Perspectives on benefits and risks of creation of an "injection drug use" billing code.

People with substance use disorder (SUD) face barriers to prevention and treatment services, increasing risk for hospitalization and death. Injection drug use (IDU) can lead to an increased risk of overdose and infections. However, identifying people who inject drugs (PWID) within healthcare systems is challenging. International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) codes are used for billing and tracking healthcare utilization. In this commentary, experts in the field weigh the benefits and risks of creating an IDU-specific ICD-10 code. Potential benefits include earlier identification, better access to health services, and improved systems of resource allocation. Potential risks include further stigmatization of PWID and, if not tied to financial reimbursement, low rates of code utilization. As the current systems of identifying PWID are lacking, we feel that a guided operationalization of an ICD code to identify PWID could improve quantitative and epidemiological research accuracy and, therefore, support the health and well-being of PWID.

HIV Activist Identity, Commitment, and Orientation Scale (HAICOS): Psychometric Evaluation to Assess Clinician's Propensity Towards HIV Activism in Malaysia.

HIV activism has a long history of advancing HIV treatment and is critical in dismantling HIV-related stigma. This study evaluated the psychometric quality of the HIV Activist Identity, Commitment, and Orientation Scale (HAICOS) to assess clinicians' propensity towards HIV activism in Malaysia. From November 2022 to March 2023, 74 general practitioners and primary care physicians in Malaysia participated in the study. The exploratory factor analysis (EFA) extracted an internally consistent three-factor solution with 13 items: (1) HIV activist identity and commitment, orientation towards (2) day-to-day, and (3) structural activism. The Cronbach's alpha value was 0.91, and intra-class correlation coefficient for test-retest reliability was 0.86. Stigma-related (prejudice and discrimination intent) and clinical practice (comfort in performing clinical tasks with key populations and knowledge about HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis) measures supported the construct validity of the scale. The study provided concise, structurally valid, and reliable measures to evaluate HIV activism among clinicians.

RESUMEN: El activismo del VIH tiene una larga historia de avanzar el tratamiento del VIH y es crítico para desmantelar el estigma relacionado al VIH. Este estudio evaluó la calidad psicométrica de la Escala de Identidad, Compromiso y Orientación de Activistas del VIH (HAICOS) para evaluar la propensión de los médicos hacia el activismo del VIH en Malasia. Desde noviembre del 2022 hasta marzo del 2023, 74 médicos generales y de atención primaria en Malasia participaron en este estudio. El análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE) extrajo una solución de tres factores internamente consistente con 13 ítems: (1) identidad y compromiso del activismo del VIH; orientación hacia (2) el activismo cotidiano y (3) el activismo estructural. El valor alfa de Cronbach fue de 0.91 y el coeficiente de correlación intraclase para la confiabilidad prueba-reprueba fue de 0.86. Las medidas relacionadas con el estigma (prejuicio e intención de discriminación) y la práctica clínica (comodidad realizando tareas clínicas con poblaciones claves y conocimiento sobre la profilaxis pre-exposición del VIH) respaldaron la validez de constructo de la escala. El estudio proporcionó medidas concisas, estructuralmente válidas y confiables para evaluar el activismo de VIH entre los médicos.

Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Tumor: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumors (PHNETs) are extremely rare and account for about 0.3% of all neuroendocrine tumor cases. Resection is usually difficult because they are usually diagnosed in the late stages. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with PHNETs, initially classified as unresectable but then underwent a successful left hepatectomy. PHNETs are rare malignant tumors, and a high index of suspicion is warranted for the diagnosis after excluding the presence of a primary extrahepatic lesion. Radical hepatectomy can be curative when feasible along with a combination of multiple treatments that improve the prognosis.

Nine-year substance use treatment outcomes with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in a federally qualified health center.

