LIVIVO - The Search Portal for Life Sciences

zur deutschen Oberfläche wechseln
Advanced search

Search results

Result 1 - 10 of total 85

Search options

  1. Article: HIV self-test during the time of COVID-19, India.

    Rao, Amrita

    The Indian journal of medical research

    2020  Volume 152, Issue 1 & 2, Page(s) 164–167

    MeSH term(s) Betacoronavirus/pathogenicity ; COVID-19 ; Coronavirus Infections/complications ; Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology ; Coronavirus Infections/virology ; HIV Infections/complications ; HIV Infections/epidemiology ; HIV Infections/virology ; HIV-1/pathogenicity ; Humans ; India/epidemiology ; Pandemics ; Pneumonia, Viral/complications ; Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology ; Pneumonia, Viral/virology ; SARS-CoV-2
    Keywords covid19
    Language English
    Publishing date 2020-09-17
    Publishing country India
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 390883-5
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    DOI 10.4103/ijmr.IJMR_2521_20
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  2. Article ; Online: HIV self-test during the time of COVID-19, India

    Rao, Amrita

    Indian Journal of Medical Research

    2020  Volume 152, Issue 1, Page(s) 164

    Keywords General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology ; General Medicine ; covid19
    Language English
    Publisher Medknow
    Publishing country in
    Document type Article ; Online
    ZDB-ID 390883-5
    ISSN 0019-5340 ; 0971-5916
    ISSN 0019-5340 ; 0971-5916
    DOI 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2521_20
    Database BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

    More links

    Kategorien

  3. Article ; Online: Leveraging Routinely Collected Program Data to Inform Extrapolated Size Estimates for Key Populations in Namibia: Small Area Estimation Study.

    Loeb, Talia / Willis, Kalai / Velishavo, Frans / Lee, Daniel / Rao, Amrita / Baral, Stefan / Rucinski, Katherine

    JMIR public health and surveillance

    2024  Volume 10, Page(s) e48963

    Abstract: Background: Estimating the size of key populations, including female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM), can inform planning and resource allocation for HIV programs at local and national levels. In geographic areas where direct ... ...

    Abstract Background: Estimating the size of key populations, including female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM), can inform planning and resource allocation for HIV programs at local and national levels. In geographic areas where direct population size estimates (PSEs) for key populations have not been collected, small area estimation (SAE) can help fill in gaps using supplemental data sources known as auxiliary data. However, routinely collected program data have not historically been used as auxiliary data to generate subnational estimates for key populations, including in Namibia.
    Objective: To systematically generate regional size estimates for FSW and MSM in Namibia, we used a consensus-informed estimation approach with local stakeholders that included the integration of routinely collected HIV program data provided by key populations' HIV service providers.
    Methods: We used quarterly program data reported by key population implementing partners, including counts of the number of individuals accessing HIV services over time, to weight existing PSEs collected through bio-behavioral surveys using a Bayesian triangulation approach. SAEs were generated through simple imputation, stratified imputation, and multivariable Poisson regression models. We selected final estimates using an iterative qualitative ranking process with local key population implementing partners.
    Results: Extrapolated national estimates for FSW ranged from 4777 to 13,148 across Namibia, comprising 1.5% to 3.6% of female individuals aged between 15 and 49 years. For MSM, estimates ranged from 4611 to 10,171, comprising 0.7% to 1.5% of male individuals aged between 15 and 49 years. After the inclusion of program data as priors, the estimated proportion of FSW derived from simple imputation increased from 1.9% to 2.8%, and the proportion of MSM decreased from 1.5% to 0.75%. When stratified imputation was implemented using HIV prevalence to inform strata, the inclusion of program data increased the proportion of FSW from 2.6% to 4.0% in regions with high prevalence and decreased the proportion from 1.4% to 1.2% in regions with low prevalence. When population density was used to inform strata, the inclusion of program data also increased the proportion of FSW in high-density regions (from 1.1% to 3.4%) and decreased the proportion of MSM in all regions.
    Conclusions: Using SAE approaches, we combined epidemiologic and program data to generate subnational size estimates for key populations in Namibia. Overall, estimates were highly sensitive to the inclusion of program data. Program data represent a supplemental source of information that can be used to align PSEs with real-world HIV programs, particularly in regions where population-based data collection methods are challenging to implement. Future work is needed to determine how best to include and validate program data in target settings and in key population size estimation studies, ultimately bridging research with practice to support a more comprehensive HIV response.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Female ; Male ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Homosexuality, Male ; Bayes Theorem ; Namibia/epidemiology ; Sex Workers ; Sexual and Gender Minorities ; HIV Infections/epidemiology
    Language English
    Publishing date 2024-04-04
    Publishing country Canada
    Document type Journal Article
    ISSN 2369-2960
    ISSN (online) 2369-2960
    DOI 10.2196/48963
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  4. Article: HIV epidemic in Mizoram, India: A rapid review to inform future responses.

