Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Researchers will use web-based, patient-controlled personal health records to improve health and HIV prevention outcomes for HIV positive patients. The studies aim to assess the effectiveness of mobile phone text messages and a strategy called SBIRT in reducing drug and alcohol use and improving antiretroviral medication adherence.
Researchers at Yale University developed synthetic molecules that enhance the body's immune response to HIV and prostate cancer cells. The molecules work by binding to antibodies and proteins on infected cells, triggering an immune response and preventing infection.
Experts are conducting a large-scale study to measure the hearing of people with HIV/AIDS and compare it to those without, aiming to uncover the relationship between the disease and hearing loss. The research, supported by a $1.9 million grant, will also explore potential factors contributing to age-related hearing loss in these patients.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed Open Data Kit, a versatile platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing mobile data. Organizations worldwide are using it to gather information on global health, environment, and human rights issues, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Researchers found that sperm can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells and dendritic cells by attaching to their surface and using specific molecules. This discovery suggests that sperm may be a key factor in spreading the virus during sexual intercourse.
A clinical trial found that adding two antiretroviral drugs to single-dose nevirapine effectively reduces drug resistance in mothers and babies. The combination regimen is safe, easy to provide, and effective in preventing subsequent nevirapine resistance.
Researchers argue that concurrency is not a major driver of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa due to lack of conclusive evidence. They suggest that other factors are more likely to contribute to the spread of the virus, and recommend further research initiatives.
Two University of Washington studies show that drinking alcohol doubles the risk of non-adherence to HIV medication. A third study found that peer support, electronic pagers, or both had no lasting impact on adherence rates. The challenges of adhering to life-long HIV treatment highlight the need for individualized comprehensive programs.
A UCLA study found that HIV stigma is a strong predictor of poor access to medical care and suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy. Individuals experiencing high levels of internalized stigma were more likely to report poor access to care and lower medication adherence.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered compounds that interact with Nef protein, which plays an essential role in AIDS progression. These compounds also inhibit HIV replication and may slow disease progression.
In a Rwandan pilot program, nurses safely and effectively prescribed antiretroviral therapy to patients with HIV after completing at least 50 consultations. The study found that patients who received treatment showed improved health outcomes, including increased weight gain and CD4 cell counts.
Research found racial differences in individual behaviors do not fully explain marked disparities in HIV infection prevalence. Social factors such as exposure to the virus through racially segregated mixing patterns and poverty contribute to these differences. The US response to the epidemic has failed to control the spread of HIV amon...
Researchers aim to create a microbicide-releasing vaginal ring that protects women for weeks, targeting HIV infection at two different steps in its life cycle.
Researchers used genetic and geographic data to understand why HIV-1 subtypes held steady in west central Africa before erupting as an epidemic in east Africa. The study found that connectivity between population centers and better transportation networks contributed to the rapid spread of the virus.
A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that HIV transmission in UK heterosexuals can occur within networks of up to 30 people. The research used phylodynamics to reconstruct viral sequence divergence, revealing smaller clusters and slower transmission rates compared to homosexual men.
Scientists have developed a new antigen that induces protective antibodies capable of blocking infection by genetically-diverse HIV strains. The chemically-activated antigen differs from previous vaccines and stimulates the production of broadly-neutralizing antibodies.
The HIV Nef protein inhibits cell mobility in immune cells, disrupting their ability to establish contact and combat the virus. This mechanism may lead to the malfunction of B-lymphocytes in AIDS patients.
Researchers have identified two powerful new antibodies to HIV that reveal a potential Achilles heel on the virus. The discovery offers new avenues for designing an effective AIDS vaccine and may lead to the identification of additional vulnerabilities in the virus.
Two new broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) have been discovered to target the HIV virus, providing a promising lead for AIDS vaccine development. The newly found antibodies, PG9 and PG16, attach to a novel site on the virus, making them more accessible for vaccine design.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that HIV subtype D is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study found that nearly all (89%) patients infected with subtype D developed dementia, whereas only about 24% of those infected with subtype A showed signs of the condition.
