scholarly journals FIGHTING AGAINST GLOBAL HIV EPIDEMIC: AVAILABLE OPTIONS TO FOCUS ON

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 102-105
Author(s):  
Homa Nath Sharma ‘Raju’ ◽  
Sagar Baral ◽  
Yadav Baral
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Great Progress ◽  
Made In

HIV continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 32 million lives so far. While great progress has been made in preventing and treating HIV, there is still much to do. A safe and cost-effective vaccine that prevents HIV infection is considered the best strategy for containing the epidemic. However; historically, the vaccine development for HIV prevention has been extremely difficult. Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) has improved the quality of life of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients worldwide. This reality suggests that continuing on HIV vaccine research, now we should also consider applying other short-term available prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate the effect of the epidemic.

Systems Biology-Based Approaches Applied to Vaccine Development

Data Mining ◽  
2013 ◽  
pp. 1131-1148
Author(s):  
Patricio A. Manque ◽  
Ute Woehlbier
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Systems Biology ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Host Responses ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Antigen Discovery ◽  
Genomic Technologies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Genomic Revolution

Vaccines represent one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent and treat diseases. The use of vaccines in the control of viral diseases represents an important milestone in the history of medicine. The genomic revolution brought us the possibility to scan genomes in the search of new and more effective vaccine candidates and the advancement of bioinformatics provided the framework for the application of strategies that were focused not only on antigen discovery but also on comparative genomics, and pathogenic factor identification and data mining. In addition, the progress in post-genomic technologies including gene expression technologies such as microarray and proteomics gave us the opportunity to explore the host responses to vaccines leading to a better understanding of immune responses to pathogens and/or to vaccines, assisting in the development of new and better vaccines and adjuvants. This chapter will review how systems biology-based approaches including genomics, gene expression technologies, and bioinformatics have changed the way of thinking about antigen discovery and vaccine development. In addition, the chapter will discuss how the study of the host responses in combination with “in silico” approaches could help predict immunogenicity and improve the efficacy of vaccines.

Genetically identical primate modelling systems for HIV vaccines

1998 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Kent ◽  
Ian M. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Immune Responses ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Hiv Vaccine ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Hiv Vaccines ◽  
Major Step ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Hiv 1

There is an urgent need for a safe and effective vaccine to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several HIV vaccine candidates have shown promise, but many concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of current vaccines remain. A major hindrance in HIV vaccine development is a poor understanding of precisely what functions HIV vaccines are required to perform in order to protect humans from HIV-1. Only higher primates (i.e. macaques, chimpanzees and humans) are susceptible to HIV-1 or the closely related virus ‘simian immunodeficiency virus’. These species are outbred and there are remarkable genetic differences in both the immune responses to vaccines and their susceptibility to infection. The development of genetically identical macaques would be a major step towards dissecting what immune responses are required to protect from HIV infection. For example, live attenuated HIV-1 vaccines are likely to be highly efficacious, but will induce disease in a substantial proportion of recipients. Defining why a live attenuated vaccine is effective should allow safer vaccines to be developed, retaining only the immunologic properties of an effective vaccine. The reduction in ‘background genetic noise’ obtained by studying genetically identical primates would provide concise answers to critical HIV vaccine issues, by studying a minimal number of animals. Such an approach could potentially be employed in other diseases where non-human primates are the only available model. Small studies can be performed where identical twins are generated by embryo bisection; however, larger studies where multiple immune parameters are simultaneously evaluated would be facilitated by cloning technology. Despite the technical difficulties to be overcome, the potential gains in human health from the development of genetically identical non-human primates are worthy of careful consideration.

An Integrative Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Inflammatory Conditions

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Liponis ◽  
Bettina Martin
Keyword(s):  
Integrative Approach ◽  
The Past ◽  
Inflammatory Conditions ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Targeted Treatments ◽  
Great Progress ◽  
Assessment And Treatment ◽  
The Many ◽  
Made In

The past two decades have seen great progress in recognizing the importance of inflammation in medicine. Increased focus on inflammation in both prevention and treatment has improved outcomes and quality of life in chronic diseases. Science has improved our understanding of inflammation’s many causes and effects on health, and many advances have been made in the availability of targeted therapeutic options for treating inflammation. This chapter gives an overview of recognizing the many causes of inflammation, its many targeted treatments strategies, and the questions that still surround it. It discusses several integrative approaches to reducing inflammation, including exercise, diet, and different strategies for managing sleep, mood, and stress, such as meditation and massage.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Anti-Retroviral Drugs Effects on Liver Function Tests of HIV Infected Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-44
Author(s):  
Damilare Olayonwa ◽  
Samuel Oyedeji
Keyword(s):  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Liver Injury ◽  
Liver Function Tests ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Hiv Patients ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Antiretroviral Drug ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
The One

