SEOM-GG clinical guidelines for the management of germ-cell testicular cancer (2023).

Testicular germ cell tumors are the most common tumors in adolescent and young men. They are curable malignancies that should be treated with curative intent, minimizing acute and long-term side effects. Inguinal orchiectomy is the main diagnostic procedure, and is also curative for most localized tumors, while patients with unfavorable risk factors for recurrence, or those who are unable or unwilling to undergo close follow-up, may require adjuvant treatment. Patients with persistent markers after orchiectomy or advanced disease at diagnosis should be staged and classified according to the IGCCCG prognostic classification. BEP is the most recommended chemotherapy, but other schedules such as EP or VIP may be used to avoid bleomycin in some patients. Efforts should be made to avoid unnecessary delays and dose reductions wherever possible. Insufficient marker decline after each cycle is associated with poor prognosis. Management of residual masses after chemotherapy differs between patients with seminoma and non-seminoma tumors. Patients at high risk of relapse, those with refractory tumors, or those who relapse after chemotherapy should be managed by multidisciplinary teams in experienced centers. Salvage treatment for these patients includes conventional-dose chemotherapy (TIP) and/or high-dose chemotherapy, although the best regimen and strategy for each subgroup of patients is not yet well established. In late recurrences, early complete surgical resection should be performed when feasible. Given the high cure rate of TGCT, oncologists should work with patients to prevent and identify potential long-term side effects of the treatment. The above recommendations also apply to extragonadal retroperitoneal and mediastinal tumors.

Alteraciones Provocadas por el SARS-CoV-2 durante el 2020: Una Mirada a sus Secuelas. Revisión Narrativa / Alterations Caused by SARS-CoV-2 during 2020: A Look at its Aftermath. Narrative Review

Introducción. El 11 de marzo del 2020, la OMS declaró a la COVID-19 como pandemia. Hoy se han establecido diversas secuelas posteriores a la fase aguda por infección por SARS-CoV-2, y diversos autores han mostrado que esta enfermedad persiste en un gran número de personas luego de la fase aguda. Objetivo. Identificar y describir las características previas de pacientes que presentan secuelas post infección por COVID-19. Métodos. Se realizaron 2 búsquedas bibliográficas en diferentes bases de datos, donde se seleccionaron 15 artículos en total según criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se hizo un análisis cualitativo de las referencias y fueron separadas según tipo de secuela reportada. Resultados. Dentro de las características demográficas de las personas que presentaron secuelas post infección por COVID-19 se encuentran la edad, sexo, comorbilidades preexistentes y, en algunos casos, el IMC. Dentro de las características clínicas se incluye la sintomatología presente en fase aguda, estado de gravedad, tiempo de estadio hospitalario, y resultados de exámenes imagenológicos y de laboratorio. Cada secuela fue especificada según el tipo asociado a alteración cardiovascular, músculo-esquelética, respiratoria y neurológica. Conclusión. La mayoría de los pacientes con secuelas tienen una edad media de 50 años, siendo las mujeres las que presentaron una mayor prevalencia. Los antecedentes de HTA y DM se encontraron en las cinco áreas analizadas, mientras que las enfermedades cardiovasculares y el EPOC sólo se encontraron en algunas secuelas. Los síntomas predominantes en la fase aguda de la enfermedad varían entre el grupo de secuelas neurológicas en comparación con los demás grupos.

Background. On March 11, 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Today, several post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection have been established, but several authors have shown that this disease persists in many people after the acute phase. Objective. Identify and describe the previous characteristics of patients who present sequelae after infection with COVID-19. Methods. 2 bibliographic searches were performed in different databases, where a total of 15 articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. A qualitative analysis of the references was made and they were separated according to the type of sequelae reported. Results. Among the demographic characteristics of the persons who presented sequelae after infection with COVID-19 were age, sex, pre-existing comorbidities, and in some cases BMI. The clinical characteristics include the symptoms present in the acute phase, state of severity, length of hospital stay, and results of imaging and laboratory tests. Each of them is specified according to the type of sequelae associated with cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, respiratory and neurological. Conclusion. The majority of patients with sequelae had a mean age of 50 years, with women presenting a higher prevalence. A history of hypertension and DM were found in all five areas analyzed, while cardiovascular disease and COPD were only found in some sequelae. The predominant symptoms in the acute phase of the disease varied among the neurological sequelae group compared to the other groups.

The new Neyman type A generalized odd log-logistic-G-family with cure fraction.

The work proposes a new family of survival models called the Odd log-logistic generalized Neyman type A long-term. We consider different activation schemes in which the number of factors M has the Neyman type A distribution and the time of occurrence of an event follows the odd log-logistic generalized family. The parameters are estimated by the classical and Bayesian methods. We investigate the mean estimates, biases, and root mean square errors in different activation schemes using Monte Carlo simulations. The residual analysis via the frequentist approach is used to verify the model assumptions. We illustrate the applicability of the proposed model for patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. The choice of the adenocarcinoma data is because the disease is responsible for most cases of stomach tumors. The estimated cured proportion of patients under chemoradiotherapy is higher compared to patients undergoing only surgery. The estimated hazard function for the chemoradiotherapy level tends to decrease when the time increases. More information about the data is addressed in the application section.

