Melipona scutellaris Geopropolis: Chemical Composition and Bioactivity.

Geopropolis has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this study, the botanical origin, physicochemical profile, and biological activities of geopropolis from Melipona scutellaris harvested during rainy and dry seasons were investigated. Palynological analysis identified over 50 pollen types, with Schinus terebinthifolius and Cecropia being the predominant types. The analytical results were in line with those reported in the literature. Rainy-season geopropolis exhibited higher total phenol and flavonoid content (determined using High Performance Liquid Chromatography-25.13% and 3.92%, respectively) compared to the dry season (19.30% and 2.09%); the major peaks (naringin, gallic acid, and catechin) were similar among samples. Antioxidant capacity was assessed via DPPH, reducing power, and ß-carotene/linoleic acid discoloration assays. Rainy-season samples displayed superior antioxidant activity across methods. Antimicrobial effects were determined using microdilution, while the impact on the cholinesterase enzyme was quantified using 5-thio-2-nitrobenzoic acid accumulation. Anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic activities were assessed through hyaluronidase enzyme inhibition and by utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATCC-20113 cells. Both samples exhibited anti-inflammatory and antimutagenic properties. Moreover, a significant inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed, with IC50 values of 0.35 µg/mL during the rainy season and 0.28 µg/mL during the dry season. Additionally, the geopropolis displayed antimicrobial activity, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of M. scutellaris geopropolis in the context of inflammatory, oxidative, and infectious diseases.

Integrated continuous care: implementation in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil / Cuidado contínuo integrado: implantação em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

The demographic transition that occurred in Brazil brought changes in its health indicators. Integrated Continuous Care (ICC) was organized as a health care model aimed at increasing the independence and well-being of people with acute or recent functional dependence. This study aimed to describe the development and implementation of the Integrated Continuous Care in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This care model utilized the principles of the National Humanization Policy, such as the extended and shared clinic, embracement, educational practices and meetings with caregivers, families, and patients, open visits, participation and autonomy of the patient and family in the construction of the Singular Therapeutic Project, and shared discharge from hospital. Assistance and support to patients who were already released from ICC must be increased in the primary health care setting to ensure continuity of recovery, better readaptation, and successful family and social reintegration. As a positive result, we set up an outpatient clinic for ICC patients who needed continuous clinical follow-up after rehabilitation. This allows patient re-evaluation, reduces re-admission rates, and maintains the domiciliary care management educational process. As an innovative approach to improving health care outcomes, ICC allows the patients to leave the hospital environment and go home on some weekends. The ICC project has enabled many advances, especially in patient-centered care and shared decision-making. The support of the São Julião Hospital administration has been vital to the success of ICC Unit treatments.

A transição demográfica identificada no Brasil trouxe mudança de indicadores de saúde. Os Cuidados Continuados Integrados (CCI) se formatam como um modelo de assistência que busca aumentar a independência e bem estar das pessoas com dependência funcional aguda ou recente. O estudo tem como objetivo de descrever a construção e implantação dos Cuidados Continuados Integrados no estado de MatoGrosso do Sul, Brasil. Este modelo de assistência utiliza ferramentas da Política Nacional de Humanização, como clínica ampliada e compartilhada, acolhimento, práticas educativas e reuniões com cuidadores, familiares e pacientes, visitas abertas, participação e autonomia do paciente e familiares no projeto terapêutico singular e alta compartilhada. A assistência e o apoio aos pacientes pós-alta CCI precisam ser fortalecidos na rede básica de saúde, a fim de garantir a continuidade da recuperação, readaptação e perfeita reinserção familiar e social. Como resultado positivo, iniciou-se o ambulatório para pacientes egressos do CCI que precisavam de acompanhamento clínico contínuo após a reabilitação. Esse ambulatório permite a reavaliação do paciente, contribui para reduzir a reinternação e mantém o processo educacional de gerenciamento do cuidado domiciliar. Enquanto inovação em saúde para melhorar os resultados dos cuidados de saúde, o CCI permite a saída dos pacientes do ambiente hospitalar para o domicilio em alguns finais de semana. O projeto CCI trouxe muitos avanços, especialmente o cuidado centrado no paciente e a decisão compartilhada. O apoio da administração do Hospital São Julião tem sido vital para o sucesso dos tratamentos realizados na unidade CCI.

