Suppression of HIV in the first 12 months of antiretroviral therapy: a comparative analysis of dolutegravir- and efavirenz-based regimens

ABSTRACT Objective To compare viral suppression in treatment-naïve adults starting antiretroviral therapy with dolutegravir (50mg)- and efavirenz (600mg)-based regimens. Methods We analyzed secondary data from Brazilian health information systems of people living with human immunodeficiency virus who started antiretroviral therapy between 2015 and 2017 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The outcome was viral suppression, defined as the achievement of the first viral load <50 copies/mL within 12 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. This outcome was also compared with viral load <1,000 copies/mL and analyzed in two scenarios: intention-to-treat versus per-protocol. Time to viral suppression and adjusted odds ratio accompanied by 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results Of the 2,599 participants enrolled, 77.5% were men, and the median age was 34 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, viral suppression was 58.1% for efavirenz and 76.7% for dolutegravir. People living with HIV on dolutegravir-based regimen were more likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR: 2.44; 95%CI: 2.01-2.95) and had a shorter median time to viral suppression (p<0.0001). Antiretroviral therapy initiation within <120 days, baseline CD4⁺T-cells ≥200 cells/mm3, and viral load <100,000 copies/mL had higher odds of viral suppression. According to the per-protocol analysis, viral suppression ≥90% was observed by considering viral load <1,000 copies/mL. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that viral suppression improved after introducing dolutegravir, although the proportion of patients with viral load <50 copies/mL was lower than expected. Improved access to routine viral load examinations and continuous surveillance of the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy should be considered.

Design, synthesis and biological activity of DB02 amino acid derivatives as HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors / 药学学报

To improve the stability of amino acid ester derivatives of DB02, a series of 24 amide derivatives of DB02 amino acids as non-nucleoside HIV-1 reverse transcriptase inhibitor were designed and synthesized based on bioisosterism by replacing amino acid ester scaffold with more stable amide bond. The anti-HIV-1 activity of these compounds was evaluated by MTT assay and counting the number of syncytia. Most of the target compounds showed a potential anti-HIV-1 activity, among which compounds 2d, 2i, 2l, 2s, and 2w had better antiviral effect than lead compound DB02, with a therapeutic index > 1 000.00. Finally, the structure-activity relationship of these compounds was discussed, which provided new ideas for the further development of DB02 derivatives.

Beyond access to medication: the role of SUS and the characteristics of HIV care in Brazil / Para além do acesso ao medicamento: papel do SUS e perfil da assistência em HIV no Brasil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the public-private composition of HIV care in Brazil and the organizational profile of the extensive network of public healthcare facilities. METHODS Data from the Qualiaids-BR Cohort were used, which gathers data from national systems of clinical and laboratory information on people aged 15 years or older with the first dispensation of antiretroviral therapy between 2015-2018, and information from SUS healthcare facilities for clinical-laboratory follow-up of HIV, produced by the Qualiaids survey. The follow-up system was defined by the number of viral load tests requested by any SUS healthcare facility: follow-up in the private system - no record; follow-up at SUS - two or more records; undefined follow-up - one record. SUS healthcare facilities were characterized as outpatient clinics, primary care and prison system, according to the respondents' self-classification in the Qualiaids survey (72.9%); for non-respondents (27.1%) the classification was based on the terms present in the names of the healthcare facilities. RESULTS During the period, 238,599 people aged 15 years or older started antiretroviral therapy in Brazil, of which 69% were followed-up at SUS, 21.7% in the private system and 9.3% had an undefined system. Among those followed-up at SUS, 93.4% received care in outpatient clinics, 5% in primary care facilities and 1% in the prison system. CONCLUSION In Brazil, antiretroviral treatment is provided exclusively by SUS, which is also responsible for clinical and laboratory follow-up for most people in outpatient clinics. The study was only possible because SUS maintains records and public information about HIV care. There is no data available for the private system.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Estimar a composição público-privada da assistência em HIV no Brasil e o perfil organizacional da extensa rede de serviços públicos. MÉTODOS Foram utilizados dados da Coorte Qualiaids-BR, que reúne dados dos sistemas nacionais de informações clínicas e laboratoriais de pessoas com 15 anos ou mais com primeira dispensação de terapia antirretroviral, entre 2015-2018, e informações dos serviços do SUS de acompanhamento clínico-laboratorial do HIV, produzidas pelo inquérito Qualiaids. O sistema de acompanhamento foi definido pelo número de exames de carga viral solicitados por algum serviço do SUS: acompanhamento no sistema privado - nenhum registro; acompanhamento no SUS - dois ou mais registros; acompanhamento indefinido - um registro. Os serviços do SUS foram caracterizados como ambulatórios, atenção básica e sistema prisional, segundo autoclassificação dos respondentes ao inquérito Qualiaids (72,9%); para os não respondentes (27,1%) a classificação baseou-se nos termos presentes nos nomes dos serviços. RESULTADOS No período, 238.599 pessoas com 15 anos ou mais iniciaram a terapia antirretroviral no Brasil, das quais, 69% receberam acompanhamento no SUS, 21,7% no sistema privado e 9,3% tiveram o sistema indefinido. Entre os acompanhados no SUS, 93,4% foram atendidos em serviços do tipo ambulatório, 5% em serviços de atenção básica e 1% no sistema prisional. CONCLUSÃO No Brasil o tratamento antirretroviral é fornecido exclusivamente pelo SUS, que também é responsável pelo acompanhamento clínico-laboratorial da terapia da maior parte das pessoas em serviços ambulatoriais. O estudo só foi possível porque o SUS mantêm registros e informações públicas acerca do acompanhamento em HIV. Não há nenhum dado disponível para o sistema privado.

