Living with COVID-19 and preparing for future pandemics: revisiting lessons from the HIV pandemic.

In April, 2020, just months into the COVID-19 pandemic, an international group of public health researchers published three lessons learned from the HIV pandemic for the response to COVID-19, which were to: anticipate health inequalities, create an enabling environment to support behavioural change, and engage a multidisciplinary effort. We revisit these lessons in light of more than 2 years' experience with the COVID-19 pandemic. With specific examples, we detail how inequalities have played out within and between countries, highlight factors that support or impede the creation of enabling environments, and note ongoing issues with the scarcity of integrated science and health system approaches. We argue that to better apply lessons learned as the COVID-19 pandemic matures and other infectious disease outbreaks emerge, it will be imperative to create dialogue among polarised perspectives, identify shared priorities, and draw on multidisciplinary evidence.

University of California Cannabis Research Workshop, May 2021: Meeting Summary.

This meeting report describes the University of California's (UC) Cannabis Research Workshop on May 26-27, 2021, which was organized by the UC Office of the President (UCOP) in partnership with the University of California, Davis (UCD). The event was designed to explore ways to strengthen research collaborations within and between campuses, discuss federal and state regulations and scientific priorities, and provide updates on current or recent cannabis and cannabinoid research studies. Topical areas were highlighted in four breakout sessions, including: 1) agronomy and environmental impacts; 2) biomedicine and public health; 3) economics, law, public policy, and social science; and 4) administrative considerations for supporting university research on cannabis and cannabinoids.

High temperature supercapacitors using water-in-salt electrolytes: stability above 100 °C.

The high temperature performance of water-in-salt electrolytes was investigated using a carbon-based electrode with commercial cell components. Supercapacitors using 21 m Li bis(trifluoromethylsulphonyl)imide (TFSI) and 21 m LiTFSI + 7 m Li trifluoromethanesulphonyl electrolytes are shown to operate at a voltage of 2 V at 100 °C and 120 °C, respectively, with gravimetric capacitances exceeding 100 F g-1.

University of California Cannabis Research Workshop May 2019 Meeting Summary.

On May 30, 2019, the University of California Office of the President, in partnership with University of California, Irvine, hosted a daylong University of California Cannabis Research Workshop designed to explore ways to advance research collaborations on a range of relevant topics, develop a common understanding of the current regulatory framework for conducting cannabis-related research, and formulate next steps for facilitating synergistic cannabis research. This report provides a summary of that meeting.

Pneumothorax Rate and Diagnostic Adequacy of Computed Tomography-guided Lung Nodule Biopsies Performed With 18 G Versus 20 G Needles: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Conflicting data exist with regard to the effect of needle gauge on outcomes of computed tomography (CT)-guided lung nodule biopsies. The purpose of this study was to compare the complication and diagnostic adequacy rates between 2 needle sizes: 18 G and 20 G in CT-guided lung nodule biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study examined CT-guided lung biopsies performed between March 2014 and August 2016 with a total of 550 patients between the ages of 30 and 94. Biopsies were performed using an 18-G or a 20-G needle. Procedure-associated pneumothorax and other complication rates were compared between the 2 groups. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in pneumothorax rate between 18 G (n=125) versus 20 G (n=425) (rates: 25.6% vs. 28.7%; P=0.50; odds ratio [OR]=0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.54-1.35), chest tube insertion rate (4.8% vs. 5.6%; P=0.71; OR=0.84; 95% CI=0.34-2.11), or diagnostic adequacy (95% vs. 93%; P=0.36; OR=1.51; 95% CI=0.61-3.72). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated emphysema along the biopsy path (OR=3.12; 95% CI=1.63-5.98) and nodule distance from the pleural surface ≥4 cm (OR=1.85; 95% CI=1.05-3.28) to be independent risk factors for pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference in pneumothorax rate or diagnostic adequacy was found between 18-G versus 20-G core biopsy needles. Independent risk factors for pneumothorax include emphysema along the biopsy path and nodule distance from the pleural surface.

Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphene Electrode for High-Performance Rechargeable Chloroaluminate and Dual-Ion Batteries.

The current state-of-the-art positive electrode material for chloroaluminate ion batteries (AIBs) or dual-ion batteries (DIBs) is highly crystalline graphite; however, the rate capability of this material at high discharge currents is significantly reduced by the modest conductivity of graphite. This limitation is addressed through the use of graphene-based positive electrodes, which can improve the rate capability of these batteries due to their higher conductivity. However, conventional methods of graphene production induce a significant number of defects, which impair the performance of AIBs and DIBs. Herein, we report the use of a defect-free graphene positive electrode, which was produced using the electrochemical exfoliation of graphite in an aqueous solution with the aid of Co2+ as an antioxidant. The Co-treated graphene electrode achieved high capacities of 150 mAh g-1 in DIBs and 130 mAh g-1 in AIBs with high rate capability for both batteries. The charge-discharge mechanism of the batteries is examined using in situ Raman spectroscopy, and the results revealed that the intercalation density of [AlCl4]- or [PF6]- increased from a dilute staging index graphite intercalation compound (GIC) to a stage 1 GIC within the operating voltage window. The simple production method of high-quality graphene in conjunction with its high performance in DIBs should enable the use of graphene for DIB technologies.

Systematic Comparison of Graphene Materials for Supercapacitor Electrodes.

A comparison of the performance of graphene-based supercapacitors is difficult, owing to the variety of production methods used to prepare the materials. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no systematic investigation into the effect of the graphene production method on the supercapacitor performance. In this work, we compare graphene produced through several routes. This includes anodic and cathodic electrochemically exfoliated graphene, liquid phase exfoliated graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, and graphene nanoribbons. Graphene oxide exhibited the highest capacitance of approximately 154 F g-1 in 6 M KOH at 0.5 A g-1 attributed to oxygen functional groups giving an additional pseudocapacitance and preventing significant restacking; however, the capacitance retention was poor, owing to the low conductivity. In comparison, the anodic electrochemically exfoliated graphene exhibited a capacitance of approximately 44 F g-1, the highest of the 'pure' graphene materials, which all exhibited superior capacitance retention, owing to their higher conductivity. The cyclability of all of the materials, with the exception of reduced graphene oxide (70 %), was found to be greater than 95 % after 10 000 cycles. These results highlight the importance of matching the graphene production method with a specific application; for example, graphene oxide and anodic electrochemically exfoliated graphene would be best suited for high energy and power applications, respectively.

Outcomes for concomitant common iliac artery aneurysms after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the morbidity of endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients with concomitant common iliac artery aneurysm (CCIAA). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of all patients who underwent elective EVAR from June 2006 through June 2012 at a single institution. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative presentation, intraoperative details, and postoperative complications were tabulated. Patients with CCIAA were categorized into three groups according to the distal extent of their iliac limb: iliac limb extension into the external iliac artery with internal iliac artery coil embolization (EE); flared iliac limb ≥20 mm in diameter to the iliac bifurcation (FL); and iliac limb ≤20 mm ending proximal to the CCIAA (no-FL). RESULTS: During this period, 627 consecutive patients underwent elective EVAR and preoperative computed tomographic angiograms were available for 523 patients to evaluate the presence of CCIAA. Of these, 211 patients (40.2%) had a CCIAA in at least one common iliac artery, with a total of 307 aneurysmal arteries. Of these 307 aneurysmal arteries, 62 (20.2%) were treated with EE, 132 (43.0%) were treated with FL, and 113 (36.8%) had a sufficient landing zone in the proximal common iliac artery to use an iliac limb ≤20 mm in diameter (no-FL). The overall reintervention rate was 12.4% of patients, with a higher reintervention rate between patients with CCIAA compared with those without (15.2% vs 10.9%; P = .039). There were no significant differences in reintervention rates between the EE, FL, and no-FL techniques (4.5% vs 4.8% vs 6.2%; P = .802) over a mean 59.8 months follow-up. The FL and EE techniques had a lower risk of distal endoleak than the no-FL technique, but the difference was not statistically significant (3.2% vs 2.3% vs 5.3% compared with 4.23% in the entire cohort). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with CCIAA had a higher reintervention rate after EVAR for abdominal aortic aneurysm compared with non-CCIAA patients. Of the techniques studied (EE, FL, and no-FL), there was no significant difference in reintervention rates between the three. All three techniques remain viable options for the endovascular repair of CCIAA.

