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AIDS Research (aid + research)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	60%

Selected Abstracts

Introductory course based on a single problem: Learning nucleic acid biochemistry from AIDS research

BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION, Issue 6 2004
Neena Grover
Abstract In departure from the standard approach of using several problems to cover specific topics in a class, I use a single problem to cover the contents of the entire semester-equivalent biochemistry classes. I have developed a problem-based service-learning (PBSL) problem on HIV/AIDS to cover nucleic acid concepts that are typically taught in the second semester of a biochemistry class. Use of research articles on a specific topic allows developing problems such as one discussed here. The implementation of this problem is similar to teaching literature-based courses but is tailored to undergraduate work. Details of designing and setting up this problem, along with the pros and cons of this approach, are discussed here. [source]

A Comparison Study of Models and Fitting Procedures for Biphasic Viral Dynamics in HIV-1 Infected Patients Treated with Antiviral Therapies

BIOMETRICS, Issue 1 2000
A. Adam Ding
Summary. The study of HIV dynamics is one of the most important developments in recent AIDS research. It has led to a new understanding of the pathogenesis of HIV infection. But, although important findings in HIV dynamics have been published in prestigious scientific journals in the last 5 years, the model-fitting procedures used in these publications have not been studied in any detail. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of four model-fitting procedures proposed and used in biphasic HIV dynamic data analysis via extensive Monte Carlo simulations. We propose some guidelines for practitioners to select an appropriate method for their own data analysis. Real data examples from an AIDS clinical trial are provided as illustrations. [source]

Efficient mucosal delivery of the HIV-1 Tat protein using the synthetic lipopeptide MALP-2 as adjuvant

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
Stefan Borsutzky
Abstract A major requirement for HIV/AIDS research is the development of a mucosal vaccine that stimulates humoral and cell-mediated immune responses at systemic and mucosal levels, thereby blocking virus replication at the entry port. Thus, a vaccine prototype based on biologically active HIV-1 Tat protein as antigen and the synthetic lipopeptide, macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2), asa mucosal adjuvant was developed. Intranasal administration to mice stimulated systemic and mucosal anti-Tat antibody responses, and Tat-specific T cell responses, that were more efficient than those observed after i.p. immunization with Tat plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Major linear B cell epitopes mapped within aa 1,20 and 46,60, whereas T cell epitopes were identified within aa 36,50 and 56,70. These epitopes have also been described in vaccinated primates and in HIV-1-infected individuals with better prognosis. Analysis of the anti-Tat IgG isotypes in serum, and the cytokine profile of spleen cells indicated that a dominant Th1 helper response was stimulated by Tat plus MALP-2, as opposed to the Th2 response observed with Tat plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant. Tat-specific IFN-,-producing cells were significantly increased only in response to Tat plus MALP-2. These data suggest that Malp-2 may represent an optimal mucosal adjuvant for candidate HIV vaccines based on Tat alone or in combination with other HIV antigens. [source]

Ethical Issues in HIV Research in Poor Countries

JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 2 2001
Gladys Mabunda
Purpose: To increase awareness of the potential for conducting unethical research in poor nations in the name of scientific inquiry, and to enumerate ethical questions in HIV/AIDS research. Organizing construct: Principles of ethics and ethical analysis in clinical research. Sources and methods: Review of literature on ethical principles of research in developing nations. Findings: People who participate in clinical trials in poor countries often do so because that may be the only way to gain access to health care. However, access to tested drugs beyond clinical trials is not guaranteed. Participants often do not understand the consequences of being research subjects. Conclusions: Conducting research in poor nations requires recognition of ethical issues and maintenance of ethical standards, regardless of material wealth of the countries. Ethical standards also indicate including people from the target population in decisions relating to designing and conducting clinical trials. [source]

4232: OOKP protocol update

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010
FC LAM
Purpose The OOKP remains the procedure of choice for restoring sight in patients with corneal blindness caused by end-stage ocular surface disease not amenable to cadaveric keratoplasty. Falcinelli's modifications of Strampelli's technique of OOKP surgery remains the gold standard for its excellent visual and keratoprosthesis-retention results. To maintain good outcomes, aid research and to maintain standards, it is important that benchmarks are maintained in patient selection and preoperative assessment, surgical technique and post-operative care. We therefore present, for discussion, the updated protocol that is currently used in the British National OOKP Referral Centre at the Sussex Eye Hospital, Brighton. Methods Members of the OOKP Study Group met in Rome, Italy in 2001 and Vienna, Austria in 2002 to produce and up-to-date standard and protocol. Since then, we have continued to update our protocol on the basis of our own outcomes and findings. We present our updated protocol for discussion and for use in other OOKP centres. Results Our updated protocol includes a discussion on the indications and contraindications for surgery, criteria for patient selection, surgical technique, routine postoperative care, and the recognition and management of postoperative complications. Conclusion 5 years have passed since the standards for modified OOKP surgery were published. This paper highlights changes to this standard resulting from our practice in our national OOKP centre. [source]