    Rao, Amrita / Mamulwar, Megha / Shahabuddin, Sheikh Mohammed / Roy, Tarun / Lalnuntlangi, Nunui / Panda, Samiran

    The Indian journal of medical research

    2023  Volume 156, Issue 2, Page(s) 203–217

    Abstract: Background & objectives: Mizoram, a northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is home to several tribal clans under the ethnic group Mizo: Renthelei, Ralte, Paite, Lai, Hmar, Lusei, Mara, Thado and Kuki. Mizos also reside in the neighbouring ... ...

    Abstract Background & objectives: Mizoram, a northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is home to several tribal clans under the ethnic group Mizo: Renthelei, Ralte, Paite, Lai, Hmar, Lusei, Mara, Thado and Kuki. Mizos also reside in the neighbouring northeastern States of Tripura, Assam, Manipur and Nagaland. The majority of Mizo people outside India live across the border in the neighbouring Chin State and Sagaing Region of Myanmar. Over the last decade, Mizoram witnessed a concerning level of rise in HIV prevalence among the general population. The present rapid review was conducted to identify various interventions that could help curb this rising trend.
    Methods: An electronic search strategy with broad domains of 'HIV/AIDS', 'key population', 'community engagement' and 'interventions in Mizoram' using PubMed, Embase and Cochrane was adopted; grey literature were also accessed. Evidence, thus gleaned, were synthesized.
    Results: Twenty eight resource materials comprising articles, reports and dissertations contributed to the current review. Changing tribal social support structure, early initiation of drugs, sexual debut at an early age and drug-sex interface were identified as factors associated with the progression of HIV epidemic in the State. Issues pertaining to the migration of people across the borders and easy access to drugs continue to be of concern. Churches and youth leaders have a strong influence on the society, at times even constraining access of key population groups to HIV prevention and care services. Tackling stigma and discrimination, ensuring uninterrupted HIV services and creation of an enabling environment in this context seems urgently needed. Incarcerated people in the State have been found with a high level of HIV infection and their linkages with prevention and care services need strengthening.
    Interpretation & conclusions: This review underscores the importance of drawing upon successful intervention examples from the past such as 'Friends on Friday' and Red Ribbon Clubs. Active engagement of community-based organizations in programme planning, implementation and monitoring is essential. Establishment of harm reduction interventions for general and key populations paired with strategic communication appear to be the need of the hour.
    MeSH term(s) Adolescent ; Humans ; HIV Infections/epidemiology ; HIV Infections/prevention & control ; India/epidemiology ; Sexual Behavior ; Epidemics ; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/epidemiology
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-04-10
    Publishing country India
    Document type Review ; Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 390883-5
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    DOI 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1453_22
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  5. Article: Exploring the Evolutionary History and Phylodynamics of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Outbreak From Unnao, India Using Phylogenetic Approach.

    Patil, Ajit / Patil, Sandip / Rao, Amrita / Gadhe, Sharda / Kurle, Swarali / Panda, Samiran

    Frontiers in microbiology

    2022  Volume 13, Page(s) 848250

    Abstract: Certain rural and semiurban settings in the Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, India observed an unprecedented increase in the detection of HIV cases during July 2017. Subsequent investigations through health camps and a follow-up case-control study ... ...

