Direct and efficient cellular transformation of primary rat mesenchymal precursor cells by KSHV
Infections by viruses are associated with approximately 12% of human cancer. Kaposi&#x02019;s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is causally linked to several malignancies commonly found in AIDS patients. The mechanism of KSHV-induced oncogenesis remains elusive, due in part to the lack of an adequate experimental system for cellular transformation of primary cells. Here, we report efficient infection and cellular transformation of primary rat embryonic metanephric mesenchymal precursor cells (MM cells) by KSHV. Cellular transformation occurred at as early as day 4 after infection and in nearly all infected cells. Transformed cells expressed hallmark vascular endothelial, lymphatic endothelial, and mesenchymal markers and efficiently induced tumors in nude mice. KSHV established latent ...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Zimbabwe: Improved Aids Levy Collections Fill Part of Funding Gap
[PlusNews] Harare - With global funding for on the decline, Zimbabwe's innovative AIDS levy - a 3 percent tax on income - has become a promising source of funding for the country, with a dramatic increase in revenue collected in the past two years. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Fighting malaria with one hand tied back
Malaria does not just kill babies and children under five ? it kills adults too, in nearly as large proportionsDecades of assumptions about the lethality of malaria have been overturned by the publication of a paper in the Lancet from an academic institute in Seattle which says the disease kills twice as many as everybody thought. Even more extraordinary ? it would seem that conventional wisdom about the disease has been wrong all this time.It does not just kill babies and children under five ? it kills adults too, in nearly as large proportions.The Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation has astounded the global health community by claiming it has been fighting malaria apparently with one hand behind its back. The death toll has come down since 2004, thanks to huge efforts to get...
Malaria kills twice as many people as previously thought, research finds
Malaria kills 1.2 million people every year, a finding that has implications for global efforts to eliminate the diseaseMalaria kills twice as many people every year as formerly believed, taking 1.2 million lives and causing the deaths not only of babies but also older children and adults, according to research that overturns decades of assumptions about one of the world's most lethal diseases.The findings from the research, published on Friday, which has reanalysed 30 years of data on the disease using new techniques, will force a rethink of the huge global effort that has been under way to eliminate malaria. That ambition now looks highly unlikely by the UN target date of 2015.It also raises urgent questions about the future of the troubled Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, whic...
Low free testosterone in HIV?infected men is not associated with subclinical cardiovascular disease
ConclusionsCompared with HIV?uninfected men, HIV?infected men had lower FT, as well as more prevalent carotid lesions. In both groups, FT was not associated with CAC presence, log carotid IMT, or carotid lesion presence, suggesting that FT does not influence subclinical CVD in this population of men with and at risk for HIV infection. (Source: HIV Medicine)
Africa: Empowering Women to Fight HIV
[allAfrica.com] What makes a young African doctor decide to devote her career to helping women fight HIV? Dr. Sengeziwe Sibeko is a 37-year-old medical researcher with a degree in obstetrics and gynecology from the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in South Africa, an MSc in epidemiology from Columbia University in the United States, and is about to take up a fellowship to study for her PhD at Oxford University in the United Kingdom. AllAfrica's Julie Frederikse interviewed Dr. Sibeko at the (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Africa: Back to the Lab
[allAfrica.com] Professor Salim Abdool Karim, director of the Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (Caprisa) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Columbia University in the United States, spoke to AllAfrica's Julie Frederikse about the unexpected halt of a study into tenofovir vaginal gel. This followed a finding that the microbicide failed to prevent HIV transmission, in contrast to the positive result in a previous study conducted by his Caprisa team. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: No Changing Mindset on Contraception 'Overnight'
[allAfrica.com] Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim is an infectious diseases epidemiologist and associate scientific director of the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa). AllAfrica's Julie Frederikse spoke to the 51-year-old and asked her about the challenges facing her team as they search for effective ways to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: No Time to 'Give Up' on HIV-Fighting Gel
[allAfrica.com] Durban, South Africa - Africans tracking the worldwide HIV epidemic have not found much to celebrate since Aids began ravaging the continent 30 years ago, but researchers are optimistic that they are learning as much from their failures as their successes. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Angola: Population Urged to Do HIV Voluntary Testing
[ANGOP] Luanda - The director of the National Institute to Fight against Aids (INLS), Dulcelina Serrano, urged on Thursday in Luanda every population to regularly do the HIV testing, so as to learn about their Hiv condition. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: Nation, Sub-Saharan Africa Told to Reduce HIV Cases
[ANGOP] Luanda - The Angolan Health vice minister, Evelize Frestas, defended on Wednesday in Luanda the need for Angola and Sub-Saharan countries to continue making effort to reduce the cases of HIV/AIDS infections, and thus slow down the death rate caused by this pandemic disease. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Zambia: State Urges Partnership in HIV/Aids Fight
[Times of Zambia] THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Church in fighting diseases and poverty in Zambia. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Zambia: Kaseba Urges Rekindling of Activism Against HIV/Aids
[Times of Zambia] Addis Ababa - Zambia's First Lady Christine Kaseba has called for the rekindling of a high spirit of activism among members in the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA). (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Congo-Kinshasa: Alarm Bells Over Poor Funding for HIV Treatment
[PlusNews] Naihasa - The lives of thousands of HIV-positive people in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are at risk as the country faces declining donor funding and a severe shortage of HIV treatment, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Kenya: Aids Control Agency Seeks to Tighten Leash On NGOs
[Business Daily] Non-governmental organisations involved in the fight against HIV/Aids will be placed under the National Aids Control Council (Nacc) if proposals seeking to enhance the agency's mandate are passed by Parliament. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Angola: Population Urged to Make HIV Voluntary Testing
[ANGOP] Luanda - The director of the National Institute to Fight against Aids (INLS), Dulcelina Serrano, urged on Thursday in Luanda every population to make regularly HIV testing, so as to learn about their serological status. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Enhanced levels of CCL19 in patients with advanced acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
SummaryBased on the ability to recruit lymphocytes and dendritic cells to lymphoid tissue and to promote inflammation, we hypothesized a role for dysregulated CCL19 and CCL21 levels in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?infected patients with advanced immunodeficiency, and in particular in those with accompanying Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. The hypothesis was explored by studies in HIV?infected patients with and without MAC infection, as well as in vitro, examining the ability of proteins from MAC to promote CCL19 and CCL21 responses in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) during highly active anti?retroviral therapy (HAART). Our main findings were: (i) raised serum levels of CCL19 in HIV?infected patients with CD4+ T cell count &lt;50 cells/µl compared with ...