Despite notable achievements in disease management, South Africa faces a severe HIV and tuberculosis crisis, with 17% of the global burden. The country needs to escalate its public health response to tackle rising drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
The updated guidelines stress the importance of routine screening for common health problems in HIV patients, such as heart disease and cancer. Comprehensive care models that emphasize a medical home approach are also recommended to ensure holistic care for those living with HIV.
Researchers at the University of Utah created a vaginal gel that turns semisolid in response to semen, trapping AIDS virus particles. The gel, designed to protect women from HIV infection, works by forming a microscopic mesh that blocks the virus from infecting vaginal cells.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have decoded the entire structure of an HIV genome, revealing intricate patterns and structures that play a previously unappreciated role in the virus's lifecycle. This breakthrough opens doors for further research and potential antiviral drug development.
A €1 million grant from the European Commission will support LSTM in developing a national HIV strategy and programme of support for Libya. The project aims to address Libya's priority issues for HIV prevention and care by analyzing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions.
A randomized controlled trial found that raltegravir-based combination treatment is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients, with faster action and fewer adverse events than efavirenz. The study included 281 patients given raltegravir and 282 given efavirenz.
Researchers have discovered that HIV hijacks the autophagy process to facilitate viral replication and survival. By leveraging this cellular pathway, the virus can evade degradation and complete its maturation process.
A study found that HIV infection and chronic alcoholism have a synergistic damaging effect on the brain, particularly impairing immediate episodic memory while preserving working memory. Individuals with both conditions are at risk of trouble learning new information, affecting daily activities and work-related tasks.
A study led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill investigators found that giving daily antiretroviral syrup to breastfeeding infants or treating their HIV-infected mothers with highly active antiretroviral drugs is safe and effective in preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission through breast milk.
Researchers identified three cases of likely HIV transmission to infants via pre-chewed food, suggesting caution for HIV-positive caregivers. The study highlights the need for more data and education on culturally sensitive issues related to infant feeding practices.
A study by Kaiser Permanente researchers found no racial disparities in the risk of AIDS and death among HIV-infected patients, with Hispanics experiencing better outcomes. Despite lower adherence rates, Hispanics had a statistically significant survival benefit compared to whites and blacks.
In sub-Saharan Africa, MSM are a high-risk group for HIV infection, with prevalence rates often 10 times higher than in the general population. The lack of access to vital services, including condoms and education, exacerbates the issue.
A randomized trial in Uganda found that circumcision of HIV-infected men did not reduce HIV transmission to female partners. The study enrolled 922 uncircumcised men and their female partners, with a higher proportion of women infected in the intervention group.
A study by UC San Diego researchers found that over half of male clients had unprotected sex and a high prevalence of drug use. Targeted interventions are necessary to prevent HIV transmission and are crucial for addressing the shared responsibility of sexual health.
Researchers discovered that HIV reduces the ability of lung cells to combat TB by increasing levels of IL-10, which elevates BCL-3 and impairs their response. This finding is crucial for developing new treatments to help people with HIV prevent or recover from TB infection.
Black gay men are more likely to have tightly interconnected sexual networks, increasing the rapid spread of HIV. Social barriers and racism contribute to these networks, perpetuating health disparities among Black gay men.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes have found a key factor controlling HIV latency, which could lead to new strategies for clearing the virus. The discovery involves DNA methylation and a host protein called MBD2, and offers hope for future therapies to reactivate latent HIV.
Researchers discovered that microRNA miR29 suppresses HIV replication by transporting mRNA to processing-bodies where it is stored or destroyed, reducing viral infectivity. Inhibition of miR29 enhances viral replication and infectivity.
Researchers at UT School of Public Health developed +CLICK, a game designed to educate HIV-positive youth on safe behaviors and reduce secondary transmission. The game received high credibiilty ratings from participants and showed promise in reducing risky sexual behaviors.
Researchers at EMBL have produced a three-dimensional reconstruction of immature HIV, showing its protein coat assembly in unprecedented detail. The study suggests a simple model of HIV formation, involving multiple Gag proteins interacting to form a hexameric lattice.
