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2024 OCT 5 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- According to news reporting based on a preprint abstract, our journalists obtained [...]

2024 JUN 29 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- Fresh data on endogenous retroviruses are presented in a new report. According [...]

2023 NOV 4 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- According to news reporting based on a preprint abstract, our journalists obtained [...]

2023 SEP 16 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Obesity, Fitness & Wellness Week -- A new study on endogenous retroviruses is now available. According to news [...]

The Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion has conducted a study on implementing person-centered, Whole Health care in HIV specialty care settings for veterans. The study aims to create a blueprint for spreading Whole Health care from primary to specialty care settings, focusing on Veterans Health Administration's system-wide transformation. By using a mixed methods approach, the researchers seek to identify key determinants of Whole Health receipt among Veterans living with HIV and develop implementation strategies tailored to different HIV specialty care configurations. This research contributes to end-user engagement and transparency in implementation strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the impact of the African Cohort Study (AFRICOS) funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets to end the HIV epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. The study has been instrumental in guiding HIV policy and programming, showcasing the positive outcomes of PEPFAR's investment in science. Researchers emphasize the ongoing global health challenge posed by HIV, particularly in Africa, despite significant progress made in the past two decades. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal focused on the role of nurses and policymakers in preparing adolescents with HIV for self-disclosure in Eswatini. The research highlighted that nurses play a crucial role in assisting adolescents with HIV to disclose their status, but many are not actively involved in the process. By providing HIV information, encouraging participation in teen clubs for peer support, and offering ongoing psychosocial support, nurses can better prepare adolescents for self-disclosure. Prioritizing the training of nurses could significantly increase the rate of HIV self-disclosure among Swati adolescents, ultimately contributing to the review of HIV management guidelines and promoting adolescent self-disclosure. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study on the HIV-1 virus and the role of the conserved spacer peptide 2 (SP2) in triggering matrix lattice maturation, leading to the formation of infectious virions. The research reveals that SP2 binds to the membrane binding domain MA, inducing structural maturation and faster fusion of the virus with target cells. This study provides new insights into the interaction between HIV-1 components and sheds light on the mechanism of MA lattice maturation. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of blood single-cell transcriptomics to study immune aging and the impact of diseases like COVID and HIV on the human immune system. By analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data, researchers were able to identify changes in cell type composition and intrinsic cellular aging. The study highlights the potential of single-cell transcriptomic biomarkers in understanding age-associated systemic changes in the immune system. The preprint has not yet been peer-reviewed, and more information can be found on biorxiv.org. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of California explores post-intervention control in HIV immunotherapy trials. The research highlights the identification of post-intervention controllers in trials testing various treatments, such as antibodies, immune modulators, and gene therapy. While no definitive HIV control has been achieved, efforts to standardize the definition and assessment of post-intervention control could accelerate progress towards an HIV cure. For more information, the study can be accessed through Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Universite Paris Cite have conducted studies on HIV/AIDS, specifically focusing on the viral reservoir landscape in individuals who control viral replication after treatment interruption (PTCs). The findings suggest that PTCs exhibit limited transcriptional activity, residual viral replication, and restricted intact proviruses. While predictive biomarkers for PTCs are still lacking, ongoing research aims to elucidate the mechanisms underlying post-treatment control for potential HIV cure interventions. This information was published in Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS and can be accessed for further reading. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Emory University conducted a study on men with HIV, focusing on the DNA methylation signature of inflammation. The study, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes And Digestive And Kidney Diseases and the Center For Aids Research, found that multi-trait epigenome-wide association studies can improve the discovery of inflammation-associated DNA methylation sites, genes, and pathways. The research, published in Clinical Epigenetics, identified key genes related to inflammation and pathways such as 'type I interferon signaling' and 'immune response to virus.' This study may provide insights into addressing persistent inflammation in people with HIV. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in Astana, Kazakhstan, examined predictors of all-cause mortality among hospitalized HIV-positive patients in the country. The research, utilizing data from patient hospital discharge records between 2014 and 2019, found that females had a 2.06-fold higher risk of mortality compared to males. Factors such as age, intravenous drug use, and anemia were identified as independent predictors of mortality within the patient cohort. The study highlights the importance of improving access to testing and treatment for HIV patients to prevent late diagnosis and strengthen risk reduction strategies. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine reported a rare case of an invasive Penicillium species infection in a patient with advanced HIV, leading to disseminated infection initially presenting as nonspecific symptoms. The diagnosis was confirmed through expanded polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of fungal 28S rDNA. This case highlights the potential seriousness of Penicillium infections in immunocompromised individuals and the need for further research on treatment recommendations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Sao Paulo examined the provision of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for adolescents from sexual minorities in community-based organizations (COs) compared to conventional health services. The research found that adolescents from COs had quicker access to PrEP and lower housing Human Development Index (HDI) scores. The study concluded that providing PrEP in COs could improve access for vulnerable adolescents and reduce inequities in HIV prevention. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Washington conducted a study to evaluate the impact of integrating jail booking records with HIV surveillance data to improve care coordination for people with HIV (PWH) after their release from jail. The study found that data exchange and care coordination alone did not significantly improve post-release outcomes for PWH. Additional interventions in both jail and community settings may be necessary to enhance HIV outcomes for this population. The research was supported by the King County Department of Adult and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