Integrated continuous care: collaborating with the elderly functionality / Cuidado contínuo integrado: colaborando para a funcionalidade do idoso

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of Integrated Continuous Care on the functional independence of the elderly. This cohort study included participants aged 60 years or older who had experienced a disabling event or disease, and were admitted to rehabilitation in a Brazilian Integrated Continuous Care Unit. The functional gain was evaluated by the Barthel index.Fifty-nine elderly individuals admitted due to a disabling event or disease at the ICCU were assisted from March 2014 to February 2015. Since twenty-two of these were excluded, only 37 participants were evaluated. The mean age of the elderly that were included was 70.41 years (± 1.40) and most of them presented an ischemic stroke diagnosis (64.9%). The total functional gain was 24.05 (± 3.84) points, with an average stay of 32.32 (± 2.18) days. When compared with the degree of dependence on the admission and at discharge, total or severe dependence was identified in 62.2% on admission and mild dependence or total independence was identified in 54.1% at discharge, with a significant decrease in the percentage of the elderly with total dependence between admission and discharge (McNemar test, p = 0.001). At hospital discharge, 70.3% of the elderly had better individual performance in their Activities of Daily Living than at hospital admission and none of them got worse. The multi-professional team-based approach in the Integrated Continuous Care assistance model favors the elderly with gain in functionality and independence. The social network involvement of the elderly lead to their empowerment and co-responsibility along with their family/caregiver in pursuit of the therapeutic goals established together.

Investigar a influência dos Cuidados Continuados Integrados na independência funcional de idosos. Este estudo de coorte incluiu participantes com 60 anos ou mais que sofreram algum evento ou doença incapacitante e que foram internados para reabilitação em Unidade Brasileira de Cuidados Continuados Integrados. O ganho funcional foi avaliado pelo índice de Barthel. Cinquenta e nove idosos admitidos por um evento ou doença incapacitante na UCCI foram atendidos de março de 2014 a fevereiro de 2015. Como vinte e dois deles foram excluídos, apenas 37 participantes foram avaliados. A média de idade dos pacientes incluídos foi de 70,41 anos (± 1,40) e a maioria apresentou AVC isquêmico como diagnóstico (64,9%). O ganho funcional total foi de 24,05 (± 3,84) pontos, com tempo médio de permanência de 32,32 (± 2,18) dias. Quando comparados o grau de dependência na admissão e na alta, a dependência total ou grave foi identificada em 62,2% na admissão e a dependência leve ou independência total foi identificada em 54,1% na alta, com uma diminuição significativa no percentual de pacientes com dependência total entre admissão e alta (teste de McNemar, p = 0,001). Na alta hospitalar, 70,3% dos pacientes apresentaram melhor desempenho individual em suas Atividades de Vida Diária do que no momento da admissão hospitalar e nenhum paciente piorou. A abordagem multiprofissional baseada em equipe no modelo assistencial do Cuidado Integrado Contínuo beneficia o idoso, com ganho de funcionalidade e independência. O envolvimento do paciente na rede social leva ao empoderamento e corresponsabilidade deste e da família/cuidador na busca dos objetivos terapêuticos estabelecidos em conjunto.

Flaxleaf Fleabane Leaves (Conyza bonariensis), A New Functional Nonconventional Edible Plant?

