2007

Needle stick injuries prevalent: United Press International - December 21, 2007; NEW YORK, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- One out of 10 nurses who don t work in U.S. hospitals reports at least one needle stick injury in the previous 12 months, a U.S. study found. Researchers at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health assessed the risk of exposure to blood-borne pathogens -- HIV, hepatitis B and C
Hospital infection control could cut TB: United Press International - December 19, 2007; NEW HAVEN, Conn., Dec. 19 (UPI) -- Hospitals could prevent half of the new drug-resistant cases of tuberculosis by using a combination of infection control measures, a U.S. study said. Sanjay Basu and the research team at the Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Conn., developed a computer model using data from
FDA approves generic AIDS drug: United Press International - December 19, 2007; WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given tentative approval for a generic version of the AIDS drug Viread . The approval means that generic tablets of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate can be considered for purchase under the President s Emergency
Zambian women kept from HIV treatment: United Press International - December 18, 2007; LUSAKA, Zambia , Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Poverty and abuse are preventing Zambian women from getting life-saving treatment for HIV, a Human Rights Watch report said Tuesday. The 96-page report said Zambia s government had failed to combat violence, discrimination and insecure property rights, and that many women with HIV beco
Haitian rap star visits boy prisoners: United Press International - December 17, 2007; PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti , Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Haitian-American rap star Wyclef Jean has visited a Haitian boys prison, part of his continuing charitable work in his impoverished homeland. The boys in the prison on the outskirts of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, were given sneakers and T-shirts by Jean s charity, Yele-
Protein in semen boosts HIV risk: United Press International - December 14, 2007; ULM, Germany , Dec. 14 (UPI) -- German researchers say a protein found in semen dramatically increases the transmission of HIV. The findings, published in the the journal Cell, suggest a potential new strategy for preventing the spread of AIDS if researchers can find inhibitors that block the process, the journal said
Possible new HIV treatment is developed: United Press International - December 10, 2007; MONTREAL, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- A team of Canadian and U.S. medical scientists has identified a potential new treatment for the human immunodeficiency virus-related lipodystrophy syndrome. The syndrome -- associated with the use of anti-retroviral drugs -- results in the loss of subcutaneous fat and an increase in deep abdo
Huckabee stands by AIDS comment: United Press International - December 9, 2007; WASHINGTON, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee said Sunday he stands by his statement 15 years ago that AIDS patients should have been isolated. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, the former Arkansas governor said that at the time he made the statement is was not known the virus was not sprea
Study: Men with HIV seek others with HIV: United Press International - December 6, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Some men acutely infected with HIV are choosing to have unprotected intercourse only with other HIV-infected partners, a U.S. study found. Lead author Wayne Steward of the University of California-San Francisco Center for AIDS Prevention Studies said this reflects a systematic shift by so
Wyclef Jean chides Haiti AIDS theory: United Press International - December 4, 2007; PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti , Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Haitian-American musician Wyclef Jean lashed out at a recent report suggesting AIDS arrived in the United States by way of Haiti. Jean, whose parents moved him to the United States from Haiti when he was 9, said that Haiti should not be made the scapegoat for AIDS in America.
Study: Fewer HIV/AIDS cases in India: United Press International - December 4, 2007; HYDERABAD, India , Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The 2007 figures for the world s human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS epidemic include a significant reduction in the number of infected people in India. The United Nations- World Health Organization global estimate of HIV/AIDS includes a major reduction of the estimate for India to 2.
Puzzling results from HIV vaccine trial: United Press International - December 3, 2007; WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A potential HIV vaccine that recently failed a clinical trial in the United States may increase some people s chance of catching the virus that causes AIDS. Top government and drug industry scientists are currently reviewing data from the trial, which unexpectedly found more HIV infections a
AIDS rate of infection higher: United Press International - December 1, 2007; WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say it will take two years before new testing methods show whether the AIDS epidemic is growing or simply larger than anyone thought. The new methods show the number of people in the United States infected with the AIDS virus is 50 percent higher than previously known, The Wa
AIDS study: Knowledge yields better policy: United Press International - November 30, 2007; UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- About one-third of the people in seven countries, including the United States , know little about the HIV or AIDS epidemic, a United Nations-backed survey said. The Global AIDS Attitudes Survey, published by World Vision, also reported that about 25 percent of the people surveyed indica
Chinese president visits AIDS hospital: United Press International - November 30, 2007; BEIJING, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao marked World AIDS Day by visiting a hospital in Beijing Friday. Hu spent time with patients and staff, Xinhua, the official government news agency reported. One woman whose husband is HIV positive showed Hu a picture of their new son and told him both she and the ba
Dr. Merle Sande, AIDS pioneer, dies at 68: United Press International - November 30, 2007; SEATTLE, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Dr. Merle Sande, an infectious-disease specialist who pioneered AIDS/HIV treatment in San Francisco, has died at age 68. The Los Angeles Times said Sande died Nov. 14 of multiple myeloma at his home in Seattle. Sande was the chief of medical services at San Francisco General in 1981 when he be
Bush thanks AIDS volunteers, seeks funding: United Press International - November 30, 2007; MOUNT AIRY, Md., Nov. 30 (UPI) -- World AIDS Day is a day of hope and a day of sadness, U.S. President George Bush said Friday during a faith-based, round-table discussion. Bush also called upon Congress to renew the President s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and double the amount of funding from $15 billion over five
Woman faces new AIDS prostitution charge: United Press International - November 29, 2007; DENVER, Nov. 29 (UPI) -- A Denver woman charged in 2000 with engaging in prostitution while infected with AIDS has been arrested on the same charge. Frances Woodke was being held in lieu of $75,000 bond, The Denver Post reported. Woodke received a probationary sentence in 2000 after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.
Thailand deters drug users from HIV meds: United Press International - November 28, 2007; BANGKOK, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Thailand is endangering its status as a leader in the fight against AIDS by failing to treat infected drug users, a report from two groups claimed. The report by Human Rights Watch and the Thai AIDS Treatment Action Group said the Thai government failed to treat or prevent HIV infections among
Researchers examine enhanced HIV vaccine: United Press International - November 21, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania said their studies found monkeys can ward off AIDS-like symptoms with an enhanced HIV vaccine. Researchers said an immune system gene used to enhance a vaccine used to study HIV in macaque monkeys offered the animals greater protection against
Unstable housing increases HIV risk: United Press International - November 21, 2007; ATLANTA, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- There is a demonstrable correlation between a person s housing status and his or her likelihood of transmitting or getting HIV, U.S. researchers found. Researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said the findings prompted them to issue a call to action that homele
AIDS group seeks drag queen: United Press International - November 20, 2007; SEATTLE, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The new head of the Lifelong AIDS Alliance in Seattle is looking for a new hostess for Gay Bingo after firing Glamazonia over speech issues. Glamazonia, the name used professionally by Thom Hubert, had been serving as mistress of ceremonies for seven years and raising $12,000 a month, The Seat
U.N. agency lowers AIDS estimates: United Press International - November 20, 2007; GENEVA, Switzerland , Nov. 20 (UPI) -- The United Nations lowered its estimates of the number of AIDS-infected people worldwide, indicating that the disease s growth has slowed for the first time. Better sampling techniques indicate the number of new infections peaked in 1998 and the number of deaths peaked in 2005, th
Michigan doctor reused sutures on patients: United Press International - November 15, 2007; GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A health alert was issued in West Michigan this week after a doctor was discovered to have reused sutures and medical instruments on his patients. Kent County officials said Thursday that nearly 5,000 patients could have been exposed to HIV or hepatitis due to Dr. Robert Stokes pr
Chlamydia at all-time U.S. high: United Press International - November 14, 2007; ATLANTA, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The more than 1 million new cases of chlamydia in 2006 is an all-time high for the United States , a government report said. Dr. John M. Douglas Jr. of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease, can cause pelvic inflammatory diseas
Early, routine testing may curb HIV: United Press International - November 12, 2007; PROVIDENCE, R.I., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Half of all new U.S. HIV infections are among 13- to 24-year-olds, but researchers suggest that early and widespread testing could curb the spread of HIV. Lead author Marina Tolou-Shamst at the Bradley Hasbro Children s Research Center, in Providence, R.I., assessed the sexual behavio
FDA approves new warnings on anemia drugs: United Press International - November 9, 2007; WASHINGTON, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved revised warnings and labeling changes for the anemia drugs Aranesp, Epogen and Procrit. The warnings on the erythropoiesis-stimulating agents address the risks that the drugs pose to patients with cancer or chronic kidney failure, the
Russia told to boost anti-addiction effort: United Press International - November 8, 2007; MOSCOW, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- An international watchdog group says Russia s health policies aren t doing enough to treat drug addiction. Human Rights Watch said Russia s healthcare system violates international obligations by restricting access to evidence-based drug dependence treatment for injection drug users. The lack of
Report: AIDS vaccine results troubling: United Press International - November 8, 2007; SEATTLE, Nov. 8 (UPI) -- Researchers meeting in Seattle say a failed AIDS vaccine may have increased the risk of test participants getting HIV. The New York Times said the patients who face the highest risk are those who had pre-existing levels of immunity to a common cold virus known as adenovirus type 5. Merck halted
Lifetime trauma speeds HIV progression: United Press International - November 2, 2007; CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Evidence indicates psychological factors play a role in disease progression of HIV, say researchers led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Lead author Jane Leserman, a professor of psychiatry and medicine, says traumatic life events, such as physical or sexual abuse,
HIV and TB emerge as African epidemic: United Press International - November 2, 2007; CAPE TOWN, South Africa , Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Cape Town, South Africa, is among the worst cities in the region affected by a epidemic of HIV and drug-resistant tuberculosis. The BBC in Cape Town reported that children in the city s slums are 100 times more likely to contract TB than elsewhere in the world. A researcher
Scientists sequence cat genome: United Press International - November 1, 2007; WASHINGTON, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The DNA of a 4-year-old domestic cat named Cinnamon has been sequenced by U.S. researchers in an effort to shed light on human diseases. Cinnamon, an Abyssinian cat whose lineage can be traced by back several generations to Sweden , lives in a cat colony maintained at the University of Misso
Private-public agreement for Africa signed: United Press International - October 31, 2007; WASHINGTON, Oct. 31 (UPI) -- The U.S. government and Becton, Dickinson and Co. agreed Wednesday to create a public-private partnership to improve laboratory systems in Africa. The memorandum of understanding signed in Washington is aimed at improving overall laboratory systems and services in African countries severely
HIV movement history is updated: United Press International - October 30, 2007; TUCSON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- A new study suggested the human immunodeficiency virus that leads to AIDS probably entered the United States about 1969 -- earlier than has been believed. An international team of researchers led by the University of Arizona-Tucson determined HIV originated in Africa, traveled to
