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Introduction: Cannabinoids, both natural and synthetic, are a subject of scientific interest. Cannabis is widely used, and its impact on health and the immune system is being studied. The endocannabinoid system influences inflammation, including the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), a potential diagnostic tool. Our study investigates the connection between cannabis use and NLR. Methods: Our systematic review was registered in Prospero (#CRD42023463539). We searched six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete) for records in English from inception to May 2024. We included observational studies that measured the Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) in cannabis users and control participants. We used the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale to assess the quality of the included studies. We selected a random-effects model, and the statistical analysis was performed using Stata software version 17. Results: Out of a total of 4,054 records, only five articles were selected for inclusion in the meta-analysis. All of these chosen studies utilized a retrospective design. Furthermore, it's worth noting that all of the studies included were of high quality. In five studies involving 3,359 cannabis users and 10,437 non-users, no significant difference in NLR was found (WMD: 0.12 [-0.16, 0.41], I2: 39.89%). Subgroup analysis on healthy and schizophrenia participants didn't show significant NLR differences (p=0.76). Secondary analysis revealed cannabis users had higher Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) (67.80 [44.54, 91.06]), neutrophil count (0.68 [0.25, 1.12]), white blood cell count (0.92 [0.43, 1.41]), monocyte count (0.11 [0.05, 0.16]), and Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII) (83.48 [5.92, 157.04]) compared to non-users Conclusion: Our systematic review and meta-analysis reveal that cannabis use may affect NLR and hematologic parameters, suggesting a potential immune impact. Complex associations exist, requiring further research. Schizophrenia and pro-inflammatory factors are discussed, highlighting the need for ongoing investigation into cannabis-related immune changes and mental health. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/ , identifier CRD42023463539. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at studying the mechanism involved in the phase coarsening of ternary tri-continuous polymer blends. To this aim, the phase coarsening behaviors of a co-continuous polyethylene (PE)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) blend, and a tri-continuous PE/polycaprolactone (PCL)/PEO blend during the quiescent annealing process are studied. Rheological characterization showed that the zero-shear viscosities of PE and PCL phases were similar but much less than the zero-shear viscosity of the PEO phase. The evolution of the microstructure of the blends during annealing was characterized using a characteristic length scale ([lambda]). It was found that [lambda] in both co- and tri-continuous blends increased linearly in the early stages of annealing but the phase coarsening rate decreased in both systems at longer annealing times. In general, the tri-continuous blend showed much faster phase coarsening rate. The effects of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters on the observed phase coarsening behaviors are discussed in detail. A new lubricating mechanism is proposed in which the deformation of the PCL layer between PE and PEO phases reduces the effect of high viscosity of the PEO phase and increases the phase coarsening rate in ternary blends. The obtained results provide a new insight into the role of the middle layer in tri-continuous polymer blends on controlling the phase morphology of these systems. KEYWORDS annealing, blends, morphology, phase coarsening, tri-continuous, 1 | INTRODUCTION The wide range of properties and high design flexibility of binary polymeric systems provides a unique tool in designing polymeric systems with a desired set of properties. [...]