This work aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition, nutritional value, antioxidant, antihemolytic, antihyperglycemic, and antiproliferative activities of flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza bonariensis) leaves. Different concentrations of water and ethanol (0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 v/v) were used in the extraction process and results showed that the hydroalcoholic extract (50:50 v/v) presented the highest total phenolics, ortho-diphenolics, Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity, FRAP, and Fe2+ chelating ability values. Flaxleaf fleabane leaves (FFL) contained 19.6 g/100 g of fibers and 26 g/100 g of proteins. Ellagic acid, procyanidin A2, caffeic, rosmarinic, gallic, and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acids were the main phenolics. This phenolic-rich extract inhibited the lipid oxidation of Wistar rat brain (IC50 = 863.0 mg GAE/L), inhibited α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 435.4 µg/mL), protected human erythrocytes against mechanical hemolysis at different osmolarity conditions, and showed cytotoxic/antiproliferative effects against human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT8; IC50 = 552.6 µg/mL) but no cytotoxicity toward noncancerous human lung fibroblast (IMR90). Overall, FFL showed potential to be explored by food companies to be a source of proteins, natural color substances, and phenolic compounds. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Flaxleaf fleabane leaves (FFL) are usually burnt or partially given to cattle, without a proper utilization as a source of nutrients for human nutrition. Here, we studied the nutritional composition, phenolic composition, and toxicological aspects of FFL using different biological protocols. FFL was proven to be a rich source of proteins and dietary fibers and showed antioxidant activity measured by chemical and in vitro biological assays. Additionally, as it did protected human red cells and did not show cytotoxicity, we assume FFL has relative safety to be consumed as a nonconventional edible plant.

Self-Collection and Molecular Diagnosis for Detection of Human Papillomavirus: Why Incorporate It?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Cervical cancer, the third cause of death by cancer among Brazil's women, is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In some countries of South America, North America, Europe, and Oceania, initial screening for HPV DNA and subsequent follow-up with HPV-positive patients using colposcopy and cytological testing are used as preventative measures. RECENT FINDINGS: For HPV DNA detection, it is necessary to obtain cervical cells by conventional clinical collection method or self-collection of the cells that flake off from the uterine cervix and vaginal canal. Self-collection has been shown to be a viable option for obtaining samples and is a less invasive method that is more accepted by women. Thus, it can potentially decrease the limitations of the conventional clinical collection methods. The efficiency of the self-collection method aligned with the implementation of HPV molecular testing, if adopted by public and private health care systems, may extend the reach of current cervical cancer prevention efforts. In addition, considering all phases from triage to treatment, this method may reduce health care costs and the time spent by patients and health care teams to conduct examinations and collect samples.

A case report of successful treatment of necrotizing fasciitis using negative pressure wound therapy.

RATIONALE: Necrotizing fasciitis is a destructive tissue infection with rapid progression and high mortality. Thus, it is necessary that high-performance dressings be introduced as possibilities of treatment. PATIENT CONCERNS: Female patient, 44 years of age, admitted to hospital unit complaining of lesion in the gluteal region and drainage of purulent secretion in large quantity followed by necrosis. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis was carried out with the computerized tomography examination result and its association with the patient's clinical condition. INTERVENTIONS: Initially, successive debridements were carried out in lower limbs as well as primary dressing with enzymatic debriding action until indication of negative pressure wound therapy, for the period of 2 weeks in the right lower limb and for 5 weeks in the left lower limb, with changes every 72 h. Dressing with saline gauze was used at the end of this therapy until hospital discharge. OUTCOMES: After the use of negative pressure wound therapy, we observed the presence of granulation tissue, superficialization and reduction of lesion extension. The patient presented good tolerance and absence of complications. LESSONS: Negative pressure wound therapy constituted a good option for the treatment of necrotizing fasciitis, despite the scarcity of protocols published on the subject.

