AIDS Research and Therapy via MedWorm.com

Effect of smoking on lung function, respiratory symptoms and respiratory diseases amongst HIV-positive subjects: a cross-sectional study

AIDS Research and Therapy — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Cumulative cigarette consumption was associated with worse lung function; however the loss of %FEV1 did not accelerate in HIV-positive population compared to the general population. Current smokers had higher odds of respiratory symptoms than non-smokers, while former smokers had the same odds of respiratory symptoms as non-smokers. Cigarette consumption was likely associated with more COPD cases in HIV-positive population; however more participants and longer follow up would be needed to estimate the effect of smoking on COPD development. Effective smoking cessation strategies are required for HIV-positive subjects. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic of once-daily boosted saquinavir (1500/100 mg) together with 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in real life: a multicentre prospective study.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggests that SQVr (1500/100 mg) once-daily plus 2 NRTIs is an effective regimen, without severe clinical adverse events or hepatotoxicity, scarce lipid changes, and no interactions with methadone. All these factors and its once-daily administration suggest this regimen as an appropriate option in patients with no SQV resistance-associated mutations. PMID: 20236544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetic of once-daily boosted saquinavir (1500/100 mg) together with 2 nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors in real life: a multicentre prospective study

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Ritonavir-boosted saquinavir (SQVr) is nowadays regarded as an alternative antiretroviral drug probably due to several drawbacks, such as its high pill burden, twice daily dosing and the requirement of 200 mg ritonavir when given at the current standard 1000/100 mg bid dosing. Several once-daily SQVr dosing schemes have been studied with the 200 mg SQV old formulations, trying to overcome some of these disadvantages. SQV 500 mg strength tablets became available at the end of 2005, thus facilitating a once-daily regimen with fewer pills, although there is very limited experience with this formulation yet. Methods: Prospective, multicentre study in which efficacy, safety and pharmacokinetics of a regimen of once-daily SQVr 1500/100 mg plus 2 NRTIs were evaluated under routine cli...

HIV-1 V3 envelope deep sequencing for clinical plasma specimens failing in phenotypic tropism assays

AIDS Research and Therapy — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Although only demonstrated on a limited set of samples, the potential of the combined use of "deep sequencing + prediction algorithms" in cases where routine gp160 phenotype testing cannot be employed was illustrated. While good concordance was observed between gp120 phenotyping and prediction of R5-tropic virus, the results suggest that accurate prediction of X4-tropic virus would require further algorithm development. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Further benefits by early start of HIV treatment in low income countries: survival estimates of early versus deferred antiretroviral therapy.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that HIV patients live longer with early start strategies in low income countries. Since low income countries have many constraints to full coverage of HAART, this study provides input to a more transparent debate regarding where to draw explicit eligibility criteria during further scale up of HAART. PMID: 20180966 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Further benefits by early start of HIV treatment in low income countries: survival estimates of early versus deferred antiretroviral therapy

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Background: International HIV guidelines have recently shifted from a medium-late to an early-start treatment strategy. As a consequence, more people will be eligible to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). We estimate mean life years gained using different treatment indications in low income countries. Methods: We carried out a systematic search to identify relevant studies on the treatment effect of HAART. Outcome from identified observational studies were combined in a pooled-analyses and we apply these data in a Markov life cycle model based on a hypothetical Tanzanian HIV population. Survival for three different HIV populations with and without any treatment is estimated. The number of patients included in our pooled-analysis is 35 047. Results: Providing HAART early when CD4...

Magnitude and determinants of nonadherence and nonreadiness to highly active antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross - sectional study.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: In this study the level of nonadherence and nonreadiness to HAART seems to be encouraging. Several factors associated with nonadherance and nonreadiness to HAART were identified. Efforts to minimize nonadherence and nonreadiness to HAART should be integrated in to regular clinical follow up of patients. PMID: 20180959 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Magnitude and determinants of nonadherence and nonreadiness to highly active antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV/AIDS in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross - sectional study

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: In this study the level of nonadherence and nonreadiness to HAART seems to be encouraging. Several factors associated with nonadherance and nonreadiness to HAART were identified. Efforts to minimize nonadherence and nonreadiness to HAART should be integrated in to regular clinical follow up of patients. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Another look at Emergency Department HIV screening in practice: no need to revise expectations.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Review of our data conflict with findings from the USHER study surrounding false positive OraQuick HIV screening. Our data suggest that rapid HIV screening protocols implemented in EDs outside of the clinical trial paradigm perform effectively without an excess of false positive results. Compared with other screening tests, HIV rapid screening should remain an essential component of ED practice. PMID: 20051116 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Another look at Emergency Department HIV screening in practice: no need to revise expectations

