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Insects rely on path integration (vector-based navigation) and landmark guidance to perform sophisticated navigational feats, rivaling those seen in mammals. Bees in particular exhibit complex navigation behaviors including creating optimal routes and novel shortcuts between locations, an ability historically indicative of the presence of a cognitive map. A mammalian cognitive map has been widely accepted. However, in insects, the existence of a centralized cognitive map is highly contentious. Using a controlled laboratory assay that condenses foraging behaviors to short distances in walking bumblebees, we reveal that vectors learned during path integration can be transferred to long-term memory, that multiple such vectors can be stored in parallel, and that these vectors can be recalled at a familiar location and used for homeward navigation. These findings demonstrate that bees meet the two fundamental requirements of a vector-based analog of a decentralized cognitive map: Home vectors need to be stored in long-term memory and need to be recalled from remembered locations. Thus, our data demonstrate that bees possess the foundational elements for a vector-based map. By utilizing this relatively simple strategy for spatial organization, insects may achieve high-level navigation behaviors seen in vertebrates with the limited number of neurons in their brains, circumventing the computational requirements associated with the cognitive maps of mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION While studies have extensively examined the clinical and pharmacokinetic correlates of drug-drug interactions (DDIs) with antiretroviral therapy (ART), less is known about DDIs from the perspective of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Among an international sample of PLHIV, we examined experiences, concerns and challenges regarding DDIs. METHODS Data came from an international, web-based survey that was conducted among adult PLHIV aged =18 years who were receiving ART during 2019 (Positive Perspectives Wave 2, n=2389). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and with a special focus on the Asian region comprising participants from China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea (n=230). Multivariable analyses were performed using pooled data from all 2389 participants. Statistical significance was at p<0.05. RESULTS Overall, 59.1% (136/230) of Asian participants were concerned about the risk of DDIs, 58.3% (134/230) were concerned about having to take more medicines as they grew older, and 25.9% (44/170) of those who had ever switched ART attributed it to DDIs, higher than every other geographical region except North America. Among Asian participants, 86.0% (43/50) of those aged =50 years reported having ever been diagnosed with a non-HIV comorbidity versus 60.0% (108/180) aged <50 years (p=0.001). Within the pooled sample, adults aged =50 years were more likely to perceive the need to reduce DDIs as a current treatment priority, than younger adults (adjusted prevalence ratio, APR=1.14; 95% CI: 1.02-1.27). The percentage of the entire population that ever switched ART because of DDIs ranged from 10.6% (148/1402) among those receiving treatment for HIV only, to 26.4% (14/53) among those receiving treatment for =7 conditions (including HIV). CONCLUSIONS Older adults reported more comorbidities than younger ones, and the probability of having switched ART because of DDIs increased with increasing concurrent treatments. Providing simpler regimens may help reduce the risk of DDIs. Healthcare providers can improve PLHIV's health-related quality of life by delivering person-centered care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Treatment priorities or needs may change in older people living with HIV (PLHIV) after years of HIV treatment and comorbidities. We explored unmet needs of older PLHIV (≥50 y) and compared shift in treatment priorities over time in older vs younger PLHIV. Methods: 230 PLHIV aged ≥18 y on antiretroviral therapy (ART) completed the 2019 Positive Perspectives survey from Taiwan, Japan, China, and South Korea. PLHIV diagnosed for ≥1 y were asked what was most important when they started ART vs. current priorities. Age-stratified prevalence estimates were compared with χ 2 tests. Results: Comorbidity prevalence was higher in PLHIV ≥50 y (86%, 43/50) vs. <50 y (60%, 108/180; p=0.001). Of PLHIV ≥50 y, 42% (21/50) believed HIV will reduce their lifespan while 52% (26/50) felt HIV negatively impacted their life. Reasons for missing ART in PLHIV ≥50 y included wanting to forget about HIV, depression, and being bored of daily dosing. Older adults were more open to taking ART with fewer medicines vs. younger adults (80%, 40/50 vs. 61%, 110/180; p=0.013). For all PLHIV, a key treatment priority more important now vs. at ART start was reducing risk of long-term negative effects. This priority was 7-fold greater in older adults (22-percentage point increase between time of ART start vs. now, 26% vs. 48%) than younger adults (3-percentage point increase, 47% vs. 50%). Older adults were more confident about their current ART and more trusting of providers: 38% were worried about running out of treatment options (19/50) vs. 55% (99/180) of those <50 y (p=0.033). Only 20% (10/50) of PLHIV ≥50 y would not discuss treatment concerns with their provider because they felt little could be done to help vs. 37% (66/180) of those <50 y (p=0.027). Conclusion: Treatments with lower risk of long-term negative impacts were a key priority for older adults. Treatment planning should strive to meet patients’ preferences to enhance their well-being and strengthen their relationship with providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]