1
|
Berman M, Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Earnshaw VA, Wiginton JM, Layland E. Factors Associated with Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Among Black Sexual Minority Men. LGBT Health 2023; 10:51-61. [PMID: 36099207 PMCID: PMC10039276 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2021.0446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: This study evaluated the characteristics associated with sexual orientation disclosure among HIV-negative Black sexual minority men (BSMM) in the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. Survey data were collected from 475 HIV-negative BSMM from 2017 to 2019 as part of a larger behavioral intervention study focused on stigma, prejudice, and HIV-testing uptake. Methods: Participants reported their levels of sexual orientation disclosure globally, to their community, and to their family. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and multinomial logistic regression to determine whether demographic, minority stress, substance use, and mental health were associated with sexual orientation disclosure globally, to community members, and to family members. Results: Findings revealed that participants with older age, bisexual identity, and higher levels of internalized homophobia had higher odds of global, community, and family sexual orientation nondisclosure. Furthermore, participants with higher levels of resilience had lower odds of partial sexual orientation disclosure compared with their fully disclosed counterparts. Conclusions: These findings reveal variations associated with sexual orientation disclosure across varying contexts among HIV-negative BSMM, particularly among family member disclosure.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wiginton JM, Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Maksut JL, Earnshaw VA, Berman M. Sex-Positivity, Medical Mistrust, and PrEP Conspiracy Beliefs Among HIV-Negative Cisgender Black Sexual Minority Men in Atlanta, Georgia. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:2571-2581. [PMID: 34761347 PMCID: PMC9085967 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02174-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Because the public health response to the disproportionate HIV burden faced by Black sexual minority men (BSMMM) has focused on sexual risk reduction and disease prevention, other vital components of sexual health (e.g., intimacy, pleasure, benefits of sex) have been often overlooked. Sex-positive describes a more open, holistic approach toward sex and sexuality that prioritizes these other components, though such an approach is rarely applied to BSMM's sexual health. For sex-positive BSMM, risk/preventive discourse may foster or exacerbate medical mistrust as a reaction to the dissonance between how these men view sexual health and how the medical establishment views it, which may discourage sexual healthcare-seeking. We assessed sex-positivity and its association with medical mistrust and PrEP conspiracy beliefs among 206 HIV-negative cisgender BSMM in Atlanta, Georgia. We performed exploratory factor analytic procedures on responses to a sex-positivity scale, followed by multivariable linear regressions to determine sex-positivity's associations with medical mistrust and PrEP conspiracy beliefs. We extracted two sex-positivity factors: sexual freedom (α = 0.90), reflecting openness toward casual sex and rejection of sexual mores, and essence of sex (α = 0.77), reflecting the intimate, relational, and pleasurable qualities of sex. Sexual freedom was independently associated with perceived provider deception (β = 0.19, CI = 0.04, 0.34). Essence of sex was independently associated with PrEP conspiracy beliefs (β = 0.16, CI = 0.02, 0.31) and marginally associated with perceived provider deception (β = 0.14, CI = - 0.00, 0.29). Healthcare providers and public health practitioners may cultivate greater trust with BSMM by incorporating a sex-positive approach into patient/participant interactions, clinical decision-making, and interventions. Improving access to sexual pleasure acknowledges BSMM's right to optimal, holistic sexual health.
