Asymptomatic people with well-controlled HIV do not have abnormal left ventricular global longitudinal strain.

Background: Previous studies have reported impairment in systolic and diastolic function in people with HIV (PWHIV). Our aim was to determine if echocardiographically measured left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) is abnormal in asymptomatic PWHIV.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of PWHIV ( = 98, 89% male, median age 53 years) and HIV-negative people ( = 50, median age 53 years) without known cardiovascular disease were recruited from a single centre.

Factors associated with the development of coronary artery disease in people with HIV.

Background: People living with HIV (PLHIV) are at increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to describe the features associated with CAD in PLHIV.

Methods: A case ([n =160] PLHIV with CAD) control ([n =317] PLHIV matched by age and sex without CAD) study was performed at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia (January 1996 and December 2018).

Robust SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses with common TCRαβ motifs toward COVID-19 vaccines in patients with hematological malignancy impacting B cells.

Immunocompromised hematology patients are vulnerable to severe COVID-19 and respond poorly to vaccination. Relative deficits in immunity are, however, unclear, especially after 3 vaccine doses. We evaluated immune responses in hematology patients across three COVID-19 vaccination doses.

Effects and safety of Chinese herbal medicine on inflammatory biomarkers in cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Inflammation drives cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with underlying chronic inflammatory diseases, including People with HIV (PWH), independently of dyslipidemia. Adjunctive treatments that lower inflammation may be useful to lower CVD risk in such populations. There is very little data on the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in reducing inflammation in PWH to address its potential in reducing this CVD risk factor, therefore we evaluated its impact on inflammatory biomarkers relevant to CVD risk in the general population.

Effect of Rosuvastatin Therapy on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Immune Activation in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus at Intermediate Cardiovascular Risk.

Background: Statins may help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) with chronic inflammation owing to their pleotropic lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties.

Methods: The impact of 48 weeks of rosuvastatin therapy on inflammation and immune activation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in PWH at moderate cardiovascular disease risk was assessed.

Results: Rosuvastatin did not alter plasma levels of interleukin 6, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor type 2, CXCL10, soluble CD14, or soluble vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (P ≥ .

Impact of Integrase inhibitors and tenofovir alafenamide on weight gain in people with HIV.

Purpose Of Review: Obesity is increasing in people with HIV (PWH). This review aims to summarise the recent evidence investigating the associations between the use of integrase inhibitors and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) with weight gain and the mechanisms by which this may occur. Understanding the role that antiretroviral therapies play in promoting weight gain is critical in making informed treatment decisions.

Impact of rosuvastatin on atherosclerosis in people with HIV at moderate cardiovascular risk: a randomised, controlled trial.

Background: People living with HIV-1 (PLHIV) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Objective: This study aimed to determine if PLHIV would benefit from starting statins at a lower threshold than currently recommended in the general population.

Design: A double-blind multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial was performed.

Monocytes from men living with HIV exhibit heightened atherogenic potential despite long-term viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). Monocytes play a key role in the early stages of atherosclerosis-driven CVD by forming lipid-laden foam cells within artery walls. HIV infection potentiates foam cell formation ex vivo, but the mechanisms contributing to this are not known.

Immune Biomarkers in the Prediction of Future Myocardial Infarctions in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

In a retrospective case control analysis, following adjustments for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and the CD4/CD8 T-cell ratio, higher lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) was associated with future myocardial infarctions in hsCRP human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). LBP may be a marker of cardiovascular risk with utility in HIV.

Obesity and Fat Metabolism in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals: Immunopathogenic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications.

Metabolic complications relating to complex effects of viral and immune-mediated mechanisms are now a focus of clinical care among persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV), and obesity is emerging as a critical problem. To address knowledge gaps, the US National Institutes of Health sponsored a symposium in May 2018 entitled "Obesity and Fat Metabolism in HIV-infected Individuals." Mechanisms relating to adipose dysfunction and fibrosis, immune function, inflammation, and gastrointestinal integrity were highlighted as contributors to obesity among PLHIV.

Changes in plasma lipidome following initiation of antiretroviral therapy.

Introduction: HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease and important changes in lipid metabolism. Advances in mass-spectrometry technology allow for the detailed assessment of individual lipid species which may illuminate the mechanisms underlying increased cardiovascular risk. We describe the change in plasma lipidome with initiation of antiretroviral therapy and compare these by regimen.

Predictors of chronic kidney disease and utility of risk prediction scores in HIV-positive individuals.

Objective: The current study aimed to validate existing risk prediction scores and identify predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the setting of HIV.

Design And Methods: A retrospective cohort study of HIV-positive individuals (n = 748) with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) more than 60 ml/min was conducted at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with development of CKD, defined as two consecutive measurements of eGFR less than 60 ml/min.

The location of Australian Buruli ulcer lesions-Implications for unravelling disease transmission.

Background: Buruli ulcer (BU), caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, is increasing in incidence in Victoria, Australia. To improve understanding of disease transmission, we aimed to map the location of BU lesions on the human body.

Methods: Using notification data and clinical records review, we conducted a retrospective observational study of patients diagnosed with BU in Victoria from 1998-2015.

Contribution of Common Infections to Cardiovascular risk in HIV Positive Individuals.

HIV-positive individuals are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease due to complex interactions between the increased incidence of traditional cardiovascular risk factors and HIV and antiretroviral-associated inflammation and dyslipidemia. Increasing evidence suggests that a number of important co-pathogens, including cytomegalovirus, hepatitis C virus, and periodontal disease, are likely to also be contributing. Mechanisms such as molecular mimicry and modification of lipids play a role; however, induction of systemic inflammation is the likely key pathogenic link by which this occurs.

The impact of a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship team on the timeliness of antimicrobial therapy in patients with positive blood cultures: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship teams play an important role in assisting with the optimization of antimicrobial use in acute care settings. We aimed to determine whether a rapid review by a multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship team would improve the timeliness of optimal antimicrobial therapy for patients with positive blood cultures.

Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was undertaken in two Australian hospitals.

Effects of abacavir administration on structural and functional markers of platelet activation.

Background: Current abacavir exposure has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Changes in platelet reactivity could plausibly explain the clinically observed pattern of association.

Objective: To determine if platelet reactivity changed following abacavir exposure and whether this effect was reversible on cessation of the drug.

Fosfomycin for Treatment of Prostatitis: New Tricks for Old Dogs.

Treatment options for prostatitis caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli are limited. We report two cases cured with oral fosfomycin and provide a pharmacokinetic analysis of fosfomycin predose concentrations during treatment.