Nonproportional hazards model with a frailty term for modeling subgroups with evidence of long-term survivors: Application to a lung cancer dataset.

With advancements in medical treatments for cancer, an increase in the life expectancy of patients undergoing new treatments is expected. Consequently, the field of statistics has evolved to present increasingly flexible models to explain such results better. In this paper, we present a lung cancer dataset with some covariates that exhibit nonproportional hazards (NPHs). Besides, the presence of long-term survivors is observed in subgroups. The proposed modeling is based on the generalized time-dependent logistic model with each subgroup's effect time and a random term effect (frailty). In practice, essential covariates are not observed for several reasons. In this context, frailty models are useful in modeling to quantify the amount of unobservable heterogeneity. The frailty distribution adopted was the weighted Lindley distribution, which has several interesting properties, such as the Laplace transform function on closed form, flexibility in the probability density function, among others. The proposed model allows for NPHs and long-term survivors in subgroups. Parameter estimation was performed using the maximum likelihood method, and Monte Carlo simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the estimators' performance. We exemplify this model's use by applying data of patients diagnosed with lung cancer in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.

Management in the care of people with HIV in primary health care in times of the new coronavirus / Gestão no cuidado às pessoas com HIV na Atenção Primária à Saúde em tempos do novo coronavírus

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To understand management practices in the care of people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in primary health care in a Brazilian capital, in times of the new coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic. METHOD Qualitative research, anchored in the methodological-analytical framework of the grounded theory, constructivist aspect. Data were collected by using intensive online interviews with nurses from health centers and managers of the municipal health department. Data collection and analysis occurred concomitantly in two phases of analysis: initial and focused coding. RESULTS They point to the development of best care practices, with emphasis on initiatives for coordination of care, decentralization of clinical management for primary health care services, establishment of protocols and flows, agreement of intersectoral partnerships, use of groups and social networks, use of tools such as teleconsultation and health surveillance spreadsheet and formation of support networks. CONCLUSION The Brazilian capital restructured its network of health services with the implementation of clinical and management protocols, seeking to maintain care for people living with HIV. We highlighted the incorporation of non-face-to-face care technologies and the facilitation of routines, as strategies for expanding access.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Compreender as práticas de gestão no cuidado às pessoas que vivem com o vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) na Atenção Primária à Saúde de uma capital brasileira, em tempos de pandemia do novo coronavírus (covid-19). MÉTODO Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, ancorada no referencial metodológico-analítico da teoria fundamentada nos dados, vertente construtivista. Os dados foram coletados por entrevistas intensivas online, com enfermeiros de centros de saúde e gestores da secretaria municipal. A coleta e análise dos dados ocorreram de maneira concomitante, em duas fases de análise: a codificação inicial e focalizada. RESULTADOS Apontam para o desenvolvimento das melhores práticas de cuidado, com destaque para iniciativas de coordenação do cuidado, descentralização do manejo clínico para os serviços de APS, instituição de protocolos e fluxos, pactuação de parcerias intersetoriais, utilização de grupos e redes sociais, uso de ferramentas como a teleconsulta e planilha de vigilância em saúde e formação de redes de apoio. CONCLUSÃO A capital brasileira reestruturou sua rede de serviços de saúde com a implementação de protocolos clínicos e gerenciais, buscando manter a continuidade do cuidado às pessoas que vivem com o HIV. Destacou-se a incorporação de tecnologias de cuidado não presencial e a facilitação de rotinas, como estratégias para ampliação do acesso.

