Deficiency Virus Research Articles

A microfluidics chemiluminescence immunosensor based on orientation of antibody for HIV-1 p24 antigen detection

The HIV-1 capsid protein, p24 antigen, is a recognizable early diagnostic biomarker for human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infection. However, the existing methods address the limitations of high cost, cumbersome operations, long analysis time, and insufficient sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, an antibody oriented microfluidic chemiluminescence biosensor based on multiple signal amplification strategy was developed for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of HIV-1 p24 antigen. The microfluidic device contained an upstream snake-shape mixing channel and a downstream ship-shape microcavity with micropillar arrays for sufficient mixing of CL reagents, efficient capture of p24 antigen, double antibody sandwich reaction, hybridization chain reaction (HCR) amplification and CL detection. The multiple signal amplification was realized by antibody orientation, multiple HCRs on antibody and initiator chain modified gold nanoparticles (Ab2-AuNPs-I), and HRP and AuNPs synergistic catalyzed CL reaction. Using the platform, the detection of target p24 is converted to the detection of nucleic acid with a limit detection of 0.212 pg mL−1 and excellent specificity within 2 h of total analysis time, which is better or comparable to previously reported biosensors. Moreover, the biosensor exhibited an excellent recovery rate ranging from 92.7% to 102.3%. Therefore, the proposed method holds great potential in clinical diagnosis.

A Review on Inflammasomes and Immune Checkpoints in Pre-Eclampsia Complicated with Tuberculosis and Human Immune Deficiency Virus.

The current review evaluates how inflammasomes and immune checkpoints are regulated in pre-eclampsia (PE) associated with tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV). Studies indicate that inflammasomes such as (NRLP3, NEK7, and AIM2) and immune checkpoints such as (CLT4, PD-1, TIM3, and LAG-3) are dysregulated in TB- and HIV-infected individuals, and also in pre-eclamptic pregnancies, which explains why pregnant women who are either infected with TB or HIV have an increased risk of developing PE. Evidence suggests that inhibition of inflammasomes and immune checkpoints may assist in the development of novel anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention and management of PE in patients with or without TB and HIV infection.

Parasitic, bacterial, viral, immune-mediated, metabolic and nutritional factors associated with nodding syndrome.

Nodding syndrome is a neglected, disabling and potentially fatal epileptic disorder of unknown aetiology affecting thousands of individuals mostly confined to Eastern sub-Saharan Africa. Previous studies have identified multiple associations-including Onchocerca volvulus, antileiomodin-1 antibodies, vitamin B6 deficiency and measles virus infection-yet, none is proven causal. We conducted a case-control study of children with early-stage nodding syndrome (symptom onset <1 year). Cases and controls were identified through a household survey in the Greater Mundri area in South Sudan. A wide range of parasitic, bacterial, viral, immune-mediated, metabolic and nutritional risk factors was investigated using conventional and state-of-the-art untargeted assays. Associations were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis, and a hypothetical causal model was constructed using structural equation modelling. Of 607 children with nodding syndrome, 72 with early-stage disease were included as cases and matched to 65 household- and 44 community controls. Mansonella perstans infection (odds ratio 7.04, 95% confidence interval 2.28-21.7), Necator americanus infection (odds ratio 2.33, 95% confidence interval 1.02-5.3), higher antimalarial seroreactivity (odds ratio 1.75, 95% confidence interval 1.20-2.57), higher vitamin E concentration (odds ratio 1.53 per standard deviation increase, 95% confidence interval 1.07-2.19) and lower vitamin B12 concentration (odds ratio 0.56 per standard deviation increase, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.87) were associated with higher odds of nodding syndrome. In a structural equation model, we hypothesized that Mansonella perstans infection, higher vitamin E concentration and fewer viral exposures increased the risk of nodding syndrome while lower vitamin B12 concentration, Necator americanus and malaria infections resulted from having nodding syndrome. We found no evidence that Onchocerca volvulus, antileiomodin-1 antibodies, vitamin B6 and other factors were associated with nodding syndrome. Our results argue against several previous causal hypotheses including Onchocerca volvulus. Instead, nodding syndrome may be caused by a complex interplay between multiple pathogens and nutrient levels. Further studies need to confirm these associations and determine the direction of effect.