Biomarcadores para el diagnóstico del síndrome de reconstitución inmune / Biomarkers for the diagnosis of immune reconstitution syndrome

Introducción: el síndrome inflamatorio de reconstitución inmune es una complicación clínica dada en algunas personas infectadas con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) luego de empezar la terapia antirretroviral; se destaca por la producción de citoquinas proinflamatorias, que se han estudiado como posibles biomarcadores que puedan orientar para el diagnóstico y pronóstico de esta condición clínica. Objetivo: llevar a cabo una revisión actualizada de los avances en los biomarcadores para el diagnóstico de SIRI, resaltando la importancia de las moléculas inflamatorias y los exosomas, tanto en su patogénesis como un posible Gold estándar para la confirmación de este estado inflamatorio. Metodología: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en bases de datos, como Science Direct, PubMed, Scopus y Medline, partiendo de los siguientes términos MeSH: síndrome inflamatorio de reconstitución, enfermedades del sistema inmune, biomarcadores, fármacos antiVIH, plasma. Conclusión: cada vez existen más avances en la identificación de moléculas que pueden servir como biomarcadores de SIRI, buscando un oportuno diagnóstico, monitoreo de la progresión clínica, mejor respuesta al tratamiento y más hallazgos sobre la fisiopatología, pero persiste la necesidad de encontrar un Gold estándar que proporcione criterios para su sospecha y confirmación.

Introduction: The inflammatory syndrome of immune reconstitution (IRIS) is a clinical complication given in some people infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), after they begin antiretroviral therapy (ART), which stands out for the production of abundant proinflammatory cytokines, which have been studied as possible biomarkers that can guide the diagnosis and prognosis of this clinical condition. Objective: Review the advances in biomarkers for the diagnosis of IRIS,and the importance of inflammatory molecules and exosomes, so their pathogenesis and as a possible Gold standard for confirmation of this inflammatory. Methodology: A bibliographic review was carried out in databases, such as Science Direct, Pubmed, Scopus and Medline based on the following MeSH terms: Inflammatory reconstitution syndrome, Immune system diseases, Biomarkers, Anti-HIV drugs, Plasma. Conclusion: There are more and more advances in the identification of various molecules that can serve as biomarkers of IRIS, seeking timely diagnosis, monitoring of clinical progression, better response to treatment and more findings on the pathophysiology of IRIS, but the urgent need to find a gold standard that provides criteria for its suspicion and confirmation persists.

Barriers to Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use for HIV: an integrative review / Barreras para el uso de la Profilaxis Previa a la Exposición (PrEP) para el VIH: una revisión integradora / Barreiras para o uso da Profilaxia Pré-Exposição (PrEP) ao HIV: uma revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify and synthesize scientific evidence on the barriers and difficulties for Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) use and compliance for HIV. Methods: an integrative literature review, using the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier and Scopus (Elsevier) databases. Results: all (100%) the articles included identified that PrEP users experience some type of structural barrier related to health services such as long distance from the units, suboptimal logistics for taking pills and professional resistance to prescribing PrEP. Furthermore, 63.21% identified social barriers, such as stigma about sexuality and HIV, in addition to individual barriers such as alcohol use, adverse effects, and concerns about long-term toxicity. Conclusions: the barriers to PrEP use are multifactorial. Effective interventions are needed to support PrEP users in accessing, complying with, and retaining health services.

RESUMEN Objetivos: identificar y sintetizar evidencias científicas sobre las barreras y dificultades para el uso y la adherencia a la Profilaxis Pre-Exposición (PrEP) para el VIH. Métodos: revisión integrativa de la literatura, utilizando las bases de datos MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier y Scopus (Elsevier). Resultados: todos (100%) de los artículos incluidos identificaron que los usuarios de PrEP experimentan algún tipo de barrera estructural relacionada con los servicios de salud, como la larga distancia de las unidades, la logística subóptima para la toma de pastillas y la resistencia profesional a prescribir la PrEP. Además, el 63,21% identificó barreras sociales, como el estigma sobre la sexualidad y el VIH, además de las barreras individuales como el consumo de alcohol, los efectos adversos y las preocupaciones sobre la toxicidad a largo plazo. Conclusiones: las barreras para el uso de la PrEP son multifactoriales. Se necesitan intervenciones eficaces para ayudar a los usuarios de la PrEP a acceder, adherirse y conservar los servicios de salud.

RESUMO Objetivos: identificar e sintetizar as evidências científicas sobre as barreiras e dificuldades para o uso e adesão da Profilaxia Pré-exposição (PrEP) para o HIV. Métodos: revisão integrativa da literatura, utilizando as bases de dados MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Academic Search Premier e Scopus (Elsevier). Resultados: todos (100%) os artigos incluídos identificaram que os usuários da PrEP experimentam algum tipo de barreira estrutural relacionada aos serviços de saúde, como longa distância das unidades, logística subótima para retirada de pílulas e resistência profissional para prescrição da PrEP. Ademais, 63,21% identificaram barreiras sociais, como estigma sobre a sexualidade e HIV, além de barreiras individuais, como uso de álcool, efeitos adversos e preocupações com a toxicidade a longo prazo. Conclusões: multifatoriais são as barreiras para o uso da PrEP. Intervenções efetivas são necessárias para apoiar os usuários da PrEP no acesso, adesão e retenção nos serviços de saúde.

Evaluation for the performance of HIV Ag/Ab assay based on ECLIA in blood screening / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the performance of electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) in detecting HIV antigen/antibody in blood screening. 【Methods】 A total of 128 donors, reactive to anti-HIV(ELISA)testing, from September 2016 to September 2020 were enrolled, and seven samples were reactive to double anti-HIV reagents, among which 6 were confirmed by WB, 1 confirmed by NAT as negative.Two group of donors, reactive to solo anti-HIV reagent but being confirmed negative by WB(n=121) vs.randomly selected donors non-reactive to ELISA + NAT(June to September 2020, n=1360), were subjected to HIV antigen/antibody testing using ECLIA to compare the testing results, including concordance rate, sensitivity and specificity. 【Results】 The ECLIA results remained non-reactive for 1360 samples initially non-reactive to both ELISA and NAT.The concordance rate of anti-HIV reactivity by ECLIA and ELISA+ WB were 100%(6/6). For 122 samples, reactive to ELISA anti-HIV testing but nonreactive to confirmatory testing, 4(3.28%)of them were reactive to HIV antigen/antibody testing and 118(96.72%) nonreactive, with the concordance rate of ECLIA and ELISA at 96.88%(124/128). The sensitivity, specificity and false positive rate of ECLIA and ELISA were 100% vs 100%, 99.73% vs 91.77%, and 0.27% vs 8.23%, respectively. 【Conclusion】 ECLIA for HIV antigen/antibody detection has good sensitivity and specificity, which can meet the requirements of blood screening, and the false positive rate is lower than that of ELISA, adopted commonly in blood bank at present.

