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Development Of A Lectin-Fc Fusion Protein With Antiviral And Anti-Cancer Activity., Matthew William Dent

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the development of a novel lectin-Fc fusion protein and its antiviral and anti-cancer activity. The molecule, Avaren-Fc (AvFc), is a fusion of a variant of the actinomycete lectin actinohivin (Avaren) and the Fc region of human IgG1, and is selective for the terminal α1,2-mannose residues found at the ends of high-mannose-type glycans that can be found on the surface of certain heavily glycosylated viruses and cancer cells. Here, AvFc was found to be able to neutralize simian immunodeficiency virus as well as Hepatitis C virus with nanomolar IC₅₀ values. Furthermore, AvFc recognizes a number of cell …

Role Of Atm In T Cell Dysfunction During Chronic Viral Infections, Juan Zhao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection leads to a phenomenon of inflammaging, in which chronic infection or inflammation induces an immune aged phenotype with T cell dysfunction. Thus, HCV or HIV infection has been deemed as a model to study the mechanisms of T cell infammaging and viral persistence in humans. In this dissertation, T cell homeostasis, DNA damage and repair machineries were investigated in patients with chronic HCV or HIV infection at risk for inflammaging. We found a significant depletion in CD4 T cells, which was correlated with their apoptosis in chronically HCV/HIVinfected patients, compared …

Telomeric Dna Damage And Repair Machineries In Hiv Infection, Lam Nguyen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, we investigated T cell homeostasis and DNA damage repair machineries in HIV infection. We found that the frequencies of CD4T cells were low, which is associated with cell apoptosis in HIV patients compared to healthy subjects. Importantly, these events were closely correlated to the increase in T cell exhaustion, senescence, DNA damage, and telomere attrition. Mechanistically, while the DNA damage sensors Mer11, Rad50, and NBS1 (MRN) complexes remained intact, the ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase and its downstream checkpoint kinase 2 (CHK2) were significantly inhibited during HIV infection. Additionally, telomeric repeat-binding factor 2 (TRF2) that functions to protect …

Cardiovirology Clinic For Primary Prevention In Hiv Patients: A Quality Improvement Assessment, Jae G. Maeng, Stephen A. Geraci

Appalachian Student Research Forum

INTRODUCTION

With effective highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection now enjoy life expectancies approaching those of uninfected individuals. Prolonged longevity has increased the prevalence of non-communicable comorbidities within the HIV patient population. HIV is a known independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), imparting a 1.5-2 -fold higher incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) on infected patients. Deaths from ASCVD have increased as a result, despite a decline in total mortality. The Center of Excellence for HIV/AIDS care established a Cardiovirology Clinic (CvC) focused on providing primary and secondary preventative cardiovascular care …

Performance Of A Novel Low-Cost, Instrument-Free Plasma Separation Device For Hiv Viral Load Quantification And Determination Of Treatment Failure In People Living With Hiv In Malaysia: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study, Minh D. Pham, Berhan A. Haile, Iskandar Azwa, Adeeba Kamarulzaman, Nishaan Raman, Alireza Saeidi, Maria Kahar Bador, Margaret Tan, Jiawei Zhu, Yi Feng, Julian H. Elliott, Mary L. Garcia, Fan Li, Suzanne M. Crowe, Stanley Luchters, David A. Anderson

Population Health, East Africa

HIV viral load (VL) testing is the recommended method for monitoring the response of people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The availability of standard plasma VL testing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and access to this testing, are limited by the need to use fresh plasma. Good specimen collection methods for HIV VL testing that are applicable to resource-constrained settings are needed. We assessed the diagnostic performance of the filtered dried plasma spot (FDPS), created using the newly developed, instrument-free VLPlasma device, in identifying treatment failure at a VL threshold of 1,000 copies/ml in fresh plasma. …

Profil Of Implementation Of Post Exposure Prophylaxis Of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C And Human Immunodeficiency Virus To Health Care Worker In Cipto Mangunkusomo Hospital 2014-2016, Dewi Mira Ratih, Evy Yunihastuti, Regina Lestari, Andri Andri Sulaiman, Ikhwan Rinaldi

Jurnal Penyakit Dalam Indonesia

Introduction. Health care workers (HCW) have a high risk of infectious substance exposure. Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are some diseases transmitted by body fluid or body tissue. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta has been implementing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)s towards HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. This study aimed to identify the implementation of post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C among HCW in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted to exposed workers in Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital Jakarta between 2014-2016 who had been recorded by report. Demographic data were collected through …