    Abstract Certain rural and semiurban settings in the Unnao district, Uttar Pradesh, India observed an unprecedented increase in the detection of HIV cases during July 2017. Subsequent investigations through health camps and a follow-up case-control study attributed the outbreak to the unsafe injection exposures during treatment. In this study, we have undertaken a secondary analysis to understand the phylogenetic aspects of the outbreak-associated HIV-1 sequences along with the origin and phylodynamics of these sequences. The initial phylogenetic analysis indicated separate monophyletic grouping and there was no mixing of outbreak-associated sequences with sequences from other parts of India. Transmission network analysis using distance-based and non-distance-based methods revealed the existence of transmission clusters within the monophyletic Unnao clade. The median time to the most recent common ancestor (tMRCA) for sequences from Unnao using the pol gene region was observed to be 2011.87 [95% highest posterior density (HPD): 2010.09-2013.53], while the estimates using envelope (env) gene region sequences traced the tMRCA to 2010.33 (95% HPD: 2007.76-2012.99). Phylodynamics estimates demonstrated that the pace of this local epidemic has slowed down in recent times before the time of sampling, but was certainly on an upward track since its inception till 2014.
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-05-18
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2587354-4
    ISSN 1664-302X
    ISSN 1664-302X
    DOI 10.3389/fmicb.2022.848250
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  6. Article: HIV oral self-screening test among HIV/STD/TB clinic attendees: A mixed-method pilot investigation examining merit for larger evaluation.

    Rao, Amrita / Patil, Sandip / Nirmalkar, Amit / Bagul, Rajani / Ghule, Ujjwala / Panchal, Narayan / Panda, Samiran

    The Indian journal of medical research

    2022  Volume 155, Issue 3&4, Page(s) 403–412

    Abstract: Background & objectives: Globally, several countries consider HIV self-test as an important element in the toolbox to end AIDS by 2030. Against this background, the present investigation was conducted to pilot test the performance of an indigenous HIV ... ...

    Abstract Background & objectives: Globally, several countries consider HIV self-test as an important element in the toolbox to end AIDS by 2030. Against this background, the present investigation was conducted to pilot test the performance of an indigenous HIV oral self-test (HIVOST) and explore its acceptability. The overall purpose was to examine if this kit could serve as a promising tool and merit future larger clinical evaluation.
    Methods: A concurrent mixed-method investigation was undertaken during March-October 2019. One hundred and thirty two consecutive HIV/sexually transmitted diseases/tuberculosis clinic attendees were invited for participation; of whom, 100 were enrolled, and among them, 40 provided consent for qualitative in-depth interviews. The HIVOST kit assessed for its performance served as the 'index test', which worked on the principle of lateral flow chromatography. The results of the HIVOST were interpreted independently by the study physicians and participants at 20 min. HIVOST kit performance was assessed against the HIV confirmatory blood test result based on the national algorithm (3 rapid test or 1 ELISA and 2 rapid test) serving as the 'reference'. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and inter-rater agreement were estimated. The voices and concerns of the study participants were coded followed by identification of qualitative themes and ideas.
    Results: The sensitivity and specificity of the index test at the end of 20 min as interpreted by the participants were 83.3 per cent [95% confidence interval (CI): 69.8 to 92.5] and 98 per cent (95% CI: 89.4 to 99.5), respectively. Study physicians and participants independently interpreted HIVOST results with substantial inter-rater agreement (kappa value 0.88; 95% CI: 0.78-0.97). All HIVOST test strips were valid. Majority of the participants preferred saliva over blood for HIV self-test. 'Comfort', 'confidentiality' and 'convenience' were the perceived advantages of HIVOST. Some of the participants wished the package inserts contained 'how-to-do instructions in local languages', 'expiry date (if any)' and 'contact helpline number'. A few of them highlighted the need for a confirmatory HIV result following oral self-test. Concerns of the participants revolved around potential self-harm following HIVOST-positive result and safe disposal of kits.
    Interpretation & conclusions: Two major highlights of the present investigation are (i) high level of concordance in HIVOST results interpreted by participants and physicians, and (ii) encouraging level of acceptance of HIVOST. These findings and encouraging HIVOST performance statistics lend support towards large-scale clinical evaluation of this index test.
    MeSH term(s) Cross-Sectional Studies ; HIV Infections/diagnosis ; Humans ; Pilot Projects ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tuberculosis/diagnosis
    Language English
    Publishing date 2022-04-07
    Publishing country India
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 390883-5
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    ISSN 0971-5916 ; 0019-5340
    DOI 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_3131_21
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  7. Article ; Online: Finding a way forward with the community: qualitative inquiry in the generalized HIV epidemic in Mizoram, India.

