Journal of the International AIDS Society Blog
International Conference on Opportunistic Pathogens in AIDS
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences together with the Association for Better Health and Society is organizing an “International Conference on Opportunistic Pathogens in AIDS” (ICOPA)” in New Delhi, to be held from 27-30 September 2010.
“The Conference will cover various topics related to diagnosis, treatment, care and prevention of HIV/ AIDS, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis viruses, other Viral, Fungal, Parasitic and Bacterial infections in AIDS. The major emphasis will be given on diagnosis (Conventional and Molecular) and current treatment strategies. World renowned speakers from
For more information visit the conference website www.icopa-india.org for the scientific programme and online registration or email: secretariat@icopa-india.org.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 09:12 Comments (0)
In July this year nearly 20.000 delegates travelled from 197 countries to attend the XVIII International AIDS Conference in
The highlight of the conference was the announcement of the promising results from the CAPRISA microbicide trial that showed that an antiretroviral-based vaginal microbicide decreases HIV transmission to women by nearly 40%. One of the principal investigators of the trial and also an editorial board member of the Journal of the International AIDS Society, Quarraisha Abdool Karim, was very pleased with the results: “We now have a product that potentially can alter the epidemic trends ... and save millions of lives”. Prompted by an increasing HIV epidemic among injecting drug users in
Journal of the International AIDS Society organized two workshops at the conference. The workshops were co-facilitated with partners from EASE and ISAJE, were very well attended and highly evaluated. The ‘Publish or Perish’ workshop, which provided an overview of key elements in scientific writing and pre-submission guidelines, was particularly popular. During the workshop, the audience engaged actively with a panel of editors and raised many questions regarding the editorial process. The second workshop focused on publication ethics and scientific integrity, and presentations focused on misconduct in scientific writing, including authorship attribution, conflict of interest declarations and ethics in research with human participants.
The high attendance and positive feedback highlights the need for skills building and training in scientific writing. Preparations are already underway by the Journal of the International AIDS Society for the 6th IAS Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention in
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 08:33 Comments (0)
History of HIV/AIDS: on this day – 27 July 1982. A syndrome is named.
On 5th of June 1981 doctors in
Kaposi’s sarcoma, a malignant tumor of the connective tissue, showed up as distinctive skin lesions. It could simultaneously affect lymph nodes throughout the body, the lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. It quickly became a hallmark of HIV/AIDS as HIV-positive patients often develop this type of cancer.
These illnesses were also observed in people with haemophilia, other people receiving blood transfusions and people using intravenous drugs. By 1982 common symptoms were also seen in partners and infants of those infected, whose immune system would unequivocally become compromised.
On 27th of July 1982, the designation Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) was agreed upon in
In January 1983 Dr. Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, at the Pasteur Institute in
For more information regarding a timeline on HIV/AIDS.
Today researchers believe strains of the virus crossed over from primates to humans in the 1930s3 and HIV was further spread between humans creating the epidemic we face today.
There is still no cure nor a vaccine for HIV/AIDS. The only way to know if we are infected with HIV is to get tested, an integral part of HIV prevention strategies. To learn more about HIV testing.
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Article references:
1 Time (1982, July 27). A Name for the Plague. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www.time.com/time/80days/820727.html
2 Science (1983, May 20). Isolation of a T-lymphotrophic Retrovirus from a Patient at Risk for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;220/4599/868
3 Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society (2001, June 29). The Origins of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Viruses: Where and When? Retrieved July 27, 2010, from http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/356/1410/867.long
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 11:35 Comments (0)
The editorial team of Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) is attending the International AIDS Conference 18-23 July 2010 in
Building on the success of the “Publish or Perish” workshop held during IAS2009 in
Publish or Perish for Junior Authors: Writing and Publishing Scientific Manuscripts on HIV/AIDS and related topics. In addition to providing practical guidelines for writing a scientific paper, an editors’ panel will give an insight into the editorial process and discuss reasons for rejecting manuscripts.
When: Wednesday 21 July, 16:30-18:00
Where: Mini Room 3, Reed Messe Convention Centre,
Interactive Workshop on: Scientific Integrity and Ethical Issues in Publishing in the Field of HIV and AIDS. The workshop will cover ethical and practical dilemmas in HIV research and scientific publishing, with a guided, interactive discussion of ‘real world’ scientific integrity issues.
When: Thursday 22 July, 11:00-12:30
Where: Mini Room 2, Reed Messe Convention Centre,
The
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 17:39 Comments (0)
Kuan-Teh Jeang awarded ‘Editor of the Year’ by BioMed Central
Journal of the International AIDS Society congratulates its editorial board member Dr. Jeang for his award of ‘Editor of the Year’ presented to him by BioMed Central. Dr. Jeang was recognized for his dedication as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Retrovirology, which has celebrated continuous success since its launch in 2004.
