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Abstract This study aims to analyze the social representation structure of AIDS for religious leaders of evangelical Pentecostal churches. It is a qualitative and descriptive study based on the structural approach of the Theory of Social Representations, developed with 120 religious leaders. The data were collected through free evocations and analyzed with EVOC software. The terms in the possible central nucleus are sadness, death, and disease. The term sin is an element present in the representational structure of AIDS. It is concluded that the social representation of AIDS for evangelical religious leaders is predominantly negative, similar to that of the emergence of the epidemic.

Resumo Este estudo objetiva analisar a estrutura das representações sociais da aids para os líderes religiosos de igrejas evangélicas pentecostais. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo e descritivo baseado na abordagem estrutural da Teoria das Representações Sociais, realizado com 120 líderes religiosos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de evocações livres e analisados com o auxílio do software EVOC. Os termos localizados no provável núcleo central são tristeza, morte e doença. O termo pecado é um elemento presente na estrutura representacional da aids. Conclui-se que a representação social da aids para líderes religiosos evangélicos é predominantemente negativa, semelhante à do aparecimento da epidemia.

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Background: Social determinants of health (SDH) include factors such as income, education, and race, that could significantly affect the human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). Studies on the effects of SDH on HIV/AIDS are limited, and do not yet provide a systematic understanding of how the various SDH act on important indicators of HIV/AIDS progression. We aimed to evaluate the effects of SDH on AIDS morbidity and mortality. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 28.3 million individuals was evaluated over a 9-year period (from 2007 to 2015). Multivariable Poisson regression, with a hierarchical approach, was used to estimate the effects of SDH-at the individual and familial level-on AIDS incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates. Findings: A total of 28,318,532 individuals, representing the low-income Brazilian population, were assessed, who had a mean age of 36.18 (SD: 16.96) years, 52.69% (14,920,049) were female, 57.52% (15,360,569) were pardos, 34.13% (9,113,222) were white/Asian, 7.77% (2,075,977) were black, and 0.58% (154,146) were indigenous. Specific socioeconomic, household, and geographic factors were significantly associated with AIDS-related outcomes. Less wealth was strongly associated with a higher AIDS incidence (rate ratios-RR: 1.55; 95% confidence interval-CI: 1.43-1.68) and mortality (RR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.70-2.34). Lower educational attainment was also greatly associated with higher AIDS incidence (RR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.26-1.68), mortality (RR: 2.76; 95% CI: 1.99-3.82) and case-fatality rates (RR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.31-4.01). Being black was associated with a higher AIDS incidence (RR: 1.53; 95% CI: 1.45-1.61), mortality (RR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.57-1.83) and case-fatality rates (RR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.03-1.32). Overall, also considering the other SDH, individuals experiencing greater levels of socioeconomic deprivation were, by far, more likely to acquire AIDS, and to die from it. Interpretation: In the population studied, SDH related to poverty and social vulnerability are strongly associated with a higher burden of HIV/AIDS, most notably less wealth, illiteracy, and being black. In the absence of relevant social protection policies, the current worldwide increase in poverty and inequalities-due to the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the effects of war in the Ukraine-could reverse progress made in the fight against HIV/AIDS in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Funding: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NAIDS), National Institutes of Health (NIH), US Grant Number: 1R01AI152938.

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Aim: To adapt and validate an existing instrument to assess the barriers to antiretroviral treatment adherence among individuals with hiv in Córdoba, Argentina. Materials and methods: The final sample population included 180 Argentinian people. The mean age of the participants was 40.61 (sd = 12.032) years and 82.8% were men. Various internal structure and reliability and validity studies with other variables were conducted on the study population (n = 180). Results: The results of confirmatory factor analysis were consistent with the factorial structure of the original study. However, to achieve this, items that had low factorial loads and were redundant had to be eliminated. Coefficient ω values of .833 on the Information sub-scale, .759 on the Motivation subscale, and .888 on the Behavioral Skills subscale were obtained. Significant correlations were determined between the results of adherence and barriers to treatment. Conclusion: The results suggest that the instrument can be used to assess the barriers to antiretroviral treatment adherence in Córdoba, Argentina. Although further research is warranted, these results are promising.