Establishment of Replication Deficient Vesicular Stomatitis Virus for Studies of PEDV Spike-Mediated Cell Entry and Its Inhibition.

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a highly contagious and virulent enteric coronavirus that causes severe enteric disease in pigs worldwide. PEDV infection causes profound diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration in pigs of all ages, resulting in high mortality rates, particularly among neonatal piglets. The spike glycoprotein (S) of PEDV plays a crucial role in binding to the host cell receptor and facilitating fusion between the viral and host membranes. Pseudotyped viral particles featuring the PEDV S protein are valuable tools for investigating virus entry, identifying neutralizing antibodies, and developing small molecules to impede virus replication. In this study, we used a codon-optimized PEDV S protein to generate recombinant pseudotyped vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) particles (rVSV-ΔG-EGFP-S). The full-length S protein was efficiently incorporated into VSV particles. The S protein pseudotyped VSV exhibited infectivity towards permissive cell lines of PEDV. Moreover, we identified a new permissive cell line, JHH7, which showed robust support for PEDV replication. In contrast to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the removal of amino acids from the cytoplasmic tail resulted in reduced efficiency of viral pseudotyping. Furthermore, we demonstrated that 25-hydroxycholesterol inhibited rVSV-ΔG-EGFP-S entry, while human APN facilitated rVSV-ΔG-EGFP-S entry through the use of ANPEP knockout Huh7 cells. Finally, by transducing swine intestinal organoids with the rVSV-ΔG-EGFP-S virus, we observed efficient infection of the swine intestinal organoids by the PEDV spike-pseudotyped VSV. Our work offers valuable tools for studying the cellular entry of PEDV and developing interventions to curb its transmission.

Establishing a surveillance system on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of key populations (KPs) at risk of compromised outcome of SRHR- A protocol for a mixed-method study.

Key populations (KPs) who are at risk of compromised situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Bangladesh constitute including males having sex with males, male sex workers, transgender women (locally known as hijra) and female sex workers. Globally, these key populations experience various sexual and reproductive health and rights burdens and unmet needs for ailments such as sexually transmitted infections including Neisseria Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia Trachomatis and human papillomavirus. Most key population focused interventions around the world, including Bangladesh, primarily address human immune deficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections-related concerns and provide syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections, other sexual and reproductive health and rights issues are remained overlooked that creates a lack of information in the related areas. There is currently no systematic research in Bangladesh that can produce representative data on sexual and reproductive health and rights among key populations, investigates their sexual and reproductive health and rights needs, how their needs evolve, and investigate underlying factors of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues that is crucial for informing more sexual and reproductive health and rights-friendly interventions for key populations. Keeping all these issues in mind, we are proposing to establish a sexual and reproductive health and rights surveillance system for key populations in Bangladesh. The sexual and reproductive health and rights surveillance system will be established in Dhaka for males having sex with males, male sex workers and transgender women, and the other in Jashore for female sex workers. The duration will be for 3 years and data will be collected twice, in year one and year two adopting a mixed method repeated cross-sectional design. All key populations 15 years and above will be sampled. Behavioural data will be collected adopting a face-to-face technique and then biological samples will be collected. Those who will be found positive for human papillomavirus, will be referred to a government hospital for treatment. Free treatment will be provided to those who will be found positive for other sexually transmitted infections. In total, 2,240 key populations will be sampled. Written assent/consent will be taken from everyone. Data will be entered by Epi-Info and analysed by Stata. Report will be produced in every year. This surveillance system will be the first of its kind to systematically assess the situation of sexual and reproductive health and rights among selected key populations in Bangladesh. It is expected that this study will provide insights needed for improving the existing sexual and reproductive health and rights intervention modalities for these vulnerable and marginalized key populations.

Magnitude of opportunistic infections and associated factors among adult people living with human immune deficient virus on art at selected public hospital, mogadishu somalia: cross-sectional study.