The research article from Emory University Vaccine Center focuses on the phenotypic characterization of subtype A and recombinant AC transmitted/founder viruses from a Rwandan HIV-1 heterosexual transmission cohort. The study highlights the distinct geographical distributions of HIV-1 subtypes in sub-Saharan Africa and the impact of virus subtype on pathogenesis. The research provides valuable insights into HIV-1 transmission, pathogenesis, and vaccine design, offering a resource for further studies in this field. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study conducted by a researcher at the Mexican Social Security Institute on the effectiveness of Direct Antiviral Agents (DAA) in treating patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, both with and without Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfection. The study found that the effectiveness of DAA in achieving sustained virologic response at week 12 post-treatment was similar between patients with HCV/HIV coinfection and those with HCV-monoinfection, regardless of advanced liver disease and treatment regimens used. The research was published in the journal Viruses and can be accessed for further information. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) explored the impact of sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, on individuals with HIV/AIDS. The research found that sirolimus treatment led to a decrease in CD4+ T cell-associated HIV-1 DNA levels and a reduction in T cell cycling and PD-1 expression on lymphocytes. These findings suggest that targeting homeostatic proliferation of infected cells could be a promising therapeutic approach for HIV persistence. The study was funded by the NIH National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and ViiV Healthcare. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the School of Psychology in Galway, Ireland, explores the implementation of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) programs for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). The research uses critical discourse analysis to examine how language and power dynamics influence the understanding and delivery of HIV prevention through PrEP programs. By highlighting issues with current discourses, the study aims to promote more reflective and inclusive perspectives in PrEP program research to enhance their acceptability and implementation. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at https://doi.org/10.12688/hrbopenres.13841.2. [Extracted from the article]