BACKGROUND: Prescribing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) in primary care helps meet treatment demand, but few studies examine long-term treatment retention among medically-underserved primary care patients. METHODS: This 9-year retrospective study assessed overall retention at 6 months, and yearly up to 9 years, among 1451 patients with at least 6 months of buprenorphine prescription data from a federally-qualified health center (FQHC). We also examined whether patients who had gaps in treatment (>14 days without medication) later returned to care. Associations with treatment retention over total time in care were assessed. RESULTS: On average, patients received buprenorphine treatment for 2.26 years. Among patients who experienced gaps in treatment but returned to care within 90 days, 64% were still receiving buprenorphine at six months (n=930 of 1451), and 70% (n =118 of 169) at 9 years, with an average yearly interval retention of 69% (range: 58-74%). Patients were on MOUD treatment and not in a gap about 81% of the time, and averaged 1.0 gap per patient per year (SD: 1.09; range 0-7.87). The mean gap length over the treatment period was 33.16 days. Older age, higher percentages of negative opioid tests, negative cocaine tests, and positive buprenorphine tests, and having diabetes were associated with longer treatment retention. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid use disorder (OUD) can be treated successfully in primary care FQHCs. Treatment gaps are common and reflect the chronic relapsing nature of OUD.

Integrating methadone into primary care settings in Ukraine: effects on provider stigma and knowledge.

INTRODUCTION: Stigma has undermined the scale-up of evidence-based HIV prevention and treatment. Negative beliefs influence clinicians' discriminatory behaviour and ultimately have wide-ranging effects across the HIV prevention and treatment continuum. Stigma among clinicians can be mitigated in several ways, including through interpersonal contact. In this study, we test whether interactions with people who inject drugs (PWID) influence attitudes of both direct and indirect providers of opioid agonist therapies (OATs) within the same primary care clinics (PCCs) where OAT is newly introduced. METHODS: In a cluster randomized controlled trial integrating OAT and HIV care into PCCs in Ukraine, clinicians at 24 integrated care sites (two sites in 12 regions) from January 2018 to August 2022 completed a structured survey at baseline, 12 and 24 months. The survey included feeling thermometers and standardized scales related to clinician attitudes towards patients and evidence-based care. Nested linear mixed-effects models were used to examine changes in mean scores over three timepoints for both direct and indirect clinicians. RESULTS: There were fewer significant changes in any of the scales for direct providers (n = 87) than for indirect providers (n = 155). Direct providers became less tough-minded about substance use disorders (p = 0.002), had less negative opinions about PWID (p = 0.006) and improved their beliefs regarding OAT maintenance (p<0.001) and medical information (p = 0.004). Indirect providers reported improvements in most stigma constructs, including a significant decrease in prejudice (p<0.001), discrimination (p = 0.001), shame (p = 0.007) and fear (p = 0.001) towards PWID. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating OAT services within primary settings was associated with significantly reduced stigma constructs and improved attitudes towards PWID, possibly through increased intergroup contact between PWID and general clinical staff. Unlike most stigma reduction interventions, re-engineering clinical processes so that PWID receive their care in PCCs emerges as a multilevel stigma reduction intervention through the integration of specialized services in PCCs. Integration influences different types of stigma, and has positive effects not only on health outcomes, but also improves clinician attitudes and efficiently reduces clinician stigma.

The role of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT in the management of differentiated thyroid cancer.

