Articles tagged with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Climate change poses a significant threat to global HIV rates, exacerbated by economic pressures and food scarcity. The event aims to address the topic of an HIV-free future and features discussions on prevention, antiretroviral therapy, and integrated care.
A University of Minnesota study found that online interventions can help reduce HIV risk among young men who have sex with men. The research showed that meeting partners both online and offline increases the number of sexual partners and engagement in unprotected anal intercourse.
A study in the Ivory Coast found that involving male partners in prenatal screening and HIV prevention increased acceptance of testing among women. Psychosocial support during key moments improved handling of the infection, while male partner involvement led to a significant increase in women agreeing to testing.
A new study has identified a human protein that can be targeted to block HIV infection, offering a potential breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. By inactivating this protein, called interleukin-2-inducible T cell kinase (ITK), researchers have found that HIV's ability to infect and replicate within immune cells is slowed or blocked.
A year-long pilot project trained barbers as peer educators to reach low-literacy rural communities in India, distributing educational materials and condoms. The program showed positive effects, including increased social recognition for women peer educators and a rise in customers among barber clients.
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that interleukin-6 levels are associated with coronary heart disease, suggesting it could be a target for drug development. Two new methods were also developed to estimate HIV incidence based on changes in cross-sectional prevalence, showing sufficient accuracy for monitoring the epidemic.
A study published in The Lancet found that recent use of abacavir and didanosine was associated with an increased rate of heart attacks, while cumulative use showed no association. The researchers suggest underlying biological mechanisms may be responsible for the increased risk.
Researchers have discovered how HIV evades the immune system by altering a key defence mechanism. The Nef protein interferes with the recognition of infected cells, making it difficult for the body to target and eliminate the virus.
The rapid growth of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in London during the late 1990s was driven by transmission within clusters of sexual contacts, with individuals frequently passing the virus to others after becoming infected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed six large clusters and many smaller ones based on genetic relatedness of HIV viruses.
A multidisciplinary team from the University of Illinois has solved the mystery of how the HIV virus's TAT protein crosses cell membranes. The findings reveal that the protein creates a 'saddle splay curvature' in the membrane, making it porous and allowing molecules to pass through.
Researchers have discovered a way to manipulate the lengths of genetic pulses in HIV, favoring latency over replication. This finding offers promise for developing new treatments, as the 'switch' is a key factor in determining whether the virus becomes active.
A genetic circuit in HIV controls whether it turns on or stays dormant. Researchers have discovered how this circuit works and can be used to force the virus into dormancy. This finding has shown promise as an avenue for HIV therapy.
A study published in AIDS found that neural progenitor cells can form HIV reservoirs in the brain, similar to astrocytes. These cells have the potential to replicate the virus and transmit it outside the brain. Researchers hope to investigate how to protect these cells from the virus and develop new treatments.
Researchers aim to understand how a small minority of HIV-positive individuals remain healthy despite years of infection. The new grant will recruit 2,000 participants and compare DNA from elite controllers to those with progressive HIV infection to identify genetic factors behind viremic control.
A team of researchers identified a human gene called TRIM22 that can block HIV infection in cell culture by preventing virus assembly. The discovery shows the body has a natural defense mechanism against HIV, but research is needed to understand why it doesn't work in people infected with HIV.
A home-based antiretroviral treatment programme significantly reduced HIV-related mortality and orphanhood in Uganda. The study found that daily ART and co-trimoxazole prophylaxis, with limited clinic visits and trained lay providers, resulted in a 95% reduction in mortality among adults with HIV.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed an oil-based nanoemulsion vaccine that produces strong immunity against smallpox and HIV in animal studies. The vaccine uses a mixture of soybean oil, alcohol, water, and detergents emulsified into ultra-small particles to trigger the body's immune response.
Research suggests that about one in four women with HIV expect pregnancy and motherhood, with younger women more likely to make this choice. The study highlights the need for clinicians to discuss pregnancy options with HIV-positive women of childbearing age.
Task shifting of HIV antiretroviral treatment delivery in sub-Saharan Africa can increase coverage and improve outcomes when paired with other measures to expand the health workforce. However, it must be accompanied by adequate supervision, support, and fair compensation for lower-cadre workers.
