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Introduction: Suicide is one of the leading causes of death, with a trend for its increase in Brazil in past decades. This study aimed to review the characteristics of suicides in Brazilian postmortem studies. Methods: Studies investigating suicide deaths in Brazil, and based on autopsy or psychological autopsy were included. Proportions were pooled across studies with the use of random and fixed effects models. Results: 6777 references were retrieved from six databases (searches up to January, 2023), and 45 studies included. In autopsy studies (k = 37, n = 16,231), substance use at toxicological analysis was found in 36.42% of cases (95% CI: 30.05–43.32), previous suicide attempts in 23.92% (95% CI: 6.73–57.78). In psychological autopsy studies (k = 8, n = 139), previous suicide attempts were reported in 28.09% (95% CI: 19.74–38.28), psychiatric conditions/symptoms in 90.67% (95% CI: 67.79–97.82), family history of suicidality in 21.33% (95% CI: 13.5–32.03). Most suicide deaths were reported in males and took place at the victim's home, hanging was the most frequent suicide method. Included studies presented significant limitations in quality assessment. Conclusion: Future studies should present more robust methodology, including bigger samples, the use of controls, and validated methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Female homicide is a global phenomenon with a higher prevalence in countries in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Life expectancy in Brazil is compromised by the high risk of death from male and female homicides, a growing social problem. This study aimed to integrate different public datasets and describe the sociodemographic, criminal, and medicolegal characteristics of the homicides of girls and women occurring in Porto Alegre, southern Brazil, from 2010 to 2016. The data were obtained from autopsy reports, police reports, and records from crime scenes. During this period, there was a significant increase in overall standardized rates of female homicides (4.98 to 10.85), with a pronounced increase in non-gender-related deaths, especially due to urban violence, such as involvement in drug trafficking and other crimes and robbery resulting in death. Young (15–29 years of age), non-White women were the most affected. Increased female homicide rates due to non-gender-related factors is a new and worrying phenomenon in Brazil. Obtaining specific data on the profile of victims and characteristics of violence is a crucial step in facing the problem and directing public policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The RESILIENT trial demonstrated the clinical benefit of mechanical thrombectomy in patients presenting acute ischemic stroke secondary to anterior circulation large vessel occlusion in Brazil. Aims: This economic evaluation aims to assess the cost-utility of mechanical thrombectomy in the RESILIENT trial from a public healthcare perspective. Methods: A cost-utility analysis was applied to compare mechanical thrombectomy plus standard medical care (n = 78) vs. standard medical care alone (n = 73), from a subset sample of the RESILIENT trial (151 of 221 patients). Real-world direct costs were considered, and utilities were imputed according to the Utility-Weighted modified Rankin Score. A Markov model was structured, and probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of results. Results: The incremental costs and quality-adjusted life years gained with mechanical thrombectomy plus standard medical care were estimated at Int$ 7440 and 1.04, respectively, compared to standard medical care alone, yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of Int$ 7153 per quality-adjusted life year. The deterministic sensitivity analysis demonstrated that mRS-6 costs of the first year most affected the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. After 1000 simulations, most of results were below the cost-effective threshold. Conclusions: The intervention's clear long-term benefits offset the initially higher costs of mechanical thrombectomy in the Brazilian public healthcare system. Such therapy is likely to be cost-effective and these results were crucial to incorporate mechanical thrombectomy in the Brazilian public stroke centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnicity is an important determinant of blood pressure levels, being black individuals affected more than any other ethnic group. Arterial stiffening, an independent risk factor for hypertension, is also influenced by ethnicity. However, whether black individuals from different continents would have different patterns of arterial stiffening is still unknown. Thus, the authors aimed to compare pulse wave velocity (PWV) in black subjects living in Angola and Brazil. A total of 677 black individuals from two independent cross-sectional studies conducted in Brazil and Angola were included in this analysis. Carotid-to-femoral PWV was measured following the same protocols for both studies, as well as clinical and anthropometric variables. Adjusted PWV was higher in Brazilian blacks than in Angolans, regardless of sex (men from Brazil: 10.7 ± 1.8 vs men from Angola: 9.9 ± 1.8 m/s, P < .001; women from Brazil: 10.3 ± 1.5 vs women from Angola: 9.2 ± 1.3 m/s, P < .001). Although the cf-PWV was higher in Brazilian blacks, the age-related increase in cf-PWV was higher in Angolan men compared to Brazilians, but not in women. SBP showed the strongest association with cf-PWV, regardless of sex and country. However, age was associated with cf-PWV