Avaliação do uso da Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao HIV: coorte retrospectiva / Evaluation of the use of pre-exposure HIV prophylaxis: retrospective cohort / Evaluación del uso de profilaxis pre-exposición al VIH: cohorte retrospectiva

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil da população que buscou a Profilaxia Pré-Exposição ao HIV (PrEP) no Paraná e, entre os usuários da PrEP, avaliar modificações nos comportamentos de risco de adquirir infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST's), além de alterações nos exames laboratoriais de monitoramento. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com dados secundários obtidos do Sistema de Controle Logístico de Medicamentos acessados em 2018 e 2019. Investigou-se o perfil sociodemográfico da população que buscou a PrEP, de forma a correlacioná-lo aos segmentos prioritários para o uso do medicamento profilático. Entre os usuários, avaliaram-se dados comportamentais, testes diagnósticos para IST's, funções renal e hepática referentes a diferentes momentos no decorrer do uso. Os resultados comparados deram-se por meio dos testes Wilcoxon e Exato de Fisher. Resultados: 255 pessoas buscaram a PrEP. Predominaram-se o sexo masculino (92,28%), homossexuais (78,04%), de 20 a 39 anos (83,53%), brancos (71,76%), com 12 ou mais anos de estudo (74,90%). Para uso da PrEP elegeram-se 188 pessoas. Entre estas, durante o uso, observou-se aumento de práticas sexuais sem preservativo (p=0,012), diminuição no número de parceiros e do consumo de álcool (p=0,001), aumento da atividade de enzimas hepáticas ALT/AST (p=0,018), sem diferença no diagnóstico do HIV e outras IST's. Conclusão: Homens que fazem sexo com homens predominaram na busca pela profilaxia. Entre os usuários da PrEP, apesar do aumento de práticas sexuais desprotegidas, não houve aumento do diagnóstico de IST's no período do estudo. O medicamento da PrEP demonstrou bom perfil de segurança nos exames laboratoriais de seguimento.

Objective: To identify the profile of the population that sought HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Paraná; and assess, among PrEP users, changes in risk behaviors for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as changes in monitoring laboratory tests. Methods: Retrospective cohort with secondary data obtained from the Drug Logistics Control System accessed in 2018 and 2019. The sociodemographic profile of the population that sought PrEP was investigated to correlate it with priority segments for the use of prophylactic medication. Among users, behavioral data, diagnostic tests for STIs, kidney, and liver functions were evaluated at different times during use. The results were compared using the Wilcoxon and Fisher's Exact tests. Results: 255 people sought PrEP. Males predominated (92.28%), homosexuals (78.04%), from 20 to 39 years old (83.53%),white people (71.76%), with 12 or more years of schooling (74.90%). For the use of PrEP, 188 people were elected. Among them, during the usage, was noticed an increase in sexual practices without a condom (p=0.012), a decrease in the number of partners and alcohol consumption (p=0.001), an increase in the activity of liver enzymes ALT/AST (p=0.018), with no difference in the diagnosis of HIV and other STI's. Conclusion: Men who have sex with men predominated in the search for prophylaxis. Among PrEP users, despite the increase in unprotected sexual practices, there was no increase in the diagnosis of STIs during the study period; PrEP drugs showed a good safety profile in follow-up laboratory tests.

Objetivo: Identificar el perfil de la población que fue en busca de la Profilaxis pre-exposición al VIH (PrEP) en Paraná y, de entre los usuarios de la PrEP, evaluar los cambios de conducta de riesgo para tener infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) además de las alteraciones de las pruebas de laboratorios para el monitoreo. Métodos: Cohorte retrospectiva con datos secundarios del Sistema de Control Logístico de Medicamentos con acceso en 2018 y 2019. Se investigó el perfil sociodemográfico de la población que fue en busca de la PrEP, para correlacionarlo con los segmentos prioritarios para el uso del medicamento profiláctico. De los usuarios se ha evaluado los datos comportamentales, las pruebas de diagnósticos para las ITS, las funciones renales y hepática referente a distintos momentos durante el uso. Los resultados comparados se han dado a través de las pruebas de Wilcoxon y el Exacta de Fisher. Resultados: 255 personas han buscado la PrEP. Hubo el predominio para el sexo masculino (92,28%), homosexuales (78,04%), entre los 20 y 39 años (83,53%), blancos (71,76%), con 12 o más años de estudio (74,90%). Se há elegido 188 personas para el uso de la PrEP. De entre ellas, durante el uso, se observó el aumento de las prácticas sexuales sin condón (p=0,012), la disminución del número de compañeros y del consumo del alcohol (p=0,001), el aumento de la actividad de enzimas hepáticas ALT/AST (p=0,018), sin diferencia en el diagnóstico del VIH y de otras ITS. Conclusión: Los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres prevalecieron para la búsqueda de la profilaxis. De entre los usuarios de la PrEP, a pesar del aumento de las prácticas sexuales sin protección no hubo el aumento del diagnóstico de ITS en el período del estudio. El medicamento de la PrEP demostró un perfil bueno de seguridad en las pruebas de laboratorios de seguimiento.

Factors associated to the control of viral load in HIV positive patients / Factores asociados con el control de la carga viral en pacientes con VIH

Objective: to evaluate factors associated with inadequate control of viral load in individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in the The Center for Assistance to Sexually Transmitted Infections/SIDA/Viral Hepatitis (CAP) of Itajubá, MG, Brazil. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome remains a health challenge in Brazil. Therapeutic failures, characterized by detectable viral load, must have their causes evaluated. Among the most relevant reasons is the lack of adherence to treatment. Materials and methods: this is an observational, cross-sectional and documentary study of 261 medical records. The variables analyzed were socio-epidemiological characteristics and laboratory tests for viral load and CD4+ T lymphocytes, poor adherence in history or currently, duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, depression and/or anxiety, use of illicit drugs, follow-up time at the CAP. Results: among the patients, 90.42% had an undetectable viral load and 64.37% had a CD4+ T count ≥500 in the last available test. Some characteristics were related to detectable viral load in the last exam: history of poor adherence during treatment (p<0,0001), inconsistent use of ART (p<0,0001) and use of illicit drugs (p=0,0155). Anxiety and/or depression were not statistically significant (p=0,3321). Conclusion: history of poor adherence, inconsistent use of ART and use of illicit drugs were associated with an increased risk of virologic failure. Early identification of groups at risk of poor adherence to treatment can support the development of intervention strategies in an transdisciplinary way to improve adherence and generate better results in the control of HIV infection..Au