Collapse
|
3
|
Berman M, Berliner S, Bashouti N, Elkayam O, Ziv-Baran T. AB0331 REDUCED C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVEL AT HOSPITAL ADMISSION IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH TOCILIZUMAB IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER ADVANCED ANTIINFLAMMATORY TREATMENTS- AN ATTENTION MAY BE REQUIRED. Ann Rheum Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-eular.422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundC-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation and infection. The main proinflammatory cytokine that leads to CRP gene expression is IL-6[1]. Different DMARDS may influence CRP levels due to their specific mechanisms of action and alter its usage as an important indicator of acute infection/inflammationObjectivesThe study aimed to compare CRP level between patients who were treated with Tocilizumab (TCZ), an il-6 receptor blocker, and other advanced anti-inflammatory treatments (AAIT), as well as with other admitted and non-admitted populations.MethodsA cross-sectional study of all patients (≥18 years) hospitalized at tertiary medical center between 12/2009 and 02/2020 and treated before hospitalization with (AAIT). Data on background DMARDS treatment was collected and then categorized to one of the two following groups: tocilizumab treatment and other treatments. In further investigation, the other treatments groups were divided into 3 subgroups: anti-TNF subgroup which included Infliximab (IFX), Adalimumab (ADA), etanercept (ETN), Golimumab, and Certolizumab, JAK-inhibitor subgroup which included Tofacitinib and Baricitinib, and another subgroup which included Rituximab, Abatacept and Anakinra Only the first hospitalization of each patient was included. Women admitted to obstetrics department were excluded. Demographic data, first blood tests results, and comorbidities were collected.ResultsThe study included 563 patients treated with AAIT (2.5% received TCZ). Patients treated with TCZ were older (median 75 vs. 50 years, p<0.001), had higher Charlson score (median 5 vs. 1, p<0.001) and more infectious diseases at admission (50% vs. 23.4%, p=0.05). Patients treated with TCZ had lower CRP levels (median 0.5 vs. 25mg/l, p<0.001) and more common normal values (64.3% vs. 20.8%, p<0.001) compared to patients treated with other AAIT.CRP level in patients treated TCZ (median 0.5mg/l) was lower than that of 58,548 patients admitted to the hospital between 2010-2020 (median 12.55mg/l, p<0.001) and not statistically different from 140 non-admitted randomly selected individuals without acute disease (1.33 mg/l, p=0.294).ConclusionWhen compared to other anti-inflammatory drugs, tocilizumab is associated with lower CRP levels in individuals admitted to an acute care hospital. This finding must be considered by treating physician to avoid misinterpretation of CRP results.References[1]Zhang D, Sun M, Samols D, Kushner I. STAT3 participates in transcriptional activation of the C-reactive protein gene by interleukin-6. J Biol Chem. 1996;271(16):9503-9509. https://doi.org/10.1074/jbc.271.16.9503Disclosure of InterestsNone declared
Collapse
|
4
|
Quigley R, Berman M, Kaul P, Baxter J. Nursing Staff at Transplant Centre Increase Their Oncall Responsibilities to Ensure National DCD Heart Pilot Can Continue. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.1566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
5
|
Jothidasan A, Husain M, Garcia D, Berman M, Currie I, Stock U. Direct Lung Procurement with Ongoing Abdominal Normothermic Regional Perfusion. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.1503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
6
|
Pai V, Talukder S, Martinez L, Kydd A, Bhagra S, Lewis C, Parameshwar J, Messer S, Osman M, Virdi A, Cacciottolo P, Kaul P, Rafiq M, Allen J, Large S, Tsui S, Jenkins D, Pettit S, Berman M. Outcomes of Mechanical Circulatory Support for Severe Primary Graft Dysfunction After DBD versus DCD Heart Transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
7
|
Berman M, Ali A, Macklam D, Garcia Saez D, Jothidasan A, Husain M, Stock U, Mehta V, Venkateswaran R, Curry P, Messer S, Mukadam M, Mascaro J, Clarke S, Baxter J, Tsui S, Large S, Osman M, Kaul P, Boda G, Jenkins D, Simmonds J, Quigley R, Whitney J, Gardiner D, Watson C, Rubino A, Currie I, Foley J, Macleod A, Slater C, Marley F, Downward L, Rushton S, Armstrong L, Ayton L, Ryan M, Parker M, Gibson S, Spence S, Quinn K, Watson S, Forsythe J. UK National DCD Heart Transplant Program - First Year Experience. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
8
|
Baxter J, Quigley R, Osman M, Berman M, Kaul P. Continuing to Extend the Nurses Role in Novel Technologies. J Heart Lung Transplant 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
9
|
Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Maksut JL, Rucinski KB, Earnshaw VA, Berman M. Elevated Perceived Risk for HIV as a Barrier to Accessing Health Care Among Black Men Who Have Sex with Men. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 21:917-925. [PMID: 32504393 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-020-01135-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We sought to examine how self-perception of risk for HIV and HIV status information avoidance are related to HIV testing uptake and engagement in routine health care among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM)-the group at highest risk for HIV in the USA. To do so, we used generalized linear modeling and serial mediation modeling to assess data from 342 HIV-negative BMSM collected from 2017 to 2019 in Atlanta, GA, USA. Participants reported considerable concern for testing HIV-positive; 40% reported believing they would test positive for HIV; 27% reported being "extremely concerned about getting HIV"; and 17% reported worrying about HIV "all the time". Mediation analyses demonstrated that greater concern for HIV was associated with longer intervals since the last HIV test and the last health-care appointment. BMSM perceived themselves to be at considerable risk for HIV, but critically, this outlook did not yield improved health-care behaviors. Findings highlight the need to reconceptualize our public health approach to reaching BMSM. Emphasizing risk behavior and targeting efforts toward BMSM may have unintended consequences and need to be reevaluated. Despite continued efforts to improve HIV-related outcomes, we are failing to meet the needs of BMSM.