Solar energy has been used for various purposes in human societies for a long. Over the last few decades, the intensification of global warming has led to an increase in demand for new technologies to produce renewable energy without toxic by-products for the environment and climate dynamics of the planet. In this field, concentrating solar collectors play an outstanding role because they can absorb solar energy and convert it into thermal, mechanical, or electrical power, without producing excess waste. In this study, a concentrating solar collector with a parabolic-trough geometry was designed using a collector tube consisting of two concentric glass tubes with a vacuum in the annular space using water as the absorber fluid. To improve thermal utilization, a copper probe was embedded inside the tube to separate the flow of cold and hot water. The inlet fluid temperature and mass flow rate were assumed equal to 25°C and 0.08 kg/s, respectively. The wind speed in the first part of the analysis was considered 5 m/s. The support bracket connected to the solar absorber is the main source of heat loss inside the system due to exposure to the ambient air. Such heat losses negatively affect the absorber outlet temperature, which in turn reduces the efficiency of the system. The heating of the absorber leads to an increase in the amount of heat transferred to the fluid. The resulting heat is lost due to radiation through the glass cover and conveying it to the support bracket. The temperature gradient is affected by different wind speeds. This is because more than 98% of the surface of the support bracket is exposed to the ambient air, which is the main source of heat loss. Increasing the number of support brackets connected to the absorber tube causes an increase in heat loss. In addition, the thermophysical properties of the support bracket material, such as thermal conductivity and its capacity to store heat affect the heat exchange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comorbid major depressive disorder (MDD) and opium use disorder (OUD) are known to increase the risk of suicide. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of adjunctive therapy with either ketamine or buprenorphine in patients with comorbid MDD and OUD. Methods: This was a randomized double-blind controlled trial in adults admitted to a hospital in Iran. Sixty-six participants were enrolled and received either ketamine or buprenorphine, along with current antidepressant therapy. The primary outcome was change in depressive symptoms assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) after 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days following initiation of treatment. Secondary outcomes included changes in suicidal ideation, evaluated by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI). Results: Both groups experienced a significant decrease in the severity of depression following the interventions (p <.05). However, there was no significant difference in the between-group comparison (p >.05). Both groups also exhibited a significant reduction in suicidal ideation compared to before the study, with the decrease in severity being over 85% in both groups (p <.05). Conclusion: Both ketamine and buprenorphine appear to be equally effective in reducing symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation among individuals with MDD and OUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Catatonia presents itself as a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome, giving rise to various motor, speech, and behavioral challenges. It is noteworthy that approximately 10% of psychiatric hospital admissions can be attributed to this condition. It is imperative to note that cannabis-induced catatonia, while infrequent, has been linked to the use of marijuana. This connection has the potential to disrupt neurotransmitter systems, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding and effective treatment, particularly given the evolving trends in cannabis use. In this context, we shall delve into a unique case of recurrent cannabis-induced catatonia. Case presentation: A 23-year-old gentleman, who has previously struggled with substance use disorder, experienced the emergence of mutism, social isolation, and a fixed gaze subsequent to his use of cannabis. Remarkably, despite the absence of hallucinations, he exhibited recurrent episodes of catatonia. These episodes were effectively addressed through a combination of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and lorazepam administration. Notably, when the lorazepam dosage was gradually reduced to below 2 mg per day, the catatonic symptoms resurfaced; however, they promptly abated upon reinstating the medication. The diagnosis of cannabis-induced catatonia was established, and its management primarily involved a therapeutic approach encompassing ECT and lorazepam. It is pertinent to underscore that this catatonic condition can be directly linked to the individual's cannabis usage. Conclusion: The connection between cannabis and catatonia is intricate and not entirely comprehended. Although cannabis possesses therapeutic advantages, it can paradoxically trigger catatonia in certain individuals. Multiple factors, such as genetics, cannabinoids, and neurotransmitter systems, contribute to this intricacy, underscoring the necessity for additional research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The current research assessed the rate of substance use among Iranian secondary school students. Participants: 470 boy secondary school students selected randomly and were assessed. Measurements: A confidential questionnaire based on DSM-IV and a prior study was distributed, completed by the students and collected in the same sessions in 2001. Results: Their mean age was 13.6 yr (SD = 0.67) ranging from 12 to 14. Of the subjects 105 (22.3%) reported usage of substance (s) once or more sometime during their lives: tobacco 82 (17.5%) alcohol 32 (6.8%), opium 3 (-0.6%), hashish 1 (-0.2%), and heroin 2 (0.4%). Only 39 (8.3%) of the students were current substance dependent: 29 (6.2%) were tobacco dependent and 13 (2.8%) were alcohol dependent. Some were using more than one substance. Conclusions: Tobacco and alcohol were found to be the most prevalent form of substance use. Seeking pleasure, modeling and release of tension were the most common reasons for initial substance use. The most common reasons reported for current use were seeking pleasure, habit and release of tension, respectively. These findings can be implicated in planning preventive programs. Some of the findings are different from those carried in the west. Cultural attitudes could be the causes of the differences.

