Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On The Care Continuum Of Youth Living With Hiv: Qualitative Study Of The Scale It Up Program Clinical Sites, Tyra Dark, Sitaji Gurung, Mary Dooley, Kit N. Simpson, Seyram A. Butame, Sylvie Naar

Publications and Research

The study objective was to explore the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the clinics’ ability to provide continuous healthcare services to youth (15–24 years) living with HIV (YLWH). One focused semi-structured interview was conducted with each HIV clinic site—resulting in ten interviews. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis techniques assisted by NVIVO coding software and themes indicating barriers and facilitators to providing uninterrupted healthcare were elicited. Six themes were identified that affected the care continuum of YLWH: Timeframe of clinic preparation to address COVID-19 restrictions; impact on treatment cascade monitoring data; impact on patient care; impact on staff and …

Covid-19 Vaccine Mandate, Mikhail Kun, Tatiana Ryzhakova

Publications and Research

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the planet and killed millions of people. Health care workers and radiology technicians who come into direct contact with COVID-19 patients have indeed been the most affected by the virus. Since the pandemic began, the COVID-19 cases among health care workers have surged and quadrupled. COVID-19 vaccine mandate is the need of the time. Mandates have a history and are in effect for other diseases such as smallpox, measles, or mumps. But since the vaccines have come out for COVID-19, there is a public impetus to condemn these vaccines, based on the false …

Feasibility Of Using Electronic Health Records For Cascade Monitoring And Cost Estimates In Implementation Science Studies In The Adolescent Trials Network For Hiv/Aids Interventions, Tyra Dark, Kit N. Simpson, Sitaji Gurung, Amy L. Pennar, Marshall Chew, Sylvie Naar

Publications and Research

Background:One of the most difficult areas in the fight against HIV/AIDS is reaching out to youth aged 13 to 24 years. The proportion of youth living with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and who are virally undetectable is low, highlighting significant challenges for reaching the Joint United Nations Program on HIV targets.

Objective:This study aimed to assess the feasibility of obtaining key clinical indicators and monitoring treatment, viral suppression, and retention components of the youth HIV treatment cascade in Adolescent Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions clinics using electronic health record (EHR) downloads and to provide baseline characteristics for the study …

Botanicals As Prospective Agents Against Sars-Cov-2 Virus, Vyacheslav Dushenkov, Anna Dushenkov

Publications and Research

The COVID-19 high morbidity and mortality resulted in a worldwide healthcare emergency that triggered accelerated and amplified efforts in the relevant areas of health sciences research and practice. Purpose: To assess the potential role of botanicals as therapeutic agents against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Methods: This narrative review examined the potential role of botanicals as therapeutic agents against the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on the references limited to the English language and published up to February 2022 and retrieved from common academic search engines using multiple keywords and their combinations. The scientific names of plant species were confirmed using World Flora Online …

Insights Into Using Plants In Management Of Viral Diseases., Vyacheslav Dushenkov, Anna Dushenkov

Publications and Research

Botanical therapeutics possess a unique potential in the treatment of viral diseases. The pharmacological base and clinical use of botanical therapeutics have been extensively reviewed. The mode of action(s) may be built either on the direct interference with the virus's ability to enter human cells, virus replication, or exerting immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The adjuvant treatment with botanical therapeutics has the potential to result in advances in symptom resolution, decrease in disease burden and shortening its duration.

The Temperature-Dependent Conformational Ensemble Of Sars-Cov-2 Main Protease (Mpro), Ali Ebrahim, Blake T. Riley, Desigan Kumaran, Babak Andi, Martin R. Fuchs, Sean Mcsweeney, Daniel A. Keedy

Publications and Research

The COVID-19 pandemic, instigated by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, continues to plague the globe. The SARS-CoV-2 main protease, or M^pro, is a promising target for development of novel antiviral therapeutics. Previous X-ray crystal structures of M^pro were obtained at cryogenic temperature or room temperature only. Here we report a series of high-resolution crystal structures of unliganded M^pro across multiple temperatures from cryogenic to physiological, and another at high humidity. We interrogate these datasets with parsimonious multiconformer models, multi-copy ensemble models, and isomorphous difference density maps. Our analysis reveals a temperature-dependent conformational landscape for M^pro, including …

