Exploring the Interrelationships Between Physical Function, Functional Exercise Capacity, and Exercise Self-Efficacy in Persons Living with HIV.

PURPOSE: To determine if there were differences between the subjective and objective assessments of physical activity while controlling for sociodemographic, anthropometric, and clinical characteristics. SETTING/SAMPLE: A total of 810 participants across eight sites located in three countries. MEASURES: Subjective instruments were the two subscales of Self-efficacy for Exercise Behaviors Scale: Making Time for Exercise and Resisting Relapse and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System, which measured physical function. The objective measure of functional exercise capacity was the 6-minute Walk Test. ANALYSIS: Both univariate and multivariant analyses were used. RESULTS: Physical function was significantly associated with Making Time for Exercise (ß = 1.76, p = .039) but not with Resisting Relapse (ß = 1.16, p = .168). Age (ß = -1.88, p = .001), being employed (ß = 16.19, p < .001) and race (ßs = 13.84-31.98, p < .001), hip-waist ratio (ß = -2.18, p < .001), and comorbidities (ß = 7.31, p < .001) were significant predictors of physical functioning. The model predicting physical function accounted for a large amount of variance (adjusted R2 = .938). The patterns of results predicting functional exercise capacity were similar. Making Time for Exercise self-efficacy scores significantly predicted functional exercise capacity (ß = 0.14, p = .029), and Resisting Relapse scores again did not (ß = -0.10, p = .120). Among the covariates, age (ß = -0.16, p < .001), gender (ß = -0.43, p < .001), education (ß = 0.08, p = .026), and hip-waist ratio (ß = 0.09, p = .034) were significant. This model did not account for much of the overall variance in the data (adjusted R2 = .081). We found a modest significant relationship between physical function and functional exercise capacity (r = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Making Time for Exercise Self-efficacy was more significant than Resisting Relapse for both physical function and functional exercise capacity. Interventions to promote achievement of physical activity need to use multiple measurement strategies.

Toxoplasmosis en el embarazo: Características epidemiológicas, clínicas y laboratoriales en un centro de referencia

La toxoplasmosis es una zoonosis causada por el protozoarioToxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), de gran impacto en la salud fetal cuando se adquiere durante el embarazo, debido al riesgo de transmisión vertical. Puede producir manifestaciones clínicas en los recién nacidos: coriorretinitis, hidrocefalia, calcificaciones y retardo psicomotor. La detección precoz y la instauración de una terapéutica adecuada son claves para evitar complicaciones asociadas a la transmisión materno fetal. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas de gestantes con diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis y de los recién nacidos de éstas, durante los años 2018 al 2021 que acudieron al Servicio de Infectología del Instituto de Previsión Social (IPS). Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte trasversal, utilizando un registro de datos de pacientes gestantes que acudieron al IPS durante los años 2018 al 2021. Resultados: Se incluyeron 62 gestantes; mediana de edad de 30 años, (21-44 años); 4 (6%) gestantes, realizaron su primera consulta en el primer trimestre, 39 (63%) en el segundo y 19 (31%) en el tercer trimestre. 9 (15%) pacientes fueron clasificadas como seroconversión, y 53 (85%) con sospecha de infección aguda. 55 pacientes fueron sometidas a amniocentesis; 26 (47%) tuvieron resultado de PCR detectable para Toxoplasma gondii en liquido amniótico, y 29 (53%) no detectable. Sólo 19 recién nacidos contaban con serologías para diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis congénita. Entre las complicaciones fetales se encontraron macrocefalia, e ictericia del RN.

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), with a great impact on fetal health when acquired during pregnancy, due to the risk of vertical transmission. It can produce clinical manifestations in newborns: chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, calcifications and psychomotor retardation. Early detection and the establishment of adequate therapy are key to avoiding complications associated with fetal-maternal transmission. Objective: To describe the clinical characteristics of pregnant women diagnosed with toxoplasmosis and their newborns, during the years 2018 to 2021 who attended the Infectious Diseases Service of the Social Welfare Institute (IPS). Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study, using a data registry of pregnant patients who attended the IPS during the years 2018 to 2021. Results: 62 pregnant women were included; median age 30 years, (21-44 years); 4 (6%) pregnant women had their first consultation in the first trimester, 39 (63%) in the second and 19 (31%) in the third trimester. 9 (15%) patients were classified as having seroconversion, and 53 (85%) with suspected acute infection. 55 patients underwent amniocentesis; 26 (47%) had detectable PCR results for Toxoplasma gondii in amniotic fluid, and 29 (53%) undetectable. Only 19 newborns had serology tests for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Among the fetal complications were macrocephaly, and newborn jaundice.