INTRODUCTION: In previous literature, 18 F-FDG-PET/ CT imaging significantly impacted differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) therapy. Low thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and negative Iodine-131 (131I) whole-body scan (WBS), along with negative 18 F-FDG-PET/ CT, suggested a lesser likelihood of active illness. Positive 18 F-FDG-PET/CT findings, however, were associated with a variety of signs of local recurrence and regional or distant metastases in patients with suspected WBS. We aim to evaluate the utility of 18 F-FDG-PET/CT in managing DTC patients with negative 131I post-therapy WBS and elevated Tg. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients with DTC (76% papillary and 24% follicular). Patients underwent total thyroidectomy or several radioactive iodine (RAI) treatments or both. WBS was performed 5-7 days after RAI treatment. Inclusion criteria were elevated serum Tg, negative anti-Tg auto-antibodies (AbTg) during long-term follow-up, presence of 18F-FDG-PET/CT images, and negative or suspicious WBS. RESULTS: 54% of 18 F-FDG-PET/CTs detected at least one lesion, mainly, cervical lymph nodes (49.9%), mediastinal lymph nodes (40.4%), local recurrence (34%), and bone or tissue metastasis (36.2%). The three major sites of metastasis were lung, bone, and liver. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT identified recurrence or metastasis in 45% of patients with high serum Tg and negative WBS, modifying therapeutic management in half the patients for suitable treatment modality (surgery vs. tyrosine kinase inhibitor). CONCLUSION: The findings redemonstrate that elevated Tg with negative or suspicious WBS necessitates 18 F-FDG-PET/CT for localization of recurrence. 18 F-FDG-PET/CT is useful in managing locally recurrent or metastatic DTC with high Tg levels. It influences treatment and accurately assesses disease severity.

Photobiomodulation self-treatment at home after rotator cuff arthroscopic repair accelerates improvement in pain, functionality, and quality of life: A double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether self-applied photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy at home, following rotator cuff arthroscopic surgery (RCAS) can accelerate improvement in patient-reported outcomes within the first 6 months postsurgery. METHODS: This study was a prospective, double-blind, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial (NCT04593342). Patients (n = 50, age 55 ± 7 years, male:female 29:21) who underwent primary RCAS were randomized to receive active (n = 22) or sham (n = 28) PBM devices (B-Cure Laser Pro, Erica B-Cure LASER Ltd., Haifa, Israel) in addition to standard care. Patients self-applied the treatments (808 nm, 15 min, 16.5 J/cm2 ) at home for 3 months postsurgery. Evaluations were conducted before the surgery (baseline) and at 1-3 and 6 months post-RCAS (FU-1M, FU-3M, FU-6M), and included Constant-Murley score (CMS), range of motion (ROM), subjective pain by visual analogue scale (VAS), disability by QuickDASH, and quality of life (QOL) by SF-12. The difference from baseline to follow-up (ΔFU), %patients achieving minimal clinical important difference (MCID), and patient acceptable symptom score (PASS) were calculated. Comparisons were conducted with superiority 2-sample t test and χ2 . RESULTS: Baseline values were not significantly different between groups. Both groups had similar improvements in CMS and ROM. However, compared to Sham, PBM significantly accelerated subjective pain reduction at 3 and 6 months (VAS mean ± SD, PBM-vs-Sham: ΔFU-3M 32 ± 33 vs. 16 ± 27, p = 0.040; ΔFU-6M: 41 ± 36 vs. 23 ± 26, p = 0.038), with a significantly higher proportion of patients achieving MCID at 3 months (76% vs. 48%, p = 0.027) and PASS at 6 months (48% vs. 23%, p = 0.044). PBM also significantly accelerated improvement in functionality and QOL at 6 months (QuickDASH ΔFU-6M: 30 ± 24 vs. 18 ± 14, p = 0.029; SF-12 physical component 6.8 ± 12.5 vs. 0.4 ± 8.6, p = 0.031; SF-12 mental component 8.5 ± 9.1 vs. 2.2 ± 12, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: Self-applied photobiomodulation following RCAS significantly accelerates decrease in pain and disability, and improves QOL. This nonpharmacologic add-on therapeutic modality is easy to use and encourages active patient involvement. Its potential use in rehabilitation following other surgeries should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, high-quality RCT.

Design, implementation and preliminary results of a type-2 hybrid cluster-randomized trial of integrating screening and treatment for major depressive disorder into specialty clinics providing opioid agonist therapies in Ukraine.

