Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Routine HIV screening should be expanded, study finds

A new study recommends expanding routine HIV screening to settings with low prevalence rates due to its cost-effectiveness. The study found that even at low prevalence levels, regular testing can provide important health benefits. Additionally, the researchers suggest that screenings should be expanded to reduce the transmission of the...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2005

A Family's Guide to Living with HIV

A Family's Guide to Living with HIV is a comprehensive resource providing detailed information on the disease, its treatment, and its impact on daily life. The book also focuses on supporting psychological concerns, nutrition, education, and social activities for patients and their families.

Beliefs may hinder HIV prevention among African-Americans

A recent study found that HIV/AIDS conspiracy beliefs are associated with negative attitudes towards condoms and inconsistent condom use among African American men. The study suggests that addressing these beliefs is crucial in changing the disproportionately high rate of HIV and AIDS in this community.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJan 25, 2005

Jefferson virologists coax HIV out of hiding

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have discovered that interleukin-7 (IL-7) can stimulate latent HIV viruses, making them vulnerable to drugs and the immune system. The new technique may lead to improved treatments for HIV infection and could be a step towards complete viral eradication.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 3, 2005

Nevirapine is better than efavirenz at raising 'good' cholesterol

Researchers found that nevirapine significantly increases HDL cholesterol levels more than efavirenz, making it a preferable option for HIV-infected adults with increased cardiovascular risk. This study suggests that considering individual factors beyond cardiovascular risk can lead to more personalized treatment decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 18, 2004

Experimental drug prevents vaginal simian HIV transmission in monkeys Science study says

A new experimental drug called PSC-RANTES has shown promising results in preventing vaginal simian HIV transmission in monkeys. The study found that the highest dose of PSC-RANTES protected all five recipients from SHIV infection, suggesting a potential key target for strategies to prevent vaginal HIV transmission.

Free antiretroviral drugs cut Taiwan's HIV transmission rate in half

A government policy providing free access to potent antiretroviral drugs has significantly reduced the HIV transmission rate in Taiwan, with an estimated decrease of 53%. The study, led by Chi-Tai Fang and Jung-Der Wang, used public health surveillance data to evaluate the impact of the policy on the country's HIV epidemic.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateAug 4, 2004

New hope for the estimated 300,000 Americans co-infected with hepatitis C and HIV

A groundbreaking study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine found that the combination of Pegasysα and Copegus significantly improved treatment response rates for patients co-infected with HCV and HIV. The study showed a sustained virological response rate of 40% among all patients, with even higher efficacy rates for those with genotypes...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2004

HIV/AIDS issue: July 3, 2004

The Lancet discusses new design changes to the journal, including open-access policies and electronic document posting. The article also explores various HIV/AIDS strategies for developing countries, including expanded access to treatment and prevention efforts. Researchers emphasize the importance of local solutions and community-led ...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 1, 2004

Denial of AIDS puts sailors and partners at risk

Nigerian naval personnel are putting themselves and their partners at risk by denying the existence of AIDS and engaging in risky sexual behaviors. A recent survey found that nearly half of sailors had sex with a female sex worker without using a condom, despite having good knowledge of AIDS-related information.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJun 20, 2004

HIV takes cellular opportunities to aid infection

Researchers at the Salk Institute have made a breakthrough in understanding how HIV replicates within host cells. The study revealed that molecules exist in cells that help convert HIV's RNA genome to DNA, allowing for the production of new virus particles.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2004

Elevated rates of trauma may put urban American Indian women at increased risk for contracting HIV

A study found that urban American Indian women are at higher risk for contracting HIV due to elevated rates of trauma, including physical and sexual abuse. The research suggests that these women may be exposed to HIV infection despite reports of low risk, highlighting the need for assessments of trauma and prevention measures.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateMay 10, 2004

New hope for HIV sufferers

Researchers found that patients taking prednisolone had significantly higher CD4+ T-cell counts after two years compared to those not taking the drug. After five years, over 10% of patients on prednisolone maintained high CD4+ T-cell counts.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Medicine·DateMay 4, 2004

Prevalence of HIV among childbearing women has declined in New York

Between 1988 and 2000, New York State's HIV prevalence among childbearing women decreased steadily, with a 49% decrease in NYC and a 24% decline statewide. This decline was largely attributed to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy and targeted efforts aimed at minority populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateMay 3, 2004

Increased HIV risk for women with violent male partners

A South African study found that women experiencing gender-based violence are more likely to contract HIV due to abusive partners imposing risky sexual practices. The research highlights the need for effective interventions to address social constructions of masculinity and intimate partner violence in relation to HIV risk.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2004