HIV patients sicker when seeking therapy: United Press International - October 27, 2007; BALTIMORE, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- A Baltimore study found that from 1990 to 2006, HIV patients beginning therapy have trended toward increasing levels of immunocompromise. Jeanne Keruly and Dr. Richard Moore of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine analyzed data from more than 3,300 patients seeking HIV care from the J
Marijuana helps treat neuropathic pain: United Press International - October 26, 2007; SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found marijuana has therapeutic value at a medium-dose level for neuropathic pain in patients with HIV/AIDS, diabetes or shingles. Lead researcher Mark Wallace the University of California, San Diego, found in the placebo controlled study of 15 subjects that a low dose of mariju
Little follow-through for planned HIV test: United Press International - October 24, 2007; DURHAM, N.C. (UPI) -- A U.S. study found 25 percent of those at high risk for contracting HIV said they planned to be tested for the virus within a year, but few actually did. Jan Ostermann of Duke University in Durham, N.C., and colleagues analyzed data from 146,868 U.S. adults ages 18 to 64 who were interviewed betwe
Genes and viral load both affect HIV rates: United Press International - October 23, 2007; SAN ANTONIO, October 23 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggested genetic factors in addition to viral load significantly influence the pace of human immunodeficiency virus disease. Viral load -- the amount of virus in the blood of an HIV-infected person -- has long been viewed as the chief indicator of how quickly someone with
T cells fighting infection get exhausted: United Press International - October 19, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- T cells -- immune cells battling a chronic viral infection -- become exhausted, making them less effective over time, a U.S. study found. Although the experiments were conducted in mice, the problem of T-cell exhaustion has also been identified in HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C infectio
HIV linked to more risk of ESRD in blacks: United Press International - October 18, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- African-Americans infected with HIV have the risk of end-stage renal disease, or ESRD, six times higher than for whites with HIV, a U.S. study found. Dr. Andy I. Choi of San Francisco General Hospital and University of California, San Francisco, analyzed Veterans Administration health data on mor
Genetic HIV process is determined: United Press International - October 17, 2007; GAINESVILLE, Fla., Oct. 17 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus evolves into a more deadly form that heralds the onset of full-blown AIDS. University of Florida researchers said their findings could pave the way for new therapeutic agents that target the HIV virus before
FDA approves new HIV medication: United Press International - October 16, 2007; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced approval Tuesday of raltegravir tablets for treatment of the human immunodeficiency virus. The FDA said the drug was approved for use in combination with other anti-retroviral agents in treatment-experienced adult patients who have evidence of viral re
FDA approves Isentress: United Press International - October 13, 2007; WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. -- Merck & Co. said the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given accelerated approval for the use of Isentress tablets to treat HIV. The New Jersey company said Isentress is the first medicine to be approved in a new class of anti-retroviral drugs called integrase inhibitors. The drug wo
Sex tourists may be fueling Caribbean HIV: United Press International - October 12, 2007; ANN ARBOR, Mich. (UPI) -- U.S. and European male sex tourists may be fueling an HIV/AIDS epidemic in the Caribbean, says a University of Michigan School of Public Health expert. The Caribbean is second only to sub-Saharan Africa in HIV/AIDS cases and sexual contact between Caribbean male sex workers and male tourists m
Potent peptides inhibit HIV cell entry: United Press International - October 11, 2007; UPTON, N.Y., Oct. 11 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have developed peptides significantly more effective at blocking the human immunodeficiency virus from entering cells. Based in part on protein structures determined at the National Synchrotron Light Source at the U.S. Department of Energy s Brookhaven National Laboratory,
Stress contributes to chronic diseases: United Press International - October 10, 2007; PITTSBURGH, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A U.S. and Canadian review found stress is a contributing factor in human disease -- in particular depression, cardiovascular disease and HIV/AIDS. The review, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association , found stress is associated with the onset of depression as well as r
State laws limit recommended HIV testing: United Press International - October 10, 2007; ATLANTA, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- A study concludes that routine testing for HIV recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta may violate many state laws. The study, published in the online journal PLoS ONE, found that more than 30 states require specific consent before HIV testing may occur an
Study: AIDS-related virus causes cancer: United Press International - October 9, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists have discovered how Kaposi s Sarcoma-associated Herpes Virus, or KSHV, subverts normal cells into causing cancer. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers determined a KSHV protein called latency-associated nuclear antigen, or LANA, helps the virus
Mycobacterial early ancestor is discovered: United Press International - October 4, 2007; HYDERABAD, India , Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Asian Indian scientists have discovered a new mycobacterial organism that might be the earliest ancestor of the generalist branch of such pathogens. A team of researchers led by Seyed Hasnain of India s Institute of Life Sciences at the University of Hyderabad determined a seemingly u
Workers with HIV face discrimination: United Press International - October 3, 2007; PARIS, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Employees with HIV face unemployment and workplace discrimination -- with women and the less educated most vulnerable, a French study found. The study looked at 478 HIV positive people in France ; all had been diagnosed while employed and in the era of anti-retroviral treatments, which slows prog
Lennox and friends 'Sing' to fight AIDS: United Press International - October 3, 2007; LONDON, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- British singer Annie Lennox is using her new album to raise awareness of AIDS. Songs of Destruction, the Eurythmics frontwoman s fourth solo album, includes Sing, on which Lennox is joined by 23 of her female colleagues -- including Madonna, Faith Hill, Celine Dion, Pink, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt an
MicroRNAs may help HIV hide, evade drugs: United Press International - October 1, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists said a genetic material called microRNA might play a role in aiding the human immunodeficiency virus evade detection. Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University Medical Center said microRNA, or miRNA, better known for its roles in cancer, could be a key to unlocking the sec
Jenna Bush takes on HIV, Iraq war: United Press International - September 29, 2007; WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- Jenna Bush, daughter of U.S. President George W. Bush, recently sat down to discuss not only the war in Iraq , but her new book about an HIV-positive teenager. The 25-year-old new author said her book, Ana s Story: A Journey of Hope, is oriented towards drawing attention to the daily str
India's HIV tests under scrutiny: United Press International - September 28, 2007; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- An AIDS specialist for the World Bank said defective HIV testing kits were distributed in India as recently as April. Kunal Saha told The Washington Post that he has been warning officials for months about the problem in India, where nearly 3 million people are believed to have HIV. The World Ba
Bono honored with Liberty Medal: United Press International - September 27, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Irish rocker Bono has been chosen to receive the Liberty Medal at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for his global humanitarian work. Bono, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, co-found the Washington-based advocacy group DATA, which stands for Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa. Previous
African archbishop details HIV conspiracy: United Press International - September 26, 2007; MAPUTO, Mozambique , Sept. 26 (UPI) -- The archbishop for the African country of Mozambique has alleged condoms and anti-retroviral drugs given to Africans are intentionally laced with HIV. Archbishop Francisco Chimoio from Mozambique s capital of Maputo recently alleged that unknown sources were intentionally attempti
Police: Alleged rapist may have HIV: United Press International - September 22, 2007; SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- A Utah man sought for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl may be infected with the HIV virus that causes AIDS, said Salt Lake City police. Christians Ortiz, 22, is charged with raping the girl in July and again in August, The Salt Lake City (Utah) Tribune reported Saturday. Police have
Study determines how viruses evade T-cells: United Press International - September 19, 2007; ATLANTA (UPI) -- U.S. medical scientists have discovered how some chronic viral infections are able to suppress the body s T-cell immune response. The Emory University-led team of researchers, using a mouse model, discovered a chronic strain of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus targeted a type of stromal cell in the l
New HIV prevention model is proposed: United Press International - September 19, 2007; Pittsburgh, Pa., (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers have proposed a strategy they say might dramatically slow the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus in sub-Saharan Africa. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine researchers discovered giving a daily antiretroviral drug could potentially prevent more than 3 m
FDA names orphan products development head: United Press International - September 19, 2007; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has named Dr. Timothy Cote as director of its Office of Orphan Products Development. Cote will be responsible for promoting the development of products that demonstrate promise for the diagnosis or treatment of rare diseases or conditions. A captain in the U.S.
Condom instruction, if abstinence fails: United Press International- September 18, 2007; OXFORD (UPI) -- Teaching adolescents to use condoms when abstinence fails is a reasonable strategy for preventing HIV, a British review of studies found. Kristen Underhill, of the University of Oxford in England, and colleagues screened more than 20,000 research reports to identify 39 studies of abstinence-plus program
HIV patient faces time for unprotected sex: United Press International - September 18, 2007; ST. CHARLES, Ill., Sept. 18 (UPI) -- An Illinois woman faces 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges she had unprotected sex with her boyfriend despite having the AIDS virus. Angela Harris, 27, St. Charles, Ill., is to be sentenced next month on two counts of knowingly and recklessly risking infection of an
Some transplants possible for HIV patients: United Press International - September 17, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO (UPI) -- Organ transplants hadn t been considered an option for HIV patients but a U.S. review said new approaches have led to good outcomes for HIV-positive patients. The blanket exclusion of HIV-infected patients can no longer be justified based on the early results demonstrating the safety and efficacy
HIV women may cut AIDS risk via pregnancy: United Press International - September 14, 2007; NASHVILLE, Sept. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers found pregnancy may help a woman with HIV lower her risk of progressing to AIDS and death. The study, published online in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, suggests women may benefit from pregnancy while taking combination HIV drug therapy known as highly active anti-retr
Sex health information lacking on campus: United Press International - September 13, 2007; PRINCETON, N.J., 13 (UPI) -- The second annual Sexual Health Report Card found a lack of access to information and resources may prevent some U.S. students from being sexually healthy. The University of Minnesota and University of Wyoming were considered to have well- evolved sexual health programs and were the most se
Younger New York City men getting HIV: United Press International - September 13, 2007; NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Preliminary New York health department data show HIV infection is increasing among young men who have sex with other men. New HIV diagnoses among men who have sex with men under age 30 have increased by 33 percent in the past six years. New diagnoses have doubled among men who have sex with
UCLA stem cell Institute gets $20M gift: United Press International- September 11, 2007; LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation has announced a $20 million gift to fund U.S. adult and embryonic stem cell research at UCLA. The University of California, Los Angeles said the donation is designed to enhance a program that brings together biologists, chemists, engineers, geneticists
Level of chaos impacts HIV medical care: United Press International- September 11, 2007; LOS ANGELES, 11 (UPI) -- Unstable and unpredictable lifestyles may be significant factors in whether patients with HIV get regular medical care, a Los Angeles study found. Chaotic lives -- lives disorganized or with too many unexpected events -- can act as a barrier to regular medical care, Dr. Mitchell Wong of the Dav