in all groups, except in Brazilian men. Our results clearly show a difference in PWV between two black populations, and highlight for sex differences in the hemodynamic parameters that might affect blood pressure levels in these populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate changes in standardized suicide rates in Brazil between 2000 and 2016, stratified by sex and age.Methods: Descriptive analyses of data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System were performed.Results: 156,292 suicides were registered in the period, with a standardized rate of 4.82/100,000. The risk for males was 3.81 times higher than for females, without meaningful regional variations. This ratio was 8.2 at the 80+ group. An increase from 2000 to 2016 was demonstrated in nearly all subgroups over the 17, especially men aged 20-39 and women aged 40-59.Conclusions: Suicide rates continue to rise in Brazil, especially among young men and middle-aged women. Older men remain exposed to the highest absolute risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Caregiver burden has been associated with caregivers' mental disorders and need for support and information. However, the lack of quantitative studies and formal interventions aiming to lower burden levels in this population reflect the current negligence regarding this important issue. Aim: To identify burden levels and associated factors in caregivers of young adults with bipolar and unipolar mood disorder. Method: This is a cross-sectional study nested within a population-based cross-sectional study with young adults. Caregiver burden was assessed through the Burden Interview. Information about caregiver mental disorders (Axis I) and alcohol abuse were obtained through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) and the Cut-Down, Annoyed, Guilty and Eye-Opener (CAGE) questionnaire, respectively. Results: Caregiver burden was associated to caregiver's mood and anxiety disorders, suicide risk and being the caregiver of young adults with depression disorder and bipolar disorder. Also, burden was higher among caregivers of bipolar individuals. When excluding the control group from the analysis, only mood and anxiety disorders remained associated to caregiver burden. Conclusions: Caregivers are affected by the young adult's disorder even before a diagnosis has been given, with serious impairments in their lives. Thus, this is a subject in need of designing relevant strategies aiming to provide them with care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Many studies have documented the high rates of functional impairment among patients with schizophrenia. The majority of the available instruments used to assess functioning, however, focus on global measures of functional recovery rather than specific domains of psychosocial functioning. Most of these instruments have important limitations regarding use in psychiatry. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A convenience sample of 107 chronic outpatients with schizophrenia and 108 controls was assessed in a university hospital (Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil). Psychometric properties of FAST (internal consistency, concurrent validity, and test-retest reliability) were analyzed. Results: The internal consistency obtained was high; the Cronbach’s alpha was 0.89. FAST total score was higher in patients than in the control group (Z = 11.95; P<0.001). FAST test-retest agreement was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.93; 95% confidence interval 0.81–0.97). In addition, FAST displayed a positive correlation with the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (ρ = 0.41; P<0.001) and a negative correlation with the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (ρ =−0.71; P = 0.001). Conclusions: Psychotic symptoms, comorbidity, and functional and cognitive impairment contribute to the decreased quality of life of patients with schizophrenia. It is important to obtain a valid and reliable instrument that is capable of evaluating the functional domains in this pathology. In this context, FAST showed accurate psychometrics properties and was able to detect functional differences between patients with the diagnosis of schizophrenia and healthy subjects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Is important to evaluate suicidal potential and related factors during pregnancy among women who have attended public health services. To determine the suicidal potential, question 10 from Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used. In this sample (N = 1,334), 8.1% of pregnant women demonstrated suicidal potential. The potential risk factors for suicide in depressed pregnant women were being single, divorced or widowed, thinking about having an abortion, and having anxiety symptoms; in nondepressed pregnant women were lower age, low education level, low socioeconomic class, thoughts about having an abortion and anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Croton nepetaefolius is a medicinal plant useful against intestinal disorders. In this study, we elucidate the effects of its essential oil (EOCN) on sympathetic neurons, with emphasis on the interaction of EOCN- and histamine-induced effects. Methods The effects of EOCN and histamine were studied in guinea-pig celiac ganglion in vitro. Key findings Histamine significantly altered the resting potential (Em) and the input resistance (Ri) of phasic neurons (from −56.6 ± 1.78 mV and 88.6 ± 11.43 M Ω, to −52.9 ± 1.96 mV and 108.6 ± 11.00 M Ω, respectively). Em, Ri and the histamine-induced