Objectives: In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, the effectiveness of buprenorphine (BUPRE) in the reduction of anxiety symptoms among the methamphetamine (MA) dependents was evaluated. Materials and Methods: The 60 MA-dependent patients were randomly assigned to three groups (0.1 mg, 1 mg, and 8 mg of BUPRE), The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale was administrated to assess the anxiety symptoms daily at baseline and second to the 5th day after intervention. The inclusion criteria were the MA dependence, age of over 18 years, and absence of any chronic physical illnesses; exclusion criteria were the presence of other drug dependence in combination with MA. The mixed-design analysis of variance was performed for data analysis. Results: A significant main effect of time (F = 51.456, P < 0.001) and group (F = 4.572, P = 0.014) and group-by-time interaction (F = 8.475, P < 0.001) were detected. Conclusions: This finding supports the efficacy of BUPRE to decrease anxiety. High doses of the drug (1 and 8 mg) were more effective than 0.1 mg. Here was not a significant difference between anxiety score when patients received 1 mg of BUPRE instead of 8 mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to compare the effects of 1, 3 and 8 mg per day doses of buprenorphine in the maintenance treatment of opium-dependent subjects in Iran over a treatment period of 12 months. Participants were randomized to three equal groups (171 subjects per group) of opium-dependent individuals who met the DSM-IV criteria for opioid dependence and were seeking treatment. They were treated in an urban outpatient clinic, offering a 1-hour weekly individual counseling session. Overall, 282 subjects (55%) completed the 12 months study. Completion rates by dosage group were 46 (26.9%) for the 1 mg dose group, 102 (59.6%) for the 3 mg dose group, and 134 (78.4%) for the 8 mg dose group (p = .000). These findings are consistent with previous reports of effective buprenorphine use in western countries as a suitable maintenance treatment for opium dependence. Keywords: Buprenorphine; Opium dependence; Retention in treatment

Aims: Psychiatric disorders are common among substance dependants. The objectives of this study were to assess the rate of neurotic disorders among opioid addicts, and reassess the rate of those neurotic disorders two weeks after complete detoxification of the patients. Measurements: Data were gathered from 500 (496 men and 4 women) opioid dependants, using DSM-IV criteria. The Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire (MHQ) was used to measure free-floating anxiety, depression, phobia, obsession, hysteria and somatization. Results: Four hundred and ninety-six (99.2%) of the subjects were men of whom the majority (65.2%) were married, 26.4% single and the others were divorced or separated. Three hundred and thirty-four (66.8%) were in age range of 20 to 39 years. Of the subjects 154 (30.8) were self-employed, 116 (23.2%) were factory workers, 100 (20%) unemployed, 64 (12.8%) employees and 32 (6.4%) retailers. The majority, 322 (64.4%), reported elementary and high school as their level of education and only 20 (4%) were illiterate. The means for neurotic disorders (using the MHQ) before and two weeks after detoxification were 10.12 and 9.98 for anxiety, 7.54 and 7.41 for phobia, 10.10 and 9.76 for depression, 11.11 and 11.05 for obsession, 8.47 and 8.49 for hysteria and 9.82 and 9.46 for somatization, respectively. The mean difference was significant only for depression. Conclusions: Present findings indicated that the rate of neurotic disorders in opioid dependants is high and (except for depression) was not significantly different before detoxification and two weeks after detoxification. Opium was found to be the most prevalent form of opioid used. Also it can be concluded that during the last years some demographic characteristics of Iranian opioid addicts in this sample have changed. Cultural attitudes toward substance use quite likely affect the pattern of substance use. These findings can be considered when planning preventive and therapeutic programs.