adaptar y validar un instrumento para evaluar barreras a la adherencia antirretroviral en personas que conviven con el vih en Córdoba (Argentina). Materiales y métodos: la muestra final incluyó 180 participantes argentinos. La media de edad fue de 40.61 (de = 12.032) y el 82.8 % fueron hombres. Sobre la muestra (n = 180) se efectuaron estudios de estructura interna, confiabilidad y validez con otras variables. Resultados: el análisis factorial confirmatorio arrojó resultados congruentes con la estructura factorial del estudio original, aunque para ello fue necesario eliminar ciertos ítems que presentaban bajas cargas factoriales y que pueden ser representados por otros ítems, debido a información redundante. Se obtuvieron coeficientes ω = 0.833 en la subescala información; ω = 0.759 en la subescala motivación, y ω = 0.888 en la subescala habilidades comportamentales. Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre los resultados de adherencia al tratamiento y barreras al tratamiento. Conclusión: aunque se requieren de mayores investigaciones, los resultados son promisorios, sugieren que el instrumento puede usarse para evaluar barreras de la adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral en Córdoba.

adaptar e validar um instrumento de barreiras à adesão anti-retroviral em pessoas vivendo com hivem Córdoba, Argentina. Materiais e métodos: A amostra final incluiu 180 participantes argentinos. A idade média era de 40,61 anos (sd = 12,032) e 82,8% eram homens. Com a amostra (n = 180) foram realizados estudos de estrutura interna, confiabilidade e validade com outras variáveis. Resultados: a análise fatorial confirma-tória apresentou resultados adequados com a estrutura fatorial do estudo original, embora para isso tenha sido necessário eliminar alguns itens que apresentavam baixas cargas fatoriais e poderiam ser representados por outros itens devido a informações redundantes. Os coeficientes ω = 0,833 foram obtidos na subescala informação; ω = 0,759 na subescala motivação, y ω = 0,888 na subescala competências comportamentais. Correlações significativas foram encontradas entre os resultados do adherencia al tratamiento e do barreiras à adesão ao tratamento. Conclusão: embora mais pesquisas sejam necessárias, os resultados são promissores, sugerindo que o instrumento pode ser usado para avaliar as barreiras à adesão ao tratamento anti-retroviral em Córdoba, Argentina.

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This is a cross-sectional study based on an open web survey with the primary objective to assess associations between the use of apps for seeking sex partners and vulnerabilities related to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil. Participants were recruited to the study through ads posted in social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Consenting respondents completed a questionnaire on demographics, history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and risk behaviors and perceptions, including calculation of the Risk Behavior Score for HIV infection proposed by Rocha et al. Among the 859 participants, 714 (83.1%) reported they used apps for seeking sex partners. Use of apps for seeking sex partners was associated with high-risk behavior for HIV infection, self-reported syphilis, self-perception of HIV risk, and use of marijuana. The use of apps for seeking sex partners has rapidly become the norm for MSM in Brazil. The associations with STIs and risk behaviors should be seen as an opening to improve public health, presenting opportunities to promote knowledge, safer sex practices, and referral to HIV/STI screening and prevention interventions.

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An elevated prevalence of cryptococcal infection is a tendency in low-income countries and constitutes a global public health problem due to factors such as the limited efficacy of antifungal therapy and the AIDS/transplant immunocompromised patients. The fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, implicated in this burden, has had several genes validated as drug targets. Among them, the thioredoxin system is one of the major regulators of redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense acting on protein disulfide bonds. Thioredoxin 1 from C. neoformans (CnTrx1) was cloned and expressed in E. coli and the recombinant protein was purified and crystallized. Functional assay shows that CnTrx1 catalyzes the reduction of insulin disulfide bonds using dithiothreitol, while acting as a monomer in solution. The crystal structure of oxidized CnTrx1 at 1.80 Å resolution presents a dimer in the asymmetric unit with typical Trx-fold. Differences between the monomers in the asymmetric unit are found specially in the loop leading to the Cys-Gly-Pro-Cys active-site motif, being even larger when compared to those found between reduced and oxidized states of other thioredoxins. Although the thioredoxins have been isolated and characterized from many organisms, this new structural report provides important clues for understanding the binding and specificity of CnTrx1 to its targets.