Researchers have identified a possible method for eradicating HIV infection by targeting two subsets of memory T-cells where the virus persists. The approach involves combining medications that prevent viral replication with drugs that stop infected cells from dividing.
A team of Canadian and American researchers have identified a way to treat HIV-AIDS by targeting both viruses in the body and those hiding in immune system cells. This breakthrough opens the door for innovative therapies that differ from current approaches.
Researchers suggest a promising approach to create an antibody-based HIV vaccine by leveraging naturally occurring broadly neutralizing antibodies. By understanding how these antibodies evolve and persist, scientists aim to develop a vaccine that can prime the body to make protective antibodies before exposure to HIV.
Top HIV/AIDS researchers at NIAID outline a test-and-treat strategy that could reduce HIV incidence by 90% within 10 years. The proposal also involves pre-exposure prophylaxis, latent virus control, and improved prevention strategies.
Researchers have developed a 'shock and kill' technique to target and eliminate latent HIV-1 cells in the body. By combining histone deacetylase inhibitors with oxidative stress, infected cells can be induced to produce toxic compounds leading to their death.
Scientists have created a new protein-based microbicide that can kill HIV when used as a preventative measure. The innovation involves combining two existing proteins into a single molecule, which is then produced in large quantities using plant cells.
The UK's HIV strategy is being heavily criticized due to its inadequate approach to testing and diagnosis. An estimated 77,000 people are living with HIV in the UK, with 21,000 unaware of their positive status. A third of those diagnosed late could have benefited from treatment if identified earlier.
A recent study has mapped the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across Europe, revealing that popular tourist destinations like Greece, Portugal, and Spain are major sources of infection. The research found that viruses can be transmitted through travelers, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts beyond national borders.
A research team led by Andrew Barron at Rice University identified specific molecules that can block the spread of HIV-1 PR by attaching themselves to its binding pocket. They used computer simulations to narrow down a collection of fullerenes and found two promising candidates.
Research reveals that HIV-positive individuals are more susceptible to lung-related problems and experience a swifter decline in lung function compared to their HIV-negative counterparts. The study also found that HIV-positive smokers are at risk of developing early emphysema.
A recent clinical trial found that acyclovir, a widely used herpes treatment, did not reduce the risk of HIV transmission when taken by individuals with both HIV and HSV-2. However, the study did show a significant reduction in genital ulcers and modest decrease in HIV levels.
Pediatric experts from Children's National Medical Center presented innovative research on urban health issues, HIV, and childhood obesity. The studies highlighted the importance of universal rapid HIV screening for teens in pediatric EDs and the impact of second-hand tobacco smoke on children.
Researchers estimated virus evolution using genetic sequences and found that SIV lineages giving rise to HIV-1 and HIV-2 date back to the 18th century. This finding challenges previous estimates of millions of years of coevolution between SIVs and their primate hosts.
Scientists at the University of Central Florida have revived a dormant gene found in humans, which produces retrocyclin, a protein that resists HIV. The study found that restoring the production of retrocyclins prevents HIV entry and transmission.
Two studies show that adult circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV and coital injuries, but does not affect sexual function. Circumcision removes skin surface susceptible to HIV infection, reducing the risk of transmission.
The UCSF Visiting Professor Program has provided training and mentoring to 40 visiting professors from minority universities, resulting in over $50 million in research funding and 425 scientific publications. The program accelerates careers and promotes interdisciplinary approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention research.
Researchers found that HIV antibodies face obstacles in blocking infection, with a narrow window of opportunity for effective binding due to the virus's low spike density. This finding highlights potential challenges for developing an effective vaccine against HIV.
Researchers discover HIV counteracts human cell protection by marking proteins for rapid destruction, but not in rats. Disrupting this interaction could be a promising strategy for therapy to increase cells' protective mechanisms.
Researchers found that HIV's invisibility comes at a cost: reduced replication, and only in certain individuals with specific HLA proteins
A new study analyzing over 45,000 people with HIV in Europe and North America found that starting combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) at a minimum CD4-cell count of 350 cells per µL reduces AIDS-related events and death rates. The findings challenge current guidelines recommending cART initiation at a lower threshold.