Instruments to assess adherence to medication in people living with HIV: a scoping review / Instrumentos para avaliar a adesão medicamentosa em pessoas vivendo com HIV: uma revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To compile the instruments validated in Brazil for assessing adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy. METHODS Scoping review using the Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL and Lilacs databases. In addition, the Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar and OpenGrey servers were checked. There was no language restriction for the search, and it considered articles published from the year 1996 onwards. RESULTS Three publications were included in the qualitative synthesis. Following were the instruments identified "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral" (Questionnaire for Assessment of Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment) developed in Porto Alegre (RS) and published in 2007; the "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids" (Self-efficacy Scale for Adherence to Antiretroviral Treatment in Children and Adolescents with HIV/Aids) developed in São Paulo (SP) and published in 2008; and the "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil" (WebAd-Q, a self-report instrument to monitor adherence to antiretroviral therapy in HIV/Aids services in Brazil) developed in São Bernardo do Campo (SP) and published in 2018. The instruments were validated in Brazil, and presented statistically acceptable values for psychometric qualities. CONCLUSION The instruments to assess adherence of people living with HIV to antiretroviral therapy are validated strategies for the Brazilian context. However, their (re)use in different settings and contexts of the nation should be expanded. The use of these instruments by health professionals can improve the understanding of factors that act negatively and positively on antiretroviral therapy adherence, and the proposition of strategies intended to consolidate good adherence and intervene in the treatment of people with low therapeutic engagement.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Compilar os instrumentos validados no Brasil para avaliação da adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral. MÉTODOS Revisão de escopo, utilizando as bases de dados Web of Science, Scopus, Medline (via PubMed), Embase, BDENF, CINAHL e Lilacs. Em complementação, os servidores Preprints bioRxiv, Google Scholar e OpenGrey foram verificados. Para a busca, não houve restrição de idioma e considerou artigos publicados a partir do ano de 1996. RESULTADOS Três publicações foram incluídas na síntese qualitativa. Os instrumentos identificados foram o "Questionário para Avaliação da Adesão ao Tratamento Antirretroviral", desenvolvido em Porto Alegre (RS) e publicado em 2007; a "Escala de autoeficácia para adesão ao tratamento antirretroviral em crianças e adolescentes com HIV/Aids", desenvolvida em São Paulo (SP) e publicada em 2008; e o "WebAd-Q, um instrumento de autorrelato para monitorar a adesão à terapia antirretroviral em serviços de HIV/Aids no Brasil", desenvolvido em São Bernardo do Campo (SP) e publicado em 2018. Os instrumentos foram validados no Brasil e apresentaram valores estatisticamente aceitáveis para as qualidades psicométricas. CONCLUSÃO Os instrumentos para avaliar a adesão de pessoas vivendo com HIV à terapia antirretroviral são estratégias validadas para o contexto do Brasil. Todavia há que se expandir a (re)utilização em diferentes cenários e contextos da nação. A utilização desses instrumentos por profissionais da saúde pode melhorar a compreensão dos fatores que atuam negativa e positivamente na adesão à terapia antirretroviral, e a proposição de estratégias com o objetivo de consolidar a boa adesão e intervir no tratamento das pessoas com baixo engajamento terapêutico.

HIV knowledge and its correlation with the Undetectable = Untransmittable slogan in Brazil

ABSTRACT Knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention is a necessary step for adopting preventive behaviors. We assessed HIV knowledge and its correlation with the perceived accuracy of the "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) slogan in an online sample with 401 adult Brazilians. Overall, 28% of participants showed high HIV knowledge level. The perceived accuracy of the U=U slogan significantly correlated with HIV knowledge. Younger participants, those reporting lower income or lower education, or who had never tested for HIV showed poorer HIV knowledge. Filling gaps of knowledge among specific populations is urgent in order to increase preventive behaviors and decrease HIV stigma.

Long-term virological effectiveness with darunavir/ritonavir-based salvage therapy in people living with HIV/AIDS from São Paulo, Brazil.

Even though darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) has high potency and a greater genetic barrier, there are few studies on the long-term effectiveness of DRV/r-based salvage therapy in people living with HIV (PLWH) in low and middle-income countries. This retrospective cohort study, from São Paulo, Brazil, included ART-experienced PLWH aged ≥18 years with virological failure (VF) who had started DRV/r plus an optimized background regimen (OBR) between 2008 and 2012. The proportion of patients with viral load (VL) <50 copies/mL, the improved mean CD4+ T cell count and the factors associated with VF during the 144-week follow-up were assessed. The study included 173 patients with the following characteristics [median (interquartile range)]: age 48 (42 -53) years; CD4+ T cell count, 229 (89 -376) cells/mm3; VL, 4.26 (3.70 -4.74) log10; 6 (4 -7) previous regimens; and 100 (38 -156) months of VF. After 144 weeks, 129 (75%) patients had VL< 50 copies/mL and a mean increase in the CD4+ T cell count of 190 cells/mm3. VL>100,000 copies/mL and poor adherence were associated with VF. DRV/r plus an OBR showed high long-term virological suppression and immunological recovery. VL>100,000 copies/mL and poor adherence were associated with VF at 144 weeks.

Risco de Câncer em Pacientes que Vivem com HIV/Aids: Revisão Sistemática / Cancer Risk in Patients Living with HIV/AIDS: Systematic Review / Riesgo de Cáncer en Pacientes que Viven con VIH/Sida: Revisión Sistemática

Introdução: O câncer acometerá cerca de 50% dos indivíduos com infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência adquirida (HIV), com importante carga daqueles do tipo não definidores da síndrome da imunodeficiência adquirida (aids). Objetivo: Analisar diferentes fatores de risco para câncer do tipo não definidor na população HIV positiva, por meio da seleção de estudos de coorte realizados em diferentes Regiões do mundo. Método: Trata-se de uma revisão de literatura realizada no período de março a abril de 2019, utilizando os descritores Cancer Risck, HIV e non-AIDS-defining Cancer. Resultados: Os cânceres não definidores, que representam maior incidência entre a população HIV positiva, são o de pulmão, colorretal, cervical, de vagina e útero, gástrico, linfoma de Hodgkin e de fígado. Conclusão: Os estudos demonstram risco aumentado para diversos tipos de câncer não definidores da aids, o que nos leva a um novo paradigma, voltado não somente para o controle do HIV, mas também para a detecção precoce e tratamento oportuno, a fim de minimizar as morbidades e aumentar a expectativa de vida desses indivíduos.