INTRODUCTION: Ukraine has a high prevalence of co-occurring disorders (COD), defined as having both substance use (SUD) and psychiatric disorders. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder among people with SUD. People with COD experience poor health outcomes, and international agencies propose integrated COD care. In Ukraine, treatment for SUD is delivered in specialized substance use clinics, without providing any other medical services for comorbidities, including MDD. Here we present the protocol, along the with the preliminary results of the MEDIUM project, including observations over the first 6 months. METHODS: A cluster-randomized type-2 hybrid trial was conducted to integrate MDD treatment into specialty clinics providing opioid agonist therapies (OAT) in Ukraine. Twelve clinics in four regions underwent randomization to control (N = 1) vs experimental arms (N = 2) in each region. Clinicians at experimental sites received tele-education through modified project ECHO using a facilitated screening, evaluation, and treatment algorithm of depression, with or without financial incentives. Service-, patient- and provider-level data were collected for the analysis every 6 months for 24 months. PRELIMINARY RESULTS: For service delivery outcomes, 4421 patients enrolled on OAT across all sites were assessed for MDD for screening (76.7%), evaluation with diagnosis (43.5%) and treatment (30.7%) for MDD; 13.8% continued treatment at least for 6 months. For patient-level outcomes, 1345 patients and 54 providers participated in serial surveys every six months. CONCLUSION: This study will be the first to explore integrated COD care in Ukraine and generate evidence on effective service integration and delivery strategies for people with COD receiving treatment at substance use clinics with broader implications for Eastern Europe and Central Asia region.

Heavy metals accumulation in soil and uptake by barley (Hordeum vulgare) irrigated with contaminated water.

Impacts of nine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, K, Fe, Mn, and Zn) contamination in irrigation water on the soil, shoots, and roots of barely were investigated. Due to freshwater shortages, the use of available and inexpensive urban wastewater with input from local industrial factories containing heavy metals in irrigation is still practiced in the Middle East including Palestine. Barely was grown in plastic pots filled with sandy soil irrigated with simulated treated wastewater during two growing seasons. The metal treatments investigated include one, three, nine, and 15 multiples of the average metal content of treated effluent. Results showed that (i) Barley showed similar growth responses but different metal uptake patterns, (ii) Cd, Fe, Pb, and Zn in roots and shoots of barley were higher than WHO permissible levels, (iii) all metals accumulated in the soil had lower content than WHO permissible levels, (iv) The average value of enrichment factor (EF) for most heavy metals used was around unity indicating poor enrichment to soil and translocation to roots and shoots, (v) The highest Translocation factor (TF = 57.8) and Bioconcentration Factor (BCF = 126.8) was observed for K indicating its role in enhancing barley's tolerance to drought and its effectiveness in using barley in phytoremediation, and (vi) Barley growth and development and soil quality parameters were significantly affected by repetitive and increased irrigation with wastewater containing heavy metals.

Acceptability and Feasibility of Online, Asynchronous Photovoice with Key Populations and People Living with HIV.

Photovoice is an action-oriented qualitative method involving photography and story-telling. Although photovoice yields a powerful form of data that can be leveraged for research, intervention, and advocacy, it has arguably been underutilized within HIV research. Online, asynchronous photovoice methods represent a promising alternative to traditional in-person methods, yet their acceptability and feasibility with key populations and people living with HIV (PLWH) have yet to be explored. The current study describes the methods and evaluation of an online, asynchronous photovoice project conducted with 34 members of key populations and PLWH in Malaysia in 2021. A HIPAA-compliant website incorporating a series of instructional videos was created to facilitate participant engagement and data collection. Quantitative and qualitative indicators suggest that participants found the project to be highly acceptable and feasible. Online, asynchronous photovoice methods hold potential for increasing the scale of this powerful and versatile qualitative research method with key populations and PLWH.