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of methadone compared with buprenorphine maintenance therapy in heroin-dependent patients over a treatment period of 18 weeks. Subjects were randomized to receive either methadone or buprenorphine in a comparative double-blind study and consisted of 164 heroin-dependent male patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for heroin dependence and were seeking treatment. The 164 subjects included 41 patients in 1-mg, 41 patients in 3-mg, and 41 patients in 8-mg dosage group of buprenorphine, and also 41 patients in the 30-mg dosage group of methadone. The mean age was 31.4 years for total buprenorphine group and 33.7 years for methadone group (the mean age differences in 4 groups were not statistically significant). Subjects received buprenorphine at a dose of 1, 3, or 8 mg per day or methadone at a dose of 30 mg per day and were treated in an urban outpatient clinic, offering a 1-hour weekly individual counseling session. Days retained in treatment were measured. Completion rates by buprenorphine dosage group were 29.3% for the 1-mg dose group, 46.3% for the 3-mg dose group, 68.3% for the 8-mg dose group, and 61% for the 30-mg methadone dose group. Retention in the 8-mg dose group was significantly better than in the 1-mg dose group (p = .00041) and in the 3-mg dose group (p = .045); other comparison (1 mg dose with 3 mg dose) was not significant. Methadone group was significantly better than 1mg buprenorphine dose group (p = .004), but was not significantly different from 3 mg buprenorphine dose group (p = .18) or 8 mg buprenorphine dose group (p = .49). The results support the efficacy of buprenorphine for outpatient treatment of heroin dependence and seem to indicate that the highest dose (8 mg) of buprenorphine was the best of the three doses of buprenorphine, and also support the superiority of 30 mg of methadone compared to 1 mg dose of buprenorphine for Iranian heroin-dependent patients to increase their retention in treatment. Keywords: Methadone; Buprenorphine; Heroin dependence; Retention in treatment; Iran

This work aims at studying the mechanism involved in the phase coarsening of ternary tri‐continuous polymer blends. To this aim, the phase coarsening behaviors of a co‐continuous polyethylene (PE)/polyethylene oxide (PEO) blend, and a tri‐continuous PE/polycaprolactone (PCL)/PEO blend during the quiescent annealing process are studied. Rheological characterization showed that the zero‐shear viscosities of PE and PCL phases were similar but much less than the zero‐shear viscosity of the PEO phase. The evolution of the microstructure of the blends during annealing was characterized using a characteristic length scale (λ). It was found that λ in both co‐ and tri‐continuous blends increased linearly in the early stages of annealing but the phase coarsening rate decreased in both systems at longer annealing times. In general, the tri‐continuous blend showed much faster phase coarsening rate. The effects of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters on the observed phase coarsening behaviors are discussed in detail. A new lubricating mechanism is proposed in which the deformation of the PCL layer between PE and PEO phases reduces the effect of high viscosity of the PEO phase and increases the phase coarsening rate in ternary blends. The obtained results provide a new insight into the role of the middle layer in tri‐continuous polymer blends on controlling the phase morphology of these systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Sleep patterns and habits in high school students in Iran have not been well studied to date. This paper aims to re-address this balance and analyse sleep patterns and habits in Iranian children of high school age. Methods The subjects were 1,420 high school students randomly selected by stratified cluster sampling. This was a self-report study using a questionnaire which included items about usual sleep/wake behaviours over the previous month, such as sleep schedule, falling asleep in class, difficulty falling asleep, tiredness or sleepiness during the day, difficulty getting up in the morning, nightmares, and taking sleeping pills. Results The mean duration of night sleep was 7.7 h, with no difference between girls, boys, and school year (grade). The mean time of waking in the morning was not different between genders. About 9.9% of the girls and 4.6% of the boys perceived their quality of sleep as being bad, and 58% of them reported sleepiness during the day. About 4.2% of the subjects had used medication to enhance sleep. The time of going to bed was associated with grade level and gender. Sleep latency was not associated with gender and grade leve, l and 1.4% experienced bruxism more than four times a week. Conclusion Our results are in contrast with that of previous studies that concluded sleep duration is shorter in Asia than in Europe, that boys woke-up significantly later than girls, and that the frequency of sleep latency category was associated with gender and grade level. The magnitude of the daytime sleepiness, daytime sleepiness during classes, sleep latency, and incidences of waking up at night represent major public health concerns for Iran.

The prevalence of substance use in sons and daughters of opioid addicts in Iran was assessed. It was found that tobacco, opium, and alcohol were the three most common substances used in significantly larger amounts by men, in single, and in illiterate subjects in Iran. There was nonsignificant relationship between age group and substance use.