    Rao, Amrita / Mamulwar, Megha / Panda, Samiran / Pachuau, Henry Zodinliana / Vanlalvenzuali, H / Lalruatsanga / Roy, Tarun / Lalnuntlangi, Nunui

    Frontiers in public health

    2023  Volume 11, Page(s) 1217628

    Abstract: Introduction: Mizoram, the northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is presently witnessing a burgeoning generalized HIV epidemic along with the highest State-level HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs, 24.7%) and people who inject drugs ( ...

    Abstract Introduction: Mizoram, the northeastern State of India bordering Myanmar, is presently witnessing a burgeoning generalized HIV epidemic along with the highest State-level HIV prevalence among female sex workers (FSWs, 24.7%) and people who inject drugs (PWID,19.8%) in the country. The present study was conducted against such background to understand the current situation of HIV prevention and care services in Mizoram, and capture community voices as well as concerns so that the way forward could be informed appropriately.
    Methods: The study period was October through December 2020 (in the midst of COVID-restrictions) in the districts of Aizawl, Mamit, Kolasib, Lunglei, and Champhai where HIV prevalence crossed 1% among ante-natal clinic (ANC) attending women. Contrastingly, the national average HIV prevalence among ANC attendees is 0.24%, which formed the basis for selecting the aforementioned five high burden districts for this current inquiry. In-depth-interviews were conducted with community members and youth leaders, vulnerable and general population groups as well as HIV-program officials. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated and later coded for analysis following thematic approach.
    Results: The emerging issues were grouped in three thematic layers; (1) HIV vulnerability, (2) challenges pertaining to prevention and care services, and (3) program elements and future roadmap. Discrimination at the community level, unfriendly behavior of some of the HIV-service staff, occasional interruption in supplies of anti-retroviral treatment and sterile syringes and needles were voiced as deterrents to accessing HIV prevention and care services by the participants. Community engagement, based on restorative approach rather than retribution and ensuring enhanced performance of the district AIDS program control units emerged as necessary programmatic elements.
    Conclusion: This inquiry highlighted macro-social and structural forces contributing to stigma and discrimination toward people at risk of HIV. It is urgent that HIV-services are re-aligned through de-centralized district level innovations and creation of safer spaces at the physical, societal and familial level. These, even during the time of stress such as a pandemic, would help health services to remain resilient. HIV outreach, sensitization of the community leaders and health-care professionals through strategic communication and ownership of the communities in these endeavors appeared paramount.
    MeSH term(s) Adolescent ; Humans ; Female ; HIV Infections/epidemiology ; HIV Infections/prevention & control ; Sex Workers ; COVID-19/epidemiology ; Social Stigma ; Qualitative Research
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-07-24
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
    ZDB-ID 2711781-9
    ISSN 2296-2565 ; 2296-2565
    ISSN (online) 2296-2565
    ISSN 2296-2565
    DOI 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1217628
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  8. Article ; Online: Antiretroviral Treatment-Induced Galectin-9 Might Impact HIV Viremia in Addition to Contributing to Inflammaging.

    Shete, Ashwini / Wagh, Vaishnav / Sawant, Jyoti / Shidhaye, Pallavi / Sane, Suvarna / Rao, Amrita / Kulkarni, Smita / Ghate, Manisha

    International journal of molecular sciences

    2023  Volume 24, Issue 15

    Abstract: Background: Galectin-9 induces HIV reactivation and also contributes to non-AIDS events through inflammaging. Hence, it is important to assess its levels in HIV-infected individuals to determine their association with HIV viremia and other comorbidities. ...

