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Introduction: Implementation science (IS) offers methods to systematically achieve the Ending the HIV Epidemic goals in the United States, as well as the global UNAIDS targets. Federal funders such as the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH) have invested in implementation research to achieve these goals, including supporting the AIDS Research Centres (ARCs), which focus on high‐impact science in HIV and mental health (MH). To facilitate capacity building for the HIV/MH research workforce in IS, "grey areas," or areas of IS that are confusing, particularly for new investigators, should be addressed in the context of HIV/MH research. Discussion: A group of IS experts affiliated with NIMH‐funded ARCs convened to identify common and challenging grey areas. The group generated a preliminary list of 19 grey areas in HIV/MH‐related IS. From the list, the authors developed a survey which was distributed to all ARCs to prioritize grey areas to address in this paper. ARC members across the United States (N = 60) identified priority grey areas requiring clarification. This commentary discusses topics with 40% or more endorsement. The top grey areas that ARC members identified were: (1) Differentiating implementation strategies from interventions; (2) Determining when an intervention has sufficient evidence for adaptation; (3) Integrating recipient perspectives into HIV/MH implementation research; (4) Evaluating whether an implementation strategy is evidence‐based; (5) Identifying rigorous approaches for evaluating the impact of implementation strategies in the absence of a control group or randomization; and (6) Addressing innovation in HIV/MH IS grants. The commentary addresses each grey area by drawing from the existing literature (when available), providing expert guidance on addressing each in the context of HIV/MH research, and providing domestic and global HIV and HIV/MH case examples that address these grey areas. Conclusions: HIV/MH IS is key to achieving domestic and international goals for ending HIV transmission and mitigating its impact. Guidance offered in this paper can help to overcome challenges to rigorous and high‐impact HIV/MH implementation research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is a global issue that has unequally affected several countries. Due to the complexity of this condition and the human drama it represents to those most affected by it, several fields have contributed to solving or at least alleviating this situation, and the information systems (IS) field has not been absent from these efforts. With the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as a starting point, several initiatives in the IS field have focused on ways to improve the adherence and effectiveness of this therapy: mobile phone reminders (for pill intake and appointments), and mobile interfaces between patients and health workers are popular contributions. However, many of these solutions have been difficult to implement or deploy in some countries in the Global South, which are among the most affected by this pandemic. This paper presents one such case. Using a case‐study approach with an extreme‐case selection technique, the paper studies an m‐health system for HIV patients in the Kalangala region of Uganda. Using Heeks' design—reality gap model for data analysis, the paper shows that the rich interaction between social context and technology should be considered a central concern when designing or deploying such systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a serious disease that threatens and affects capital stock, population composition, and economic growth. This research paper aims to study the mathematical modeling and disease dynamics of HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with memory effect. We propose two fractional models in the Caputo sense for HIV/AIDS with and without migration. First, we prove the existence and positivity of both models and calculate the basic reproduction number R0$$ {\mathcal{R}}_0 $$ using the next generation method. Then, we study the local and global stability of the obtained equilibria. In addition, numerical simulations are provided for different values of the fractional order ρ$$ \rho $$ using the Adams–Bashforth–Moulton fractional scheme, to verify the theoretical results. Moreover, a sensitivity analysis of the parameters for the model with migration is carried out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus that suppresses the immune system by reducing the CD4+ T lymphocytes level. It has become a global challenge with fast prevalence ratio. Like other developing countries, Pakistan is also struggling for overcoming this viral disease since very first reported case in 1987. Aim: To update the society on the alarming rise in HIV cases in Pakistan: challenges and future recommendations at hand. Materials and Methods: The review paper utilized different search engines such pubmed central, scopus, web of science, google scholar etc. to conduct this review paper. Results: Lack of awareness, low literacy rate, practice of unhygienic equipment in healthcare departments, unstable economy, and unsafe sexual practices are the major factors behind the increasing rate of AIDS in Pakistan. Conclusion: By regulating healthcare practices and policies, promoting psychological counseling to HIV positive patients, educating the society and minimizing commercial sex practices, Pakistan can overcome this viral disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, by using Itô's formula, we study the dynamic behaviors of a stochastic human immune deficiency virus (HIV) model, which describes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with the effect of treatment. First, we discuss the global positivity of the solution to such a model with positive initial value. Then, we consider the limiting behavior of the solution. Moreover, we obtain the sufficient condition to guarantee the extinction of AIDS. Meanwhile, by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, we prove that the solution has a unique ergodic stationary distribution under a certain assumptions. Finally, we illustrate the validity of our results by numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is a review of global health literature, emphasizing the evolution in health terminology in recent decades and noteworthy research areas of global health. This review identifies global inequality and disease‐related stigma as key social determinants of health and central problems improving health outcomes. Within global health, there is a growing discourse surrounding health disparities, particularly among the world's most disadvantaged populations. Additionally, the field notes an increase in global health nonprofits, international governmental organizations (IGOs), and regulatory bodies. As such, this paper examines the scope of empirical global health research with consideration of inequality and stigma as well as the role of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in health outcomes for the developing world. The review also discusses the role of IGOs and global health regulatory bodies in shaping development and health outcomes. A broad review of literature finds that although chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are currently the largest cause of poor health in the world's most impoverished nations, these are largely untargeted by NGO efforts, which may exacerbate the state of global inequality. However, the impact that NGOs could have on ameliorating the effects of NCDs remains understudied and is a promising direction for future scholarly efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the highlights ofthe 24th International AIDS Conference, held in Montreal in 2022. We address three main themes: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets and cascades, HIV and sexually transmitted infection prophylaxis, and HIV treatment, including the use of antiretroviral