Less than half of HIV parents have custody: United Press International - September 7, 2007; LOS ANGELES, 7 (UPI) -- During a two-year study period, researchers found that 42 percent of U.S. children of parents with HIV weren t in their parent s custody at any time. A joint study by the University of California at Los Angeles and the Rand Corp. found from 1996 to 1998, 47 percent of children remained in the cu
Famed physician Brandt dies at 74: United Press International - September 5, 2007; OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Dr. Edward N. Brandt Jr., who gained notoriety for heading up the U.S. government s initial response to the AIDS epidemic, died last month at the age of 74. Brandt, who served as Department of Health and Human Services assistant secretary during the initial AIDS outbreak in the
Doctor who led AIDS advocacy dies at 74: United Press International - September 2, 2007; OKLAHOMA CITY , Sept. 2 (UPI) -- Dr. Edward N. Brandt Jr., who organized the initial U.S. response to AIDS in the early 1980s, has died at his Oklahoma City home at age 74. Brandt died Aug. 25 of lung cancer, his son, Edward III, told The New York Times. Brandt served as assistant secretary of the Department of Health
Some states fight U.S. on AIDS testing: United Press International - September 1, 2007; BOSTON, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Massachusetts is maintaining a requirement for written consent for AIDS and HIV test, despite federal directives requiring easier testing. Nine other states have similar requirements, The Boston Globe reports. Public health officials in Massachusetts say they agree with the U.S. Centers for Dis
Pill box organizer effective for HIV drugs: United Press International - August 31, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Aug. 31 (UPI) -- A U.S. study found pill box organizers are an easy and cost-effective tool to help HIV patients to take their medications as prescribed. The study, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases, examined low-income urban residents -- recruited from homeless shelters, free food progra
One-quarter with HIV feel stigmatized: United Press International - August 31, 2007; LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31 (UPI) -- One-fourth of HIV patients surveyed in the Los Angeles area report feeling stigmatized by their healthcare providers. Whether or not it is actual stigmatization is hard to measure, because it s coming from the patients that we interviewed, said study leader Janni J. Kinsler of the Universi
South Africa condoms recalled: United Press International - August 29, 2007; CAPE TOWN, South Africa , Aug. 29 (UPI) - A condom supplier has been accused of bribing a South African official to approve defective condoms. The health department Monday recalled as many as 7 million condoms supplied by Zalatex that failed to meet quality standards, Business Day reported Tuesday. Zalatex supplies con
Possible HIV epidemic in Afghanistan: United Press International - August 29, 2007; KABUL, Afghanistan , Aug. 29 (UPI) -- A U.S. researcher working in Kabul, Afghanistan, warns increasing injection drug use and accompanying high-risk behaviors could lead to an HIV epidemic. Our findings suggest that interventions to reduce high-risk behaviors among injection drug users are urgently needed in Afghanist
Meth study suggests increased HIV risk: United Press International- August 27, 2007; WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Aug. 27 (UPI) -- One in 20 North Carolina men who have sex with men reported using crystal methamphetamine during the previous month, a study found. The findings, published in the AIDS Patient Care and STD, found participants who reported using methamphetamines were more likely to report inconsiste
Uganda's sodomy laws attacked: United Press International - August 24, 2007; KAMPALA, Uganda , Aug. 24 (UPI) -- An international human group says homophobia in Uganda is contributing the country�s HIV epidemic. Human Rights Watch is calling on the Ugandan government to end homophobic statements and ensure full integration of issues of sexual orientation and gender identity into nationwide HIV p
Global 'public health security' needed: United Press International - August 23, 2007; GENEVA, Switzerland , Aug. 23 (UPI) -- More global cooperation is needed to identify and stop the spread of diseases to ensure public health security, the World Health Organization said on Thursday. The report, A Safer Future: Global Public Health Security in the 21st Century, said new diseases are emerging at an unpr
Food dismissed as AIDS treatment: United Press International - August 22, 2007; JOHANNESBURG, South Africa , Aug. 22 (UPI) -- Researchers in South African say there is no evidence healthier eating is an effective treatment for AIDS or tuberculosis. A panel appointed by the Academy of Science in South African said no food, no component made from food, and no food supplement has been identified in a
'HIV denialists' spread falsehoods on 'Net: United Press International - August 21, 2007; IOWA CITY, Iowa, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- The Internet is being used to circulate false ideas about HIV/AIDS that could impact public health, U.S. researchers said. Tara Smith of the University of Iowa College of Public Health and Steven Novella of Yale University School of Medicine said HIV denialists reject the consensus of
Trunk fat linked to insulin resistance: United Press International - August 20, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Upper trunk fat -- fat on the chest and back -- is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance, a San Francisco VA Medical Center study found. In insulin resistance, cells in the body become increasingly resistant to the action of insulin, a hormone that regulates blood gluco
Alcohol consumption may speed HIV in some: United Press International - August 20, 2007; BOSTON, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Boston University School of Medicine researchers have found a link between alcohol consumption and HIV disease progression. Senior author Dr. Richard Saitz and colleagues assessed CD4 cell counts or white blood cells, HIV RNA levels or viral load and alcohol consumption in 595 HIV-infected pers
HIV is a 'double hit' to the brain: United Press International - August 20, 2007; SAN DIEGO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have, for the first time, demonstrated the human immunodeficiency virus can affect stem cells. The researchers, led by Stuart Lipton of the Burnham Institute for Medical Research at the University of California-San Diego, said the study offered a novel perspective on how the
South African families coping with AIDS: United Press International - August 20, 2007; COLUMBIA, Mo., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Many say the AIDS epidemic may be the downfall of families in Africa, but a study of South African families found many coping. Enid Schatz of the University of Missouri-Columbia said AIDS compounds the issue of poverty in households where poverty is already a prevailing issue, especially
FDA OKs 50th & 51st anti-retroviral drugs: United Press International - August 14, 2007; WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tentatively approved nevirapine tablets and a pediatric medication used to treat the human immunodeficiency virus. The FDA said the pediatric triple-fixed dose combination tablet of lamivudine,
Doctor: Arafat killed by poison: United Press International - August 12, 2007; AMMAN, Jordan , Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat was poisoned and did not die from an AIDs infection, his personal doctor claims. Dr. Ashraf al-Kurdi said he believes the HIV virus was injected into Arafat�s bloodstream as he lay dying, but the real cause of death was poison, reported the J
Lawsuit: AIDS detainee denied medical care: United Press International - August 11, 2007; LOS ANGELES, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- A transgender AIDS patient died shackled to a bed and ignored by workers in a California detention center for illegal immigrants, a lawsuit charges. Victor Arrelano s death last month underscores the medical neglect facing nearly 30,000 undocumented immigrants in custody nationwide, the Lo
Mbeki condemned for firing health official: United Press International - August 10, 2007; PRETORIA, South Africa , Aug. 10 (UPI) -- President Thabo Mbeki�s firing of a deputy health minister has brought condemnation from AIDS activists in South Africa and across the world. While Mbeki says that he dismissed Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge because she took an unauthorized trip to an AIDS conference in
HIV-positive man charged with molesting: United Press International - August 10, 2007; NASHVILLE, Aug. 10 (UPI) -- An HIV-positive man charged in Tennessee with molesting underage boys may have used his church for assignations, investigators said. Police said Maurice Carter had an underage boy with him when he was arrested in May after a routine traffic stop. They also said he had marijuana and what the
S. Africa health official's firing blasted: United Press International - August 9, 2007; PRETORIA, South Africa , Aug. 9 (UPI) -- The firing of South Africa s deputy health minister after she attended an AIDS conference in Spain has been sharply criticized by AIDS activists. It is believed that President Thabo Mbeki, who has not given an official reason for the firing, sacked Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge afte
FDA approves antiretroviral drug: United Press International - August 7, 2007; WASHINGTON, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the antiretroviral drug maraviroc for use in adult human immunodeficiency virus patients. The FDA said maraviroc, sold under the trade name Selzentry, is the first in a new class of drugs designed to slow the advancement of HIV. Maraviro
Older women not interested in HIV test: United Press International - August 7, 2007; PITTSBURGH, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Few older U.S. women, especially African-Americans, are interested in being tested for HIV, despite having significant risk factors for lifetime exposure. Study author Dr. Aletha Akers, of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said that those tested for HIV tend to do so late in t
Sex-trafficking linked to higher HIV rates: United Press International - August 3, 2007; CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Harvard researchers say they ve found a high rate of HIV infection among young girls from Nepal who were sex-trafficked to India . A study of girls who were later repatriated found that 38 percent were HIV positive.
Abstinence programs fail to cut HIV risk: United Press International - August 3, 2007; OXFORD, England, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Programs that exclusively encourage abstinence from sex do not seem to affect the risk of HIV infection in high-income countries, finds a British review. University of Oxford researchers reviewed 13 trials involving more than 15,000 U.S. youths to assess the effects of abstinence-only p
Bulgaria decides to transfer $56M to Libya: United Press International - August 2, 2007; SOFIA, Bulgaria , Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Bulgarian officials said they would transfer $56 million to Libya under an agreement that led to the release of six Bulgarian medics from a Tripoli prison. The Bulgarian government decided Thursday to pay $56,635,373 to an international fund for children in Libya infected with the HIV
Texas mom kills family, then self: United Press International - August 2, 2007; FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Aug. 2 (UPI) -- A Texas woman, who apparently killed her husband, two children and herself, reportedly wrote a note claiming her family was infected with the HIV virus. However, police told the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram the woman, identified as Jon Andrea Roberts, had no known terminal illne
Study helps explain how HIV becomes AIDS: United Press International - August 2, 2007; IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 2 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists studying how the human immunodeficiency virus develops into AIDS have developed a strategy to block that transformation. University of California-Irvine biologist Dominik Wodarz and colleagues have shown for the first time the development of AIDS might require HIV to evol
Pot may increase risk of Kaposi's sarcoma: United Press International - August 1, 2007; BOSTON, Aug. 1 (UPI) -- The active component of marijuana could enhance the ability of the virus that causes Kaposi s sarcoma to infect cells and multiply, said a U.S. study. Study author Dr. Jerome E. Groopman, of the Harvard Medical School, found low doses of A-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, equivalent to that in th
Canadian HIV, HCV study reported: United Press International - July 31, 2007; TORONTO, July 31 (UPI) -- A study shows hepatitis C viral infections among adult prisoners in Canada s Ontario province far exceed human immunodeficiency virus infections. The study by Dr. Liviana Calzavara and colleagues at the University of Toronto focused on both adult and young offenders admitted to jails, detentio
BioLytical developing 60-second HIV test: United Press International - July 31, 2007; VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 31 (UPI) -- Canadian firm bioLytical said Tuesday it has begun enrolling patients in a study of its one-minute rapid HIV test. The company said it has already recruited 25 patients into its trial of the INSTI 60-second rapid HIV test for use at the point of care. The test can detect HI
Analysis: Women offenders at health risk: United Press International - July 31, 2007; Rosalie Westenskow, UPI Correspondent; WASHINGTON, July 31 (UPI) -- Health problems generally afflict incarcerated women at higher rates than the rest of the population, but correctional facilities provide an optimal forum to potentially improve inmates health and stop cycles of destructive behavior, some experts say. The female inmate demographic profile p
Trial of HIV-prevention gel halted: United Press International - July 27, 2007; KAMPALA, Uganda , July 27 (UPI) -- A clinical trail of a microbicide gel designed to block HIV transmission in women was stopped in Uganda after several women were infected. One group of women used a gel containing cellulose sulphate, while the other group used a microbicide that didn t contain the ingredient, New Visi