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 1 June and 30 August 2022 by interviewing HIV patients and reviewing case record files using a validated questionnaire containing sociodemographic, clinical, OIs history, behavioural and environmental characteristics. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with OIs at the significance level of a=0.05. The magnitude of OIs among people living with HIV was 37.1% (95% CI=31.6-42.2); major identified OIs were pulmonary tuberculosis 8.2%, Diarrhoea 7.9%, and Pneumonia 4.3%. Based on Multivariable logistic regression drinking non-sterilized water [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.395, 95% CI: 2.010-4.168], living with domestic animals (AOR=4.012, 95% CI: 1.651-4.123), Co-morbidity of chronic disease (AOR=2.910, 95% CI: 1.761-3.450), and poor ART adherence (AOR=3.121, 95% CI: 1.532-6.309) were factors associated with OIs. Human immune deficient virus patients in Mogadishu, Somalia, suffer from OIs. The OIs reduction strategies should improve drinking water sanitation, provide special consideration for those living with domestic animals and those with a co-morbid chronic disease, and improve ART adherence.

Women's voices: the lived experience of HIV-positive women in the postpartum period at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized referral hospital, Ethiopia: a phenomenological study

BackgroundPregnancy and the postpartum period are incredibly challenging for women living with the Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) due to the multidimensional influence of HIV infection. These women experience the challenges of navigating pregnancy and motherhood while living with HIV. It is poorly understood how women living with HIV (WLWH) experience pregnancy and postpartum. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the lived experience of pregnancy and postpartum among women living with HIV.MethodsA phenomenological qualitative study design was employed. A semi-structured, interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews with HIV-positive postpartum women from April to May 2022. All interviews were recorded using a voice recorder and note was taken. The collected data were transcribed and translated into English for analysis. Inductive thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data.ResultsSix main themes about the lived experience of women living with HIV were identified: (1) Fear and distress related to maternal and child Health, (2) HIV status self-disclosure dilemma, (3) Courage and commitment of HIV-positive women to prevent HIV, (4) Challenges faced and coping mechanisms used by HIV-positive women, (5) Health care providers and HIV-positive women interaction, and (6) Solution from their voices.ConclusionHIV infection also has a multidimensional impact on women’s life during pregnancy and postpartum. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the lived experience of HIV-positive women while pregnant and in the postpartum period. These women's descriptions showed that they have been experiencing various challenges that are not often addressed in antenatal clinics, such as distress and uncertainties related to vertical transmission of HIV. These women need specialized support and all-encompassing care to have a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period. Moreover, it is essential to understand the circumstances of women's lives, their relationships with others, and their decision-making processes. Healthcare professionals and other responsible bodies working with women living with HIV should encourage and support these mothers to appraise and maintain their commitment to protecting their children from acquiring HIV infection and maintaining their Health to the maximum to raise their children.

Lived experiences of adolescents living with human immuno- deficiency virus in Namibia

