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Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV population and has been associated with increased comorbidity risk and poor immunologic status.

To evaluate the effect of protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy on changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] over 48 weeks.

Thirty-four treatment-naïve HIV individuals initiating lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy and receiving clinical care from private practice in Houston, Texas, were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from stored plasma samples collected from IMANI-2 pilot study at both baseline and 48 weeks were analyzed using LC-MS assays. Mean 25(OH)D at baseline and 48 weeks were compared using paired t-tests. CPI455 Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with changes in 25(OH)D. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of vitamin D status and covariates on CD4 cell count recovery.

Mean 25(OH)D was significantly higher at 48 weeks (26.3 ng/mL (SD + 14.9); p=0.0003) compared to baseline (19.8 ng/mL (SD +12.1), with fewer individuals having vitamin D deficiency (41.2%) and severe deficiency (11.8%). Both body mass index and baseline CD4 cell count were significant independent covariates associated with 25(OH)D changes over 48 weeks. Baseline vitamin D status did not affect CD4 cell count recovery. However, in a 24-week multivariate analysis, current tobacco use was significantly associated with a decreased odds of CD4 cell count recovery (AOR 0.106, 95% CI 0.018-0.606; p=0.012).

Individuals treated with lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had significantly higher 25(OH)D after 48 weeks. Current tobacco users had significantly diminished CD4 cell count recovery after starting treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.

Individuals treated with lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had significantly higher 25(OH)D after 48 weeks. Current tobacco users had significantly diminished CD4 cell count recovery after starting treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.

Cryptococcal meningitis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. In the era of universal antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) related cryptococcal meningitis has increased. Detection of serum cryptococcal antigen in asymptomatic PLHIV (People Living With HIV) and preemptive treatment with fluconazole can decrease the burden of cryptococcal disease. We conducted this study to find the prevalence of asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia in India and its correlation with mortality in PLHIV.

This was a prospective observational study. HIV infected ART naïve patients with age of ≥ 18 years who had CD4 counts ≤ 100 /μL were included and serum cryptococcal antigen test was done. These patients were followed for six months to look for the development of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality.

A total of 116 patients were analyzed. Asymptomatic cryptococcal antigenemia was detected in 5.17% of patients and is correlated with increased risk of cryptococcal meningitis and mortality on follow-up in PLHIV.

Serum cryptococcal antigen positivity is correlated with an increased risk of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality in PLHIV. We recommend the screening of asymptomatic PLHIV with CD4 ≤ 100/μL for serum cryptococcal antigen, so that pre-emptive treatment can be initiated to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Serum cryptococcal antigen positivity is correlated with an increased risk of Cryptococcal meningitis and mortality in PLHIV. We recommend the screening of asymptomatic PLHIV with CD4 ≤ 100/μL for serum cryptococcal antigen, so that pre-emptive treatment can be initiated to reduce morbidity and mortality.In response to the global outbreak caused by SARS-CoV-2, this article aims to propose the development of nanosystems for the delivery of hydroxychloroquine in the respiratory system to the treatment of COVID-19. Performed a descriptive literature review, using the descriptors ‘COVID-19’, ‘Nanotechnology’, ‘Respiratory Syndrome’ and ‘Hydroxychloroquine’, in the PubMed, ScienceDirect and SciElo databases. After analyzing the articles according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, they were divided into 3 sessions Coronavirus definitions, classifications and epidemiology, pharmacological aspects of hydroxychloroquine and pharmaceutical nanotechnology in targeting of drugs. We used 131 articles published until July 18, 2020. Hydroxychloroquine seems to promote a reduction in viral load, in vivo studies, preventing the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into lung cells, and the safety of its administration is questioned due to the toxic effects that it can develop, such as retinopathy, hypoglycemia and even cardiotoxicity. Nanosystems for the delivery of drugs in the respiratory system may be a viable alternative for the administration of hydroxychloroquine, which may enhance the therapeutic effect of the drug with a consequent decrease in its toxicity, providing greater safety for implementation in the clinic in the treatment of COVID-19.

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) can support intraoperative perfusion assessment, the identification of tissue structures, and the detection of cancerous lesions. The practical use of HSI for minimal-invasive surgery is currently limited, for example, due to long acquisition times, missing video, or large set-ups.

An HSI laparoscope is described and evaluated to address the requirements for clinical use and high-resolution spectral imaging.

Reflectance measurements with reference objects and resected human tissue from 500 to 1000nm are performed to show the consistency with an approved medical HSI device for open surgery. Varying object distances are investigated, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is determined for different light sources.

The handheld design enables real-time processing and visualization of HSI data during acquisition within 4.6s. A color video is provided simultaneously and can be augmented with spectral information from push-broom imaging. The reflectance data from the HSI system for open surgery at 50cm and the HSI laparoscope are consistent for object distances up to 10cm. A standard rigid laparoscope in combination with a customized LED light source resulted in a mean SNR of 30 to 43dB (500 to 950nm).

Compact and rapid HSI with a high spatial- and spectral-resolution is feasible in clinical practice. Our work may support future studies on minimally invasive HSI to reduce intra- and postoperative complications.

Compact and rapid HSI with a high spatial- and spectral-resolution is feasible in clinical practice. Our work may support future studies on minimally invasive HSI to reduce intra- and postoperative complications.