Dr. Jeang is Head of the Molecular Virology Section at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. His research focuses on HIV-1 gene expression and HTLV-1 (human T-cell leukemia virus type 1) transformation of human cells. He received his MD and PhD degrees from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1984.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 15:54 Comments (0)
Launch of "Family-centred services for children affected by HIV and AIDS" Supplement
The HIV epidemic continues to place a great burden on children, and the importance that treatment and care for children are integrated into the broader context of family-support schemes is becoming increasingly recognised. However, despite growing evidence of the benefits of family-centred services, reforms in favour of family-oriented HIV interventions have been slow to emerge.
With this month’s supplement on “Family-centred services for children affected by HIV and AIDS” the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS) brings together in one place for the first time the rationale for family-centred services for children affected by HIV and AIDS and some of the available evidence for the effectiveness of doing so.
The issue comprises nine articles by leading researchers in the field, starting with an introduction by Linda Richter and followed by contributions from Theresa Betancourt and colleagues on family-centred models for prevention of vertical transmission and Sarah Leeper and colleagues, who analyse the impact of family-services on children’s health. In addition Lorraine Sherr as well as Vicky Hosegood and Sangeetha Madhavan explore the role of men in these types of programmes. Two articles by Jennifer Beard and colleagues, and Sunil Solomon and colleagues describe family-centred care for marginalized groups. Focusing on pre- and early adolescents, Arvin Bhana and colleagues review an intervention project and the concluding article of the issue by Mark Tomlinson examines links to the field of depression.
We hope this special issue constitutes a beginning of what could be a groundswell of interest in family-centred services for children affected by HIV and AIDS. We would like to invite and encourage readers to contemplate the diverse aspects of this area and to engage with the editors and the authors in dialogue on this important and timely issue by using the ‘comment’ option on the JIAS website below each article.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 12:57 Comments (0)
Call for submission for organizing AIDS2010 hubs – deadline 30 June!
For those active in the response against HIV/AIDS but cannot attend the conference in Vienna, for delegates going to Vienna and committed to follow up when they return, AIDS 2010 organizers invite you to be part of the movement for expanded access by organizing an independent hub in your region. Independent hubs are “mini-conferences”, hosted by local organizations around the world, featuring screenings of a selection of videotaped sessions followed by moderated discussions on how the content of the session may be used to strengthen the response to HIV locally.
A conference hub is a unique chance to engage regional leadership, build professional capacities among local stakeholders and develop new partnerships, with the potential of developing a comprehensive plan for future actions at the local or regional levels. For your organization, it’s also a great opportunity to develop your visibility and credibility towards local stakeholders, demonstrating your involvement in the response to HIV/AIDS.
Organizing an independent hub is easy and access to AIDS 2010 conference content is free. The AIDS 2010 conference hubs team provides a dedicated online access for hubs organizers to easily select and download the videotaped sessions as well as a toolkit to help you organize your hub. For more information, please visit our website at Conference Hubs at AIDS 2010 or contact us at hubs@aids2010.org.
Independent hub submission closes on 30 June 2010
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 11:46 Comments (0)
Key Findings Presented at the International Microbicides Conference 2010
MICROBICIDES 2010: Building Bridges in HIV Prevention
Pittsburgh
Microbicides are topical products in development to prevent HIV. To learn more about microbicides visit Global Campaign for Microbicides.
The 2010 Microbicides Conference focused on a broader range of prevention strategies than ever before, including vaginal and rectal microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—the use of anti-retrovirals (ARVs) by HIV-negative people to prevent infection.
The first day of the conference featured surprising new findings on HIV and pregnancy. A new study by the Partners in Prevention HSV/HIV Transmission Study team showed that the risk of HIV transmission during sex doubles for men with HIV-positive partners if that partner is pregnant.
Researchers also announced new compounds under investigation for the use as microbicides, including products containing newer classes of ARVS such as integrase inhibitors and CCR5 inhibitors.
Promising new microbicide formulations, such as long-lasting vaginal rings, easy-to-use vaginal films, and dissolvable tablets, were presented. One study showed that a vaginal ring could deliver a combination of two ARVs, dapivirine and maraviroc, at therapeutic levels for up to 30 days.
But scientists also sounded a note of caution about ARV-based prevention. Results of two separate studies, one based on mathematical models and the other on laboratory tests, indicated that using ARVs for prevention could lead to drug resistance if people do not know their HIV status. Investigators emphasized that this should not discourage the use of ARV-based prevention, but instead highlights the need for regular HIV testing.