Objective: Opioid use disorder is a prevalent addiction problem that can be treated with buprenorphine, but dependence, diversion, and abuse of buprenorphine occur. Although including naloxone reduces these problems, the combination formulation is not available worldwide. The administration of the medication under supervision may also be useful in decreasing unintended uses of the medication. The objective is to assess the influence of a single, physician-administered dose of buprenorphine on withdrawal craving and suicidal ideation in opioid-dependent patients over a period of 4 days of abstinence from opioids. Materials and Methods: Sixty-one men who used heroin, opium, or prescription opioids and met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Five Edition criteria for opioid use disorder were randomized to receive a single, sublingual dose of buprenorphine (16 mg, 32 mg, or placebo; n's = 20, 20, and 21 per group). The study was carried out in an inpatient psychiatric ward, with appropriate precautions and monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory measures. Buprenorphine was administered when the patients were in moderate opioid withdrawal, exhibiting four to five symptoms. Self-reports of craving (The Opioid Craving Scale) and suicidal ideation (Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation) were taken at baseline and on each of the 4 days after treatment. Results: The group did not differ significantly on demographic features, and all of the patients completed the 4-day study. Craving was reduced from baseline during the observation period in each of the three groups, demonstrating a significant effect of treatment (P < 0.0005), and the dose-by-time interaction (P < 0.0005). Both 32 mg and 16 mg groups differed significantly from the placebo group. No significant differences were observed between the 32 and 16 mg groups, suggesting that the maximal effect on craving reduction was achieved with the 16-mg dose. Suicidal ideation was decreased from baseline during the observation period in each of the three groups, demonstrating a significant effect of treatment (P < 0.0005), and the dose-by-time interaction (P < 0.017).The 32 mg group differed significantly from the placebo group. No significant differences were observed between the 16 and placebo groups, suggesting that the maximal effect on suicidal ideation reduction was achieved with the 32 mg dose. Conclusions: A single high dose of 16 mg or 32 mg buprenorphine reduces opioid craving, but a single high dose of only 32 mg buprenorphine reduces suicidal ideation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the impact of different doses of buprenorphine on depression symptoms in opioid dependent inpatient over a three-day interval, using a randomized clinical trial design (RCT). Design: Patients were randomized and assigned to three groups. Participants: Forty males who were admitted to an inpatient psychiatric unit and who fulfilled the DSM-5 criteria for both opioid dependence and major depressive disorder. Intervention: Patients randomly received 32 mg, 64 mg, or 96 mg of buprenorphine as a single high dose. Out of 40 patients, 11 (27.5%) received 32 mg, 14 (35%) received 64 mg and 15 (37.5%) received 96 mg of buprenorphine. We conducted medical precautional measures, including cardiovascular and respiratory monitoring. Measurements: Depression was measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). All patients completed the three-day treatment duration. The results showed a significant reduction in depression symptoms within each of the three groups (p = 0.00), although there was no significant difference in depression outcome across the groups (p = 0.90). Conclusions: The results suggest that a single high dose of buprenorphine could provide a safe, simple and speedy means of depression improvement. A single high dose of buprenorphine can be used as medication that supplies a fast and maintained treatment for major depressive disorder in patients who are opioid dependent. Placebo-controlled trials of longer periods and larger sample sizes are needed to test ability and safety, as well as the physiological and psychological impact of extended exposure to this drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study is to examine the impact of vary doses of buprenorphine on anxiety symptoms in opioid-dependent inpatients over a 7 days period, using a randomized controlled trial design. Design: Patients were randomized to three groups. Patients and Methods: Fourteen men who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for both opioid use disorder and generalized anxiety disorder and were seeking for treatment. Intervention: Patients obtain dosages of 32 mg or 64 mg or 96 mg of buprenorphine as a single dose only and were treated in a psychiatric inpatient unit. Of 14 subjects; 5 (35.7%) obtained 32 mg, 4 (28.6%) obtained 64 mg, and 5 (35.7%) obtained 96 mg of buprenorphine. Measurements: Administering daily Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and interview. Results: All the patients ended the 7-day treatment time. The results showed a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms within each of the three groups (P = 0.00), but no difference in outcome between the groups (P = 0.605). Conclusions: The outcome suggests a single high dose of buprenorphine can supply a speedy, safe, simple, and suitable means of anxiety treatment. The