Food Insecurity And Violence In A Prospective Cohort Of Women At Risk For Or Living With Hiv In The U.S., Amy A. Conroy, Mardge H. Cohen, Edward A. Frongillo Jr., Alexander C. Tsai, Tracey E. Wilson, Eryka L. Wentz, Adaora A. Adimora, Daniel Merenstein, Ighovwerha Ofotokun, Lisa Metsch, Mirjam-Colette Kempf, Adebola Adedimeji, Janet M. Turan, Phyllis C. Tien, Sheri D. Weiser

Faculty Publications

Background Food insecurity and violence are two major public health issues facing U.S. women. The link between food insecurity and violence has received little attention, particularly regarding the temporal ordering of events. The present study used data from the Women’s Interagency Human Immunodeficiency Virus Study to investigate the longitudinal association of food insecurity and violence in a cohort of women at risk for or living with HIV.

Methods Study participants completed six assessments from 2013–16 on food insecurity (operationalized as marginal, low, and very low food security) and violence (sexual or physical, and psychological). We used multi-level logistic regression, controlling …

Field Performance And Diagnostic Accuracy Of A Low-Cost Instrument-Free Point-Of-Care Cd4 Test (Visitect Cd4) Performed By Different Health Worker Cadres Among Pregnant Women, Stanley Luchters, Karl Technau, Yasmin Mohamed, Matthew F. Chersich, Paul A. Agius, Minh D. Pham, Mary L. Garcia, James Forbes, Andrew Shepherd, Ashraf Coovadia, Suzanne M. Crowe, David A. Anderson

Population Health, East Africa

Measuring CD4 counts remains an important component of HIV care. The Visitect CD4 is the first instrument-free low-cost point-of-care CD4 test with results interpreted visually after 40 min, providing a result of 350 CD4 cells/mm3. The field performance and diagnostic accuracy of the test was assessed among HIVinfected pregnant women in South Africa. A nurse performed testing at the point-ofcare using both venous and finger-prick blood, and a counselor and laboratory staff tested venous blood in the clinic laboratory (four Visitect CD4 tests/participant). Performance was compared to the mean CD4 count from duplicate flow cytometry tests on venous blood (FACSCalibur …

Microbiome And Immune Alterations In Young And Old Non-Human Primates And The Impact Of Siv Infection, Kyle Blaine Russell

Open Access Theses

Aging and chronic HIV infection are known to independently affect the immune system and the microbiome, but what effect both have together is unknown. To investigate this effect we infected young and old Rhesus Macaques with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) and started on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 84 days post infection. Blood and fecal samples were collected at pre SIV infection and various timepoints post-SIV infection. PBMCs were used for flow cytometry analysis of immune cell subsets, serum was used to determine influenza antibody titers and metabolites, and fecal samples were used for microbiome analysis. Analysis of samples before SIV …

Impact Of Availability Of Telehealth Programs On Documented Hiv Viral Suppression: A Cluster-Randomized Program Evaluation In The Veterans Health Administration, Michael E. Ohl, Kelly Richardson, Maria C. Rodriguez-Barradas, Roger Bedimo, Vincent Marconi, Jamie P. Morano, Michael P. Jones, Mary Vaughan-Sarrazin

Internal Medicine Faculty Publications

Background: Telehealth may improve care for people with HIV who live far from HIV specialty clinics. We conducted a cluster-randomized evaluation to determine the impact of availability of HIV telehealth programs on documented viral suppression in Veterans Administration clinics. Methods: In 2015–2016, people who previously traveled to HIV specialty clinics were offered telehealth visits in nearby primary care clinics. Patients were cluster-randomized to immediate telehealth availability (n = 925 patients in service areas of 13 primary care clinics offering telehealth) or availability 1 year later (n = 745 patients in 12 clinics). Measures during the evaluation year included telehealth use …

Effectiveness Of Digital Media Technologybased Interventions On Hiv & Sti Risk Reduction Among Young People: A Metaanalysis, Paul Sherwin O. Tarnate, Keith Roger R. Serrano, Vanessa-Maria F. Torres-Ticzon, Kathlynne Anne A. Senen

Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health Publications

Background: Prevention strategies delivered through digital media technology (DMT) have been developed to reduce HIV incidence among young people. However, no best-practice DMT intervention strategies exist in handling HIV prevention programs among young people. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of DMT-based interventions in reducing risk-taking behaviours among young people that may predispose them to acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Subjects and Selection Criteria: Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies with rigorous controls comparing DMT-based interventions and controls on reducing risk-taking behaviors among young people aged 10-24 years were included. Data Collection: Search methods were done on the following: …