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a major global public health issue, having claimed more than 35 million lives so far. Antiretroviral therapy, the drug used to treat HIV patients, had been reported to have an adverse effect on patients’ livers. Therefore, this research aims to assess the parameters for measuring liver injury of HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy in Owo and to determine the patients' vulnerability to liver injury. The study sample was divided into five groups comprising Control groups and groups with 6 months, 1 year, 3 years and 5 years’ periods of administration of an antiretroviral drug. Serum was separated from their blood and values of ALT, ALP and BILT were determined. The results of profiling the patients based on values ALT, ALP and BILT indicated that 73%, 71% and 59% of the patients are within the reference range of the parameters, respectively. Further analysis of the percentage of patients likely to have liver diseases indicated that only 3.2% are prone to liver injury. The results of the One-way Analysis of Variance of the mean values of the groups on ALT, ALP and BILT indicated differences in mean values of the groups.  It is suggested that a longitudinal study should be carried out to determine the effect of seasonal variation in the value of the studied parameters. It is also suggested that a wider interval of the period for the groups should be used in the future to determine whether there will be a relationship between the period of administration of the drug and the parameters.

scholarly journals Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Origin, Impact, and Drug Development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amaresh Mishra ◽  
Nisha Nair ◽  
Amit K. Yadav ◽  
Pratima Solanki ◽  
Jaseela Majeed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Drug Repurposing ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
High Sequence Identity ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The People ◽  
Health Organization

At the end of December 2019, in Wuhan, China, a rapidly spreading unknown virus was reported to have caused coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Origin linked to Wuhan’s wholesale food market where live animals are sold. This disease is caused by SARS Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is closely related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This virus shares a high sequence identity with bat-derived SARS-like Coronavirus, which indicating its zoonotic origin. The virus spread globally, provoking widespread attention and panic. This Coronavirus is highly pathogenic and causes mild to severe respiratory disorders. Later, it was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its highly infectious nature and worldwide mortality rate. This virus is a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome, and its genome length about 26 to 32 kb that infects a broad range of vertebrates. The researchers worldwide focus on establishing treatment strategies on drug and vaccine development to prevent this COVID-19 pandemic. A drug repurposing approach has been used to identify a rapid treatment for the people affected by COVID-19, which could be cost-effective and bypass some Food and Drug Association (FDA) regulations to move quickly in phase-3 trials. However, there is no promising therapeutic option available yet. This book chapter addresses current information about the COVID-19 disease, including its origins, impacts, and the novel potential drug candidates that can help treat the COVID-19.

Quality Assessment of Economic Evaluations of Suicide and Self-Harm Interventions

Crisis ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lizell Bustamante Madsen ◽  
Michael Eddleston ◽  
Kristian Schultz Hansen ◽  
Flemming Konradsen
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effective ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Economic Evaluations ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Public Health Challenge ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Harm Prevention ◽  
Appraisal Tool

Abstract. Background: Death following self-harm constitutes a major global public health challenge and there is an urgent need for governments to implement cost-effective, national suicide prevention strategies. Aim: To conduct a systematic review and quality appraisal of the economic evaluations of interventions aimed at preventing suicidal behavior. Method: A systematic literature search was performed in several literature databases to identify relevant articles published from 2003 to 2016. Drummond's 10-item appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Results: In total, 25 documents encompassing 30 economic evaluations were included in the review. Of the identified evaluations, 10 studies were found to be of poor quality, 14 were of average quality, and six studies were considered of good quality. The majority of evaluations found the interventions to be cost-effective. Limitations: Several limitations were identified and discussed in the article. Conclusion: A notable few economic evaluations were identified. The studies were diverse, primarily set in high-income countries, and often based on modeling, emphasizing the need for more primary research into the topic. The discussion of suicide and self-harm prevention should be as nuanced as possible, including health economics along with cultural, social, and political aspects.

