental health latent construct mediated the association between CPS history and detectable VL. RESULTS: Nearly one-fifth (n = 272; 19%) of participants (n = 1422; mean age 42.8 years) reported CPS out-of-home care. Most participants (89%) were in classes that consistently used ART and had an undetectable VL. Individuals with CPS out-of-home care histories were twice as likely to have a consistently detectable VL (ß = 0.72, p = 0.02); there were no differences in ART use trajectories. In mediation analyses, we found an indirect path from CPS history to a consistently detectable VL via baseline mental health status (ß = 0.02, 95% confidence interval 0.005-0.04, p = 0.02), with a significant odds ratio (1.12, z = 2.43, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Among women with HIV in Canada, experiencing childhood CPS out-of-home care was associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving viral suppression, via poorer mental health.

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.

Cellulose Nanofiber-Alginate Biotemplated Cobalt Composite Multifunctional Aerogels for Energy Storage Electrodes.

Tunable porous composite materials to control metal and metal oxide functionalization, conductivity, pore structure, electrolyte mass transport, mechanical strength, specific surface area, and magneto-responsiveness are critical for a broad range of energy storage, catalysis, and sensing applications. Biotemplated transition metal composite aerogels present a materials approach to address this need. To demonstrate a solution-based synthesis method to develop cobalt and cobalt oxide aerogels for high surface area multifunctional energy storage electrodes, carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and alginate biopolymers were mixed to form hydrogels to serve as biotemplates for cobalt nanoparticle formation via the chemical reduction of cobalt salt solutions. The CNF-alginate mixture forms a physically entangled, interpenetrating hydrogel, combining the properties of both biopolymers for monolith shape and pore size control and abundant carboxyl groups that bind metal ions to facilitate biotemplating. The CNF-alginate hydrogels were equilibrated in CaCl2 and CoCl2 salt solutions for hydrogel ionic crosslinking and the prepositioning of transition metal ions, respectively. The salt equilibrated hydrogels were chemically reduced with NaBH4, rinsed, solvent exchanged in ethanol, and supercritically dried with CO2 to form aerogels with a specific surface area of 228 m2/g. The resulting aerogels were pyrolyzed in N2 gas and thermally annealed in air to form Co and Co3O4 porous composite electrodes, respectively. The multifunctional composite aerogel's mechanical, magnetic, and electrochemical functionality was characterized. The coercivity and specific magnetic saturation of the pyrolyzed aerogels were 312 Oe and 114 emu/gCo, respectively. The elastic moduli of the supercritically dried, pyrolyzed, and thermally oxidized aerogels were 0.58, 1.1, and 14.3 MPa, respectively. The electrochemical testing of the pyrolyzed and thermally oxidized aerogels in 1 M KOH resulted in specific capacitances of 650 F/g and 349 F/g, respectively. The rapidly synthesized, low-cost, hydrogel-based synthesis for tunable transition metal multifunctional composite aerogels is envisioned for a wide range of porous metal electrodes to address energy storage, catalysis, and sensing applications.

Oestradiol concentrations in trans women with HIV suppressed on unboosted integrase inhibitor regimens versus trans women without HIV taking oral oestradiol: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) is essential to many trans women. Concern about negative drug interactions between FHT and ART can be an ART adherence barrier among trans women with HIV. OBJECTIVES: In this single-centre, parallel group, cross-sectional pilot study, we measured serum oestradiol concentrations in trans women with HIV taking FHT and unboosted integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based ART versus trans women without HIV taking FHT. METHODS: We included trans women with and without HIV, aged ≥18 years, taking ≥2 mg/day of oral oestradiol for at least 3 months plus an anti-androgen. Trans women with HIV were on suppressive ART ≥3 months. Serum oestradiol concentrations were measured prior to medication dosing and 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-dose. Median oestradiol concentrations were compared between groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Participants (n = 8 with HIV, n = 7 without) had a median age of 32 (IQR: 28, 39) years. Among participants, the median oral oestradiol dose was 4 mg (range 2-6 mg). Participants had been taking FHT for a median of 4 years (IQR: 2, 8). Six trans women with HIV were taking bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and two were taking dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine. All oestradiol concentrations were not significantly different between groups. Eleven (73%) participants had target oestradiol concentrations in the range 200-735 pmol/L at C4h (75% among women with HIV, 71% among those without HIV). CONCLUSIONS: Oestradiol concentrations were not statistically different in trans women with HIV compared with those without HIV, suggesting a low probability of clinically relevant drug-drug interactions between FHT and unboosted INSTI-based ART.