Anxiety Among Women Living With Hiv In Kazakhstan, Kathryn Emily Mishkin

Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)

Research shows that mental illness has an impact on the health and quality of life of women living with HIV. As a result, many countries have adopted integrated care models to provide holistic treatment to women living with HIV. However, some countries, where the HIV burden is particularly high, have been ineffective at addressing the mental health needs of these women, primarily because of a compartmentalized health care structure that limits interaction among sectors. By describing the prevalence of anxiety and comorbid anxiety-depression among women living with HIV in affected areas, there is an opportunity for effective policies to be …

Examining The Effects Of Indiana’S Syringe Exchange Program On New Hepatitis C And Hiv Diagnoses From 2015-2017, Katherine Youngen

Theses and Dissertations--Public Health (M.P.H. & Dr.P.H.)

In 2015, a rural Indiana county experienced an outbreak of HIV related to intravenous drug use. 181 people were diagnosed with HIV between Oct. 1, 2014 and Nov. 1, 2015. This outbreak prompted the state legislature to implement a policy that legalized syringe exchange programs for the first time ever in Indiana. This capstone attempts to summarize the situation that led to the creation of this policy and the effects of this policy, Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 461 (IN SEA 461). Finally, this capstone makes recommendations for modifying the existing policy or implementing a similar policy in an area experiencing …

Csf Lymphocyte And Monocyte Activation And Trafficking In Primary Hiv Infection, Aveline Xiang Li

Yale Medicine Thesis Digital Library

Trafficking of immune cells to the central nervous system (CNS) is hypothesized to facilitate HIV entry and immune-induced neuronal injury, and is mediated by cell surface proteins such as chemokine receptors and integrins. We longitudinally assessed immune cell activation and surface marker expression in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood and their relationship with CSF HIV RNA during primary HIV infection (PHI) before and after combination antiretroviral therapy (ART). Longitudinal paired blood and CSF were obtained in initially ART-naïve PHI (infection) participants; some subjects independently initiated ART during follow up. Multiparameter flow cytometry was used to determine activation (% CD38+HLADR+) and …

Comparative Evaluation Of Liver, Spleen, And Kidney Stiffness In Hiv-Monoinfected Pediatric Patients Via Shear Wave Elastography, Emi̇ne Çalişkan, Gürkan Atay, Manolya Kara, Murat Sütçü, Zuhal Bayramoğlu, Selda Hançerli̇ Törün, Ayper Somer, İbrahi̇m Adaletli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the stiffness of the liver, spleen, and kidneys in HIV-monoinfected children via shear wave elastography (SWE).Materials and methods: Twenty-one HIV-monoinfected children and 37 healthy subjects were included in this study. Livers, spleens, and kidneys of the participants were examined via ultrasound and SWE. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of pathologic ultrasonographic findings. Routine laboratory tests were also recorded. Stiffness of these organs was compared between patients and control groups.Results: Liver transaminases, blood urea, and creatinine levels were normal in all subjects. Ultrasonographic examination revealed hepatosplenomegaly (n = 1, 4.7%), …

Vagal Mediated Heart Rate Variability And Cognitive Impairments In Hiv-Seropositive Women, William C. Nicholson

All ETDs from UAB

Regardless of sufficient viral suppression, HIV exerts an ongoing inflammatory process that promotes chronic autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, accelerates physiological aging, and increases the risk of developing a spectrum of cognitive disorders (known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders [HAND]). Given this, identifying pathological mediators of this inflammatory response could provide insight into the mechanisms driving HAND. The vagus nerve (indexed by vagal-mediated heart rate variability [vmHRV]) could provide such a mediator as it regulates ANS activity via reciprocal cardio-neural pathways, which regulate inflammation and homeostasis. Vagal dysfunction is associated with persistent inflammatory signaling (e.g., stress or inflammatory-based disorders [such as …

Hpv And Hsv Associated Clinical Conditions Among People Living With Hiv-1 Infection, Yuanfan Ye

All ETDs from UAB

This dissertation research focuses on investigating health burdens of HPV- and HSV- associated clinical conditions (CC) in people living with HIV-1 infection (PLWH) in the Southeastern United States. I designed a retrospective study using the UAB 1917 HIV Clinic Cohort. Electronic health records of PLWH attending the clinic for HIV-care between January 2006 and March 2019 were obtained and reviewed. I first examined incidence rates and trends of anogenital HPV- and HSV-associated CC. Then I adopted a new algorithm to group longitudinal CD4 cell counts based on their trajectories. I compared it with nadir and median CD4 cell counts in …