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Review of our data conflict with findings from the USHER study surrounding false positive OraQuick HIV screening. Our data suggest that rapid HIV screening protocols implemented in EDs outside of the clinical trial paradigm perform effectively without an excess of false positive results. Compared with other screening tests, HIV rapid screening should remain an essential component of ED practice. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Treatment outcomes and plasma level of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir monotherapy among HIV-infected patients who had NRTI and NNRTI failure.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: LPV/r monotherapy with recycled lamivudine can maintain virological suppression in a substantial proportion of patients failing NNRTI-based regimen and provides adequate plasma concentrations of LPV although the incidence of low-level viremia is relatively high. PMID: 20030841 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Treatment outcomes and plasma level of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir monotherapy among HIV-infected patients who had NRTI and NNRTI failure

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Different strategies of ritonavir-boosted lopinavir monotherapy have been explored; however, data regarding salvage therapy among HIV-infected patients who failed nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) is still limited. Methods: A prospective study was conducted among HIV-infected patients who failed NNRTI-based antiretroviral therapy with M184V, TAMs, and NNRTI mutations, and were naive to protease inhibitor. LPV/r at 400/100 mg and lamivudine 150 mg were given twice daily. CD4 and HIV-1 RNA were monitored at week 0, 12, 24, and 48. LPV Cmin was assayed for the first 14 patients using HPLC. Results: There were 40 patients with a mean age of 37 years and 70% were male. Median (IQR) baseline CD4 was 123 (37-24...

Formulation preference, tolerability and quality of life assessment following a switch from lopinavir/ritonavir Soft Gel capsule to tablet in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: LPV/r-tablet was well tolerated and preferred to the SGC in HIV infected subjects, with stable QoL and appreciable improvement in GI-tolerability. The unexpected changes in lipid profile deserve further evaluation. PMID: 20028544 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Formulation preference, tolerability and quality of life assessment following a switch from lopinavir/ritonavir Soft Gel capsule to tablet in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) tablet compared to the soft gel capsule (SGC) formulation has no oleic acid or sorbitol, has no refrigeration or food-restriction requirements, and has less pharmacokinetic variability. We compared the tolerability, quality of life (QoL), and formulation preference after switching from LPV/r SGC to the tablet formulation. Methods: In a prospective, single-arm, cohort study-design, 74 HIV infected subjects stable on LPV/r-based therapy were enrolled prior to (n=25) or 8 weeks (n=49) after switching from SGC to tablet. Baseline data included clinical laboratory tests, bowel habit survey (BHS) and QoL questionnaire (recalled if enrolled post-switch). Global Condition Improvement (GCI)-score, BHS-score, QoL-score, and formulation preference data were cap...

Genetic analysis of HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form 02_AG, B and C subtype-specific envelope sequences from Northern India and their predicted co-receptor usage.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we report detail genetic characterization of HIV-1 envelope sequences from North India (Delhi and neighboring regions). Six of 13 were related to subtype C, one B and the rest six showed relatedness with CRF02_AG strain. The subtype C possessed the highly conserved GPGQ motif but subtype B possessed the GPGR motif in the V3 loop as observed earlier. While most of the sequences suggested CCR5 co-receptor usage, one subtype C sample clearly indicated CXCR4 usage. A successful mother to child transmission was established in two pairs. Thus, co-circulation of multiple subtypes (B and C) and the recombinant CRF02_AG strains in North India suggests a rapidly evolving scenario of HIV-1 epidemic in this region with impact on vaccine formulation. Since this is the first report of CRF...

Genetic analysis of HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form 02_AG, B and C subtype-specific envelope sequences from Northern India and their predicted co-receptor usage

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Comparative analysis of cell culture and prediction algorithms for phenotyping of genetically diverse HIV-1 strains from Cameroon.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that most HIV strains in Cameroon were R5 tropic and some harbored drug-resistant mutations. V3 sequence based prediction compared well with cell based assays for R5 strains and may be useful even in settings where highly diverse strains are prevalent. PMID: 19939258 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Comparative analysis of cell culture and prediction algorithms for phenotyping of genetically diverse HIV-1 strains from Cameroon

