Infection

HIV :: p21 stops HIV-1 in its tracks in hematopoietic stem cells

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are one of the few cell types able to resist infection with HIV-1 despite expressing the cell surface molecules to which HIV-1 binds before entering a cell. In a study that appears in the February issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers from Harvard Medical School, Boston, show that HSC expression of a protein known as p21Waf1/Cip1/Sdi1 (p21) is required for HSCs to be resistant to infection with HIV-1.

Flu :: HHS unveils two new efforts to advance pandemic flu preparedness

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in cooperation with departments and agencies across the Federal Government, announced two new efforts designed to improve state, local and community preparedness for an influenza pandemic, which can occur when a new strain of flu appears for which people have no immunity, and disease spreads rapidly around the world.

Liver :: Lessons learned from liver retransplantation

A new study on liver retransplantation (re-LT) over a 15 year period at a clinic in Germany found that indications for the surgery had changed and there were fewer rejections, complications, and recurrence of disease during that time.

Bird Flu :: Two suspected bird flu deaths reported in Nigeria

The United Nations health agency is helping the government of Nigeria monitor the situation following two suspected fatal bird flu cases in Africa?s most populous country, only the second possible incidence of the H5N1 virus in humans in the sub-Saharan region.

HIV :: Microbicide trial to prevent HIV transmission to women stopped due to higher risk

A trial of a new treatment to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission in women has been stopped prematurely because of a higher number of infections among those taking the microbicide cellulose sulfate compared with the placebo group, according to United Nations agencies involved.

Liver :: A new index for measuring liver fibrosis

A new study to find a non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy when diagnosing fibrosis found that a series of simple blood tests can accurately diagnose the condition.

HIV :: Leading advocates express support for microbicide research, despite disappointing trial results

HIV prevention advocates from three major civil society organizations today emphasized the importance of continued research into new HIV prevention options, despite the recent discontinuation of the phase III effectiveness trials of the microbicide candidate, cellulose sulfate (CS).