Online Symptom Checker Diagnostic And Triage Accuracy For Hiv And Hepatitis C, A. C. Berry, B. D. Cash, B. Wang, M. S. Mulekar, A. B. Van Haneghan, Kyle Yuquimpo, A. Swaney, M. C. Marshall, W. K. Green

Student Publications

We sought to address the prior limitations of symptom checker accuracy by analysing the diagnostic and triage feasibility of online symptom checkers using a consecutive series of real-life emergency department (ED) patient encounters, and addressing a complex patient population - those with hepatitis C or HIV. We aimed to study the diagnostic and triage accuracy of these symptom checkers in relation to an emergency room physician-determined diagnosis. An ED retrospective analysis was performed on 8363 consecutive adult patients. Eligible patients included: 90 HIV, 67 hepatitis C, 11 both HIV and hepatitis C. Five online symptom checkers were utilised for diagnosis …

Sero-Prevalence Of Hepatitis B And C Viral Co-Infections Among Hiv-1 Infected Art-Naïve Individuals In Kumasi, Ghana, Richard Boateng, Mohamed Mutocheluh, Albert Dompreh, Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah, Enoch Odame Anto, Michael Owusu, Patrick Williams Narkwa

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Background

The study assessed the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection paradigm among the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients attending a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Also, the immunological and virological characterisation of these viruses, prior to antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation was investigated.

Method

A total of 400 HIV infected (HIV type-1) treatment naïve subjects ≥18 years were enrolled and tested for HBsAg and anti-HCV. Hepatitis B virus serological profile was performed on samples that were HBV positive. CD4+ T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral loads were determined using BD FacsCalibur analyzer (USA) and COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS …

Preliminary Baseline Findings From The Girls Study: Recruitment Venue And Testing Option Preferences, Ann E. Kurth, Irene Inwani, Kawango Agot, Charles M. Cleland, Nok Chhun, Mark Anam, Samwel Rao, John Kinuthia, Peter Cherutich, Ruth Nduati

International Nursing Research Congress (INRC)

By attending this session, participants will gain knowledge about which testing services adolescent girls and young women prefer and whether they prefer receiving services at home, in the community at a mobile clinic health event or in the health facilities.

Hiv Virologic Response Better With Single-Tablet Once Daily Regimens Compared To Multiple-Tablet Daily Regimens, Shashi N. Kapadia, Robert R. Grant, Susan B. German, Baljinder Singh, Amy L. Davidow, Shobha Swaminathan, Sally Hodder

Clinical and Translational Science Institute

Background: Single-tablet regimens are preferred prescription choices for HIV treatment, but there are limited outcomes data comparing single-tablet regimens to multiple-tablet regimens. Methods: We retrospectively assessed treatment-naïve patients at a single urban HIV clinic in the United States for viral load suppression at 6 and 12months after initiating either single-tablet or multiple-tablet regimens. Multivariate regression was performed to obtain relative risks and adjust for potential confounders. Results: Of 218 patients, 47% were on single-tablet regimens and 53% on multiple-tablet regimens; 77% of single-tablet regimen patients had undetectable viral load at 6months compared to 61% of multiple-tablet regimen patients (p=0.012). At …

Characteristics Of Adolescents Living With Hiv Receiving Care And Treatment Services In Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics In Cambodia: Descriptive Findings From A Cross-Sectional Study., Siyan Yi, Sovannary Tuot, Khuondyla Pal, Vohith Khol, Say Sok, Pheak Chhoun, Laura Ferguson, Gitau Mburu

BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with HIV experience worse HIV care outcomes compared to adults, especially during transition from pediatric to adult care. However, data regarding adolescents are limited. This paper describes and compares characteristics of male and female adolescents living with HIV preparing for transition from pediatric to adult care in Cambodia.

METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2016 among 328 adolescents aged 15-17, randomly selected from 11 antiretroviral therapy (ART) clinics. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and descriptive analyses were conducted to compare characteristics of male and female adolescents.