Objetivo: evaluar los factores asociados con el control inadecuado de la carga viral en individuos con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en el Centro de Asistencia para Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual/SIDA/Hepatitis Viral (CAP) de Itajubá, MG, Brazil. El síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida sigue siendo un desafío para la salud en Brasil. Las fallas terapéuticas, caracterizadas por una carga viral detectable, deben tener sus causas evaluadas. Entre las razones más relevantes está la falta de adherencia al tratamiento. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal y documental con 261 registros médicos. Las variables analizadas fueron características socioepidemiológicas y pruebas de laboratorio para carga viral y linfocitos T CD4+, pobre adherencia en la historia o en la actualidad, duración del uso de terapia antirretroviral (ARTE), depresión. y/o ansiedad, uso de drogas ilícitas, tiempo de seguimiento en el CAP. Resultados: de los pacientes, el 90.42% tenía una carga viral indetectable y el 64.37% tenía un recuento de CD4 + T ≥500 en la última prueba disponible. Fueron evidenciadas características relacionadas con la carga viral detectable en el último examen: antecedentes de mala adherencia durante el tratamiento (p <0,0001), uso inestable de ARTE (p <0,0001) y uso de drogas ilícitas (p = 0 , 0155). La ansiedad y / o depresión no fue estadísticamente significativa (p = 0.3321). Conclusión: el historial de adherencia deficiente, el uso inconsistente de ART y el uso de drogas ilícitas se asociaron con un mayor riesgo de falla virológica. La identificación de grupos en riesgo de mala adherencia al tratamiento puede ayudar a desarrollar estrategias de intervención de manera temprana y entre disciplinas para mejorar la adherencia y generar mejores resultados en el control de la infección por VIH..Au

Adaptação cultural e validação da The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version para homens brasileiros que fazem sexo com outros homens / Cultural adaptation and validation of The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version for Brazilian men who have sex with other men

Introdução: A infecção causada pelo HIV afeta de forma desigual homens que fazem sexo com homens (HSH) em comparação com a população geral. O teste anti-HIV é uma estratégia importante de acompanhamento da saúde sexual desses homens e as recomendações indicam que este deve ser feito anualmente para aqueles com vida sexual ativa. Entretanto, há barreiras que podem dificultar o acesso à testagem e,no Brasil, ainda não há escalas para identificar e mensurar tais obstáculos. Objetivo: O objetivo principal desta tese foi realizar adaptação cultural e validação da The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version para homens brasileiros que fazem sexo com outros homens. Método: Estudo metodológico para adaptação cultural e validação da The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version para homens brasileiros que fazem sexo com outros homens. Essa escala possui 18 itens, três opções de respostas e quatro fatores e possibilita a identificação de diferentes barreiras à testagem anti-HIV. As seguintes etapas foram seguidas para o processo de adaptação cultural e validação: tradução; comitê de juízes; retrotradução (back-translation); análise semântica; pré-teste e avaliação das propriedades psicométricas. A escala foi pré-testada (53 pessoas) e, depois, aplicada a 1290 homens que fazem sexo com homens. O instrumento foi disponibilizado por viasonline em redes sociais e em sites de relacionamento, entre Abril e Maio de 2020. Foram realizadas análises de confiabilidade, análise fatorial exploratória, análise fatorial confirmatória, e testes de validade convergente e discriminante. Os dados foram analisados por meio do software SPSS versão 20.0, com apoiono pacote AMOS para realização da análise fatorial confirmatória. Os aspectos éticos foram contemplados. Resultados: A confiabilidade geral da escala pelo Alfa de Cronbach foi de 0,89. Foram extraídos quatro fatores na análise fatorial exploratória: F1 - Consequências pessoais; F2 - Barreiras estruturais; F3 - Confidencialidade e F4 - Consequências econômicas e preocupações individuais. A estrutura fatorial da escala foi confirmada e o modelo final obtido na análise fatorial confirmatória apresentou bons índices de ajuste: (X²)/GL (2,71); GFI (0,94); RMSEA (0,05); TLI (0,94); NFI (0,93); IFI (0,95); CFI (0,95). A validade convergente foi avaliada pela Confiabilidade Composta (CC) e os resultados foram maiores que 0,7 para os quatro fatores: Fator 1 (0,87); Fator 2 (0,75); Fator 3 (0,77) e Fator 4 (0,73). A validade discriminante foi verificada a partir do critério Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratioof Correlations (HTMT) e todos os resultados foram inferiores a 0,85. Conclusão: A versão adaptada da escalaapresentou confiabilidade e validade satisfatórias para avaliar barreiras ao teste anti-HIV entre HSH e, deste modo, recomenda-se sua aplicação em pesquisas futuras, continuando a verificação de suas propriedades e dimensões, e em ambientes prestadores de serviços de saúde que forneçam testagem anti-HIV para verificações de barreiras a esta, conforme indicação de sua finalidade.

Introduction: HIV infection unevenly affects men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to the general population. The HIV test is an important strategy for monitoring these men's sexual health, and the recommendations indicate that it should be done annually for those with an active sex life. However, some barriers can hinder access to testing, and, in Brazil, there are still no scales to identify and measure such obstacles. Objective: This thesis's main objective was to perform cultural adaptation and validation of The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version for Brazilian men who have sex with other men. Method: Methodological study for cultural adaptation and validation of The Barriers to HIV testing scale-Karolinska version for Brazilian men who have sex with other men. This scale has 18 items, three answer options, and four factors and allows identifying different barriers to HIV testing. The following steps were followed for the process of cultural adaptation and validation: translation; committee of judges; back-translation; semantic analysis; pre-test and evaluation of psychometric properties. The scale was pre-tested (53 people) and then applied to 1290 men who have sex with men. The instrument was made available online via social networks and social networking sites between April and May 2020. Reliability analyzes, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and convergent and discriminant validity tests were performed. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20.0, supported by the AMOS package to carry out confirmatory factor analysis. Ethical aspects were considered. Results: The general reliability of the scale by Cronbach's alpha was 0.89. Four factors were extracted in the exploratory factor analysis: F1 - Personal consequences; F2 - Structural barriers; F3 - Confidentiality and F4 - Economic consequences and individual concerns. The factorial structure of the scale was confirmed and the final model obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis showed good adjustment rates: (X²) / GL (2.71); GFI (0.94); RMSEA (0.05); TLI (0.94); NFI (0.93); IFI (0.95); CFI (0.95). Convergent validity was assessed by Composite Reliability (CC) and the results were greater than 0.7 for the four factors: Factor 1 (0.87); Factor 2 (0.75); Factor 3 (0.77) and Factor 4 (0.73). The discriminant validity was verified using the Heterotrait-Monotrait Ratio of Correlations (HTMT) criteria, and all results were less than 0.85. Conclusion: The adapted version of the scale showed satisfactory reliability and validity to assess barriers to anti-HIV testing among MSM and, therefore, its application in future research is recommended, continuing to verify its properties and dimensions, and in environments providing health services that provide anti-HIV testing to check for barriers to it, as indicated by its purpose.