South Africa: An Inspirational Woman - Living With Aids
[Health-e] Walking away from being a successful business person in her community to start a non-governmental AIDS programme, Lorna Fisher gave away the opportunity to get very rich. But her work in the HIV field has now gained her recognition as one of the most inspirational women in South Africa. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: Global Fund Shake-Up Signals New Direction
[PlusNews] Nainnesburg - The appointment of a new general manager, Gabriel Jaramillo, at the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis could be a "turning point" for the troubled organization, which has suffered from a funding crisis and allegations of corruption. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Angola: Country, Sub-Saharan Africa Urged to Reduce HIV Cases
[ANGOP] Luanda - The Angolan Health Vice-minister, Evelize Frestas, defended on Wednesday in Luanda the need for Angola and sub-Saharan to continue making efforts to reduce the cases of HIV/AIDS infections, and thus slow down the death rate caused by this pandemic disease. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Stinging Nettle is effective in treating BPH, arthritis, and aids post-partum mothers
(NaturalNews)Many people can relate to the experience of brushing up against a stinging nettle plant in a pasture or meadow. The unforgettable chemical burn creates mean welts which can sting for a week. However, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has such healing capabilities that... (Source: NaturalNews.com)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
The U.S. HIV Epidemic Suggests an EmergencyThe U.S. HIV Epidemic Suggests an Emergency
The latest nationwide data illustrate the need for much greater effort across the spectrum of care for HIV/AIDS. AIDS Clinical Care (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Wall Street Journal rapped over climate change stance
Leading scientists, including climate change experts, complain about opinion piece akin to 'dentists practising cardiology'The Wall Street Journal has received a dressing down from a large group of leading scientists for promoting retrograde and out-of-date views on climate change.In an opinion piece run by the Journal on Wednesday, nearly 40 scientists, including acknowledged climate change experts, took on the paper for publishing an article disputing the evidence on global warming.The offending article, No Need to Panic About Global Warming, which appeared last week, argued that climate change was a cunning ploy deployed by governments to raise taxes and by non-profit organisations to solicit donations to save the planet.It was signed by 16 scientists who don't subscribe to the conventi...
Tanzania: Korogwe Residents Can Now Smile at Their Achievements
[Daily News] DESPITE their health status, Maliwaza Mdoe and Sabina Augustino residents of Korogwe township in Tanga region are happy with life. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Nigeria: Why Excessive Alcohol Promotes Risky Sexual Behaviour
[Leadership] It is a fact that there is a relationship between sex and alcohol. There is also a commonly held belief that alcohol is an aphrodisiac- some people take alcohol to loosen themselves up in anticipation of having sex with a partner. But the effects of alcohol are complicated as there are many serious negative sexual consequences of drinking, such as unsafe sex which could lead to contracting STDs and even HIV /AIDS, writes RALIAT AHMED. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Medication Errors In Hospitals Reduced By e-Prescribing
A study published in this week's PLoS Medicine shows that commercial electronic prescribing systems (commonly known as e-prescribing, in which prescribers use a computer to order medications for their patients through a system with the help of prompts, aids, and alerts) could substantially reduce prescribing error rates in hospital in-patients... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Zimbabwe: Prevention Better Than Cure - Madzorera
[The Herald] ZIMBABWE is still experiencing a huge burden of communicable diseases with acute respiratory infections, intestinal infections, pulmonary tuberculosis, with HIV being among the top 10 causes of morbidity and mortality, a Cabinet minister has revealed. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: Global Fund for Aids, TB and Malaria Faces Challenges
[allAfrica.com] Cape Town - In its short 10-year history, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has saved millions of lives, but as it marks its anniversary it finds itself the subject of questions and concern, rather than celebration. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Wayne State University project aims to reduce HIV, AIDS among African-Americans
(Wayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research) A grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, administered by the Michigan Department of Community Health, is helping a Wayne State University researcher's effort to promote HIV testing among African-Americans. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
[News] Nicotine replacement: effective in the long term?
Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), such as patches and gum, are widely available both over-the-counter and by prescription as aids for smoking cessation. However, the results of a prospective cohort study cast doubt on the long-term effectiveness of these products, challenging the relevance to real-world settings of previous randomised trial results that have shown that NRTs are effective at helping smokers quit. (Source: The Lancet Oncology)
Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Chronic HIV Infection affect Serum Retinoid Concentrations: Longitudinal and Cross-sectional Assessments
Background: Several lines of evidence suggest that retinoids (retinol-ROL or vitamin A, and its active metabolites, retinoic acids-RAs) play important pathogenic roles in HIV infection and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART)-related events. We previously reported that antiretrovirals alter RAs synthesis in vitro. We hypothesised that in vivo serum retinoid concentrations are affected by both cART and HIV infection. This might explain several clinical and laboratory abnormalities reported in HIV-infected patients receiving cART. Methods: The effects of optimal cART and chronic HIV on serum retinoids were firstly assessed longitudinally in 10 HIV-infected adults (group1=G1): twice while on optimal cART (first, during long-term and second, during short term cART) and twice during 2 cART...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Letter to the Editor
This article was very intriguing because the author discussed the importance of a leader serving as a role model and being able to encourage and implement change. As a current nurse manager and aspiring leader, I am astounded to find literature that aids in the development of future nurse leaders; so astounded that I would like to include my thoughts on this article. (Source: Nurse Leader)
Food Portion Estimation by Children with Obesity: The Effects of Estimation Method and Food Type
Abstract: Several factors influence children's ability to report accurate information about their dietary intake. To date, one understudied area of dietary assessment research relates to children's ability to estimate portion sizes of food. The purpose of this cross-sectional research was to examine food portion size estimation accuracy in 7- to 18-year-old children with obesity. Two within-subject experiments (Experiment 1: n=28, Experiment 2: n=27) were conducted in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, during 2007-2008. Three types of portion size measurement aids (PSMAs) (eg, measuring cups and spoons, household objects [full and half-sized], and modeling clay) were counterbalanced in a Latin Square design for participants to estimate four types of foods (ie, solid, liquid, amorphous pieces, and...