Collapse
|
10
|
Berman J, Furer V, Berman M, Isakov O, Zisman D, Haddad A, Matz H, Elkayam O. AB0551 TREATMENT WITH IXEKIZUMAB FOLLOWING SECUKINUMAB FAILURE IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS: REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCE FROM A RESISTANT POPULATION. Ann Rheum Dis 2021. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.2186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background:Anti-IL17 agents, such as Secukinumab (SEC) and Ixekizumab (IXE) have been shown to be efficacious for the treatment of psoriasis and PsA12. In the field of psoriasis, there is growing evidence of a successful switching between the two anti-IL-17 agents in case of an insufficient response to one of the treatments3 There is no information on the efficacy of switching between anti IL17 agents in PsA.Objectives:To assess the clinical response to IXE in patients with PsA following SEC failure.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted in two rheumatology centers in Israel, including PsA patients with a history of treatment with SEC, further treated with IXE for a minimum of 3 months. Lack of efficacy, loss of efficacy, and side effects over time were reported as a reason for switching to another anti-IL17 agent. The mean difference between the beginning of the follow up period and the different follow up points (6 and 12 months) was tested using a one-sample t-test. Time until treatment failure was estimated using Kaplan–Meier curves, and compared using the log-rank test. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the Cox proportional-hazards model to test the association between each variable and the time to treatment failure.Results:The study included 23 PsA patients (11♀/12♂), mean age 58.7 years±13.4 SD. Most patients (n=20, 86%) received 2+ TNFi and 10 patients (43%) received both TNFi and ustekinumab. Median number of biologics prior to SEC was 3 (IQR 2-4). There was a significant improvement in TJC at 6 and 12 months (-2.16 [-4.0, -0.3]; p=0.025 and-1.69 [-3.09, -0.28]; p=0.022, respectively). SJC was significantly improved at 6 months but not at 12 months (-2.68 [-5.3, -0.04]; p= 0.046 and -1.50 [-4.25,1.25]; p=0.26, respectively). CDAI score was significantly improved at 6 months (-10.19, [-16.26, -4.1], p=0.002) and at 12 months (-9.29 [-14.8, -3.71], p=0.003) as was SDAI score (-10.13 [-16.4, -3.8], p=0.003 and -12.2 [-17.1, -7.2], p=0.0002). At six months, PASI50 was achieved by 81% (13 patients), PASI75 was achieved by 63% (10 patients), PASI90 was achieved by 50% (8 patients) and PASI100 by 31% (10 patients). At 12 months, PASI50 and PASI75 was achieved by 57% (8 patients), PASI90 was achieved by 43% (6 patients) and PASI100 by 21% (3 patients).Over time, of the 23 patients treated with IXE, 15 patients (65%) had experienced treatment failure, with a median treatment period of 8 months (IQR 6.5-13.5), of which 4 (17%) had primary treatment failure and 11 patients (48%) secondary treatment failure. Reasons for treatment cessation were: worsening psoriasis (4 patients (27%)), worsening peripheral arthritis (4 patients (27%)), both (7 patients (47%)), worsening of axial disease (2 patients (13%)) and adverse events (1 patient, 6%).Conclusion:patients after failure of multiple biologic treatments experienced significant response of peripheral arthritis and dermatologic disease on IXE after they had previously failed SEC. . However, in this refractory cohort of PsA, the effect was limited on time with 65% failure after a median time of 8 months.Within class switch from SEC to IXE is a plausible therapeutic option in PsA patients following secukinumab failure.References:[1]Mease PJ, McInnes IB, Kirkham B, et al. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(14):1329-1339.[2]Nash P, Kirkham B, Okada M, et al. Lancet Lond Engl. 2017;389(10086):2317-2327.[3]Bokor-Billmann T, Schäkel K. J Dermatol Treat. 2019;30(3):216-220Disclosure of Interests:None declared.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ali J, Mumford L, Smith F, Stock U, Mascaro J, Curry P, Venkateswaran R, Clark S, Parameshwar J, Al-Attar N, Berman M. Impact of Donor and Recipient Age on 5-year Survival Following Heart Transplantation: A 24-year National Analysis from the United Kingdom. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.01.397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
|
12
|
Cernic S, Messer S, Page A, Berman M, Kaul P, Osman M, Nachum E, Parameshwar J, Pettit S, Lewis C, Kydd A, Bhagra S, Goddard M, Quigley R, Baxter J, Jenkins D, Tsui S, Catarino P, Large S. Donation after Circulatory Death Heart Transplantation - The First 5 Years a Successful Leap in Activity. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.01.433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