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results indicate that most HIV strains in Cameroon were R5 tropic and some harbored drug-resistant mutations. V3 sequence based prediction compared well with cell based assays for R5 strains and may be useful even in settings where highly diverse strains are prevalent. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and HIV: fenofibrate-induced changes in the expression of chemokine genes in circulating leukocytes.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Alonso-Villaverde C, Aragones G, Beltran-Debon R, Fernandez-Sender L, Rull A, Camps J, Alegret JM, Joven J ABSTRACT: Fenofibrate changed the expression of chemokine genes in circulating leukocytes of HIV-infected patients with hypertriglyceridemia. The data suggest that fenofibrate when effective in the treatment of lipoprotein abnormalities, may act as a modulator of systemic inflammation. This particular action, therefore, may also influence the clinical course of the disease. PMID: 19930642 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Treatment of hypertriglyceridemia and HIV: fenofibrate-induced changes in the expression of chemokine genes in circulating leukocytes

AIDS Research and Therapy — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Fenofibrate changed the expression of chemokine genes in circulating leukocytes of HIV-infected patients with hypertriglyceridemia. The data suggest that fenofibrate when effective in the treatment of lipoprotein abnormalities, may act as a modulator of systemic inflammation. This particular action, therefore, may also influence the clinical course of the disease. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Hypothesis of snake and insect venoms against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a review.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: With reference to mechanisms of action, properties and components of snake venom such as sequence homology and enzymes (protease or L- amino acid oxidase) may have an effect on membrane protein and/or act against HIV at multiple levels or cells carrying HIV virus resulting in enhanced effect of anti-retroviral therapy (ART). This may cause a decrease in viral load and improvement in clinical as well as immunological status. Insect venom and human Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) have potential anti-viral activity through inhibition of virion entry into the cells. However, all these require further evaluation in order to establish its role against HIV as an independent one or as a supplement. PMID: 19922674 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Hypothesis of snake and insect venoms against Human Immunodeficiency Virus: a review

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Antiretroviral activity of the aminothiol WR1065 against Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in vitro and Simian Immunodeficiency virus (SIV) ex vivo.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that WR1065 and the parent drug amifostine, the FDA-approved drug Ethyol, have antiretroviral activity. WR1065 was active against both an acute infection of HIV-1 and a chronic infection of SIV. The data suggest that the non-toxic drug amifostine may be a useful antiretroviral agent given either alone or in combination with other drugs as adjuvant therapy. PMID: 19895691 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Antiretroviral activity of the aminothiol WR1065 against Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) in vitro and Simian Immunodeficiency virus (SIV) ex vivo

AIDS Research and Therapy — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that WR1065 and the parent drug amifostine, the FDA-approved drug Ethyol, have antiretroviral activity. WR1065 was active against both an acute infection of HIV-1 and a chronic infection of SIV. The data suggest that the non-toxic drug amifostine may be a useful antiretroviral agent given either alone or in combination with other drugs as adjuvant therapy. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

RT-SHIV, an infectious CCR5-tropic chimeric virus suitable for evaluating HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors in macaque models.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: This chimeric RT-SHIV has exhibited productive replication in both macaque and human PBMCs, predominantly CCR5-coreceptor usage for viral entry, and sensitivity to NNRTIs as well as other anti-HIV compounds. This study demonstrates rapid systemic infection in macaques following intravaginal exposure to RT-SHIV. This RT-SHIV/macaque model could be useful for evaluation of NNRTI-based therapies, microbicides, or other preventive strategies. PMID: 19891783 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

RT-SHIV, an infectious CCR5-tropic chimeric virus suitable for evaluating HIV reverse transcriptase inhibitors in macaque models

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: This chimeric RT-SHIV has exhibited productive replication in both macaque and human PBMCs, predominantly CCR5-coreceptor usage for viral entry, and sensitivity to NNRTIs as well as other anti-HIV compounds. This study demonstrates rapid systemic infection in macaques following intravaginal exposure to RT-SHIV. This RT-SHIV/macaque model could be useful for evaluation of NNRTI-based therapies, microbicides, or other preventive strategies. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

HLA-Cw*04 allele associated with nevirapine-induced rash in HIV-infected Thai patients.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that HLA-Cw*04 is associated with rash in nevirapine treated Thais. Future screening of patients' HLA may reduce the number of nevirapine-induced rash cases, and patients with alleles associated with nevirapine-induced rash should be started on anti-retroviral therapy without nevirapine. PMID: 19845952 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

HLA-Cw*04 allele associated with nevirapine-induced rash in HIV-infected Thai patients