Experiencias de homofobia y adherencia al tratamiento antirretroviral (TAR) en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) / Experiences of homophobia and adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in men who have sex with men (MSM)

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la relación de las experiencias de homofobia con la adherencia al tratamiento anti-retroviral (TAR) en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH). Para ello, se realizó una encuesta transversal con una muestra por conveniencia de HSH que vivían con VIH (n=340) atendidos en dos instituciones públicas de salud de la Ciudad de México. La información sobre la adherencia al TAR en el mes previo de los participantes y sus experiencias de violencia, discriminación y homofobia internalizada se recopiló mediante un cuestionario. Entre 14% y 33% de los HSH reportaron alguna experiencia de discriminación y entre 41% y 60% experimentaron violencia. Cuando los HSH habían experimentado ambos tipos de estresores, el riesgo de baja adherencia TAR fue mayor (RP=6.49 para mes previo) que cuando habían experimentado sólo una de ellas (RP=4.36 para violencia y RP=5.67 para discriminación). Los profesionales de la salud deben ser sensibles a cómo el ambiente sociocultural puede afectar las prácticas de autocuidado de HSH, incluyendo la adherencia al TAR.

Abstract The aim of the study was to know the relationship of homophobic experiences with adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Mexico City (CDMX). A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sampling of MSM who lived with HIV, treated at two public health institutions at Mexico City (n=340). A questionnaire was applied to record information related to the adherence to ART of the participants and their experiences of violence and discrimination associated with homophobia and internalized homophobia. Between 14% and 33% of MSM reported experiences of discrimination and between 41% and 60% experienced violence. When participants had jointly experienced both types of stressors, the risk of low adherence to ART in the previous month was higher (RP=6.49) than when they had experienced only one of them (RP=4.36 for violence and RP=5.67 for discrimination). Health professionals must be sensitive to how the sociocultural environment can affect self-care among MSM including ART adherence.

Unqualified rate of anti-HIV detection in the laboratories from blood banks in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the unqualified rate of anti-HIV detection of blood screening laboratories in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and explore the differences in anti-HIV detection ability and influencing factors in each laboratory. 【Methods】 Through filling questionnaires via e-mail, the anti-HIV ELISA unqualified rate and confirmed (WB) positive results (data) from January to December 2018 from 15 blood screening laboratories in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region were collected. Our laboratory was responsible for data collection and confirmation, and statistics software SPSS22.0 was used for analysis. 【Results】 1) There was a statistically significant difference among the unqualified rate of anti-HIV ELISA(6.77‱~35.71‱) and confirmed positive rate(0.60‱~3.56‱) in 15 blood screening laboratories in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region (P<0.05); 2) There were significant differencse among the ELISA unqualified rate and the confirmed positive rate of 8 reagents for anti-HIV detection(P<0.01), and the sensitivity of the 4th generation detection reagent and the imported reagent was higher than that of the 3rd generation reagent and the domestic reagent. The anti-HIV ELISA unqualified rate of R5 was the highest (19.08‱). 3)There were significant differences in the anti-HIV ELISA unqualified rate of R1, R2, R3, R5 and R7 reagents among different blood station laboratories(P<0.05), and there were no significant differences in the anti-HIV ELISA unqualified rate of R4, R6 and R8 reagents among different blood station laboratories(P>0.05). 4)The unqualified rate of anti-HIV ELISA of laboratories using different regents showed significant differences(P<0.05), except H, J, M. The unqualified rate of imported reagent was significantly higher than that of domestic reagents of laboratories using imported and domestic reagents combinations(P<0.05), except O. 62.5% (5/8) laboratories using domestic 3rd and 4th generation reagent combination showed significant differences in the unqualified rates among different reagents(P<0.05); 5) The positive rate of single-reagent(62.02%~95.45%)in 15 blood screening laboratories showed significant difference(P<0.001), and A was the lowest (62.02%). 【Conclusion】 The anti-HIV detection ability among 15 blood screening laboratories in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is quite different. The application of different reagents is the main factor for the difference, and other factors such as personnel, instruments and test strategies also has a great impact on the detection of anti-HIV. It is still necessary to promote the process of homogenization of blood testing quality among blood screening laboratories in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

HIV antibody screening and confirmative tests of voluntary blood donors in a hospital in Beijing: A retrospective analysis / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To retrospectively analyze the epidemiological characteristics and regularity of HIV among voluntary blood donors in our hospital, so as to provide help for the formulation of effective coping strategies for voluntary blood donation, reduce the incidence of blood transmitted diseases, and improve blood safety. 【Methods】 HIV infection and population characteristics of voluntary blood donors in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2019 were statistically analyzed. 【Results】 A total of 330 000 blood donations occurred during 2010 to 2019, and 1 024 HIV-infected blood donors were screened out, with a positive rate of 0.31%. The detection rate was the highest in 2016, with 158 cases infected(158/35 889, 0.44%), followed by 151 in 2015(151/37 586, 0.40%), and 42 in 2010(42/20 824, 0.20%). The difference was statistically significant (χ2=88.754, P<0.001). Among the 1 024 HIV-infected patients, 876 were males and 148 females, with a gender ratio close to 6∶1. The majority were aged between 18~35 years old, accounting for 86.13%. 【Conclusion】 The HIV infection rate among voluntary blood donors had been increasing year by year in recent years. Major blood centers should strengthen the health information before blood donation, carry out HIV screening strictly, select blood donors appropriately, establish a stable blood donation team, so as to reduce the discarding rate of blood.