13
|
Nachum E, Laurence C, Osman M, Hogan J, Baxter J, Quigley R, Messer S, Large S, Kaul P, Forsythe J, Henwood S, Fenton M, Davies B, Berman M, Simmonds J. Pediatric Heart Transplantation Following Donation after Circulatory Death, Distant Procurement and Ex-Situ Perfusion. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.01.382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
|
14
|
Vokshi I, Ali J, Ansaripour A, Woolcock E, Cheshire C, Parameshwar J, Kydd A, Lewis C, Jenkins D, Tsui S, Kaul P, Large S, Berman M, Pettit S, Bhagra S. Surgical Palpation to Exclude Donor Transmitted Coronary Disease: A Single Centre Experience. J Heart Lung Transplant 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2021.01.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
|
15
|
Berman M, Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Maksut JL, Rucinski KB, Earnshaw VA. Perpetuated HIV Microaggressions: A Novel Scale to Measure Subtle Discrimination Against People Living With HIV. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2021; 33:1-15. [PMID: 33617319 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2021.33.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
HIV discrimination has served as a barrier to addressing the HIV epidemic and providing effective HIV treatment and care. Measuring HIV discrimination, particularly covert HIV discrimination, has proven to be complex. Adapted from a previous scale, we developed a perpetuated HIV micro-aggressions scale to assess covert forms of discriminatory beliefs among HIV-negative/unknown HIV status individuals. Factor analysis resulted in three subscales, explaining 73.58% of the scale's variance. The new scale demonstrated both convergent validity (HIV prejudice, HIV stereotypes) and discriminant validity (alcohol use, depressive symptomology). Perpetuated HIV microaggressions were significantly associated with HIV conspiracy beliefs, HIV prejudice, and HIV stereotypes. This new scale can serve as an important tool in evaluating perpetuated HIV microaggressions among HIV-negative individuals.
Collapse
|
16
|
Berkley-Patton J, Bowe Thompson C, Bauer AG, Berman M, Bradley-Ewing A, Goggin K, Catley D, Allsworth JE. A Multilevel Diabetes and CVD Risk Reduction Intervention in African American Churches: Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT) Feasibility and Outcomes. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 7:1160-1171. [PMID: 32329033 PMCID: PMC7581562 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00740-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wide-reaching health promotion interventions are needed in influential, accessible community settings to address African American (AA) diabetes and CVD disparities. Most AAs are overweight/obese, which is a primary clinical risk factor for diabetes/CVD. Using a faith-community-engaged approach, this study examined feasibility and outcomes of Project Faith Influencing Transformation (FIT), a diabetes/CVD screening, prevention, and linkage to care pilot intervention to increase weight loss in AA church-populations at 8 months. Six churches were matched and randomized to multilevel FIT intervention or standard education control arms. Key multilevel religiously tailored FIT intervention components included: (a) individual self-help materials (e.g., risk checklists, pledge cards); (b) YMCA-facilitated weekly group Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) weight loss classes; (c) church service activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings); and (d) church-community text/voice messages to promote healthy eating and physical activity. Health screenings (e.g., weight, blood pressure, blood glucose) were held during church services to identify participants with diabetes/CVD risks and refer them to their church's DPP class and linkage to care services. Participants (N = 352 church members and community members using churches' outreach ministries) were primarily female (67%) and overweight/obese (87%). Overall, FIT intervention participants were significantly more likely to achieve a > 5 lb weight loss (OR = 1.6; CI = 1.24, 2.01) than controls. Odds of intervention FIT-DPP participants achieving a > 5 lb weight loss were 3.6 times more than controls (p < .07). Exposure to sermons, text/email messages, brochures, commitment cards, and posters was significantly related to > 5 lb. weight loss. AA churches can feasibly assist in increasing reach and impact of diabetes/CVD risk reduction interventions with intensive weight loss components among at risk AA church-populations.
