Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant for both plants and animals. In plants, ascorbate is involved in several key physiological processes including photosynthesis, cell expansion and division, growth, flowering, and... more
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant for both plants and animals. In plants, ascorbate is involved in several key physiological processes including photosynthesis, cell expansion and division, growth, flowering, and senescence. In addition, ascorbate is an enzyme cofactor and a regulator of gene expression. During exposure to abiotic stresses, ascorbate counteracts excessive reactive oxygen species within the cell and protects key molecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, from irreversible damage. In this study we focus on understanding how ascorbate levels are controlled in rice (Oryza sativa) during plant development and in response to light intensity and photoperiod. Our results indicate that in rice ascorbate metabolism follows a different pattern compared to other species. In the rice accessions we analyzed, total foliar ascorbate content increases during development and peaks at the vegetative 2-4 and the reproductive 4 stages, whereas other researc...
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Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant for both plants and animals. In plants, ascorbate is involved in several key physiological processes including photosynthesis, cell expansion and division, growth, flowering, and... more
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) is a key antioxidant for both plants and animals. In plants, ascorbate is involved in several key physiological processes including photosynthesis, cell expansion and division, growth, flowering, and senescence. In addition, ascorbate is an enzyme cofactor and a regulator of gene expression. During exposure to abiotic stresses, ascorbate counteracts excessive reactive oxygen species within the cell and protects key molecules, including lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, from irreversible damage. In this study we focus on understanding how ascorbate levels are controlled in rice (Oryza sativa) during plant development and in response to light intensity and photoperiod. Our results indicate that in rice ascorbate metabolism follows a different pattern compared to other species. In the rice accessions we analyzed, total foliar ascorbate content increases during development and peaks at the vegetative 2-4 and the reproductive 4 stages, whereas other researc...
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... Khaleda L.; Al-Forkan M. Genotypic variability in callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of five deepwater rice ... doi:10.1007/s00299-004-0843-6. Naqvi SMS;Sultana T.; Yasmin T.; Mahmood T.; Akhtar MS... more
... Khaleda L.; Al-Forkan M. Genotypic variability in callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of five deepwater rice ... doi:10.1007/s00299-004-0843-6. Naqvi SMS;Sultana T.; Yasmin T.; Mahmood T.; Akhtar MS Efficient embryogenic system from ...
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... Khaleda L.; Al-Forkan M. Genotypic variability in callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of five deepwater rice ... doi:10.1007/s00299-004-0843-6. Naqvi SMS;Sultana T.; Yasmin T.; Mahmood T.; Akhtar MS... more
... Khaleda L.; Al-Forkan M. Genotypic variability in callus induction and plant regeneration through somatic embryogenesis of five deepwater rice ... doi:10.1007/s00299-004-0843-6. Naqvi SMS;Sultana T.; Yasmin T.; Mahmood T.; Akhtar MS Efficient embryogenic system from ...
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Adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) in the USA are frequently exposed to violence in their community and home. While studies have examined the prevalence and impact of violence exposure among adolescents, there is a lack of data... more
Adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) in the USA are frequently exposed to violence in their community and home. While studies have examined the prevalence and impact of violence exposure among adolescents, there is a lack of data focusing specifically on adolescent men of color who have sex with men. Eight demonstration sites funded through a Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Initiative recruited 363 HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM) for a longitudinal study between 2006 and 2009. Over two-thirds of participants (83.8%) had witnessed community violence, 55.1% in the prior three months. Witnessing violence committed with a deadly weapon was significantly associated with being African-American, having ever used drugs, and drinking alcohol in the prior two weeks. Fear of violence in the community was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, having less than a high school degree, not possessing health insurance, and site of enrollment. Having been emotionally or physically abused by a parent or caretaker was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, attempting suicide, site of enrollment, and increased age. Witnessing violence with a deadly weapon was significantly associated with alcohol and drug use but not with high-risk sexual behaviors. As this was one of the first studies on the prevalence and correlates of violence exposure among racial/ethnic minority YMSM living with HIV, the findings can be used to inform the development of culturally appropriate resilience-focused interventions to address the aftereffects of violence exposures and help develop social support systems outside of the family.