Tonsils may act in oral HIV transmission: United Press International - July 26, 2007; BETHESDA, Md., July 26 (UPI) -- The tonsils may possess the necessary factors to act as a transmission site for the spread of HIV as a result of oral sex, say U.S. researchers. HIV spreads mainly through sexual contact of mucosal surfaces, which the virus must cross to come in contact with underlying immune cells for i
Infectious disease digital library planned: United Press International - July 26, 2007; AUSTIN, Texas, July 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. National Library of Medicine said a digital library to help in infectious diseases education will be developed under a $413,087 grant. The money will be used by the University of Texas at Austin s School of Information, in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital and Ha
School nurses should act on human bites: United Press International - July 26, 2007; WASHINGTON, July 26 (UPI) -- U.S. school nurses are being urged to take a proactive stance concerning human bites -- especially against the risk of hepatitis B and C. Bite victims are usually concerned about HIV transmission, but epidemiological data show the transmission rate for HIV from saliva is insignificant, acco
HIV protein helps cell membranes bend: United Press International - July 26, 2007; PITTSBURGH, July 26 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have discovered how the human immunodeficiency virus can so easily enter the body s immune cells. Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that after HIV docks onto a host cell, it dramatically lowers the energy required for a cell membrane to bend, thereby making it eas
Analysis: Genetic test guides AIDS therapy: United Press International - July 26, 2007; Ed Susman; SYDNEY, July 26 (UPI) -- For the first time, doctors treating patients with HIV infection have a genetic test that can help guide therapy. The test identifies individuals with a particular genetic disposition towards a reaction to abacavir -- GlaxoSmithKline s
ANALYSIS: Treat HIV babies early: United Press International - July 25, 2007; Ed Susman; SYDNEY (UPI) -- Doctors said Wednesday that babies infected at birth with the virus that causes AIDS should be treated with antiretrovirals as soon as the infection is determined -- even within the first three weeks of life. Researchers stopped prematurely a study that attempted to determine if deferring treatment unti
Measles greater risk for HIV children: United Press International - July 25, 2007; BALTIMORE, July 25 (UPI) -- Measles poses a greater fatality risk in HIV-infected children than in uninfected children, according to a study of children in Zambia from 2000 to 2004. Dr. William J. Moss and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore administered the measles vaccine to HIV-infected and uninf
New AIDS drugs bests Kaletra: United Press International - July 25, 2007; Ed Susman, UPI Correspondent; SYDNEY, July 25 (UPI) -- In a head-to-head clinical trial, Johnson & Johnson s Prezista (darunavir) outperformed Abbott s Kaletra ( lopinavir ) in controlling the AIDS virus. The drugs, both boosted with doses of ritonavir , were us
Merck's HIV drug acts fast against virus: United Press International - July 24, 2007; Ed Susman, UPI Correspondent; SYDNEY, July 24 (UPI) -- Merck s investigative AIDS drug raltegravir -- sold as Isentress -- did as well as the standard of care treatment for new patients, say U.S. doctors. About 90 percent of all the patients treated with either raltegravir of efavirenz -- marketed as Sustiva -- were able to
Bulgarian medics return home from Libya: United Press International - July 24, 2007; SOFIA, Bulgaria , July 24 (UPI) -- Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor, sentenced to death for purposely infecting Libyan children with HIV, have left Libya and received pardons. The six medial personnel were flown out of Libya and to Sofia where Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov pardoned the five nurses a
New method found to combat HIV: United Press International - July 24, 2007; MINNEAPOLIS, July 24 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers have developed a method of fighting the human immunodeficiency virus that might replace the drug cocktail approach. Scientists at the University of Minnesota s Center for Drug Design said their new approach combines the features of two antiviral agents into one dru
Study: U.S. rule is hurting HIV fight: United Press International - July 24, 2007; BALTIMORE, July 24 (UPI) -- A new study suggests the United States is hurting the fight against the human immunodeficiency virus with its anti-prostitution rule. In order to receive U.S. funding for HIV prevention or control projects, recipient organizations must take a pledge that explicitly condemns prostitution. How
Analysis: U.N.: Women still face obstacles: United Press International - July 24, 2007; Carolyn Nardiello; UNITED NATIONS July 24 (UPI) -- On the 25th anniversary of the U.N. Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, U.N. officials say significant improvements have been made, but there s still work to be done. Much has been achieved under the committee s supervision, but we still have a long way to go in
Samaritan gains rights to benzamide drugs: United Press International - July 24, 2007; LAS VEGAS, July 24 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Samaritan said Tuesday it has licensed from Georgetown University the exclusive rights to compounds treating HIV and other infectious diseases. The patent Samaritan has licensed covers the use of benzamide compounds as a new method to treat diseases including HIV, bird flu and hepa
Analysis: AIDS pipeline bursting: United Press International - July 24, 2007; Ed Susman; SYDNEY, July 24 (UPI) -- Despite a current anti-AIDS arsenal of 28 drugs, researchers this week described several potential new compounds that attack the human immunodeficiency virus, the virus that cause AIDS. The pharmaceutical pipeline is loaded, Robert Murphy, professor of medicine at Northwestern University School
Circumcision may not cut HIV risk much: United Press International - July 24, 2007; ATLANTA, July 24 (UPI) -- Three clinical trials in Africa found adult male circumcision reduced the risk of men acquiring HIV via heterosexual sex by about 55 percent. Adult male circumcision may also play a role in preventing HIV transmission in the United States , but the extent of this role on a population basis is
Analysis: Access still plagues AIDS fight: United Press International - July 23, 2007; Ed Susman; SYDNEY, July 23 (UPI) -- For the first time in at least five years, a U.S. health official managed to address an International AIDS Society meeting without having his talk interrupted or delayed by protesters. In the keynote address to the 4th conference of the society dealing with issues of basic science, prevention a
Question formula-feeding by AIDS moms: United Press International - July 23, 2007; NKANGE, Botswana , July 23 (UPI) -- Efforts to prevent mothers in Botswana from passing AIDS to their nursing infants have apparently backfired, resulting in hundreds of deaths from diarrhea. A growing body of research indicated that urging mothers with HIV to use formula has left infants without the crucial antibodies
Gene research may help control HIV virus: United Press International - July 20, 2007; DURHAM, N.C., July 20 (UPI) -- Researchers from North Carolina s Duke University discovered a series of genetic variations that could help HIV-infected people avoid developing AIDS. The study, which was led by scientists at Duke s Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology, used Human Genome Project research to find specif
Samaritan's HIV drug advancing: United Press International - July 20, 2007; LAS VEGAS, July 20 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Samaritan said Friday it has positive data from a phase 2b study of its oral HIV treatment aimed at drug-resistant forms of the virus. The company said it is developing the therapy SP-01A to be used as an adjunct to the primary antiretroviral treatment. But in additional phase 2 st
U.S. study of HIV vaccine cleared by board: United Press International - July 20, 2007; FREDERICK, Md., July 20 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army Surgeon General was told this week by an independent board that its study in Thailand into a possible HIV vaccine can resume. A U.S. Army news release said Thursday that the military-sponsored Phase III Prime Boost HIV Vaccine trial will continue after the Data Safety and
Bulgaria asks Libya to send medics home: United Press International - July 18, 2007; SOFIA, Bulgaria , July 18 (UPI) -- Bulgaria has asked Libya to extradite five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor to Bulgaria after their death sentences were commuted to life in prison. Bulgarian prosecutor Anton Gerginov in Sofia said the government is preparing documents needed for the transfer of the six peop
Orchestra discontinues HIV vaccine program: United Press International - July 18, 2007; CARLSBAD, Calif., July 18 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Orchestra Therapeutics said Wednesday it discontinued its HIV vaccine program because of disappointing results in a clinical trial. The company said its second-generation HIV vaccine, IR103, failed to show an advantage over its original vaccine, Remune, in a 52-week trial in
Nurses, doctor spared death in Libya: United Press International - July 17, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , July 17 (UPI) -- The Libyan High Judicial Council Tuesday commuted death sentences for five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor to life in prison in an AIDS scandal. The high court s action followed a deal in which the families of 438 HIV-infected children will receive $1 million compensation eac
New HIV finding is reported: United Press International - July 17, 2007; TUCSON, July 17 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggested that monkey viruses related to the human immunodeficiency virus might have swept across Africa more recently than thought. University of Arizona researchers have determined an HIV-like virus -- the simian immunodeficiency virus, or SIV -- first infected green monkeys afte
GeoVax launching trials of HIV vaccines: United Press International - July 17, 2007; ATLANTA, July 17 (UPI) -- GeoVax said Tuesday it was launching two clinical trials of its potential HIV vaccines. The trials were not scheduled to start until later this year, but GeoVax said it was launching them earlier due to positive results from previous studies. The trials will involve the company s DNA and MVA v
Analysis: Reviving the HIV vaccine hunt: United Press International - July 16, 2007; Rosalie Westenskow, UPI Correspondent; WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- A renewed emphasis on the critical but elusive HIV/AIDS vaccine is needed, along with more funding, to mitigate the disease s rampant spread in developing countries, health experts said Monday. Any serious discussion about AIDS must include the Holy Grail -- the potential for a vaccine, U.
Cellular side effect seen in AIDS drugs: United Press International - July 16, 2007; LOS ANGELES, July 16 (UPI) -- HIV drugs called protease inhibitors block an enzyme crucial to cells nuclei and can cause serious side effects in patients, say U.S. doctors. Researchers at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA added protease inhibitors to cultures of both mouse and human cells. They saw that t
Diaphragm not more effective HIV barrier: United Press International - July 16, 2007; WASHINGTON, July 16 (UPI) -- A study of more than 5,000 women in South Africa and Zimbabwe found no difference in HIV infection when using condoms or condoms plus diaphragms. The study, published online in The Lancet, reported an overall HIV incidence rate of 4.0 percent: 4.1 percent in the study participants that used
French first lady makes Libya trip: United Press International - July 14, 2007; PARIS, July 14 (UPI) -- A surprise trip to Libya on behalf of her husband has European analysts buzzing about a new higher profile for French President Nicolas Sarkozy s wife. French first lady Cecilia Sarkozy, a 49-year-old former model who had kept a low profile since her husband was elected in May, showed up in Liby
Larger HIV programs more cost effective: United Press International - July 13, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO, July 13 (UPI) -- Larger HIV prevention programs in Uganda , South Africa , Mexico , Russia and India were found to be cost effective. With the recent report from the Global HIV Prevention Working Group urging that fu
Idenix study of hep C drug put on hold: United Press International - July 13, 2007; CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 13 (UPI) -- Idenix Pharmaceuticals said Friday its studies of potential hepatitis C drug valopicitabine have been placed on clinical hold in the United States . Following discussions with the Food and Drug Administration, the hold was placed on the company s development program due to the overal
French first lady meets with nurses: United Press International - July 13, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , July 13 (UPI) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy said his wife planned to meet with Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi about five Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya. Cecilia Sarkozy has previously met with the Bulgarian nurses, who were sentenced to death for allegedly infecting children with the
Libya upholds medics' death sentences: United Press International - July 11, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , July 11 (UPI) -- The Supreme Court of Libya in Tripoli spent six minutes Wednesday to uphold the death sentences of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor. The medics were first sentenced to die in May 2004 and then again in December 2006 after being found guilty of intentionally infecting 438
Calypte's Aware HIV test approved in India: United Press International - July 11, 2007; LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., July 11 (UPI) -- Calypte Biomedical said Wednesday the Drug Control Authority of India approved its Aware rapid HIV test. India, with approximately 2.5 million HIV patients, ranks third behind South Africa and Nigeria for the highest number of people infected with the virus.
