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In Vitro Antibody Production Enables HIV Infection Detection In Window Period -- Key To Safer Blood
Researchers in Israel and Kenya have shown that the contribution of variable degrees of immune suppression, either due to existing chronic infections such as parasitemias and/or nutrition, in different populations may influence and prolong the serological-diagnostic window period of HIV. However, the immunosuppression can be overcome, by in-vitro enhancement of antibody production (termed- Stimmunology). The results, which appear in the August 2009 issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, show that pre-treating the whole blood sample in the SMARTube™ containing immune potentiating agents promoted the synthesis and release of antibodies against HIV-1 prior to their detection in corresponding plasma samples in a group of donors who would otherwise be classified as HIV-1 seronegative blood donors. The identification of techniques that can lead to detection of HIV infection during this window period is of obvious public health importance especially in re poor settings highlighting the importance of these findings. Overcoming the suppression, in-vitro, led to the production of detectable levels of anti-HIV antibodies in the whole blood sample and to the detection of potentially infectious blood units which were missed by regular HIV serology. Interestingly, the ratio of missed infections among the total HIV infected blood donors was higher among the younger (high-school) donors versus adult donors.

Nç©ovacs To Expand Clinical Testing Of Its TNF-alpha Kinoid Lead Product Candidate Following Positive Preliminary Findings From A Phase I/II Study
Neovacs, a biotechnology company developing proprietary immunotherapeutics for autoimmune and chronic diseases, announced that subject to regulatory consent, it plans to initiate a Phase II study of its TNF-alpha Kinoid later this year in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have failed treatment with at least one TNF-alpha inhibitor. The decision to proceed with the trial was based on an initial review of encouraging data from the company"s Phase I/II study in Crohn"s disease.
News of the day
Quit Success Rate Doubled By Pre-Cessation Patch: Researchers Call For Labeling Changes
Using a nicotine patch before quitting smoking can double success rates, according to Duke University Medical Center researchers. They say their latest data suggest changes should be made to nicotine patch labeling.
Health Insurance

Association of American Medical Colleges Supports Hospital Agreement On Health Care Reform

AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) President and CEO Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., issued the following statement on the agreement reached by the hospital community, the Obama administration, and the Senate Finance Committee in support of health care reform: "The AAMC strongly supports the agreement announced today and believes it moves our nation closer to achieving meaningful health care reform. U.S. teaching hospitals provide 71 percent of all hospital-based charity care and are often the only of specialized services in their communities. We greatly appreciate the thoughtful approach this agreement takes to guarantee that the safety net remains intact during the transition to a better system. This accord helps to fulfill two key principles that the AAMC established for health care reform last year, namely that all Americans should have health care coverage, and that existing safety net mechanisms be supported and preserved until new ones are in place. By voluntarily accepting reduced market increases in hospital payments over the next decade, hospitals will contribute $100 billion toward the funding needed to provide all Americans with health insurance. We also are pleased that this agreement takes appropriate steps to ensure that new coverage mechanisms are in place before any reductions are made to Disproportionate Share payments. Congress and the administration will need to continually evaluate the effects of coverage expansion before making any cuts that could jeopardize the safety net for the uninsured and underinsured. The nation"s teaching hospitals are working hard to help expand access to health care while maintaining an environment where clinical care, discovery, and the training of the next generation of health professionals can occur-and will continue to make sacrifices as long as patient care comes first. As the Obama administration and Congress move forward with health care legislation, the AAMC and its members stand ready to make the positive changes needed for successful reform." Association of American Medical Colleges


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