RESUMEN: La fotovoz es un método cualitativo orientado a la acción que usa fotografía y narración de historias. Aunque la fotovoz produce una poderosa forma de datos que se puede utilizar para la investigación, la intervención y la promoción, podría decirse que ha sido poca aplicada en la investigación del VIH. Los métodos de fotovoz asincrónicos en línea representan una alternativa prometedora a los métodos en persona tradicionales, pero aún no se ha explorado su aceptabilidad y viabilidad con los grupos de población clave y las personas que viven con el VIH (PLWH por sus siglas en inglés). El estudio actual describe los métodos y la evaluación de un proyecto de fotovoz asincrónico en línea realizado con 34 miembros de grupos de población clave y PLWH en Malasia en 2021. Se creó un sitio web compatible con HIPAA que incorpora una serie de videos instructivos para facilitar la participación y la recopilación de datos. Los indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos sugieren que los participantes encontraron el proyecto altamente aceptable y realizable. La fotovoz asincrónica en línea es un poderoso y versátil método cualitativo de investigación la cual tiene potencial para usarse más con los grupos de población clave y PLWH.

"I want the doctors to know that I am as bright as a candle": : Experiences with and Hopes for Doctor Interactions Among Malaysian Key Populations and People Living with HIV.

Stigma in healthcare settings is a pernicious barrier to HIV prevention and treatment in contexts with strong HIV-related structural stigma. Previous work has documented substantial stigma towards key populations and people living with HIV (PLWH) among Malaysian doctors. The perspectives of Malaysian key populations and PLWH, however, remain understudied. In 2021, 34 Malaysian participants representing key populations and PLWH engaged in a photovoice study designed to qualitatively explore their experiences with and hopes for doctor interactions. Many participants reported stigma from their doctors, perceiving that doctors view them as not normal, sinful, misguided, and incapable. Several emphasized that they wear figurative masks to conceal aspects of themselves from doctors. Yet, many also remain hopeful for constructive relationships with doctors. They want their doctors to know that they are bright, capable, kind, and valuable. Interventions are needed to address stigma among doctors working in contexts with strong structural stigma.

RESUMEN: El estigma en los ambientes de atención médica es una barrera perniciosa en la prevención y el tratamiento del VIH. Investigaciones anteriores han documentado un estigma sustancial hacia los grupos de población clave y las personas que viven con el VIH (PLWH por sus siglas en inglés) entre los médicos de Malasia. Sin embargo, las perspectivas de los grupos de población clave y las PLWH en Malasia siguen sin estudiarse. En 2021, 34 participantes que representaban los grupos de población clave y PLWH en Malasia participaron en un estudio de fotovoz diseñado para explorar cualitativamente sus experiencias y esperanzas en las interacciones con los médicos. Muchos participantes describieron el estigma de sus médicos, percibiendo que los médicos los ven como no normales, pecaminosos, equivocados e incapaces. Varios enfatizaron que usan máscaras figurativas para ocultar aspectos de ellos mismos a los médicos. Sin embargo, muchos también mantienen la esperanza de tener relaciones constructivas con los médicos. Quieren que sus médicos sepan que son inteligentes, capaces, amables y valiosos. Se necesitan intervenciones para abordar el estigma estructural entre los médicos que trabajan en la prevención y el tratamiento del VIH.

Principles for Ending Human Immunodeficiency Virus as an Epidemic in the United States: A Policy Paper of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the HIV Medical Association.

While we have the tools to achieve this goal, the persistent barriers to healthcare services experienced by too many individuals will need to be addressed to make significant progress and improve the health and quality of life of all people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The necessary structural changes require actions by federal, state, and local policymakers and range from ensuring universal access to healthcare services to optimizing care delivery to ensuring a robust and diverse infectious diseases and HIV workforce. In this article, we outlines 10 key principles for policy reforms that, if advanced, would make ending the HIV epidemic in the United States possible and could have much more far-reaching effects in improving the health of our nation.

Ending the HIV Epidemic: We Have the Tools, Do We Have the Will?

This Viewpoint identifies several barriers to ending the HIV epidemic and urges increasing expertise in HIV medicine in underserved areas like the South challenging legislation designed to keep students ignorant.

Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Project ECHO in Malaysia During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: In Malaysia, HIV is concentrated among key populations who experience barriers to care due to stigma and healthcare discrimination. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased barriers to healthcare. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a transformative tele-education strategy that could improve HIV prevention and treatment. Methods: Practicing physicians who were aged 18 years or older and had internet access participated in asynchronous online focus groups. Results: Barriers to Project ECHO were conflicting priorities, time constraints, and technology. Facilitators included content and format, dedicated time, asynchronized flexible programming, incentives, and ensuring technology was available. Conclusion: Project ECHO is a promising intervention that can increase physicians' knowledge and skill set in specialty medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventionists in Malaysia in particular, but also in general, should consider these barriers and facilitators when developing Project ECHO as they may aid in developing a more robust program and increase participation.

Extra-Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (EGIST) in the Pelvis Mimicking Retroperitoneal Sarcoma.

Extra-gastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGISTs) are rare mesenchymal tumors accounting for less than 1% of total gastrointestinal tumors. They tend to be aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data or controversial data due to its scarcity. Therefore, we report a case of pelvic EGIST misdiagnosed as retroperitoneal sarcoma. We opted for surgical management followed by adjuvant oral chemotherapy with imatinib.

Emerging Lessons and Policy Options for Sexually Transmitted Infection Telehealth Payment: A Narrative Review.

ABSTRACT: Long before the SARS-CoV-2 (hereafter COVID-19) pandemic, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and control was underresourced in the United States, leading to large and sustained increases in reportable STIs and harmful sequelae of these infections. The abrupt disruption associated with the national shutdown of many public services in early 2020 forced STI clinics and programs to rapidly adopt new models of care, including the greatly increased use of telehealth services. Federal policy makers took actions to relax many requirements in Medicare and other programs that previously impeded the use of telehealth. Numerous states also adopted emergency policies to facilitate the delivery of telehealth services through Medicaid, many of which are related to payment for services. It is unresolved whether and which policies will or should be extended after the public health emergency. How these services are financed and reimbursed underpins the ability to effectively prevent and treat STIs and improve public health. Ultimately, payment systems need to support the solvency and stability of sexual health clinics and other health care services organizations in ways that support providers and that also improve patient satisfaction and retention in care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state/local health departments have important roles to play in supporting the dialogue needed to create new payment models and facilitate communication and technical assistance across public health and insurance systems. Sexual health providers must be engaged in iterative processes that continue to evolve and can be evaluated over time.

Cell viability of novel composite hydrogels loaded with hydroxyapatite for oral and maxillofacial bone regeneration.

The development of hydrogels for maxillofacial bone regeneration holds vast potential. However, some challenges need to be addressed to further their application in clinical settings. One challenge is optimizing cell viability. To improve mechanical strength, various materials have been investigated; however, incorporation of these materials within the hydrogel network may affect cell viability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cell viability of novel gelatin-alginate composite hydrogels loaded with hydroxyapatite (HA) and nano-hydroxyapatite (n-HA) for maxillofacial bone regeneration. Nine different hydrogels were prepared: three loaded with 0.5%, 1%, and 3% w/v HA; three loaded with 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% w/v n-HA; one not loaded as a control and two HA and n-HA hydrogels with a lower concentration of the EDC crosslinker. Cell viability of human osteoblasts exposed to the hydrogels as affected by the HA type, size, and concentration, as well as to the crosslinker concentration, was investigated. An Alamar Blue assay was used to evaluate cell viability in the presence of hydrogel extracts and in aqueous solutions (without the hydrogel). A qualitative model was developed for explaining cell viability and growth. Higher percentages of cell viability were observed in the hydrogels loaded with hydroxyapatite as compared with the control. The effect of HA-related parameters, i.e., particle size and concentration, was found to increase the cytotoxic effect, as expressed in lower cell viability. The most favorable composites were the n-HA hydrogels. The incorporation of n-HA in the hydrogel to form a composite seems to be a very promising approach for maxillofacial bone regeneration applications.

Rectal specimen self-collection for chlamydia and gonorrhea screening: a cross-sectional feasibility study at a community health center.

