Immune System Diseases Commons^™

Oral Manifestations Of Tuberculosis, Diana V. Macri, Sandra Castellanos, Elvir Dincer

Publications and Research

This article will update the reader on tuberculosis and its oral manifestations.

After decades of decreasing incidence, tuberculosis resurgence is being seen in some global regions due to factors that include the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, increased immigration from countries with endemic tuberculosis, transmission of tuberculosis in crowded or unsanitary environments, and poor healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, this review is especially prescient considering the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.

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 …

Hand Issues On Scleroderma Patients, Ana Font Hernandez

Publications and Research

Based on the design of a 3D-printed spoon prototype, we surveyed scleroderma patients about the device's value. 75% of patients mentioned having problems on their hands due to scleroderma. 85% of patients said their hand form changed because of the disease. Answers to the frequency or speed of the changes provide inconclusive results. The 3D printing technology has the potential to solve specific issues scleroderma patients face in their daily lives. Nevertheless, further research is needed to fully understand how hands shape change over time.

Griffithsin Carrageenan Fast Dissolving Inserts Prevent Shiv Hsv-2 And Hpv Infections In Vivo, Nina Derby, Manjari Lal, Meropi Aravatinou, Larisa Kizima, Patrick Barnable, Axia Rodriguez, Manshun Lai, Asa Wesenberg, Shweta Ugaonkar, Keith Levendosky, Olga Mizenina, Kyle Kleinbeck, Jeffrey D. Lifson, M. Melissa Peet, Zachary Lloyd, Michael Benson, Walid Heneine, Barry R. O'Keefe, Melissa Robbiani, Elena Martinelli, Brooke Grasperge, James Blanchard, Agegnehu Gettie, Natalia Teleshova, José Fernández-Romero, Thomas M. Zydowsky

Publications and Research

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies with proven in vivo efficacy rely on antiretroviral drugs, creating the potential for drug resistance and complicated treatment options in individuals who become infected. Moreover, ondemand products are currently missing from the PrEP development portfolio. Griffithsin (GRFT) is a non-antiretroviral HIV entry inhibitor derived from red algae with an excellent safety profile and potent activity in vitro. When combined with carrageenan (CG), GRFT has strong activity against herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) and human papillomavirus (HPV) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we report that GRFT/CG in a freeze-dried fast dissolving insert (FDI) …

Assistive Utensil: A Spork For Hand Tremors And Spatial Awareness, Ana Font Hernandez, Jacob Kabariti, Troy Taylor

Publications and Research

In this poster, we present a 3D printed solution for hand tremors and special awareness. Our spork is an assistive device designed and 3D printed for patients suffering from scleroderma, systemic sclerosis, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, drug withdrawal, etc. The scale-based handle will act as a counterweight to offset the contents on the other end and reduce shakiness. The larger grip allows an easy and comfortable hold. The product will be 3D printed for a customizable fit and at an affordable price. Lastly, the product will include a haptic feedback sensor to assist the visually impaired in locating food contents on …

Mechanism Of Action And Applications Of Interleukin 24 In Immunotherapy, Leah Persaud, Dayenny De Jesus, Oliver Brannigan, Maria Richiez-Paredes, Jeannette Huaman, Giselle Alvarado, Linda Riker, Gissete Mendez, Jordan Dejoie, Moira Sauane

Publications and Research

Interleukin 24 (IL-24) is an important pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine, whose gene is located in human chromosome 1q32-33. IL-24’s signaling pathways have diverse biological functions related to cell differentiation, proliferation, development, apoptosis, and inflammation, placing it at the center of an active area of research. IL-24 is well known for its apoptotic effect in cancer cells while having no such effect on normal cells. IL-24 can also be secreted by both immune and non-immune cells. Downstream effects of IL-24, after binding to the IL-20 receptor, can occur dependently or independently of the JAK/STAT signal transduction pathway, which is classically involved in …

Expression Of Toll-Like Receptor (Tlr)-2 And Tlr4 In Monocytes Following Stimulations By Genital Secretions Of Hiv Infected And Uninfected Women With Symptomatic Vulvo-Vaginal Candidiasis, Teke Apalata, Benjamin Longo-Mbenza, A. Willem Sturm, William H. Carr, Prashini Moodley

Publications and Research

Vulvo-vaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common condition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- infected women. Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 and TLR4 are key pattern-recognition receptors of the innate immune system in sensing Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 signaling pathways in HIV-infected and uninfected women with VVC. Cervico-vaginal fluids (CVF) were obtained from 7 HIV infected and 11 HIV uninfected clinic attendees in KwaZulu-Natal between June, 2011 and December, 2011. VVC was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by Gram stain and culture of genital samples. Monocytes were isolated from a healthy adult …

Dental Hygienists' Knowledge Of Hiv, Attitudes Towards People With Hiv And Willingness To Conduct Rapid Hiv Testing, Anthony J. Santella, B Krishnamachari, Susan H. Davide, Marilyn Cortell, Winnie Furnari, B Watts, Sarah C. Hayden

Publications and Research

This study was aimed to determine the dental hygienists' knowledge of HIV, attitudes towards people living with HIV and willingness to conduct rapid HIV testing.

Ambiguity, Ambivalence, And Apprehensions Of Taking Hiv-1 Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Among Male Couples In San Francisco: A Mixed Methods Study, Parya Saberi, Kristine Elizabeth Gamarel, Torsten B. Neilands, Megan Comfort, Nicolas Sheon, Lynae A. Darbes, Mallory O. Johnson

Publications and Research

Objective: We conducted a mixed-methods study to examine serodiscordant and seroconcordant (HIV-positive/HIVpositive) male couples’ PrEP awareness, concerns regarding health care providers offering PrEP to the community, and correlates of PrEP uptake by the HIV-negative member of the couple.

Design: Qualitative sub-study included one-on-one interviews to gain a deeper understanding of participants’ awareness of and experiences with PrEP and concerns regarding health care providers offering PrEP to men who have sex with men (MSM). Quantitative analyses consisted of a cross-sectional study in which participants were asked about the likelihood of PrEP uptake by the HIV-negative member of the couple and level …

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.

Trends In The Clinical Characteristics Of Hiv Infected Patients Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy In Kenya, Uganda And Tanzania Between 2002 And 2009, Elvin H. Geng, Peter W. Hunt, Lameck O. Diero, Sylvester Kimaiyo, Geofrey R. Somi, Pius Okong, David R. Bangsberg, Mwebesa B. Bwana, Craig R. Cohen, Juliana A. Otieno, Deo Wabwire, Batya Elul, Denis Nash, Philippa J. Easterbrook, Paula Braitstein, Beverly S. Musick, Jeffrey N. Martin, Constantin T. Yiannoutsos, Kara Wools-Kaloustian

Publications and Research

Background: East Africa has experienced a rapid expansion in access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIVinfected patients. Regionally representative socio-demographic, laboratory and clinical characteristics of patients accessing ART over time and across sites have not been well described.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of characteristics of HIV-infected adults initiating ART between 2002 and 2009 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and in the International Epidemiologic Databases to Evaluate AIDS Consortium. Characteristics associated with advanced disease (defined as either a CD4 cell count level of less than 50 cells/mm3 or a WHO Stage 4 condition) at the time of ART initiation …

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 …