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: This study suggests that HLA-Cw*04 is associated with rash in nevirapine treated Thais. Future screening of patients' HLA may reduce the number of nevirapine-induced rash cases, and patients with alleles associated with nevirapine-induced rash should be started on anti-retroviral therapy without nevirapine. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Antiretroviral treatment adherence and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa: a prospective study at Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Pharmacy-refill adherence might be considered as an alternative to CD4 count monitoring for identification of patients at risk of virological failure, especially in resources-scarce countries. The study confirmed the difficulty in demonstrating clear associations of individual patient factors and treatment outcomes. The substantial loss to follow-up and deaths occurring within 6 months after initiating ART emphasise the need to understand the best timing of ART initiation and further elucidate and educate on the underlying reasons for delaying initiation of ART in resource-limited countries. PMID: 19821997 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Antiretroviral treatment adherence and its determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa: a prospective study at Yaounde Central Hospital, Cameroon

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study evaluated individual patient characteristics determining antiretroviral treatment (ART) adherence and the predictive values of different measures of adherence on virological treatment failure in a cohort of patients in a routine-care setting in Cameroon. Methods: Longitudinal study over 6-months following ART introduction, using patients questionnaires and hospital and pharmacy records. Results: At the end of the 6 months study period, 219 of 312 patients (70%) returned to the pharmacy to refill their medication, 17% (51) were lost to follow-up, 9% (28) were dead and 4% (14) were transferred to other care centres. Virological treatment failure at 6 months was experienced by 26 patients, representing 13% of patients with available viral load value. Pharmacy refill irregularity wa...

Detection of HIV-1 RNA/DNA and CD4 mRNA in feces and urine from chronic HIV-1 infected subjects with and without anti-retroviral therapy.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Chakrabarti AK, Caruso L, Ding M, Shen C, Buchanan W, Gupta P, Rinaldo CR, Chen Y ABSTRACT: HIV-1 infects gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) very early after transmission by multiple routes. The infected GALT consequently serves as the major reservoir for HIV-1 infection and could constantly shed HIV-1 and CD4+ T cells into the intestinal lumen. To examine this hypothesis, we monitored HIV-1 RNA/DNA and CD4 mRNA in fecal samples of chronically infected subjects with and without antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared this to levels of HIV-1 RNA/DNA in urine and blood from the same subjects. Our results show that HIV-1 DNA, RNA and CD4 mRNA were detected in 8%, 19% and 31% respectively, of feces samples from infected subjects with detectable plasma viral load, and were no...

Detection of HIV-1 RNA/DNA and CD4 mRNA in feces and urine from chronic HIV-1 infected subjects with and without anti-retroviral therapy

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

HIV-1 infects gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) very early after transmission by multiple routes. The infected GALT consequently serves as the major reservoir for HIV-1 infection and could constantly shed HIV-1 and CD4+ T cells into the intestinal lumen. To examine this hypothesis, we monitored HIV-1 RNA/DNA and CD4 mRNA in fecal samples of chronically infected subjects with and without antiretroviral therapy (ART). We compared this to levels of HIV-1 RNA/DNA in urine and blood from the same subjects. Our results show that HIV-1 DNA, RNA and CD4 mRNA were detected in 8%, 19% and 31% respectively, of feces samples from infected subjects with detectable plasma viral load, and were not detected in any of subjects on ART with undetectable plasma viral load. In urine samples, HIV-1 DNA was...

Protease inhibitor-induced nausea and vomiting is attenuated by a peripherally acting, opioid-receptor antagonist in a rat model.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: These results suggest that methylnaltrexone may have potential clinical utility in reducing nausea and vomiting in HIV patients who take ritonavir. PMID: 19698111 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Protease inhibitor-induced nausea and vomiting is attenuated by a peripherally acting, opioid-receptor antagonist in a rat model

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: These results suggest that methylnaltrexone may have potential clinical utility in reducing nausea and vomiting in HIV patients who take ritonavir. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Elevated ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept(R), Roche): overview.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pozniak A, Muller L, Salgo M, Jones JK, Larson P, Tweats D ABSTRACT: Roche's protease inhibitor nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept(R)) produced between March 2007-June 2007 was found to contain elevated levels of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a known mutagen (alkylator) - leading to a global recall of the drug. EMS levels in a daily dose (2,500 mg Viracept/day) were predicted not to exceed a dose of ~2.75 mg/day (~0.055 mg/kg/day based on 50 kg patient). As existing toxicology data on EMS did not permit an adequate patient risk assessment, a comprehensive animal toxicology evaluation of EMS was conducted. General toxicity of EMS was investigated in rats over 28 days. Two studies for DNA damage were performed in mice; chromosomal damage was assessed using a micronucleus assay and ge...

