Profile and pattern of crack consumption among inpatients in a Brazilian psychiatric hospital.

Introduction: Crack cocaine use is associated with polydrug abuse, and inpatients dependent on crack exhibit profiles of serious consumption patterns. Use of alcohol and tobacco and other drugs is a risk factor for experimentation of additional drugs, including crack cocaine.

Objectives: The present study describes the characteristics and crack consumption patterns among inpatients in treatment during 2011 and 2012 at the Hospital Psiquiátrico São Pedro (Porto Alegre, Brazil).

Drug use and antisocial behavior among adolescents attending public schools in Brazil.

Introduction: Drug use is a social and a public health problem that has been related with antisocial behavior. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between drug use and antisocial behavior among adolescents attending public schools in Brazil.

Method: A total of 7,176 adolescents from low-income neighborhoods and public schools aged 14 to 19 years were assessed in five geographical regions in Brazil.

Expression of APOBEC3G/3F and G-to-A hypermutation levels in HIV-1-infected children with different profiles of disease progression.

Objective: Increasing evidence has accumulated showing the role of APOBEC3G (A3G) and 3F (A3F) in the control of HIV-1 replication and disease progression in humans. However, very few studies have been conducted in HIV-infected children. Here, we analyzed the levels of A3G and A3F expression and induced G-to-A hypermutation in a group of children with distinct profiles of disease progression.

Emergence of primary NNRTI resistance mutations without antiretroviral selective pressure in a HAART-treated child.

Objective: The use of antiretrovirals (ARV) during pregnancy has drastically reduced the rate of the human immunodeficiency virus perinatal transmission (MTCT). As a consequence of widespread ARV use, transmission of drug resistant strains from mothers to their babies is increasing. Ultra-sensitive PCR techniques have permitted the quantification of minority viral populations, but little is known about the transmission of drug-resistant HIV-1 minority population in the setting of MTCT.

Production of the HIV-suppressive chemokines CCL3/MIP-1alpha and CCL22/MDC is associated with more effective antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected children.

Background: Certain CC chemokines including ligands for the HIV-1 coreceptor CCR5 are associated with suppression of HIV-1 infection. Whether the release of these chemokines from lymphocytes influences treatment outcome in children receiving antiretroviral therapy is not known.

Methods: A study of 175 HIV-infected children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was conducted to compare clinical measures and HIV-suppressive chemokine release.

Overview of genotypic and clinical profiles of human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Although mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention has slowed down pediatric HIV infection in developed countries, large numbers of infants still become infected in developing nations. Data on pediatric HIV infection is however largely scarce. In this study, we have overviewed clinical, laboratory and genotypic data from a large cohort of HIV-infected infants regularly followed at two pediatric HIV outpatient clinics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Alternative, age- and viral load-related routes of nelfinavir resistance in human immunodeficiency virus type 1-infected children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy.

To assess prevalence of nelfinavir resistance mutations in children receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy, sequencing of protease gene from plasma of 53 human immunodeficiency virus-infected children was performed. The prevalence of L90M was similar to that of D30N. There was a significant correlation with a higher viral load and lower age and the occurrence of L90M.

Genotypic resistance and HIV-1 subtype in Brazilian children on dual and triple combination therapy.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy is provided by the Brazilian Ministry of Health to eligible HIV-infected individuals. Based on clinical and immunological classification, the Brazilian guidelines recommend dual or triple therapy for children. However, the development of drug-resistant strains or poor adherence to therapy could impact the efficacy of this approach.