Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers found that witnessing community members engage in prosocial behaviors increases policymakers' willingness to support pro-social policies, such as syringe service programs. The study suggests that communities can exert a positive influence on authorities and contribute to the greater good.
A new drug has shown promise in clearing HIV from the brain by targeting infected cells and reducing viral load. The treatment, BLZ945, successfully cleared the virus from brain tissue, providing a potential new avenue for HIV treatment.
Researchers have developed a technique to edit B cells to produce custom antibodies, opening up new possibilities for treating chronic conditions. The technology uses CRISPR gene editing to reprogram B cells as biofactories making custom antibodies.
Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research have identified the dengue virus genome's use of less efficient codons in its host's machinery to replicate and spread. This discovery has implications for developing novel antiviral treatments and vaccines, as well as understanding the relationship between viruses and their hosts.
A study found that providing resistance tests for HIV patients has no significant impact on treatment outcomes. Instead, daily medication adherence is key to improving treatment success. The researchers suggest prioritizing resources for programs focusing on children and adolescents' specific needs.
Research found that smoking decreases life expectancy of HIV patients by 3-6 years, but smoking cessation can regain up to 5 years. Integrating tobacco cessation interventions into HIV care could substantially improve life expectancy for this population.
Researchers conducted four preclinical studies indicating they're closer to an immunization regimen that could produce rare antibodies effective against a wide range of HIV strains. The findings build on a 2022 phase I clinical trial and represent a key step forward in an immunization strategy that could protect against the virus.
Scientists are conducting a clinical trial to explore the use of anti-retroviral medications Ritonavir and Lopinavir as a potential treatment for brain tumors in patients with Neurofibromatosis 2. The study aims to determine if these drugs can help reduce tumor growth and survival in NF2 patients.
Researchers at Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT and Harvard have developed a comprehensive platform for HIV vaccine research using the mRNA-LNP system. The platform has shown promising results in preclinically validating next-step boost immunogens and providing new insights into the basic biology of antibody responses.
A Rutgers Health study examines the importance of social support networks for older adults living with HIV, finding that strong connections can reduce stress and anxiety. The research also emphasizes the need for increased funding and programs to foster positive social interactions and improve overall quality of life.
A new study reveals significant disparities in anal cancer risk among people with HIV across different US regions. The relative risk varies significantly depending on the region, with higher risks in the Midwest and South compared to the West and Northeast. Screening rates also differ between regions, with New York state leading the way.
A recent Indonesian study investigates the relationship between coping mechanisms and self-stigma among people living with HIV. The research found that most participants reported low coping strategies and high levels of self-stigma, revealing a moderate correlation.
Researchers at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a mouse model of Kaposi sarcoma, which could facilitate the development of new drugs to treat the disease. The model provides a better understanding of angiogenesis and its potential targets for therapy.
A study of 15 brand-name drugs found that competition from 'skinny label' generics saved Medicare nearly $15 billion from 2015 to 2021. The largest savings were seen for rosuvastatin, pregabalin, and imatinib, with actual spending being $16.8 billion versus projected spending of $31.5 billion.
Global disease burden rates dropped by 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this trend, causing a 4.1% increase in disease burden in 2020 and a 7.2% increase in 2021.
A recent study has found increased coronary vessel wall thickness in asymptomatic individuals living with HIV, which is significantly associated with impaired diastolic function. The study also highlights the impact of HIV on developing subclinical coronary artery disease and its effects on heart function.
A new nanofluidic implant has been shown to deliver an HIV drug with increased potency compared to existing oral medications, providing a potential breakthrough in addressing treatment nonadherence. The device is intended for long-term controlled release and avoids repeated systemic treatment, which can lead to adverse side effects.
A new study by the University of Washington found that condom use has been declining among younger gay and bisexual men, even when not taking PrEP. The study highlights the need for continued education about the benefits of using condoms during sex to reduce HIV transmission rates.
A new approach to fighting HIV has been developed using RNA, specifically small interfering RNAs (siRNA), which regulate gene expression in cells. This nanomedicine was shown to reduce HIV replication by 73% and is intended for vaginal application to prevent sexual transmission.
Research at the University of Bristol found that droughts trigger behavioral changes leading to higher instances of HIV transmission among women in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The study suggests that climate change may exacerbate this issue, particularly for women who rely on farming as their livelihood.