Organization and planning for the creation of the HIV testing and counselling center / Organización y planeamiento para la creación del centro de pruebas y guía para VIH / Organização e planejamento para a criação do centro de testagem e aconselhamento para HIV

ABSTRACT Objectives: To analyze the process of creating the HIV Testing and Counselling Center in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Methods: qualitative research, with a historical approach. The direct sources consisted of written documents and 11 oral testimonies. Results: in order to create this Testing and Counselling Center, investment was made in the implementation of a Municipal Management Unit for the STD/AIDS Program; in the elaboration of the Project for the Creation of the Testing and Counselling Center; in the process of attracting, selecting and training human resources; and choosing the right place for its operation. Final Considerations: the nurse who coordinated this investment had the support of the authorities of that municipality and had an authorized speech on HIV/AIDS in the municipality of Nova Iguaçu; planned each stage of this service and used effective strategies to create the Testing and Counselling Center.

RESUMEN Objetivos: analizar el proceso de creación del Centro de Prueba y Guía para VIH en el municipio de Nova Iguaçu, en Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: investigación cualitativa, de abordaje histórico. Las fuentes directas constituyeron de documentos escritos y 11 deposiciones orales. Resultados: para la creación de eso Centro de Prueba y Guía, se embistió en la implementación de una Unidad de Gestión Municipal del Programa ETS/Sida; en la elaboración del Proyecto de Creación del Centro de Prueba y Guía; en el proceso de captación, selección y capacitación de recursos humanos; y en la selección del local adecuado para su funcionamiento. Consideraciones Finales: el enfermero que coordinó esa inversión contó con el apoyo de las autoridades de aquello municipio y tenía discurso autorizado sobre coordinó en el municipio de Nova Iguaçu; planeó cada etapa de eso servicio y utilizó estrategias eficaces para la creación del Centro de Prueba y Guía.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar o processo de criação do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento para HIV no município de Nova Iguaçu, no estado do Rio de Janeiro. Métodos: pesquisa qualitativa, de abordagem histórica. As fontes diretas constituíram-se de documentos escritos e 11 depoimentos orais. Resultados: para a criação desse Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento, investiu-se na implementação de uma Unidade de Gerenciamento Municipal do Programa DST/aids; na elaboração do Projeto de Criação do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento; no processo de captação, seleção e capacitação de recursos humanos; e na escolha do local adequado para seu funcionamento. Considerações Finais: o enfermeiro que coordenou esse investimento contou com o apoio das autoridades daquele município e tinha discurso autorizado sobre HIV/Aids no município de Nova Iguaçu; planejou cada etapa desse serviço e se utilizou de estratégias eficazes para a criação do Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento.

Quality of life in individuals initiating antiretroviral therapy: a cohort study / Qualidade de vida em indivíduos iniciando a terapia antirretroviral: um estudo de coorte

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess longitudinally the change in quality of life in people living with HIV initiating antiretroviral therapy in three public reference services specialized in HIV care in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. METHODS Prospective cohort study among people living with HIV, aged 18 years or older, and initiating antiretroviral therapy. We obtained sociodemographic, behavioral, clinical data related to pharmacological treatment and to the service by face-to-face interviews, and supplemented these data with information from clinical records and Information Systems of the Brazilian HIV/AIDS Program. We measured the quality of life using the WHOQOL-HIV bref instrument, with a minimum interval of six months between the baseline and the follow-up interviews. We used paired t-test to assess the mean change in quality of life between the two interviewsand evaluated factors associated with this outcome using multiple linear regression. RESULTS The overall quality of life, as well as the physical, psychological, level of independence, environment and spiritual quality of life domains were statistically higher in people living with HIV using antiretroviral therapy at the end of the follow-up. Factors independently associated with the increase in quality of life were having religious belief and living with other people. Having signs or symptoms of anxiety and depression and the number of adverse drug reactions reported were predictors associated with worsening quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These results show an improvement in the quality of life over time in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. They also highlight the need to monitor and provide health care support, especially for individuals with signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression and that report adverse reactions to medicines at the beginning of treatment.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar longitudinalmente a alteração da qualidade de vida em pessoas que vivem com HIV iniciando a terapia antirretroviral, atendidas em três serviços públicos de referência na assistência especializada ao HIV em Belo Horizonte. MÉTODOS Estudo de coorte prospectivo, com o acompanhamento de pessoas que vivem com HIV, com 18 anos de idade ou mais, e iniciando terapia antirretroviral. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais, clínicos, relacionados ao tratamento farmacológico e ao serviço foram obtidos por entrevistas, complementados com informações dos prontuários clínicos e dos sistemas de informação do Programa Brasileiro de HIV/AIDS. A qualidade de vida foi avaliada utilizando o instrumento WHOQOLHIV-bref, por meio de entrevista face a face, com intervalo mínimo de seis meses entre as entrevistas. A alteração média na qualidade de vida entre as duas entrevistas foi avaliada utilizando o teste t pareado. Os fatores associados foram avaliados por meio de regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS A qualidade de vida global, assim como a qualidade de vida nos domínios físico, psicológico, nível de independência, ambiente e espiritual foram estatisticamente melhores em pessoas que vivem com HIV usando terapia antirretroviral no final do tempo de acompanhamento. Fatores independentemente associados ao incremento na qualidade de vida foram possuir crença religiosa e morar com outras pessoas. Enquanto ter sinais ou sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e o número de reações adversas a medicamentos reportadas foram preditores associados à piora da qualidade de vida. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados evidenciam melhora na qualidade de vida em pessoas vivendo com HIV iniciando a terapia antirretroviral ao longo do tempo. Evidenciam ainda a necessidade de se acompanhar e prover cuidados de saúde, em especial para indivíduos com sinais e sintomas de ansiedade e depressão e que relatam reações adversas a medicamentos no início do tratamento.

