Broad and Gag-Biased HIV-1 Epitope Repertoires Are Associated with Lower Viral Loads

Background: HLA class-I alleles differ in their ability to control HIV replication through cell-mediated immune responses. No consistent associations have been found between the breadth of Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL) responses and the control of HIV-1, and it is unknown whether the size or distribution of the viral proteome-wide epitope repertoire, i.e., the intrinsic ability to present fewer, more or specific viral epitopes, could affect clinical markers of disease progression. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used an epitope prediction model to identify all epitope motifs in a set of 302 HIV-1 full-length proteomes according to each individual's HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genotype. The epitope repertoire, i.e., the number of predicted epitopes per HIV-1 proteome, varied considerably between HLA alleles and thus among individual proteomes. In a subgroup of 270 chronically infected individuals, we found that lower viral loads and higher CD4 counts were associated with a larger predicted epitope repertoire. Additionally, in Gag and Rev only, more epitopes were restricted by alleles associated with low viral loads than by alleles associated with higher viral loads. Conclusions/Significance: This comprehensive analysis puts forth the epitope repertoire as a mechanistic component of the multi-faceted HIV-specific CTL response. The favorable impact on markers of disease status of the propensity to present more HLA binding peptides and specific proteins gives impetus to vaccine design strategies that seek to elicit responses to a broad array of HIV-1 epitopes, and suggest a particular focus on Gag

It\u27s only scary if it\u27s about me or my child: Different responses to emotional appeals targeting asthma awareness

Abstract presented at Australian and New Zealand Marketing Academy Conference, Adelaide, 3-5 Dec 201

Knowledge of, beliefs about, and perceived barriers to organ and tissue donation in Serbian, Macedonian, and Greek Orthodox communities in Australia

Context-Despite the lifesaving benefits of organ and tissue donation, a worldwide shortage of suitable and registered donors exists. Although the reasons for this shortage are multifactorial, it has been recognized that distinct barriers to registration, family discussion, and consent that require targeted intervention and action are present among minority cultural, religious, and immigrant communities. Objective-To explore the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of 3 orthodox religious communities in Australia (Macedonian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox) and determine the implications for engaging with these communities to improve knowledge, attitudes, family discussion, and the ability to make an informed decision about donation. Design-Qualitative approach using focus groups moderated by researchers and bicultural health workers with the assistance of accredited interpreters. Participants-98 adult members of the Greek, Macedonian, and Serbian Orthodox communities in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, Australia. Results-Clear barriers to discussing and making an informed decision about organ and tissue donation were identified. Knowledge of processes and procedures was low and discussion about death (and organ and tissue donation) with family members and loved ones was considered taboo. Despite these barriers, all 3 communities expressed a desire for more information and engagement. Of particular interest were the perspectives of 3 types of experts : medical, religious, and other community members (who had experience with the organ and tissue donation system). Future programs designed for orthodox religious communities should consider the need for active strategies that facilitate information sharing and engagement between community members and these 3 types of experts

Preventing the spread of colds and flu: a University based social marketing campaign

Each year seasonal influenza in Australia causes an estimated 18,000 hospitalisations, 300,000 General Practitioner consultations, and 1,500 to 3,500 deaths (Newall et al., 2007). Influenza and other viral infections are commonly spread person-to-person by inhaling infectious droplets transmitted when talking, coughing or sneezing (NSW Ministry of Health, 2011). Viruses can survive for an hour or more in the air of closed environments (Weber and Stilianakis, 2008); transmission of the virus from tissues to hands is possible for up to 15 minutes, and from surfaces to hands for up to five minutes (Bean et al., 1982). Individuals in closed communities such as schools, hospitals and aged care facilities are at high risk of contracting an infectious illness as the spread of the virus is aided by humidity and diminished ventilation (Collignon and Carnie, 2006). Transmission risks in universities are similar to those in other closed communities as they host a large number of students and staff daily; these students and staff use shared facilities and spend time indoors in classrooms, libraries and offices. This presents a serious public health issue for universities (Beaton et al., 2007)

Using Social Marketing to Reduce Cold and Flu Transmission On a University Campus

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis: Influenza transmission risks in universities are similar to those in other closed communities as they host a large number of students and staff daily; these students and staff use shared facilities and spend time indoors in classrooms, libraries and offices. Evidence suggests that university students are not aware of, or not following, basic procedures to reduce the transmission of these illnesses even in situations of heightened alert and anxiety. Perhaps most notable in the Australian context is the tendency to cough or sneeze directly into the air, or into their hands, rather than into their sleeve/armpit or a disposable tissue. A social marketing approach was adopted in this project as an effective strategy to engage the population in the appropriate responses to reduce the transmission of infection requires a careful consideration of the 4Ps, not just \u27promotion\u27

Kidney disease in the setting of HIV infection:conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference

HIV-positive individuals are at increased risk for kidney disease, including HIV-associated nephropathy, noncollapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, immune-complex kidney disease, and comorbid kidney disease, as well as kidney injury resulting from prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy or from opportunistic infections. Clinical guidelines for kidney disease prevention and treatment in HIV-positive individuals are largely extrapolated from studies in the general population, and do not fully incorporate existing knowledge of the unique HIV-related pathways and genetic factors that contribute to the risk of kidney disease in this population. We convened an international panel of experts in nephrology, renal pathology, and infectious diseases to define the pathology of kidney disease in the setting of HIV infection; describe the role of genetics in the natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease in HIV-positive individuals; characterize the renal risk-benefit of antiretroviral therapy for HIV treatment and prevention; and define best practices for the prevention and management of kidney disease in HIV-positive individuals

Kidney disease in the setting of HIV infection: conclusions from a Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) Controversies Conference

HIV-positive individuals are at increased risk for kidney disease, including HIV-associated nephropathy, noncollapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, immune-complex kidney disease, and comorbid kidney disease, as well as kidney injury resulting from prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy or from opportunistic infections. Clinical guidelines for kidney disease prevention and treatment in HIV-positive individuals are largely extrapolated from studies in the general population, and do not fully incorporate existing knowledge of the unique HIV-related pathways and genetic factors that contribute to the risk of kidney disease in this population. We convened an international panel of experts in nephrology, renal pathology, and infectious diseases to define the pathology of kidney disease in the setting of HIV infection; describe the role of genetics in the natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease in HIV-positive individuals; characterize the renal risk-benefit of antiretroviral therapy for HIV treatment and prevention; and define best practices for the prevention and management of kidney disease in HIV-positive individuals