Introduction: Cancer will affect about 50% of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected individuals with a significant burden of non-AIDS-defining cancers (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Objective: To analyse different risk factors for the non-defining type in the HIV positive population through selection of cohort studies conducted in several regions of the world. Method: Literature review conducted from March to April 2019 using the descriptors Cancer Risk, HIV and non-AIDS-defining Cancer. Results: Non-defining cancers representing the greatest incidence among HIV-positive population are lung, colorectal, cervical, vaginal and uterine, gastric, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and liver. Conclusion: Studies demonstrate that there are increased risks for several types of non-AIDS defining cancers, leading to a new paradigm, not only for HIV control but for early detection and timely treatment, in order to minimize the morbidities and increase life expectancy of these individuals.

Introducción: El cáncer afectará aproximadamente al 50% de las personas con infección por virus de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (VIH) con una carga significativa de cánceres que no definen el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (sida). Objetivo: Analizar diferentes factores de riesgo para el cáncer no definitorio en la población VIH positivo en estudios de cohortes realizados en diferentes regiones del mundo. Método: Esta es una revisión de la literatura realizada de marzo a abril de 2019 utilizando los descriptores Cancer Risk, HIV non-AIDS-defining Cancer. Resultados: Los cánceres no definitorios que representan el mayor riesgo e incidencia entre la población VIH positivo son de pulmón, colorrectal, cervical, vaginal y uterino, gástrico, linfoma de Hodgkin y de hígado. Conclusión: Los estudios muestran riesgos para varios tipos de cáncer que no definen el sida, lo que nos lleva a un nuevo paradigma, que se centra no solo en el control del VIH sino también en la detección temprana y el tratamiento oportuno.

Prevalence of smoking and associated factors in people living with HIV undergoing treatment / Prevalência e fatores associados ao tabagismo em pessoas vivendo com HIV em tratamento

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of smoking and evaluate the factors associated with this outcome in people living with HIV (PLHIV). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a prospective concurrent cohort of 462 individuals initiating antiretroviral therapy at three HIV/AIDS specialized services in Belo Horizonte between 2015 and 2017. The following smoking status were used: current smoker (CS), former smoker (FS) and non-smoker (NS). Multinomial logistic regression was performed with NS as the reference category. RESULTS: Most participants were men (81.4%), young (up to 34 years old; 57.2%) and non-white (75.7%). Of the total number of individuals, 27.7% were CS, 22.9% FS, and 49.4% NS. Most smokers were light smokers (65.1%), consumed up to 10 cigarettes per day and had been smoking for more than 10 years (63.3%), starting on average at 17.2 years of age (SD = 5.1). In the multivariate analysis, higher chances of being CS were associated with: being female, having up to 9 years of schooling, current or prior use of alcohol and illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine and crack) and presenting signs and/or symptoms of anxiety or depression. Higher chances of being FS were associated with having up to 9 years of schooling and current or prior use of alcohol and illicit drugs (marijuana and crack). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that smoking is highly prevalent among PLHIV, indicating the need for HIV specialized services to prioritize smoking cessation interventions. These interventions should consider the use of alcohol and illicit drugs and be targeted especially to young people, those with low schooling and with signs and/or symptoms of anxiety or depression.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência do tabagismo e avaliar os fatores a ele associados em pessoas vivendo com HIV (PVHIV). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal de uma coorte prospectiva concorrente com 462 indivíduos em início de terapia antirretroviral atendidos em três serviços de assistência especializada ao HIV/aids em Belo Horizonte entre 2015 e 2017. Os status de tabagismo utilizados foram: fumante atual (FA), ex-fumante (EF) e não fumante (NF). Realizou-se regressão logística multinomial, sendo NF a categoria de referência. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos participantes eram homens (81,4%), jovens (de até 34 anos; 57,2%) e não brancos (75,7%). Do total de indivíduos, 27,7% eram FA, 22,9% EF, e 49,4% NF. A maioria dos tabagistas eram fumantes leves (65,1%), consumiam até 10 cigarros por dia e fumavam havia mais de 10 anos (63,3%), tendo começado em média aos 17,2 anos de idade (DP = 5,1). Na análise multivariada, maiores chances de ser FA se associaram a: ser do sexo feminino, ter até 9 anos de escolaridade, usar ou já ter usado álcool e drogas ilícitas (maconha, cocaína e crack) e apresentar sinais e/ou sintomas de ansiedade ou depressão. Maiores chances de ser EF se associaram a ter até 9 anos de escolaridade e usar ou já ter usado álcool e drogas e ilícitas (maconha e crack). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostram que o tabagismo é altamente prevalente entre PVHIV, indicando a necessidade de os serviços de assistência especializada em HIV priorizarem intervenções a fim de cessá-lo, com abordagem sobre o uso de álcool e drogas ilícitas, especialmente voltadas para pessoas jovens, com baixa escolaridade e com sinais e/ou sintomas de ansiedade ou depressão.

Mixture and nonmixture cure fraction models assuming discrete lifetimes: Application to a pelvic sarcoma dataset.