Canadian Pediatric & Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group consensus recommendations for infant feeding in the HIV context.

Background: Providing comprehensive infant feeding guidance to families affected by HIV is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach. While exclusive formula feeding remains the preferred recommendation for infants born to women living with HIV (WLWH) in high-income countries, a more nuanced approach that may include the option of breastfeeding under certain circumstances is emerging in many resource-rich countries. Methods: The Canadian Pediatric & Perinatal HIV/AIDS Research Group (CPARG) hosted a Canadian Institute of Health Research-funded meeting in 2016 to develop consensus among multidisciplinary providers around counselling and recommendations for infant feeding. After presentations by adult and paediatric health care providers, basic scientists, and community-based researchers, a subgroup drafted summary evidence-informed recommendations. Along with revisions among CPARG members, a community review was performed by a convenience sample of WLWH who had given birth in the past 5 years from Ontario and Quebec. A legal review was also conducted to ensure understanding of the criminalization potential and concern of HIV transmission and exposure. Results: The Canadian consensus guidelines continue to support formula feeding as the preferred method of infant feeding as it eliminates any residual risk of postnatal vertical transmission. Formula should be made available for all infants born to mothers living with HIV for their first year of life. A comprehensive approach to counselling WLWH is outlined to assist providers to effectively counsel on current evidence to ensure WLWH are fully informed in their decision making. For women meeting criteria to and elect to breastfeed, frequent maternal virologic monitoring and follow-up is required of both mother and infant. Antiretroviral prophylaxis and monitoring are recommended for breastfed infants. The community review highlighted the importance of other supports and counselling needed for implementing effective formula feeding, aside from access to formula. The legal review provided clarifying language around child protection services involvement and the need to provide referral to legal resources or information upon request. Surveillance systems to monitor for cases of breastmilk transmission should be in place to improve gaps in care and develop further knowledge in this area. Conclusion: The Canadian infant feeding consensus guideline is designed to inform and enable better care for WLWH and their babies. Ongoing evaluation of these guidelines as new evidence emerges will be important.

Historique: La transmission de conseils détaillés sur l'alimentation du nourrisson aux familles touchée par le VIH est complexe et exige une approche multidisciplinaire. Il est recommandé de recourir exclusivement aux préparations commerciales chez les nourrissons de mères vivant avec le VIH (MVIH) dans les pays à revenu élevé, mais une approche plus nuancée, qui peut inclure l'allaitement dans certaines situations, émerge dans de nombreux pays riches en ressources. Méthodologie: Le Groupe canadien de recherche pédiatrique et périnatale sur le VIH/sida (CPARG) a tenu un congrès financé par Les Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada en 2016 pour parvenir à un consensus de la part des professionnels multidisciplinaires sur le counseling et les recommandations à l'égard de l'alimentation du nourrisson. Après les présentations de professionnels de la santé pédiatrique, de chercheurs fondamentaux et de chercheurs communautaires, un sous-groupe a rédigé une synthèse des recommandations reposant sur des données probantes. En plus des révisions proposées par les membres de la CPARG, un échantillon de commodité de MVIH qui avaient accouché dans les cinq années précédentes en Ontario et au Québec a procédé à un examen communautaire. Une révision juridique a également permis de bien comprendre le potentiel de criminalisation et les inquiétudes quant à la transmission du VIH et à l'exposition à ce virus. Résultats: Les lignes directrices consensuelles canadiennes continuent de préconiser l'utilisation des préparations commerciales pour l'alimentation des nourrissons, car elles éliminent tout risque résiduel de transmission verticale après la naissance. Ces préparations doivent être mises à la disposition de tous les nourrissons nés de MVIH jusqu'à l'âge d'un an. Une approche détaillée du counseling auprès des MVIH est présentée pour aider les professionnels à leur donner des conseils efficaces sur les données probantes à jour, afin qu'elles puissent prendre une décision pleinement éclairée. Chez les femmes qui respectent les critères et qui choisissent d'allaiter, la surveillance virologique fréquente de la mère et un suivi de la mère et du nourrisson s'imposent. La prophylaxie antirétrovirale et la surveillance des nourrissons allaités sont recommandées. La révision communautaire a fait ressortir l'importance d'autres mesures de soutien et de counseling pour mettre en place une alimentation efficace à l'aide des préparations commerciales, en plus de l'accès à ces préparations. L'analyse juridique a permis de préciser les énoncés entourant la participation des services de protection de l'enfance et la nécessité de diriger les familles vers des ressources ou de l'information juridiques, sur demande. Des systèmes de surveillance visant à répertorier les cas de transmission par le lait maternel devraient être en place pour corriger les lacunes en matière de soins et accroître les connaissances dans ce domaine. Conclusion: Les lignes directrices consensuelles canadiennes sur l'alimentation des nourrissons sont conçues pour éclairer les soins aux MVIH et à leurs nourrissons et pour les améliorer. Il sera important d'assurer l'évaluation continue de ces lignes directrices à mesure que de nouvelles données probantes seront découvertes.