The Bambino Gesu Children's Hospital in Rome, Italy, conducted research on infants living with HIV from three African countries to identify early biomarkers associated with mortality risk. The study found that IL-6 and CXCL11 levels were higher in deceased children and predictive of mortality, with PAMPs also being elevated in deceased children. The research suggests that measuring early inflammatory biomarkers, particularly IL-6, could aid in predicting mortality risk and guiding targeted interventions for this vulnerable group. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the Ragon Institute have reported new findings on HIV/AIDS, specifically focusing on the impact of early antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation on viral control. The study suggests that early ART may lead to the accelerated selection of intact HIV-1 proviruses in repressive chromatin locations, potentially influenced by innate immune responses. This research, supported by various organizations, sheds light on the immune selection of viral reservoir cells during early-treated HIV-1 infection. The study's detailed findings can be accessed in the Journal of Experimental Medicine. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of Sassari conducted a study on the viro-immunological efficacy and safety of the Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide regimen among women living with HIV. The study included 99 women with HIV and found that the regimen was well-tolerated and demonstrated high efficacy over 48 and 96 weeks. The research highlights the importance of gender-focused studies in HIV treatment to ensure equitable access to effective treatment options for women. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Southern Queensland explored the perceptions of successful aging and preferences for information and support among sexually and gender diverse individuals living with HIV in Australia. The study found that participants identified social factors, agency, autonomy, physical and mental well-being, and care needs as important aspects of successful aging. General practitioners and HIV support services were the most preferred sources of information and support. The research suggests opportunities for policy improvements and community support to enable sexually and gender diverse individuals living with HIV to experience successful aging in Australia. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) conducted a study on gallbladder Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) in a child living with HIV. The study highlighted the importance of early diagnosis and initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART/cART) in individuals with HIV, especially in children. The case report emphasized the need for biopsy in suspected lymphoma cases and the impact of timely diagnosis on disease management. [Extracted from the article]

A research report from Aix-Marseille University discusses the impact of 2'-O-methylations on HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) activity and replication regulation, particularly in quiescent cells. The study highlights the importance of RT in the viral cycle, its structure, and function, shedding light on how epitranscriptomic marks on the HIV-1 RNA genome may affect RT's ability to copy RNAs with biochemical modifications. This peer-reviewed research provides valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying HIV/AIDS and antiviral drug development. [Extracted from the article]

The study from AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece, explores the impact of antiretroviral treatment on weight gain in individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The research highlights the influence of disease stage and different antiviral regimens on body weight alterations, particularly focusing on integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF). The study emphasizes the need for a cautious approach in making treatment decisions regarding highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to address weight changes in HIV adults. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at the Life journal website. [Extracted from the article]

Research from the University of Airlangga explores the relationship between self-stigma and resilience among people living with HIV. The study found that self-stigma can weaken an individual's ability to be resilient, impacting their overall well-being. Nurses and health workers are encouraged to support individuals living with HIV who experience self-stigma to help them build resilience. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University Veracruzana focused on the intention to use HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among health sciences students in the Veracruz-Boca del Rio region. The study found that 81.5% of participants had a positive intention to use PrEP if they were at high risk for acquiring HIV. The research emphasized the importance of increasing knowledge about PrEP among young people to promote informed decision-making and highlighted the need for education programs to raise awareness about this preventive measure. [Extracted from the article]

The research conducted at George Washington University explores the potential of Isotretinoin, an FDA-approved compound, in promoting the elimination of translation-competent HIV latent reservoirs in CD4T cells. By enhancing the ability of IL-15 to reactivate latent reservoirs and sensitizing reactivated cells to apoptosis, Isotretinoin shows promise as a novel approach to target and eliminate HIV reservoirs. The study suggests that Isotretinoin could be used in combinatorial strategies towards the development of an HIV cure by reducing latent reservoirs. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study conducted by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III in Madrid, Spain, focusing on the association between low plasma levels of immune checkpoint proteins before HCV therapy and the development of metabolic disorders in individuals with HIV/HCV coinfection post-HCV treatment. The research found that low levels of BTLA and LAG-3 were significantly correlated with an increased risk of metabolic disorders after treatment. The study followed 80 patients with HIV/HCV coinfection for about 5 years after successful HCV therapy, with 26% developing metabolic events and 46% experiencing an increase in TyG values during the follow-up period. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Hanoi Medical University conducted a study on tracking modifications to implementation strategies in a large-scale trial for people who inject drugs (PWID) with HIV in Vietnam. The study, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institutes of Health, aimed to scale up evidence-based interventions for PWID with HIV. The findings highlighted the challenges and modifications made to implementation strategies, emphasizing the need for a systematic approach to tracking such changes in low-resource settings. The research provides valuable insights for future studies on implementing strategies in complex trials, offering guidelines for researchers in similar settings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana focused on the prevalence and clinical impact of Cryptosporidium spp. co-infection in individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The research found that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly higher in HIV-positive individuals, particularly those with lower CD4+ T cell counts. Patients with co-infection experienced higher frequencies of weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms. The study suggests that routine screening for Cryptosporidium spp. and access to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) could help reduce the burden of this infection among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Utah conducted research on the clinical and economic outcomes of rapid start antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HIV (PWH) in real-world settings. The study found that rapid ART was associated with reduced mortality and cost-effective compared to non-rapid ART. The research suggests that clinicians and policymakers should consider these findings to facilitate the rapid start of ART in PWH, with further research needed on loss-to-follow-up (LTFU) in this population. [Extracted from the article]