BACKGROUND: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for extra-genital sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Without extra-genital screening, many chlamydia and gonorrhea infections would be missed among MSM. Yet, many barriers exist to extra-genital testing, and, in particular, to rectal collection. Self-collection increases screening and detection of asymptomatic chlamydia and gonorrhea among at-risk MSM and transgender women. This feasibility study assessed use of rectal self-collection and its acceptance among patients and primary care providers (PCPs) at a large, general practice community health center. The primary objective of this project was to assess the feasibility of including rectal self-collection as part of an implementation study looking to embed an STI care program in a safety-net primary care setting that would shift routine screening tasks to non-provider clinical team members such as medical assistants and nurses. METHODS: Three PCPs identified and offered rectal self-collection to their MSM and transgender female patients who were due for routine or risk-based STI screening. For those patients who elected to participate in the study, the PCP's medical assistant (MA) reviewed the self-collection instructions with them as part of their routine preventive care duties, and patients collected their own sample. Patients and PCPs completed brief cross-sectional surveys assessing the self-collection process. RESULTS: Of 1191 patients with sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data on file who were seen for a medical visit by one of the three PCPs, 87 (7.3%) identified as MSM or transgender female. Seventy-five were due for rectal screening, of whom 33 (44%) were offered and completed rectal self-collection. Survey results indicated that self-collection was acceptable to and preferred over clinician-collection by both PCPs and patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that rectal self-collection is feasible as part of STI screening in a high-volume primary care setting, and can be administered as part of the clinical tasks that MAs routinely conduct. The overall acceptance by both PCPs and patients will allow the inclusion of rectal self-collection in an implementation study looking to increase STI screening at a large community health center by facilitating MA-led collection during medical provider visits and by establishing standalone nurse-led STI visits.

A Randomized, Split-Face, Double-Blind Comparison Trial Between Fractionated Frequency-Doubled 1064/532 nm Picosecond Nd:YAG Laser and Fractionated 1927 nm Thulium Fiber Laser for Facial Photorejuvenation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Fractionated lasers are a popular therapeutic option for facial photorejuvenation. In this study, we compare the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a fractionated frequency-doubled 1064/532 nm picosecond Nd:YAG fractionated picosecond laser (FPL) versus a fractionated 1927 nm thulium fiber laser (TFL) for facial rejuvenation. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a double-blind, randomized, split-face comparison study involving 20 subjects. Facial halves were randomized to receive either FPL or TFL treatment. Three treatments were delivered at 1-month intervals. Subjects were followed up for 1, 3, and 6 months post-final treatment session and evaluated by blinded, non-treating investigators for dyspigmentation, erythema, keratosis, texture, and rhytids on a standardized scale. Subjects also recorded a quantitative daily diary rating healing progress for 14 days after every treatment session. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in elastosis, erythema, keratosis, dyschromia, and skin texture were noted in both treatment groups. There were no significant differences detected in clinical efficacy between the two groups. Subject daily dairies revealed statistically significant differences in tolerability during the immediate 14-day post-operative recovery period. The facial half treated with FPL displayed significantly less redness on days 3 and 4; significantly less swelling on day 5; significantly less crusting on days 1 through 9; significantly less peeling on days 3 through 9; and significantly less itch on days 4 and 7. There were no unexpected adverse effects observed. CONCLUSION: Both FPL and TFL are safe and effective treatment options for facial rejuvenation. FPL may be associated with significantly less downtime. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Innovations in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Care Delivery During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: Policies to Strengthen the Ending the Epidemic Initiative-A Policy Paper of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the HIV Medicine Association.

The goal of the Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative is to reduce new infections in the United States by 90% by 2030. Success will require fundamentally changing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and care delivery to engage more persons with HIV and at risk of HIV in treatment. While the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic reduced in-person visits to care facilities and led to concern about interruptions in care, it also accelerated growth of alternative options, bolstered by additional funding support. These included the use of telehealth, medication delivery to the home, and increased flexibility facilitating access to Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program services. While the outcomes of these programs must be studied, many have improved accessibility during the pandemic. As the pandemic wanes, long-term policy changes are needed to preserve these options for those who benefit from them. These new care paradigms may provide a roadmap for progress for those with other chronic health issues as well.