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Haemophilus parasuis colonizes the upper respiratory tract of swine and can cause a severe systemic disease known as Glässer's disease. We report here the draft genome sequences of 10 isolates from geographically diverse locations... more
Haemophilus parasuis colonizes the upper respiratory tract of swine and can cause a severe systemic disease known as Glässer's disease. We report here the draft genome sequences of 10 isolates from geographically diverse locations representing the full virulence spectrum of the microorganism, which will aid in understanding the pathobiology of H. parasuis.
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Surveillance points to an urgent public health need for HIV prevention, access, and retention among young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM). The purpose of this multisite study was to evaluate the association between... more
Surveillance points to an urgent public health need for HIV prevention, access, and retention among young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM). The purpose of this multisite study was to evaluate the association between organizational- and individual-level characteristics and retention in HIV care among HIV-positive YMSM of color. Data were collected quarterly via face-to-face interviews and chart abstraction between June 2006 and September 2008. Participants were aged 16-24 years, enrolled at 1 of 8 participating youth-specific demonstration sites, and engaged or reengaged in HIV care within the last 30 days. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine factors associated with missing research and care visits. Stata v.9.0se was used for analysis. Of 224 participants, the majority were African American (72.7%), 19-22 years old (66.5%), had graduated high school or equivalent (71.8%), identified as gay or homosexual (80.8%), and disclosed having had sex with a man before HIV diagnosis (98.2%). Over the first 2(1/4) years of the study, only 11.4% of visits were missed without explanation or patient contact. Characteristics associated with retention included being <21 years old, a history of depression, receipt of program services, and feeling respected at clinic; those associated with poorer retention included having a CD4 count <200 at baseline and being Latino. Special Projects of National Significance programs were able to achieve a high level of retention over time, and individual and program characteristics were associated with retention. Latino YMSM, those not receiving services, and those not perceiving respect at the clinic were at increased risk of falling out of care. Retention is essential to providing HIV+ adolescents with treatment, including reducing antiretroviral resistance development. Innovative programs that address the needs of the YMSM of color population may result in improved retention.
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Haemophilus parasuis is a member of the family Pasteurellaceae and is the etiologic agent of Glässer's disease in pigs, a systemic syndrome associated with only a subset of isolates. The genetic basis for virulence and systemic... more
Haemophilus parasuis is a member of the family Pasteurellaceae and is the etiologic agent of Glässer's disease in pigs, a systemic syndrome associated with only a subset of isolates. The genetic basis for virulence and systemic spread of particular H. parasuis isolates is currently unknown. Strain 29755 is an invasive isolate that has long been used in the study of Glässer's disease. Accordingly, the genome sequence of strain 29755 is of considerable importance to investigators endeavoring to understand the molecular pathogenesis of H. parasuis. Here we describe the features of the 2,224,137 bp draft genome sequence of strain 29755 generated from 454-FLX pyrosequencing. These data comprise the first publicly available genome sequence for this bacterium.
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Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) functions as a signaling molecule in many cell regulation processes. The traditional firefly luciferase assays measure the ATP release as a signal increase with time using a luminometer.... more
Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) functions as a signaling molecule in many cell regulation processes. The traditional firefly luciferase assays measure the ATP release as a signal increase with time using a luminometer. Recently, advanced cell imaging techniques using charge-coupled device (CCD) cameras have enabled two-dimensional (2D) high-resolution detection providing both spatial and temporal information. Real-time imaging of ATP release from astrocyte cells has been reported. However, the observed chemiluminescence propagation wave reflects both ATP release and diffusion in the extracellular bulk solution. The dynamic ATP efflux at the cell surface could not be accurately measured. Hence, we constructed biotinylated fused firefly luciferase proteins, immobilized the proteins on 1 microm beads, and attached the beads to the cell surface to detect ATP release from mechanically stimulated astrocyte cells. This novel detection method enables us to monitor the actual ATP concentration at the surface of single live cells. The localized ATP release was found to be prominent but lasted only <20 s, which is very different from the results obtained by free firefly luciferase detection.