Milk thistle examined as treatment: United Press International - July 11, 2007; NEW YORK, July 11 (UPI) -- Milk thistle extract -- silymarin -- is being examined as an adjunct to chemotherapy in integrative cancer therapy, say New York researchers. Milk thistle extract, an herbal remedy in use since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans, is the focus of the current issue of Integrative Cancer
HIV may increase risk of 20 cancers: United Press International - July 10, 2007; SYDNEY, July 10 (UPI) -- HIV/AIDS and kidney transplant patients have a greater risk of contracting 20 types of cancer than the general population, says an Australian study. Lead author Andrew Grulich, of the University of New South Wales National Center in Sydney suggests that immune deficiency -- which is common to t
NYC has spike in syphilis cases: United Press International - July 10, 2007; NEW YORK, July 10 (UPI) -- After leveling off for more than two years, new syphilis cases spiked in New York City during the first quarter of this year, the city health department said. The health department announced that doctors reported 260 new cases of primary and secondary syphilis during January, February and Mar
Deal reported close in Libyan AIDS case: United Press International - July 6, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , July 6 (UPI) -- Libyan news agencies report that an agreement that would spare the lives of five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor is expected within days. The nurses and doctor were sentenced to death for infecting hundreds of children with the HIV virus. International experts on AIDS said tha
Analysis: Tibotec's HIV drug shows promise: United Press International - July 5, 2007; Steve Mitchell, UPI Senior Medical Correspondent; WASHINGTON, July 5 (UPI) -- Tibotec s HIV drug, TMC125, may be better at fighting resistant strains of the virus than current medications, according to two phase 3 trials released Thursday. In the trials, known as DUET-1 and DUET-2, TMC125, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, or NNRTI, suppressed virus le
Analysis: Tibotec drugs zap resistant HIV: United Press International - July 5, 2007; Ed Susman; WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 5 (UPI) -- Researchers said Thursday that new anti-AIDS drug can suppress virus to undetectable levels even for patients with highly resistant strains of HIV. We were able to take the sickest patients -- people with no options and desperately short life expectancy -- and drive their virus le
Par licenses BioAlliance anti-fungal drug: United Press International - July 3, 2007; WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J., July 3 (UPI) -- Par said Tuesday it licensed U.S. rights to BioAlliance s anti-fungal therapy, Loramyc, in a deal worth more than $35 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Par will make an initial payment of $15 million to BioAlliance, with another $20 million due upon U.S. Food and Drug Admi
Seniors target of N.Y. safe sex campaign: United Press International - July 2, 2007; NEW YORK, July 2 (UPI) -- Senior centers across New York recently began receiving free condoms as city officials have refocused their safe sex efforts to include local older citizens. In an attempt to limit the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus in the city, local health officials have begun visiting senior cen
Condoms used unusually in India: United Press International - June 30, 2007; NEW DELHI, June 30 (UPI) -- Folks in India three times out of four use condoms for anything but their intended use, including toys, water containers and dust covers for rifles. The Telegraph reported Saturday that free condoms were distributed as a means of cutting down on HIV and AIDS, but instead are being used for i
Woman gets prison for hiding HIV status: United Press International - June 30, 2007; MALMO, Sweden , June 30 (UPI) -- A Swedish appeals court has upheld the conviction and prison sentence in the case of a woman who did not let her husband know she was HIV positive. The woman was diagnosed in 1987 when she was 19. A few years later, when she met the man she eventually married, she did not tell him of he
Condoms used unusually in India: United Press International - June 30, 2007; NEW DELHI, June 30 (UPI) -- Folks in India three times out of four use condoms for anything but their intended use, including toys, water containers and dust covers for rifles. The Telegraph reported Saturday that free condoms were distributed as a means of cutting down on HIV and AIDS, but instead are being used for i
New Mexico to let patients grow marijuana: United Press International - June 29, 2007; SANTA FE, N.M., June 29 (UPI) -- New Mexico officials say patients will be allowed to grow their own cannabis plants when the state s medical marijuana laws goes into effect Sunday. Lobbyists had originally said patients would not be allowed to grow the plans but the Health Department Thursday unveiled a provision that
New way to find drug-resistant HIV: United Press International - June 29, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, June 29 (UPI) -- By combining an old and a new screening technique, U.S. researchers can now test thousands of HIV strains for drug resistance in a single day. The old procedure is called DNA bar coding and the new one is pyrosequencing. DNA bar coding indexes DNA molecules using DNA sequence tags that al
Domestic issues dominate at Dems forum: United Press International - June 29, 2007; WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- Eight candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination focused mainly on domestic issues at a forum Thursday at Howard University in Washington. In a debate televised over PBS, the candidates spoke before a live audience at the historically black school, and one of the first topics was
Street Pulse: Panacos takes on HIV: United Press International - June 29, 2007; WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- United Press International interviewed Panacos Pharmaceuticals new Chief Executive Officer Alan Dunton about the company s lead product, a potential new HIV treatment, bevirimat, which attacks the problem of HIV drug resistance with a novel mechanism of action and which the company hopes to
Surgeons fail to report accidents: United Press International - June 28, 2007; WASHINGTON, June 28 (UPI) -- A report says more than half of U.S. surgical residents fail to report when they accidentally stick themselves with needles and sharp instruments. Researchers at Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University conducted the survey of 699 doctors who in 2003 were surgical residents at 17
New way to detect forms of HIV found: United Press International - June 28, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, June 28 (UPI) -- U.S. medical researchers have developed a new method of screening for drug-resistant forms of the human immunodeficiency virus. An increasing number of drug-resistant strains of HIV are threatening the effectiveness of current treatments and existing methods of detecting such strains are
Laura Bush touts HIV/AIDS nutrition: United Press International - June 26, 2007; DAKAR, Senegal , June 26 (UPI) -- U.S. first lady Laura Bush Tuesday touted the importance of nutrition for HIV/AIDS patients during a visit to Fann Hospital in Dakar, Senegal. Bush, accompanied by daughter Jenna, toured the hospital s garden and kitchen before delivering a statement to a group of reporters. It s
Schering-Plough drugs get expanded EU OK: United Press International - June 25, 2007; KENILWORTH, N.J., June 25 (UPI) -- Schering-Plough said Monday the European Commission approved duo therapy of Pegintron and Rebetol for treating hepatitis C and HIV co-infections. The drugs were previously approved for treating hepatitis C alone. Effective treatment of HCV is critically important for people coinfected
Analysis: U.N. tackles ailments of poor: United Press International - June 22, 2007; William M. Reilly, UPI U.N. Correspondent; UNITED NATIONS June 22 (UPI) -- The World Health Organization says it has a new strategy to strengthen and expand the fight against diseases of poverty such as leprosy, onchocerciasis, Chagas disease, lymphatic filariasis and visceral leishmaniasis, all recently brought under control. Onchocerciasis is perhaps bette
Sigma-Tau Carnitor OK'd for gene disorder: United Press International - June 22, 2007; GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 22 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Sigma-Tau said Friday it has been OK d to market Carnitor SF sugar-free oral solution for patients with carnitine deficiency. The product is approved to treat primary systemic carnitine deficiency and for patients with an inborn error of metabolism, which causes secondary c
Black celebs to test for HIV for awareness: United Press International - June 22, 2007; LOS ANGELES, June 22 (UPI) -- Some of Hollywood s heavy hitters will be screened for HIV in front of cameras Monday to raise awareness of stopping the spread of HIV in black communities. The 1 in a Million campaign seeks to get 1 million African-Americans screened for HIV by Dec. 1, World AIDS Day, a news release said.
Morrison will fight HIV claims: United Press International - June 22, 2007; LAS VEGAS, June 22 (UPI) -- Veteran boxer Tommy Morrison says he s tired of rumors about his HIV status and will contest the claims. His former agent told The Arizona Republic in April the fighter tested positive for HIV in mandatory blood tests for a boxing license in Nevada. I m getting tired of having to answer all
U.N. launches $2.15 billion stop-TB plan: United Press International - June 22, 2007; UNITED NATIONS June 22 (UPI) -- A new $2.15 billion, two-year U.N. program to fight drug-resistant tuberculosis aims to save more than 100,000 lives. The new initiative sponsored by the world organization and the Stop TB Partnership hopes to prevent, treat and control drug-resistant tuberculosis and multi-drug-resistan
Activists angered by gay blood donor ban: United Press International - June 21, 2007; HARRISBURG, Pa., June 21 (UPI) -- A U.S. policy barring gay men from donating blood is drawing criticism from gay activists, blood banks and some medical officials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced in May it would uphold the 1983 ban, The Harrisburg (Pa.) Patriot-News said Thursday. Critics of the ban sa
Male circumcision may not deter AIDS much: United Press International - June 21, 2007; NEW YORK, June 21 (UPI) -- Male circumcision is found to be a much less important deterrent to the global AIDS pandemic than previously thought, says a U.S. researcher. The study, published in the journal PLoS ONE, found that the number of infected prostitutes in a country is the key to explaining the degree to which A
DNA key to some bacterial infections found: United Press International - June 20, 2007; CORVALLIS, Ore., June 20 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have discovered a mechanism by which the bacterium Mycobacterium avium compromises the body s immune system. Oregon State University scientists said M. avium infects tissue cells -- macrophages -- resulting in serious lung infections and is prevalent in emphysema and A
Actors support national HIV Testing Day: United Press International - June 20, 2007; LOS ANGELES June 20 (UPI) -- Some of Hollywood s top black actors have volunteered to undergo public HIV tests in Los Angeles to raise awareness for National HIV Testing Day. Among the many stars expected to be at the Screen Actors Guild headquarters for testing Monday are Jimmy Jean-Louis of Heros, Ray star Regina Kin
AIDS drugs not stopping epidemic in Africa: United Press International - June 20, 2007; JOHANNESBURG, South Africa , June 20 (UPI) -- Doctors say AIDS is spreading in Africa faster than clinics can treat it, despite billions of dollars spent expanding access to antiretroviral drugs. At the moment, I just see a never-ending sea of disaster, Francois Venter, president of the Southern African HIV Clinicians
Libya to rule on medics' fate next month: United Press International - June 20, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , June 20 (UPI) -- The death sentences for five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor will be reviewed by Libya s Supreme Court next month, a judge in Tripoli ruled Wednesday. The appeal will be heard July 11 and the court could confirm, revoke or change the already imposed sentences but cannot order
More resistant forms of HIV detected: United Press International - June 20, 2007; NEW HAVEN, Conn., June 20 (UPI) -- The fraction of HIV patients with undetectable drug-resistant forms of HIV is higher than previously thought, according to U.S. researchers. Yale School of Medicine researcher Dr. Michael Kozal used an innovative genome sequencing technology that quickly detects rare viral mutations a
Elton John plays HIV awareness concert: United Press International - June 18, 2007; KIEV, Ukraine , June 18 (UPI) -- Around 200,000 patrons stopped by Elton John s free HIV/AIDS awareness concert in Kiev, Ukraine, which raised money for AIDS awareness programs in the country. The free June 16 concert was attended by Ukraine s president, Viktor Yushenko, as well as numerous other politicians, Ukraine s