Adolescents living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience stigma, ill-treatment, and many other challenges due to their health condition. Their experience with HIV is highly overlooked, yet, it shapes their decisions and influences their health outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the lived experiences of adolescents living with HIV in the Namibian context. We conducted a qualitative study of adolescents (aged 10-19 years) at five different anti-retroviral treatment (ART) clinics in Rundu district, Kavango region Namibia. We used purposive sampling and collected data through in-depth interviews with 21 adolescents from October 2020 to December 2020. We analyzed the data with content analysis. The mean age of participants was 16 years, and the age ranged between 12-19 years. Most participants (62%) have never been in a relationship or engaged in sexual activities. All the participants were in school at the time of the study. The content analysis yielded five broad categories: i) experience with HIV care and treatment, ii) finding out about HIV Status, iii) the interplay between HIV and social relationships, iv) the need for information on HIV and the treatment, v) multiple fears, worries, and means to cope. Adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) experience many challenges due to their health condition. Learning about their HIV status is one of the most challenging experiences. There is a need for continued HIV care and support for adolescents living with HIV, which is adolescent- friendly and focused.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus, Human Immune Deficiency Virus and Associated Risk Factors Among Individuals with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Attending at Saint Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis are the causes of widely spread infectious disease, especially in resource-limited countries. The extent of HBV infection and its contributing factors among people with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were not adequately addressed. To assess the prevalence of HBV, HIV & their associated risk factors and the magnitude of TB among individuals with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis attending at St. Peter's Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 387 individuals with presumptive PTB from October to December 2020. A standard questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data and associated risk factors. Sputum samples were analyzed by GeneXpert, Florescent Microscopy and Ziehl-Nelson staining technique. HBsAg test was carried out using Murex Version 3 ELISA test kit from serum/Plasma samples,HIV testing was performed by rapid HIV test kits and data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The mean age of study participants was 44.2 years. Overall, 14 (3.6%), 28 (7.2%) and 37 (9.6%) of them were positive for HBV, HIV & TB, respectively. Only single patient was HBV-HIV co-infected (0.3%). The TB-HIV co-infection was identified in 6 (1.6%). In multivariate analysis, being partner separated, alcohol consumption, body piercing and having multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HBV infection. Having a spouse, who is divorced, widowed, sharing scissors, alcohol consumption and contact with multiple sexual partners also significantly associated with HIV infection. This study showed that HBV, HIV and TB are still public health issues that need awareness and health education on the risky behaviors and transmission of HBV, HIV & TB among individuals with presumptive TB suspects. Further large-scale study is necessary.

Role of host immunity and HBx among inactive chronic hepatitis B patients in a highly endemic region

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a wide range, from fulminant hepatitis to inactive chronic hepatitis B (ICB) infection. The present study evaluated critical factors in the outcomes of HBV infection in a highly endemic region of Iran (approximately 12% HBV positive). The expression of seven genes involved in host immunity (Foxp3, T-bet, ROR-γt, AKT, CREB, IL-28/or IFN-λ2, and IL-28R) and HBx for viral activities were evaluated using real-time PCR, TaqMan method. A total of 58 subjects were randomly chosen, including 28 ICB and 30 healthy controls (HCs) from the Esfandiar district, South Khorasan province, Iran. The expression index of Foxp3 and ROR-γt was moderately up-regulated in ICBs but did not statistically significant. T-bet expression in ICB patients was significantly higher than in HCs (p = 0.004).Furthermore, evaluating two signalling pathways in Th activation and cell survival showed that the CREB pathway was significantly up-regulated in ICB patients compared to HCs (p = 0.006), but the AKT did not differ. In innate immune responses, the IL-28/or IFN-λ2 expression in ICB patients was significantly higher than in the HCs (p = 0.02). Surprisingly, only one ICB patient disclosed HBx expression, which shows deficient virus activity in these patients. The ICB condition seems to result from host immune pressure on HBV activities, up-regulation of T-bet and IFN-λ. The high expression of CREB may prevent Kupffer's pro-inflammatory reactions in the liver. Whereas the absence of HBx expression in ICB patients and, consequently, the inactivity of HBV may also confirm such immune pressure.

Multi-objective optimization with majority voting ensemble of classifiers for prediction of HIV-1 protease cleavage site

HIV-1 protease cleavage site prediction of an amino acid sequence of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV-1) type 1 has been the subject of intense research for decades to increase the AUC value of the prediction without placing much attention to the accuracy metric by many researchers. Knowledge of the substrate specificity of HIV-1 protease has significant application in HIV-1 protease inhibitors development and in studying novel drug targets. Motivated by this, a multi-objective optimization (MOO)-based majority voting ensemble framework combining the outputs from multiple classifiers has been proposed in the current paper to increase both the prediction accuracy and AUC values simultaneously. The optimal set of classifiers that are considered for voting purposes at the time of combining the outputs is determined automatically using the search capability of MOO. Comparatively better results have been attained using various benchmark data sets with average accuracy and AUC (area under the ROC curve) values of 0.92 and 0.96, respectively.