single high dose of buprenorphine could be a novel mechanism medication that provides a rapid and sustained improvement for generalized anxiety disorder in opioid dependent patients. Placebo-controlled trials of longer duration are needed to evaluate ability, safety, and psychological and physiological influence of extended exposure to this medication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Over the last century, the claim has been made that suicide is always, or almost always, the result of mental disorder. Aim. To explore the beliefs of famous English speaking poets regarding the triggers of suicide. Method. Poetry libraries were explored for poetry giving information regarding the attitude of writers to the triggers of suicide. This material was analysed and categorized. Results. Fifteen poems (separate poets) were identified and examined. The triggers of suicide included mental disorder and socioeconomic stressors (acute and chronic). In a minority of cases (four), categorization could not be made. Conclusions. Poets describe the triggers of suicide as including not only mental disorder, but also socioeconomic (acute and chronic) factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to test the effectiveness of methadone and buprenorphine in the treatment of methamphetamine withdrawal craving over a 17-day treatment period.Methods: Patients were randomized into one of two groups. The study sample comprised 40 male subjects dependent on methamphetamine who met criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, for methamphetamine dependence and withdrawal and were seeking treatment. Furthermore, they should have a history of daily methamphetamine use for at least 6 months and should have discontinued their use just before starting the protocol. Patients received 40 mg of methadone or 8 mg of buprenorphine per day and were treated in an inpatient psychiatric hospital. We used methamphetamine craving score, negative urine drug screening test (thin-layer chromatography) during the study, and retention in treatment.Results: All 40 patients completed the study. Both drugs were effective in decreasing methamphetamine craving during methamphetamine withdrawal. Reduction of craving in the buprenorphine group was significantly more than in the methadone group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: The results favor the efficacy and safety of buprenorphine as a short-term treatment for methamphetamine withdrawal craving. We should mention that it is to be expected that craving declines over time without any medication. Therefore, the conclusion may not be that methadone and buprenorphine both reduce the craving. Because buprenorphine is superior to methadone, only buprenorphine surely reduces craving.Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials identifier: IRCT2015112125160N1 . Registered on 4 June 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to better understand the triggers of suicide, particularly among the ancient Greek and Persian soldiers and commanders. Method: 'Herodotus: The Histories' is a history of the rulers and soldiery who participated in the Greco-Persian wars (492-449 BCE). A new translation (2013) of this manuscript was studied. Accounts of suicide were collected and collated, with descriptions of circumstances, methods, and probable triggers. Results: Nine accounts of suicide were identified. Eight of these were named individuals (4 Greeks and 4 Persians); of whom, seven were male. Only one (not the female) appeared to act in response to a mental disorder. Other triggers of suicide included guilt, avoidance of dishonour/punishment and altruism. Cutting/ stabbing was the most common method; others included hanging, jumping, poison, and burning (the single female). Conclusion: While soldiers at a time of war do not reflect the general community, they are nevertheless members of their society. Thus, this evidence demonstrates that suicide triggered by burdensome circumstances (in addition to mental disorder) was known to the Greek and Persian people more than two millennia ago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: National suicide rates fall during times of war. This fits with the notion of the population coming together against a common foe. But, what happens in the case of a war which is not fully supported, which draws the population and families apart? We consider this question by examining the Australian suicide rates during the divisive Vietnam War.Methods: We graphed and examined the Australian suicide figures for 1921-2010.Results: We found clear evidence of a decrease in the suicide rate for World War II (consistent with other studies), but a marked elevation of suicide during the Vietnam War.Conclusions: The elevation of the Australian suicide rate during the Vietnam War is consistent with Durkheim's social integration model - when social integration is lessened, either by individual characteristics or societal characteristics, the risk of suicide rises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to evaluate gender differences in depression scores of Iranian and German medical students. Methods: Two hundred Iranian medical students (100 men and 100 women) and 200 German medical students (100 men and 100 women) were selected randomly and completed the English form of the self-rating Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results: Analysis gave a mean rating of 