Performance evaluation of HIV infection diagnostic tests / Avaliação do desempenho de testes para diagnóstico da infecção pelo HIV

ABSTRACT Introduction: Many factors can impact the performance of diagnostic assays for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, affecting the results of population surveys. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of point-of-care rapid tests (RT) used for HIV diagnosis as compared to conventional tests in blood samples from a population of transvestites and transsexual women. Methods: A total of 1,385 samples with HIV RT results were submitted to Instituto Adolfo Lutz for evaluation by conventional laboratory tests. Results: HIV positivity was confirmed by conventional laboratory tests in 100% of the 240 (17.3%) samples with reactive RT. However, 1,145 (82.7%) samples with non-reactive RT results were evaluated; three (0.3%) tested positive and one (0.1%), indeterminate for HIV. Although a proportion of discordant results were found, the point-of-care RTs showed a high confirmation rate when compared to the serological tests. Conclusion: The data of this study corroborate the importance of adopting effective management tools to ensure quality of HIV infection diagnosis.

RESUMEN Introducción: Muchos factores pueden impactar en el desempeño pruebas para diagnóstico de la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), comprometiendo los resultados de investigaciones poblacionales. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el desempeño de pruebas rápidas (PR) en el punto de atención utilizadas para diagnosticar el VIH en relación con las pruebas convencionales en muestras de sangre de la población de travestis y mujeres transexuales en la ciudad de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Un total de 1.385 muestras con resultados de PR de VIH se remitieron al Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), para ser evaluadas por pruebas de laboratorio convencionales. Resultados: De las 240 (17,3%) muestras que presentaron resultado reactivo en las PR, positividad para VIH se confirmó en el 100% por pruebas de laboratorio convencionales. Sin embargo, de las 1.145 (82,7%) muestras evaluadas con resultado de PR non reactivo, tres (0,3%) se presentaron reactivas y una (0,1%), indeterminada para VIH. Aunque un porcentaje de resultados falsos negativos en las PR ha sido encontrado, las pruebas realizadas en el punto de atención poseen alta tasa de confirmación cuando comparadas con las pruebas serológicas. Conclusión: Los datos de este estudio resaltan la importancia de adoptar herramientas de gestión eficaces para garantizar la calidad del diagnóstico de la infección por VIH.

RESUMO Introdução: Muitos fatores podem impactar no desempenho dos testes para diagnóstico da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV), comprometendo os resultados de pesquisas populacionais. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho dos testes rápidos (TR) - point-of-care - utilizados para o diagnóstico do HIV em relação aos ensaios convencionais em amostras de sangue da população de travestis e mulheres transexuais da cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. Métodos: Ao Instituto Adolfo Lutz (IAL), 1.385 amostras com os resultados dos TR do HIV foram encaminhadas para serem avaliadas por testes laboratoriais convencionais. Resultados: Das 240 (17,3%) amostras que apresentaram resultado reagente nos TR, a positividade para HIV foi confirmada em 100% por testes laboratoriais convencionais. Entretanto, das 1.145 (82,7%) amostras com resultado de TR não reagente avaliadas, três (0,3%) apresentaram-se reagentes e uma (0,1%), indeterminada para HIV. Embora uma porcentagem de resultados falso-negativos nos TR tenha sido encontrada, os testes realizados em campo possuem alta taxa de confirmação quando comparados com os testes sorológicos. Conclusão: Os dados deste estudo ressaltam a importância da adoção de ferramentas de gestão eficazes para assegurar a qualidade do diagnóstico da infecção por HIV.

Avaliação do tratamento antirretroviral de pessoas convivendo com HIV/aids que participam de um grupo de adesão / Evaluation of antiretroviral treatment of people living with HIV/aids participating in an adherence group

RESUMO Modelo de estudo: Trata-se de um estudo do tipo observacional, descritivo e transversal. Objetivo: Avaliar o comportamento de adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral de pessoas convivendo com HIV/aids que participam de um Grupo de Adesão. Métodos: O questionário foi respondido por 15 pacientes maiores de 18 anos, independente do sexo, com diagnóstico confirmado de AIDS que participam de um Grupo de Adesão em um serviço de dispensação de antirretrovirais, e que após receberem informações pertinentes ao estudo, aceitaram participar voluntariamente, por meio da assinatura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultado: A maioria dos participantes era do sexo masculino, acima de 40 anos (73,3%) e 26,6% eram economicamente ativos. Quanto à sexualidade, 80% dos entrevistados declararam ser heterossexual. Quanto à escolaridade, 60% não havia completado o ensino médio. O tempo de diagnóstico da doença predominante foi entre 10 e 16 anos, sendo que 46,6% referiram possuir outros problemas de saúde, como toxoplasmose, herpes, tuberculose e leishmaniose. A análise do questionário de adesão mostrou que 33,3% possuía uma boa adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral. Entre as interações droga-droga identificadas, 44,4% ocorreram entre os antirretrovirais. Conclusão: A partir da realização deste estudo foi possível concluir que 66,66% dos entrevistados relataram que em algum momento houve uma descontinuidade do tratamento, revelando uma dificuldade na manutenção do uso dos antirretrovirais em indivíduos convivendo com HIV/AIDS. No contexto da farmacoepidemiologia antirretroviral, as potenciais interações medicamentosas identificadas neste estudo foram eventos que afetam a resposta terapêutica levando a toxicidade (AU)

Study design: This is an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. Objective: Evaluating the adher-ence behavior to the antiretroviral treatment of people living with HIV/Aids who participate in an Adherence Group. Methods: The questionnaire was answered by 15 patients older than 18 years of age, regardless of sex, with a confirmed diagnosis of AIDS participating in an Adherence Group at an antiretroviral dispensing service, who, after receiving information related to the study, agreed to participate voluntarily, by singing the Written Informed Consent Form. Results: The majority of the participants were male, over 40 years old (73.3%) and 26.6% were economically active. Regarding sexuality, 80% of the interviewees stated that they were heterosexual. As for schooling, 60% had not finished high school. The time of diagnosis of the disease predominant was between 10 and 16 years, and 46.6% reported having other health problems, like toxoplasmosis, herpes, tuberculosis, and leishmaniasis. The analysis of the adherence questionnaire showed that 33.3% had good adherence to antiretroviral treatment. Among the drug-drug interactions identified, 44.4% occurred among antirretrovirals. Conclusion: Based on this study, it was possible to conclude that 66,66% at some point there was a discontinuation of treatment, revealing a difficulty in maintaining antiretroviral use in individuals living with HIV/aids. In the scenario of antiretroviral pharmacoepidemiology, the po-tential drug interactions identified in this study were events that affect the therapeutic response leading to toxicity (AU)