therapy in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background and Aim(S): This study retrospectively assessed the prevalence of TB and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS coinfection among patients that attended the Directly Observed Treatment Short‐course (DOTS) centers in Anambra State, Southeast, Nigeria, between 2013 and 2017. Methods: The study adopted a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological survey design. A total of 1443 case files of patients aged 15−60 who were treated in DOTS centers selected from Anambra State's 21 Local Government Areas between 2013 and 2017 were investigated. The uniform data form, a standardized instrument used in Anambra State's health facilities for data collection, was used to collect data from case files of all those identified as coinfected with TB and HIV/AIDS. Results: The mean prevalence rate of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection in the state during the 5‐year period (2013–2017) was 20.00%. The highest annual prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection was recorded in 2014 (23.84%). The state's prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection increased dramatically from 13.17% in 2013 to 23.84% in 2014, followed by a slight downward trend to 22.80% in 2015, 20.17% in 2016, and 20.03% in 2017. In terms of gender, age, marital status, and occupation, females (59.5%), those aged 15 to 25 years (30.7%), married people (43.90%), and traders/business owners (50.7%), respectively, had the highest rates of tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS coinfection during the study period. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that young people, females, married people, and traders/business owners appear to be the most vulnerable groups affected by TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection, accounting for the majority of the disease burden in the state. To address the high prevalence of TB and HIV/AIDS coinfection in the Anambra State, novel intervention and control programs should be developed and implemented, and existing intervention frameworks should be strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cavitary lung lesions are uncommon radiological findings in cytomegalovirus pneumonia, and tissue biopsy is rarely performed for diagnosis. A 67‐year‐old man presented with a wet cough. Extensive white moss in the oral cavity was found on physical examination, and chest computed tomography revealed an approximately 4 cm cavitary lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung. Blood tests showed a critically low CD4+ T lymphocyte count and positivity for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibodies. A transbronchial biopsy of the cavitary lung lesion was performed, and inclusion bodies in the nuclei of enlarged alveolar epithelial cells were seen in the histopathological findings. Immunohistochemistry staining for cytomegalovirus was positive, and cytomegalovirus pneumonia was diagnosed. Ganciclovir treatment was initiated, and the symptoms and imaging findings resolved. Cytomegalovirus pneumonia can present as cavitary lung lesions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and a transbronchial biopsy is essentially useful for a definitive diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Immune tolerance and evasion play a critical role in virus‐driven malignancies. However, the phenotype and clinical significance of programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) and its ligands, PD‐L1 and PD‐L2, in aggressive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (AR‐NHL) remain poorly understood, particularly in the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)‐positive subset. Methods: We used in situ hybridization with EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) to assess the EBV status. We performed immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis to evaluate components of the PD‐1/PD‐L1/L2 pathway in a multi‐institutional cohort of 58 patients with AR‐NHL and compared EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative cases. Results: The prevalence of EBV+ in AR‐NHL was 56.9% and was associated with a marked increase in the expression of PD‐1/PD‐L1/PD‐L2 in malignant cells. Patients with AR‐NHLs who tested positive for both EBER and PD‐1 exhibited lower survival rates compared to those negative for these markers (47.4% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.004). Similarly, patients positive for both EBER and PD‐L1 also demonstrated poorer survival (56.5% vs. 93.8%, p = 0.043). Importantly, PD‐1 tissue‐expression demonstrated independent prognostic significance for overall survival in multivariate analysis and was correlated to elevated levels of LDH (r = 0.313, p = 0.031), increased PD‐1+ Tregs (p = 0.006), and robust expression of EBER (r = 0.541, p < 0.001) and PD‐L1 (r = 0.354, p = 0.014) expression. Conclusions: These data emphasize the importance of PD‐1‐mediated immune evasion in the complex landscape of immune oncology in AR‐NHL co‐infected with EBV, and contribute to the diagnostic classification and possible definition of immunotherapeutic strategies for this unique subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black women in the United States continue to be disproportionately affected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. HIV/AIDS activism among Black women for Black women may be one solution to reduce the disparate rates of HIV/AIDS among Black women. However, little is known about what processes and experiences prompt Black women to participate in HIV/AIDS activism. In this paper, I aim to identify mechanisms of empowerment for Black women to engage in HIV/AIDS activism. I draw upon empowerment theory as a theoretical framework to guide analysis of the literature and to offer a strengths‐based perspective on Black women's efforts to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. An extensive literature search was conducted to identify studies of Black women's participation in HIV/AIDS activism. The search yielded 11 studies that were included for review. Synthesis of the literature indicated the following analytic themes as mechanisms of empowerment for Black women to participate in HIV/AIDS activism: relationships and interactions with others, critical awareness, self‐reflection, and spirituality. Article limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for social change are also discussed. Overall, findings from this study suggest that there are unique mechanisms that facilitate psychological empowerment and prompt Black women's entry into HIV/AIDS activism. Highlights: A comprehensive review of 11 articles on Black women's participation in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) activism. Explores how Black women become psychologically empowered to become HIV/AIDS activists. Many mechanisms of empowerment for Black women engaged in HIV/AIDS activism are communal. Emphasizes psychological empowerment as not only an intrapsychic process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we mainly present the dynamic properties of a stochastic SICA model with general incidence rate. Through rigorous analysis and reasoning of the stochastic model, we obtain that the solution of the model is global, positive, and unique. By constructing the threshold value R0s$$ {R}_0^s $$, which includes the influence of white noise, we obtain a sufficient condition for the ergodicity of this model. Furthermore, we show that the model has a unique ergodic stationary distribution while R0s>1$$ {R}_0^s>1 $$ by adopting a novel method. The extinction of the system is also established. Besides, the expression of probability density function of the stochastic model with bilinear incidence rate around the unique stable positive equilibrium of the deterministic model is derived. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aimed to quantify and characterize the prevalence and associated factors for late diagnosis in older adults living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Liuzhou, China, from 2010 to 2020. The characteristics of older adults living with HIV were described separately in time, space and population. Multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluates the factors influencing late diagnosis in HIV‐positive adults ≥ 50 years of age. The majority of older adults living with HIV were over 60 years old, male, and with CD4 counts < 200 cells/μl at diagnosis, with most late diagnoses being more likely to report heterosexual transmission. These two factors may potentially provide a positive influence on late diagnosis: older and CD4 counts < 500 cells/μl. In contrast, females and those with homosexual or other transmission provide a negative. These results suggest that late diagnosis of HIV‐positive adults ≥ 50 years of age remains a severe and growing epidemiological issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we investigate the dynamics of a high‐dimensional human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) model with treatment and standard incidence, which is perturbed by telegraph noise. The switching is formulated by a continuous time Markov chain. Firstly, we show the existence and uniqueness of the global positive solution. Then, conditions for extinction of the disease are established. Moreover, through constructing suitable Lyapunov functions, we derive sufficient conditions for the existence of positive recurrence of the solutions. Positive recurrence implies all the individuals can coexist and persist in the long term. Finally, numerical experiments are performed for supporting the theoretical results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, to investigate the synthetic effect of PrEP (pre‐exposure prophylaxis) and ART (antiretrovial therapy) on HIV transmission among MSM (men who have sex with men) in heterogenous environment, a realistic HIV epidemic model with spatial diffusion is established. Here, HIV infectious people are divided into three immunity based compartments, that is, CD4+ T cell count less than 350, between 350 and 500, and more than 500, respectively. The basic reproduction number R0 is established and proved as a threshold parameter: The global asymptotic stability of the disease‐free steady state holds for R0<1, and the disease will be present if R0>1. Considering the substantial advantages of PrEP and ART in controlling HIV transmissions among MSM, the optimal control problem is presented for the case of positive constant diffusion coefficients, which minimize the total population of susceptible individual and HIV infected individual, the cost of PrEP and ART therapy. As an illustration of our theoretical results, we conduct numerical simulations. We also conduct an optimal control case study where model parameters are estimated from the demographic and epidemiological data from China. This work suggests the following: (1) Spatial factors cannot be ignored during the HIV intervention; (2)taking the PrEP intervention measure for HIV transmissions among MSM as early as possible will help to improve the control efficiency and reduces its cost; (3) reducing the PrEP drug costs will promote the efficiency of PrEP treatment in preventing the spread of HIV among MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus continues to scavenge lives of millions around the world. Reverse transcriptase (RT) also known as the RNA‐directed DNA polymerase enzyme is responsible for converting RNA into viral DNA through process known as reverse transcription. Investigations on the pathogenic aspects of the RT enzyme, its associated elements such as gag (group‐specific antigen gene), pol (polymerase gene), and env (environmental gene) (envelope gene) reveals its contribution towards emergence of resistance to all various anti‐HIV drugs. Therefore, research into the control and blockage of the RT pathway has been a prominent focus in the quest for novel targets for HIV treatment. A slew of heterocyclics has been claimed to play a significant part in the fight against doomy HIV, saving the lives of millions of people throughout the world and providing hope for HIV treatment. Due to their improved potency and selectivity, as well as the fact that they have fewer off‐target effects against the several targets implicated in RT inhibition, heterocyclics are becoming more and more useful. The RT inhibition pathway, the function of numerous heterocyclic scaffolds, and their ability to inhibit the RT enzyme pathway have all been the main topics of this paper. Recent advances in RT inhibitors in the last eight years (2014–2022) including mechanisms of action, preclinical and clinical investigations, structural activity relationships, and docking studies, to investigate mechanistic studies that would eventually aid in the design and development of powerful RT inhibitors have also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID‐19 pandemic exacerbates challenges faced by human immunodeficiency virus patients, who are at heightened risk for infection due to compromised immune systems. This study aims to develop a reliable, home‐based point‐of‐care testing (POCT) tool for early screening of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) coinfected with Talaromyces marneffei infection. Employing a "From weak to strong" deduction strategy for feature selection, data from 464 AIDS patients across four cohorts between February 5th, 2014, and January 8th, 2022, are analyzed. The top three features consistently observed are D‐dimer, cluster of differentiation 4+, and aspartate transaminase. Based on these features, the simplest risk‐scoring model is constructed, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve values of 0.91, 0.80, and 0.69 in the hold‐out cohort, external cohort 1, and external cohort 2, respectively. This "From weak to strong" deduction strategy identifies advantageous clinical features, enabling the development of simplified clinical risk scores with multiple biomarkers. To facilitate practical implementation, enhanced POCT tools are introduced, specifically a strip with segmented testing capabilities that demonstrates sensitivity and strong correlation with clinical scoring models. Furthermore, an open‐access website and a free Android mobile app are created to support community utilization. The findings underscore the effectiveness of the innovative deduction strategy and enhanced test strips, which enable bedside measurements without laboratory dependency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last three decades, 35 million people have died of AIDS. As a result, HIV/AIDS has brought about a significant reduction in human capital, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. Several studies have examined the effects of HIV/AIDS on human capital, in particular educational attainment. These studies have examined different countries, datasets, and educational outcomes. This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive up‐to‐date overview of peer‐reviewed papers published in English by focusing on the main mechanisms that influence the effects of HIV/AIDS on educational outcomes. These are sickness of the child, orphanhood, and sickness of parents. The results show that educational outcomes of HIV‐infected children, AIDS orphans, and children with HIV‐infected parents are affected differently. HIV‐infected children mainly miss school days due to illness and medical appointments, and orphans mainly face financial problems and lack motivation in their education, while children with HIV‐infected parents may have to take care of their sick parents or face financial problems that affect their education. Distinguishing these groups of children could help to formulate policies that adequately improve schooling outcomes of these vulnerable children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐positive women can breastfeed with minimal risk of mother‐to‐child transmission if taking