The development of a long-term care infection prevention compendium during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Long-term care (LTC) facilities experienced significant morbidity and mortality rates among both residents and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, for which they were ill-prepared to practice adequate infection prevention and control (IPC). METHODS: Our team developed a process for creating a compendium of curated IPC resources. This process harnessed the experience and expertise of nurses actively working in LTC during the pandemic. RESULTS: The publicly available online compendium of IPC resources is relevant to all departments found within LTC settings. The compendium contains a wide array of IPC tools, research, reports, international resources, and customizable educational slide decks. DISCUSSION: Online repositories of curated IPC resources can equip direct care workers with accurate, easily accessible resources to support the maintenance of proper IPC practice and protocol in LTC settings. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of this model and explore its utility in additional medical contexts.

Working status and seasonal meteorological conditions predict physical activity levels in people living with HIV.

Little is known about how demographic, employment and meteorological factors impact physical activity. We conducted an analysis to explore these associations from participants (N = 447) from six cities in the United States and matched their activity data with abstracted local meteorological data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather reports. Participants were purposively recruited in 3-month blocks, from December 2015 to October 2017, to reflect physical activity engagement across the seasons. We calculated total physical activity (minutes/week) based on 7-day physical activity recall. Mild correlations were observed between meteorological factors and correlated with lower physical activity. Participants were least active in autumn (Median = 220 min/week) and most active in spring (Median = 375 min/week). In addition to level of education and total hours of work, maximum temperature, relative humidity, heating degree day, precipitation and sunset time together explained 17.6% of variance in total physical activity. Programs assisting in employment for PLHIV and those that promote indoor physical activity during more strenuous seasons are needed. Additional research to better understand the selection, preferences, and impact of indoor environments on physical activity is warranted.

A State of the Science on HIV Prevention Over 40 Years Among Black and Hispanic/Latinx Communities.

ABSTRACT: We present a state of the science on HIV behavioral prevention interventions in Black and Hispanic/Latinx communities. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) highlight the early documented underlying social and political barriers that constrained interventions to prevent new HIV infections; (b) address the structural inequities in HIV prevention and treatment; and (c) describe the need for increasing HIV multilevel prevention interventions that support greater HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake. To address HIV prevention, multilevel interventions that address individual, structural, and social level components have demonstrated more sustainable outcomes. Implications for research and clinical practice include (a) updating antiquated curricula in nursing, medicine, and public health that perpetuate racial, structural-level inequities and (b) increasing the pipeline for Black and Hispanic/Latinx persons to pursue research or clinical-focused doctorate degrees.

Social media use as a predictor of higher body mass index in persons living with HIV.

Social media tools have been touted as an approach to bring more democratic communication to health care. We conducted a multi-site cross-sectional study among persons living with HIV (PLWH) to desrcibe technology use among PLWH in the US and the association between social media use and body-mass index (BMI). Our primary predictor variable was social media use. Our primary outcome was BMI measured through height and weight. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic profiles of the study participants and linear regression models were used to analyze associations between the outcome and predictor variables controlling for demographic characteristics. Study participants (N = 606) across 6 study sites in the United States were predominately 50-74 years old (67%). Thirty-three percent of study participants had a normal weight (BMI 18.5-25), 33% were overweight (BMI 25-30), and 32% were obese (BMI > 30). Participants used several social media sites with Facebook (45.6%) predominating. Social media use was associated with higher BMI in study participants (p < .001) and this effect persisted, although not as strongly, when limiting the analysis to those who only those who used Facebook (p = .03). Further consideration of social factors that can be ameliorated to improve health outcomes is timely and needed.

Misclassification of sexual health risks in a self-identified low risk cohort of men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in a community based PrEP program.

