Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in alcoholics.

BACKGROUND: Alcoholism associates with increased Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia incidence and mortality. The objective was to compare disease progression, treatment and prognosis of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in alcoholics versus non-alcoholics. METHODS: The study design was a multicenter retrospective analysis of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia with 90-day follow-up. Patients were stratified as alcoholics or non-alcoholics based on electronic health record data. Altogether 617 Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia patients were included of which 83 (13%) were alcoholics. RESULTS: Alcoholics, versus non-alcoholics, were younger, typically male and more commonly had community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. No differences in McCabe´s classification of underlying conditions was observed. Higher illness severity at blood culture sampling, including severe sepsis (25% vs. 7%) and intensive care unit admission (39% vs. 17%), was seen in alcoholics versus non-alcoholics. Clinical management, including infectious disease specialist (IDS) consultations and radiology, were provided equally. Alcoholics, versus non-alcoholics, had more pneumonia (49% vs. 35%) and fewer cases of endocarditis (7% vs. 16%). Mortality in alcoholics versus non-alcoholics was significantly higher at 14, 28 and 90 days (14% vs. 7%, 24% vs. 11% and 31% vs. 17%), respectively. Considering all prognostic parameters, male sex (OR 0.19, p = 0.021) and formal IDS consultation (OR 0.19, p = 0.029) were independent predictors of reduced mortality, whereas ultimately or rapidly fatal comorbidity in McCabe´s classification (OR 12.34, p < 0.001) was an independent predictor of mortality in alcoholics. CONCLUSIONS: Alcoholism deteriorates Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia prognosis, and our results suggests that this is predominantly through illness severity at bacteremia onset. Three quarters of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia patients we studied had identified deep infection foci, and of them alcoholics had significantly less endocarditis but nearly half of them had pneumonia.

Multiple Stool Sampling and Specific Parasitological Technique are Crucial to Diagnose Strongyloidiasis in Alcoholic Patients.

PURPOSE: Chronic alcoholism is a well-known risk factor for strongyloidiasis, in these patients the disease is potentially more severe, probably due to the breakdown of local protective barriers and immunosuppression caused by alcohol, which can lead to autoinfection and dissemination. The aim of this study was to evaluate multiple stool sampling and a specific parasitological assay agar plate culture (APC) for the diagnosis of Strongyloides stercoralis in alcoholics. METHODS: APC was compared to sedimentation technique (HPJ; Hoffman, Pons and Janer), as parasitological methods to detect S. stercoralis infection in alcoholic individuals. Three stool samples from 60 alcoholic and 60 non-alcoholic individuals were analyzed. RESULTS: S. stercoralis larvae were observed in 11 (18.3%) alcoholic individuals and 1 (1.7%) nonalcoholic individual (P = 0.0042). In view of the combined results, sensitivity for the APC method was 63.6% (CI 31.6-87.6%) with the first sample reaching 100% (CI 67.8-100%) after analyzing three fecal samples. The HPJ sensitivity was 36.4% (CI 12.4-68.4) in the first sample, reaching 72.7% (CI 39.3-92.7) after three samples analyzed. CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that in alcoholic patients, it is important to repeat stool sampling with specific techniques, especially using the APC method, to avoid misdiagnosis in cases that could evolve to disseminated strongyloidiasis.

Genetic polymorphisms in phase II metabolizing enzymes in alcoholic and idiopathic chronic pancreatitis: Indian scenario.

AIM: To study polymorphisms in glutathione-S-transferases (GST-T1, GST-M1, GST-P1) and uridine-5'-diphosphate-glucuronosyl-transferases (UGT1A7) genes and the risk of developing chronic pancreatitis (CP) associated with these polymorphisms. METHODS: This study included 49 alcoholic and 51 idiopathic chronic pancreatitis patients, 50 alcohol addicts and 50 healthy controls. Polymorphism(s) in GST-T1 and GST-M1 genes were assessed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while PCR-radiofrequency lesioning (RFLP) was employed to assess the same in GST-P1 and UGT1A7 genes. The differences in polymorphism frequency between groups and the risk of developing pancreatitis were assessed by the odds ratio. RESULTS: Strong association of the null genotype of GST-T1 with CP susceptibility was observed. Alcoholics with the Val allele of GST-P1 have higher chances of having pancreatitis. Idiopathic pancreatitis patients with higher age at the onset of pain were found to have the null genotype of GST-M1. CONCLUSION: Alcoholics with the null genotype of the GST-T1 gene and the Valine allele of the GST-P1 gene are at a higher risk of developing CP. Thus, genotyping of these genes may serve as an important screening tool for the identification of high-risk groups among alcoholics.

Process of Building Resilience in Adult Children of Alcoholics: A Grounded Theory Approach.

The current study used a grounded theory approach to develop a substantive theory of the process of building resilience in adult children of parents with alcohol use disorder (ACOAs). Seventeen ACOAs selected by purposive sampling underwent in-depth interviews. Results demonstrated that ACOAs' resilience developed in four phases: exposure, awareness, action, and adaptation. The core category of the construction process of ACOAs was accepting reality in the collapse of everyday life and becoming myself. The central phenomenon grounded in the process of developing resilience was trying to maintain my daily life. The current study suggests that appropriate intervention strategies are needed at each phase of development to address the particular needs of ACOAs in that phase. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(9), 31-39.].