alterations of these parameters were not affected by 200 µg/ml EOCN. The number of action potentials produced by a 1-s (two-times threshold) depolarising current and the current threshold (Ith) for eliciting action potentials (rheobase) were evaluated. Number of action potentials and Ith were altered by histamine (from 2.6 ± 0.43 action potentials and 105.4 ± 11.15 pA to 6.2 ± 1.16 action potentials and 67.3 ± 8.21 pA, respectively). EOCN alone did not affect number of action potentials and Ith but it fully blocked the histamine-induced modifications of number of action potentials and Ith. All the effects produced by histamine were abolished by pyrilamine. Conclusions EOCN selectively blocked histamine-induced modulation of active membrane properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family-related factors play a crucial role in the onset, development, and maintenance of drug misuse and addiction. To investigate the hypothesis that families with a cocaine addicted son display more dysfunction than control families, we applied the Personal Authority in the Family System and the Self-Report Measure of Family Functioning to 67 case triads (child–father–mother) in which the son was an inpatient with a primary diagnosis of cocaine abuse or dependence and to 67 matched control triads from the community (Pelotas, Brazil) in 2000. Case children, mothers, and fathers were significantly more likely to present nuclear family triangulation than their matched control subjects. In addition, case triads had a significantly greater chance of perceiving family functioning as enmeshment. These results suggest both structural and functional differences in these families. We argue for the need of interventions in the family as a whole and for further research in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Latinoamericana de Opinión Pública is the property of Ediciones Universidad de Salamanca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To identify the association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders in young adults in southern Brazil. Methods: This population based cross-sectional study involved a total of 1,023 young adults between the ages of 21 and 32 years. Current episodes of psychiatric disorders were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version. MetS was evaluated using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III). Results: Of the 1,023 participants, 24.3% were identified with MetS, 13.5% were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 7.5% with current depression, 3.9% with bipolar disorders and 10.1% were at risk of suicide. MetS was associated with ethnicity (p = 0.022), excess weight (p < 0.001), current anxiety disorders (p < 0.001), current mood disorders (bipolar disorder in mood episode and current depression) (p < 0.001), and suicide risk (p < 0.001). Conclusions: MetS was associated with psychiatric disorders. Awareness of factors associated with MetS can help identify high-risk individuals and stimulate disease prevention and control programs, as well as lifestyle changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International legal scholars have identified and argued for and against new forms of non-consent-based international law. We study variation in Brazilian public opinion about adherence to international law created in three different ways: through a consent-based multilateral treaty, by the U.N. Security Council with the participation of Brazil, and by the U.N. Security Council without the participation of Brazil. Information that Brazil has participated in creating the international legal obligation through a multilateral treaty or membership on the Security Council yields levels of support for adherence to the legal obligation that are similar to those found when the origins of the legal obligation are generic. Information that the international legal obligation was created without Brazil’s participation, on the other hand, results in reduced support for compliance. This difference, which is particularly concentrated among highly educated respondents, is not driven by reduced concerns about reputational consequences or sanctions. Our results suggest that the increased use of non-consent-based forms of international law might be challenged by a lack of public support for compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the functional impairment of young adults with bipolar disorder with substance abuse/dependence comorbidity.Method: Cross-sectional study within a community sample. Bipolar Disorder was assessed by qualified psychologists using The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - PLUS (MINI-PLUS). Substance abuse and dependence was assessed using the "Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test" (ASSIST). Functional impairment was assessed using the Functional Assessment Short Test (FAST).Results: The sample included 1259 young adults. The prevalence of Bipolar Disorder (BD) without Substance Abuse/Dependence (SAD) comorbidity was 5.9% (n=74), and the prevalence of bipolar disorder with substance abuse/dependence comorbidity was 1.4% (n=17). Both groups showed higher impairment in overall functioning, interpersonal relationship, and leisure time as compared to controls. In addition, BD+SAD showed higher impairment in the cognitive functioning domain of FAST.Limitation: A battery of neuropsychological tests was not performed.Conclusion: Functional impairment is associated with BD, independently of substance abuse or dependence. In addition, BD+SAD present a more severe impairment in the cognitive domain