Alchemy has partnered with PatchRx to address the challenge of HIV medication adherence in safety net patient populations. The partnership combines Alchemy's pharmacy infrastructure with PatchRx's smart pill bottle technology to provide real-time medication adherence data to clinics serving HIV positive populations. This collaboration aims to improve medication adherence rates and health outcomes by offering providers and pharmacists unprecedented visibility into patient treatment progress. The partnership is seen as a proactive approach to empower clinic partners to deliver targeted support to at-risk patients. [Extracted from the article]

A report from Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, discusses the challenges and advancements in pediatric HIV treatment. While progress has been made in developing optimized antiretroviral formulations for children, virological suppression rates remain lower than in adults due to factors like adherence challenges and genotypic resistance. The research emphasizes the need for new, safe, and effective antiretroviral agents to achieve the UNAIDS target of virological suppression in 95% of children receiving therapy. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for the success of these efforts. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a new method for near-full-length genome sequencing of HIV-1 Group M recombinant forms, which are important for understanding the spread and evolution of the virus. The method involves using a set of 32 pan-genotypic primer pairs to sequence the entire HIV-1 genome from clinical blood samples. This approach has been successfully tested on various HIV-1 subtypes and recombinant forms, allowing for the identification of recombination events across the viral genome. Further validation and testing on a larger scale are needed, but the method shows promise for characterizing different HIV-1 recombinant forms and pure subtypes. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the potential of proteasome inhibition in enhancing the reversal of HIV-1 latency and boosting the elimination of infected cells by natural killer (NK) cells through downregulation of HLA-E. The study suggests that disrupting the NKG2A/HLA-E interaction could improve the effectiveness of the shock and kill strategy by enhancing NK cell-mediated clearance of reactivated cells. The findings indicate a promising approach to pursuing a functional cure against HIV-1, although the research has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