Assessment of Student&amp;apos;s Knowledge in High Institute of Medical Technology / Abuslim About Tuberculosis Diseases

Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of human death after human immune deficiency virus (HIV) Tuberculosis is an airborne disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) (2). <i>Objective: </i>The study aims to identify the student knowledge about tuberculosis disease. <i>Method: </i>The sample of 140 students was selected from the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth class from the medical departments in high Institute of Medical Technology/abusleem for the period from March 2019 to June 2019. The questionnaire was designed to achieve the aims of study, it was consisting of many parts, the first content the demographic information, the second part include knowledge of students about categories that infected with tuberculosis. The third part include the student knowledge of the signs of disease, the fourth content methods of transmission of disease, and the last part include the student information about the methods of protection of tuberculosis disease. Data were analyzed by using frequency distribution, percentage. <i>Results:</i> This study found insufficient TB knowledge in a sample of students, poor knowledge about TB. They must improve knowledge about TB, because these students could be exposed to the Mycobacterium strains during their training activities or when they are employed in private and public health care settings.

Educational needs assessment of medical and midwifery students about prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV: a cross-sectional study.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), is an important way of acquired immune deficiency virus (AIDS) transmission. Medical and midwifery students need to have sufficient knowledge in terms of MTCT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the educational needs of these students regarding MTCT of HIV. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 medical (extern and intern) and midwifery Bachelor (semester 4 and above) and Master students in Gonabad University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The real needs questionnaire on MTCT AIDS and the perceived needs questionnaire on MTCT were used for need assessment evaluation. Majority of the participants were female (77.5%) and single (65%). Study participants included 48.3% medical and 51.7% midwifery students. High real educational need was reported by 63.5% of medical and 36.5% of midwifery students. More than half of the participants (59.2%) felt a great need for education on MTCT of HIV. OF the areas of real educational needs, the highest and lowest scores were related to the areas of prevention and symptoms, respectively. Students in higher semesters had the highest percentage of real need compared to other students (p = 0.015). The real need for MTCT of HIV prevention was higher among medical students compared to midwifery students (p = 0.004). The observed high real and perceived needs of students, especially in the higher semesters and the field of medicine, necessitates the re-examination of their educational curricula.

Prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease in HIV Infected patients coming to Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Department in A Tertiary Care Centre in South India

Introduction: AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), caused by the human immune deficiency virus (HIV), is a chronic, potentially life-threatening condition. Non-communicable diseases require long – term care and treatment as they are chronic conditions that result in lifelong health consequences. In our study we tried to evaluate the prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) among HIV patients. Methodology: This is a prospective study consisting 191 patients who were presented to the Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Department over 2 year for various HIV related acute problems. Chi-square test was used to find significance of association of qualitative variables. Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease scale (ASCVD) and Framingham risk score were used. Results: 65.45% of patients were in the age group 40-60 yrs. From the total number of HIV patients, 64.92% (123) of patients were affected by NCDs. The prevalence rate of dyslipidemia 49(25.7%) was found to be high, followed by hypertension 48(25.1%) and diabetes 36(18.8%). There is a major association (p value &lt; 0.001) linking Framingham score and CAD and a borderline significance (p=0.093) between ASCVD score and CAD. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of non-communicable diseases among retro positive patients is high and should be screened in the same manner as done for routine patients. HIV patients presents to the Emergency room with disease related deteriorations and also with NCD associated complications. When managing in the emergency room it is always essential to think of these NCDs in HIV patients and the complication it can produce. This will help in early diagnosis, evaluate the complication in more organised manner and provide effective management. This will also provide in reducing the morbidity and mortality among such patients.

Dual Contraceptive Method Utilization and Associated Factors Among HIV Positive Women Attending ART Clinic in Finote-Selam Hospital: Cross-Sectional Study

