: a rare cause of rhomboencephalitis in an immunocompetent patient.

We present an unusual case of rhomboencephalitis in a young, healthy patient. Although meningitis is usually associated with immunodeficiency, rhomboencephalitis is more commonly seen in immunocompetent patients. The wide differential for rhomboencephalitis can create a diagnostic challenge.

A Phase 1 Clinical Trial to Assess the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of a Tenofovir Alafenamide/Elvitegravir Insert Administered Rectally for HIV Prevention.

Background: On-demand topical products could be an important tool for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention. We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and ex vivo pharmacodynamics of a tenofovir alafenamide/elvitegravir (TAF/EVG, 20 mg/16 mg) insert administered rectally.

Methods: MTN-039 was a phase 1, open-label, single-arm, 2-dose study.

Vancomycin in adult prescribing: is it time to move on from trough-based dosing in the UK?

Vancomycin remains a useful agent in the infection doctor's toolkit, particularly for Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA infections. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is essential to maintain efficacy and avoid toxicity. Until recently, trough-based dosing has been the recommended method but in recent years the reliability of this has been questioned.

A Mixed-Methods Study Examining Adherence to and Acceptability of Intravaginal Rings for HIV Prevention: Behavioral Results of MTN-027.

Intravaginal rings (IVR) containing antiretroviral drugs are a promising method for HIV prevention. We triangulated quantitative and qualitative assessments to evaluate the acceptability of four IVRs used continuously for 28 days as part of a Phase I trial (N = 48 HIV-negative women; ages 18-45). Adherence was high throughout the trial, yet 30% of participants reported involuntary IVR expulsions followed by re-insertion.

Phase 1 Safety and Pharmacokinetics Study of MK-2048/Vicriviroc (MK-4176)/MK-2048A Intravaginal Rings.

Background: Vaginal rings (VR) containing antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can be utilized for prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with potential for improved adherence compared to daily pills. Combination ARV VRs could improve efficacy.

Methods: MTN-027, a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in 48 women, evaluated VRs containing MK-2048 (30 mg) and vicriviroc (VCV, 182 mg), alone or in combination, and placebo used continuously for 28 days.

Down Regulation of the TCR Complex CD3ζ-Chain on CD3+ T Cells: A Potential Mechanism for Helminth-Mediated Immune Modulation.

The CD3ζ forms part of the T cell receptor (TCR) where it plays an important role in coupling antigen recognition to several intracellular signal-transduction pathways leading to T cell effector functions. Down regulation of CD3ζ leads to impairment of immune responses including reduced cell proliferation and cytokine production. In experimental models, helminth parasites have been shown to modulate immune responses directed against them and unrelated antigens, so called bystander antigens, but there is a lack of studies validating these observations in humans.

Scanning electron microscope study comparing four root canal preparation techniques in small curved canals.

Various instrumentation techniques have been proposed and examined with conflicting results. They include hand and ultrasonic techniques and combinations of the two. In the present study we assessed the effectiveness of four preparation methods for cleaning small, curved root canals, using backscattered-imaging scanning electron microscopy (SEM).