Griffithsin And Carrageenan Combination Results In Antiviral Synergy Against Sars-Cov-1 And 2 In A Pseudoviral Model, Sahar Alsaidi, Nadjet Cornejal, Oneil Mahoney, Claudia Melo, Neeharika Verma, Thierry Bonnaire, Theresa Chang, Barry R. O'Keefe, James Sailer, Thomas M. Zydowsky, Natalia Teleshova, José A. Fernández Romero

Publications and Research

Over 182 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 4 million deaths have been reported to date around the world. It is essential to identify broad-spectrum antiviral agents that may prevent or treat infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) but also by other coronaviruses that may jump the species barrier in the future. We evaluated the antiviral selectivity of griffithsin and sulfated and non-sulfated polysaccharides against SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 using a cytotoxicity assay and a cell-based pseudoviral model. The half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) and half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) were determined for each compound, using a dose-response-inhibition …

Understanding Of Aerosol Transmission Of Covid 19 In Indoor Environment - Part 2: Approaches To Mitigation, Adama Barro, Cathal O'Toole, Jacob S. Lopez, Matthew Quinones, Sherene Moore

Publications and Research

The challenge we face in implementing solutions for new HVAC ventilation and filtration design, is to effectively improve air quality for virus mitigation without losing performance efficiency. The purpose of this improvement is to decontaminate the occupied enclosed areas, reducing the transmission of the corona virus aerosol transmission. Our research seeks reliable approaches to mitigate the further spread of aerosol transmission in indoor spaces. The methodology is to examine innovative HVAC engineering solutions that combat epidemiological problems of Covid-19 for the post-pandemic era, by researching scholarly articles and ASHRAE journals. We are achieving the goal of finding highly efficient resolutions …

Oral Manifestations Of Covid-19, Ibeth Erazo

Publications and Research

Some oral manifestations have been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is still a question about whether these lesions are due to coronavirus infection or secondary manifestations resulting from patient's stress, medications, and/or other related immunosuppressive factors and systemic conditions or by the actions of opportunistic infections brought by other viruses, bacteria, and fungi in the oral cavity. There is growing evidence that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the main host cell receptor of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is highly expressed on the cells of the oral mucosal epithelia and of the salivary glands, …

Understanding Of Aerosol Transmission Of Covid 19 In Indoor Environments, Adama Barro, Cathal O'Toole, Jacob S. Lopez, Matthew Quinones, Sherene Moore

Publications and Research

Our reason for discussing severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) or 2019 novel corona virus (Covid-19), is to understand its aerosol transmission characteristics in indoor spaces and to mitigate further spread of this disease by designing a new HVAC system. The problem that we are tackling is the spread of covid-19 droplets through aerosol transmission by looking at potential engineering solutions to the existing HVAC systems. The purpose is to eradicate the spread of the COVID-19 by testing indoor spaces in an effort to understand the effectiveness of ventilation controls. We believe that scientists and engineers have not …

An Investigation Into The Response Of The Us And Eu5 To The Covid-19 Disease (Convergence Of Two Pandemics: Covid-19 And Ncds), Omar Hassan

Publications and Research

In late December 2019, a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was identified in Wuhan China. COVID-19 was a result of the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARA-CoV-2), which has resulted in a worldwide sudden and substantial increase in hospitalizations for pneumonia with multiorgan disease. As of October 6, 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has affected more than 200 countries, resulting in more than 35 million identified cases with more than 1 million confirmed deaths.

This is a cross-sectional, non-interventional, observational study in patients infected with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) or Covid-19, using John Hopkins University database JHU Coronavirus map. The data collected from …

From Ace2 To Covid-19: A Multiorgan Endothelial Disease, Richard A. Stein, Lauren M. Young

Publications and Research

Editorial

A Role For Retinoids In The Treatment Of Covid-19?, Steven E. Trasino

Publications and Research

The 2020 global outbreak of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) is a serious threat to international health, and thus, there is an urgent need for discoverynof novel therapies or use of repurposed drugs that can make a significant impact on slowing the spread of the virus. Type 1 interferons (IFN-I) are a family cytokines of the early innate immune response to viruses that are being tested against SARSCoV- 2. However, coronaviruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 can suppress host IFN-I antiviral responses. Retinoids are a family molecules related to vitamin A that possess robust immune-modulating properties, including the ability to increase …

