Thin Film Flow of Polymeric Anti-HIV Microbicides: Comparison of 3-D Numerical and Experimental Simulations

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vitaly O. Kheyfets ◽  
Sarah L. Kieweg
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Lateral Spreading ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Thin Film Flow ◽  
Delivery Vehicle ◽  
Topical Formulation ◽  
Polymeric Liquid ◽  
Pharmaceutical Agent ◽  
Effective Delivery

In 2008, approximately 33.4 million people were living with HIV worldwide[1]. The rate of infection increases by about 5 million people per year[2], with a significant portion resulting from unprotected sex. A microbicide is a topical formulation that consists of a pharmaceutical agent suspended in a delivery vehicle (e.g. a polymeric liquid also called a “microbicide gel”), and could be a potential tool for preventing HIV transmission during intercourse. The vehicle itself can act as a physical barrier and, if designed with ideal physicochemical properties, might eliminate the need for a pharmaceutical agent altogether. In fact, a vehicle’s ability to coat the epithelium has been singled out as a crucial variable, which might dictate the microbicide’s efficacy[3]. Our overall objective is to develop an effective delivery vehicle that is capable of coating the vaginal epithelium under the influence of gravity, shearing, and compressive forces. The objective of this study is to numerically simulate the evolution of the 3-D free surface of a non-Newtonian fluid spreading under the influence of gravity. In addition, we aim to compare the spreading characteristics of the numerical model with experimental data, while incorporating similar initial conditions. Here, we present the advantages of accounting for lateral spreading in the numerical simulation.

scholarly journals Correlates of Knowledge of HIV Transmission Among Incident Cases of HIV in a Cohort of Injection Drug Users Receiving Harm Reduction Services at Karachi, Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 286-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rab Nawaz Samo ◽  
Arshad Altaf ◽  
Sharaf Ali Shah
Keyword(s):  
Harm Reduction ◽  
Injection Drug Users ◽  
Drug Users ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Injection Drug ◽  
P Value ◽  
High Risk Population ◽  
Incident Cases

Background: Knowledge of risk factors for HIV transmission in high-risk population plays a critical role in averting the risk of HIV transmission. In Pakistan, injection drug users (IDUs) constitute the core risk group of HIV prevalence, where the epidemic has transitioned to a “concentrated level.” Still nothing is known about the role of knowledge in HIV transmission and HIV sero-conversion among IDUs in Pakistan. Methods: From 2009 to 2011, a nested case–control study was conducted in a cohort of 636 IDUs receiving harm reduction services in the mega city of Karachi. Results: In multivariable regression analysis, 3 factors, namely HIV does not spread through unprotected sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-6.90, P value .01), HIV does not transmit by sharing syringes (AOR: 3.5, 95% CI 1.97-6.40, P value <.00), and the risk of HIV cannot be minimized by using new syringe every time (AOR: 2.0, 95% CI 1.16-3.60, P value .01), were significantly associated with the incident cases of HIV. Conclusion: The study findings suggest the association between knowledge of HIV transmission and HIV sero-incident cases.

scholarly journals HIV prevention strategies and risk of infection: a model-based analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (8) ◽  
pp. 1015-1025 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hahn ◽  
R. Hinz ◽  
T. Meyer ◽  
U. Loderstädt ◽  
O. Herchenröder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Prevention ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Hiv Prevention Strategies ◽  
Hiv Transmission Risk

AbstractRisk populations for HIV infections tend to neglect condom use, making alternative preventive approaches necessary. Accordingly, we modelled the risk of sexual HIV transmission for condom usevs.use of rapid diagnostic test (RDT) systems with subsequent exclusion of potential sexual partners with a correctly or falsely positive test from unprotected sex with and without the use of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in a bio-statistical approach. We combined a previously described model of transmission risk for HIV-exposed individuals with a newly suggested model of risk of HIV exposure for sexually active HIV-negative individuals. The model was adapted for several stages of infection and different strategies of HIV infection prevention.HIV prevention with RDTs can reduce the transmission risk by up to 97% compared with having sex without any prevention and up to 80% compared with condom use. Nevertheless, RDT-based prevention strategies demonstrate a lack of protection in several stages of infection; in particular, RNA-based RDT systems may fail under treatment. RDT-based pre-screening of potential sex partners prior to unprotected sexual contacts substantially reduces HIV transmission risk. Combination of different prevention strategies is advisable for high-risk groups.

scholarly journals Effects of the Criminalization of HIV Transmission in Cuerrier on Men Reporting Unprotected Sex with Men.