Practices, support and stigma related to infant feeding and postpartum engagement in care among women living with HIV in Canada.

Background: Breastfeeding is not recommended for women living with HIV (WLWH) in Canada. We described the prevalence of breastfeeding and explored experiences of care, support, and stigma related to infant feeding. Setting: Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia (Canada). Methods: Data were obtained from the HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) surveys, conducted between 2013 and 2018. Results: Breastfeeding was reported by 73.5% of the 786 women who delivered before HIV diagnosis and 7.3% of the 289 women who delivered after HIV diagnosis. Among them, earlier year of delivery, delivery outside of Canada, and African, Caribbean, Black ethnicity were independently associated with increased odds of breastfeeding. Among WLWH who had a live birth during the last year, 77% (40/52) felt that they had received support regarding infant feeding practices, and 77% (23/30) were concerned that not breastfeeding could lead to them being identified as WLWH. Among 71 women within one year postpartum at any one of the study waves, 89% reported having an undetectable viral load. Conclusion: Breastfeeding experiences were common among WLWH, most often prior to HIV diagnosis. Fear of unintentional HIV status disclosure when not breastfeeding and challenges to maintain an undetectable HIV viral load are important issues to address during postpartum care.

Development and assessment of a hospital-led, community-partnering COVID-19 testing and prevention program for homeless and congregate living services in Toronto, Canada: a descriptive feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in shelters and congregate living settings are a major concern because of overcrowding and because resident populations are often at high risk for infection. The objective of this study was to describe the development, implementation and assessment of the COVID-19 Community Response Team, a program that enabled Women's College Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, to work in partnership with shelters and congregate living settings to prevent outbreaks. METHODS: The Community Response Team, associated with Women's College Hospital, an academic ambulatory hospital, carried out mobile testing for SARS-CoV-2, supported outbreak management and prevention through ongoing onsite partnership with medical staff, and conducted infection prevention and control (IPC) training to shelter staff. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the sites supported by the program between Apr. 20, 2020, and Aug. 15, 2020. We also assessed the program's feasibility (number of completed needs assessments, mobile testing events and IPC training events, and median time from referral to service delivery), adoption (number of nasopharyngeal swabs, number of pre- and post-program outbreaks and IPC uptake) and acceptability or satisfaction. RESULTS: The Community Response Team supported 32 sites. Of those, 30 completed an intake needs assessment, 24 completed mobile testing for SARS-CoV-2 and 15 received IPC support. Mobile testing resulted in the collection of 1566 nasopharyngeal swabs, of which 64 were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Three sites had confirmed outbreaks. The median time from referral to needs assessment was 4 days (interquartile range [IQR] 1-13 days), and the median time to the testing day was 9 days (IQR 1-49 days). The median time from referral to IPC staff training was 14 days (IQR 4-79 days), and 100% of respondents reported being pleased or very pleased with the training. During the follow-up period, the 3 facilities with outbreaks overcame those outbreaks. Three sites supported by the Community Response Team had further single cases, but no site reported subsequent or secondary outbreaks. INTERPRETATION: The Community Response Team program led to the transfer of IPC knowledge, allowed for the management and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks, and demonstrated feasibility. Collaborative supports between hospitals and the community housing sector may serve as models for ongoing system integration beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Understanding the Importance of Fatherhood among Men Living with HIV in Ontario.

While pregnancy and motherhood have become paramount clinical issues for women living with HIV, parenting has received less attention among men living with HIV (MLWH). We conducted a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study assessing fertility desires and intentions of MLWH using a 5-point Likert scale based on the question: "Being a father is important to me". Logistic regression models were fit to calculate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for significant correlates. Of the 276 respondents, 118 were heterosexual, 158 were gay, bisexual, 2-spirit, or queer (GBTQ), 55% had never parented before, and 65% wanted to parent. 191 (69%) respondents agreed that fatherhood was important to them. In unadjusted analyses, heterosexuality (OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.03), African/Caribbean/Black ethnicity (OR 1.57; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.19), African/Caribbean birthplace (OR 1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.05), and history of parenting (OR 1.60; 95% CI 1.10 to 2.39) were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with importance of fatherhood. However, none of these variables were significant in adjusted analyses. From the unadjusted model, factors such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, and current parenthood may influence how MLWH value fatherhood, suggesting HIV and fatherhood is complex and must be explored further.