Kenya: Activists Protest Withdrawal of Global Aids Fund
[Nairobi Star] Activists yesterday took to the streets to protest Global Fund's intention to stop further remittance of the vital financial aid that isused to cushion the HIV's deadly effects. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
HIV Shedding in the Oral CavityHIV Shedding in the Oral Cavity
What factors contribute to the shedding of HIV in the oral cavity? Sexually Transmitted Infections (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Study Finds E-Prescribing To Be More Effective Than Typical Prescribing Methods
A recent study published in the journal PLoS Medicine has found that there are substantially fewer errors with the use of electronic prescribing systems (e-prescribing) compared to typical prescribing methods. E-prescribing - as it is commonly known - is where prescribers order medications for their patients on a computer with the help of additional aids and prompts... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Behavioral Responses of Patients in AIDS Treatment Programs: Sexual Behavior in Kenya
We estimate changes in sexual behavior for HIV-positive individuals enrolled in an AIDS treatment program using longitudinal household survey data collected in western Kenya. We find that sexual activity is lowest at the time that treatment is initiated and increases significantly in the subsequent six months, consistent with the health improvements that result from ART treatment. More importantly, we find large and significant increases of 10 to 30 percentage points in the reported use of condoms during last sexual intercourse. The increases in condom use appear to be driven primarily by a program effect, applying to all HIV clinic patients regardless of treatment status. (Source: Forum for Health Economics and Policy)
South Africa Recalls Millions Of Condoms
Health authorities in South Africa have recalled more than a million condoms that were handed out in the lead up to the African National Congress centenary celebrations. The action was taken after South Africa's HIV group Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) issued a warning, having received complaints from the public, that large numbers of faulty condoms appeared to be in circulation in the Bloemfontein area. 8,700 boxes of condoms, with the South African Bureau of Standards stamp, were delivered to guesthouses, hotels, restaurants and bars before the ANC celebrations... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
NIH-funded HIV clinical research sites to join pediatric tuberculosis vaccine study
Several U.S. government-funded HIV/AIDS clinical research sites in Africa will join other collaborators in an ongoing clinical trial testing an investigational tuberculosis (TB) vaccine in infants at risk for TB infection. "We are pleased to be able to tap into our existing HIV/AIDS clinical research infrastructure to help test promising investigational vaccines against TB," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. The sites are funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)
FlexCessory Stand Aids Single-Use Fluid Transfers
Meissner offers a stainless steel FlexCessory stand to secure and support FlexFill single-use fluid transfer assemblies during use. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)
Pets Help Women Cope With HIV/AIDS
Title: Pets Help Women Cope With HIV/AIDSCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/30/2012 4:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/31/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Alzheimer)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
NIH to join multi-center clinical trial of new tuberculosis vaccine
(Aeras) The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the United States National Institutes of Health, has joined as a partner for a Phase II proof-of-concept clinical trial of a tuberculosis vaccine candidate jointly developed by Aeras and Dutch biopharmaceutical company Crucell. This is thee first time that NIH is leveraging its HIV/AIDS clinical trial networks to advance a tuberculosis vaccine candidate. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Benefits of Male Circumcision [Letters]
(Source: JAMA)
Benefits of Male Circumcision--Reply [Letters]
(Source: JAMA)
New HIV Target? [Lab Reports]
(Source: JAMA)
Autophagy regulates lipolysis and cell survival through lipid droplet degradation in androgen?sensitive prostate cancer cells
CONCLUSIONAutophagy mediates LD degradation and lipolysis in androgen?sensitive PCa cells during androgen deprivation which aids the survival of PCa cells during hormone therapy. Prostate © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Source: The Prostate)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Out of the Closet and Into the Trenches: Gay Male Baby Boomers, Aging, and HIV/AIDS.
This article argues for the application of this latter approach to research into the lasting impacts of HIV/AIDS on this cohort of gay men. We examine HIV/AIDS mortality within this cohort at the epidemic's height, these deaths' concentration in urban gay communities, and the growing and increasingly diverse population of HIV-positive gay men born in the Baby Boom Years. Our conclusion suggests that a fuller examination of the role of HIV/AIDS in the lives of gay male Baby Boomers, using a life course perspective, is critical to appreciating this generation's heterogeneity and to expanding knowledge of how later life is shaped by the intersection between historical events, personal biography, and social and community ties. PMID: 22298746 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The...
Rwanda: Mrs. Kagame Takes Part in First Ladies' Assembly Against HIV
[New Times] Rwanda's First Lady, Mrs. Jeannette Kagame, was among other African First Ladies who attended the eleventh Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/ Aids (OAFLA) General Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
AIDS Prevention Inspires Ways to Simplify Circumcision
Donors are pinning their hopes on several devices being tested in efforts to increase speed and reduce pain. (Source: NYT Health)
Pets Help Women Cope with HIV/AIDS
Small study also found being a mother, worker, advocate made a difference, as did faith Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Page: Living with HIV/AIDS (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Study Looks at Possible HIV Drugs-Birth Defect Link
More research needed into unconfirmed association between antiretrovirals and cleft lip/palate Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Cleft Lip and Palate, HIV/AIDS and Pregnancy, Pregnancy and Medicines (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Alberta's sexually transmitted infection rates decrease
Alberta&rsquo;s rates for new cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) fell in 2010, the first decrease since 2004. In addition, rates for new cases of HIV and AIDS continued to decrease for a second straight year. (Source: Alberta.ca from- Health and Wellness)
Provider-patient Adherence Dialogue in HIV Care: Results of a Multisite Study
Abstract&nbsp;&nbsp;Few studies have analyzed physician?patient adherence dialogue about ARV treatment in detail. We comprehensively describe physician?patient visits in HIV care, focusing on ARV-related dialogue, using a system that assigns each utterance both a topic code and a speech act code. Observational study using audio recordings of routine outpatient visits by people with HIV at specialty clinics. Providers were 34 physicians and 11 non-M.D. practitioners. Of 415 patients, 66% were male, 59% African?American. 78% reported currently taking ARVs. About 10% of utterances concerned ARV treatment. Among those using ARVs, 15% had any adherence problem solving dialogue. ARV problem solving talk included significantly more directives and control parameter utterances by provid...
Suicidality among individuals with HIV/AIDS in Benin City, Nigeria: a case-control study. - Chikezie UE, Otakpor AN, Kuteyi OB, James BO.