Elevated ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) in nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept(R), Roche): overview

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Roche's protease inhibitor nelfinavir mesylate (Viracept(R)) produced between March 2007-June 2007 was found to contain elevated levels of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), a known mutagen (alkylator) - leading to a global recall of the drug. EMS levels in a daily dose (2,500 mg Viracept/day) were predicted not to exceed a dose of ~2.75 mg/day (~0.055 mg/kg/day based on 50 kg patient). As existing toxicology data on EMS did not permit an adequate patient risk assessment, a comprehensive animal toxicology evaluation of EMS was conducted. General toxicity of EMS was investigated in rats over 28 days. Two studies for DNA damage were performed in mice; chromosomal damage was assessed using a micronucleus assay and gene mutations were detected using the MutaMouse transgenic model. In addition, expe...

The effect of AIDS defining conditions on immunological recovery among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy at Joint Clinical Research Centre, Uganda.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Patients with ADCs take longer to regain their CD4 counts due to the defect in the immune system. This may prolong their risk of morbidity and mortality. PMID: 19630949 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

The effect of AIDS defining conditions on immunological recovery among patients initiating antiretroviral therapy at Joint Clinical Research Centre, Uganda

AIDS Research and Therapy — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Patients with ADCs take longer to regain their CD4 counts due to the defect in the immune system. This may prolong their risk of morbidity and mortality. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Polychromatic immunophenotypic characterization of T cell profiles among HIV-infected patients experiencing immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS).

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subset maturational phenotypes were heterogeneous among IRIS cases and controls. However, IRIS cases demonstrated significant increases in activation of CD8+ T cell effector subpopulations. PMID: 19607684 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Polychromatic immunophenotypic characterization of T cell profiles among HIV-infected patients experiencing immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)

AIDS Research and Therapy — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: CD4+ and CD8+ T cell subset maturational phenotypes were heterogeneous among IRIS cases and controls. However, IRIS cases demonstrated significant increases in activation of CD8+ T cell effector subpopulations. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Reduction of the HIV-1 reservoir in resting CD4+ T-lymphocytes by high dosage intravenous immunoglobulin treatment: a proof-of-concept study.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The findings from this uncontrolled proof-of-concept study suggest that the reservoir became accessible by IVIG treatment through activation of HIV-1 gene expression in latently-infected resting CD4+ T-cells. We propose that IVIG should be further evaluated as an adjuvant to effective ART. PMID: 19570221 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Reduction of the HIV-1 reservoir in resting CD4+ T-lymphocytes by high dosage intravenous immunoglobulin treatment: a proof-of-concept study

AIDS Research and Therapy — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The findings from this uncontrolled proof-of-concept study suggest that the reservoir became accessible by IVIG treatment through activation of HIV-1 gene expression in latently-infected resting CD4+ T-cells. We propose that IVIG should be further evaluated as an adjuvant to effective ART. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Comparison of metal-dependent catalysis by HIV-1 and ASV integrase proteins using a new and rapid, moderate throughput assay for joining activity in solution.

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: A simplified, assay for measuring the joining activity of retroviral IN in solution is described, which offers several advantages over previous methods and the standard radioactive gel analyses. Based on comparisons of signal to background ratios, the assay is 10-30 times more sensitive than gel analysis, allows more rapid and accurate biochemical analyses of IN catalytic activity, and moderate throughput screening of inhibitory compounds. The assay is validated, and its utility demonstrated in a comparison of the metal-dependent activities of HIV and ASV IN proteins. PMID: 19563676 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

Comparison of metal-dependent catalysis by HIV-1 and ASV integrase proteins using a new and rapid, moderate throughput assay for joining activity in solution

AIDS Research and Therapy — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: A simplified, assay for measuring the joining activity of retroviral IN in solution is described, which offers several advantages over previous methods and the standard radioactive gel analyses. Based on comparisons of signal to background ratios, the assay is 10-30 times more sensitive than gel analysis, allows more rapid and accurate biochemical analyses of IN catalytic activity, and moderate throughput screening of inhibitory compounds. The assay is validated, and its utility demonstrated in a comparison of the metal-dependent activities of HIV and ASV IN proteins. (Source: AIDS Research and Therapy)

A randomized, controlled trial of initial anti-retroviral therapy with abacavir/lamivudine/zidovudine twice-daily compared to atazanavir once-daily with lamivudine/zidovudine twice-daily in HIV-infected patients over 48 weeks (ESS100327, the ACTION Study).