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).

An exploration of the fertility desires and intentions of men living with HIV in Ontario, Canada.

Planning families is an important issue within the HIV community. The primary objective of this study was to explore the fertility desires and intentions of men living with HIV (MLWH). A cross-sectional survey containing 77 questions in 10 domains was developed, validated and administered to MLWH. The sample was stratified by sexual orientation, ethnicity, and city of residence. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine sociodemographic correlates of intention to have children. 276 men were recruited, of whom 118 (43%) identified as heterosexual and 158 (57%) as gay, bisexual, two-spirit or queer (GBTQ). 133 (45%) men wished and 120 (44%) actually intended to become a parent. Significantly more heterosexual men desired fatherhood (63% vs 37%, p < .0001) and intended to have children in the future (57% vs. 34%, p < .0001). Among all men, significant predictors of intention to have children were age ≤40, heterosexual orientation, African/Caribbean/Black ethnicity, living in Toronto, higher household income, and being partnered with an HIV-negative individual. When stratified by sexual orientation, younger age remained a significant correlate for both groups. A significant proportion of heterosexual and GBTQ MLWH desire and intend to become a parent. Health care providers and policy makers must support these individuals in their reproductive parenting needs.

The Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines: What Pregnancy Care Providers Need to Know About HIV Transmission and Pre-Conception Considerations.

Today, under ideal conditions with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV is a chronic illness with a normal life expectancy. As such, people with HIV are pursuing experiences that once escaped them, such as parenthood. One of the most important factors in reducing perinatal HIV transmission was, and still is, adequate planning. And pregnancy planning has a few additional implications for people affected by HIV, not unlike for people with other chronic illnesses. In 2018, the updated Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines (CHPPGs) were published with 36 recommendations. To help pregnancy care providers use the CHPPGs in pregnancy planning counselling for people living with HIV and their partners, this paper summarizes 5 key considerations in the modern era of HIV management.

Managing and preventing blood-borne viral infection transmission in assisted reproduction: a Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society clinical practice guideline.

Fertility care providers have an obligation to provide safe and effective care to patients. When a user of assisted reproductive technology (ART) is living with a blood-borne viral infection (BBVI: HIV, hepatitis C or hepatitis B), physicians and ART laboratory personnel need to know the requirements for providing quality care. Recent developments in the treatment of BBVI and understanding of transmission have changed these requirements. This guideline from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS) provides comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for reducing horizontal transmission and cross-contamination in the ART setting.

A clinical practice guide: What HIV care providers need to know about HIV pregnancy planning to optimize preconception care for their patients.

This clinical practice guide has been developed to support human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care providers' use of the 2018 Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines (CHPPG) in their work with people and couples affected by HIV. HIV pregnancy planning has changed considerably in the last decade and requires a multidisciplinary team, and HIV care providers are often at the forefront of the team. It is, therefore, important to have clear guidance on how to provide HIV pregnancy planning care. This Clinical Practice Guide is intended for both primary and specialty HIV care providers, including doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners. We have repackaged the 2018 CHPPG's 36 recommendations into five standards of care for ease of use. We have also included an initial algorithm that can be used with each patient to direct discussions about their reproductive goals. Pregnancy and parenting are increasingly normalized experiences in the lives of people and couples affected by HIV. While conception used to be a complicated decision, often heavily focused on minimizing the risk of HIV transmission, the current evidence supports more universal counselling and supports for HIV pregnancy planning. HIV care providers have a responsibility to be familiar with the unique considerations for pregnancy planning when supporting their patients. This counselling is critical to optimizing reproductive health outcomes for all people affected by HIV, including those who wish to prevent pregnancy.