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RESUMEN Introducción: A mediados de 2017, 20,9 millones de personas estaban recibiendo terapia antirretrovírica en todo el mundo. Sin embargo, solo 53 % de los 36,7 millones de personas que vivían con el VIH estaba recibiendo el tratamiento en 2016 a nivel mundial. Objetivo: Determinar adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral de personas que conviven con VIH/sida. Métodos: Estudio cuantitativo, correlacional de corte transversal, en los meses de julio a octubre del 2019 en una muestra intencional de 166 personas con VIH/sida atendidas en institución de salud Santa Marta, Colombia. Para determinar adherencia se adaptó el instrumento Morisky-Green. Investigación sin riesgo según resolución 84 30 de 1993 del Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social de Colombia. Resultados: De 166 personas que conviven con VIH/sida, 74,7 % son hombres y 25,3 % son mujeres; la edad fluctúa entre una mínima 16 años y máxima73 años, con media de 39,3 años. El tiempo del tratamiento antirretroviral fue 6 años en promedio; 51,2 % utiliza alguna estrategia para acordarse de tomar los medicamentos; 68,1 % no fueron adherentes al tratamiento antirretroviral, 49,4 % hombres y 18,7 % mujeres. Se identificó que la relación médico-paciente es negativa (-0,005) y no está relacionada con la no adherencia. Conclusiones: La no adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral estuvo representada por el 68,1 % de la población en estudio y es mayor en los hombres.

ABSTRACT Introduction: By mid-2017, 20.9 million people were under antiretroviral therapy worldwide. In 2016, only 53% of the 36.7 million people living with HIV worldwide were under treatment. Objective: Determine adherence to antiretroviral treatment among people living with HIV/AIDS. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional correlational study was conducted from July to October 2019 of an intentional sample of 166 people with HIV/AIDS attending Santa Marta health center in Colombia. The Morisky-Green tool was adapted to determine adherence. The study was non-risk according to Resolution 84 30 / 1993 of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia. Results: Of the total 166 people living with HIV/AIDS, 74.7% are men and 25.3% are women; mean age is 39.3 years (range 16-73). Average antiretroviral treatment duration is 6 years. 51.2% make use of some strategy to remember taking their medication; 68.1% are not adherent to antiretroviral treatment, 49.4% are men and 18.7% are women. The doctor-patient relationship was found to be negative (p = -0.005) and not related to non-adherence. Conclusions: Non-adherence to antiretroviral treatment was represented by 68.1% of the study population and is higher in men.

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: It is believed that delays in diagnosis and treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) contribute significantly to the burden of VL lethality in Brazil. METHODS: This study included several parts: a descriptive cross-sectional study of the individual characteristics of deaths from disease; a descriptive ecological study of the spatial distribution of deaths from disease; and an ecological analytical study to evaluate the association between disease lethality rates and the demographic, socioeconomic, and health indicators. The study population comprised all cases diagnosed throughout the country per the National Disease Notification System (SINAN) and the total number of disease deaths recorded in the Mortality Information System (SIM) from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: Of the 223 deaths from disease captured by pairing the databases, 59.1% were reported as "death from other causes". There were significant associations between VL lethality rate and municipalities with the highest proportion of vulnerable individuals (rate ratio (RR)=1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.27), with VL lower incidence rate (RR=0.62, 95% CI: 0.58-0.67) and a higher incidence rate of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (RR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.17-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: Linking the SINAN and SIM databases allowed the inclusion of 14% of otherwise underreported deaths from VL for the study period, showing that this method is useful for the surveillance of VL-related deaths. The size of the municipal population, proportion of the vulnerable population, incidence of disease, and the incidence of AIDS were associated with municipal lethality rates related to VL in Brazil.

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BACKGROUND: There are approximately 72,000 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV) in Peru. Non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most important factor for therapeutic failure and the development of resistance. Peru has achieved moderate progress in meeting the 90-90-90 targets, but only 60% of PLHIV receiving ART are virally suppressed. The purpose of this study was to understand ART adherence in the Peruvian context, including developing sociodemographic and clinical profiles, evaluating the clinical management strategies, and analyzing the relationships between the variables and adherence of PLHIV managed at a regional HIV clinic in Lambayeque Province (Northern Peru). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with 180 PLHIV adults, non-randomly but consecutively selected with self-reported ART compliance (78.2% of the eligible population). The PLHIV profile (PLHIV-Pro) and the Simplified Medication Adherence Questionnaire (SMAQ) were used to collect sociodemographic information, clinical variables, and data specific to ART adherence. Descriptive analysis of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics was performed. Bivariate analysis was performed with the Mann-Whitney test, Chi square test, and Yates correction. RESULTS: The 180 PLHIV sample included 78.9% men, 49.4% heterosexual, 45% with a detectable HIV-1 viral load less than 40 copies/ml, 58.3% not consistently adherent, and only 26.1% receiving Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Efavirenz. Risk factors significant for non-adherence included concurrent tuberculosis, discomfort with the ART regime, and previous pauses in ART. Multivariate analysis of nested models indicated having children is a protector factor for adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported adherence appeared to be low and the use of first-line therapy is not being prescribed homogeneously. Factors associated with nonadherence are both medical and behavioral, such as having tuberculosis, pausing ART, or experiencing discomfort with ART. The Peruvian government needs to update national technical standards, monitor medication availability, and provide education to health care professionals in alignment with evidence-based guidelines and international recommendations. Instruments to measure adherence need to be developed and evaluated for use in Latin America.