of FAST as compared to controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the risk of headache in patients undergoing surgical treatment of intracranial aneurysms. Background The risk of the post-craniotomy headache has never been studied. Methods Patients with intracranial aneurysm, who were consecutively admitted to the Hospital da Restauração, Brazil, from May 2009 to October 2010, were interviewed before they underwent surgical or non-surgical treatment of the aneurysms. The patients were followed for 4 months after intervention. The International Headache Society criteria for post-craniotomy headache were used after surgery and adapted for headache after embolization (maximum intensity of pain on the same side of the aneurysm). We also used the Headache Impact Test, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results Of 101 patients enrolled, 53 patients underwent craniotomy and 48 patients embolization. The surgery group was younger and had fewer women. The incidence of headache was 28/51 cases (54.9%) after surgery and 12/47 cases (25.5%) after embolization (relative risk = 2.15; 95% confidence interval [ CI] 1.24-3.72). The incidence of persistent headache was not different between the 2 groups. The only risk factor for headache after the intervention was craniotomy (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% CI 1.1-6.7) and for persistent headache was anxiety prior to treatment (odds ratio = 8.5; 95% CI 1.7-42.3). The headache after treatment was not associated with the risk of anxiety or depression after the intervention. Conclusions Patients who underwent craniotomy had an increased risk of headache after treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The incidence of persistent headache after 3 months was higher among patients who had anxiety before the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article looks into the factors that explain foreign direct investment (FDI) in Brazil by country of origin. We collected a sample of 180 countries with and without FDI in Brazil. We use multiple estimation techniques and controls to isolate the effect of country political risk on outward foreign direct investment and show that countries with lower levels of political risk undertake more FDI in Brazil, and that features of the policy environment of home countries drive the negative relationship between risk and FDI. Furthermore, we show that the aspect of the political and institutional environment that is most likely to drive this negative relation between risk and investment into Brazil is related to the effectiveness of national governments. Our findings broaden the understanding of the puzzling influence of political risk on FDI observed in previous studies, correct for sampling and selection biases, and have substantive implications for policy design to attract FDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Despite the fact that public speaking is a common academic activity and that social phobia has been associated with lower educational achievement and impaired academic performance, little research has examined the prevalence of social phobia in college students. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of social phobia in a large sample of Brazilian college students and to examine the academic impact of this disorder. Methods: The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) and the MINI-SPIN, used as the indicator of social phobia in the screening phase, were applied to 2319 randomly selected students from two Brazilian universities. For the second phase (diagnostic confirmation), four psychiatrists and one clinical psychologist administered the SCID-IV to subjects with MINI-SPIN scores of 6 or higher. Results: The prevalence of social phobia among the university students was 11.6%. Women with social phobia had significantly lower grades than those without the disorder. Fear of public speaking was the most common social fear. Only two of the 237 students with social phobia (0.8%) had previously received a diagnosis of social phobia and were under treatment. Limitations: Social phobia comorbidities were not evaluated in this study. The methods of assessment employed by the universities (written exams) may mask the presence of social phobia. This was not a population-based study, and thus the results are not generalizable to the entire population with social phobia. Conclusion: Preventive strategies are recommended to reduce the under-recognition and the adverse impact of social phobia on academic performance and overall quality of life of university students. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of episodes of mania and hypomania, as well as associated factors and comorbidities among adults 18 to 24years old in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. Method: This is a cross-sectional population-based study. The sample was selected through conglomerates, and episodes of mania and hypomania were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric. Results: The sample consisted of 1560 subjects. The lifetime prevalence of manic and hypomanic episodes was 7.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Subjects with (hypo)manic episodes had a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders, substance abuse and suicidality. Limitation: The high rate of (hypo)mania may to some extent reflect diagnostic error. Conclusion: Such high prevalence of (hypo)mania may nonetheless be valid as it was associated with corresponding rates of comorbidity and suicidality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]