Combating Sars-Cov-2: Leveraging Microbicidal Experiences With Other Emerging/Re-Emerging Viruses, M. Khalid Ijaz, Syed A. Sattar, Joseph R. Rubino, Raymond W. Nims, Charles P. Gerba

Publications and Research

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Wuhan City, China, late in December 2019 is another example of an emerging zoonotic virus that threatens public health and international travel and commerce. When such a virus emerges, there is often insufficient specific information available on mechanisms of virus dissemination from animal to human or from person to person, on the level or route of infection transmissibility or of viral release in body secretions/excretions, and on the survival of virus in aerosols or on surfaces. The effectiveness of available virucidal agents and hygiene practices as interventions for disrupting …

Managing The Threat Of Covid-19, Susan H. Davide, Anty Lam, Christine Macarelli

Publications and Research

Oral health professionals should remain up-to-date on Covid-19 to prevent its transmission in the dental practice.

A Real-World Analysis Of Patient Characteristics And Predictors Of Hospitalization Among Us Medicare Beneficiaries With Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, Veronique Wyffels, Furaha Kariburyo, Sandra Gavart, Roman Fleischhackl, Huseyin Yuce

Publications and Research

Introduction: Little has been published on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among Medicare patients at high risk (HR) of RSV complications due to age or comorbidity. Methods: Adult patients (at least 18 years of age) with at least 1 diagnostic code for RSV were identified using the 5% US Medicare database from 2011 through 2015. Patients were required to have continuous health plan enrollment for 180 days pre- and 180 days post-RSV diagnosis (baseline and follow-up periods, respectively). HR was defined as diagnosis of chronic lung disease, congestive heart failure, or weakened immune system for 180 days during the base-line period. …

Leveraging Technology To Blend Large-Scale Epidemiologic Surveillance With Social And Behavioral Science Methods: Successes, Challenges, And Lessons Learned Implementing The Unite Longitudinal Cohort Study Of Hiv Risk Factors Among Sexual Minority Men In The United States, H. Jonathon Rendina, Ali J. Talan, Nicola F. Tavella, Jonathan Lopez Matos, Ruben H. Jimenez, S. Scott Jones, Brian Salfas, Drew Westmoreland

Publications and Research

The use of digital technologies to conduct large-scale research with limited interaction (i.e., no in-person contact) and objective endpoints (i.e., biological testing) has significant potential for the field of epidemiology, but limited research to date has been published on the successes and challenges of such approaches. We analyzed data from a cohort study of sexual minority men across the United States, collected using digital strategies during a 10-month period from 2017 to 2018. Overall, 113,874 individuals were screened, of whom 26,000 were invited to the study, 10,691 joined the study, and 7,957 completed all enrollment steps, including return of a …

Protecting Public Health, Susan H. Davide, Christine Macarelli, Anty Lam

Publications and Research

In light of declining vaccination rates, oral health professionals need to be knowledgeable about current vaccine recommendations so they can best advise their patients and support public health.

Pixuna Virus Modifies Host Cell Cytoskeleton To Secure Infection, Pedro Ignacio Gil, Guillermo Albrieu-Llinás, Estela Cecilia Mlewski, Marina Monetti, Laura Fozzatti, Cecilia Cuffini, José Fernández-Romero, Patricia Kunda, María Gabriela Paglini

Publications and Research

Pixuna virus (PIXV) is an enzootic member of the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus complex and belongs to the New World cluster of alphaviruses. Herein we explore the role of the cellular cytoskeleton during PIXV replication. We first identified that PIXV undergoes an eclipse phase consisting of 4 h followed by 20 h of an exponential phase in Vero cells. The infected cells showed morphological changes due to structural modifications in actin microfilaments (MFs) and microtubules (MTs). Cytoskeletonbinding agents, that alter the architecture and dynamics of MFs and MTs, were used to study the role of cytoskeleton on PIXV replication. The …