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In human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients with very low CD4 cell counts, there is a temporal relationship between administration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and an increased inflammatory response state known as the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). The predominant clinical presentation of IRIS is an infectious disease that can be life-threatening. IRIS-related infectious events are distributed similarly between adult males and females, albeit a few studies have shown a skewing toward the male sex in pediatric IRIS. Here, we assessed sex-specific differences in the causes and extent of IRIS infectious events in HIV-infected pediatric patients on ART. We carried out a prospective clinical analysis (from 2000 to 2018) of IRIS-related infectious events after ART in a cohort of 82 Brazilian children and adolescents infected with HIV-1 through mother-to-child transmission as well as a comprehensive cross-referencing with public records on IRIS-related infectious causes in pediatric HIV/AIDS. Twelve events fulfilling the criteria of IRIS occurred exclusively in 11 females in our cohort. The median age at IRIS events was 3.6 years. The infectious causes included Mycobacterium bovis, varicella-zoster virus, molluscum contagiosum virus, human papillomavirus, cytomegalovirus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In one female, there was regional bacillus Calmette-Guérin dissemination and cytomegalovirus esophagitis. There was complete health recovery after 10 IRIS events without the use of corticosteroids or ART interruption. One case of IRIS-associated miliary tuberculosis was fatal. The biological female sex was a significant risk factor for IRIS events (odds ratio: 23.67; 95% confidence interval 95%: 1.341-417.7; P = 0.0016 and P < 0.01 by the multivariable analysis). We observed an effect of the advanced HIV/AIDS variable in IRIS females as compared with non-IRIS females (mean CD4+ T cell percentage 13.36 vs. 18.63%; P = 0.0489 and P < 0.05 by the multivariable analysis), underpinning the exclusively skewed distribution toward the female sex of this cohort. Moreover, the IRIS females in our cohort had higher mean CD4+ T cell percentages before (13.36%) and after IRIS (26.56%) than those of the IRIS females (before IRIS, 4.978%; after IRIS, 13.81%) in previous studies conducted worldwide. The exclusively skewed distribution of pediatric IRIS toward the female sex in the cohort was not linked to preferential X-chromosome inactivation rates. We concluded that the exclusively skewed distribution of pediatric IRIS toward females is associated with more advanced AIDS.

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Immune reconstitution syndrome is a recognized complication with initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy for acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients co-infected with hepatitis B. Hepatitis B flares are seen in 20%-25% of patients after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, an estimated 1%-5% of whom develop clinical hepatitis. We present a case of highly active antiretroviral therapy initiation for HIV that led to a flare of HBV activity despite antiviral therapy directed towards both. Liver biopsy and longitudinal serologic evaluation lend support to the hypothesis that the flare in activity was representative of IRIS. Importantly, we document eAg/eAb seroconversion with the IRIS phenomenon.

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: We assessed the clinical-epidemiological profile of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in the Santos region (São Paulo state) with the highest AIDS prevalence in Brazil. METHODS Information was extracted from records of 409 AIDS-infected patients hospitalized between 2011 and 2016. RESULTS: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was diagnosed in 24.7% of patients during admission, and 39.6% of already diagnosed patients received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) irregularly. The mortality rate was 19.1%, and the main secondary manifestations were neurotoxoplasmosis and tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: AIDS patients in the Santos region had high rates of late diagnosis and low treatment adherence.