Abstract Suicidality has been reported to be common in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Reports from sub-Saharan countries have been scanty. We surveyed the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempt among PLWHAs (n=150) and compared them with staff ... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))
Rwanda: HIV Positive Women Denied Inheritance Rights - Report
[New Times] Women living with HIV/Aids in Gasabo and Nyanza districts are being denied their rights to inherit family property by their spouses and other relatives, a research conducted by the Women's Network for Rural Development, commonly known by its French moniker Reseaux Des Femmes, has shown. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Tanzania: Search On for New Supplier of HIV Test Kits
Daily News (Dar es Salaam)-THE process to get a new supplier of HIV/Aids Rapid Test Kits in the country is undergoing requisite procedures, to make sure that only a reputable firm lands the tender, it has been said. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Africa: Africa's HIV/Aids Treatment Hits U.S.$12 Billion
[Leadership] There are indications that Africa will need at least $12billion from now to 2015 to respond to issues of HIV/ADIS. This amount is $4billion higher than the curent spending in the region. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Angola: Women Urged to Use Condoms to Prevent HIV Contamination
[ANGOP] Luanda - The representative of Health Ministry, Maria Antonio, called on Sunday in Luanda for women to use condoms while making sexual intercourse so as to prevent the propagation of HIV/AIDS and make voluntary testing to learn about their serological state. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Estimates of Age-Specific Mortality Rates from Sequential Cross-Sectional Data in Malawi
This paper uses a method for estimating age-specific event rates for adults (15&#8211;49 years) in Malawi between 1977 and 1998. This method, which is based on the development of unstable populations, is similar to the &#x201C;variable-r&#x201D; methods. Data from Malawi demonstrate mortality reduction nearly for all age groups between 1977 and 1987 for males whereas for females the reduction was observed for age groups 15&#8211;19 and 40&#8211;44. Contrary to this finding, the 1987&#8211;1998 intercensal period shows that mortality increased at a higher rate in the ages 20 and above for males than females. However, the increase for the females is much higher in the 1987&#8211;1998 intercensal period than in the 1977&#8211;1987 intercensal period. These findings may be related to the onset...
Rwanda: New HIV Test Kit Under Evaluation
[New Times] A new HIV testing kit is under evaluation to replace the SD Bioline, an HIV testing device, which was recently removed by the World Health Organization (WHO) from its list of approved rapid test kits after it failed quality assurance tests. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Zimbabwe: Decade of Living With HIV - Still Going Strong
[Financial Gazette] 2012 marks exactly 10 years since the discovery of my HIV positive status in January of 2002 at the age of 36 years. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
As Global Fund Turns Ten, Lack of Political Support to Health Threatens Gains Against AIDS, TB, and Malaria
South Africa 2011 &copy; Chelsea Maclachlan/Le Monde A woman receives antiretroviral medication at an MSF clinic in Cape Town. While MSF relies solely on private donors, a loss of funding from the Global Fund will leave thousands without treatment. NAIROBI, JANUARY 30, 2012 -&nbsp;As the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria marks its tenth anniversary&mdash;and on the heels of its leadership changes&mdash;people living with HIV/AIDS and those delivering and supporting HIV and TB treatment took to the streets as they warned that the political commitment made 10 years ago to address global health is evaporating, and that drastic funding shortfalls could cause an unraveling of a decade&rsquo;s progress against the three diseases. The Global Fund Board in November took t...
Spirulina significantly aids allergy sufferers and improves exercise performance
(NaturalNews)Spirulina is a blue-green algae which is commercially produced and widely marketed as a "superfood" and immune booster. It is also a rich source of natural, plant-based iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C, and an excellent source of plant protein, with up to 70% of... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Short-term risk of anemia following initiation of combination antiretroviral treatment in HIV-infected patients in countries from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Central and South America
Conclusions: In data from 34 cohorts of HIV-infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America, and Asia, the risk of anaemia within 12 months of initiating cART was moderate. Routine haemoglobin monitoring was recommended in patients at risk of developing anaemia following cART initiation. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society)
HIV-free survival among nine- to 24-month-old children born to HIV-positive mothers in the Rwandan national PMTCT programme: a community-based household survey
Conclusions: HIV-free survival among HIV-exposed children aged nine to 24 months is estimated at 91.9% in Rwanda. The national PMTCT programme could achieve greater impact on child survival by ensuring access to HAART for all HIV-positive pregnant women in need, improving the quality of the programme in rural areas, and strengthening linkages with community-based support systems, including associations of people living with HIV. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society)
Performance evaluation of the point-of-care CD4 analyser Pima using capillary blood sampling in field tests in South Africa
This study evaluated performance of the point-of-care Pima CD4 device using capillary blood sampling in representative primary health care clinics doing HIV testing. Methods: Prior to testing, prescribed capillary-sampling and instrument training was undertaken by suppliers across all sites. Matching venous EDTA samples were drawn throughout for comparison to laboratory predicate methodology (PLG/CD4). In Phase I, Pima cartridges were pipette-filled with EDTA venous blood in the laboratory (N=100). In Phase II (N=77), Pima CD4 with capillary sampling was performed by a single operator in a hospital-based antenatal clinic. During subsequent field testing, Pima CD4 with capillary sampling was performed in primary health care clinics on HIV-positive patients by multiple attending nursing pers...<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Drugs and Treatment on Lifetime Cost of Care for HIVDrugs and Treatment on Lifetime Cost of Care for HIV
What is the lifetime cost of an HIV infection, and how do we lower it? AIDS (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
New Chief Unveils Plan to Revive Disease-Fighting Fund
The new chief of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria plans a major overhaul of operations following an assessment urging improved management. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)
DHEA aids sex function in menopause
CHARLESTON, S.C., Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Low doses of the hormone DHEA -- dehydroepiandrosterone -- may help sexual function and menopausal symptoms in women, researchers in Italy suggest. (Source: Health News - UPI.com)
Africa: Continent At 'Make-It or Break-It Moment' Over Aids
AIM (Maputo)-Africa is now at "a make-it or break-it moment" in the response to the HIV-AIDS epidemic, according to Michael Sidibe, the Executive Director of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Africa: Continent Needs U.S. $12 Billion to Fight HIV/Aids
Leadership (Abuja)-There are indications that Africa will need at least $12billion from now to 2015 to respond to issues of HIV/ADIS. This amount is $4billion higher than the current spending in the region. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Real Time Three?Dimensional Echocardiography Evaluation of Intracardiac Masses
The evaluation of cardiac masses is often a challenge for cardiac imaging techniques. The traditional standby has been two?dimensional echocardiography (2DE). Real time three?dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) offers incremental value for the evaluation of intracardiac masses by providing more accurate assessment of the size and shape of the mass as well as in some cases, composition of the mass. RT3DE aids with the relationship between the mass and adjacent structures. Therefore, here we discuss the subject of RT3DE evaluation of cardiac masses is reviewed and discussed in detail. (Echocardiography 2012;29:207?219) (Source: Echocardiography)
HIVE Southampton puts on a double whammy of exciting fundraising events
The end of last year was huge for HIVE Southampton with the massive task on putting on our first ever Charity Poker night and the return of the successful World Aids Day Gig. On Thursday the 17th of December suited, booted and dressed to ?kill? in shirts and cocktail dresses, students of Southampton flocked down to our very own Bellagio ?Bar 2? for a ?Casino Royale?  inspired HIVE Charity Poker Evening. Chips at the ready, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and soon cries of ?All in!? rang through the building and re-buyins were running high! The final eight were transferred to the high-rollers table, where anxious and excited friends looked on as they battled amongst themselves for the fantastic prizes!  A delighted 1st year student Christian Grimes, r...