Factors Associated With Initiation Of Antiretroviral Therapy In The Advanced Stages Of Hiv Infection In Six Ethiopian Hiv Clinics, 2012 To 2013, Denis Nash, Olga Tymejczyk, Tsigereda Gadisa, Sarah Gorrell Kulkarni, Susie Hoffman, Muluneh Yigzaw, Batya Elul, Robert H. Remien, Maria Lahuerta, Shalo Daba, Wafaa El Sadr, Zenebe Melaku

Publications and Research

Introduction: Most HIV-positive persons in sub-Saharan Africa initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) with advanced infection (late ART initiation). Intervening on the drivers of late ART initiation is a critical step towards achieving the full potential of HIV treatment scale-up. This study aimed to identify modifiable factors associated with late ART initiation in Ethiopia.

Methods: From 2012 to 2013, Ethiopian adults (n=1180) were interviewed within two weeks of ART initiation. Interview data were merged with HIV care histories to assess correlates of late ART initiation (CD4+ count <150 cells/mL or World Health Organization Stage IV).

Results: The median CD4 count at enrolment in HIV care was 263 cells/mL (interquartile range …

Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Hiv-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men: Protocol For A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Holly Hagan, Joshua Neurer, Ashly E. Jordan, Don C. Des Jarlais, Jennifer Wu, Kirk Dombrowski, Bilal Khan, Ronald Scott Braithwaite, Jason Kessler

Publications and Research

Background: Outbreaks of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been reported in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) in North America, Europe and Asia. Transmission is believed to be the result of exposure to blood during sexual contact. In those infected with HIV, acute HCV infection is more likely to become chronic, treatment for both HIV and HCV is more complicated and HCV disease progression may be accelerated. There is a need for systematic reviews and meta-analyses to synthesize the epidemiology, prevention and methods to control HCV infection in this population.

Methods/design: Eligible studies will include quantitative empirical …

Altering Murine Leukemia Virus Integration Through Disruption Of The Integrase And Bet Protein Family Interaction, Sriram Aiyer, G.V.T. Swapna, Nirav Malani, James M. Aramini, William M. Schneider, Matthew R. Plumb, Mustafa Ghanem, Ross C. Larue, Amit Sharma, Barbara Studamire, Mamuka Kvaratskhelia, Frederic D. Bushman, Gaetano T. Montelione, Monica J. Roth

Publications and Research

We report alterations to the murine leukemia virus (MLV) integrase (IN) protein that successfully result in decreasing its integration frequency at transcription start sites and CpG islands, thereby reducing the potential for insertional activation. The host bromo and extraterminal (BET) proteins Brd2, 3 and 4 interact with the MLV IN protein primarily through the BET protein ET domain. Using solution NMR, protein interaction studies, and next generation sequencing, we showthat the C-terminal tail peptide region ofMLV IN is important for the interaction with BET proteins and that disruption of this interaction through truncation mutations affects the global targeting profile of …

The Role Of Dental Hygienists In Conducting Rapid Hiv Testing, Anthony J. Santella, Susan H. Davide, Marilyn Cortell, Winnie Furnari, Janet Tuthill

Publications and Research

Expanding rapid HIV testing in the dental setting may increase the number of individuals who are aware of their HIV status and can begin medical care and social support services if seropositive and appropriate.

Prostitution And Hiv Infection: Women, Aids, & Activism, Polly Thistlethwaite, Zoe Leonard

Publications and Research

This "Prostitution and HIV Infection" chapter of the ACT UP/NY Women & AIDS Book Group's Women, AIDS & Activism reflects the scientific, feminist, gay, lesbian, HIV-community work that informed ACT UP/NY's activism and analysis on women and HIV infection up to 1990. Book Group members: Marion Banzhaf, Cynthia Chris, Kim Christensen, Alexis Danzig, Risa Denenberg, Zoe Leonard, Deb Levine, Samuel Lurie, Monica Pearl, Catherine Gund, Polly Thistlethwaite, Judith Walker, and Brigitte Weil. Additional members of the original Women and AIDS Handbook Group included Jamie Bauer, Heidi Dorow, Maria Maggenti, Ellen Neipris, Ann Northrop, Sydney Pokorney, Karen Ramspacher, Maxine Wolfe, and …