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Resumen Introducción: la prevención primaria (PP) del VIH/Sida es una obligación estatal para el control de la epidemia y el cumplimiento de los objetivos sanitarios, pero existe escasa evidencia sobre su funcionamiento. Objetivo: identificar algunas características de contexto, estructura, proceso y resultados de los programas de PP del VIH/Sida en el suroeste antioqueño. Método: estudio transversal, con análisis estadístico descriptivo, utilizando fuentes epidemiológicas y sociodemográficas oficiales y encuestas a 21/23 coordinadores de programa. Resultados: la incidencia, prevalencia y mortalidad del VIH/Sida fue de 10 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes, 73 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes y 22 casos por cada 100.000 habitantes. La disponibilidad de servicios fue limitada. La densidad profesional fue de 3 médicos/enfermeras/10.000 habitantes, coberturas de PP<25%, focalizadas en actividades informativas, dirigidas principalmente a la población general, indígena y materna. Los coordinadores percibieron logros no cuantificados relacionados con disminución de transmisión madre-hijo, mayor uso de condón, pero también limitaciones económicas, de intersectorialidad y estigma. Conclusión: pese al impacto epidemiológico y a factores de riesgo contextuales, la estructura, los procesos y los resultados de PP requieren mejoramiento.

Abstract Introduction: Primary prevention (PP) of HIV/AIDS is a state obligation in the control of the epidemy and to comply with the public health objectives, though there is scarce evidence on how it operates. Objective: To identify some characteristics of the context, structure, process and results of the HIV/AIDS primary prevention programs in the south-western Antioquia Province. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study with descriptive statistical analysis making use of the official sociodemographic and epidemiologic sources as well as surveys to 21/23 program coordinators. Results: the incidence, prevalence and mortality of the HIV/AIDS 10 cases per 100,000, 73 cases per 100,000 and 22 per 100,000 inhabitants. the health services were limited, the density of health professionals was 3 doctors/nurses/10,000 inhabitants and the PP coverage was <25%, focused in informative activities targeting primarily the general population, indigenous populations and mothers. the program coordinators perceived non-quantified achievements related to a decrease in the mother-to-child transmission, a greater use of condoms but also financial restrictions concerning intersectoriality and stigma. Conclusion: Despite the epidemiologic impact and contextualized risk factors, the structure, processes and results of the Prevention Programs require upgrading.

Resumo Introdução: a prevenção primária (PP) da Sida/AIDS/HIV é uma obrigação estatal para o controle da epidemia e o cumprimento dos objetivos sanitários, mas existe escassa evidência sobre seu funcionamento. Objetivo: identificar algunas características de contexto, estrutura, processo e resultados dos programas de PP da Sida/AIDS/VIH no sul-oeste antioquenho. Método: estudo transversal, com análise estatística descritiva a utilizar fontes epidemiológicas e sócio-demográfi cas oficiais e inquéritos a 21/23 coordenadores de programa. Resultados: a incidência, prevalência e mortalidade da Sida/ HIV foi de 10 por 100.000, 73 por 100.000 e 22 por 100.000 habitantes. A disponibilidade de serviços foi limitada. A densidade profissional foi de 3 médicos/enfermeiros/10.000 habitantes, coberturas de PP<25%, focalizadas em atividades informativas, dirigidas principalmente à população geral, indígena e materna. Os coordenadores perceberam êxito não quanti ficado relacionado com diminuição de transmissão mãe-filho, maior uso de camisinha, mas também limitações econômicas, de intersetorialidade e estigmatização. Conclusão: embora o impacto epidemiológico e fatores de risco contextuais, a estrutura, os processos e os resultados de PP precisam de melhoramento.

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Abstract INTRODUCTION: Quality of life (QoL) is important for people living with HIV/AIDS, particularly as the disease progresses. This study evaluated the QoL of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as its predictors, in one of the most impoverished regions of Brazil. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with patients older than 18 years with HIV/AIDS from two specialized HIV/AIDS care centers in the city of Montes Claros between 2013 and 2014. Sample size was calculated considering the estimates of mean scores for various dimensions of the European Portuguese version of the World Health's Organization Quality of Life Instrument in HIV Infection (WHOQOL-HIV Bref). The following parameters were adopted: CI of 95%, estimated mean scores for QoL equal to 15, estimated variance for QoL scores equal to 16, and 5% relative margin of error. An increase of 20% was established to compensate for possible non-responses or losses, and correcting any design effect, adopting a deff equal to 2.0. Calculations revealed the need to interview at least 221 patients. Therefore, 226 patients living with HIV/AIDS were randomly selected. RESULTS: A total of 226 patients with mean age 43.7 years were evaluated: 51.8% men, 51.8% unemployed, 51.8% with low schooling level, 89.8% used antiretrovirals, and 43.3% experienced depression. Despite this, data indicated that 65% self-assessed their QoL as good and very good. Low QoL was associated with sociodemographic variables and some clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Depression was the main predictor of low QoL in all domains evaluated.