High vertical HIV transmission rate in the Midwest region of Brazil

ABSTRACT Objectives To estimate vertical HIV transmission rate in a capital city of the Midwest region of Brazil and describe the factors related to transmission. Methods A descriptive epidemiological study based on the analysis of secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The analysis considered all HIV-infected pregnant women with delivery in Campo Grande-MS in the years 2007-2013 and their HIV-exposed infants. Results A total of 218 births of 176 HIV-infected pregnant women were identified during the study period, of which 187 infants were exposed and uninfected, 19 seroconverted, and 12 were still inconclusive in July 2015. Therefore, the overall vertical HIV transmission rate in the period was 8.7%. Most (71.6%) of HIV-infected pregnant women were less than 30 years at delivery, housewives (63.6%) and studied up to primary level (61.9%). Prenatal information was described in 75.3% of the notification forms and approximately 80% of pregnant women received antiretroviral prophylaxis. Among infants, 86.2% received prophylaxis, but little more than half received it during the whole period recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Among the exposed children, 11.3% were breastfed. Conclusion The vertical HIV transmission rate has increased over the years and the recommended interventions have not been fully adopted. HIV-infected pregnant women need adequate prophylactic measures in prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum, requiring greater integration among health professionals.

High vertical HIV transmission rate in the Midwest region of Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate vertical HIV transmission rate in a capital city of the Midwest region of Brazil and describe the factors related to transmission. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiological study based on the analysis of secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN). The analysis considered all HIV-infected pregnant women with delivery in Campo Grande-MS in the years 2007-2013 and their HIV-exposed infants. RESULTS: A total of 218 births of 176 HIV-infected pregnant women were identified during the study period, of which 187 infants were exposed and uninfected, 19 seroconverted, and 12 were still inconclusive in July 2015. Therefore, the overall vertical HIV transmission rate in the period was 8.7%. Most (71.6%) of HIV-infected pregnant women were less than 30 years at delivery, housewives (63.6%) and studied up to primary level (61.9%). Prenatal information was described in 75.3% of the notification forms and approximately 80% of pregnant women received antiretroviral prophylaxis. Among infants, 86.2% received prophylaxis, but little more than half received it during the whole period recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Among the exposed children, 11.3% were breastfed. CONCLUSION: The vertical HIV transmission rate has increased over the years and the recommended interventions have not been fully adopted. HIV-infected pregnant women need adequate prophylactic measures in prenatal, intrapartum and postpartum, requiring greater integration among health professionals.

Non-polarized cytokine profile of a long-term non-progressor HIV infected patient

ABSTRACT The HIV-1 initial viral infection may present diverse clinical and laboratory course and lead to rapid, intermediate, or long-term progression. Among the group of non-progressors, the elite controllers are those who control the infection most effectively, in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this paper, the TH1, TH2 and TH17 cytokines profiles are described, as well as clinical and laboratory aspects of an HIV-infected patient with undetectable viral load without antiretroviral therapy. Production of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 was detected; in contrast IL-4 was identified. Host-related factors could help explain such a level of infection control, namely the differentiated modulation of the cellular immune response and a non-polarized cytokine response of the TH1 and TH2 profiles.

Non-polarized cytokine profile of a long-term non-progressor HIV infected patient.

The HIV-1 initial viral infection may present diverse clinical and laboratory course and lead to rapid, intermediate, or long-term progression. Among the group of non-progressors, the elite controllers are those who control the infection most effectively, in the absence of antiretroviral therapy (ART). In this paper, the TH1, TH2 and TH17 cytokines profiles are described, as well as clinical and laboratory aspects of an HIV-infected patient with undetectable viral load without antiretroviral therapy. Production of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17 was detected; in contrast IL-4 was identified. Host-related factors could help explain such a level of infection control, namely the differentiated modulation of the cellular immune response and a non-polarized cytokine response of the TH1 and TH2 profiles.

Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator: Early Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator had been increasing the survival of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator was developed to mitigate the complications inherent to lead placement into cardiovascular system. OBJECTIVE: To report the initial experience of 18 consecutive cases of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation showing the indications, potential pitfalls and perioperative complications. METHODS: Between September 2016 and March 2017, 18 patients with indication for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, with no concomitant indication for artificial cardiac pacing, were included. RESULTS: The implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator successfully performed in 18 patients. It was difficult to place the subcutaneous lead at the parasternal line in two patients. One patient returned a week after the procedure complaining about an increase in pain intensity at pulse generator pocket site, which was associated with edema, temperature rising and hyperemia. Two patients took antialgic medication for five days after surgery. A reintervention was necessary in one patient to replace the lead in order to correct inappropriate shocks caused by myopotential oversensing. CONCLUSION: In our initial experience, although the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is a less-invasive, simple-accomplishment procedure, it resulted in a bloodier surgery perhaps requiring an operative care different from the conventional. Inappropriate shock by oversensing is a reality in this system, which should be overcame in order not to become a limiting issue for its indication.

Subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: early experience

Abstract Introduction: The implantable cardioverter defibrillator had been increasing the survival of patients at high risk for sudden cardiac death. The subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator was developed to mitigate the complications inherent to lead placement into cardiovascular system. Objective: To report the initial experience of 18 consecutive cases of subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation showing the indications, potential pitfalls and perioperative complications. Methods: Between September 2016 and March 2017, 18 patients with indication for primary and secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death, with no concomitant indication for artificial cardiac pacing, were included. Results: The implantation of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator successfully performed in 18 patients. It was difficult to place the subcutaneous lead at the parasternal line in two patients. One patient returned a week after the procedure complaining about an increase in pain intensity at pulse generator pocket site, which was associated with edema, temperature rising and hyperemia. Two patients took antialgic medication for five days after surgery. A reintervention was necessary in one patient to replace the lead in order to correct inappropriate shocks caused by myopotential oversensing. Conclusion: In our initial experience, although the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation is a less-invasive, simple-accomplishment procedure, it resulted in a bloodier surgery perhaps requiring an operative care different from the conventional. Inappropriate shock by oversensing is a reality in this system, which should be overcame in order not to become a limiting issue for its indication.

Ablação por cateter de taquicardia por reentrada nodal com degeneração para fibrilação atrial: abordagem resolutiva de quatro casos clínicos / Catheter ablation for nodal reentry tachycardia with degeneration for atrial fibrillation: problem solving approach of four clinical cases

A fibrilação atrial é a arritmia mais comumente diagnosticada nos dias atuais. Estima-se que sua prevalência seja de 0,5-1% na população geral. O número de indicações de ablação para tentativa de manutenção do ritmo sinusal tem crescido a cada ano. Não obstante a também crescente experiência dos centros especializados, as complicações inerentes ao procedimento ainda continuam altas, quando comparadas às da ablação convencional. Constatamos a ocorrência de desorganização elétrica atrial consequente a taquicardia por reentrada nodal em quatro pacientes encaminhados inicialmente para ablação de fibrilação atrial

Atrial fibrillation is the most common arrhythmia diagnosed today. It is estimated that its prevalence is around 0.5% to 1% in the general population. The number of indications for ablation procedure, as an attempt to maintain sinus rhythm, grows every year. Nevertheless, the growing experience of specialized centers, the inherent procedurecomplications are still high when compared to conventional ablation. We have noticed the occurrence of atrial electrical disorganization resulting from AV nodal reentry tachycardia in four patients initially referred for atrial fibrillation ablation

Taxa de sucesso de posicionamento de cabo-eletrodo ventricular esquerdo em região-alvo sem utilização de bainha e/ou venografia durante procedimento de implante de marcapasso biventricular / Success rate of left ventricular lead positioning in target region without a sheath and/or venography during biventricular pacemaker implantation procedure

Introdução: Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a taxa de sucesso de implante de cabo-eletrodo ventricular em região lateral sem uso de venografia. Método: Foram analisados 100 casos de implante de cabo-eletrodo ventricular esquerdo ao longo de 30 meses, em um único centro, quanto a sua localização e calculada a taxa de implantes em parede lateral (ântero-lateral, lateral e póstero-lateral). Todos os procedimentos foram realizados sem uso de bainha e sem realização de venografia, por meio de técnica de cateterização do seio coronário baseada no componente atrial do eletrograma endocavitário. Resultados: Em 83% dos casos foi conseguido implante em parede lateral, predominantemente em paredes póstero-lateral e lateral, com tempo de radioscopia médio de 5,97 minutos. Em 10% houve insucesso, com necessidade de implante de cabo-eletrodo epicárdico. Conclusão: O implante de cabo-eletrodo ventricular esquerdo em região lateral sem uso de venografia baseado no componente atrial do eletrograma endocavitário constitui técnica segura e eficaz, apresentando ainda redução do tempo de radioscopia

