The Saccharomyces cerevisiae Mediator is a 25-subunit complex that facilitates both transcriptional activation and repression. Structural and functional studies have divided Mediator subunits into four distinct modules. The Head, Middle, and Tail modules form the core functional Mediator complex, whereas a fourth, the Cyc-C module, is variably associated with the core. By purifying Mediator from a strain lacking the Med19(Rox3) subunit, we have found that a complex missing only the Med19(Rox3) subunit can be isolated under mild conditions. Additionally, we have established that the entire Middle module is released when the Deltamed19(rox3) Mediator is purified under more stringent conditions. In contrast to most models of the modular structure of Mediator, we show that release of the Middle module in the Deltamed19(rox3) Mediator leaves a stable complex made up solely of Head and Tail subunits. Both the intact and Head-Tail Deltamed19(rox3) Mediator complexes have defects in enhanced basal transcription, enhanced TFIIH phosphorylation of the CTD, as well as binding of RNA Pol II and the CTD. The largely intact Deltamed19(rox3) complex facilitates activated transcription at levels similar to the wild type Mediator. In the absence of the Middle module, however, the Deltamed19(rox3) Mediator is unable to facilitate activated transcription. Although the Middle module is unnecessary for holding the Head and Tail modules together, it is required for the complex to function as a conduit between activators and the core transcription machinery.

Background: Despite knowledge that some people engage in same-sex sexuality without espousing a sexual minority identity, this has rarely been studied in women. Methods: Heterosexual women aged 20 to 44 who indicated one or more female sex partners in the past year were compared to those with less recent female sex partners, and to bisexual, homosexual, and exclusively heterosexual women using 2002 US National Survey of Family Growth data. Results: Compared to exclusively heterosexual women, heterosexual women with a past-year female sex partner were significantly more likely to smoke tobacco (46% vs. 19%), binge drink (34% vs. 11%), use marijuana (58% vs. 11%), and use cocaine (19% vs. 2%). Substance use was high in this group overall, but they did not differ significantly from bisexuals on tobacco use or from homosexual or bisexual women on regular alcohol consumption. Most heterosexual women with a past-year female sex partner had only one in their lifetime. They had 10 median lifetime male partners versus 1 to 7 for other groups. Whereas similar to heterosexual women with less recent female sex partners and to bisexual women on some sexual risk measures, these women were more likely than any other group to have had a nonmonogamous male partner (40%) or to have engaged in sex while high (69%). Differences in sexual risk and substance use were not explained by demographic differences. Conclusions: Results suggest same-sex behavior in heterosexual-identified women is a marker for a substance use and sexual risk profile distinct from that of bisexual, lesbian, or exclusively heterosexual women.

African, Caribbean and other Black (ACB) people are a priority group for HIV prevention in Canada, but little is known about the epidemiology of HIV risk in this population. This paper helps fill the knowledge gap by: presenting service providers’ and ACB people’s perceptions about HIV risk in ACB populations; describing the distribution of HIV risk behaviours among ACB people according to markers of social status and position; and comparing results from these two analyses.

A growing body of evidence points to persistent health inequities within racialized minority communities, and the effects of racial discrimination on health outcomes and health care experiences. While much work has considered how anti-Black racism operates at the interpersonal and institutional levels, limited attention has focused on internalized racism and its consequences for health care. This study explores patients' attitudes towards anti-Black racism in a Canadian health care system, with a particular focus on internalized racism in primary health care. This qualitative study employed purposive maximal variation and snowball sampling to recruit and interview self-identified Black persons aged 18 years and older who: (1) lived in Montréal during the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) could speak English or French, and (3) were registered with the Québec health insurance program. Adopting a phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews took place from October 2021 to July 2022. Following transcription, data were analyzed thematically. Thirty-two participants were interviewed spanning an age range from 22 years to 79 years (mean: 42 years). Fifty-nine percent of the sample identified as women, 38% identified as men, and 3% identified as non-binary. Diversity was also reflected in terms of immigration experience, financial situation, and educational attainment. We identified three major themes that describe mechanisms through which internalized racism may manifest in health care to impact experiences: (1) the internalization of anti-Black racism by Black providers and patients, (2) the expression of anti-Black prejudice and discrimination by non-Black racialized minority providers, and (3) an insensitivity towards racial discrimination. Our study suggests that multiple levels of racism, including internalized racism, must be addressed in efforts to promote health and health care equity among racialized minority groups, and particularly within Black communities.

Black people comprise 4.3% of Ontario’s population but 19% of HIV-positive people in the province. The “Keep it alive!” social marketing campaign was developed to promote HIV prevention and raise awareness about HIV among Ontario’s Black communities. This article evaluates the campaign’s reception. A convenience sample of 243 Black people completed a cross-sectional self-administered survey in three cities. We assessed the campaign’s reception based on survey responses about campaign exposure, appeal, and importance, and whether the campaign raised awareness. Our results show that reception was more favorable among participants who tested for HIV previously, discussed the campaign with others, demonstrated a superior knowledge of HIV, visited the campaign website, were of Caribbean or African background, and were male. In addition, reception varied by city and according to participants’ language (English or French). These results may inform future campaigns, although how campaigns are received may reflect issues related to their implementation.