A study by Michigan Medicine University found large disparities in HIV care for Black patients, those with autism, and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities. These groups were less likely to receive antiretroviral therapy, highlighting the need for better support and education.
Researchers used simulations to model HIV's journey into the nucleus, finding it uses an electrostatic ratchet to squeeze through. The study provides insights into the complex interactions between the virus and cell, suggesting new targets for therapeutic drugs.
A recent study found that doxycycline prophylaxis did not prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among cisgender women, despite being prescribed to 18% of participants. The study also revealed high rates of antibiotic-resistant gonorrhea, which may be due to low adherence and limited treatment options.
Researchers are shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying HIV replication and viral integration, opening new avenues for tackling the virus. Discoveries suggest that targeting the cell nucleus and harnessing innate immunity may be key to blocking viral replication and persistence.
New HIV diagnoses rose by 31% in the EU/EEA in 2022, with migrants accounting for 49% of cases. Ukrainian refugees made up a significant proportion of new diagnoses, with women disproportionately affected. The increase highlights the need for tailored early testing and treatment approaches to address this growing public health threat.
Researchers created a blood-based test to detect both diseases, measure viral and bacterial loads, and track treatment progress. The test aims to improve patient outcomes by catching immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) earlier.
Researchers at UCLA and Charles Drew University are receiving NIH funding to tackle the HIV epidemic, with a focus on vulnerable populations such as youth, transgender individuals, and Black Americans. The projects will explore innovative implementation strategies to enhance community engagement and support high-quality services.
A University of Florida study found that 36% of people with HIV who own pets reported delaying health care, not seeking it or expecting to do so in the future. Pet ownership can provide emotional and social support, but also poses barriers such as financial concerns and housing access issues.
A UMass Amherst study explores gender differences in HIV-related stigma and social support among people living with HIV experiencing food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. Women described outright rejection, violence, and disempowerment, while men's experiences were more subtle.
A new study led by UCL researchers finds that integrated health care for chronic high-burden conditions like diabetes and hypertension is feasible and cost-effective. The study showed that integrated care was associated with high levels of retention in care, no adverse effect on viral suppression among people with HIV, and cost-saving ...
The study found that tenofovir alafenamide fumarate use is associated with a higher incidence of hypertension and statin initiation, particularly among those over 40. Continuous monitoring of blood pressure and lipids for TAF users is recommended.
A Canadian research team has identified the locations of HIV reservoirs in the body, revealing that they are concentrated in the spleen and lymph nodes. The discovery provides a potential window of opportunity for targeting these reservoirs with future therapies.
Researchers found that Dectin-1 stimulation induced a unique immune signature in HIV-positive older adults, characterized by increased levels of IL-12, TNF-α, and IFN-α. This signature may contribute to the pro-inflammatory environment associated with HIV and aging.
The USPSTF recommends prescribing preexposure prophylaxis using effective antiretroviral therapy to individuals at high risk of HIV acquisition. This strategy aims to decrease the risk of acquiring HIV, particularly among the estimated 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US.
Research reveals that a healthy gut microbiome can play a role in the acquisition and severity of HIV and EBV infections. The study found that animals colonized with resident microbiota had higher rates of HIV infection and increased viral loads, suggesting that altering the gut microbiota could be a potential therapeutic approach to c...
A new drug formulation designed for treating children with HIV has shown safety, tolerability, and effectiveness in a study published in The Lancet HIV. The formulation contains three medications and was found to suppress HIV levels below 200 copies/mL in 98% of participants.
Researchers found a novel region in the genome associated with spontaneous control of HIV in populations of African ancestries. CHD1L, a protein involved in DNA repair, shows genetic variation specific to these populations and limits HIV replication in white blood cells.
Researchers at Kyoto University successfully synthesized the structure of Lancilactone C, a rare anti-HIV compound. The team's method revealed an incorrect initial structure and showed that electrocyclization occurs in both synthesis and biosynthesis, leading to potential development of novel antivirals.
A study in The Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care (JANAC) found that people with HIV who smoke have higher rates of comorbid health problems, particularly cardiovascular disease and mental health disorders. These comorbidities are associated with demographic factors such as age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
A new study reveals that HIV patients in Washington D.C. were particularly vulnerable to psychosocial challenges like depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older patients were found to be more resilient compared to younger ones, highlighting the importance of social security in weathering intense stressors.