Healthcare workers appeal death sentence: United Press International - June 16, 2007; TRIPOLI, Libya , June 16 (UPI) -- Five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor are preparing their final appeal of death sentences for infecting hundreds of Libyan children with AIDS. The case has attracted international attention during the eight years the defendants have been imprisoned. Prosecutors say the healthc
Targeted HIV testing better than screening: United Press International - June 15, 2007; BALTIMORE, June 15 (UPI) -- An expert says a campaign of testing and counseling for those most at risk for HIV would be better than the mass screening proposed by the U.S. government. An analysis by David Holtgrave, an expert on HIV prevention at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, determ
Boehringer tests HIV drug in ethnic study: United Press International - June 14, 2007; RIDGEFIELD, Conn., June 14 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Boehringer Ingelheim said Thursday it has begun a 400-patient study of its anti-viral Aptivus in highly treatment-experienced HIV patients. The company said the main goal of its SPRING study is to assess how different ethnic groups and genders respond to the anti-viral medi
Bush praises Southern Baptists: United Press International - June 13, 2007; WASHINGTON, June 13 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush Wednesday praised Southern Baptists for good works from fighting hunger to disaster relief. Bush, speaking by satellite to the Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in San Antonio, said the church has made the United States stronger. You have cont
Anti-HIV drug recalled in Europe: United Press International - June 8, 2007; LONDON, June 8 (UPI) -- The British government is recalling an HIV drug contaminated with a drug that may cause cancer. Britain s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said all patients taking Viracept should contact their doctor immediately, The London Telegraph said Thursday. The recall -- which cov
G8 agrees to AIDS spending: United Press International - June 8, 2007; HEILIGENDAMM, Germany , June 8 (UPI) -- Leaders of the Group of Eight nations meeting in Germany have agreed to spend some $60 million fighting AIDS in Africa. Under a plan announced by German Chancellor Angela Merkel, the G8 nations also agreed to increase aid to Africa by about $50 million a year by 2010, Deutsche We
G8 leaders criticized for AIDS plan: United Press International - June 8, 2007; HEILGENDAMM, Germany , June 8 (UPI) -- AIDS activists like rock star Bono say they are disappointed with Group of Eight plans for fighting killer diseases in Africa. We wanted numbers but this is burobabble, the U2 singer told The Daily Mail Friday after G8 leaders pledged $60 billion to fight AIDS, malaria and tubercu
Anti-HIV drug recalled in Europe: United Press International - June 8, 2007; LONDON, June 8 (UPI) -- The British government is recalling an HIV drug contaminated with a drug that may cause cancer. Britain s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency said all patients taking Viracept should contact their doctor immediately, The London Telegraph said Thursday. The recall -- which cov
Naomi Watts tapped for biopic: United Press Internaitonal - June 7, 2007; HOLLYWOOD, June 7 (UPI) -- The Painted Veil star Naomi Watts is set to headline the Hollywood adaptation of We Are All the Same for the Bureau of Moving Pictures production company. Hotel Rwanda co-writer Keir Pearson is handling the screen adaptation of the story about Gail Johnson, a white South African woman who ado
Analysis: Gilead may get boost from Viread: United Press International - June 7, 2007; Steve Mitchell, UPI Senior Medical Correspondent; WASHINGTON, June 7 (UPI) -- Gilead s HIV drug Viread may get a boost from a phase 3 trial showing it s better for treating hepatitis B than the company s currently approved drug for the condition, Hepsera. This is a fantastic buy opportunity ... given the weakness we ve seen with the stock, Ed Nash, an analyst with St
Report: G8 may scale back AIDS initiative: United Press International - June 7, 2007; HEILIGENDAMM, Germany , June 7 (UPI) -- The Group of Eight leaders meeting in Germany appeared ready to scale back their pledge to fund universal AIDS treatment, the Financial Times reported. The newspaper said documents show the G8 is aiming to help about 5 million people with AIDS over the next few years, a substanti
U.N.: Africa lags in anti-poverty effort: United Press International - June 7, 2007; UNITED NATIONS June 7 (UPI) -- Africa is still off-track to meet the world s shared goals for fighting poverty in all its forms, according to the United Nations. U.N. Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro told reporters at U.N. World Headquarters in New York Wednesday that despite faster growth and strengthened ins
Hepatitis progresses in HIV patients: United Press International - June 6, 2007; CINCINNATI, June 6 (UPI) -- U.S. HIV patients are living longer, but those who are also infected with hepatitis B or C are experiencing the progression of liver disease. Because of shared modes of transmission, HIV and viral hepatitis infections often coexist, but while therapies have made HIV a manageable condition, h
G8 leaders want to fight HIV, poverty: United Press International - June 6, 2007; HEILIGENDAMM, Germany , June 6 (UPI) -- Leaders of the world s eight richest countries want to push the fight against HIV/AIDS, poverty and climate change at the Group of Eight summit in Germany. I come with a deep desire to make sure that those suffering from HIV/AIDS know that they will get help from the G8, U.S. Pr
New way to study DNA binding is created: United Press International - June 5, 2007; BOSTON, June 5 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have discovered a method for studying the DNA binding of small molecules that provides unprecedented accuracy. Northeastern University Professor Mark Williams and graduate student Ioana Vladescu said since molecules that bind through intercalation might interfere with important
U.S. buys Bavarian Nordic's smallpox shots: United Press International - June 5, 2007; COPENHAGEN, Denmark , June 5 (UPI) -- Bavarian Nordic said Tuesday the U.S. government is buying 20 million doses of its smallpox vaccine, Imvamune, in a deal worth up to $1.6 billion. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded the company a contract for the manufacture and delivery of Imvamune that inclu
Caregiving: Is TB a worry?: United Press International - June 5, 2007; Alex Cukan, UPI Health Correspondent*; ALBANY, N.Y., June 5 (UPI) -- The trouble with being a caregiver -- especially for the elderly, who are frail -- is that we tend to get germ-phobic. We carry bottles of alcohol-based cleaner in all of our pockets and we scurry when someone coughs. For someone recovering from cancer surgery or with heart failure, even a
Styx bassist open on once-secret gay life: United Press International - June 4, 2007; WILTON MANORS, Fla., June 4 (UPI) -- The original bassist for the U.S. pop-meets-progressive-rock band Styx says he hopes he can be a role model to youths labeled as different. I want young kids who are different to understand it s OK, said Chuck Panozzo, who was diagnosed with AIDS in 1998. Panozzo said he hid his sex
World Bank wants more G8 Africa aid: United Press International - June 4, 2007; WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- Wealthy nations are not keeping their word on helping Africa. As leaders from the Group of Eight industrialized countries meet in Germany later this week, the World Bank argued that even though rich nations pledged to double their aid and bolster export opportunities for Africa, they are fal
Analysis: Corporate giving -- with strings: United Press International - June 1, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON, June 1 (UPI) -- Multinational businesses -- desperate to solve their public image crisis -- used to be content to simply shell out donations. Now, they want a share of the action, executives from some of the world s largest companies said Friday. Corporate giving has always been based on the private partner
Analysis: Science without borders: United Press International - May 31, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON, May 31 (UPI) -- Working with researchers in developing countries is not just good will, it s also good science, experts said Thursday. Long-term relationships -- even with poor countries -- can yield very good results, said Jane Kengeya-Kayondo, coordinator of implementation research and methods at the
Men charged with injecting others with HIV: United Press International - May 31, 2007; AMSTERDAM, Netherlands , May 31 (UPI) -- Four men are in custody in the Netherlands, suspected of deliberately injecting homosexual men with HIV-infected blood. The attacks occurred in the town of Groningen, Expatica News and ANP said Wednesday. Police say the men met their victims in Internet chatrooms and lured them
Minnelli, Staley to present amfAR awards: United Press International - May 31, 2007; NEW YORK, May 31 (UPI) -- Entertainer Liza Minnelli and HIV/AIDS activist Peter Staley will be the presenters for the Eighth amfAR Honoring with Pride event in New York. The Foundation for AIDS Research s Awards of Courage are to be presented Tuesday during Gay & Lesbian Pride Week, the organization said in a news
Analysis: WHO tells docs to test for HIV: United Press International - May 30, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- New U.N. guidelines tell doctors to suggest HIV testing, instead of waiting for patients to request it. Under the guidelines, unveiled Wednesday by the World Health Organization and UNAIDS , healthcare providers everywhere who treat patients at high risk of HIV are advised to suggest testing
Analysis: Bush urges AIDS relief expansion: United Press International - May 30, 2007; Todd Zwillich; WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- President Bush on Wednesday called for a record $30 billion in spending to fight AIDS, an expansion he said would more than double the number of patients receiving drug treatment under U.S. programs in poor countries. The spending would ostensibly double the president s Emergency Plan for AI
Bush plans AIDS funding increase: United Press International - May 30, 2007; WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush urged the U.S. Congress Wednesday to approve a $30 billion plan to fight AIDS for the first five years he is out of office. The increase in the President s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief would double the current monetary commitment to the program, allowing it
Broadly proactive HIV vaccine possible: United Press International - May 30, 2007; BETHESDA, Md., May 30 (UPI) -- A U.S. study suggests it might be possible to develop a vaccine that protects people against the myriad strains of the human immunodeficiency virus. Scientists at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences note HIV is extremely variable, so an effective vaccine would need to
Enzo buys Axxora Life Sci. for $16M: United Press International - May 30, 2007; NEW YORK, May 30 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Enzo Biochem said Wednesday its subsidiary Enzo Life Sciences will buy privately held Axxora Life Sciences for about $16.3 million in cash. After the acquisition is complete, Axxora will be a wholly owned subsidiary of Enzo Life Sciences, Enzo said. Axxora s Lausen, Switzerland-based
New drug resists HIV mutations: United Press International - May 29, 2007; WATERTOWN, Mass., May 29 (UPI) -- A new class of AIDS drug in development appears less likely to develop resistance than common protease inhibitor medication, say U.S. doctors. Researchers at Panacos Pharmaceuticals of Watertown, Mass., said that laboratory tests indicated that bevirimat -- a drug that prevents human i
Eat To Live: Cabbages and condoms pair up: United Press International - May 29, 2007; Julia Watson, UPI Food Writer; BANGKOK, May 29 (UPI) -- There are more than 50,000 places to eat in Bangkok. That s nearly one for every 100 people who live in Thailand s capital. But if you only have the chance to go to one, pick Cabbages & Condoms. It will give you more to discuss back home than the classic Thai dishes and regional food on its
HIV treatment effective in war settings: United Press International - May 29, 2007; GENEVA, Switzerland , May 29 (UPI) -- Switzerland-based Doctors Without Borders has determined human immunodeficiency virus treatments can be delivered even in settings of armed conflict. The study suggests humanitarian health agencies shouldn t wait until a conflict is ended before launching HIV care programs. Hea
Libya acquits Bulgarian nurses of slander: United Press International - May 28, 2007; TRIPOLI (UPI) -- A Libyan court has acquitted five Bulgarian nurses, already sentenced to death in another trial, on slander charges. Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov in Sofia Sunday welcomed the Libyan court s ruling as a positive move giving hope for a just outcome of the nurses ordeal, the Sofia News Agency repor
Bono, DATA to receive Liberty Medal: United Press International - May 25, 2007; PHILADELPHIA, May 25 (UPI) -- U2 singer Bono and the advocacy organization he co-founded will receive the 2007 Liberty Medal, the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia said. The medal will recognize Bono and DATA -- Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa -- and the effort to raise global awareness and response to poverty and