Collapse
|
17
|
Yurtsever N, Dougherty P, Condon S, Orsini R, Berman M, Berry GJ, Duong S. Exophiala Dermatitidis Isolated From Blood In Patient With Steroid Use. Am J Clin Pathol 2020. [PMCID: PMC7665285 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa161.337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Casestudy Exophiala dermatitidis is a dematiaceous mold that is associated with subcutaneous, central nervous system and pulmonary infections; osteomyelitis; and disseminated disease. Isolation of E. dermatitidis from patients with mild symptoms may be difficult to interpret whether is a contaminant or asymptomatic patient with serious infection. However, it is important to diagnose asymptomatic patients early in the stage because of up to 25% mortality rate. Results 77-year-old male with history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presented to his pulmonologist with cough. He was started on azithromycin and steroids. His cough worsened and he was transitioned to levofloxacin with continuation of steroid treatment. In addition, he developed fatigue, weakness, poor appetite, chills and nights sweat along with some urinary complaints. His chest X-ray showed infiltrates and he was diagnosed with left lower lung pneumonia and urinary tract infection and was treated with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin. Blood cultures were drawn. Additional past medical history was not significant. Blood culture became positive on day 4 of incubation. Gram stain showed yeast-like cells, but the blood culture multiplex PCR was negative. Serum cryptococcus antigen was negative. Three days later, a dark shiny olive-colored colony with dark obverse side was isolated. It grew at 42 C. Microscopic examination revealed hyaline and pigmented hyphae with brown conidia. It was identified as Exophiala dermatitidis and confirmed by the state public health laboratory. Blood cultures drawn after hospital admission remained negative. Patient’s symptoms improved with antibiotic treatment. Therefore the clinicians believed that the E. dermatitidis was a probable contaminant and patient was discharged with follow-up. During the follow-up process he developed respiratory infection with Coronavirus (HKU1, NL63, 229E, OC43). Follow-up continues. Conclusion Blood cultures are not sensitive for mold infection especially for an uncommon contaminant like E. dermatitidis, it may be difficult to decide whether a positive culture is a real result or not. Fungal antigen tests such as beta-D-glucan test may be helpful in distinguishing between invasive infection and contaminant. Additionally, we believe that in our case, steroid use could have caused a temporary immunosuppression and led to Exophiala dermatitidis infection.
Collapse
|
18
|
Berman M, Eaton LA, Watson RJ, Andrepont JL, Kalichman S. Social Distancing to Mitigate COVID-19 Risks Is Associated With COVID-19 Discriminatory Attitudes Among People Living with HIV. Ann Behav Med 2020; 54:728-737. [PMID: 32940326 PMCID: PMC7516104 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is an emerging pandemic with heightened concerns for people with compromised immune systems, including people living with HIV. PURPOSE In the absence of a vaccine, public health messaging to mitigate risks for COVID-19 primarily focuses on social distancing. Because people living with HIV commonly experience mistreatment associated with HIV, their response to social distancing may be complicated by psychosocial attitudes associated with COVID-19. METHODS To evaluate these relationships, we conducted a rapid-response, cross-sectional survey with people living with HIV (N = 149) to assess social distancing practices, COVID-19 discriminatory attitudes, COVID-19 xenophobic attitudes, HIV microaggressions, and concern over contracting COVID-19. Data were collected from participants enrolled in a larger ongoing study between March 30, 2020 and April 17, 2020. RESULTS Results indicated that choosing to socially distance to reduce COVID-19 exposure was associated with COVID-19 discriminatory attitudes, concerns of contracting COVID-19, and identifying as transgender. Likewise, social distancing imposed by others (e.g., cancelations and restrictions) was associated with concerns of contracting COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate that social distancing measures are related to concerns of contracting the virus and discriminatory attitudes toward those who are presumed to be living with COVID-19. These potentially negative psychosocial attitudes toward people perceived to have COVID-19 echo the discriminatory actions and attitudes that we continue to observe in HIV social sciences research.