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To verify and compare the responses of the cardiopulmonary variables to the incremental test in physically inactive people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) with well-controlled disease and physically inactive healthy subjects (non-HIV/AIDS). Participants performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) on a treadmill. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Spearman correlation. Nine PLWHA (5 women) and 9 non-HIV/AIDS gender and activity level-matched controls were included in the data analysis. Data are expressed in median (range). No difference was shown in the PLWHA group when compared to the control group in functional capacity (peak oxygen consumption [VO2peak]: 29.9 (20.9-36.4) mL/kg/min vs. 32.2 (24.5-39.4) mL/kg/min) and ventilatory efficiency (oxygen uptake efficiency slope [OUES]: 2,058 [1,474-3,204] vs. 2,612 [1,383-4,119]; minute ventilation carbon dioxide production slope: 27.4 [22.5-33.6] vs. 27.5 [20.4-38.1]). The results are also similar to maximal heart rate, oxygen pulse, gas exchange threshold, respiratory compensation point, heart rate recovery, and half-time of VO2peak recovery. OUES had a strong correlation with VO2peak in the PLWHA group (r s =0.70, P=0.04) and control group (r s =0.78, P=0.02). The results of this study indicate that functional capacity and ventilatory efficiency in PLWHA with well-controlled disease are preserved and are not different from sedentary subjects. In this sense, when CPX is unavailable, the aerobic assessment and prescription could be based on simpler procedures used in healthy subjects.

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ABSTRACT Objective: To apprehend social representation of health care professionals on HIV/AIDS and to compare it with a subgroup of physicians. Method: Qualitative research based on the Theory of Social Representations. Free associations for the term HIV/AIDS were collected from 73 workers of public services specialized in HIV/AIDS, in Salvador-Bahia. The results were analyzed in the EVOC software. Results: For all health professionals, HIV/AIDS is associated with "prejudice, care, disease and prevention", and for the subgroup of physicians it is associated with the term "prevention". Health professionals represented HIV/AIDS similarly to society in general and, due to their normative character, prescribed attitudes typical of health care professionals. Final considerations: The findings show that, despite the advances in the health area regarding the treatment of AIDS, prejudice still persists. It is important to strengthen interdisciplinary actions focused on discussions on this theme during training, favoring the comprehensiveness of the assistance.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Aprehender la estructura de las representaciones sociales de los trabajadores de la salud sobre el HIV/sida y compararla con el subgrupo formado por médicos. Método: Investigación cualitativa fundamentada en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Se recolectaron evocaciones libres de 73 trabajadores de servicios públicos especializados en HIV/sida en Salvador, Bahía, para el estímulo HIV/sida, y se las analizó mediante el software EVOC. Resultados: Para los trabajadores de la salud, el HIV/sida está asociado a "prejuicio, cuidado, enfermedad y prevención", y para el subgrupo de médicos, al término "prevención". Los trabajadores de la salud representan el HIV/sida de manera semejante a la sociedad en general y, por su carácter normativo, manifiestan actitudes aceptadas como propias de los profesionales de la salud. Consideraciones finales: Los hallazgos demuestran que independientemente de los avances en el área de la salud, permanece el prejuicio en lo tocante al tratamiento del sida. Se hace relevante el fortalecimiento de acciones interdisciplinares y pláticas sobre esa temática en la formación, que favorezcan la integralidad de la atención.

RESUMO Objetivo: Apreender a estrutura das representações sociais de trabalhadores(as) em saúde sobre o HIV/aids e compará-las com o subgrupo formado por médicas(os). Método: Pesquisa qualitativa fundamentada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Coletaram-se evocações livres de 73 trabalhadores(as) de serviços públicos especializados em HIV/aids, em Salvador-Bahia, para o estímulo HIV/aids, submetendo-as à análise no software EVOC. Resultados: Para os(as) trabalhadores(as) em saúde, o HIV/aids associa-se a "preconceito, cuidado, doença e prevenção", e para o subgrupo de médicas(os) ao termo "prevenção". Os trabalhadores em saúde representam o HIV/aids de forma semelhante à sociedade em geral e, pelo seu caráter normativo, prescrevem atitudes aceitas como próprias de profissionais de saúde. Considerações finais: Os achados mostram que independentemente dos avanços da área da saúde, no tocante ao tratamento da aids, ainda persiste o preconceito. Torna-se relevante o fortalecimento de ações interdisciplinares, para discussões sobre essa temática na formação, que favoreçam a integralidade da assistência.