UN urges more help on Africa Day: United Press International - May 25, 2007; UNITED NATIONS May 25 (UPI) -- To mark Africa Day, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Friday called for more international effort to bolster African healthcare. Africa has made efforts for its own renewal, Ki-moon said, but extreme poverty -- together with lack of access to basic education, healthcare and ade
Analysis: Chimp ban may impact research: United Press International - May 25, 2007; Steve Mitchell, UPI Senior Medical Correspondent; WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- Animal rights groups are celebrating the National Institutes of Health s recent decision to permanently end breeding of government-owned chimpanzees, but researchers say the move could be detrimental to biomedical and pharmaceutical research. The NIH s National Center for Research Resources,
HIV patient receives new lung: United Press International - May 25, 2007; ROME, May 25 (UPI) -- Surgeons in Palermo, Italy , have performed the first lung transplant in a patient with HIV. The operation at the Mediterranean Institute for Transplants and High Specialization Therapies was performed this week on an adult patient with terminal respiratory problems, the Italian news service ANSA
British panel knew of HIV risks in 1983: United Press International - May 25, 2005; LONDON (UPI) -- Documents show a British government panel knew of the HIV risk from imported blood products as early as 1983. The Committee on Safety of Medicines ruled against a ban on imported blood at the time because of fears of a supply shortage, The Guardian newspaper said Friday. The newspaper said 1,757 patient
HIV testing may be required in rape cases: United Press International - May 25, 2007; ALBANY, N.Y. (UPI) -- New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer has decided to back a bill that would require HIV testing for suspects in rape cases. A majority of other state lawmakers are also supporting the bill but its chances of passing are up to the Assembly leadership, The New York Times reported Friday. The bill already has
Many with TB in Britain homeless, poor: United Press International - May 24, 2007; LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- Greater social support is needed to meet the needs of the growing number of disadvantaged British residents suffering from tuberculosis, a study says. TB has risen considerably in major European cities in the last 10 years and London is no exception, lead researcher Dr. Gill Craig, of The City U
Macedonian new U.N. assembly president: United Press International - May 24, 2007; Suzanne Bates, UPI Correspondent; UNITED NATIONS (UPI) -- A Macedonian businessman with extensive experience in the diplomatic world was chosen as the new president of the U.N. General Assembly. Srgjan Kerim is currently the general manager of South-Eastern Europe for WAZ Media Group. He was chosen by the Eastern European delegation to be its candidate
AIDS group blasts GSK ads on HIV risk: United Press International - May 23, 2007; LOS ANGELES (UPI) -- U.S. AIDS advocacy group the AIDS Healthcare Foundation blasted what it says are fear-based ads for HIV drugs by GlaxoSmithKline . In the group s cross-hairs is a widely disseminated print ad by the drug giant designed to draw attention to evidence of a link between HIV and HIV drugs and a higher r
Landmark HIV case begins in Belgium: United Press International - May 23, 2007; OSTEND, Belgium , May 23 (UPI) -- A Belgian man has accused an ex-lover of trying to kill him by not divulging his HIV-positive status during their relationship. Jean-Michel, 44, claims his former boyfriend did not adequately inform him of his health status while they repeatedly engaged in unprotected sex, Expatica rep
Analysis: Pharma swimming against IP tide?: United Press International - May 23, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON, May 23 (UPI) -- In an effort to head off a potential worldwide flood of so-called compulsory drug licenses -- where foreign countries skirt intellectual-property laws and make generic versions of a patented drug -- the head of the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers trade group met with Thai officials this we
Analysis: AIDS remains global worry: United Press International - May 22, 2007; William M. Reilly, UPI U.N. Correspondent; UNITED NATIONS (UPI) -- The President of the U.N. General Assembly earlier this week opened a mandated review of efforts to stem the AIDS epidemic with some pretty sobering statistics and some advice on what to do about the continuing emergency yet voiced optimism the battle could be won. Sheikha Haya al-Khalifa of
Technique treats HIV breast milk: United Press International - May 22, 2007; BERKELEY, Calif., May 22 (UPI) -- Flash-heating breast milk infected with HIV successfully inactivated the free-floating virus, according to University of California researchers. A study led by researchers at the Berkeley and Davis campuses of the University of California say the technique -- heating a glass jar of exp
Is hepatitis C 'cured'?: United Press International - May 21, 2007; WASHINGTON, May 21 (UPI) -- Peginterferon or peginterferon plus ribavirin will cure hepatitis C, say researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. The team led a study on the effectiveness of pegylated interferon alfa-2a -- sold as Roche s Pegasys -- that involved more than 1,000 patients with HCV or HCV
Most Britons willing to lend toothbrushes: United Press International - May 21, 2007; RUGBY, England, May 21 (UPI) -- Most Britons would be happy to lend their toothbrushes to somebody else, even a celebrity, but experts say this is not a good idea. The National Smile Month Survey, commissioned by the British Dental Health Foundation, found that more than 60 percent of men and women would be willing to
Bush praises Blair as 'strategic thinker': United Press International - May 17, 2007; WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Thursday praised outgoing British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a strategic thinker. In opening comments at a news conference in the White House Rose Garden, Bush said he and Blair talked about numerous issues since the prime minister s arrival for a final visit bef
Hospital HIV screening cost effective: United Press International - May 17, 2007; WASHINGTON, May 17 (UPI) -- Sixty percent of hospital emergency room patients agreed to routine HIV screening in a study conducted in Washington. Researchers at George Washington University Medical School say the high percentage of patients agreeing to the screening may have been influenced by an ongoing districtwide c
Canada OKs dose of Bristol-Myers' HIV drug: United Press International - May 17, 2007; MONTREAL, May 17 (UPI) -- Bristol-Myers Squibb said Thursday Health Canada approved a once-daily, 300 mg pill of Reyataz for treating HIV infection. The new dose of the protease inhibitor can be taken once daily as part of combination therapy , replacing two Reyataz 150 mg capsules.
Peregrine tests drug for HIV/HCV patients: United Press International - May 17, 2007; TUSTIN, Calif., May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. firm Peregrine Pharmaceuticals said Thursday it has launched a trial of bavituximab in patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C. The dose-escalation study will involve about 24 patients and will take place initially at Newark, N.J.-based Saint Michael s Medical Center, under th
Smokeless cannabis delivery device created: United Press International - May 17, 2007; SAN FRANCISCO, May 17 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have created a cannabis-vaporizing device to produce the same biological effect as does smoking marijuana but without harmful toxins. The University of California-San Francisco research focused on delivery of the active ingredient delta-9-tertrahydrocannibinol, or THC.
HIV patients at risk with less treatment: United Press International - May 15, 2007; HOUSTON, May. 15 (UPI) -- HIV patients who have stopped seeing their physician do not live as long as those who remain under a doctor s treatment, a U.S. study has found. Baylor College of Medicine and Veterans Affairs researchers looked at 2,619 men with HIV for more than four years -- most were diagnosed between 1997
U.N. urges HIV prevention for drug users: United Press International - May 14, 2007; WARSAW, Poland , May, 14 (UPI) -- With 10 percent of HIV infections worldwide due to drug injections, a U.N. agency urges improved prevention and treatment services for drug users. Evidence shows that HIV prevention programs are particularly effective among people who inject drugs, but they are regularly denied access
India actress wants kiss case set aside: United Press International - May 14, 2007; NEW DELHI, May. 14 (UPI) -- Actress Shilpa Shetty Monday reportedly asked India s Supreme Court to stay an obscenity charge arising from Hollywood star Richer Gere kissing her cheeks. The kiss incident occurred last month when Gere kissed Shetty s cheeks during an AIDS awareness program in New Delhi, the Press Trust of
Study focuses on the cytomegalovirus: United Press International - May 14, 2007; LA JOLLA, Calif., May. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. scientists have found cytomegalovirus in salivary glands can be reduced or even killed by use of antibodies to enhance immune system function. The researchers at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology said their findings, based on controlled laboratory studies of mic
Africa faces cancer epidemic: United Press International - May 11, 2007; LONDON, May. 11 (UPI) -- Africa faces an epidemic of cancer, health ministers were told at a conference in London. The International Agency for Research on Cancer predicts 16 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed around the world each year by 2020, up from 11 million in 2000. The agency said 70 percent of those
Analysis: Drug firms going green?: United Press International - May 10, 2007; Adrianne Appel, UPI Correspondent; BOSTON, May. 10 (UPI) -- More drug manufacturers are turning to natural substances as sources for new drugs, even though the road from plant to pill can be a bumpy one, industry executives said this week. However, the big market potential for some of the new drugs makes it worth the effort, said the executives at the B
Clinton group concludes AIDS drugs deal: United Press International - May 9, 2007; NEW YORK, May 9 (UPI) -- A foundation headed by former U.S. President Bill Clinton will lead a new effort to provide cheaper generic drugs to HIV/AIDS patients in 60 countries. The Clinton Foundation said the drugs to be made by Indian drug companies Cipla Ltd. and Matrix Laboratories Ltd. will be what are called secon
Analysis: Advances in HIV, TB vaccines: United Press International - May 9, 2007; Adrianne Appel, UPI Correspondent; BOSTON, May 9 (UPI) -- Scientists are zeroing in on discovering vaccines to control malaria, tuberculosis and HIV in poorer nations, say health experts involved in the effort. The diseases kill more than 6 million people each year and impact hundreds of millions of lives, many of them children in Latin America, Africa,
Parent with HIV often without custody: United Press International - May 8, 2007; TORONTO, May 8 (UPI) -- More than half of children with an HIV-infected parent are not consistently in that parent s custody, according to a U.S. study. Researchers at the University of California at Los Angeles and the Rand Corp. found that during the two-year study period, 42 percent of children were not in the HIV-i
Women's risk of HIV from husbands: United Press International - May 8, 2007; NEW YORK, May 8 (UPI) -- Unilateral monogamy is not an effective prevention strategy for HIV infection for women, according to a study of Mexican men. We might find men s persistent and widespread participation in extramarital sex to be troubling -- but it s a deeply rooted aspect of social organization, and one that i
Syphilis making a comeback: United Press International - May 8, 2007; RICHMOND, Va., May 8 (UPI) -- Three years after Virginia public health officials thought syphilis was almost eradicated, the disease has surged, with the number of cases doubling. In 2006, the number of cases rose 31 percent to 352, The Washington Post reported. In the first quarter of 2007, the number of cases was 39
Religious response to AIDS to be studied: United Press International - May 7, 2007; CINCINNATI May 7 (UPI) -- University of Cincinnati researchers have received a two-year grant to study how U.S. religious groups respond to AIDS victims. Dr. Joel Tsevat and Magdalena Szaflarski, both researchers at the university s Institute for the Study of Health, will examine how religious organizations treat peopl
Large gift from Abu Dhabi ruler to Hopkins: United Press International - May 5, 2007; BALTIMORE, May 5 (UPI) -- Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the United Arab Emirates , has agreed to make a large gift to Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore. The size of the gift has not been disclosed, but officials at Hopkins describe it as transformational, The Baltimore Sun reported.