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The federal government has established rapid identification, linkage, and engagement in medical care of HIV-positive individuals as a high priority. Outreach workers and other linkage coordinators are identified as key personnel in... more
The federal government has established rapid identification, linkage, and engagement in medical care of HIV-positive individuals as a high priority. Outreach workers and other linkage coordinators are identified as key personnel in implementing this policy. Young racial/ethnic minority men who have sex with men (MSM) have relatively high and growing rates of HIV infection and would benefit from the services of outreach workers. In this article, we describe the characteristics of outreach workers employed by eight demonstration sites participating in the federal Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Young MSM of Color Initiative, the linkage and retention models used by the sites, and the number of outreach/ linkage contacts and individuals referred to HIV care. We summarize rates of retention of outreach workers in employment, factors associated with worker turnover, and costs associated with their replacement. We also summarize the experiences of demonstration sites in employing and retaining outreach workers and improving their performance. The insights of outreach workers are reported regarding the challenges they experienced while conducting outreach. Recommendations from demonstration site project managers and outreach workers are offered to improve workplace performance and job retention. Outreach and retention strategies, as well as lessons learned in employing outreach workers, are useful to programs serving young racial/ethnic minority MSM and other HIV-positive groups.
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Given the continued high incidence of HIV infection in the United States among racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM), and an appreciation that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can provide personal and public health... more
Given the continued high incidence of HIV infection in the United States among racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM), and an appreciation that antiretroviral therapy (ART) can provide personal and public health benefits, attention is needed to enhance the detection of HIV-infected youth and engage them in medical care and support services that encourage sustained HIV treatment and suppression of viremia. Poor retention in clinical care has been associated with higher mortality, an increase in HIV RNA, and decreased CD4 cell count. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the health care utilization and health outcomes of HIV-infected racial/ethnic minority YMSM enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB). We hypothesized that among racial/ethnic minority YMSM, baseline CD4 counts and usage of ART are influenced by age, race, drug and alcohol use, and mental health symptoms. Overall, 155 subjects had at least a baseline CD4 count recorded at study entry. There was a low rate of ART use in this population with only one-half of the cohort with CD4 counts ≤ 350 cells/mm(3) being prescribed ART to treat their infection. However, of those youth who were started on ART, the majority (74%) did achieve undetectable viral loads (< 400 copies). Given the continued increase in cases of HIV infection among racial/ethnic minority YMSM, efforts to increase both the provision of ART and support services that encourage adherence in this population are warranted.
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Young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM of color) have been disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Between 2001 and 2006, HIV/AIDS diagnoses increased 93.1% among African-American MSM aged 13-24... more
Young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM of color) have been disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Between 2001 and 2006, HIV/AIDS diagnoses increased 93.1% among African-American MSM aged 13-24 and 45.8% among Latino MSM aged 13-24. Many multisite studies have yielded valuable information on the behaviors associated with HIV infection in adolescents, MSM, African-Americans, and Latinos. Studies among adolescents found a high prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, including having multiple partners and unprotected intercourse and frequent substance use. Multisite studies of MSM also found frequent reports of alcohol and drug abuse, and one study found that nearly one-half (48%) of HIV-positive MSM were unaware of their infection. Similarly, two multisite studies of YMSM found high rates of unprotected sex, substance use, and HIV-infection among YMSM of color. Recognizing these challenges, the HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) funded the first multisite study to improve engagement, linkage to HIV care, and retention in care for HIV-positive YMSM of color. The objective of this article is to review the epidemiologic data on HIV-positive YMSM of color from surveillance and multisite studies in order to identify the needs of this population and the gaps in the literature.
