Cell-free mitochondrial DNA in CSF is associated with early viral rebound, inflammation, and severity of neurocognitive deficits in HIV infection.

Cell-free mitochondiral DNA (mtDNA) is an immunogenic molecule associated with many inflammatory conditions. We evaluated the relationship between cell-free mtDNA in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and neurocognitive performance and inflammation during HIV infection. In a cross-sectional analysis, we evaluated the association of mtDNA levels with clinical assessments, inflammatory markers, and neurocognitive performance in 28 HIV-infected individuals.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) CD8+ T-cells that express interferon-gamma contribute to HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND).

Background: HIV associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) continue to affect cognition and everyday functioning despite anti-retroviral treatment (ART). Previous studies focused on mechanisms related to monocyte/macrophage mediated inflammation. However, in the ART era, there is increasing evidence for the involvement of CD8+ T-cells in CNS pathogenesis.

The influence of HLA on HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment in Anhui, China.

Background: HLA-DR*04 was identified as a predictor of HIV-Associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), low CD4 T-cell responses to HIV, and low plasma HIV RNA levels in a U.S. cohort.

Characterization of cytokine gene expression associated with noninfectious human immunodeficiency virus retinopathy in human autopsy eyes.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the cytokine-related pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus retinopathy in human autopsy eyes.

Methods: Fresh autopsy eyes were procured from clinically diagnosed patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who had died as a result of disease-related complications; eyes were immediately immersed in RNAlater. Clean 2-mm trephines were used to punch individual pathologic retina in areas of cotton-wool spots and control punches.

Intraocular viral and immune pathogenesis of immune recovery uveitis in patients with healed cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Purpose: To investigate immune and viral contributions to the pathogenesis of immune recovery uveitis (IRU), which presents as vitritis, macular edema, or formation of epiretinal membranes, and develops in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who experienced cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis before antiretroviral treatment (ART) induced immune reconstitution.

Methods: Aqueous and vitreous fluids from patients with IRU, active CMV retinitis, and control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative, noninflamed eyes were compared for presence of cytokines IL-6, IL12, interferon gamma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques, and CMV DNA (by polymerase chain reaction).

Results: IRU eyes (11 patients, 18 samples) had the highest levels of IL-12 (median 48 pg/mL), moderate levels of IL-6 (median 146 pg/mL), and low but significant interferon gamma (median 15 pg/mL), compared to controls (P < 0.

Valganciclovir therapy for immune recovery uveitis complicated by macular edema.

Purpose: To determine whether treatment with valganciclovir will improve visual acuity in eyes with immune recovery uveitis complicated by macular edema.

Design: Prospective open label controlled Phase II drug study.

Methods: Five patients with chronic macular edema as a result of immune recovery uveitis were studied.

Paradoxical activity of CMV retinitis in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Purpose: To report two types of atypical behaviors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) era, including active CMV retinitis in the presence of persistently high CD4 cell counts during HAART and CMV retinitis that has not reactivated despite persistently low CD4 cell counts.

Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, observational study of a cohort of 116 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who had a history of CMV retinitis during the HAART era.

Results: Sixty (52%) of the 116 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and CMV retinitis were HAART responders.

Persistent HIV-1-specific cellular responses despite prolonged therapeutic viral suppression.

Design: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) currently represents the best way to avert the lethal consequences of chronic persistent HIV-1 infection. It leads to significant reductions of plasma viremia, often to undetectable levels, but it can also be linked with the reduction and disappearance of detectable HIV-specific CD8 T-cell responses.

Results: Here we describe a group of patients in whom ongoing replication of HIV, particularly transcription of Nef mRNA species, was detected despite prolonged and clinically successful antiretroviral treatment.

The structure and genetics of a montane population of the checkerspot butterfly, Chlosyne palla.

The population structure, genetics and ecology of the checkerspot butterfly, Chlosyne palla, in an area of Gunnison County, Colorado were investigated. The population structure was found to be quite different from that of most butterflies and from all of those aspects known for its thoroughly studied relative, Euphydryas editha. The population unit of Chlosyne palla may cover an area some five to eight times the size of the largest known Euphydryas population and twice the size of an Erebia epipsodea population in the same county of Colorado.