antiretrovirals. Guidelines surrounding infant feeding for HIV‐positive women have evolved several times over the last two decades. Our review aimed to explore perspectives of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals from HIV‐positive women since the World Health Organization (2010) infant feeding and antiretroviral guidelines. HIV‐positive pregnant and postnatal women from all countries/settings were eligible. HIV‐positive women were either on an antiretroviral regimen at the time of the study, previously on an antiretroviral regimen, not initiated on a regimen yet, or enrolled in prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) care. Quality assessment of all included studies were conducted. Four databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO) were searched for studies conducted from January 2010 to October 2020. Nine papers were included in the review, of which two presented findings from the same study. Five analytical themes were developed via thematic synthesis: (1) awareness of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals, (2) turmoil of emotions, (3) coping mechanisms, (4) the intertwining of secret, stigma and support and (5) support needed. Support from family and health care professionals and coping approaches were important to overcome stigma and the emotional challenges of breastfeeding with antiretrovirals. Health care professionals should be familiar with the most updated national and local guidance surrounding infant feeding and antiretrovirals. Further research into interventions to encourage HIV‐positive women to adhere and commit to lifelong antiretroviral treatment (Option B+) for breastfeeding is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The HIV response has long recognized that certain "key populations" such as individuals in detention, adolescent girls and young women, sex workers, people who use drugs, LGBTQ individuals, migrants and others face higher barriers to access to, uptake of, and retention in HIV prevention and treatment services. One approach to addressing these barriers is the training of community paralegals to advocate for the rights of individuals and to address discrimination in health settings. Discussion: Community paralegal programmes have been able to successfully address rights violations that impact access to health services and underlying determinants of health across a range of countries and populations, focusing upon issues such as discrimination and the denial of health services; unlawful detention of outreach workers, sex workers, persons who use drugs and men who have sex with men; and harmful traditional practices and gender‐based violence. In addition to resolving specific cases, evaluations of paralegal programmes have found that these programmes increased legal literacy among key populations at risk of HIV and increased understanding of human rights among healthcare providers, resulting in improved access to HIV services. Some evaluations have noted challenges related to the sustainability of paralegal programmes similar to those raised with community health worker programmes more broadly. Conclusions: To achieve global HIV goals, funding for legal literacy and paralegal programmes should be increased and interventions should be rigorously evaluated. Efforts should target discrimination in access to HIV prevention and treatment and criminalization of key populations, two key barriers to ensuring access to HIV prevention and treatment services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In addition to standard highly active antiretroviral therapy protocols, complementary therapies using natural compounds are widely used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected human patients. One such compound is the fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE), named Avemar. Materials and methods: In this study, we investigate the effects of Avemar in a feline‐acquired immunodeficiency syndrome model. MBM lymphoid cells were acutely infected by the American feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)‐Petaluma (FIV‐Pet) and the European FIV Pisa‐M2 strains. FL‐4 lymphoid cells, continuously producing FIV‐Pet, served as a model for chronic infection. Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cells were infected by either FIV‐Pet or feline adenovirus (FeAdV) as a model for transactivation and opportunistic viral infection. Cell cultures were treated pre‐ and post‐infection with serial dilutions of spray‐dried FWGE (Avemar pulvis, AP), a standardized active ingredient in commercial Avemar products. Residual FIV and FeAdV infectivity was quantified. Results: In a concentration‐dependent manner, AP inhibited replication of FIV strains in MBM and CRFK cells by 3–5 log. Low AP concentration prevented FIV‐Pet release from FL‐4 cells. Higher concentrations destroyed virus‐producing cells with cytopathic effects resembling apoptosis. AP strongly inhibited FeAdV production inside CRFK cells but not in HeLa cells. Adenovirus particles are then released via the disintegration of CRFK cells. Discussion: This report is the first to describe the antiviral effects of Avemar. Further studies are required to confirm its in vitro and in vivo effects and to investigate the potential for its use as a nutraceutical in FIV‐infected felines or HIV‐infected humans. Conclusion: Avemar, as a single nutraceutical, inhibits FIV replication and destroys retrovirus carrier cells. An important conclusion is that prolonged Avemar treatment might reduce the number of retrovirus‐producing cells in the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Untreated HIV infection can lead to profound immunosuppression and increase susceptibility of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) to aspergillosis. Objectives: Reporting the burden and natural history of aspergillosis documented in PLHA admitted in five medical centres in Brazil. Patients and Methods: Clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were collected in all sequential cases of proven or probable aspergillosis documented in PLHA hospitalised in five medical centres between 2012 and 2020. Results: We enrolled 25 patients ageing between 23 and 58 years (mean = 39) including 11 patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA) and 14 with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA). The prevalence rate of aspergillosis was 0.1% of 19.616 PLHA. Overall, 72.7% of patients with IA exhibited CD4 < 100 cells/mL and 42.8% of patients with CPA exhibited CD4 count >200 cells/mL. Most patients had a history of tuberculosis, especially those with CPA (85.7%). IA was documented after a mean of 16.5 days of hospitalisation, mainly in critically ill patients exposed to corticosteroids and broad‐spectrum antibiotics. In the CPA group, a positive culture (71.4%) and radiological alterations were the most frequent findings supporting their diagnosis. Episodes of IA were mostly documented by tissue biopsies. Crude mortality rates were 72.7% and 42.8% in patients with IA and CPA, respectively. Conclusions: Despite being considered an unusual complication in PLHA (0.1%), IA should be considered in patients with profound immunosuppression and pneumonia refractory to conventional therapy. CPA should be investigated in PLHA with chronic deterioration of pulmonary function and previous diagnosis of tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fungal infections have increased during the last years due to the AIDS epidemic and immunosuppressive therapies. The available diagnostic methods, such as culture, histopathology and serology, have several drawbacks regarding sensitivity, specificity and time‐consuming, while molecular methods are still expensive and dependent on many devices. In order to overcome these challenges, isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques (INAT) arose as promising diagnostic methods for infectious diseases. Objective: This review aimed to present and discuss the main contributions of the isothermal nucleic