Researchers identified a molecule that allows HIV to hide in reservoirs within CD4+ T lymphocytes. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor protein plays a crucial role in viral latency and has shown potential as a good therapeutic target.
Researchers have found that microglial cells in the brain can serve as a stable viral reservoir for latent HIV. This discovery provides new insights into how to target and eradicate the virus, particularly in the brain or peripheral blood.
Researchers can reduce stigma in scientific literature by implementing practices such as referencing language guides, updating terminology, and connecting with the community. This change is crucial for promoting non-stigmatizing language and respecting preferred terms used by individuals living with HIV.
Researchers at the Center for One Health Research have found that antiviral drugs can make antifungals work again by blocking efflux pumps in Candida auris. This approach may be a key treatment strategy against the deadly fungal pathogen, which has a 60% mortality rate.
Researchers from Oregon Health & Science University have discovered how stem cell transplantation can kill the virus that causes AIDS. The study, published in the journal Immunity, reveals that two circumstances must co-exist for a cure to occur and documents the order in which HIV is cleared from the body.
A UC Riverside-led study created a virtual village to connect older people living with HIV, reducing social isolation and depression. The virtual space provided health, community-based, and personal resources, facilitating positive connections and friendships.
A new randomized, controlled trial aims to integrate nutritional counseling with food-generating activities among people with HIV and food insecurity in the Dominican Republic. The project seeks to reduce viral loads, increase ART adherence, and improve overall health outcomes.
Scientists at Medical College of Georgia are investigating the impact of HIV treatment on bone and muscle aging. They found that common antiretroviral cocktails can accelerate aging by about a decade, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress in bone marrow stem cells.
Research from Boston Medical Center found that pulmonary tuberculosis enhances HIV antibody responses and increases the prevalence of antibody-resistant strains. This study has significant implications for HIV vaccines and antibody-based therapies, highlighting the need for novel strategies to generate broad and potent antibodies.
A video-based smoking cessation program developed by a University of Massachusetts Amherst researcher has helped nearly 40% of HIV-positive smokers in Nepal quit tobacco. The program, which includes 11 video sessions and is accessible via smartphone app, was found to be highly effective in promoting abstinence among participants.
Researchers at Temple University and the University of Nebraska Medical Center developed a novel dual gene-editing approach that can effectively eliminate HIV infection. The therapy targets both HIV-1, the virus responsible for AIDS, and CCR5, a co-receptor that facilitates viral entry into cells.
A cohort study of 196 people treated with tecovirimat found that HIV status did not impact treatment outcomes. Only 22% of participants experienced nonsevere adverse effects, and 4 serious adverse events occurred, with 3 being persons with HIV. The findings contradict previous uncertainty about HIV's role in mpox acquisition.
A new study found that more than 60% of parents had heard of PrEP, with relatively low levels of knowledge and high intentions to discuss and support their adolescents' PrEP care. The study highlights the importance of educating parents about PrEP to increase self-efficacy and uptake among at-risk populations.
Research found that STI and HIV testing rates dropped significantly in March 2020, while positive test rates rose. The decline was likely driven by public health recommendations limiting in-person visits during the pandemic.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute identified hopeaphenol as a plant-based compound that targets HIV reservoirs, reducing stress on the immune system and potentially decreasing age-related conditions. The compound was found to inhibit viral reactivation, blocking replication and production of new viruses in infected cells.
A new study confirms that HIV can persist in myeloid cells for months to several years, even in virally suppressed individuals. The findings suggest that these cells contribute to a long-lived HIV reservoir and may be an important target for cure efforts.
Scientists have identified monocytes, a type of white blood cell, as a potential target for eliminating HIV infections. A new study found that monocytes can harbor stable HIV genomes, which may provide a new direction for efforts to improve therapies and eventually cure the disease.
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
The new test helps detect new HIV infection and follows current guidelines for testing patients on HIV prevention medication. The study identified successful efforts and opportunities for process improvement during the first three months of implementation.
A new stigma-coping intervention was found to increase engagement in substance use treatment and improve ART adherence among people with HIV who inject drugs. The intervention reduced avoidance of healthcare settings, leading to higher chances of starting ART and engaging with treatment.