Different cure fraction models have been used in the analysis of lifetime data in presence of cured patients. This paper considers mixture and nonmixture models based on discrete Weibull distribution to model recurrent event data in presence of a cure fraction. The novelty of this study is the use of a discrete lifetime distribution in place of usual existing continuous lifetime distributions for lifetime data in presence of cured fraction, censored data, and covariates. In the verification of the fit of the proposed model it is proposed the use of randomized quantile residuals. An extensive simulation study is considered to evaluate the properties of the estimates of the parameters related to the proposed model. As an illustration of the proposed methodology, it is considered an application considering a medical dataset related to lifetimes in a retrospective cohort study conducted by Puchner et al. (2017) that consists of 147 consecutive cases with surgical treatment of a sarcoma of the pelvis between the years of 1980 and 2012.

Adolescence and Socioeconomic Factors: Key Factors in the Long-Term Impact of Leukemia on Scholastic Performance-A LEA Study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between medical and social environmental factors and the risk of repeating a grade in childhood leukemia survivors. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of childhood leukemia survivors, recruited through the LEA cohort (Leucémie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent [French Childhood Cancer Survivor Study for Leukemia]) in 2014. An adjusted logistic regression model was used to identify variables linked to repeating a grade after the diagnosis among the survivors, and the rates of repeating a grade were compared between the survivors and their siblings using a multilevel logistic regression model. RESULTS: The mean age at inclusion of the 855 participants was 16.2 ± 7.0 years, and the mean duration of follow-up from diagnosis to evaluation was 10.2 ± 6.2 years. After disease onset, 244 patients (28.5%) repeated a grade, with a median interval of 4 years (IQR, 2-8 years). Independent factors associated with repeating a grade were male sex (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.21-2.60), adolescence (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.63-4.48), educational support during the treatment period (OR, 3.79; 95% CI, 2.45-5.88), low parental education level (OR, 2.493; 95% CI, 1.657-3.750), and household financial difficulties (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.607-4.28). Compared with siblings, survivors were at greater risk of repeating a grade (OR, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.48-2.35). CONCLUSIONS: The most vulnerable patients seemed to be adolescents and those with parents of low socioeconomic status. Improving the schooling career of leukemia survivors will require that the medical community more carefully consider the social status of patients.

Overall Survival of Patients with Locally Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treated with Nimotuzumab in the Real World.

INTRODUCTION: Despite improvements in surgical techniques and treatments introduced into clinical practice, the overall survival of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains low. Several epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors are being evaluated in the context of clinical trials, but there is little evidence of effectiveness in real-world conditions. This study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of nimotuzumab combined with onco-specific treatment in Cuban real-life patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: A comparative and retrospective effectiveness study was performed. The 93 patients treated with nimotuzumab were matched, with use of propensity score matching, with patients who received a diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus in three Cuban provinces reported between 2011 and 2015 to the National Cancer Registry. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate event-time distributions. Log-rank statistics were used for comparisons of overall survival between groups. A two-component mixture model assuming a Weibull distribution was fitted to assess the effect of nimotuzumab on short-term and long-term survival populations. RESULTS: There was an increase in median overall survival in patients treated with nimotuzumab (11.9 months versus 6.5 months without treatment) and an increase in the 1-year survival rate (54.0% versus 21.9% without treatment). The 2-year survival rates were 21.1% for patients treated with nimotuzumab and 0% in the untreated cohort. There were statistically significant differences in survival between groups treated and not treated with nimotuzumab, both in the short-term survival population (6.0 months vs 4.0 months, p = 0.009) and in the long-term survival population (18.0 months vs 11.0 months, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that nimotuzumab treatment concurrent with chemoradiotherapy increases the survival of real-world patients with locally advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the therapeutic effectiveness of nimotuzumab in esophageal cancer.

Hospitalization of people 50 years old or older living with HIV/AIDS / Hospitalización de personas de 50 o más años viviendo con VIH/SIDA / Hospitalização de pessoas com 50 anos ou mais vivendo com HIV/Aids

ABSTRACT Objective: Identify the rate and predictive factors of the hospitalization of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA), aged 50 years or older. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted at two inpatient units specialized in infectious diseases in a teaching hospital. Data were gathered through individual interviews between August 2011 and February 2015. All ethical precepts were followed. Results: Of the 532 admitted patients, 95 were PLHA 50 years old or older; 30.5% were admitted 3 to 4 times after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Rate of hospitalization was 17.8%, and being 50 to 60 years old was a protective factor against hospitalization.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar la tasa y los factores predictivos para hospitalización de personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA (PVHS), de edad igual o superior a 50 años. Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal, realizado en dos unidades de internación especializadas en cuidado de enfermedades infecciosas de un hospital universitario. Datos recolectados mediante entrevista individual, de agosto de 2011 a febrero de 2015. Fueron contemplados todos los preceptos éticos. Resultados: De las 532 internaciones, 95 correspondían a PVVS con edad igual o superior a 50 años; 56,8% recibieron el diagnóstico de VIH/SIDA antes de llegar a sus 50 años; 30,5% fueron hospitalizadas de 3 a 4 veces después del diagnóstico de infección por VIH/SIDA. Conclusión: La tasa de hospitalización fue del 17,8%, y la faja etaria de 50 a 60 años constituyó factor de protección para la hospitalización.