Background: This study was aimed at evaluating left ventricular pacing implant success rate in the lateral region without the use of venography. Method: We analyzed 100 cases of left ventricular lead implants over 30 months in a single center as to the location of the left ventricular lead and calculated the rate of implants in the lateral wall (anterolateral, lateral and posterolateral). All procedures were carried out without the use of a sheath and without performing venography using the coronary sinus catheter technique based on the atrial endocardial electrogram component. Results: In 83% of cases it was successfully implanted in the lateral wall, predominantly in the posterolateral and lateral walls, with a mean radioscopy time of 5.97 minutes. It failed in 10% of the cases and we had to use an epicardial lead. Conclusion: Left ventricular lead implantation in the lateral region without venography based on atrial component of the endocavitary electrogram is a safe and effective technique, which also reduces radioscopy time

Implante de cardioversor-desfibrilador subcutâneo: relato de caso de paciente com taquicardia ventricular induzida por esforço / Subcutaneous cardioverter defibrillator implantation: case report of a patient with stress-induced ventricular tachycardia

As complicações relacionadas ao cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável em geral estão relacionadas a implante de cabo-eletrodo transvenoso, fratura do condutor ou ruptura do isolamento de silicone, além de infecções. Essas complicações podem ser evitadas com o implante do sistema de cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável totalmente subcutâneo. Relatamos o caso de um paciente de 60 anos de idade, assintomático, com antecedentes de morte súbita cardíaca na família, submetido ao primeiro implante de cardioversor-desfibrilador implantável subcutâneo no Brasil

Complications related to the use of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator are often related to transvenous lead implant, conductor fracture or insulation disruption in addition to infections. These complications may be avoided by implanting a totally subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator system. We report the case of a 60-year old, asymptomatic patient with a family history of cardiac sudden death, undergoing the first subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implant in Brazil

Ablação com mapeamento eletroanatômico de taquicardia ventricular recorrente refratária a terapia medicamentosa na cardiomiopatia dilatada isquêmica em portador de cardiodesfibrilador multissítio / Ablation with electroanatomic mapping of refractory recurrent ventricular tachycardia to drug therapy in ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy in patients carrying a multisite cardiac defibrillator

As arritmias ventriculares em portadores de cardiomiopatia isquêmica estão diretamente relacionadas ao aumento da morbimortalidade, sendo sua recorrência associada a pior prognóstico. A despeito da otimização do tratamento medicamentoso, muitos são os pacientes refratários, e, nesse contexto, a ablação por adiofrequência torna-se uma importante alternativa terapêutica diante da refratariedade ao tratamento convencional. O mapeamento eletroanatômico permite visualização das áreas de fibrose e dos istmos de condução, aumentando as taxas de sucesso desse procedimento

Ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic cardiomyopathy patients are directly related to increased morbidity and mortality, and recurrence is associated to a worse prognosis. Despite the optimization of drug therapy, many patients are refractory to conventional therapy and in this context, radiofrequency ablation becomes an important therapeutic alternative. Electroanatomic mapping allows the visualization of fibrosis and isthmus conduction areas, increasing the success rates of this procedure

Transitioning through AIDS epidemics - gender and temporality.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the evolution of AIDS over time in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, using incidence, lethality, and mortality coefficients. METHODS: A descriptive epidemiological study based on time series analysis of secondary data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System reported between 1985 and 2012. RESULTS: The prevalence of AIDS was higher among men, with evidence of feminization during the first 14 years of the epidemic. There was no statistically significant sex difference in AIDS lethality. Women were 1.3 times more likely to survive than men. CONCLUSIONS: Gender differences must be considered when designing new HIV/AIDS prevention strategies.