2008 ◽  
Vol 23 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 143-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barry D. Adam ◽  
Richard Elliott ◽  
Winston Husbands ◽  
James Murray ◽  
John Maxwell
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Environnement Social ◽  
Vie Quotidienne ◽  
De Se ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Criminalization Of Hiv

Résumé Cet article dresse un portrait des perceptions et des pratiques des hommes qui ont des rapports sexuels fréquents et non protégés avec d'autres hommes dans un climat sociolégal défini par la décision, en 1998, de la Cour suprême du Canada dans l'affaire R. c. Cuerrier. Depuis cette décision, les personnes séropositives se retrouvent de plus en plus souvent en cour et plusieurs d'entres elles essaient d'incorporer des raisonnements légaux dans leurs propres comportements. La construction judiciaire des comportements à risque en matière de transmission du VIH repose sur un ensemble de présuppositions concernant la responsabilité individuelle, les interactions rationnelles et contractuelles ainsi que les adultes consentants. Ces présuppositions suscitent une série d'ambiguïtés et d'incertitudes chez les personnes séropositives qui essaient de les incorporer dans leur vie quotidienne. Tandis que certaines personnes supportent le raisonnement dans l'affaire Cuerrier, d'autres luttent avec les dilemmes pratiques dans les interactions sexuelles, et une minorité avance un raisonnement éthique qui repose avant tout sur la mise en garde. Ce type de raisonnement est commun dans un environnement social dans lequel les personnes séropositives sentent des pressions les incitant à ne pas divulguer leur séropositivité, d'autant plus qu'elles risquent de faire face à un rejet ou une discrimination suite à cette divulgation. Un examen des conséquences sociales de Cuerrier mène à un questionnement sur la viabilité d'une stratégie de renforcement de la divulgation par la menace d'une poursuite en cour criminelle comme méthode efficace de prévention du VIH, d'autant plus que la prévention de la transmission du VIH a lieu, de façon pragmatique et quotidienne, lorsque les gens se protègent lors des rapports sexuels plutôt que de se fier sur la divulgation.

Risk of HIV Transmission in Sexual Behaviors of College Students

1995 ◽  
Vol 76 (3) ◽  
pp. 787-799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Simkins
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Antibody Test ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Multiple Sex Partners ◽  
Married Students ◽  
Deceptive Communication

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual behaviors of college students and assess the extent to which they were engaging in behaviors that have a risk for contracting AIDS. A total of 132 single sexually active students and 58 married students responded to a survey on their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Risk behaviors such as engaging in unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, practicing anal sex, alcohol use, and infidelity and deceptive communication with partner were examined. Compared with earlier surveys on the same population, there was an increase in concern about contracting AIDS and a significant increase in the percentage of students who took the AIDS antibody test. Although none indicated they would lie to partners about a seropositive AIDS test, a few would not tell their partner unless specifically asked. A small percentage of subjects would have extradyadic relations without informing their steady partners and a small number of respondents indicated they might continue to engage in sexual relations with a seropositive partner or a new partner who recently had a seronegative AIDS test. The risks most predominant in this sample were the practice of unprotected sex, having multiple sex partners, and the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with sexual activity. With the exception of unprotected intercourse, the majority of respondents were engaging in behaviors that pose a minimal risk for contracting AIDS.

scholarly journals Evaluation of an HIV-Related Workshop for Adolescents at a Secondary School in Germany

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 157
Author(s):  
Burt Davis ◽  
Katharina Grosser
Keyword(s):  
Secondary School ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Hiv Status ◽  
Design Changes ◽  
Post Test ◽  
Knowledge Levels ◽  
Basic Facts ◽  
Mother To Child ◽  
Hiv Aids

This study set out to establish to what extent an HIV-related awareness workshop involving German adolescents at a secondary school in Brandenburg can help to increase knowledge levels about this disease. Only a few studies have explored what German youths know about HIV, with none so far evaluating a workshop aimed at increasing HIV-related knowledge levels among this cohort. In a pre-test post-test design, changes in participants&rsquo; knowledge levels related to the risk of HIV transmission associated with different types of exposures or behaviors such as unprotected sex, mother-to-child-transmission, blood transfusions, and shaking hands were assessed. Previous studies have shown that German youths lack knowledge in this regard. From pre-test to post-test, there was a statistically significant increase in knowledge levels about the risk of HIV transmission. However, knowledge levels about the risk of HIV transmission was relatively low. An average of 59.2% questions were answered correctly at pre-test vs. 68.1% of questions at post-test. The present study underlines that an awareness workshop can be a useful tool to improve knowledge levels about the risk of HIV transmission among youths. However, the results also revealed that there is still some work to be done to educate young Germans about the basic facts around HIV/AIDS. Although HIV incidence rate in Germany has been slightly decreasing, there is a growing number of new infections among people who are unaware of their HIV status &ndash; while research shows that youths in this country are seemingly complacent about the danger of HIV/AIDS, and often do not use condoms during sex.

scholarly journals A study of HIV/AIDS awareness among the ICTC clients in a tertiary care center

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-151
Author(s):  
Yashaswini M K ◽  
Archana Rao K ◽  
Sangeetha S
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
The Public ◽  
Aids Awareness ◽  
Proper Training ◽  
Living With Hiv ◽  
Hiv Aids