Rehabilitation management of the lower extremity in HIV disease

1995 ◽  
Vol 85 (7) ◽  
pp. 394-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
MA McReynolds
Keyword(s):  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Gait Pattern ◽  
Hiv Disease ◽  
Peripheral Neuropathies ◽  
Skin Ulcers ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
And Function

The sequelae of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease include a host of devastating conditions involving the lower extremity. These include rheumatologic dysfunction, Kaposi's sarcoma, peripheral neuropathies, and skin ulcers. Pain, weakness, and loss of range of motion caused by these conditions can lead to changes in gait pattern, loss of mobility and function, and limited quality of life. The role of the rehabilitation specialist in the care and treatment of HIV disease as it affects the lower extremity, and the treatment strategies, precautions, and suggestions will be discussed.

scholarly journals Telehealth as an Important Player in the Management of Hepatitis C Virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-195
Author(s):  
Adeel Khoja ◽  
Naureen Akber Ali ◽  
Anam Feroz
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis C Virus ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Manage Care ◽  
Important Player

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global public health issue that can cause both acute and chronic liver diseases. There is a high risk of HCV burden, but limited access and cost remain a challenge for proper diagnosis and treatment. Leveraging eHealth technology may indicate a viable solution for the management of HCV patients. Objective: To review the literature regarding the role of eHealth, including telemedicine, in the management of HCV. Methods: Databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Web of Science, and Science Direct were searched from 1 January 2008 to 30 June 2020 to identify different types of eHealth interventions used for the management of adult HCV patients. Our search also determined the role of telehealth for HCV patients in the current pandemic. Results: Four main categories emerged from this scoping review that includes improving treatment rates via utilizing telehealth services, satisfaction with the telehealth services, disease management, health promotion, and similarity between telehealth and traditional modalities. Conclusion: Current evidence suggests that telemedicine is a cost-effective and unique platform to improve patients’ access to quality services that curb the increasing burden of this silent killer in developing countries. This modality can certainly be utilized in the current crisis to manage care for HCV patients efficiently.

Medication-related harm: a geriatric syndrome

2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer M Stevenson ◽  
J Graham Davies ◽  
Finbarr C Martin
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Geriatric Syndrome ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Proactive Approach ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Tailored Approach ◽  
Related Harm

Abstract The WHO Global Patient Safety Challenge: Medication Without Harm recognises medication-related harm (MRH) as a global public health issue. Increased life-expectancy coupled with multimorbidity and polypharmacy leads to an increased incidence of MRH, especially in older adults: at a cost of approximately £400 million to the National Health Service (NHS) in England. Harm from medicines has long been recognised by geriatricians, and strategies have been developed to mitigate harm. In general, these have focused on the challenges of polypharmacy and appropriateness of medicines, but impact on the quality of life, clinical and economic outcomes has been variable and often disappointing. The problem of MRH in older adults will continue to grow unless a new approach is adopted. Emerging evidence suggests that we need to take a broader approach as described in our conceptual model, where well-recognised physiological changes are incorporated, as well as other rarely considered psychosocial issues that influences MRH. Parallels may be drawn between this approach and the management of geriatric syndromes. We propose there must be a greater emphasis on MRH, and it, of itself, should be considered as a geriatric syndrome, to bring the spotlight onto the problem and to send a clear signal from geriatric experts that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed using a co-ordinated and tailored approach across health and social care boundaries. This requires a more proactive approach to monitor and review the medicines of older adults in response to their changing need.

scholarly journals Effect of Warm Foot Bath on Heart Rate Variability in Hypertension

2021 ◽  
pp. 22-28
Author(s):  
Abhay Kumar ◽  
Sujatha K. J. ◽  
Prashanth Shetty
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Heart Rate Variability ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
P Value ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Efficient Treatment ◽  
Change In Mean

Aims: Warm foot bath is a simple, cost-effective, efficient treatment modality used in Naturopathy in the management of hypertension, a preventable and treatable global public health issue. This study was done to assess the effect of warm foot bath on heart rate variability and blood pressure and thereby to substantiate the clinical understanding of its effect in hypertensive individuals. Methodology: From the inpatient department of Shri Dharmasthala Yoga and Nature cure hospital Shantivana, hundred subjects diagnosed with hypertension belonging to the age group of 30 to 60 years were recruited for the study and warm foot bath was given to all the patients. Subjects were assessed for Blood Pressure (BP) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) before and after the intervention of 15 minutes. Results: The data analysis shows a significant reduction in SBP (p<0.001) and DBP (P<0.001). Result showed there is significant reduction seen in MEAN RR, RMSSD, NN50, PN50, VLF and significant increase in LF, HR, LF/HF ratio p value of (p<0.001). There is no significant change in MEAN HF (p>0.005). Conclusion: The result of the study shows that warm foot bath reduces the sympathetic tone and shifts the Sympatho-vagal balance in favour of parasympathetic dominance and hence, it can be concluded that warm foot bath can be effectively used in the management of hypertension. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry - India (CTRI), CTRI Reg. No.- CTRI/2020/01/022640.

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