Les présentes directives de pratique clinique visent à soutenir l'utilisation des Lignes directrices canadiennes en matière de planification de la grossesse en présence du VIH 2018 par les dispensateurs de soins aux personnes et aux couples touchés par le virus d'immunodéficience humaine (VIH). La planification de grossesse en présence du VIH a considérablement évolué depuis dix ans. Elle exige l'apport d'une équipe multidisciplinaire, et les dispensateurs de soins aux personnes infectées par le VIH y occupent souvent le premier rang. Il est donc important de disposer de directives claires sur le mode de prestation des soins pendant la planification de la grossesse en présence de VIH. Les directives de pratique clinique sont conçues pour les dispensateurs de soins primaires et spécialisés en matière de VIH, y compris les médecins, les infirmières et les infirmières praticiennes. Les Lignes directrices de 2018 contiennent 36 recommandations que les auteurs ont regroupées en cinq normes de soins pour en faciliter l'utilisation. Ils ont également inclus un premier algorithme à utiliser avec chaque patient pour orienter les échanges sur leurs objectifs de reproduction. La grossesse et le rôle de parent sont des expériences de plus en plus normalisées dans la vie des personnes et des couples touchés par le VIH. La conception a déjà été une décision complexe, souvent axée fortement sur la réduction du risque de transmission du VIH, mais les données à jour appuient la transmission de conseils plus universels et une aide à la planification de grossesse en présence du VIH. Il incombe aux dispensateurs de soins aux personnes touchées par le VIH de connaître les particularités de la planification de grossesse auprès de ces patients. Ces conseils sont cruciaux pour optimiser les résultats en santé génésique de toutes les personnes en cause, y compris la prévention des grossesses non désirées.

Prevalence and correlates of early-onset menopause among women living with HIV in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: Menopause is a pivotal transition for women. Previous studies have suggested increased risk of early menopause (40-45 years) and premature menopause (<40 years) for women with HIV. We aimed to determine age of menopause, prevalence of early menopause and premature menopause, and risk factors for menopause <45 years in Canadian women with HIV. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis from the Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study. Analyses were restricted to biologically female participants reporting being postmenopausal (regardless of etiology). Primary outcome was median age at menopause. Predetermined variables, and those with P < 0.10 in univariable analyses were considered for inclusion into multivariable logistic regression model, to determine independent correlates of menopause <45 years. RESULTS: 229 women were included. Median age of menopause was 48 years (interquartile range 43, 51); 29.7% of women experienced menopause <45 years: 16.6% with early menopause and 13.1% with premature menopause. In univariable analyses, menopause <45 years was more likely (P < 0.05) with birth in Canada, white ethnicity, less than high-school education, smoking, recreational drug use, and hepatitis C co-infection. In multivariable modeling, less than high-school education (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.22-4.93) and hepatitis C co-infection (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.50) were independently associated with menopause <45 years. CONCLUSIONS: In Canadian women with HIV, median age of menopause was 48 years; 3 years younger than the general population. Only lower education and hepatitis C co-infection were independently associated with menopause <45 years, highlighting importance of socioeconomic factors and comorbidities. These findings have implications for counseling and management of women with HIV.

High prevalence of abnormal menstruation among women living with HIV in Canada.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the prevalence and correlates of abnormal menstruation among women living with HIV (WLWH) in Canada. METHODS: We used cross-sectional questionnaire data from the community-based Canadian HIV Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS), which enrolled WLWH aged ≥16 from British Columbia (BC), Ontario, and Quebec. For this analysis, we excluded women >45 years, who had primary amenorrhea, were pregnant, on hormonal contraception, or who reported history of endometrial cancer, last menstrual period >12 months ago, or premature ovarian failure. The primary outcome was abnormal menstruation (Yes vs No) based on responses to five questions about menstrual regularity, frequency, volume, duration, and intermenstrual bleeding in the six months prior to interview. An exploratory multivariable logistic regression analysis examined independent correlates of abnormal menstruation. RESULTS: Of 1422 women enrolled, 521 (37%) met eligibility criteria. Overall, 55.9% (95% CI:52%-60%) reported abnormal menstruation. In adjusted analyses, abnormal menstruation was associated with having a biologic sister/mother who entered menopause before age 40 (AOR 5.01, 95%CI 1.39-18.03), Hepatitis B co-infection (AOR 6.97, 95%CI 1.52-31.88), current smoking (AOR 1.69, 95%CI 1.55-3.41); and currently taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) (AOR 2.36, 95%CI 1.25-4.45) compared to being ART-naïve. Women in BC had higher adjusted odds of abnormal menstruation (AOR 2.95, 95%CI 1.61-5.39), relative to women in Ontario and Quebec. CONCLUSIONS: Over half of WLWH in this analysis had abnormal menstruation. Correlates of abnormal menstruation include genetic, socio-behavioural factors (province of residence, smoking), Hepatitis B co-infection, and current ART use.

Adopting Population Health Frameworks in Physical Therapist Practice, Research, and Education: The Urgency of Now.