HIVE Southampton puts on a double whammy of exciting fundraising events ? raising over £1100 for SIC!
The end of last year was huge for HIVE Southampton with the massive task on putting on our first ever Charity Poker night and the return of the successful World AIDS Day Gig. On Thursday the 17th of December suited, booted and dressed to ?kill? in shirts and cocktail dresses, students of Southampton flocked down to our very own Bellagio ?Bar 2? for a ?Casino Royale?  inspired HIVE Charity Poker Evening. Chips at the ready, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and soon cries of ?All in!? rang through the building and re-buyins were running high! The final eight were transferred to the high-rollers table, where anxious and excited friends looked on as they battled amongst themselves for the fantastic prizes!  A delighted 1st year student Christian Grimes,?...
Tracking The Birth Of An Evolutionary Arms Race Between HIV-Like Viruses And Primate Genomes
Using a combination of evolutionary biology and virology, scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have traced the birth of the ability of some HIV-related viruses to defeat a newly discovered cellular-defense system in primates. The research, led by Michael Emerman, Ph.D., a member of the Hutchinson Center's Human Biology and Basic Sciences Division, and Harmit Malik, Ph.D., a member of the Center's Basic Sciences Division, was published online ahead of the Feb. 16 print issue of Cell Host & Microbe... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Health Department: Two-Thirds of Miss Residents with HIV Don?t Get Medical Treatment
More than two-thirds of the Mississippi residents who test positive for the AIDS virus don't get medical treatment, state health officials say. Those people not only shorten their own lives but increase the risk of spreading the virus, State health officer Mary Durrier told The Clarion-Ledger. (Source: RWJF News Digest - Public Health)
Subjective wellbeing and ?felt? stigma when living with HIV
Conclusions&nbsp;&nbsp;Our study suggests that despite antidiscrimination legislation, ?felt? stigma in the form of unsupportive social interactions continues to exert a negative impact on subjective wellbeing. Reduced subjective wellbeing may increase the risk of adverse health behaviours, such as medication non-adherence, substance abuse, risky sexual behaviours and non-disclosure of HIV serostatus. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-9DOI 10.1007/s11136-012-0125-7Authors Vicki E. Hutton, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University, P.O. Box 197, Caulfield East, VIC 3145, AustraliaRoseAnne Misajon, School of Political and Social Inquiry, Monash University, P.O. Box 197, Caulfield East, VIC 3145, AustraliaFrancesca E. Collins, School of Political and Social ...
HIV Outcomes and Medication Use Are Similar between Rural and Urban HIV Patients
Source: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Related MedlinePlus Pages: HIV/AIDS Medicines, Living with HIV/AIDS (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)
Long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy and risk of death from specific causes: no evidence for any previously unidentified increased risk due to antiretroviral therapy
Conclusion: In conclusion, we found no evidence of an increased risk of both all-cause and non-AIDS-related deaths with long-term cumulative cART exposure. (Source: AIDS)
Effects of vitamin D deficiency and combination antiretroviral therapy on bone in HIV-positive patients
Conclusion: The benefits of vitamin D supplementation in this population need to be demonstrated before widespread ?test and treat? policies can be recommended as part of routine clinical practice. (Source: AIDS)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Walking Aids
Walking aids are helpful for patients who have chronic problems, including hip and knee arthritis, as well as patients who have acute injuries, including ankle sprains and leg fractures. Finding the right type of walking aid will help you along the way. (Source: About.com Eating Disorders)
Monitoring of HIV Type 1 DNA Load and Drug Resistance in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells During Suppressive Antiretroviral Therapy Does Not Predict Virologic Failure
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses)
Africa: Foundation Welcomes Launch of New Business Leadership Council for a Generation Born Free of HIV
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (Washington, DC)-The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) today welcomed the introduction of a new organization dedicated to the shared goal of ending mother-to-child transmission of HIV. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Cerebellar toxoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS infant: case report and review of the literature
Abstract&nbsp;&nbsp;Cerebellar mass lesion is an uncommon presentation of toxoplasmosis. The authors report one rare case in an 11-month-old HIV/AIDS female infant who presented with deterioration in her developmental milestones. CT scan revealed a ring-enhancing mass lesion in the right cerebellar hemisphere with secondary obstructive hydrocephalus. A ventriculoperitoneal shunt was inserted prior to posterior fossa decompression and biopsy of the lesion. The specimens obtained were divided into two. One specimen was sent for histological diagnosis immediately after surgery while the second specimen was preserved until the release of the histology report. The initial histopathology report indicated a neoplastic process. Immunohistochemical stains were attempted but interpreted with d...
HIV/AIDS and STD Updates
AIDS Patient Care and STDs Feb 2012, Vol. 26, No. 2: 125-127. (Source: AIDS Patient Care and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
South Africa: HIV-Related Deaths Slow Economy
IPS (Johannesburg)-If there was no HIV/AIDS, South Africa would have 4.4 million more people than today, the size of a major city. This significant slow-down in population growth is causing a slow down in economic growth and resulting in social ills, researchers warn. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Congo-Kinshasa: 85 Percent of Aids Patients Lack Treatment
CISA (Nairobi)-Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is alarmed by the situation of HIV/AIDS patients in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the lack of priority given by the Congolese authorities and the withdrawal of donors, all occurring as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary on 28 January. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
Antiretrovirals Raise Birth Defect Risk
HIV-positive mothers can protected their babies from becoming infected with the virus if they take antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy. However, even though these drugs prevent transmitting the disease to the child, they could potentially cause birth defects like cleft lip and palate. A new study, published in the January edition of Cleft Palate- "Craniofacial Journal, has investigated the association between antiretroviral prophylaxis and cleft lip and palate... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Youths Vow to Protect Themselves and Others - 22 December 2011
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia &mdash; Young leaders from 38 African countries have pledged to act as role models for their fellow youths by &ldquo;protecting ourselves, our partners and families from HIV, sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, harmful practices and gender-based violence which negatively affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people.&rdquo; The young leaders were participating in a three-day training course before the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) this month in Addis Ababa. (Source: UNFPA News)
In HIV-Positive Patients, Standard Treatments For Head And Neck Cancer Are Less Effective
Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy is less effective for patients with HIV when compared to the recurrence and overall survival rates in patients who do not have HIV, according to a study presented at the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Symposium, sponsored by AHNS, ASCO, ASTRO and SNM. Treating head and neck cancer in HIV-positive patients is a challenge for oncologists. Because of the advancements in treating HIV, these patients are living much longer and therefore have a much higher chance of developing an HIV-related cancer... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Ground-breaking service becomes the largest online support network for people with HIV in its first year
A year today, Friday 27 January, after its launch, almost 3,000 people with HIV in the UK are part of myHIV, a groundbreaking online support system. This makes it the largest community of people with HIV in the UK, with people helping each other to manage their health and wellbeing. To celebrate the success of these services and encourage even more people to join up, Terrence Higgins Trust is holding a monthly prize draw for members, with an iPad as the opening draw?s prize.MyHIV is part of Life Plus, a suite of integrated online, face-to-face and telephone support services for people living with HIV and supports individuals? everyday, non-clinical needs. Created by HIV and sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust, the Elton John AIDS Foundation and people living with HIV, myHIV i...