acid amplification techniques applied in medical mycology. Methods: Papers containing terms for each INAT (NASBA, RCA, LAMP, CPA, SDA, HAD or PSR) and the terms 'mycoses' or 'disease, fungal' were obtained from National Center for Biotechnology Information database until August 2019. Results: NASBA, RCA, LAMP and PSR are the INAT reported in the literature for detection and identification of pathogenic fungi. Despite the need of a previous conventional PCR, the RCA technique might also be used for genotyping or cryptic species differentiation, which may be important for the treatment of certain mycoses; nevertheless, LAMP is the most used INAT for pathogen detection. Conclusion: Among all INATs herein reviewed, LAMP seems to be the most appropriate method for fungal detection, since it is affordable, sensitive, specific, user‐friendly, rapid, robust, equipment‐free and deliverable to end‐users, fulfilling all ASSURED criteria of the World Health Organization for an ideal diagnostic method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The risk of AIDS‐related mortality increased dramatically throughout the 1990s. This paper updates previous work by Fortson (2011) to examine the impact of mortality risk on human capital investment during the deadliest period of the pandemic. We combine Demographic Health Survey data from 30 countries, across 60 survey waves, to generate a sample of over 1,300,000 observations. Cohort‐specific analysis using the updated sample yields new evidence that the negative relationship between HIV prevalence and schooling steepened as mortality risk increased. The reduction in schooling is largest for women, and along the extensive margin of the schooling decision. The findings indicate that the decline in human capital investment associated with the HIV/AIDS pandemic prior to the availability of treatment was larger in magnitude than previously understood, but may be reversing rapidly as access to treatment is expanded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inclusion of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) in global health policies has resulted in significant resource prioritisations in order to treat and prevent the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). MSM policy inclusions and health prioritisations, however, are primarily motivated by an epidemiological understanding of male same‐sex sexual behaviours, based on biological risks associated with HIV infection. Owing to South Africa's high HIV rates and MSM policy prioritisations, we aimed to examine experiences of engagement in urban MSM‐targeted HIV interventions. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants (n = 20) who previously engaged in MSM‐HIV interventions, across a variety of historically marginalised "township" spaces in Cape Town, South Africa. Interviews were audio‐recorded with the consent of all participants, transcribed verbatim, and verified, and anonymised using alpha‐numeric codes. Data were analysed for core themes and in this paper we describe interactions between biological and social risks that shape city life for MSM in diverse township spaces. When positioned against the background of the Neuropolis, a recent sociological intervention by Des Fitzgerald, Nikolas Rose and Ilina Singh, our results portray urban life among MSM as a form of biological citizenship: (1) constructed by experiences that are constitutive of biosocial stressors, based on (2) health‐seeking attitudes and behaviours, and (3) reinforced through socio‐spatial engagements in peer‐led and community‐based HIV interventions. We conclude by offering critical insight into recent calls for the development of comprehensive and localised peer‐led health programmes as a current void in the geographies of health and sexualities in the global south. In this paper we describe Men who have Sex with Men and their urban experiences associated with HIV/AIDS interventions, and socio‐economic and spatial health inequalities in "townships" across Cape Town, South Africa. MSM's engagement in HIV interventions was examined as a form of urban citizenship that is: (1) constructed by biological and social interactions, (2) based on health‐seeking attitudes and behaviours, and (3) reinforced through peer‐led socio‐spatial relations. We offer critical insights into recent calls for comprehensive urban interventions in Africa as a current void in the geographies of health and sexualities in the global south. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

But in this case, MAC infection with destructive changes of T SB 10-12 sb and L SB 4-5 sb in a middle-aged man with normal immune function was first reported and this also revealed the possibility of multiple abscesses in MAC infection. Keywords: Case Report; Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing; Mycobacterium Avium Complex; Spinal Infection; Spine EN Case Report Metagenomic Next Generation Sequencing Mycobacterium Avium Complex Spinal Infection Spine 1707 1715 9 06/06/23 20230601 NES 230601 A 52-year-old patient misdiagnosed with spinal tuberculosis was successfully diagnosed with Mycobacterium avium infection using metagenomic next-generation sequencing and cured with four-drug combination protocol chemotherapy (amikacin, rifampicin, clarithromycin, ethambutol) and spinal fixation. In fact, the successful treatment of this patient confirms that the guidelines for pulmonary MAC infections are instructive for spinal infections and the four-drug combination protocol can be referenced. To date, MAC infection of the spine is rare, with only 17 cases reported in the English literature.[4] The diagnosis was confirmed by biopsy and microbial culture in 16 patients, while MAC infection was determined by PCR in only one patient (Table 2). [Extracted from the article]

The main aim of this work is to numerically investigate a mathematical model of the HIV/AIDS disease with awareness effect, as the fractional derivatives capture more the genetic and memory properties of the biological models in comparison to the classical derivative. Therefore, in this article, we utilize the generalized Caputo fractional derivative to extend the integer‐order model of HIV/AIDS transmission to fractional order. A novel fixed‐point approach is used to identify the existence and uniqueness of the FO model. We use a new numerical technique based on the Adams‐Bashforth predictor‐corrector method to solve the fractional‐order HIV/AIDS transmission model. We illustrated the obtained numerical results through graphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related diffuse large B cell lymphoma (AR‐DLBCL) is a rare disease with a high risk of mortality. There is no specific prognostic model for patients with AR‐DLBCL. A total of 100 patients diagnosed with AR‐DLBCL were enrolled in our study. Clinical features and prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement, opportunistic infection (OI) at lymphoma diagnosis, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were selected to construct the OS model; CNS involvement, OI at lymphoma diagnosis, elevated LDH, and over four chemotherapy cycles were selected to construct the PFS model. The area under the curve and C‐index of GZMU OS and PFS models were 0.786/0.712; 0.829/0.733, respectively. The models we constructed showed better risk stratification than International Prognostic Index (IPI), age‐adjusted IPI, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐IPI. Furthermore, in combined cohort, the Hosmer−Lemeshow test showed that the models were good fits (OS: p = 0.8244; PFS: p = 0.9968) and the decision curve analysis demonstrated a significantly better net benefit. The prognostic efficacy of the proposed models was validated independently and outperformed the currently available prognostic tools. These novel prognostic models will help to tackle a clinically relevant unmet need. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to HIV‐negative people. Left heart dysfunction is the most common cardiac complication in people living with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (PLWHA), and diastolic dysfunction is an important predictor of cardiovascular events. The aims of this study were (1) to detect changes in left cardiac structure and function in antiretroviral therapy (ART)‐naive PLWHA using echocardiography; and (2) to investigate the risk factors for the development of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in ART‐naive PLWHA. Methods: We retrospectively included 105 ART‐naïve PLWHA and included 90 healthy subjects as controls to compare the differences in left heart structure and function between the two groups. Univariate and multifactorial logistic regression were employed to explore the risk factors of the development of LVDD in ART‐naive PLWHA. Results: The left ventricular end‐diastolic internal diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left atrial volume index (LAVI) were significantly greater in PLWHA than in controls (p <.05). The E/A ratio, lateral e′ velocity, and mitral deceleration time were significantly lower in PLWHA than in controls (p <.05). Average E/e′ ratio was significantly higher in PLWHA than in controls (p <.05). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) were not significantly different between PLWHA and controls (p >.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that age, body mass index (BMI), and CD4+ count <200 cells/μL were independent risk factors for LVDD in ART‐naive PLWHA (OR = 1.781, 1.228, 3.683, p <.05). Conclusions: Left ventricular systolic function did not differ between PLWHA and controls, and left ventricular diastolic function was lower in PLWHA than in controls. Age, BMI, and CD4+ count were independent factors affecting LVDD in ART‐naive PLWHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV/AIDS and child malnutrition are pervasive in eastern and southern Africa. This paper employs cross‐country panel data on 20 countries from 1991 to 2017 to explore the macro‐level relationship between HIV/AIDS and child malnutrition. Using instrumental variables (IV) regression, we find that HIV/AIDS is a robust predictor of long‐term and chronic malnutrition. Conditional on various controls, the results demonstrate a positive empirical association between HIV/AIDS and stunting. Moreover, increased access to improved water, female education, and food availability are critical for reducing stunting. These findings underscore the need for an integrated national policy on nutrition and HIV/AIDS and intersectoral collaboration between government agencies responsible for managing nutrition and HIV/AIDS programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the coronavirus that has been identified as the pathogen causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).1 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system and leads to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the late stage of disease. The patient mentioned his previous HIV test after further query and HIV status was confirmed by the antibody test. This might be explained by a protracted disease course complicated by AIDS-defining opportunistic infections (pneumocystis pneumonia for patient A and pharyngeal or esophageal infection for patient B). In summary, our paper highlights the importance of differential diagnoses for COVID-19 especially in patients with HIV infection based on dynamic clinical symptoms and radiological data. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: While there is a global consensus on monitoring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) treatment progress, there has been less attention to the degree of consistency of the measurement of HIV prevention programmes—and the global prevention response is not on‐track to achieve 2020 goals. In this paper, we assess the degree of variability in primary prevention indicators selected by national strategic plans (NSPs) and global stakeholder monitoring and evaluation (M&E) strategies. Methods: We obtained the most recent NSPs from low and middle income Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Fast‐Track countries, and M&E documents from The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund), President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), UNAIDS, the Global HIV Prevention Coalition and the World Health Organization (WHO). We extracted HIV primary prevention indicators from each document, standardized and aggregated them by age/ sex, categorized indicators by topic, and evaluated the frequency of matched indicators between countries and stakeholders. Data were collected between February and April of 2019. Results: Twenty‐one NSPs and five global stakeholder documents were assessed; 736 primary prevention indicators were identified; 284 remained following standardization and aggregation. NSPs contained from 3 to 48 primary prevention indicators, with an average of 23; categories included: HIV education and outreach (17.6%), testing (17.3%) and condom use (16.2%). Of unique national indicators, only 34% was shared between two or more countries. Sixty‐nine per cent was applied in a single country only. 56% of NSP indicators did not appear in any global stakeholder document. Conversely, 42% of global indicators did not appear in any surveyed NSPs. Within global indicators, 63% was only measured by one global body, and no single indicator was measured by all five. Conclusions: These analyses reveal a lack of consensus both between and within countries' and global stakeholders' measurement of HIV prevention. Though some variability is expected, these findings point to a need to refocus attention on achieving greater consensus on a global measurement framework for HIV prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In recent decades, the needs of people living with HIV have evolved as life expectancy has greatly improved. Now, a new definition of long‐term success (LTS) is necessary to help address the multifaceted needs of all people living with HIV. Methods: We conducted a two‐phase research programme to delineate the range of experiences of people living with HIV. The insights garnered from these research phases were explored in a series of expert‐led workshops, which led to the development and refinement of the LTS framework. Results: The insights generated from the research phases identified a series of themes that form a part of LTS. These themes were subsequently incorporated into the LTS framework, which includes five outcome pillars: sustained undetectable viral load, minimal impact of treatment and clinical monitoring, optimized health‐related quality of life, lifelong integration of healthcare, and freedom from stigma and discrimination. A series of supporting statements were also developed by the expert panel to help in the achievement of each of the LTS pillars. Conclusions: The LTS framework offers a comprehensive and person‐centric approach that, if achieved, could help improve the long‐term well‐being of people living with HIV and support the LTS vision of 'every person living with HIV being able to live their best life'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, a reduction in the life expectancy gap between people living with HIV (PLWH) and the general population has been observed, irrespective of CD4 lymphocyte count, due to widespread access to antiretroviral treatment. The increase in the life expectancy of PLWH has increased awareness of both the ageing process and gender discrepancies in immune restoration and survival. Materials and Methods: Longitudinal data were collected for 2240 patients followed up at the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in Warsaw, Poland (n = 1482), and the Department of Acquired Immunodeficiency, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland (n = 758). Immune restoration was measured from the time of starting combination antiretroviral therapy until achieving 500 CD4 lymphocytes/μL, 800 CD4 lymphocytes/μL, and CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratios of > 0.8 and > 1.0. Full recovery was achieved when the patient was restored to both 800 CD4 lymphocytes/μL and a CD4/CD8 lymphocyte ratio > 1.0. Results: For all endpoints, immune restoration had a protective effect by reducing mortality. Patients who achieved immune restoration had a greater chance of reduced mortality than those who did not achieve immune restoration: for CD4 count > 500 cells/μL, HR = 5.4 (interquartile range: 3.09–9.41), p < 0.001; for CD4 > 800 cells/μL, HR = 5.37 (2.52–11.43), p < 0.001; for CD4/CD8 ratio > 0.8, HR = 3.16 (1.81–5.51), p < 0.001; for CD4/CD8 ratio > 1.0, HR = 2.67 (1.49–5.24), p = 0.001, and for full immune recovery, HR = 3.62 (1.63–8.04), p = 0.002. Conclusions: Immune restoration remains a powerful factor in improving the survival of PLWH, regardless of the speed of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People living with HIV have high rates of obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities. Our study sought to evaluate weight trajectory in a retrospective cohort of people living with HIV and matched HIV‐negative veterans (controls) and to evaluate risk factors for weight gain. Methods: This was a retrospective database analysis of data extracted from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse that included people living with HIV (n = 22 421) and age‐matched HIV‐negative controls (n = 63 072). The main outcomes were baseline body weight and weight change from baseline at 1, 2, and 5 years after diagnosis (baseline visit for controls). Results: Body weight at baseline was lower in people living with HIV than in controls. People living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) gained more weight than did controls. In a sub‐analysis of ART‐exposed people living with HIV, age >50 years, African American race, body mass index (BMI) <25, CD4 ≤200, and HIV diagnosis year after 2000 were associated with more weight gain at year 1. Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) plus non‐NRTIs (NNRTIs) were associated with less weight gain than NRTIs plus protease inhibitors, NRTIs plus integrase inhibitors, or NRTIs plus other agents at year 1. Conclusions: Among US veterans, those living with HIV had lower rates of obesity than age‐matched HIV‐negative controls; however, primarily in the first 2 years after starting ART, people living with HIV gained more weight than did controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invisibilisation of social groups in health research and survey data is a source of medical uncertainty, long seen as a hallmark of the medical field. However, scholarship has not thoroughly assessed how medical uncertainty is structured by state‐level processes and global health agendas, especially for people beyond the Global North. This article introduces invisibilised uncertainty as a type of medical uncertainty structured by global organisational and state‐level priorities, which can invisibilise social groups and health problems from research and data collection, exacerbating medical uncertainty and health disparities for people worldwide. Based on 14 months of fieldwork in Thailand and in‐depth interviews with 62 participants, the article illuminates how state‐level processes and global clinical research agendas have structured knowledge gaps and uncertainties for Thai transgender women. As omissions in health research and data collection become embodied on a world scale, the article expands our understandings of how gendered health disparities are structured nationally and globally. It advances a sociology of medical ignorance by analysing the uneven landscape of holistic transgender health research, parsing how institutional dynamics can prioritise or invisibilise people and health issues in research and data, and structure uncertainties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Home diagnostic testing is becoming part of the modern medical landscape, but many ethical and policy questions remain unresolved. Most of them first surfaced during the long regulatory deliberations over the home HIV test, the first home test for a contagious illness sold in the United States. Between 1989 and 2012, federal regulators and their consultants debated the ideal metrics for such a test, its benefits, and its potential harms for both individuals and communities. Ultimately, two iterations of the home HIV test were marketed in the United States; neither one of them changed the course of the national HIV epidemic, as hoped. This failure has powerful implications for home testing for other contagious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV‐associated infective native aortic aneurysms (INAA) constitute a subcategory of the disease INAA. This is a very rare group of patients. The aim of this systematic literature review was to compile a description of patient characteristics with HIV‐associated INAA. A systematic literature review was performed using the search terms HIV and aortic aneurysm in Ovid MEDLINE and Embase databases, on articles published between 1981 and 2022. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, articles were scrutinized according to a predefined protocol including age, sex, comorbidities, microbiological pathogens, CD4‐count, HIV/AIDS state, aortic segment involved, treatment and outcome. Thirty‐three studies, all case reports with a total of 39 patients, were included. The median age was 48 years (range 27–79), most were male n = 35 (90%), and the median follow‐up was n = 6 months (range 0–63). Cardiovascular comorbidity was present in n = 1 (3%), median CD4‐count was 216 (range 6–1236), and n = 12 (31%) had AIDS. The most common microbiological pathogens were Treponema pallidum, n = 12 (31%), Salmonella spp. n = 10 (26%), Mycobacterium species n = 5 (12%) and Staphylococcal spp. n = 5 (13%). The HIV‐associated INAAs were localized in the abdominal aorta n = 32 (82%), in the thoracic aorta n = 5 (13%) and in the thoraco‐abdominal aorta n = 2 (5%). Open surgery was performed in n = 23 (59%) patients, endovascular aortic repair n = 6 (15%), and n = 7 (18%) did not receive surgery. Infection‐related complications were reported in n = 2 (7%) patients, both with postoperative development of fatal sepsis. Patients with HIV‐associated INAAs were younger, had lower rate of cardiovascular comorbidity, demonstrated low CD4 counts as a measure of immunosuppression, and demonstrated diverse microbiological pathogens compared with other INAAs. Treponema pallidum and Mycobacterium spp. were common pathogens, which are very rare microbiological pathogens in other INAAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In her 2016 article Sherry Ortner discusses what she calls the rise of 'dark anthropology': that is, ethnographic work that analyses situations of domination, dispossession, and violence. She, like Joel Robbins (), posits as a counterpoint the emergence of 'anthropologies of the good,' which emphasise care and ethics. In this paper I put these two anthropological projects into generative tension through an analysis of HIV‐positive women's lives in Papua New Guinea. In the first part of the paper I demonstrate the ways in which resource extraction has created vulnerabilities to HIV—in part through the coerced marriages of women to powerful landowners. In the second, I discuss ways in which the antiretroviral era has made possible unexpected forms of kindness towards HIV‐positive women. I end the paper with a discussion of what HIV‐positive women mean when they claim that they are happier now than in their pre‐diagnosis lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores ethical considerations for active studies of circumcision, i.e., the amputation of the foreskin, in the form of a case study of three major trials performed in African countries in the early 2000s. The paper outlines the function of the foreskin and method and history of its amputation as well as its current use in attempting to combat the global AIDS crisis. These trials are then interrogated in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. In particular, the irreversible nature of amputation is given great consideration. The case studies are found to have serious failures in terms of the modern iteration of the Declaration of Helsinki. This paper calls for extreme scrutiny in accordance with international norms relating to the ethical treatment of human subjects in a research context of studies of circumcision if and when they are proposed again. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIV is no longer a death sentence with early diagnosis and effective treatment contributing to a good prognosis. Surveillance data, however, suggest that one in four people globally living with HIV are unaware of their HIV infection and remains at risk of transmitting their infection if having unprotected sex. A wider array of testing opportunities and settings are thus needed to address this issue of public health significance. Evidence suggests there is a role for the dental team, particularly dentists, in offering chairside point‐of‐care HIV screening to patients during their dental appointments. Dentists, dental hygienists, and other members of the dental team may still have a role in helping to identify new cases of HIV with the goal of improving health outcomes, addressing health inequalities and improving the quality and quantity of life. This paper reviews the global epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, summarizes the point‐of‐care HIV testing process, highlights key findings of international studies (from high‐, middle‐, and low‐income countries) on the role of dental professionals in point‐of‐care HIV testing, and offers suggestions for what additional evidence is needed to make point‐of‐care HIV testing a routine part of dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite recent pharmacological progress, memory impairment is still frequently reported in people living with HIV. We aimed to conduct a systematic literature review investigating the presence of impairment of (sub)components of memory function in patients prescribed highly active antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: We adopted a cognitive neuropsychological model of memory function as the theoretical framework, distinguishing between a short‐term working memory component and a long‐term component of memory, along with their specific (sub)components. We systematically searched for the presence of impairment of each (sub)component in the selected papers. Careful consideration was given to study design and methods and control of covariates. Results: Only the central executive component of working memory has been consistently reported to be impaired in HIV infection. The other two (sub)components, namely the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad, were unimpaired. Discordant results have been obtained as to verbal and visual episodic memory, as some authors reported an association with HIV infection, whereas others did not. There is little evidence for semantic memory deficit in HIV infection, while there are suggestions that the neural substrate of implicit memory may be damaged by the effects of HIV infection and inflammation. Most studies in this area have been conducted in small samples and with poor control for covariates. Thus, conclusions regarding the association of memory dysfunction with HIV infection are hampered by methodological issues such as selection bias and unmeasured confounding. Conclusions: The task remains for future research to ascertain the impact of HIV infection on memory function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have documented nurses’ attitudes and concerns regarding AIDS/HIV, but little is known about Taiwanese nurses. We documented attitudes, concerns, gloving practices and practical AIDS/HIV knowledge of 1090 nurses from one metropolitan hospital in Changhua City, Taiwan. The response rate was 80.9%. Both HIV and hepatitis contraction in the workplace was nurses’ main concern. Two hundred and ten nurses (19.3%) were seriously considering leaving nursing because of fear of contracting AIDS/HIV. Virtually all nurses considered it their right to be informed of the presence of HIV-positive patients in their direct work area and many believed that HIV testing of patients should be mandatory. Practical AIDS/HIV knowledge was deficient. These Taiwanese nurses have concerns and fears that might be related to deficiencies in practical AIDS/HIV knowledge. Continuous educational programmes are recommended to alleviate these nurses’ attitudes and concerns regarding AIDS/HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite improvements in survival of people with HIV admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), late diagnosis continues to contribute to in‐ICU mortality. We quantify the population attributable fraction (PAF) of in‐ICU mortality for recent late diagnosis among people with HIV admitted to a London ICU. Methods: Index ICU admissions among people with HIV were considered from 2000 to 2019. Recent late diagnosis was a CD4 T‐cell count < 350 cells/μL and/or AIDS‐defining illness at/within 6 months prior to ICU admission. Univariate comparisons were conducted using Wilcoxon rank‐sum/Cochran–Armitage/χ2/Fisher's exact tests. We used Poisson regression (robust standard errors) to estimate unadjusted/adjusted (age, sex, calendar year of ICU admission) risk ratios (RRs) and regression standardization to estimate the PAF. Results: In all, 207 index admissions were included [median (interquartile range) age: 46 (38–53) years; 72% male]; 58 (28%) had a recent late diagnosis, all of whom had a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL, and 95% had advanced HIV (CD4 count < 200 cells/μL and/or AIDS at admission) as compared with 57% of those who did not have a recent late diagnosis (p < 0.001). In‐ICU mortality was 27% (55/207); 38% versus 22% in those who did and did not have a recent late diagnosis, respectively (p = 0.02). Recent late diagnosis was independently associated with increased in‐ICU mortality risk (adjusted RR = 1.75) (95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.91), with 17.08% (16.04–18.12%) of deaths being attributable to this. Conclusions: There is a need for improved public health efforts focused on HIV testing and reporting of late diagnosis to better understand potentially missed opportunities for earlier HIV diagnosis in healthcare services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID‐19 pandemic has generated many mental health problems worldwide. People living with HIV (henceforth known as PLHIV) bear a higher mental health burden in comparison with the general population. Therefore, their risk of mental health problems may be elevated during the pandemic. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, psychological stress, insomnia and loneliness among PLHIV during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Observational studies in four databases published from 1 January 2020 to 30 April 2021 investigating the prevalence of mental health conditions during the COVID‐19 pandemic were searched, and 197 articles were retrieved. After the processes of duplication removal, eligibility screening and full‐text assessment, 10 articles were included in the systematic review and six articles for meta‐analyses. A random‐effects model was applied to derive the pooled prevalence of mental health conditions. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE checklist. Results: Overall, the pooled prevalence rates of (moderate‐to‐severe) depression and anxiety among PLHIV were 16.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8%–30.0%] and 23.0% (95% CI: 12.0%–34.0%), respectively. Conclusions: More research is needed to investigate the mechanism by which the pandemic affects the mental health of PLHIV. Support and programmes are needed to ameliorate the mental health problems in this marginalized population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]