Chronic, noncommunicable diseases have replaced acute, infectious diseases as the leading causes of global mortality and morbidity. Efforts among physical therapists to address noncommunicable diseases have primarily focused on the promotion of healthy behaviors among individual clients. However, the strongest predictors of chronic disease are tied to where we live, work, learn, and play, our families, and our communities. Population health frameworks can help us better understand the complex interrelations between individuals' health condition and their social and physical environment over time and also inform the development of effective programs and policies that improve the health of individuals and communities. The objectives of this article are to: (1) define population health, prevention, and health promotion; (2) provide a current perspective on the utility of population health frameworks in physical therapy; and (3) identify opportunities for the expanded use of population health frameworks in physical therapist practice, research, and education.

Endogenous and exogenous effects of PGF2α during luteolysis in mares.

An inhibitor of PGF2α biosynthesis (flunixin meglumine, FM) was used to study the role of endogenous PGF2α on the luteolytic effect of exogenous PGF2α in mares. A 2-h infusion of PGF2α at a constant rate (total dose, 0.1 mg) on Day 10 (ovulation = Day 0) was used to mimic the maximal concentrations of a spontaneous pulse of a PGF2α metabolite (PGFM). Treatment with FM (1.7 mg/kg) was done 1 h before and 5 h after the start of PGF2α infusion. In hourly blood samples beginning 1 h before the start of PGF2α infusion, progesterone decreased (P < 0.05) similarly by 5 h in each of the PGF2α and PGF2α+FM groups but not in the controls (n = 5). In a study of spontaneous luteolysis, the same FM dose was given every 6 h from Day 13 until Day 17 or earlier if CL regression was indicated by an 80% decrease in luteal blood-flow signals. Blood was sampled for progesterone assay each day and 8 h of hourly blood sampling was done each day to characterize PGFM concentrations and pulses. Progesterone (P4) was lower (P < 0.05) in controls than in an FM group (n = 7) by Day 15. Luteolysis (P4 < 1 ng/mL) ended on Days 14-19 in individual controls. In contrast, luteolysis did not end until after Day 20 in 4 of 7 FM-treated mares. In the three mares with completion of luteolysis before Day 20 in the FM group, the interval from beginning to end of luteolysis was longer (P < 0.02) (4.5 ± 0.6 days) than in the controls (3.0 ± 0.4 days). During 8-h sessions of hourly blood sampling on Day 14, concentration of PGFM was significantly lower in the FM group for the minimal, mean, and maximal per session. Pulses of PGFM were identified by a CV methodology on each day in 7 of 7 and 3 of 7 mares in the controls and FM group, respectively. The four FM-treated mares without a CV-identified pulse were the four mares in which luteolysis did not occur before Day 20. In mares with detected pulses, PGFM was lower at each nadir and at the peak (86% lower) in the FM group than in controls, but the interval between nadirs or base of a pulse was not different between groups. Hypothesis 1 that endogenous PGF plays a role in the luteolytic effect of exogenous PGF2α was not supported. Hypothesis 2 that an inhibitor of PGF2α biosynthesis prevented or minimized the prominence of PGFM pulses and increased the frequency of persistent CL was supported.

Loneliness and perceived social support in pregnancy and early postpartum of mothers living with HIV in Ontario, Canada.

The HIV Mothering Study (n = 72) was a prospective, observational, cohort study exploring psychosocial experiences and needs of WLWHIV in pregnancy and postpartum. We performed quantitative analysis of determinants of loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and lower perceived social support (SS) (Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey). The hypothesized determinants included: age, years with HIV, racism (Everyday Discrimination Scale), depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]), nadir CD4 (<200 cells/µL), tertiary vs. community HIV care, and marital status. The median age was 33 (IQR = 30-37); 65.3% were African/Caribbean/Black. Multivariable analyses revealed associations between marital status and perceived social support (ß = -16.48, p < 0.0001), and this association was also seen with change over time (p = 0.02). Variables associated with SS that did not change over time were: income, EDS racism, EPDS score. Significant associations with loneliness were seen with the same variables associated with SS. Variables associated with loneliness that also changed over time were: EDS Racism (ß = 0.22, p = 0.0005, and over time p = 0.003), and EPDS score (ß = 0.74, p < 0.0001), and over time (p = 0.0211). Variables associated with loneliness but that did not change over time were: marital status and income. This analysis provides clinicians with prenatal risk factors which may be associated with increase loneliness and lower SS during pregnancy and postpartum: marital status, income, racism and depression.