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Early linkage and retention in HIV clinical care is essential for optimal disease management, promotion of health, and receipt of secondary prevention messages to decrease onward transmission of HIV. Youth, specifically racial/ethnic... more
Early linkage and retention in HIV clinical care is essential for optimal disease management, promotion of health, and receipt of secondary prevention messages to decrease onward transmission of HIV. Youth, specifically racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM), continue to acquire new HIV infections and have been shown to be less likely to engage in regular HIV care and adhere to scheduled medical visits. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the characteristics of participants and program delivery that were associated with early linkage and retention in HIV care among HIV-infected YMSM of color enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study. Of the 334 patients included in the linkage analysis, 72% were linked to care within 30 days of diagnosis, 81% within 60 days, and 87% within 90 days. While no patient-level characteristics were associated with early linkage, having the person who provided the positive HIV test result refer the patient to HIV care (p=0.048), specifically calling to make the appointment (p=0.009), was associated with earlier linkage. Retention of Latino participants (96.2%) was significantly higher than for the African-American (79.9%) youth (p=0.006). Overall, 221 participants had at least 1 year of possible follow-up and 82.8% of these participants were retained at 1 year. While unique challenges exist in the care of adolescents infected with HIV from identification to engagement and retention in clinical care, programs that are responsive and dedicated to the needs of these youth can be successful in retaining them in care.
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We assessed changes in sexual behaviors from baseline to 12-month follow-up among a multisite cohort of HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study. In the 3... more
We assessed changes in sexual behaviors from baseline to 12-month follow-up among a multisite cohort of HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men enrolled in an outreach, linkage, and retention study. In the 3 months prior to their baseline interview, more than three-quarters of participants (78.5%) reported sex with at least one man (mean: 2.3 partners). Among sexually active participants, 44.2% had one partner; 50.5% had 2-9 partners; and 5.3% had 10 or more partners. Over three-quarters (77.5%) reported engaging in sex with at least one steady partner, 43.5% with at least one casual partner, and 29.5% with both casual and steady partners. Exchanging sex for money, drugs, or other needs was reported by 13.2%. Use of condoms during oral and anal sex increased significantly from baseline to 12-month follow-up (oral sex: 29.1-42.5%, p=0.02; anal sex: 67.8-76.2%, p=0.05). While unprotected anal sex significantly decreased among individuals who were new to care (34.8-18.3%, p<0.0001), it significantly increased among individuals who were previously in care (26.7-37.5%, p=0.03). Overall, exchange sex decreased from 13.3% at baseline to 5.0% at 12 months (p=0.001). Despite reductions in unprotected sexual encounters and exchange sex through one year of follow-up, many participants continued to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors. Retention within this study appeared to be associated with decreases in high-risk sexual behaviors, especially among participants who were new to care, although more research is needed. Future studies should investigate sexual network characteristics and the prevalence of behaviors such as serosorting.
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Bullying is a form of violence characterized as an aggressive behavior that is unprovoked and intended to cause harm. Prior studies have found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth experience high levels of bullying... more
Bullying is a form of violence characterized as an aggressive behavior that is unprovoked and intended to cause harm. Prior studies have found that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth experience high levels of bullying related to their sexuality and this harassment can lead to engagement in risk behaviors, depression, and suicide. Ethnic/racial minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM) may experience dual levels of stigma and maltreatment due to both their sexuality and their race. The aim of the current study was to assess the prevalence and perceptions of racial and sexual identity-based abuse among a sample of minority YMSM, and whether this maltreatment plays a role in the emotional distress of these youth. We found that overall 36% and 85% of participants experienced racial and sexuality-related bullying, respectively. There was a significant association between experiencing a high level of sexuality-related bullying and depressive symptomatology (p=0.03), having attempted suicide (p=0.03), and reporting parental abuse (p=0.05). We found no association between racial bullying and suicide attempts. In a multivariable logistic regression model, experiencing any racial bullying and high sexuality-related bullying were significant predictors of having a CES-D score ≥16; adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.83 and 2.29, respectively. These findings contribute to the existing literature regarding the negative experiences and daily stressors facing LGBT youth with regard to both their minority status and LGBT identities. Future interventions for racial/ethnic minority YMSM should provide assistance to achieve a positive view of self that encompasses both their racial and sexual identities.