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Objetivo: descrever a epidemia de HIV/aids no Rio Grande do Sul e região metropolitana de Porto Alegre (RMPA), Brasil, no período 1980-2015. Métodos: estudo descritivo, com dados dos sistemas de informações do Ministério da Saúde. Resultados: foram registrados 83.313 casos de aids no estado; nos períodos de 1980-1990, 1991-2000 e 2001-2015, as taxas de detecção no estado foram de 1,1, 17,2 e 40,3 por 100 mil hab., respectivamente, e na RMPA, 2,4, 33,6 e 66,9/100 mil hab.; as taxas de mortalidade pela doença foram de 0,5, 8,5 e 12,6/100 mil hab. no estado, e 1,3, 17,3 e 21,7/100 mil hab. na RMPA; em 2001-2015, a taxa de detecção de gestantes HIV+ por 1.000 nascidos vivos foi de 8,1 no estado e 13,7 na RMPA, destacando-se usuários de drogas injetáveis no estado (8,2%) e na RMPA (8,9%). Conclusão: a epidemia apresenta-se generalizada na RMPA, com maior magnitude em relação ao estado.

Objetivo: describir la epidemia de VIH/SIDA en el estado de Rio Grande do Sul y región metropolitana de Porto Alegre (RMPA), Brasil, en el período 1980-2015. Métodos: estudio descriptivo con datos de los sistemas de información del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados: se registraron 83.313 casos de sida; en los períodos de 1980-1990, 1991-2000 y 2001-2015, las tasas de detección en el estado fueron de 1,1, 17,2 y 40,3 por 100 mil hab., respectivamente, y en la RMPA, de 2,4, 33,6 y 66,9/100 mil hab., mientras las tasas de mortalidad fueron de 0,5, 8,5 y 12,6/100 mil hab. en el estado y de 1,3, 17,3 y 21,7/100 mil hab. en la RMPA; en 2001-2015, la tasa de detección de gestantes VIH+ por 1.000 nacidos vivos fue de 8,1 en el estado y de 13,7 en la RMPA, con destaque para los usuarios de drogas inyectables en el estado (8,2%) y en la RMPA (8,9%). Conclusión: en la RMPA, la epidemia se presenta generalizada y con mayor magnitud en relación al estado.

Objective: to describe the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre (MRPA), Brazil, in the period 1980-2015. Methods: this was a descriptive study using data from Ministry of Health information systems. Results: 83.313 AIDS cases were recorded in the state; during the periods 1980-1990, 1991-2000 and 2001-2015, the detection rates in the state were 1.1, 17.2 and 40.3/100,000 inhab., respectively, and in the MRPA the detection rates were 2.4, 33.6 and 66.9/100,000 inhabitants, while mortality rates were 0.5, 8.5 and 12.6/100,000 inhab. in the state, and 1.3, 17.3 and 21.7/100,000 inhab. in the MRPA; in 2001-2015, the detection rate of HIV+ pregnant women per 1.000 live births in the state was 8.1 and 13.7 in the MRPA, while injecting drug users in the state (8.2%) and in the MRPA (8.9%) also stood out. Conclusion: the epidemic is generalized in the MRPA and with greater magnitude in relation to the state.

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BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has modified the natural history of HIV-infection: the incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) has decreased and mortality associated to HIV has improved dramatically. The reasons for hospitalization have changed; OIs are no longer the most common reason for admission. This study describes the patient population, admission diagnosis and hospital course of HIV patients in Colombia in the ART era. METHODS: Patients admitted with HIV/AIDS at six hospitals in Medellin, Colombia between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015 were included. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical data were prospectively collected. RESULTS: 551 HIV-infected patients were admitted: 76.0% were male, the median age was 37 (30-49). A new diagnosis of HIV was made in 22.0% of patients during the index admission. 56.0% of patients of the entire cohort had been diagnosed with HIV for more than 1 year and 68.9% were diagnosed in an advanced stage of the disease. More than 50.0% of patients had CD4 counts less than 200 CD4 cells/µL and viral loads greater than 100,000 copies. The main reasons for hospital admissions were OIs, tuberculosis, esophageal candidiasis and Toxoplasma encephalitis. The median hospital stay was 14 days (IQR 8-23). Admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) was required in 10.3% of patients and 14.3% were readmitted to the hospital; mortality was 5.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to other countries in the developing world, in Colombia, the leading cause of hospitalization among HIV-infected patients remain opportunistic infections. However, in-hospital mortality was low, similar to those described for high-income countries. Strategies to monitor and optimize the adherence and retention in HIV programs are fundamental to maximize the benefit of ART.