New findings showed that some lubricants may actually increase the risk of HIV transmission for receptive male and female partners during anal sex.
Please follow this link for updates and press releases from M2010.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 15:28 Comments (0)
World AIDS Vaccine Day – 18 May 2010
Today 18 May is World AIDS Vaccine Day, also known as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day. Advocates the world over have been celebrating it since 1998, the first anniversary of then-President Bill
There is still no known vaccine to prevent HIV infection and the progression towards AIDS. Research into an HIV vaccine continues to this day. To learn more about vaccines, please visit the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) website .
18 May has become an opportunity across continents to raise awareness about HIV vaccines, promote scientific research, dispel commonly-held myths and encourage people to get tested.
Today an estimated 33.4 million people are living with HIV, two thirds in sub-Saharan
To test your knowledge on HIV vaccines, take this quiz.
To learn about ongoing HIV prevention trials around the world visit AVAC – Global Advocacy for HIV Prevention.
Posted by Rose-Marie Neuenschwander at 12:05 Comments (0)
Late breaker abstract submission for preconference workshop “TOWARDS A CURE”: HIV RESERVOIRS AND STRATEGIES TO CONTROL THEM” opens 20th April 2010 and closes 20th May 2010
The Pre-Conference Workshop will be held 16 - 17 July 2010, in conjunction with International AIDS Conference in Vienna, Austria
In order to increase the focus on basic science at the next International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2010), to be held in Vienna, the IAS is organising a 2-day basic science workshop in advance of the conference, chaired by 2008 Nobel Laureate for Medicine and IAS Governing Council Member Françoise Barré-Sinoussi. The workshop will focus on HIV reservoirs and strategies to control them. Results from the workshop will be presented during AIDS 2010.
Basic and clinical sciences abstracts (Track A and B) submitted to the International AIDS Conference and related to the topic of viral reservoirs and strategies to control them will be presented and discussed at the ‘closed’ pre-conference workshop. Late breaker abstract submission opens 20th April 2010 and closes 20th May 2010, and can be submitted through AIDS 2010.
For more information about the workshop, please see "Towards a Cure": HIV Reservoirs and Strategies to Control Them".
Posted by Mirjam Eckert at 13:29 Comments (0)
A fond farewell to Edith Gruslin and a warm welcome to Mirjam Eckert
As March comes to an end, we reluctantly say goodbye to Edith Gruslin, the Monitoring Editor for the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS). Edith has been key to the success of the journal, and under her tenure, the journal has grown both in readership and publication rate. On behalf of the JIAS editorial team, we thank Edith for her leadership, dedication and hard work during her time with the JIAS. She will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best and continued success in her future endeavors. At this time, we would like to give a warm welcome to Dr. Mirjam Eckert who has joined the editorial team of the JIAS as the new Monitoring Editor as Edith’s replacement. Mirjam has an excellent academic background and has published a number of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals. With training in science communication, Mirjam has experience and interest in the wider applicability and communication of science.
Posted by Shirin Heidari at 11:29
4th INTEREST Workshop, 25–28 May 2010, Maputo, Mozambique
The 4th INTEREST Workshop – the International Workshop on HIV Treatment, Pathogenesis and Prevention Research in Resource-Limited Settings – will take place on 25–28 May 2010 in Maputo, Mozambique.
In this interactive workshop, which aims to “promote coordination and collaboration, and transfer experiences across fields and continents”, scientists from low- and middle-income countries as well as developing countries will have the opportunity to share their research findings on HIV prevention, pathogenesis and treatment.
Presentations from renowned speakers will cover a wide range of topics, including the state-of-the-art in microbicides, paediatric HIV infection, and HIV-incidence determination. With a focus on issues that are especially relevant to Africa, the workshop gives young scientists from low- and middle-income countries the chance to present their research. In addition to abstract-driven and poster presentations, the workshop also includes time for discussion and interaction between the speakers and participants.
Register before 16 April 2010 to benefit from the regular fee!
Posted by Edith Gruslin at 11:12 Comments (0)
Today 24 March is World TB Day in commemoration of the date Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB). This year’s slogan is “On the move against tuberculosis: Innovate to accelerate action.”
TB is a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease that is transmitted from person to person through air particles. People with healthy immune systems infected with M. tuberculosis are often asymptomatic. However, active TB of the lungs causes coughing (sometimes with sputum or blood), weakness, chest pains, weight loss and fever. With a course of antibiotics, TB is treatable and curable; however, every year, hundreds of thousands of people die from this infectious disease.