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Adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) in the USA are frequently exposed to violence in their community and home. While studies have examined the prevalence and impact of violence exposure among adolescents, there is a lack of data... more
Adolescents and young adults (ages 13-24) in the USA are frequently exposed to violence in their community and home. While studies have examined the prevalence and impact of violence exposure among adolescents, there is a lack of data focusing specifically on adolescent men of color who have sex with men. Eight demonstration sites funded through a Special Projects of National Significance (SPNS) Initiative recruited 363 HIV-positive racial/ethnic minority young men who have sex with men (YMSM) for a longitudinal study between 2006 and 2009. Over two-thirds of participants (83.8%) had witnessed community violence, 55.1% in the prior three months. Witnessing violence committed with a deadly weapon was significantly associated with being African-American, having ever used drugs, and drinking alcohol in the prior two weeks. Fear of violence in the community was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, having less than a high school degree, not possessing health insurance, and site of enrollment. Having been emotionally or physically abused by a parent or caretaker was significantly associated with depressive symptomatology, attempting suicide, site of enrollment, and increased age. Witnessing violence with a deadly weapon was significantly associated with alcohol and drug use but not with high-risk sexual behaviors. As this was one of the first studies on the prevalence and correlates of violence exposure among racial/ethnic minority YMSM living with HIV, the findings can be used to inform the development of culturally appropriate resilience-focused interventions to address the aftereffects of violence exposures and help develop social support systems outside of the family.
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Research Interests: Psychology, Adolescent, Harm Reduction, Humans, Male, and 15 moreSexual Behavior, HIV Prevention, Young Adult, Data Collection, Risk factors, Middle Aged, HIV testing, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Western blot, Hiv seropositivity, Risk Factors, District of Columbia, Sexual Partners, and AIDS care
Transgender persons and young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM of color) have been severely affected by HIV in the USA. Houses and balls in the USA have historically been a primary meeting ground for YMSM of color and transgender... more
Transgender persons and young men of color who have sex with men (YMSM of color) have been severely affected by HIV in the USA. Houses and balls in the USA have historically been a primary meeting ground for YMSM of color and transgender people, offering an opportunity for HIV prevention activities. Houses provide a familial structure for YMSM of color and transgender people, while balls provide them with events at which they can congregate for social support and entertainment. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using Scopus and PubMed, Internet websites, and HIV prevention and care resources for YMSM of color associated with a multisite evaluation. Houses and balls have been responsive to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and have developing networks that are critical in providing a social and familiar context for often-disenfranchised youth. The organizations have embraced the need for HIV prevention, and their methodology may be transferable to other prevention contexts. Future studies are needed to identify culturally appropriate and effective methods of integration of house/ball methods into HIV prevention services aimed at transgender persons and YMSM of color.
Research Interests: Psychology, Mental Health, Social Support, Public Health, Adolescent, and 20 moreSelf Help Groups, Humans, African American, Virus, United States, Female, Male, HIV Prevention, Young Adult, Social Environment, Transsexualism, African Americans, Middle Aged, Adult, Public health systems and services research, Ethnic Group, Family Structure, Literature Search, Young Men, and AIDS care
The District of Columbia launched a routine HIV testing initiative in 2006. We examined HIV testing behaviors among heterosexuals at risk for HIV over time using CDC National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data from Washington, DC for the... more
The District of Columbia launched a routine HIV testing initiative in 2006. We examined HIV testing behaviors among heterosexuals at risk for HIV over time using CDC National HIV Behavioral Surveillance data from Washington, DC for the heterosexual cycles from 2006 to 2007 (Cycle 1) and 2010 (Cycle 2). Past year and past 2-year HIV testing across study cycles were compared using Chi square tests. Weighted multivariable logistic regression identified correlates of past year testing. The majority of participants across both cycles were black and female. Cycle 1 participants were significantly more likely to have ≥4 partners in the past year, casual sex partners, and have anal sex at last sexual encounter (p < 0.05). Lifetime testing was high, and individuals from Cycle 2 versus Cycle 1 were more likely to have been tested in the past 2 years. There were no significant differences in past year testing or being offered the HIV test at last health care visit by cycle. Independent correlates of past year testing were seeing a health care provider in the past year and using condoms at last vaginal sex. In conclusion, although past year testing did not differ between the two data collection years, the proportion of heterosexuals testing in the past 2 years was higher in Cycle 2 versus Cycle 1, suggesting successful expansion of HIV testing between the two time periods.