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Video-based smoking cessation program helped HIV-positive smokers quit tobacco

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.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateMay 2, 2023

HIV status is not associated with mpox treatment outcomes in persons using tecovirimat

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2023

Researchers identify a plant-based compound that inhibits reactivation of the HIV viral reservoir, giving the immune system a break

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.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

A readily available dietary supplement may reverse organ damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 24, 2023

Stigma-coping intervention empowers people with HIV and drug use to engage in health, substance use care

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.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeSurvey·DateMar 20, 2023

New study reveals parents’ concerns about their sexual and gender minority teens using prep for HIV prevention

A new study examines the concerns of parents of sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents regarding HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. Parents cited effectiveness and adverse effects as key factors in their decision-making, while also expressing questions about how to discuss PrEP with their children.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAIDS Education and Prevention·DateMar 1, 2023

Exercise more effective than medicines to manage mental health

A new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine reveals that physical activity is 1.5 times more effective than counselling or medications in managing depression. The review of 97 reviews and 1039 trials shows that exercise interventions, especially those lasting 12 weeks or less, can significantly reduce mental health ...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 23, 2023

Commonly used antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV and hepatitis B reduce immune cells’ energy production

Research reveals that commonly used antiretroviral drugs TAF and TDF directly impact mitochondria's energy production in immune cells. The study suggests a larger energy reduction when combined with other antiretrovirals, sparking concerns about potential long-term effects on human cells.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalMetabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 2023

Aging | Epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV

A new study finds epigenetic aging is associated with aberrant neural oscillatory dynamics serving visuospatial processing in people with HIV. Participants showed accelerated biological age and different brain activity patterns compared to controls, suggesting a link between biological aging and neural function in PWH.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalAging-US·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Women experiencing intimate partner violence three times more likely to contract HIV

A new study published in The Lancet HIV reveals that women experiencing recent intimate partner violence are three times more likely to contract HIV. The research highlights the intersectional epidemic of IPV and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, where women face increased risk of HIV acquisition and less frequent viral load suppression.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 5, 2023

Medicaid expansion plus PrEP and antivirals could lower HIV transmission in Houston, model projects

A new study suggests that expanding Medicaid coverage in Houston, combined with increased use of PrEP and antiviral medications, could lead to a significant decline in new HIV infections among young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The model projects a potential decrease in HIV incidence rate to almost 50% with...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalMedical Care·DateDec 12, 2022

An ounce of prevention: Differences in HIV prevention activities among rural and urban physicians

A recent study by Texas A&M University reveals that rural family medicine physicians are less comfortable providing sexual risk reduction counseling to adolescents compared to their urban counterparts. This disparity highlights the need for increased awareness and training of PrEP-related clinical activities among rural providers, whic...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Journal of Rural Health·DateDec 12, 2022

Adding to Europe’s HIV testing gap: Lack of testing recommendations in national guidelines on HIV indicator conditions

A systematic review of national clinical practice guidelines in Europe found that fewer than half include HIV testing recommendations for patients with medical conditions indicating HIV infection. This omission hinders efforts to stop the spread of HIV through timely diagnosis, affecting the lives of people living with HIV.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2022

Chronic jet lag discovered in people living with HIV

Researchers found that people living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock, consistent with the symptoms of jet lag. This disruption may contribute to increased health problems experienced by those with HIV. The study suggests a strong need for further research on younger people living with HIV in other countries.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 10, 2022

UTHealth Houston researchers analyze cancer discrepancies among young Black men in the South

Researchers found a significant increase in Kaposi's sarcoma incidence among young Black men in the South, with rates jumping by 3.3% per year. The study suggests that HIV infection and social determinants like poverty and lack of access to medical care contribute to this disparity.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJNCI Cancer Spectrum·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 10, 2022

Gut bacteria may contribute to susceptibility to HIV infection, UCLA-led research suggests

Researchers found pre-existing differences in gut bacteria between people with and without HIV, including decreased Bacteroides species and increased Megasphaera elsdenii. These changes were present even before infection occurred, suggesting a potential link between gut microbiome and HIV susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 29, 2022

Greater predicted life expectancy confirms importance of HIV/AIDS treatment

A recent study published in The Lancet HIV found that individuals with viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications can live longer and experience less disability compared to those with unsuppressed HIV. This research highlights the critical importance of maintaining support for HIV treatment programs to ensure op...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

Heart attack risk increased among people with HIV and hepatitis C as they aged

Research found that people with HIV who also have untreated hepatitis C virus have a higher risk of heart attack as they age. The study analyzed health data from 23,361 people with HIV and found that those co-infected with hepatitis C had a significantly increased risk of heart attack compared to those with HIV alone.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 21, 2022

State-level earned income tax credit linked to reduction in high-risk HIV behavior among single mothers

A 21% relative risk reduction in reported high-risk HIV behavior was found for single mothers with a State-level Earned Income Tax Credit (SEITC) of 10% or above the Federal EITC. A 10 percentage-point increase in SEITC was also linked to a 38% relative reduction in high-risk behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 29, 2022

For children struggling with extreme adversity, social support and community cohesion are keys to recovery

A Rutgers University study found that simultaneously focusing on kids, caregivers, and community members produces better outcomes than interventions targeting children in isolation. The study suggests that multilevel programs can strengthen mental and behavioral health of children affected by extreme adversity.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPediatric Clinics of North America·TypeObservational study·DateAug 8, 2022