Paris couturiers and their muses at Sidaction gala dinner
Paris's top couturiers and their stylish celebrity muses gathered to raise funds for Sidaction, the French Aids research organisation. (Source: Telegraph Health)
Zimbabwe: Silent Victims of HIV/Aids Scourge
The Herald (Harare)-It is common cause that there are some families that have been ravaged by the HIV epidemic. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)
A Path To The Brain Through The Nose Aids Schizophrenia Research
A significant obstacle to progress in understanding psychiatric disorders is the difficulty in obtaining living brain tissue for study so that disease processes can be studied directly. Recent advances in basic cellular neuroscience now suggest that, for some purposes, cultured neural stem cells may be studied in order to research psychiatric disease mechanisms. But where can one obtain these cells outside of the brain? Increasingly, schizophrenia research is turning to the nose... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
HEALTH-SOUTH AFRICA: HIV-Related Deaths Slow Economy
If there was no HIV/AIDS, South Africa would have 4.4 million more people than today, the size of a major city. This significant slow-down in population growth is causing a slow down in economic growth and resulting in social ills, researchers warn. (Source: IPS Inter Press Service - HIV/AIDS)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Study Compares Three Antiretroviral Regimens to Prevent Nevirapine Resistance Mutations in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women Receiving a Single Intrapartum Dose of Nevirapine
&ldquo;Intrapartum single-dose (SD) nevirapine (NVP) reduces perinatal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection but selects for NVP-resistant virus, which compromises subsequent NVP-based therapy. A 1-week &lsquo;tail&rsquo; of lamivudine and zidovudine after SD-NVP decreases the risk of resistance. We hypothesized that increasing the duration or potency of the tail would further reduce this risk to &lt;10%, using a sensitive assay to measure resistance. &hellip; HIV-infected pregnant Thai women with a CD4 cell count &gt;250 cells/&mu;L, most receiving zidovudine, were randomized at 28-38 weeks gestation to receive 1 of 3 intrapartum and postpartum regimens: (A) zidovudine plus enteric-coated didanosine plus lopinavir and ritonavir for 7 days, (B) zidovudine plus enteri...
UN welcomes launch of business initiatives to end HIV among children by 2015
The United Nations and the United States Government initiative for AIDS relief (PEPFAR) welcomed today the launch of two programmes by business leaders to end new HIV infections in children by 2015. (Source: UN News Centre - Health, Poverty, Food Security)
Experience on Healthcare Utilization in Seven Administrative Regions of Tanzania
This article presents findings on the study that aimed to get an experience of health care utilization from both urban and rural areas of seven administrative regions in Tanzania. A total of 33 health facility managers were interviewed on health care provision and availability of supplies including drugs, in their respective areas. The findings revealed that the health facilities were overburden with higher population to serve than it was planned. Consequently essential drugs and other health supplies were available only in the first two weeks of the month. Conventional health practitioners considered traditional health practitioners to be more competent in mental health management, and overall, they were considered to handle more HIV/AIDS cases knowingly or unknowingly due to shear need o...
Bill Gates Donates $750 Million to Global Fund
The donation to the struggling Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was made as a promissory note intended to tide it over regular cash shortages. (Source: NYT Health)
[Articles] Trends in virological and clinical outcomes in individuals with HIV-1 infection and virological failure of drugs from three antiretroviral drug classes: a cohort study
A substantial improvement in viral load suppression and accompanying decrease in the rates of AIDS in people after extensive failure to drugs from the three original antiretroviral classes during 2000?09 was probably mainly driven by availability of newer drugs with better tolerability and ease of use and small cross-resistance profiles, suggesting the public health benefit of the introduction of new drugs. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
[Comment] Dampening the effect of drug resistance in HIV: a leap forward
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) inhibits viral replication, allows for recovery of normal immune function, and prevents progression to AIDS in millions of people with HIV. However, if inhibition of viral replication is incomplete, the residual antiviral pressure will select for drug-resistant virus Although drug regimens are designed to prevent these outcomes, some people initiating ART since 1998 have acquired extensively drug-resistant HIV since the treatment's introduction 14 years ago. are reported from the Pursuing Later Treatment Options II (PLATO II) collaboration; this group analyses data from European cohorts to assess outcomes in people with HIV infection with a history of failure of drugs from the three main classes. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)
[Comment] Adherence to antiretroviral therapy: supervision or support?
We are entering a new phase in the strategic use of antiretroviral drugs. In addition to dramatically reducing HIV/AIDS-related morbidity and mortality, these drugs have recently shown an important effect in reducing HIV incidence and transmission. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)
Letters: Transparency needed on donors to climate sceptic lobby
Science is by its nature sceptical: scientists interrogate information and only on repeated investigation does data become science. The science of climate change has been established through numerous high-profile studies (IPCC, NOAA, Nasa) and was even verified by the sceptic-led Best report. In 2009 one of the world's leading medical journals, the Lancet, declared climate change "the biggest global health threat of the 21st century". Denying the links between greenhouse gas emissions and man-made climate change is akin to denying the links between HIV/Aids and unprotected sex, smoking and lung cancer, or alcohol consumption and liver disease. In each of these cases, well-funded deniers have had to be exposed and confronted before appropriate health-promoting legislation was put in place.T...
Genitofemoral and perineal neuralgia after transobturator midurethral sling.