Collapse
|
19
|
Page A, Messer S, Berman M, Kaul P, Pavlushkov E, Parameshwar J, Abu-Omar Y, Goddard M, Dunning J, Pettit S, Lewis C, Kydd A, Bhagra S, Ali A, Sudarshan C, Jenkins D, Tsui S, Catarino P, Large S. Heart Transplantation from Donation after Circulatory Determined Death: The Royal Papworth Experience. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.1040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
|
20
|
Messer S, Page A, Kaul P, Berman M, Patterson C, Cheshire C, Thomas D, Quigley R, Abu-Omar Y, Jasvir P, Large S, Catarino P. Successful Combined Heart-Lung Transplant from a Donation after Circulatory Determined Death (DCD) Donor. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.1149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
|
21
|
Ali J, Mann S, Smith F, Rushton S, Parameshwar J, Catarino P, Berman M. Recipient Age, Not Donor Age, Impacts on Long Term Outcomes Following Heart Transplantation: A 23-year National Analysis from the United Kingdom. J Heart Lung Transplant 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
|
22
|
Berkley-Patton J, Bowe Thompson C, Goggin K, Catley D, Berman M, Bradley-Ewing A, Derose KP, Resnicow K, Allsworth J, Simon S. A religiously-tailored, multilevel intervention in African American churches to increase HIV testing: Rationale and design of the Taking It to the Pews cluster randomized trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2019; 86:105848. [PMID: 31536809 PMCID: PMC7313239 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2019.105848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
HIV continues to disproportionately impact African American (AA) communities. Due to delayed HIV diagnosis, AAs tend to enter HIV treatment at advanced stages. There is great need for increased access to regular HIV testing and linkage to care services for AAs. AA faith institutions are highly influential and have potential to increase the reach of HIV testing in AA communities. However, well-controlled full-scale trials have not been conducted in the AA church context. We describe the rationale and design of a 2-arm cluster randomized trial to test a religiously-tailored HIV testing intervention (Taking It to the Pews [TIPS]) against a standard information arm on HIV testing rates among AA church members and community members they serve. Using a community-engaged approach, TIPS intervention components are delivered by trained church leaders via existing multilevel church outlets using religiously-tailored HIV Tool Kit materials and activities (e.g., sermons, responsive readings, video/print testimonials, HIV educational games, text messages) to encourage testing. Church-based HIV testing events and linkage to care services are conducted by health agency partners. Control churches receive standard, non-tailored HIV information via multilevel church outlets. Secondarily, HIV risk/protective behaviors and process measures on feasibility, fidelity, and dose/exposure are assessed. This novel study is the first to fully test an HIV testing intervention in AA churches - a setting with great reach and influence in AA communities. It could provide a faith-community engagement model for delivering scalable, wide-reaching HIV prevention interventions by supporting AA faith leaders with religiously-appropriate HIV toolkits and health agency partners.
Collapse
|
23
|
Berman M, Gruszynski A. Evaluation of the sample interference indices (HIL) on the Alinity c system. Clin Chim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.03.1525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
24
|
Berman M, Ruvuna L. Extended range of the enzyme panel assays on the alinity C system using flex technology. Clin Chim Acta 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.03.793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
25
|
Ellis C, Baxter J, Quigley R, Messer S, Page A, Pavlushkov E, Large S, Tsui S, Catarino P, Berman M, Morley. K. The Organ Care System Training Manual for Hearts Donated after Circulatory Death: The Experience of One UK Centre after 50 Successful DCD Heart Transplants. J Heart Lung Transplant 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healun.2019.01.754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
|