The AIDS epidemic is stymied by a lack of political will and societal barriers such as gender inequality. Condom use is a cost-effective method for prevention but is resisted by fundamentalist groups. Despite the challenges, researchers are working to raise awareness and promote change.
A recent study documents various stigmatizing behaviors by health-care personnel towards HIV-positive patients, including lack of eye contact, disdainful voice tone, and providing substandard care. The study highlights the need for all health-care personnel to be mindful of their actions to prevent misunderstandings and hard feelings.
Researchers at University College London have identified a combination of genes in Asian monkeys that protects against retroviruses, including HIV. By mimicking these genes in humans, scientists hope to develop a novel gene therapy treatment for HIV/AIDS.
A novel mathematical model predicts a rise in drug-resistant HIV infections among men in San Francisco, but surprisingly reduces the epidemic's severity. The Amplification Cascade Model suggests that resistance to certain classes of drugs will decline, while others will rise, leading to less infectious strains.
Researchers found that HIV persists in the gut despite long-term antiretroviral therapy, which failed to eradicate the virus from gut-associated lymphoid tissue. B-cell abnormalities also persisted, with memory B cells failing to recover after treatment.
Researchers have identified a new cellular receptor, integrin alpha 4 beta 7, that plays a crucial role in the early stages of HIV infection. The receptor, which guides immune cells to the gut, is targeted by the virus's gp120 protein, facilitating its entry into host cells.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that HIV medications Abacavir and Didanosine significantly increase the risk of heart attacks in patients. The risk is higher for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, but can be mitigated by stopping use of these drugs.
Research suggests that beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus in the vagina can reduce HIV virus levels in genital secretions, making it harder for the virus to spread. The study found a link between Lactobacillus production of hydrogen peroxide and lower vaginal HIV levels.
New study sequenced two full FIV genomes of different lion subtypes, showing importance of whole-genome analysis. The findings provide insights into genetic determinants of pathogenicity and virulence differences between domestic cat and lion FIV.
Researchers at University College London used a virtual human simulation to predict the effectiveness of an HIV drug against resistant mutations. The study could lead to tailored treatment approaches for patients developing resistance to their drugs.
Researchers have developed new tools to understand HIV immune evasion. Vaccination timing significantly affects the rate of immune escape in macaques, suggesting ways to improve HIV vaccines.
Theoretical physicists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have uncovered a simple mechanism describing how an HIV peptide penetrates cell membranes. The discovery could help treat other human illnesses by exploiting similar molecules.
A study finds that HIV prevalence falls more consistently among highly educated groups than less educated ones in sub-Saharan Africa. The research suggests that while HIV education campaigns led to a decline in infections among the well-educated, they had little impact on the least educated populations.
Researchers identified 273 human proteins required for HIV propagation using RNA interference, a technique that was previously untested on this scale. The study provides new insights into the HIV life cycle and offers potential new therapeutics.
A large-scale randomized trial of nearly 4,500 men found no significant differences in sexual satisfaction and performance between circumcised and non-circumcised individuals. The study's findings support the use of circumcision as an effective way to reduce HIV transmission
The amfAR Mathilde Krim Fellowship program awards $1 million to bright young scientists working on prevention and treatment solutions for HIV/AIDS. Recipients include researchers studying HIV Tat-mediated transfer, TRIM5 modulation, biophysical studies of integrase-DNA complex, and morphogenesis of HIV-1 particles.
A large study found that depression significantly worsens HIV treatment adherence and clinical measures, but antidepressant medication can improve outcomes. Depressed patients had lower adherence rates and worse viral therapy responses compared to non-depressed patients.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.
Researchers at Brown University have created a 10-minute animated video explaining rapid tests for HIV, aiming to educate patients and healthcare providers. The video's effectiveness was tested in pilot trials, showing that it can improve comprehension of rapid HIV testing fundamentals.
Researchers call for GPs to be more proactive in offering HIV testing to higher-risk groups, citing low rates of early diagnosis and serious consequences. The study found that half of surveyed HIV-positive Africans were diagnosed late, despite above-average use of healthcare services.
A study of 7916 patients found that the cumulative risk of triple-class failure was estimated at 9.2% by 10 years, with evidence suggesting a decrease in this rate over time. Despite extensive failure, many patients retained some virological activity post-failure, and the risk of death was lower than expected.