Yeas, nays for Brazil AIDS-drug decision: United Press International - May 4, 2007; BRASILIA, Brazil , May 4 (UPI) -- A torrent of praise and criticism Friday met Brazil s anticipated decision to break the patent on Merck s AIDS drug Efavirenz . Just days after Brazil was recognized for improving its enforcement of intellectual property rights, its government has made a major step backward,
Judge who signed warrant for Gere moved: United Press International - May 3, 2007; JAIPUR, India , May 3 (UPI) -- The Indian judge who issued a warrant for U.S. actor Richard Gere and Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty for their public kiss and embrace has been transferred. Dinesh Gupta was moved, effective immediately, from the city of Jaipur to the town of Kishangarh, the Times of India reported Thursday
India unveils AIDS-vaccine partnership: United Press International - May 2, 2007; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The Indian government Wednesday launched a partnership to tackle one of the most vexing problems in the search for an AIDS vaccine. Until now, no candidate vaccine has been able to elicit neutralizing antibodies against HIV, a critical part of an effective vaccine. To overcome this challenge, the co
Condom bar promotes AIDS awareness: United Press International - May 2, 2007; CHANDIGARH, India (UPI) -- A newly-opened bar in India is so set on promoting HIV-AIDS awareness that instead of small change for bills, patrons are given packs of condoms. The condom logo is featured on everything inside the aptly named Condom Bar in the northern city of Chandigarh -- from the glasses used for serving
Analysis: Lack of diversity dogs trials: United Press International - May 2, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON, May 2 (UPI) -- Vigorous efforts are under way to increase racial and ethnic diversity in clinical trials, but more needs to be done, researchers and advocates say. We need to know the right dose and side effects (of drugs) for these patients, said Howard McLeod, director of the Institute for Pharmacogenomic
Controversy arises over Gambian HIV policy: United Press International - May 2, 2007; BANJUL, Gambia , May 2 (UPI) -- Medical experts are criticizing the Gambia government for asking human immunodeficiency virus victims to stop taking anti-retroviral medications. The western African nation s government wants the HIV victims to, instead, try an unproven herbal remedy. The HIV Medicine Association, ba
Resistant HIV can hide in infants' cells: United Press International - May 2, 2007; BALTIMORE, May 2 (UPI) -- U.S. researchers have discovered a drug-resistant virus passed mother-to-child can quickly establish itself in infants T-cells where it can hide for years. The study, conducted by Dr. Deborah Persaud and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, analyzed human immunodefici
Bill Clinton awarded honorary degree: United Press International - April 29, 2007; ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 29 (UPI) -- The University of Michigan has honored former U.S. President Bill Clinton with an honorary degree. Clinton received an honorary doctor of laws degree for his work in public service while president and for his founding of the William J. Clinton Foundation -- which address internationa
ACLU: Sex ed should be accurate: United Press International - April 28, 2007; WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- The American Civil Liberties Union has asked the Bush administration to ensure that abstinence-only sex education materials provide accurate information. The ACLU made the request in a letter that accompanied a 20-page document put together by Dr. John Santelli, a pediatrician at the Mailm
Former AIDS czar resigns in sex scandal: United Press International - April 27, 2007; WASHINGTON, April 27 (UPI) -- Deputy U.S. Secretary of State Randall Tobias, the former AIDS czar, resigned Friday after admitting he used the services of a Washington escort service. Tobias -- in his former position as ambassador for the President s Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief -- was known for advocating sexual abs
Scientist denies herbal cure for AIDS: United Press International - April 27, 2007; DAKAR, Senegal , April 27 (UPI) -- A Senegalese scientist has contradicted a claim by Gambian President Yayha Jammeh, who said he had found a cure for AIDS. In a statement released through the International AIDS Society and the Society for AIDS in Africa, University of Dakar professor Souleyman Mboup said Jammeh s inte
Gere says he didn't mean to offend: United Press International - April 27, 2007; NEW DEHLI, India , April 27 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Richard Gere, trying to blunt criticism over his public kiss with Indian star Shilpa Shetty in New Delhi, said he didn t mean to offend Indian mores. During an AIDS awareness campaign for truck drivers earlier this month, Gere hugged Shetty on-stage, bent her over and kis
HIV female teens have cervical abnormalities: United Press International - April 27, 2007; BOSTON, April 27 (UPI) -- A generation of female teens born with HIV who are now reaching sexual maturity have a higher number of cervical abnormalities, a U.S. study found. Researchers monitored the rate of first-time pregnancies, genital health and Pap test results of 638 girls, ages 13 and over, who became infected
HIV rates up for black, Hispanic gay men: United Press International - April 27, 2007; ATLANTA, April 27 (UPI) -- HIV rates were higher among African-American and Hispanic men, according to U.S. HIV diagnosis rates from 2001-2004 for gay and bisexual men. In addition, black men who have sex with men were significantly less likely to be alive three years after AIDS diagnosis than were Hispanic or white me
Child abuse survivors take gay sex risks: United Press International - April 27, 2007; BOSTON, April 27 (UPI) -- Homosexual and bisexual men who were victims of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, says a U.S. study. Those who reported regular childhood sexual abuse were at significantly greater risk for being HIV positive, were 7 times more likely to have ever exch
Syphilis rising in U.S. gay men: United Press International - April 26, 2007; ATLANTA, April 26 (UPI) -- The rate of syphilis has risen sharply among U.S. homosexual and bisexual men, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. The agency said the overall syphilis rate rose 19 percent between 2000 and 2003, and this increase was exclusively in men. Although the gender of infect
Older adults with HIV have unprotected sex: United Press International - April 26, 2007; ATHENS, Okla., April 26 (UPI) -- One out of three sexually active older U.S. adults infected with HIV has unprotected sex, according to a study by researchers at Ohio University in Athens. Past studies have shown that up to 65 percent of U.S. adults ages 60 to 71 have sexual intercourse. Among older adults who are HIV-
Bono writes 'Idol' aid song: United Press International - April 25, 2007; HOLLYWOOD, April 25 (UPI) -- The anthem American Idol contestants will sing during Wednesday s Idol Gives Back benefit in Hollywood was written by U2 s Bono and musician Dave Stewart. The rockers tune, American Prayer, is about the AIDS epidemic in Africa, the Irish Examiner reported Wednesday. Bono will also meet with
HIV phone support system studied: United Press International - April 25, 2007; ATHENS, Ohio, April 25 (UPI) -- A U.S. scientist is starting a study to determine the effectiveness of telephone support groups for older people with the human immunodeficiency virus. Ohio University psychologist Timothy Heckman has received a $1.5 million, four-year federal grant to test the effectiveness of such a te
HIV associated with higher heart attack risk: United Press International - April 24, 2007; BOSTON, April 24 (UPI) -- Boston researchers found that HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is also associated with increased risk of myocardial infarction, or heart attack. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, found that while rates of several cardiovascular risk factors were also
Analysis: Experts warn on Gambia AIDS cure: United Press International - April 24, 2007; Ed Susman, UPI Medical Correspondent; WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., April 24 (UPI) -- Officials of the International AIDS Society Tuesday urged caution over reports that treatment derived from natural herbs in Gambia can cure AIDS. The purported cure is administered directly to the patients by the president of Gambia, an African nation with a population of 1.6 mi
Study: Doctors think faith helps patients: United Press International - April 21, 2007; LOS ANGELES, April 21 (UPI) -- A new survey finds that 85 percent of U.S. doctors believe religious faith can help patients have a good outcome. Researchers polled 1,144 doctors for the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, The Los Angeles Times reported. Only 1 percent said they believe reli
Analysis: Gilead's future looks bright: United Press International - April 19, 2007; Steve Mitchell, UPI Senior Medical Correspondent; WASHINGTON, April 19 (UPI) -- Gilead s first-quarter earnings jumped 55 percent primarily due to strong sales of its HIV products, and analysts expect the company to maintain that performance for the rest of the year. Anyway you look at the first quarter, it was solid from top to bottom, Lazard analyst Joel Sendek told
U.N., NBA launch AIDS campaign in China: United Press International - April 19, 2007; BEIJING - People in China coping with HIV/AIDS face discrimination and shame, as a lack of information has led to misunderstandings about the disease. To combat misinformation about the epidemic, the National Basketball Association and the U.N. Development Programme have launched a campaign featuring Chinese celebritie
Biologists prove membrane fusion step: United Press International - April 18, 2007; PROVIDENCE, R.I. (UPI) -- U.S. biologists have, for the first time, observed a critical step in membrane fusion -- the process that allows viral infection and nerve communication. Brown University researchers said cells constantly exchange miniscule membrane- enclosed vesicle packages of proteins and other chemicals. B
Report says Britain knew of blood risks: United Press International - April 18, 2007; LONDON - Documents obtained by the BBC suggest British authorities ignored warnings about the risk of contaminated blood in the 1970s and 1980s. BBC s Newsnight said Tuesday it had obtained a letter from the head of Britain s public health surveillance center in 1983 that called for a ban on blood from the
U.N.: Progress in HIV treatment access: United Press International - April 18, 2007; UNITED NATIONS - Lower prices are partly responsible for a dramatic increase in the worldwide availability of anti-retroviral therapy to treat HIV, the United Nations says. Countries in every region of the world are making substantial progress in increasing access to the treatment, according to a joint report from thre
Analysis: HIV treatment goal elusive: United Press International - April 17, 2007; Olga Pierce, UPI Health Business Correspondent; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The world has made great strides toward its pledge of getting HIV treatment to everyone who needs it, but there is still a long way to go, a new report says. In many ways we are still at the beginning of this commitment, said Margaret Chan, director general of the World Health Organization , whic
James Lyons, actor and editor, dies: United Press International - April 16, 2007; NEW YORK, April 16 (UPI) -- James Lyons, a film editor whose portfolio included Velvet Goldmine, Far From Heaven and The Virgin Suicides, died in New York at the age of 46. Lyons turned heads for his work on both sides of the camera in Poison, director Todd Haynes s 1991 effort that won the grand jury prize at the 1991
Activist June Callwood dies at 82: United Press International - April 14, 2007; TORONTO, April 14 (UPI) -- Canadian social activist June Callwood, best known for founding the AIDS hospice Casey House, died Saturday at 82 after battling cancer for years. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp. said that despite being diagnosed in 2004 with inoperable cancer, Callwood continued to remain active in social pr
Australian PM favors banning HIV migrants: United Press International - April 13, 2007; MELBOURNE (UPI) -- Australian Prime Minister John Howard said people who are HIV positive should not be allowed to immigrate to Australia. Speaking during a talk show on Southern Cross Radio in Melbourne, Howard said, I would like to get more counsel and advice but his initial reaction on allowing HIV positive migrants
Analysis: Total hepatitis C cure possible: United Press International - April 12, 2007; Ed Susman, UPI Medical Correspondent; BARCELONA, Spain - Researchers meeting in Spain said Thursday that hepatitis C patients who achieve a complete response to treatment can be considered completely cured of the disease that can result in cirrhosis, liver failure and death. I tell my patients who achieve a sustained virologic response to go home and get o
FDA warns of HIV drug mix-up: United Press International - April 12, 2007; WASHINGTON (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that bottles of HIV drug Ziagen may have been mislabeled as Combivir , another HIV drug. The FDA and GlaxoSmithKline , which makes both drugs