Chemical characterization, antioxidant and anti-HIV activities of a Brazilian propolis from Ceará state

ABSTRACT Propolis (bee glue) a product of Apis mellifera L. is a resinous mixture containing chiefly beeswax and resin harvested by bees from plant leaves, buds and exudates. Extracts of a propolis sample from Salitre, a municipality of Ceará state (northeast Brazil) were obtained with solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol). A chemical profile was carried out by GC-EI-MS and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. Lupenone, lupeol, octanoic acid tetracosyl ester and octanoic acid hexacosyl ester were identified by GC-EI-MS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH and β-carotene discoloring methods, and anti-HIV activity by the in vitro inhibition of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest antioxidant and anti-HIV activity and was fractioned by column chromatography using silica gel and seven different eluents. The active fractions were submitted to semi preparative HPLC and the following compounds were isolated: caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, diprenylcinnamic acid, quercetin, naringenin, isorhamnetin, quercetin-3-O-diglucoside,4,2′,4′-trihydroxy-2-methoxychalcone, gossypetin-3,3′,4′,7-tetramethyl ether, myricetin-3,7,3′-trimethyl ether and 5-hydroxy-3,6,7,8,4′-pentamethoxyflavone. The ethyl acetate extract and its fractions F5-F7, as well as quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin-3,7,3′-trimethyl ether and p-coumaric acid exhibited high antioxidant activity on both DPPH and β-carotene antioxidant methods. Isorhamnetin exhibited moderate inhibitory effect against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (56.99 ± 3.91%), followed by naringenin (44.22 ± 1.71%), quercetin (43.41 ± 4.56%) and diprenylcinnamic acid (41.59 ± 2.59%). These results agree with previous authors who reported anti-HIV activity of flavonoids.

Challenges in integrating component level technology and system level information from Ayurveda: Insights from NMR phytometabolomics and anti-HIV potential of select Ayurvedic medicinal plants

Background: Information from Ayurveda meeting the analytical challenges of modern technology is anarea of immense relevance. Apart from the cerebral task of bringing together two different viewpoints,the question at the pragmatic level remains ‘who benefits whom’.Objective: The aim is to highlight the challenges in integration of information (Ayurvedic) and technology using test examples of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomics and anti-HIV-1 potential of select Ayurvedic medicinal plants. The other value added objective is implications andrelevance of such work for Ayurveda.Materials and methods: Six medicinal plants (Azadirachta indica, Tinospora cordifolia, Swertia chirata,Terminalia bellerica, Zingiber officinale and Symplocos racemosa) were studied using high resolutionproton NMR spectroscopy based metabolomics and also evaluated for anti-HIV-1 activity on threepseudoviruses (ZM53 M.PB12, ZM109F.PB4, RHPA 4259.7).Results: Of the six plants, T. bellerica and Z. officinale showed minimum cell cytotoxicity and maximumanti-HIV-1 potential. T. bellerica was effective against all the three HIV-1 pseudoviruses. Untargeted NMRprofiling and multivariate analyses demonstrated that the six plants, all of which had different Ayurvedicpharmacological properties, showed maximum differences in the aromatic region of the spectra.Conclusion: The work adds onto the list of potential plants for anti-HIV-1 drug molecules. At the sametime, it has drawn attention to the different perspectives of Ayurveda and Western medicine underscoring the inherent limitations of conceptual bilinguism between the two systems, especially in thecontext of medicinal plants. The study has also highlighted the potential of NMR metabolomics in studyof plant extracts as used in Ayurveda.© 2017 Transdisciplinary University, Bangalore and World Ayurveda Foundation. Publishing Services byElsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

The 12 city HIV Surveillance Survey among MSM in Brazil 2016 using respondent-driven sampling: a description of methods and RDS diagnostics / Inquérito sobre o HIV entre HSH no Brasil em 2016 usando respondent-driven sampling (RDS): descrição dos métodos e dos diagnósticos do RDS

ABSTRACT: Introduction: This paper details the methods used in the second national Biological and Behavioral Surveillance Survey (BBSS) of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C among men who have sex with men in Brazil. Methods: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used in 12 cities in 2016. The targeted sample size was initiated with five to six seeds in each city. HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C rapid tests were offered to participants. RDS Analyst with Gile's successive sampling (SS) estimator was used to adjust results as recommended and a weight for each individual was generated for further analysis. Data for the 12 cities were merged and analyzed using Stata 14.0 complex survey data tools with each city treated as its own stratum. Results: Duration of data collection varied from 5.9 to 17.6 weeks. 4,176 men were recruited in the 12 cities. Two sites failed to achieve targeted sample size due to a six-month delay in local IRB approval. No city failed to reach convergence in our major outcome variable (HIV). Conclusion: The comprehensive BBSS was completed as planned and on budget. The description of methods here is more detailed than usual, due to new diagnostic tools and requirements of the new STROBE-RDS guidelines.

RESUMO: Introdução: Este artigo detalha os métodos utilizados na segunda Pesquisa Nacional de Vigilância Biológica e Comportamental (BBSS) do HIV, sífilis e hepatite B e C entre os homens que fazem sexo com homens no Brasil. Métodos: O método Respondent-driven Sampling (RDS) foi utilizado em 12 cidades em 2016. A amostra foi iniciada com cinco a seis sementes em cada cidade. Testes rápidos para o HIV, sífilis e Hepatite B e C foram oferecidos aos participantes. O software RDS Analyst com o estimador de amostragem sucessiva (SS) de Gile foi utilizado para ajustar os resultados como recomendado, gerando um peso para cada indivíduo para análises. Osdados das 12cidades foram unidos em um único banco e analisados usando as ferramentas de dados complexos do Stata 14.0, com cada cidade sendo tratada como seu próprio estrato. Resultados: A duração da coleta de dados variou de 5,9 a 17,6 semanas e 4.176 homens foram recrutados nas 12 cidades. Dois sites não alcançaram o tamanho da amostra alvo devido a uma demora de seis meses na aprovação local do Comitê de Ética. Todas as cidades atingiram a convergência na principal variável estudada (HIV). Conclusão: O BBSS foi representativo e concluído conforme planejado e dentro do orçamento. A descrição dos métodos aqui é mais detalhada do que o habitual, devido às novas ferramentas e requisitos de diagnóstico das novas diretrizes do STROBE-RDS.