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar a taxa e os fatores preditores para a hospitalização de pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids (PVHA), com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos. Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal, realizado em duas unidades de internação especializadas em cuidados às doenças infecciosas, de um hospital universitário. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista individual, no período de agosto de 2011 a fevereiro de 2015. Todos os preceitos éticos foram contemplados. Resultados: Das 532 internações, 95 eram de PVHA com idade igual ou superior a 50 anos; 56,8% receberam o diagnóstico de HIV/Aids antes de terem completado 50 anos de idade; 30,5% foram hospitalizadas de 3 a 4 vezes após o diagnóstico da infecção pelo HIV/Aids. Conclusão: A taxa de hospitalização foi de 17,8%, e a faixa etária de 50 a 60 anos foi fator de proteção para a hospitalização.

Bayesian cure rate models induced by frailty in survival analysis.

Frailty models provide a convenient way of modeling unobserved dependence and heterogeneity in survival data which, if not accounted for duly, would result incorrect inference. Gamma frailty models are commonly used for this purpose, but alternative continuous distributions are possible as well. However, with cure rate being present in survival data, these continuous distributions may not be appropriate since individuals with long-term survival times encompass zero frailty. So, we propose here a flexible probability distribution induced by a discrete frailty, and then present some special discrete probability distributions. We specifically focus on a special hyper-Poisson distribution and then develop the corresponding Bayesian simulation, influence diagnostics and an application to real dataset by means of intensive Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm. These illustrate the usefulness of the proposed model as well as the inferential results developed here.

Religious and spiritual coping in people living with HIV/Aids / Estrategias de afrontamiento religioso y espiritual en personas que viven con VIH/SIDA / Coping religioso e espiritual em pessoas vivendo com HIV/Aids

ABSTRACT Objective: evaluate the religiosity and the religious/spiritual coping of people living with HIV/Aids. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with quantitative approach, conducted in a reference HIV/Aids outpatient clinic in a university hospital of Recife-PE, Brazil, from June to November 2015. At total of 52 people living with HIV/Aids (PLWHA) participated in the research, which employed own questionnaire, the Duke University Religion Index (DUREL), and the Religious/Spiritual Coping Scale (RCOPE). Results: the sample presented high indices of organizational religiosity (4.23±1.66), non-organizational religiosity (4.63±1.50), and intrinsic religiosity (13.13±2.84). Positive RCOPE was used in high mean scores (3.66±0.88), and negative RCOPE had low use (2.12 ± 0.74). In total, use of RCOPE was high (3.77±0.74), having predominated the positive RCOPE (NegRCOPE/PosRCOPE ratio=0.65±0.46). Conclusion: it is evident the importance of encouraging religious activity and RCOPE strategies, seen in the past as inappropriate interventions in clinical practice.

RESUMEN Objetivo: evaluar la religiosidad y las estrategias de afrontamiento religioso-espiritual en personas que viven con VIH/SIDA. Método: estudio transversal, descriptivo, con abordaje cuantitativo, llevado a cabo en un ambulatorio de referencia en VIH/SIDA de un hospital universitario de la ciudad de Recife, Brasil, entre junio y noviembre de 2015. Del estudio, han participado 52 sujetos que viven con VIH/ SIDA, en lo cual se empleó cuestionario propio, la escala de religiosidad Duke, versión brasileña, y la escala de afrontamiento religiosoespiritual (CRE). Resultados: la muestra presentó altos índices de religiosidad organizacional (4,23±1,66), no organizacional (4,63±1,50) e intrínseco (13,13±2,84). Se utilizó CRE positivo en puntajes medio altos (3,66±0,88), y CRE negativo en bajos (2,12±0,74). En total, la utilización de CRE fue alta (3,77±0,74), siendo predominante CRE positivo (razón CREN/CREP = 0,65±0,46). Conclusión: se muestra relevante alentar las actividades religiosas y estrategias de CRE, en el pasado conocidas como inapropiadas en la práctica clínica.

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar a religiosidade e o coping religioso-espiritual de pessoas que vivem com HIV/aids. Método: trata-se de estudo transversal, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um ambulatório de referência em HIV/aids de um hospital universitário do Recife-PE, entre junho e novembro de 2015. Participaram da pesquisa 52 pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids (PVHA), utilizando-se questionário próprio, a escala de índice de religiosidade de Duke e a escala de coping religioso-espiritual (CRE). Resultados: a amostra apresentou elevados índices de religiosidade organizacional (4,23 ± 1,66), não organizacional (4,63 ± 1,50) e intrínseca (13,13 ± 2,84). O CRE positivo foi utilizado em escores médios altos (3,66 ± 0,88), e o CRE negativo teve baixo uso (2,12 ± 0,74). No total, o uso do CRE foi alto (3,77 ± 0,74), tendo predominado o CRE positivo (razão CREN/CREP = 0,65 ± 0,46). Conclusão: torna-se evidente a relevância de encorajar atividade religiosa e estratégias de CRE, vistas no passado como intervenções inadequadas dentro da prática clínica.