An assessment of African lion Panthera leo sociality via social network analysis: prerelease monitoring for an ex situ reintroduction program.

The wild population of the African lion Panthera leo continues to decline, requiring alternate conservation programs to be considered. One such program is ex situ reintroduction. Prior to release, long-term monitoring and assessment of behavior is required to determine whether prides and coalitions behave naturally and are sufficiently adapted to a wild environment. Social network analysis (SNA) can be used to provide insight into how the pride as a whole and individuals within it, function. Our study was conducted upon 2 captive-origin prides who are part of an ex situ reintroduction program, and 1 wild pride of African lion. Social interactions were collected at all occurrence for each pride and categorized into greet, social grooming, play, and aggression. Betweenness centrality showed that offspring in each pride were central to the play network, whereas degree indicated that adults received (indegree) the greatest number of overall social interactions, and the adult males of each pride were least likely to initiate (outdegree) any interactions. Through the assessment of individual centrality and degree values, a social keystone adult female was identified for each pride. Social network results indicated that the 2 captive-origin prides had formed cohesive social units and possessed relationships and behaviors comparable with the wild pride for the studied behaviors. This study provided the first SNA comparison between captive-bred origin and a wild pride of lions, providing valuable information on individual and pride sociality, critical for determining the success of prides within an ex situ reintroduction program.

A State-Level Analysis of Social and Structural Factors and HIV Outcomes Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States.

We apply a social determinants of health model to examine the association of select social and structural influences on AIDS diagnosis rates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. states. Secondary data for key social and structural variables were acquired and analyzed. Standard descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine bivariate and multivariate associations of selected social and structural variables with estimated rate of Stage 3 HIV infection (AIDS) per 100,000 MSM in 2010. We found that living in states with a higher demographic density of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons is independently associated with lower AIDS diagnosis rates among MSM. In addition, we found that greater income inequality and higher syphilis rates among men were associated with greater AIDS diagnosis rates among MSM, which may be attributable to state policy environments that underinvest in social goods that benefit population health, and to the fact that ulcerative sexually-transmitted infections increase biological risk of HIV transmission and acquisition. To end the epidemic in the U.S., it will be critical to identify and address state-level social and structural factors that may be associated with adverse HIV outcomes for MSM.

Effect of computer-assisted interviewing on self-reported sexual behavior data in a microbicide clinical trial.

In a microbicide safety and effectiveness trial (HPTN 035) in Malawi, 585 women completed the same questionnaire through a face-to-face interview (FTFI) and an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI). Concordance between FTFI and ACASI responses ranged from 72.0 % for frequency of sex in the past week to 95.2 % for anal intercourse (AI) in the past 3 months. Reported gel and condom use at last sex act were marginally lower with ACASI than FTFI (73.5 % vs. 77.2 %, p = 0.11 and 60.9 % vs. 65.5 %, p = 0.05, respectively). More women reported AI with ACASI than FTFI (5.0 % vs. 0.2 %, p < 0.001). Analyses of consistency of responses within ACASI revealed that 15.0 % of participants in the condom-only arm and 28.7 % in the gel arm provided at least one discrepant answer regarding total sex acts and sex acts where condom and gel were used (19.2 % reported one inconsistent answer, 8.1 % reported two inconsistent answers, and 1.4 % reported three inconsistent answers). While ACASI may provide more accurate assessments of sensitive behaviors in HIV prevention trials, it also results in a high level of internally inconsistent responses.