RESULTS: Of total, 55.2% were male, and …

Exposure To Community Violence And Substance Use Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men: Examining The Role Of Psychological Distress And Criminal Justice Involvement, Dexter R. Voisin

Faculty Scholarship

Young Black MSM (YBMSM) are disproportionately affected by violence, criminal justice involvement, and other structural factors that also increase vulnerability to HIV. This study examined associations between exposure to community violence (ECV) and substance use, psychological distress, and criminal justice involvement (CJI) among YBMSM in Chicago, IL. Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit a sample of 618 YBMSM (aged 16–29) from the South Side of Chicago between June 2013 and July 2014. Weighted logistic regression assessed the direct effects of ECV, CJI, and psychological distress on substance use outcomes. Indirect effects were assessed via path analysis with mean and …

Factors Associated With Substance Use Among Adolescents Living With Hiv In Kenya, Wambui Kagucia

Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health

Background: Substance use is rife in our society and adolescents (10-19 years) do face this problem during this vulnerable period of growth and development. Use of substances is known to be associated with poor health choices and risky sexual behaviour. Since the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART), significant progress has been made with reduced rates of mother to child transmission (MTCT) and a general downward global trend in acquired immunodeficiency disease (AIDS) related mortalities. However, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS is still a leading cause of mortality in adolescents living in Sub Saharan Africa, with an upward trend in new HIV …

Anidulafungin: A Noninferior Alternative To Fluconazole For Treatment Of Esophageal Candidiasis, Blake S. Sanford

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A critical appraisal and clinical application of Krause DS, Simjee AE, van Rensburg C, et al. A randomized, double-blind trial of anidulafungin versus fluconazole for the treatment of esophageal candidiasis. Clin Infect Dis. 2004;39(6):770-775. doi: 10.1086/423378.

“My Sexuality…It Creates A Stress”: Hiv-Related Communication Among Bisexual Black And Latino Men, New York City, Kirk D. Henny, Kathryn Drumhiller, Madeline Y. Sutton, Jose Nanín

Publications and Research

Men who have sex with men and women (including bisexual men) comprise 35% of all men who have sex with men (MSM) in the U.S. It is estimated that 121,800 men who have been bisexually active within the past year are living with HIV in the U.S. Communication about HIV may result in risk-reduction behaviors. However, little is known about the nature or context for HIV prevention communication among bisexual men, particularly for blacks and Hispanic/Latinos who are disproportionately at greater HIV risk. Therefore, we explored patterns and contexts of HIV-related communications occurring within personal social networks among bisexual black …

Beyond The Individual: The Roles Of Social And Structural Contexts In Hiv Prevention And Hiv Acquisition In The United States, Jessica L. Maksut

Doctoral Dissertations

The present dissertation leverages the utility of analyzing a variety of secondary data sources to explore relationships between qualities of social and structural environments and HIV-related outcomes via a social-ecological approach. Advances in HIV outcomes for vulnerable, high-risk populations, e.g., African-American/Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (BMSM), have been stymied by social and behavioral scientists’ tendency to primarily call upon individual-behavioral factors to explain the elevated rates of HIV observed within BMSM communities. This dissertation employs a broader analytical lens to explore relationships between social and structural variables with HIV acquisition and other key HIV-related …

Permanent Housing And On-Site Nursing Care: Effects On Homeless Individuals With Hiv And Other Cormorbidities, Lynelle Hinden

Dissertations

Abstract

Problem. Providing housing to otherwise homeless individuals who are HIV/AIDS-positive has been demonstrated to improve control of the disease. This was a healthcare quality initiative to review the viral load and Cluster of Differentiation Protein Four positive (CD4+) counts over time of residents in an urban housing facility for HIV/AIDS-positive individuals. Also, a nurse-run clinic was introduced for residents, especially those with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes.

Methods. A repeated measures design was utilized. Viral loads and CD4+ counts were retrospectively reviewed from facility records at entrance into and five-years later at the facility. Additionally, measurements of blood …

Hiv/Aids Knowledge & Perceptions On A College Campus, Gabriel Navarro

Honors College Theses

Our research project surveyed students at Pace University (both on the New York City and Pleasantville campuses) and looked into their understanding of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) & Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The goal was to better understand students’ knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS, and the ways in which they might be misinformed. Our research looked to see if there was any stigma surrounding student’s perceptions of the virus and its transmission. The study also asked students about their sexual practices. Specifically, we utilized an Institutional Review Board approved survey, to ask students about their sexual behavior to see if they were …

Oral Health Related Quality Of Life, Dental Care Utilization, And Serostatus Disclosure Among Hiv-Positive Women In The Women’S Interagency Hiv Study (Wihs) Cohort, Carrigan Parish

Open Access Dissertations

Persons living with HIV are more likely than HIV-negative individuals to experience oral health problems, yet are also more likely to have unmet dental care treatment needs. Dental needs among HIV-positive individuals can also be more severe and difficult to manage compared to the general population, often contributing to the onset of opportunistic oral infections. Furthermore, dental problems in patients with HIV can be associated with low CD4 counts and poor immune function. Due to the underutilization of dental services, oral health problems and symptoms, especially those that are related to HIV infection, remain prevalent in this population. Neglected dental …