Every day, about 4,000 people die of TB and one-third of the world population is infected. TB is the leading cause of death for those diagnosed with HIV in Africa and a leading cause in other places around the world. In 2008 alone, an estimated 500,000 people died from HIV-associated TB. (For statistics see WHO TB/HIV Facts 2009.)
Experts agree that research is needed to find ways to reduce transmission and reactivation of TB and to reduce prevalence in people with HIV. The package of interventions proposed is referred to as the “3 I’s”: Isoniazid Preventative Therapy, Intensified Case Finding and Infection Control. (See Think TB in People with HIV for a full outline) This approach will hopefully ameliorate the effect of TB on HIV-infected people.
Experts also agree that further research is needed to develop new and better performing TB diagnostic tools. More specifically, new tools should allow increased access to diagnosis and treatment, such as a point-of-care test, as well as being adapted to all populations currently underdiagnosed such as HIV coinfected individuals and infants.
To learn more about World TB Day activities, please visit the World TB Day website.
Posted by Edith Gruslin at 08:31 Comments (0)
The International AIDS Society (IAS) and 15 other leading public and private sector organizations have released a comprehensive research agenda designed to significantly advance global responses to HIV in women, girls and children. The new consensus statement, Asking the Right Questions: Advancing an HIV Research Agenda for Women and Children, includes 20 specific recommendations to expand and improve responses to the HIV-related challenges facing women and children worldwide.
Inadequate responses to HIV are a major barrier to women’s health and progress worldwide. According to UNAIDS, 15.7 million women and 2.1 million children under age 15 were living with HIV in 2008. Women and children made up the majority of the estimated 33.4 million people living with HIV in 2008.
The Agenda, which focuses on key gaps in clinical and programmatic knowledge that hinder access to effective HIV prevention, treatment and care for women and children, is being released today to coincide with International Women’s Day, whose theme is “Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress for All.”
The Agenda was developed through an extensive consultative process involving investigators, clinicians, civil society and UN agencies, and was informed by an expert-led mapping exercise and literature review initiated by the IAS’ Industry Liaison Forum (IAS-ILF). It identifies priority research questions within four broad categories: 1) clinical research on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) and paediatric treatment; 2) clinical research on treatment issues for women; 3) operations research for women; and 4) operations and implementation research related to PMTCT, including paediatric care, treatment and support.
Recommendations in the fourth category of the agenda were developed though a parallel, high level consultation led by UNICEF, with the involvement of the Interagency Task Team for PMTCT, including the WHO, UNAIDS and US agencies and in collaboration with George Washington University (GWU) and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF).
The 16 organizations endorsing this Agenda commit to working together on its implementation. They invite others to join them to help ensure that the overall AIDS research agenda works for women and children, too.
Posted by Edith Gruslin at 10:21 Comments (0)
Publish or Perish Workshop at the 5e Conférence Francophone VIH/SIDA in Casablanca
The workshop “Publier ou Périr” will be presented in French by Dr Papa Salif Sow, JIAS Editor-in-Chief, on 31 March during the 5e Conférence Francophone VIH/SIDA in Casablanca, Morocco. This workshop on scientific writing is designed especially to help new and early-career HIV researchers improve their knowledge and skills in writing and publishing for success.
Come and learn more about:
1) The major components of a scientific manuscript;
2) How to make your writing more efficient;
3) How to avoid the common problems with ethics and plagiarism; and
4) The submission and review process.
The 5e Conférence Francophone VIH/SIDA will take place in Casablanca from 28 to 31 March 2010. On line registration to the conference closes 15 March 2010. For more information, visit www.vihcasablanca2010.com.
Le Dr Papa Salif Sow, Éditeur-en-Chef du JIAS, présentera l’atelier “Publier ou Périr” le 31 mars prochain lors de la 5e Conférence Francophone VIH/SIDA qui aura lieu à Casablanca, Maroc. Cet atelier sur la rédaction scientifique est conçu spécialement pour aider les chercheurs en début de carrière à développer leurs compétences ainsi que leurs connaissances de l’écriture scientifique et du processus de publication.
Venez en apprendre plus sur:
1) Les principaux éléments d’un article scientifique
2) Comment rendre votre écriture plus efficace
3) Comment éviter les principaux problèmes éthiques et le plagiat
4) Le processus de soumission et de révision d’articles scientifiques
La 5e Conférence Francophone VIH/SIDA aura lieu à Casablanca du 28 au 31 mars 2010. L’inscription en ligne se termine le 15 mars 2010. Pour plus d’informations, visitez www.vihcasablanca2010.com
Posted by Edith Gruslin at 09:08 Comments (0)