    Abstract Background: Galectin-9 induces HIV reactivation and also contributes to non-AIDS events through inflammaging. Hence, it is important to assess its levels in HIV-infected individuals to determine their association with HIV viremia and other comorbidities.
    Methods: Plasma galectin-9 levels were estimated in viremic
    Result: Plasma galectin-9 levels correlated positively with VL (r = 0.507,
    Conclusion: The galectin-9-to-CD4 count ratio indicated the potential of galectin-9 as a cheaper monitoring tool to detect HIV viremia. Strategies for countering the effects of galectin-9 for controlling HIV viremia and non-AIDS events are urgently warranted.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; HIV Infections/drug therapy ; Viremia/drug therapy ; Anti-Retroviral Agents/therapeutic use ; CD4 Lymphocyte Count ; Viral Load ; Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Anti-Retroviral Agents ; Anti-HIV Agents
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-07-31
    Publishing country Switzerland
    Document type Journal Article
    ZDB-ID 2019364-6
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    ISSN (online) 1422-0067
    ISSN 1422-0067 ; 1661-6596
    DOI 10.3390/ijms241512273
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

  9. Article ; Online: Effect of implementation strategies on pre-exposure prophylaxis persistence among female sex workers in South Africa: an interrupted time series study.

    Rao, Amrita / Mhlophe, Hlengiwe / Pretorius, Anje / Mcingana, Mfezi / Mcloughlin, Jennifer / Shipp, Lillian / Baral, Stefan / Hausler, Harry / Schwartz, Sheree / Lesko, Catherine

    The lancet. HIV

    2023  Volume 10, Issue 12, Page(s) e807–e815

    Abstract: Background: A disproportionate number of new HIV infections in South Africa are among female sex workers; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is freely available to female sex workers in the country, but unique barriers challenge PrEP ... ...

    Abstract Background: A disproportionate number of new HIV infections in South Africa are among female sex workers; pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention is freely available to female sex workers in the country, but unique barriers challenge PrEP persistence. TB HIV Care, a large South African non-profit organisation that provides daily oral PrEP (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and emtricitabine), has implemented multiple strategies to improve PrEP persistence. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different implementation strategies on PrEP persistence in a large-scale real-world setting.
    Methods: In this interrupted time series study, we estimated level changes in 1-month oral PrEP persistence associated with roll-out of various implementation strategies among female sex workers across nine districts in South Africa. We used routinely collected data from TB HIV Care programme files from June 7, 2016, to April 30, 2021. Poisson regression of 1-month persistence was used to assess the effect of these strategies. In secondary analyses, we tested the association between each of the strategies and 4-month persistence.
    Findings: The median 1-month PrEP persistence for female sex workers was 33% (IQR 27-40). SMS support and refill reminders were associated with an 11% relative increase in 1-month persistence (risk ratio [RR] 1·11, 95% CI 1·02-1·26) and clinical mentoring for PrEP providers was associated with a 127% relative increase (RR 2·27, 95% CI 1·94-2·66) among female sex workers. The loyalty rewards programme was negatively associated with 1-month persistence (RR 0·71, 95% CI 0·67-0·83). Although clinical mentoring improved 4-month persistence, SMS support text messages had no significant effect.
    Interpretation: Identification and subsequent use of clinical mentoring for PrEP providers and SMS support and refill reminders might improve the usefulness of PrEP overall to prevent new HIV infections among female sex workers. PrEP persistence remains an important issue, and strategies to build on our findings are needed.
    Funding: National Institute of Mental Health and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
    MeSH term(s) Humans ; Female ; HIV Infections/epidemiology ; HIV Infections/prevention & control ; HIV Infections/drug therapy ; Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use ; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ; South Africa/epidemiology ; Sex Workers ; Interrupted Time Series Analysis ; Emtricitabine/therapeutic use
    Chemical Substances Anti-HIV Agents ; Emtricitabine (G70B4ETF4S)
    Language English
    Publishing date 2023-12-01
    Publishing country Netherlands
    Document type Journal Article ; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural ; Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
    ISSN 2352-3018
    ISSN (online) 2352-3018
    DOI 10.1016/S2352-3018(23)00262-X
    Database MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

    More links

    Kategorien

To top