The CDC recommends PrEP for MSM at substantial risk of HIV acquisition, leaving clinicians unsure whether to prescribe PrEP to MSM who do not disclose HIV risk factors. A longitudinal cohort of MSM requesting PrEP despite reporting during a clinical visit either 100% condom use or participation in oral sex only and no other risk factors was followed over 13 months at a community clinic in San Francisco to assess the accuracy of their HIV risk perception. Participants completed a sexual and substance use behavior questionnaire at baseline, outside of the clinical visit and were followed by quarterly HIV/STI testing and condom use change questionnaires. Condomless sex increased from 0% at baseline to 12% at month 1, peaked at 34% at month 7, and then decreased again to 8% at month 13. Rates of pharyngeal GC/CT varied from 7% at baseline to 12% at month 13, while rectal GC/CT decreased from 6% at baseline to 0% at month 13. The rate of syphilis was 1% both at baseline and at month 13, however, 11% and 15% of clients tested positive for syphilis at months 1 and 7 respectively.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Throughout the Life Span.

BACKGROUND: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in PLHIV are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to describe physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness by sex and age and to examine the association between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in PLHIV, controlling for covariates. METHODS: Seven hundred two PLHIV participated in a cross-sectional study and completed validated measures of self-reported physical activity (7-day Physical Activity Recall) and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test). Participants were recruited from 7 diverse sites in the United States and Thailand, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to examine the relationship between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. RESULTS: On average, participants self-reported engaging in 115 minutes of, mostly light (75%), physical activity. Men reported twice the amount of physical activity as women (155 vs 73 minutes, P = .01). Participants' ability to achieve their predicted 6-minute walk test distances was similar between men (68%) and women (69%) (P > .01). For women, vigorous physical activity was associated with a 6.6% increase in cardiorespiratory fitness and being temporarily unemployed was associated with an 18% decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness increased with age (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Weekly physical activity of people living with human immunodeficiency virus averaged 85 minutes of mostly light activity, well below the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity. Vigorous physical activity was associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness in women, but not men. Although PLHIV would benefit from interventions to increase physical activity, our data suggest a need to develop sex-specific physical activity strategies.

Enterovirus asociados a Afecciones del Sistema Nervioso Central confirmados por biología molecular / Enteroviruses associated with Central Nervous System Infections confirmed by molecular biology

Aproximadamente 90% de las meningitis asépticas son causadas por enterovirus (EV), miembro de la familia de los picornavirus. Los EV son ubicuos, se diseminan por vía fecal-oral y contacto directo, responsables de brotes o casos esporádicos con importante morbilidad. El diagnóstico se basa en la presentación clínica, imágenes, estudio citoquímico del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) y la Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR), gold estándard que reemplaza al aislamiento viral y la serología. El objetivo de este estudio descriptivo de corte transversal fue determinar la presencia de EV por RT-PCR en el LCR de pacientes con sospecha clínica de meningitis aséptica, internados en servicios públicos y privados de Asunción y departamento Central del Paraguay de noviembre de 2007 a noviembre de 2014. El material genético fue extraído mediante el mini kit ADN y ARN Qiagen® que fue sometido a RT-PCR. Se incluyeron LCR de 203 pacientes, 124 (61%) niños (4 días-15 años) y 79 (39%) adultos (16-81 años). Setenta y siete (38%) provenían de servicios públicos y 126 (62%) de privados; 115 (57%) fueron varones. Se detectó RNA de EV en 166 (82%) pacientes, 90 niños y 76 adultos, y mayor número de casos entre los meses de octubre a abril. Este es el primer trabajo en el país y muestra una importante participación del EV en pacientes por infecciones del SNC compatibles con meningitis asépticas de etiología viral. La sospecha clínica fue mayor en niños, sin embargo la proporción de resultados positivos fue mayor en adultos. Se observó mayor circulación en los meses cálidos(AU)

A qualitative description of service providers' experiences of ethical issues in HIV care.