Reaping the prevention benefits of highly active antiretroviral treatment: policy implications of HIV Prevention Trials Network 052.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review explores the policy implications of findings from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN 052) treatment as prevention (TasP) study. RECENT FINDINGS: To date, the potential of antiretrovirals to prevent sexual transmission of HIV by infected persons has been grounded in observational cohort, ecological, mathematical modeling, and meta-analytic studies. HPTN 052 represents the first randomized controlled trial to test the secondary prevention benefit of HIV transmission using antiretroviral treatment in largely asymptomatic persons with high CD4 cell counts. SUMMARY: The US National HIV/AIDS Strategy has among its key goals the reduction of incident HIV infections, improved access to quality care and associated outcomes, and the reduction in HIV-associated health disparities and inequities. HPTN 052 demonstrates that providing TasP, in combination with other effective prevention strategies offers the promise of achieving these life-saving goals. But HPTN 052 also highlights the need for cautious optimism and underscores the importance of addressing current gaps in the HIV prevention, treatment, and care continuum in order for 'TasP' strategies to achieve their full potential. Among these are necessary improvements in the capacity to expand HIV testing, facilitate effective linkage and retention in care, and improve treatment initiation, maintenance, and virus suppression.

Dietary supplements and natural products in breast cancer trials.

The association between breast cancer and modifiable health behaviors is well supported. At least one-half of all cancers are suggested to have a dietary component. It is not surprising therefore that many of the dietary agents and natural health products that have attracted the attentions of scientists and practitioners are now moving into clinical trials. In this report, we review 65 clinical intervention trials evaluating over 30 dietary supplements and natural health products for use in breast cancer. The products being tested in these trials fall broadly into the following categories: (i) vitamins, minerals, cofactors; (ii) herbal extracts; (iii) amino acids; (iv) fatty acids; (v) animal products; (vi) probiotics; (vii) phytochemicals; and (viii) combination formulations. Trial outcome measures include risk modification, efficacy testing (with dietary supplements alone or dietary supplement-anticancer drug combinations), toxicity reduction, biomarker identification, symptom management, and quality of life parameters. The wide range of interests in natural product testing at the clinical trial level supports the potential utility of these agents in the breast cancer prevention, treatment, and management regimens of the future.

Advancing novel HIV prevention intervention research with MSM--meeting report.

HIV continues to exact an enormous toll on society and to disproportionately affect gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Innovative prevention interventions are needed to reverse this trend. In August 2009, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention convened a meeting of scientists, community representatives, advocates, and federal partners to discuss innovative prevention-intervention science. The meeting was structured to maximize discussion of (1) healthy sex interventions, (2) community and structural interventions, (3) integrated biomedical and behavioral interventions, and (4) interventions to improve uptake of HIV testing. Presentations and discussion focused on research gaps in designing risk-reducing and sexual health-promoting interventions for MSM, including interventions to address mental health, substance use, disclosure, and stigma. This article summarizes the meeting proceedings, highlights key points, and outlines future directions.

Key issues in mentoring in HIV prevention and mental health for new investigators from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups.

We examine the challenges and barriers to quality mentoring for new investigators from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and propose solutions for establishing a robust pipeline of early-career scientists who are well equipped to conduct research on disparities in HIV and mental health. In addition, we review contributions to this special supplement on mentoring and advocate a multilevel strategy that targets funding agencies, academic and research institutions, mentors, and mentees to enhance the diversity of the nation's scientific workforce and ensure that the public health system benefits from innovations derived from the optimal use of existing human capital.

Introduction: the case for diversity in research on mental health and HIV/AIDS.

This introductory article provides background and sets the stage for the mentoring programs described in this special supplement. The goal of these programs is to develop scientists from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the area of HIV/AIDS research on issues related to mental health. We describe recent epidemiological trends associated with HIV infection in diverse populations, the need for mentoring programs to study disparities, and the ongoing mentoring programs supported by the National Institutes of Health targeting investigators underrepresented in the workforce. We also provide a summary of the content of the articles to follow. We conclude with a comment on future needs and actions.