CONCLUSION: : Postsling neuralgia diagnosis using sensory mapping and a nerve stimulator aids in indentifying the nerve involved and in successful conservative treatment with a nerve block. PMID: 22270427 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology)
Africa: The IAS Salutes Michel Kazatchkine for His Dedicated and Visionary Leadership of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria
IAS (Geneva)-26 January 2012 - Geneva, Switzerland. "Michel Kazatchkine has helped to save millions of lives as one of the driving forces in the creation, development and operations of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and we are extremely grateful to him for his leadership and his partnership with the IAS and our members around the world as the Global Fund's Executive Director for past five years," said IAS President Elly Katabira. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Early Antiretrovirals Boost Immune Response in HIV InfantsEarly Antiretrovirals Boost Immune Response in HIV Infants
Infants with perinatal HIV infection should start antiretroviral (ART) therapy before three months of age, European researchers say. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Hiv-Aids Headlines)
Uganda: Marginalized Forest Community Battles to Survive
IRIN (Nairobi)-The marginalized western Ugandan Basua community is fighting extinction; forcibly removed from their forest home two decades ago, they have struggled to cope with modern life and have been ravaged by health crises, including HIV. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: Foundation Releases Report On Achievements of Project Heart, a Groundbreaking Program to Expand HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa
Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (Washington, DC)-The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF) today issued a report on the achievements of Project HEART, its groundbreaking initiative to extend life-saving HIV prevention, care, and treatment to millions of people living in sub-Saharan Africa. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Gates Donates $750 Million to Global Fund
The donation to the struggling fund was made as a promissory note intended to tide the fund over regular cash shortages. (Source: NYT Health)
Bill Gates injects $750 million into troubled AIDS fund
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates pledged a further $750 million to the troubled global AIDS fund on Thursday and urged governments to continue their support to save lives. (Source: Reuters: Health)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
The Global Fund - saved and wrapped in the US flag?
Bill Gates promises $750m for the troubled fund, its executive director quits, and a new general manager is about to arrive. The Global Fund may be revitalised, but it could look a little differentAre we watching the rebirth of the troubled Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria, perhaps in a new, more US-flavoured guise?The Fund has been in the mire now for some time after revelations that some of its grants fell into corrupt hands, left short of money and unable to agree new grants to developing countries badly in need of disease-fighting programmes. There are real fears not only that countries like Zambia and Malawi will be unable to put more people on Aids drugs (which are now known also to prevent infections) but that they might even run short of cash to keep critical supplies goin...
Gates donates $750 million to fight AIDS, TB and malaria
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will inject $750 million into the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced Thursday at the World Economic Forum. (Source: CNN.com - Health)
South Africa: Taking Responsibility to Protect Others - 500 Living With Aids
Health-e (Cape Town)-People living with HIV have a critical role to play in preventing new HIV infections. A new strategy aims to enlist the help of HIV-infected people in preventing the spread of HIV. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Preop MRI aids prostate cancer surgery
Surgeons are able to make more informed decisions about nerve-sparing procedures in men with prostate cancer if they use preoperative MRI, a study suggests. (Source: Nursing Times Breaking News)
Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo HIV Patients Have Little Access to Anti-Retrovirals
RNW Africa (Hilversum)-Eighty-six percent of HIV-positive people in the Democratic Republic of Congo have no access to anti-retrovirals, medical charity Doctors Without Borders said Wednesday. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Bill Gates pledges $750 million to troubled AIDS fund
DAVOS, Switzerland (Reuters) - Microsoft chairman and philanthropist Bill Gates pledged a further $750 million to the troubled global AIDS fund on Thursday and urged governments to continue their support to save lives. (Source: Reuters: Health)
Interventions for fatigue and weight loss in adults with advanced progressive illness.
CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of robust evidence for interventions to manage fatigue and/or unintentional weight loss in the advanced stage of progressive illnesses such as advanced cancer, heart failure, lung failure, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, Parkinson's disease, dementia and AIDS. The evidence contained within this overview provides some insight into interventions which may prove of benefit within this population such as exercise, some pharmacological treatments and support for self management.Researchers could improve the methodological quality of future studies by blinding of outcome assessors. Adopting uniform reporting mechanisms for fatigue and weight loss outcome measures would also allow the opportunity for meta-analysis of small studies.Researcher...
Identification Of Entry Point For Hepatitis C Infection
A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. The cholesterol receptor offers a promising new target for anti-viral therapy, for which an approved drug may already exist, say the researchers, whose findings were reported online in advance of publication in Nature Medicine. An estimated 4... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Study Compares HIV Saliva Self-Test To Blood Test
A saliva test used to diagnose the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is comparable in accuracy to the traditional blood test, according to a new study led by the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) and McGill University. The meta-analysis, which compared studies worldwide, showed that the saliva HIV test, OraQuick HIV1/2, had the same accuracy as the blood test for high-risk populations. The test sensitivity was slightly reduced for low risk populations... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Rwanda: Injectable Contraceptives May Increase Risk of Contracting HIV
New Times (Kigali)-She describes herself as a careful person, one who does not take chances with life. These, she says, are two principles that she thought could protect her from contracting HIV from her partner who is positive. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
The epidemiology and clinical correlates of HIV-1 co-receptor tropism in non-subtype B infections from India, Uganda and South Africa
Conclusions: R5 HIV-1 was predominant in TN individuals with HIV-1 subtypes C, A, and D and TE individuals with subtypes C and A. Higher CD4+ count correlated with R5 prevalence, while treatment experience was associated with increased non-R5 infection in all subtypes. (Source: Journal of the International AIDS Society)
Failure to prescribe pneumocystis prophylaxis is associated with increased mortality, even in the cART era: results from the Treat Asia HIV Observational Database
This study examines the proportion of patients in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD) receiving PCP prophylaxis, and its effect on PCP and mortality. Methods: TAHOD patients with prospective follow up had data extracted for prophylaxis using co-trimoxazole, dapsone or pentamidine. The proportion of patients on prophylaxis was calculated for each calendar year since 2003 among patients with CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/mm3. The effect of prophylaxis on PCP and survival were assessed using random-effect Poisson regression models. Results: There were a total of 4050 patients on prospective follow up, and 90% of them were receiving combination antiretroviral therapy. Of those with CD4 counts of less than 200 cells/mm3, 58% to 72% in any given year received PCP prophylaxis, p...
Aligning vertical interventions to health systems: a case study of the HIV monitoring and evaluation system in South Africa
Conclusions: Parallel systems that bypass the DHIS represent a missed opportunity to strengthen system-wide M&E capacity. Integrating HIV M&E (staff, systems and process) into the health system M&E function would mobilise ear-marked HIV funding towards improving DHIS capacity to produce quality and timely HIV indicators that would benefit both programme and health system M&E functions. This offers a practical way of maximising programme-system synergies and translating the health system strengthening intents of existing HIV policies into tangible action. (Source: Health Research Policy and Systems)
Antiretroviral therapy does not block the secretion of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Tat Protein.