A new HIV estimate for India, based on population-based data from the National Family Health Survey, has been revised downward to 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS. This reduction is attributed to a flawed estimation method used previously, which overestimated the burden of HIV in India.
A new study reveals HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men (MSM) is widespread and severe in low- and middle-income countries. MSM are 19 times more likely to be infected than the general population, with rates up to 100 times higher in some countries.
Research published in PLoS Medicine highlights the high risk of HIV infection among men who have sex with men in developing countries. Targeting HIV prevention programs to reach these men is crucial to curb transmission and reduce global burden.
Despite substantial progress against AIDS, the generalized HIV epidemic continues to rage on, driven by concurrent partnerships. Interventions such as abstinence and condom use have limited effectiveness in containing the spread of the disease, highlighting the need for a more nuanced approach to prevention.
A Harvard Medical School and PIH study found that integrating HIV testing into primary medical care reduced diagnosis delays. In a single clinic, 85% of patients diagnosed on first visit, and median delay was just 62 days.
Two studies led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggest that HIV subtype E is more virulent than other subtypes, leading to significantly shorter survival rates in Thailand. The studies found a median survival time from infection to death of 7.8 years for Thai men, compared to 11 years globally.
A qualitative study found critical failures in South Africa's Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme, including inadequate HIV testing and lack of nevirapine administration. The research highlights the need for strengthened HIV testing and a revised antiretroviral drug regimen to improve uptake.
Research highlights correlation between unstable housing and higher likelihood of HIV transmission; stable housing linked to reduced risk behaviors and improved healthcare outcomes. Findings challenge prevailing models and suggest housing as a key target for intervention to combat the AIDS epidemic.
The IU School of Medicine will augment the $60 million grant with an additional $6 million to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. The goal is to expand care to 150,000 Kenyans by 2012.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered that an HIV vaccine construct incorporating the adeno-associated virus (AAV) directly impairs the immune response to the HIV virus. The study's findings suggest that AAV vaccines against HIV may cause more harm than good, and their use in humans should be reconsidered.
Researchers found that suppressing herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) significantly reduces levels of HIV in the blood and rectal secretions, making patients less likely to transmit the virus. This reduction in HIV levels could have a significant impact on transmission of HIV.
A recent study found that early and routine testing for HIV is key to curbing the spread of the disease among teenagers. Teens who have previously been tested are more likely to get re-tested, highlighting the importance of making testing readily available.
Research published in Sexually Transmitted Infections found that nearly one in five young Britons has sex with someone new while abroad, often choosing partners from the UK or Europe to reduce HIV transmission risk. This behavior is associated with risky sexual practices and highlights a gap in healthcare messaging for travelers.
Researchers have identified a potential new way of fighting against HIV infection by targeting human endogenous retroviruses (HERV). A vaccine containing HERV antigens could stimulate T-cells that target cells expressing HERV, potentially protecting people from becoming infected or limiting damage caused by HIV.
A new UCLA study reveals that people seeking antiretroviral medications after high-risk sexual encounters are likely to complete the full treatment regimen. The research also shows a strong demand for publicly available post-exposure prophylaxis among high-risk populations in Los Angeles County.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study finds that psychological factors, including traumatic life events like abuse, accelerate HIV disease progression and mortality. The research suggests that clinicians should screen patients for depression and trauma to improve health outcomes.
The NIH has awarded $15 million over the next five years to the UCSF-GIVI Center for AIDS Research, doubling its previous support. The center provides strategic services and infrastructure to HIV/AIDS researchers, focusing on translational research and collaborations across disciplines.
Five essayists have been chosen from a shortlist of 40 for their innovative approaches to addressing health inequities in developing countries. The winners tackle topics such as patent systems, food security, HIV/AIDS, and healthcare access in China.
A new model of HIV dynamics accurately predicts the emergence and growth of recombinant forms of the virus in infected individuals. This framework also establishes scaling relationships between the prevalence of these resistant strains and overall infection extent.
A new study suggests that HIV/AIDS originated in Africa and traveled to the US through Haiti around 1969. Most US viruses descended from a single common ancestor originating from Haiti. The research used genetic analysis of archived blood samples to pinpoint the virus's entry point, shedding light on its early spread.