BACKGROUND: Managing HIV treatment is a complex multi-dimensional task because of a combination of factors such as stigma and discrimination of some populations who frequently get infected with HIV. In addition, patient-provider encounters have become increasingly multicultural, making effective communication and provision of ethically sound care a challenge. PURPOSE: This article explores ethical issues that health service providers in the United States and Botswana encountered in their interaction with patients in HIV care. RESEARCH DESIGN: A descriptive qualitative design was used to collect data from health service providers and patients using focused group discussions. This article is based on responses from health service providers only. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTEXT: This article is based on 11 focused group discussions with a total sample of 71 service providers in seven US sites and one Botswana site. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Ethical review boards at all the study sites reviewed the study protocol and approved it. Ethical review boards of the study's coordinating centers, Rutgers University and the University of California at San Francisco, also approved it. The study participants provided a written informed consent to participate. FINDINGS: HIV service providers encountered ethical challenges in all the four Beauchamp and Childress' biomedical ethics of respect for patients' autonomy, beneficence, justice, and nonmaleficence. DISCUSSION: The finding that HIV service providers encounter ethical challenges in their interaction with patients is supported by prior studies. The ethical challenges are particularly prominent in multicultural care and resource-constrained care environments. CONCLUSION: Provision of HIV care is fraught with ethical challenges that tend to pose different issues depending on a given care environment. It is important that strong partnerships are developed among key stakeholders in HIV care. In addition, health service providers need to be provided with resources so they can provide quality and ethically sound care.

Detección de Citomegalovirus por PCR en tiempo real en sangre de lactantes menores, Paraguay 2015-2017 / Detection of Cytomegalovirus using real-time PCR in the blood of younger infants in Paraguay 2015-2017

Introducción: La infección por el Citomegalovirus (CMV) es frecuente en los primeros años de vida en los países subdesarrollados y en estratos bajos de los países desarrollados. conocer Objetivo: la prevalencia de infección por CMV con la identificación del genoma viral del Citomegalovirus por PCR en sangre, de lactantes de 0 a 12 meses de edad hospitalizados en la unidad cuidados intensivos con sospecha de infección. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transverso. En el periodo comprendido entre Enero del 2015 a Mayo de 2017, se analizaron muestras de sangre periférica de lactantes con sospecha de infección por CMV. Se utilizó reactivos Promega®, seguido de una PCR en tiempo real en equipo Rotor Gene®. Variables: edad, sexo, procedencias, síntomas clínicos y resultados de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando estadísticas descripticas y analíticas. Resultados: se incluyeron 146 resultados de PCR en tiempo real en sangre, el 84% (123/146) eran lactantes menores de 6 meses. En el 42% (62/146) se detectó el ADN viral por PCR, de estas 38 % fueron niñas; 28% en lactantes menores de 2 meses. El 17,7% (11/62) fueron neonatos prematuros. Los síntomas clínicos incluyeron hallazgos clínicos en los casos positivos fueron Prematuridad, anemia en un 8% Ictericia 5.6%, dificultad r e s p i r a t o r i a 5 . 4 % , n e u m o n í a 1 . 3 % , H e p a t o - esplenomegalia 4%. Conclusión: Se confirmó infección por CMV mediante PCR en tiempo real en 42% en Lactantes menores, 28% de entre 0 a 2 meses y 17,7% en prematuros, similar a otras casuísticas.

Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is frequent during the first years of life in underdeveloped countries and in lower socioeconomic groups. Objective: to determine the prevalence of CMV infection identifying the viral genome of Cytomegalovirus by using PCR in blood samples from infants from 0 to 12 months of age who were hospitalized in the intensive care unit with a suspected infection. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive, observational and crosssectional study. From January 2015 to May 2017, we analyzed peripheral blood samples from infants with suspected CMV infection. Promega® reagents were used, followed by real-time PCR with Rotor Gene® equipment. Variables were: age, sex, place of origin, clinical symptoms and results of the polymerase chain reaction. The data was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: 146 real-time PCR results from blood samples were included, 84% (123/146) were infants under 6 months of age. In 42% (62/146) viral DNA was detected by PCR, of these, 38% were girls; 28% were infants under 2 months of age. 17.7% (11/62) were preterm infants. Clinical symptoms and findings in the positive cases were prematurity, anemia in 8% Jaundice in 5.6%, respiratory difficulty in 5.4%, pneumonia in and 1.3%, and hepatosplenomegaly in 4%. Conclusion: CMV infection was confirmed by real-time PCR in 42% of infants, 28% were between 0 to 2 months of age and 17.7% were preterm infants, similar to other studies.

Shortened and Culturally Appropriate HIV Stigma Scale for Asians Living with HIV in the United States: Psychometric Analysis.