Loss to follow-up in a cohort of HIV-negative men who have sex with men: Project Horizonte

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to estimate the attrition rates and evaluate factors associated with loss to follow-up between 1994 and 2011 in an open cohort of HIV-negative men who have sex with men. METHODS The Project Horizonte is an open cohort study that aimed to assess the incidence of HIV infection, evaluate the impact of educational interventions, and identify potential volunteers for HIV vaccine trials. The rates of losses to follow-up were estimated for three periods (1994-1999, 2000-2005, and 2006-2011). The variables analyzed were collected in a psychosocial questionnaire. Volunteers who dropped out were compared with the ones who remained in the study using a Cox regression model. RESULTS A total of 1,197 volunteers were recruited. The median follow-up time in the study (n = 626) was 4.2 years. The median follow-up time for the volunteers who dropped out of the study (n = 571) was 1.46 years. The overall rate of loss to follow-up was 11.6/100 person-years. Attrition rates by period were: 12.60 (1994-1999), 11.80 (2000-2005), and 9.00 (2006-2011) per 100 person-years. Factors associated with losses to follow-up were: age group of 21-30 years old, monthly per capita income of more than six or less than one Brazilian minimum wage, having more than two dependents, report of bisexual practice, and inconsistent use of condoms for receptive anal sex. CONCLUSIONS A slight decrease of the loss to follow-up was observed over time. Higher attrition rates happened in the first three years of follow-up. It is possible that the link of the volunteers were not yet well established. Those who reported inconsistent condom use in receptive anal sex were more likely to leave the study, suggesting an underestimation of the incidence of HIV infection in a cohort population. For greater effectiveness, retention strategies must be reassessed considering the connection between the characteristics of homosexual and bisexual behavior and the motivations to engage in health research.

Psychological model of ART adherence behaviors in persons living with HIV/AIDS in Mexico: a structural equation analysis

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE The objective of this study has been to test the ability of variables of a psychological model to predict antiretroviral therapy medication adherence behavior. METHODS We have conducted a cross-sectional study among 172 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), who completed four self-administered assessments: 1) the Psychological Variables and Adherence Behaviors Questionnaire, 2) the Stress-Related Situation Scale to assess the variable of Personality, 3) The Zung Depression Scale, and 4) the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to construct a model to predict medication adherence behaviors. RESULTS Out of all the participants, 141 (82%) have been considered 100% adherent to antiretroviral therapy. Structural equation modeling has confirmed the direct effect that personality (decision-making and tolerance of frustration) has on motives to behave, or act accordingly, which was in turn directly related to medication adherence behaviors. In addition, these behaviors have had a direct and significant effect on viral load, as well as an indirect effect on CD4 cell count. The final model demonstrates the congruence between theory and data (x2/df. = 1.480, goodness of fit index = 0.97, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.94, comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05), accounting for 55.7% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study support our theoretical model as a conceptual framework for the prediction of medication adherence behaviors in persons living with HIV/AIDS. Implications for designing, implementing, and evaluating intervention programs based on the model are to be discussed.

Quality of life, socioeconomic and clinical factors, and physical exercise in persons living with HIV/AIDS / Qualidade de vida, fatores socioeconômicos e clínicos e prática de exercício físico em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To analyze whether socioeconomic and clinical aspects and the aspects of healthy life habits are associated with the quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS. METHODS This is a cross-sectional exploratory quantitative research, with 227 persons living with HIV/AIDS, treated at two hospitals of reference between April 2012 and June 2014. We used structured questionnaires to assess socioeconomic aspects (gender, age, education level, marital status, race, socioeconomic status, dependents on family income, employment relationship), clinical parameters (time of disease diagnosis, use and time of medication, CD4 T-cell count, and viral load), and practice of physical exercise. To assess quality of life, we used the Quality of Life questionnaire (HAT-QoL). For characterization of the socioeconomic and clinical data and domains of quality of life, we conducted a descriptive analysis (simple frequency, averages, and standard deviations). We applied linear regression, following a hierarchical model for each domain of quality of life. RESULTS The domains that presented lower averages for quality of life were financial concern, concern with confidentiality, general function, and satisfaction with life. We found associations with the variables of socioeconomic status and physical exercise, therapy, and physical exercise for the last two domains, consecutively. CONCLUSIONS The quality of life of persons living with HIV/AIDS shows losses, especially in the financial and confidentiality areas, followed by general function of the body and satisfaction with life, in which socioeconomic and clinical aspects and healthy living habits, such as the practice of physical exercise, are determining factors for this reality.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Analisar se aspectos socioeconômicos, clínicos e de hábitos de vida saudável estão associados à qualidade de vida em pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids. MÉTODOS Pesquisa quantitativa exploratória de corte transversal, com 227 pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids, atendidos em dois hospitais de referência entre os períodos de abril 2012 a junho de 2014. Foram utilizados questionários estruturados para avaliar aspectos socioeconômicos (sexo, idade, escolaridade, estado civil, cor de pele, status socioeconômico, dependentes da renda familiar, vínculo empregatício), parâmetros clínicos (tempo de diagnóstico da doença, uso e tempo de medicação, contagem de células TCD4 e carga viral) e prática de exercício físico. Para avaliar qualidade de vida, utilizou-se o questionário Quality of Life (HAT-QoL). Para caracterização dos dados socioeconômicos, clínicos e domínios da qualidade de vida, conduzimos análise descritiva (frequência simples, médias e desvios-padrão). Aplicamos regressão linear, seguindo um modelo hierárquico para cada domínio da qualidade de vida. RESULTADOS Os domínios que apresentaram menores médias para a qualidade de vida foram preocupação financeira, preocupação com sigilo, função geral e satisfação com a vida. Foram encontradas associações com as variáveis status socioeconômico e exercício físico; terapia; e exercício físico para os dois últimos domínios, consecutivamente. CONCLUSÕES A qualidade de vida de pessoas vivendo com HIV/aids apresentam prejuízos, principalmente nas questões financeiras e de sigilo, seguidos da função geral do corpo e satisfações com a vida, em que os aspectos socioeconômicos, clínicos e hábitos de vida saudável, como a prática de exercício físico, são fatores determinantes para essa realidade.

Pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA en una Unidad de Pacientes Críticos: La experiencia de un hospital general en un país en desarrollo / HIV/AIDS patients in a Critical Care Unit: The experience of a general hospital in a developing country

Introduction and aims: Despite general availability of HAART in Chile, admissions of HIV/AIDS patients to Intensive-Intermediate Care Units (IICU) are still happening, and a characterization of patient's profile, mortality and potentially avoidable admissions is necessary. Methods: Observational retrospective study in one general hospital in Chile of HIV/AIDS patients admitted to IICU during 9 years. Results: During 2005-2013, 32 patients were admitted to IICU, with 87,5% in AIDS stage, only 53,1% knew his/her condition, 43,8% were receiving HAART and 16.6% chemoprophylaxis for opportunistic infections, A CD4 count < 200/µL was registered in 75,9% of patients. Most admissions were driven by infectious conditions (84,4%) and 48,1% developed septic shock, IICU hospitalizations were motivated by respiratory failure, neurologic compromise, sepsis or a mixture of them (87,5%), By univariate analysis, admissions by respiratory failure were associated to no HAART, oral candidiasis or CD4 < 250/µL (p < 0.01). Eight patients died during their first hospitalization (25%) and other 5 in the following month after discharge. Death during hospitalization was significantly associated to vasoactive drug use ≥ 7 days (OR 16.5; IC95 2.1-128 p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, APACHE score ≥ 18 was associated with death during hospitalization of after discharge (OR 3,3 IC95 1,1-10; p < 0,05), Four patients (12,5%) had potentially avoidable admissions. Conclusions: Despite HAART availability in Chile, hospitalizations of patients with HIV/AIDS are still happening, affecting those that either are unaware of his/her condition, are not receiving HAART and/or chemoprophylaxis. These admissions generate premature deaths and happen even after discharge in severely ill patients.

Antecedentes y Objetivos: A pesar de la disponibilidad de la terapia viral de gran actividad (TARGA) en Chile el ingreso de pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA a la Unidad de Pacientes Críticos (UPC) siguen ocurriendo. Se necesita mayor información en Chile sobre el perfil de estos pacientes, su mortalidad y el porcentaje de ingresos evitables. Método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes adultos que ingresaron a la UPC en un hospital general durante 9 años. Resultados: En el período 2005-2013 se identificaron 32 pacientes que ingresaron a UPC. El 87,5% estaba en etapa SIDA al ingreso, 53,1% sabía su diagnóstico, sólo 43,8% recibía terapia TARGA y 16,6% quimioprofilaxis. Un 75,9% tenía un recuento CD4 < 200/µL. La mayoría de los ingresos fue por una causa infecciosa (84,4%) y 48,1% presentaron shock séptico. Por sistemas, los ingresos a UPC fueron liderados por falla respiratoria, compromiso neurológico, sepsis o una mezcla de ellos (87,5%). Por análisis univariado, el ingreso por falla respiratoria se asoció a ausencia de HAART, candidiasis oral o un recuento CD4 < 250/µL (p < 0,01). Ocho pacientes fallecieron en la primera hospitalización (25%) y otros cinco en los meses siguientes al alta. El desenlace fatal en el hospital estuvo significativamente asociado al uso de fármacos vasoactivos por ≥ 7 días (OR 16,5; IC 95 2,1-128 p < 0,01). En el análisis multivariado, un score APACHE ≥ 18 se asoció en forma independiente a fallecimiento en el hospital o post alta (OR 3,3 IC 95 1,1-10; p < 0,05). Cuatro pacientes (12,5%), tuvieron hospitalizaciones potencialmente evitables. Conclusiones: Las hospitalizaciones de pacientes con infección VIH a UPC siguen ocurriendo a pesar de la disponibilidad de TARGA en Chile, afectando a pacientes que desconocen su condición, no están en tratamiento o con profilaxis. Estos ingresos generan muertes prematuras, las que ocurren incluso después del alta en los pacientes más graves.