Worldwide, the human immune deficiency virus is the leading cause of death for women of childbearing age. Around two-thirds of all pregnant women living with the human immune deficiency virus experience an unintended pregnancy. The correct and consistent use of dual contraceptive methods is important to prevent unintended pregnancy and transmission of sexually transmitted infections. However, little is known about the utilization of dual contraceptive methods among HIV-infected women. Thus, this study aimed to assess dual contraceptive utilization and associated factors among HIV-positive women attending antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Finote Selam Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. Facility-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from September 1 to October 30, 2019, in Finote Selam Hospital among HIV-positive women. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants and the data were gathered by an interviewer-administered structured pretested questionnaire. Factors associated with dual contraceptive use were identified through binary logistic regression. Finally, a p-value < 0.05 was taken as a cutoff point to declare a significant association, and the direction and strength of the association were determined by the adjusted odds ratio. The study showed that 21.8% of HIV-positive women attending ART care in Finote Selam Hospital utilize dual contraceptive methods. Dual contraceptive utilization was significantly associated with having a child (AOR: 3.29; CI 1.45, 7.47), having family support to use dual contraceptives (AOR: 3.02; CI 1.39, 6.54), having multiple sexual partners (AOR: 0.11; CI 0.05, 0.22), and urban residence (AOR: 3.64; 1.82, 7.3). The study revealed that low utilization of dual contraceptive methods. This will continue major public health problems in the study area unless future interventions conducted.

Characteristics of rectal chlamydia among men who have sex with men in southern Taiwan, 2020-2022: An emerging threat of rectal lymphogranuloma venereum L2b.

The prevalence of rectal chlamydia among men who have sex with men (MSM) without human deficiency virus infection (non-HIV) remains uncertain in Taiwan, and rectal lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) among MSM has never been reported in the Far East. From January 2020 to April 2022, MSM coming for anonymous voluntary counseling and testing, for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and for antiretroviral therapy were enrolled. All participants submitted his fecal samples and completed a QR-code questionnaire. Medical records of those who took regular medical visits for HIV were recorded. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for all fecal samples, and ompA gene sequencing was therefore performed for each Chlamydia-positive fecal sample. Among 341 MSM during 2020-2022 in southern Taiwan, 21 (6.2%) had rectal chlamydia infection. Risk factors of rectal chlamydia included co-infection with rectal gonorrhea (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44-31.91, P=0.015) and multiple sexual partners (AOR 1.373, 95% CI 1.002-1.882, P=0.048). Further ompA gene sequencing from 19 Chlamydia-positive fecal samples revealed that the prevalent genotypes or genovariants were Da (26.3%) and L2b (26.3%), followed by B (21.1%), J (14.3%), and G (9.5%). All cases of rectal LGV genovariant L2b presented as acute proctitis with diarrhea, anal pain, or discharge and were treated successfully with prolonged treatment of doxycycline. Rectal gonorrhea and multiplex sexual partners are risk factors for rectal chlamydia. Clinicians in Taiwan should be aware of the emerging threat of rectal LGV among MSM with acute proctitis.

Impact of Programmed Death-Ligand 1 Expression on Mismatch Repair Deficiency and Epstein-Barr Virus Status on Survival Outcomes in Patients with Stage II/III Gastric Cancer After Surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic impact of mismatch repair (MMR) status, programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status in stage II/III gastric cancer after surgery. This study included 679 patients diagnosed with pathological stage II/III gastric cancer who underwent curative gastrectomy followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) or observation between 2007 and 2015. Clinical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed and compared with stratification by AC and other clinicopathological factors. Patients were divided into AC (n=484) or surgery alone (SA; n = 195) groups and were further stratified by MMR and EBV status: MMR-deficient (DMMR) and MMR-proficient (PMMR) groups. Comparing the AC-DMMR group versus the AC-PMMR group, 5-year overall survival was 92.0% versus 74.0% (log-rank p<0.01), and comparing the SA-DMMR group versus the SA-PMMR group, 5-year overall survival was 71.1% versus 73.7% (log-rank p=0.89). DMMR (hazard ratio 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.81) was identified as an independent prognostic factor in the AC group but not in the SA group. In the subgroup analysis, PD-L1-negative patients among the EBV-positive patients or in the DMMR group had a poor prognosis in both the AC and SA groups. The prognosis of the PMMR and EBV-negative patients was similar regardless of PD-L1 expression. DMMR was associated with a favorable prognosis in stage II/III gastric cancer after surgery and adjuvant therapy. PD-L1 expression may affect the prognosis of DMMR and EBV-positive gastric cancer.