10.7 ± 6.6 for Iranian men and 10.9 ± 7.81 for Iranian women (NS). Also, 5 ± 4.9 for German men and 5.6 ± 5.0 for German women (NS). On Item 2, which asked whether the person was pessimistic 33% of Iranian men and 30% of Iranian women indicated that they were pessimistic (NS). Also, 21% of German men and 20% of German women indicated that they were pessimistic (NS). On Item 9, which asked about suicidal tendencies, 9% of Iranian men and 13% of Iranian women reported as having suicidal tendencies (NS). Also, 13% of German men and 21% of German women reported as having selfharming thoughts (NS). Conclusion: The present study showed no gender differences in Iranian and German medical students' scores on the BDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of addiction to the Internet, computer games, DVD, and video and its relationship to anxiety and depression in a sample of Iranian high school students. Methods: In this cross-sectional study 1020 high school students (males and females) were selected randomly from different areas of Shiraz city in southern Iran. They were interviewed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed (DSM-IV) criteria. Results: About 50% of the students were females, 277 students (27.2%) were studying in the first year of high school, 242 (23.7%) were in the second year, and others in the third year. The prevalence of anxiety was significantly higher in females than in males (p < 0.05). The prevalence of anxiety was lower among students of the third year (p < 0.05). The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in students with lower economic status defined as family monthly income. Internet dependence was seen only in 5 students. The prevalence of anxiety was significantly higher in the students who used internet for chatting, amusement, and reading news (p < 0.05). The prevalence of anxiety was significantly higher in students who were DVD or video CD dependents (p < 0.05). The students who used especial drugs or had especial diseases had higher rates of depression and anxiety (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Internet addiction may cause depression and anxiety in high school students. It seems necessary to develop an Internet addiction prevention program for adolescents taking into account the psychological factors such as depression and Internet use habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the folk stories of Norway, Iceland and Finland with a view to discovering accounts of suicide as an escape option from intolerable predicaments, and to compare any such accounts with material from Southern Europe. Method: The Poetic Edda (Norway/Iceland) and The Kalevala (Finland) were examined for accounts of suicide, and evidence regarding the influence of these texts and individual accounts was collected. Results: The Poetic Edda provided one account and The Kalevala three accounts of suicide performed as a means of escaping intolerable situations. Both the Poetic Edda and The Kalevala are in public awareness and have influenced the politics and culture of their respective regions. The individual suicides have been depicted in literature, music and the visual arts, from the distant past to the present time. Conclusion: Suicide as a means of escape from intolerable predicaments has been public knowledge in these regions for a millennium. This is consistent with findings from Southern Europe and substantiates that intolerable predicaments may lead to suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper was to examine two cases of suicide (apparently 'Type 3', according to a new classification) by individuals without high public profiles that appeared in the press in February 2010, and to determine shared characteristics. Method: All the available public record evidence was examined. Comprehensive accounts of the events of the lives of the individuals were compiled, and a comparison of characteristics was performed. Results: Andrew Joseph Stack III and Brodie Rae Constance Panlock differed in country of residence, gender, age, and marital, parenting, educational and employment status. However, neither manifested evidence of a mental disorder and both were in a predicament created by external factors. They met criteria for Type 3 suicide (suicide when there is no mental disorder and the predicament to which the individual is exposed is very clear to the observer). Conclusion: These cases support the concept of Type 3 suicide. Apart from the absence of mental disorder and the presence of an external predicament, there were no other shared characteristics, suggesting that Type 3 suicide is not restricted to a particular group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to clarify questions regarding Lord Clive’s early suicidal behavior and mental health. Method: We examined various historical texts. Results: Clive suffered gallstones with episodes of cholecystitis. We could find no evidence that Clive engaged in suicidal behavior in his early life, nor evidence of a mood disorder (depression or bipolar disorder) throughout his life or at the time of his death. Conclusions: Although reports of famous people who have suffered mental disorders may help to decrease the stigma associated with these conditions, there is a need for caution before make such a diagnosis. In the case of Lord Clive, we could find no evidence of a major mood disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]