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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the impact of comorbidities (CMs) on costs, utilities and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV patients in Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 HIV patients at an outpatient clinic in Bogotá to assess their costs, utilities (EQ5D-5L) and HRQOL (EQ-VAS). CMs and other covariates were gathered from patient records. Multiple regression models were conducted to assess the impact of CMs. RESULTS: Of all patients, 72% experienced CMs; of these, half experienced ≥2 CMs (N = 49). CMs had a statistically significant impact on utilities when the EQ5D-5L (P = 0.022) was applied among patient with ≥2 CMs. No statistical significance was found for the impact of CMs on costs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that having multiple CMs significantly influences utility, and CMs have some impact on HRQOL measured using the EQ-VAS but this effect is at the border of significance. No significant impact was observed on costs.

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To determine the frequency of Enamel Development Defects (DDE) and associated factors in children and adolescents infected with HIV. A case-control study was conducted in HIV-infected patients (n = 52), aged 3 to 15, and a control group formed by preschool and schoolchildren (n = 104) matched according to gender, age and household income. Data on medical history, neonatal and maternal conditions were obtained. For diagnosis of enamel defects was used modified DDE Index. DDE frequency was 61.5% in the case group and 58.7% in the control group (p = 0.569). Infection of the genitourinary tract and maternal hemorrhage were factors associated with DDE in the case and control groups, respectively. An association was observed between the use of antiretroviral regimens with protease inhibitors or efavirenz and DDE in the permanent dentition. Children and adolescents HIV-infected showed a DDE frequency similar to healthy patients, but factors associated with this condition were different between the groups.

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Introducción: Las manifestaciones orales en pacientes que viven con el Virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) pueden ser el primer signo de la enfermedad, y hablar del deterioro del sistema inmune. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de manifestaciones orales en personas que viven con VIH (PVVIH), estableciendo la asociación con el conteo de linfocitos TCD4 y la carga Viral. Materiales y métodos: Se estudiaron 177 pacientes que viven con VIH en control y/o tratamiento del Hospital Base de Valdivia en Chile, a los cuales se les realizó un examen clínico bucal y se recolectaron los valores del último conteo de linfocitos TCD4 y carga viral. Resultados: La muestra estaba formada por un 78,5% de varones; la edad promedio fue de 40,1±12,02 años y el 92,7% estaba bajo terapia antirretroviral. Las lesiones bucales se presentaron en el 93,8% de los pacientes, de las cuales el 39,2% pertenecían a manifestaciones orales de la Clasificación CEE. Se observó que los pacientes con manifestaciones bucales tenían valores de linfocitos TCD4 más bajos (427,40 ± 224,51) que los que no las presentaron (530,8 ± 222,7); encontrando que ambos valores son independiente de la carga viral. Conclusión: Las lesiones orales en PVVIH están asociadas mayormente a un conteo de linfocitos TCD4 bajo, independientemente de la terapia antirretroviral que reciben y la carga viral que presenten al momento del examen bucal.

Introduction: Oral Manifestations in patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) may be the first sign of the disease, and talk about the deterioration of the immune system. Objective: Determine the frequency of oral manifestations in people living with HIV (PLHIV), establishing the association with CD4 lymphocyte count and viral load. Materials and methods: 177 patients living with HIV in control and / or treatment of the Base Hospital of Valdivia in Chile, where he underwent an oral examination and values of the last count of CD4 lymphocytes and viral load were collected were studied. Results: The sample consisted of 78.5% males; the average age was 40.1±12.02 years, and 92.7% were on antiretroviral therapy. The oral lesions occurred in 93.8% of patients, of which 39.2% belonged to oral manifestations of the EEC Classification. It was observed that patients with oral manifestations had values lower CD4 lymphocytes (427.40 ± 224.51) than those who did not submit (530.8 ± 222.7); finding that both values are independent of viral load. Conclusion: Oral lesions in people living with HIV are mostly associated with a low CD4 lymphocyte count, regardless of receiving antiretroviral therapy and viral load at the time of presenting oral exam.