Study finds strong performance of autism screener when used as intended

With one in 44 children in the United States having autism, early detection and intervention are integral to improving outcomes. Because autism is diagnosed based on behavior, and there are not yet reliable biomarkers to detect the likelihood of autism, there is a need for standardized screening to identify children at high likelihood for autism and to refer them for diagnostic and intervention services at as young an age as possible.

Long-acting antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV among people with unstable housing, mental illnesses, SUD

A long-acting antiretroviral treatment (LA-ART) given every four to eight weeks, and delivered with comprehensive support services, suppressed HIV in people who were previously not virologically suppressed. This is according to an ongoing demonstration study of 133 people with HIV in San Francisco, funded by the National Institutes of Health. The study focused on reaching people who have historically had decreased access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), including people experiencing housing insecurity, mental illnesses, and substance use disorders. The study findings indicate that long-acting injectable ART can benefit people who face many treatment barriers and are historically underserved.

Slow recovery from concussion? Exercise, breathing practice may improve symptoms

Breathing practice as well as gradual aerobic exercise may help improve concussion symptoms in teens experiencing slow recovery, according to a preliminary study released today, February 21, 2023, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 75th Annual Meeting being held in person in Boston and live online from April 22-27, 2023. The study found that while the two therapies are each beneficial separately, when combined they resulted in even greater improvement in thinking and memory skills, depression and mood.

Study suggests dapivirine vaginal ring is safe to use as HIV prevention during breastfeeding

A monthly vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine—an HIV prevention method that has been approved in several African countries and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) –appears to be safe when used during breastfeeding, suggest results of a Phase IIIb open-label study presented today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2023) in Seattle.

Fast-dissolving insert found safe, shows promise as method for preventing HIV through anal sex

A fast-dissolving insert being developed as an “on-demand” HIV prevention method was found to be safe and well-tolerated in the first study of its use rectally. The results, which were presented today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2023) in Seattle, also found the insert delivered high levels of the anti-retroviral drugs tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) and elvitegravir (EVG) to rectal tissue and fluid, with very little drug circulating elsewhere in the body, and results of laboratory tests suggesting the insert could potentially provide protection for up to three days after use.

Shock to the system: Study shows certain wearable gadgets could interfere with implantable cardiac electronic devices

In this high-tech era, wearable devices such as smartwatches have proven to be invaluable companions for the health conscious. But a new study from the University of Utah shows that for a small group of people, some of these electronic fitness gadgets could possibly be risky to their health—even potentially deadly.