Gene Therapy Strategies to Exploit TRIM Derived Restriction Factors against HIV-1

Restriction factors are a collection of antiviral proteins that form an important aspect of the innate immune system. Their constitutive expression allows immediate response to viral infection, ahead of other innate or adaptive immune responses. We review the molecular mechanism of restriction for four categories of restriction factors; TRIM5, tetherin, APOBEC3G and SAMHD1 and go on to consider how the TRIM5 and TRIMCyp proteins in particular, show promise for exploitation using gene therapy strategies. Such approaches could form an important alternative to current anti-HIV-1 drug regimens, especially if combined with strategies to eradicate HIV reservoirs. Autologous CD4⁺ T cells or their haematopoietic stem cell precursors engineered to express TRIMCyp restriction factors, and provided in a single therapeutic intervention could then be used to restore functional immunity with a pool of cells protected against HIV. We consider the challenges ahead and consider how early clinical phase testing may best be achieved.     

Cannabis/Cannabinoids for Treating COVID-19 Associated Neuropsychiatric Complications

COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in devastating mortality and morbidity consisting of socioeconomic and health effects that have included respiratory/pulmonary, cardiovascular, mental health and neurological consequences such as anxiety, depression, and substance use. Several effective vaccines have been developed and extensive efforts are underway to develop therapeutics to treat COVID-19. Cannabis and/or its product-cannabidiol (CBD) are being advertised for the treatment of COVID-19 associated mental/neurological complications and substance use disorders. However, research reviewed shows that there is insufficient data from clinical studies to support the use of cannabis or CBD for the treatment of COVID-19 associated mental health and neurological complications. Additional basic and clinical research is suggested to develop cannabis or cannabidiol for the treatment of mental health problems associated with coronavirus infection and or substance use disorders. In the meantime, it is important that the addiction physician/psychiatrist must caution while prescribing or recommending cannabis or CBD for treating such clinical indications.

Graphical abstract

Research shows that currently there is no clinical evidence to support the use of cannabis or any of its compounds including CBD for treating any of the neuropsychiatric complications of COVID-19. Thus, it is important that the addiction physicians/psychiatrists caution their patients from using cannabis or cannabis products for treating any such complications.

     

Application of the Attitude-Social Influence-Efficacy Model to Condom Use Among African-American STD Clinic Patients: Implications for Tailored Health Communication

The purpose of the current investigation was to apply the attitude-social influence-efficacy (ASE) model to achieve a theory-based understanding of condom use among low income, heterosexually active African-American STD clinic patients. N = 293 participants were recruited from a large, publicly-funded metropolitan STD clinic in the Southeastern United States and surveyed using an ACASI computer program. Results indicated that several ASE variables exhibited meaningful relationships with condom stages of change in univariate analyses, replicating patterns found in previous research. Fewer variables remained significant in multivariate analyses, however. There was also some support for the proposition that early stage movement (e.g., Precontemplation to Contemplation) is based more upon perceptions of condom use (e.g., pros, perceived norms), whereas later stage movement (e.g., Preparation to Action/Maintenance) is based more upon perceived and actual skills acquisition (e.g., condom self-efficacy, negotiation strategies). Results varied with regard to main and casual condom stage of change. Implications for developing tailored HIV prevention interventions with heterosexual African-Americans are discussed.     

Evaluation of a Chaplain Residency Program and Its Partnership with an In-Patient Palliative Care Team

In 2009 a Consensus Conference of experts in the field of spiritual care and palliative care recommended the inclusion of Board-certified professional chaplains with at least 1,600 hours of clinical pastoral education as members of palliative care teams. This study evaluates a clinical pastoral education residency program’s effectiveness in preparing persons to provide spiritual care for those with serious illness and in increasing the palliative care team members’ understanding of the chaplain as part of the palliative care team. Results showed chaplain residents felt the program prepared them to provide care for those with serious illness. It also showed that chaplain residents and palliative care team members view spirituality as an integral part of palliative care and see the chaplain as the team member to lead that effort. Suggested program improvements include longer palliative care orientation period, more shadowing with palliative care team members, and improved communication between palliative care and the chaplain residents.