Instruments to measure HIV stigma in people living with HIV in the United States or in Asia may not be sensitive enough to capture the stigma experienced by Asians living with HIV (ALWH) in the United States. Our purpose was to adapt the shortened Berger Stigma Scale to be culturally appropriate for ALWH in the United States. We conducted a mixed-method study (i.e., five in-depth face-to-face interviews, six subject matter expert reviews, two focus groups [n = 11]) to generate new scale items and a cross-sectional survey (n = 67) to evaluate the psychometric properties of the adapted scale called Stigma Scale for ALWH. The scale contains 13 items with three subscales (personalized stigma/disclosure, negative self-image, public attitude) with good reliability (α = 0.92 overall) and validity. We describe the Stigma Scale for ALWH that is culturally appropriate to measure HIV stigma experienced by ALWH in the United States.

Does pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV prevention in men who have sex with men change risk behaviour? A systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To review the literature regarding PrEP and sexual behaviour change in MSM. BACKGROUND: Pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV has been available since 2012. Even so, pre-exposure prophylaxis has not been widely accepted among healthcare providers and men who have sex with men some of whom are convinced that pre-exposure prophylaxis decreases condom use and increases sexually transmitted infections. DESIGN: A systematic review of the state of the evidence regarding the association of pre-exposure prophylaxis with condom use, sexually transmitted infection incidence and change in sexual risk behaviours in men who have sex with men. A structured search of databases resulted in 142 potential citations, but only 10 publications met inclusion criteria and underwent data abstraction and critical appraisal. METHODS: An adapted Cochrane Collaboration domain-based assessment tool was used to critically appraise the methodological components of each quantitative study, and the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to critically appraise qualitative and mixed-methods studies. RESULTS: Condom use in men who have sex with men using pre-exposure prophylaxis is influenced by multiple factors. Studies indicate rates of sexually transmitted infections in treatment and placebo groups were high. Pre-exposure prophylaxis did not significantly change sexually transmitted infection rates between baseline and follow-up. Reporting of sexual risk improved when questionnaires were completed in private by clients. Our review found that pre-exposure prophylaxis may provide an opportunity for men who have sex with men to access sexual health care, testing, treatment and counselling services. We did not find any conclusive evidence that pre-exposure prophylaxis users increase sexual risk behaviours. CONCLUSION: The perception among healthcare providers that pre-exposure prophylaxis leads to increased sexual risk behaviours has yet to be confirmed. In order to provide effective sexual health services, clinicians need to be knowledgeable about pre-exposure prophylaxis as an HIV prevention tool. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: In an era where HIV prevention methods are rapidly improving, strategies for sexually transmitted infection testing, treatment, counselling and prevention remain vital to improve health. All healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to promote sexual health through the dissemination of accurate information.

Understanding Health Literacy for People Living With HIV: Locations of Learning.

Health literacy, including people's abilities to access, process, and comprehend health-related information, has become an important component in the management of complex and chronic diseases such as HIV infection. Clinical measures of health literacy that focus on patients' abilities to follow plans of care ignore the multidimensionality of health literacy. Our thematic analysis of 28 focus groups from a qualitative, multisite, multinational study exploring information practices of people living with HIV (PLWH) demonstrated the importance of location as a dimension of health literacy. Clinical care and conceptual/virtual locations (media/Internet and research studies) were used by PLWH to learn about HIV and how to live successfully with HIV. Nonclinical spaces where PLWH could safely discuss issues such as disclosure and life problems were noted. Expanding clinical perspectives of health literacy to include location, assessing the what and where of learning, and trusted purveyors of knowledge could help providers improve patient engagement in care.

A multinational qualitative investigation of the perspectives and drivers of exercise and dietary behaviors in people living with HIV.

Globally, people living with HIV (PLWH) are at remarkably high risk for developing chronic comorbidities. While exercise and healthy eating reduce and mitigate chronic comorbidites, PLWH like many others, often fail to engage in recommended levels. We qualitatively examined the perspectives and contextual drivers of diet and exercise reported by PLWH and their health care providers. Two hundred and six participants across eight sites in the United States, Puerto Rico and Botswana described one overarching theme, Arranging Priorities, and four subthemes Defining Health, Perceived Importance of Diet and Exercise, Competing Needs, and Provider Influence. People living with HIV and their health care providers recognize the importance of eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Yet there are HIV-specific factors limiting these behaviors that should be addressed. Health care providers have an important, and often underutilized opportunity to support PLWH to make improvements to their exercise and diet behavior.

90-90-90-Plus: Maintaining Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapies.