The article in AIDS Weekly discusses a study on how the HIV-1 capsid protects viral genomes from being recognized by the innate immune sensor cGAS. The research found that the capsid shields the viral DNA from cGAS even after reverse transcription is complete, and disruption of the capsid can expose the DNA and activate immune signaling. The study highlights the importance of the capsid in concealing the viral genome from immune detection. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in AIDS Weekly discusses the potential of a novel protein degrader, PZ703b, in reversing HIV latency and eliminating infected cells. By targeting Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins, PZ703b activates pathways leading to latency reversal and selective apoptosis of infected cells, resulting in a significant reduction in the replication-competent reservoir in ex vivo CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 patients. This research suggests that protein degraders like PZ703b could be a promising approach in developing new therapeutic interventions for eliminating HIV reservoirs. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at FHI 360 have reported new data on opioids and HIV epidemic control, focusing on expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis for people who inject drugs (PWID). The research highlights the challenges faced by PWID, including limited access to harm reduction services and gender-based barriers. The study emphasizes the importance of community-led initiatives and equitable access to new PrEP products for PWID to achieve epidemic control. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free at https://doi.org/10.3389/frph.2024.1438005. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa focused on HIV-1 drug resistance patterns in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The research analyzed data from routine diagnostic testing and found high rates of drug resistance mutations among ART-experienced adults with virological failure. Geospatial analysis revealed differences in the burden of HIV drug resistance, highlighting the importance of ongoing surveillance for evaluating the outcomes of HIV treatment programs in South Africa. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Florida International University conducted a study to assess the efficacy of a clinic-based sexual risk reduction intervention for women of color who were using pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and alcohol or other drugs. The intervention consisted of educational sessions and assessments over an 8-week period. While no significant changes in sexual risk scores were observed post-intervention, there were significant decreases in alcohol use. The study highlighted the importance of interpersonal relationships in motivating PrEP initiation and identified barriers to adherence. Overall, participants found the intervention acceptable and reported therapeutic benefits. The research suggests that interventions to increase PrEP uptake and adherence in at-risk women should focus on accurate risk estimation and social support. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses research conducted at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University on the ancient origins of HIV. The study suggests that HIV transmission has been present among humans for centuries or thousands of years, supported by molecular and genetic evidence. The research highlights the co-evolution between humans and pathogens, leading to the development of genetic defense mechanisms against HIV. For more information, readers can refer to the journal article "The Ancient Origin of HIV" published in Epidemiologia i vakcinoprofilaktika. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Columbia University have conducted a study on the HIV-1 capsid protein, which plays a crucial role in viral replication and infection. The study focused on identifying aptamers that target the capsid protein and found that one specific aptamer, L15.20.1, forms a stable RNA G-quadruplex structure that is essential for binding to the capsid protein. This discovery could lead to new insights into the structure-function relationships of the capsid protein and potential therapeutic developments for HIV/AIDS. The research was supported by the National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases and was published in Frontiers in Chemistry. [Extracted from the article]

The study conducted at Hospital Geral de Fortaleza in Brazil aimed to compare clinical parameters and outcomes in patients with high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas undergoing intensive chemotherapy. The research found significant variability in clinical presentation and timing of treatment, with a median time to treatment initiation of 48 days. The overall survival rate at two years was 27.5%, highlighting the aggressive nature of these diseases and the importance of immediate and intensive therapy for all patients, regardless of HIV status. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers in Chennai, India, have conducted a study on the molecular interactions of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) organism with 2,6-dibromo-4-chloroaniline. The study utilized techniques such as Hirshfeld surface analysis, Fukui function analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics investigation to understand the chemical properties and behavior of the molecules involved. The research highlighted the importance of these methods in drug development and concluded that the Hirshfeld surface analysis was particularly useful in illustrating molecular characteristics. The study was published in Results in Chemistry and can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Temple University examined the challenges faced in kidney retransplantation among individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The research found that HIV-positive recipients were more likely to experience graft failure compared to HIV-negative recipients, with factors such as race, HLA mismatch, and delayed graft function playing a role in outcomes. The study highlighted the need for improved organ matching and innovative approaches to enhance the success of kidney retransplantation in the HIV-positive community. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses a study conducted by the Center for Global Infectious Disease Research on HIV/AIDS, focusing on the altered composition of maternal microchimeric T cells in infants exposed to HIV. The research found that HIV exposed but uninfected infants have decreased maternal microchimerism, which may contribute to altered cellular immunity. The study concluded that levels of CD8+ T cell maternal microchimerism were lower in HIV exposed infants compared to unexposed infants. The full article can be accessed in The Journal of Infectious Diseases published by Oxford University Press. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at Northwestern University conducted a study on the implementation of a digital HIV prevention intervention called Keep It Up! in community-based organizations serving diverse populations. The study identified barriers such as self-efficacy and staff turnover, as well as facilitators like adaptability and leadership engagement. The findings highlight the need for interventions like Keep It Up! for young men who have sex with men and the importance of supporting organizations unfamiliar with digital health interventions. The study was published in AIDS and Behavior and was supported by various institutes under the National Institutes of Health. [Extracted from the article]