HCV reinfection after HCV therapy among HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in Europe.

Objectives: Although direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) can clear HCV in nearly all HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals, high rates of reinfection may hamper efforts to eliminate HCV in this population. We investigated reinfection after sustained virological response (SVR) in HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals in Europe.

Methods: Factors associated with odds of reinfection by 2 years after SVR in EuroSIDA participants with one or more HCV-RNA test and 2 years follow-up were assessed using logistic regression.

Antibody response against selected epitopes in the HIV-1 envelope gp41 ectodomain contributes to reduce viral burden in HIV-1 infected patients.

The ectodomain of gp41 is the target of potent binding and neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) and is being explored in new strategies for antibody-based HIV vaccines. Previous studies have suggested that the W164A-3S (3S) and EC26-2A4 (EC26) peptides located in the gp41 ectodomain may be potential HIV vaccine candidates. We assessed 3S- and EC26-specific binding antibody responses and related neutralizing activity in a large panel of chronic HIV-1-infected Portuguese individuals on ART.

The prevalence and risk-factors of oral HPV DNA detection among HIV-infected men between men who have sex with men and heterosexual men.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal carcinomas are becoming more common with epidemiological impact on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- positive individuals. We evaluated prevalence and risk factors for oral HPV DNA among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) or heterosexual men. This cross-sectional hospital-based study included 255 HIV-infected men with different sexual orientation 142 MSM and 113 heterosexual men, who answered a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical and behavioural data.

Serum Albumin as a Prognostic Marker for Serious Non-AIDS Endpoints in the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) Study.

Background: Serum albumin may be used to stratify human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons with high CD4 count according to their risk of serious non-AIDS endpoints.

Methods: Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the risk of serious non-AIDS events in the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) study (NCT00867048) with serum albumin as a fixed and time-updated predictor. Models with exclusion of events during initial follow-up years were built to assess the ability of serum albumin to predict beyond shorter periods of time.

Hypovitaminosis D in HIV-infected patients in Lisbon: a link with antiretroviral treatment.

Introduction: Recent data indicates that low vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels can lead to a worst prognosis in HIV-infected individuals, even in those on successful antiretroviral therapy (ART) [1]. Portugal is the European country that has the largest average sun exposure time but prevalence of hypovitaminosis D is mostly unknown. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in HIV patients in Lisbon and the possible association with ART.

[Cognitive decline of medicamentous etiology].

In the elderly there is a high risk of inappropriate medication and adverse effects of polypharmacy. A 68 year-old female patient resorted to the Emergency Room for suspected stroke. According to the husband, in the six months prior to admission, she became progressively disorientated and dependent.

[Monitoring antibiotic consumption in the surgery and orthopaedics].

Monitoring antibiotic consumption is a valuable tool which has been increasingly used in the last years due to the current concern with the emergence of resistant microbial strains. The present study aimed at monitoring antibiotic consumption, evaluating the economic impact of hospital antibiotic prescription and assessing the relationship between the prescribed antibiotics and the indications for either prophylactic or therapeutic use. This was a longitudinal pilot-study for which data were collected in six privately managed public hospital units during the month of May 2004, with a resulting sample of 1,122 admitted patients.