Dynamical behaviors of a stochastic HIV/AIDS epidemic model with treatment

In this paper, by using Itô's formula, we study the dynamic behaviors of a stochastic human immune deficiency virus (HIV) model, which describes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with the effect of treatment. First, we discuss the global positivity of the solution to such a model with positive initial value. Then, we consider the limiting behavior of the solution. Moreover, we obtain the sufficient condition to guarantee the extinction of AIDS. Meanwhile, by constructing an appropriate Lyapunov function, we prove that the solution has a unique ergodic stationary distribution under a certain assumptions. Finally, we illustrate the validity of our results by numerical simulations.

A label-free multicolor colorimetric and fluorescence dual mode biosensing of HIV-1 DNA based on the bifunctional NiFe2O4@UiO-66 nanozyme

Finding the DNA of the human immune deficiency virus (HIV) with simple and sensitive detection is the main challenge in early diagnosis of AIDS. Herein, two-point separation strategies based on the colorimetric and fluorescence are introduced. The naked-eye qualitative and semiquantitative colorimetric, and also accuracy fluorescence quantification of HIV-1 DNA were applied using label-free NiFe2O4@UiO-66 nanozyme with both functions of peroxidase-mimetic like and emitting fluorescence. The DNA probe-conjugated nanozyme is employed to hybridize a sequence of HIV-1. NiFe2O4@UiO-66 nanozymes catalyze the decomposition of H2O2 to •OH which can produce a remarkable fluorescent product 2-hydroxyterephthalic acid (TAOH) by the oxidation of the bridging ligand of weakly fluorescent terephthalic acid (TA). The accessibility of H2O2 toward confined-NiFe2O4 MNPs was reduced by increasing the HIV-1 target DNA concentration, resulting in the fluorescence intensity of TAOH being decreased. Meanwhile, remaining the unreacted H2O2 was transferred an acidic colorimetric solution containing FeSO4 and gold nanorods (AuNRs). Increasing the amount of H2O2 available for longitudinal etching of AuNRs due to •OH-generating Fe+2-catalyzed H2O2 is reponsible for different colors from brownish to colorless depending on the HIV-1 target DNA concentration. The fluorescence intensity and obtained colors have offered the sensitive biosensing methods with a linear range from 0.05 to 300 and 1–200 pM, respectively with a detection limit as low as 1 fM. Our study revealed that the applied sensing assay provides a cost-effective and straightforward qualitative, semiquantitative, and sensitive quantitation visible monitoring without the necessity of high-end instruments for HIV-1 detection in a human blood plasma/serum samples.

A Conceptual Model to Strengthen Integrated Management of HIV and NCDs among NIMART-Trained Nurses in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Integrated management of human immune deficiency virus (HIV) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in primary health care facilities remains a challenge. Despite research that has been conducted in South Africa, it is evident that in Limpopo Province there are slits in the implementation thereof. There is a need to develop a conceptual model to guide in strengthening the clinical competence of nurse-initiated management of antiretroviral therapy (NIMART)-trained nurses to implement the integrated management of HIV and NCDs to improve clinical outcomes of patients with the dual burden of diseases in Limpopo Province, South Africa. This study aimed to develop a conceptual model to strengthen the implementation of integrated management of HIV and NCDs amongst NIMART nurses to improve clinical outcomes of patients with the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases in Limpopo Province, South Africa. An explanatory, sequential, mixed-methods research design was followed. Data were collected from patient records and the skills audit of 25 Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities and from 28 NIMART trained nurses. Donabedian's structure process outcome model and Miller's pyramid of clinical competence provided a foundation in the development of the conceptual model. The study revealed a need to develop a conceptual model to strengthen the implementation of integrated HIV and NCDs implementation in PHC, as evidenced by differences in the management of HIV and NCDs. Conclusion: The study findings were conceptualised to describe and develop a model needed to strengthen the implementation of integrated management of HIV and NCDs amongst NIMART nurses working in PHC facilities. The study was limited to Limpopo Province; the model must be implemented in conjunction with the available frameworks to achieve better clinical outcomes.