Medication adherence is the "Plus" in the global challenge to have 90% of HIV-infected individuals tested, 90% of those who are HIV positive treated, and 90% of those treated achieve an undetectable viral load. The latter indicates viral suppression, the goal for clinicians treating people living with HIV (PLWH). The comparative importance of different psychosocial scales in predicting the level of antiretroviral adherence, however, has been little studied. Using data from a cross-sectional study of medication adherence with an international convenience sample of 1811 PLWH, we categorized respondent medication adherence as None (0%), Low (1-60%), Moderate (61-94%), and High (95-100%) adherence based on self-report. The survey contained 13 psychosocial scales/indices, all of which were correlated with one another (p < 0.05 or less) and had differing degrees of association with the levels of adherence. Controlling for the influence of race, gender, education, and ability to pay for care, all scales/indices were associated with adherence, with the exception of Berger's perceived stigma scale. Using forward selection stepwise regression, we found that adherence self-efficacy, depression, stressful life events, and perceived stigma were significant predictors of medication adherence. Among the demographic variables entered into the model, nonwhite race was associated with double the odds of being in the None rather than in the High adherence category, suggesting these individuals may require additional support. In addition, asking about self-efficacy, depression, stigma, and stressful life events also will be beneficial in identifying patients requiring greater adherence support. This support is essential to medication adherence, the Plus to 90-90-90.

Cytokine polymorphisms are associated with daytime napping in adults living with HIV.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Daytime napping longer than one hour has been associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality. Associations between cytokine polymorphisms and daytime napping in chronic illnesses such as HIV, however, have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to examine cytokine polymorphisms associated with long daytime napping in adults living with HIV. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a convenience sample of 257 adults living with HIV. Daytime napping was assessed with wrist actigraphy data collected over three days. Participants categorized as long nappers (≥60 min) were compared to short nappers and non-nappers (<60 min). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for 15 candidate genes involved in cytokine signaling were analyzed. Genes included: interferon-gamma (IFNG), IFNG receptor 1 (IFNGR1), interleukins (IL1B, IL1R, IL1R2, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL13, IL17A), nuclear factors of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells (NFKB1 and NFKB2), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFA). RESULTS: After adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical characteristics, long daytime napping was associated with 12 SNPs from seven genes: 1) IFNG rs2069728; 2) IL1B rs1143642, rs1143627, and rs16944; 3) IL2 rs2069763; 4) IL6 rs4719714, rs1554606, and rs2069845; 5) IL17A rs3819024 and rs8193036; 6) NFKB1 rs4648110; and 7) NFKB2 rs1056890. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine genetic variations may have a role in physiological regulation of daytime napping as well as nocturnal sleep. Cytokine polymorphisms associated with long daytime napping could help identify adults with HIV who may benefit from targeted therapeutic interventions.

Engagement with health care providers as a mediator between social capital and quality of life among a sample of people living with HIV in the United States: Path-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Social capital is "features of social organizations-networks, norms, and as trust that facilitate coordination and cooperation for mutual benefit". People with high social capital have lower mortality and better health outcomes. Although utilization of social networks has grown, social capital continues to be a complex concept in relation to health promotion. This study examined 1) associations between social capital and quality of life (QoL), 2) factors of social capital leading to higher QoL among people living with HIV (PLWH), 3) role of health care providers (HCP) as a mediator between social capital and QoL. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the International Nursing HIV Network for HIV/AIDS Research. This cross-sectional study included 1673 PLWH from 11 research sites in the United States in 2010. Using path analysis, we examined the independent effect of social capital on QoL, and the mediating effect of PLWH engagement with HCP. RESULTS: The majority of participants were male (71.2%), and 45.7% were African American. Eighty-nine percent of the participants were on antiretroviral therapy. Social capital consisted of three factors - social connection, tolerance toward diversity, and community participation - explaining 87% of variance of social capital. Path analysis (RMSEA = 0, CFI = 1) found that social connection, followed by tolerance toward diversity, were the principal domain of social capital leading to better QoL (std. beta = 0.50, std. error = 0.64, p<.05). Social capital was positively associated with QoL (p<.05). About 11% of the protective effect of social capital on QoL was mediated by engagement with HCP (p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes importance of social connections and mediating role of HCP in improving QoL for PLWH. To develop social capital effectively, interventions should focus on strengthening PLWH's social connections and engagement to HCP.