(Sobre)viver na rua: narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua sobre a rede de apoio / (About) living on the street: narratives of homeless people about the support network / (Sobre)vivir en la calle: narrativas de personas en situación de calle sobre la red de apoyo

A população em situação de rua (PSR), em seu cotidiano, se relaciona com diferentes pessoas, grupos e/ou coletivos ligados à execução das políticas públicas, às organizações não governamentais, familiares ou a membros da sociedade civil. Pensar nessas dinâmicas de trabalho, cooperação e auxílio remete a pensar sobre uma rede de apoio que constrói estratégias com essa população. Tendo presente essas problematizações, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua sobre como é produzida sua rede de apoio. Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo qualitativo, de orientação etnográfica, sendo utilizada a observação participante, registros em diário de campo e entrevistas narrativas. Participaram seis pessoas em situação de rua que recebem alimentação ofertada por projetos sociais em uma cidade do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Os dados produzidos foram analisados a partir da Análise Temática. As análises expressam as especificidades das narrativas das trajetórias de vida associadas à chegada às ruas e à composição de uma rede de apoio na rua. Ao conhecer como se produz e opera essa rede de apoio, a partir das narrativas das pessoas em situação de rua, problematiza-se a complexidade dessa engrenagem e o desafio de produzir ações integradas entre as diferentes instâncias da rede. Nisso, destaca-se a potencialidade de práticas que levem conta à escuta, ao diálogo e à articulação na operacionalização de políticas públicas atentas às necessidades dessa população.(AU)

The street population, in their daily lives, relates to different people, groups and/or collectives linked to the execution of public policies, to non-governmental organizations, family members, or to members of civil society. Thinking about these dynamics of work, cooperation, and assistance leads to thinking about a support network that builds strategies with this population. Having these problematizations in mind, this study aims to analyze the narratives of homeless people about how their support network is produced. To this end, a qualitative study was carried out, with ethnographic orientation, using participant observation, records in a field diary, and narrative interviews. Participated in the research six homeless people who receive food offered by social projects in a municipality in the interior of Rio Grande do Sul. The data produced were analyzed using the Thematic Analysis. The analyzes express the specifities of the narratives of life trajectories associated with the arrival on the streets and the composition of a support network on the street. By knowing how the support network is produced and operated, the complexity of this gear and the challenge of producing integrated actions between the different instances of the network are problematized. Thus, it highlights the potential of practices that consider listening, dialogue, and articulation in the operationalization of public policies that are attentive to the needs of this population.(AU)

Las personas en situación de calle en su cotidiano se relacionan con distintas personas, grupos y/o colectivos, que están vinculados a la ejecución de políticas públicas, organizaciones no gubernamentales, familiares o miembros de la sociedad civil. Pensar en estas dinámicas de trabajo, cooperación y ayuda nos lleva a una red de apoyo que construye estrategias con estas personas. Teniendo en cuenta esta problemática, este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar las narrativas de las personas en situación de calle acerca de cómo se produce su red de apoyo. Con este fin, se realizó un estudio cualitativo, etnográfico, utilizando observación participante, registros de diario de campo y entrevistas narrativas. Este estudio incluyó a seis personas en situación de calle que reciben alimentos ofrecidos por proyectos sociales en una ciudad del interior de Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil). Se utilizó el Análisis Temático. Los análisis expresan las especificidades de las narrativas de las trayectorias de vida asociadas con la llegada a las calles y la composición de una red de apoyo en la calle. Al saber cómo se produce y opera la red de apoyo, a partir de las narrativas de las personas en la calle, se problematizan la complejidad de este equipo y el desafío de producir acciones integradas entre las diferentes instancias de la red. Destaca el potencial de las prácticas que tienen en cuenta la escucha, el diálogo y la articulación en la implementación de políticas públicas que estén atentas a las necesidades de esta población.(AU)

Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica de los pacientes sometidos a trasplante hepático por cirrosis alcohólica en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015 / Clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 and 2015