In this study, we tested for antibody reactivity against synthetic Tat representative of five HIV subtypes in HIV positive patients receiving ART with undetectable viral loads (&lt; 40 copies/mL) over the course of one year. Anti-Tat IgG were detected in 86% of patients during the course of the study. Anti-Tat IgG appeared transiently in 34% of cases, 32% had anti-Tat IgG appear after the study started and this remained persistent while 20% were persistently positive from the study debut. 14% were consistently negative. No significant correlation was found between anti-Tat IgG and CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell and B cell counts. Despite the stable undetectable viral load, the appearance of anti-Tat IgG demonstrates that Tat is actively secreted into the plasma from HIV infected cells. PMID:...
Entry into Care and Clinician Management of Acute HIV Infection in New York City
AIDS Patient Care and STDs , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: AIDS Patient Care and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
Monthly lifestyle counseling aids HbA1c, BP, lipid control in diabetes
Lifestyle counseling is associated with faster achievement of target glycated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in routine diabetes care, report US researchers. (Source: MedWire News - Diabetes)
Rapid Oral HIV Test Has Disadvantages Rapid Oral HIV Test Has Disadvantages
The rapid point-of-care HIV test applied to oral specimens has a lower positive predictive value in low-prevalence settings than does the test applied to blood specimens. Medscape Medical News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Global Fund chief quits after funding cuts
GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the Global Fund, the largest backer of the fight against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, will step down in March after a misuse of funds led it to cut back on new grants to battle the diseases. (Source: Reuters: Health)
MSF: Conditions &quot;horrific&quot; for HIV/AIDS patients in the Congo
(Source: Monsters and Critics Health News)
Meeting Summary: Consultation on Monitoring and Use of Laboratory Data Reported to HIV Surveillance
This is a brief summary of a consultation sponsored by DHAP in collaboration with the Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA), HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB), sponsored a Consultation on Monitoring and Use of Laboratory Data Reported to HIV Surveillance, March 9-10, 2011, in Atlanta, Georgia. The purpose of the consultation was to explore science, program, and ethical considerations for collection and use of laboratory indicators in HIV surveillance for public health action and monitoring. (Source: CDC HIV/AIDS Prevention)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
National Briefing | West: California: Condom Requirement Is Official
Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa of Los Angeles has signed into law an ordinance requiring that actors in pornographic movies made in the city use condoms. (Source: NYT)
MSF warns 15,000 Congo AIDS victims to die in 3 years
Doctors Without Borders warns that 15,000 AIDS victims in Congo likely will die in the next three years while waiting for lifesaving drugs. (Source: CTV Health)
DRC: Majority of People Living with HIV Denied Treatment
DRC 2011 &copy; Robin Meldrum Michel Kongawi, head lab tech, prepares a CD4 test in the laboratory at Lubutu hospital, Maniema Province. KINSHASA, JANUARY 25, 2012&nbsp;&ndash; The vast majority of people living with the AIDS virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are deprived of lifesaving treatment, due to a withdrawal of international donor support and the lack of national prioritization of the crisis, the international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/M&eacute;decins Sans Fronti&egrave;res (MSF) said today. The number of HIV-positive people in DRC is currently estimated at more than one million, 350,000 of whom could benefit from antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. However, only 44,000 people are currently receiving treatment, translating into a 1...
Uganda: Ayo - the Rejected HIV-Positive Teacher Gets Back Her Job
New Vision (Kampala)-Remember Proscovia Ayo? She is that HIV-positive headteacher from Tororo district, whose deadlock story we published in New Vision's Mwalimu on March 2, 2011. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
DRC:&nbsp;85%&nbsp;of AIDS patients deprived of&nbsp;treatment
Eighty-five percent of AIDS patients in Democratic Republic Congo are deprived of treatment. It is crucial that authorities and donors commit to providing treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. (Source: MSF News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Find the best <a href="http://www.januarysales.org/" target="_blank">January Sales</a> in the UK.</p></div>
DRC:&nbsp;85 percent&nbsp;of AIDS patients deprived of&nbsp;treatment
Eighty-five percent of AIDS patients in Democratic Republic Congo are deprived of treatment. It is crucial that authorities and donors commit to providing treatment to HIV/AIDS patients. (Source: MSF News)
Angola: 222 HIV/Aids Cases Recorded Throughout 2011 in Lubango
ANGOP (Luanda)-At least 222 new cases of hiv/Aids were recorded throughout 2011 by the health services in Lubango City, southern Huila Province, on Wednesday said that the municipal head of the sector, Godfrey Chiumbo. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Africa: Saudi Arabia Donates U.S.$25 Million to Fight TB, Aids, Malaria
Daily Trust (Abuja)-The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced the donation of US $25 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. (Source: AllAfrica News: Malaria)
Women Cope Better With HIV/AIDS When They Have The Love Of A Dog Or Cat
A spoonful of medicine goes down a lot easier if there is a dog or cat around. Having pets is helpful for women living with HIV/AIDS and managing their chronic illness, according to a new study from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University. "We think this finding about pets can apply to women managing other chronic illnesses," said Allison R... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Uganda: One Man's Battle With the Stigma of Being HIV Positive
Monitor (Kampala)-The melodies were sweet, and the words tugged at the heart. They caused tears to well in many people's eyes, but they were tears of joy, and victorious applause, for the children. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Sponsor Message:</i></b> Please support the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/" target="_blank">Doctors In Chains</a> campaign for the <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">medics</a> tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in <a href="http://www.doctorsinchains.org/">Bahrain</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/search/%23FreeDoctors">#FreeDoctors</a></p></div>
Kenya: What to Do If Your Child Tests Positive for HIV
Nation (Nairobi)-HIV has plagued Kenya and the sub-Saharan region for the last three decades. An estimated 1.5 million people are living with the virus and 1.2 million children have been orphaned by Aids. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Kenya: When a Woman Feels She Is Not 'Rightfully Infected'
Nation (Nairobi)-I was at the airport waiting to board an aircraft that had delayed for hours. No apologies or explanations were forthcoming, so we just had to wait. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Zimbabwe: 'Make PMTCT Mandatory'
The Herald (Harare)-On my way home in a kombi recently, I eavesdropped a conversation between two elderly women who were going to Harare Central Hospital to process a burial order for a child who had died the previous night. (Source: AllAfrica News: HIV-Aids and STDs)
Physician experience and rates of plasma HIV-1 RNA suppression among illicit drug users: An observational study
Conclusions: In this setting of universal HIV/AIDS care, illicit drug users with more experienced physicians exhibited faster rates of plasma viral load suppression. These findings argue for specialized services to help optimize HIV treatment outcomes among this population. (Source: BMC Infectious Diseases)