HIV/AIDS poses a significant and one of the most genuine general well-being challenges. For HIV anticipation in the Indian scenario, the main plausible and financially savvy approach that can be adapted is proper training about HIV/AIDS and its various aspects. The present study was embraced to survey the degree of information and awareness about HIV/AIDS among clients attending ICTC facility in our hospital.A total of 200 clients, of age &#62;18yrs, attending the ICTC for HIV testing were studied over a period of 3 months. A questionnaire was prepared in regards to the methods of transmission, preventive techniques, mentality towards patient living with HIV/ AIDS and the source of HIV/ AIDS. The response of clients to the questionnaire was recorded.Among 200 participants, 97% were aware that unprotected sex is a mode of HIV transmission and 64% were aware that infected blood transfusion, use of unsterile needles and syringes contribute to other modes of HIV transmission. It was also noted that uneducated clients had a false perception that HIV can be transmitted by drinking water from same glass and by mosquito bite and this was statistically significant compared to educated individuals. The main source of acquiring positive information among the clients regarding HIV was observed to be television (32.5%). Stigma among the general public was mostly due to fear of contracting the illness. There is a requirement for more noteworthy endeavours toward making data with respect to HIV/AIDS accessible to all. The level of awareness regarding HIV/AIDS needs to be elevated among the public.

Mathematical Simulation and Parametric Study of Flow of a Microbicidal Gel Between Elastic Boundaries

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sunil Karri ◽  
Sarah L. Kieweg
Keyword(s):  
Active Ingredient ◽  
Flow Behavior ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Delivery Vehicle ◽  
Polymeric Liquid ◽  
Vaginal Tissue ◽  
Tissue Properties ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Polymeric Delivery ◽  
External Forces

Topical microbicides, the next generation prevention tool for HIV and other sexually transmitted pathogens, hold great promise if the target vaginal or rectal epithelium is coated effectively. A microbicide consists of an active ingredient within a polymeric delivery vehicle (e.g. polymeric liquid or ‘gel’). Most research in the field of microbicides has been limited to the development of an active ingredient and many microbicidal trails have failed in the past. Thus, there is a need to design a delivery vehicle that optimizes the efficacy of a microbicidal agent. The effectiveness of the gel depends on the gel’s rheological properties as well as the vaginal tissue properties, vaginal geometry, and external forces like gravity. A good design must take these factors in to consideration and a better understanding of the gel’s flow behavior over the epithelium is important before proceeding with clinical trials.

Influence of initial conditions on transient two-dimensional thin-film flow

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 4448-4451 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roger E. Khayat ◽  
Kyu-Tae Kim
Keyword(s):  
Thin Film ◽  
Film Flow ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Thin Film Flow

Heterosexual HIV transmission dynamics: implications for prevention and control

2007 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 509-513 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Chin ◽  
Anthony Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Epidemic Spread ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Infected Blood ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Disease Agent ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
And Control

Understanding the epidemiologic definition of epidemic versus non-epidemic spread of an infectious disease agent and the different patterns of heterosexual HIV transmission are needed to fully understand the low potential for heterosexual HIV epidemics in most heterosexual populations. Epidemic sexual HIV transmission can occur only in populations where there are large numbers of persons who have unprotected sex with multiple and concurrent sex partners. How high HIV prevalence may reach in these populations depends on the size and overlap of sex networks, and the prevalence of facilitating and protective factors that can greatly increase or limit the amount of infected blood and sexual fluids exchanged during intercourse. The wide difference in potentials for heterosexual HIV epidemics that exists within and between countries must be recognized, accepted and monitored in order to design and focus prevention strategies where they are most needed and most effective.

scholarly journals Understanding of Perceived Infectiousness and Its Influence on Sexual Behavior Among Individuals With Acute HIV Infection in Lilongwe, Malawi (HPTN 062)

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (3) ◽  
pp. 260-270
Author(s):  
Tiarney D. Ritchwood ◽  
Cecilia Massa ◽  
Gift Kamanga ◽  
Audrey Pettifor ◽  
Irving Hoffman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Unprotected Sex ◽  
Acute Hiv Infection ◽  
Acute Hiv ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
To Receive

We implemented HPTN 062, an acceptability and feasibility study of a motivational-interviewing (MI) intervention to reduce HIV transmission among individuals with acute HIV infection (AHI) in Lilongwe, Malawi. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either brief education or the MI intervention over 24 weeks; all participants received the same messages about AHI. We used mixed methods to assess participants' understanding of the association between AHI and viral load, and its connection to sexual behavior at 8 weeks. While most participants understood key aspects of AHI, MI-intervention participants gave substantially more detailed descriptions of their understanding. Nearly all participants, regardless of study arm, understood that they were highly infectious and would be very likely to transmit HIV after unprotected sex during AHI. Our findings suggest that messages about AHI delivered during the period of AHI are likely beneficial for ensuring that those with AHI understand their level of infectiousness and its association with forward transmission.

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