Introducción. El alcohol ha sido asociado con más de 60 enfermedades diferentes y es el tercer factor de riesgo más común relacionado con muerte y discapacidad en el mundo. La enfermedad alcohólica hepática (EAH) es la causa más común de enfermedad hepática terminal (EHT) en los países occidentales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la población adulta sometida a trasplante ortotópico hepático (TOH) indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH, en el Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe (HPTU) de Medellín entre 2004 y 2015. Metodología. Estudio observacional retrospectivo. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas de todos los pacientes trasplantados en el HPTU entre los años 2004 y 2015, sometidos a TOH indicado por EHT secundaria a EAH. Se registraron las características demográficas, comorbilidades médicas y psiquiátricas, complicaciones tempranas y tardías, recaída en el consumo de alcohol posterior al TOH, supervivencia y causa de la muerte. Resultados. Se encontraron 59 pacientes trasplantados por cirrosis de origen alcohólico. El 91,5 % fueron de sexo masculino, el 82,6 % (38/46) tuvo un período abstinencia previo al TOH mayor o igual a 6 meses, y solamente el 10,2 % (6/59) de los pacientes estuvieron vinculados a un programa de adicciones. Se encontró comorbilidad psiquiátrica en el 30 % (18/59) con predomino de depresión. Se identificó recaída pesada en el consumo de alcohol postrasplante en 6 pacientes, este subgrupo se caracterizó por una alta mortalidad (66 %), pobre adherencia a la terapia inmunosupresora y alta frecuencia de depresión (83 %). En general, la cohorte tuvo una supervivencia a 5 y 10 años de 60,8 % y 28,1 %, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Las características epidemiológicas de la población son compartidas con reportes previos en relación al predominio de sexo masculino y adultos en la sexta década de la vida. La recaída en el consumo pesado de alcohol no es la regla, sin embargo, se encuentra asociada con abandono del tratamiento inmunosupresor y muerte. En comparación con reportes de otros países, nuestras tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad a 5 años son superiores.

Introduction. Alcohol has been associated with more than 60 different diseases and is the third most common risk factor related to death and disability throughout the world. Alcoholic liver disease is the most common cause of end-stage liver disease in Western countries. The main objective of this study was to characterize adult patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital in Medellín between 2004 to 2015. Methodology. Observational retrospective study. We reviewed clinical records of all patients with orthotopic liver transplant due to alcoholic cirrhosis at the HPTU between 2004 and 2015, and retrieved demographic data, comorbidities, complications, consumption relapse and survival. Results. We analyzed 59 patients, 91.5% were male, 82.6% had an abstinence period previous to liver transplant equal or greater to six months, 10.2% were part of an addiction program, and 30% had psychiatric morbidities, mainly depression. We identified 6 patients with heavy alcoholic relapse after transplantation, this subgroup was characterized by a high mortality (66%), poor adherence to immunosuppressive therapy and high rates of depression (83%). In general, this cohort had a 5- and 10-year survival of 60.8% and 20.1%, respectively. Conclusions. The epidemiological characteristics of the population are shared with previous reports regarding the predominance of males and adults in the sixth decade of life. Relapse into heavy alcohol consumption is not the rule, however, it is associated with discontinuation of immunosuppressive treatment and death. In comparison with other reports, we have higher complications and mortality rates at 5 five years.

Abordar a la persona entre trayectorias alcohólicas y tratamientos / Approaching the person between alcoholic trajectories and treatments

Este artículo es un trabajo de investigación etnográfica en el campo sanitario. Sus objetivos son reconstruir trayectorias de personas con trastornos mentales y de comportamiento por uso de alcohol y visibilizar representaciones y prácticas en los tratamientos brindados en el Hospital Vilardebó (Uruguay), en torno a dichos itinerarios. Las narrativas de los pacientes estudiados dan cuenta de una ruptura biográfica ocurrida mayoritariamente en la adolescencia, cuando comienza un consumo problemático de alcohol que lleva a una reorganización de la identidad social de orden simbólico; refirieren también, la mayoría de ellos, estar disconformes con la asistencia que se les brinda, y reclaman ser más escuchados. Por otra parte, en lo referente a las representaciones formuladas por los funcionarios entrevistados, a mayor formación y experiencia de ejercicio profesional, hay mayores críticas a la atención que se brinda a estos usuarios. De ahí que la confluencia de Antropología y Salud, ensamblando cultura y cuidado, permite integrar a las dimensiones físicas los aspectos emocionales, familiares, culturales y sociales.

This article is carries out ethnographic research in the sanitary field. Its objectives are to reconstruct the trajectories of people with mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use and to make visible representations and practices in treatments provided at Hospital Vilardebó (Uruguay). Patients' narratives show a biographical rupture occurring mainly during adolescence. Problematic alcohol use begins soon after, leading to a reorganization of symbolic social identity. Most patients are not satisfied with care provided, and demand to be listened to more extensively. As for health care workers' representations, the greater the training and professional expertise, the greater the criticism of provided care. Hence, the confluence of Anthropology and Health, combining culture and care, makes possible the emotional, family, cultural and social aspects to be integrated into the physical ones.

Delay discounting and alcohol consumption correlate with dorsal anterior insula activation during choice in nontreatment-seeking heavy drinkers.

BACKGROUND: The anterior insular cortex (AIC), a prominent salience network node, integrates interoceptive information and emotional states into decision making. While AIC activation during delay discounting (DD) in alcohol use disorder (AUD) has been previously reported, the associations between AIC activation, impulsive choice, alcohol consumption, and connectivity remain unknown. We therefore tested AIC brain responses during DD in heavy drinkers and their association with DD performance, alcohol drinking, and task-based connectivity. METHODS: Twenty-nine heavy drinkers (12 females; mean (SD) age=31.5 ± 6.1 years; mean (SD)=40.8 ± 23.4 drinks/week) completed a DD task during functional MRI. Regions activated during DD decision making were tested for correlation with DD behavior and alcohol drinking. Psychophysiological interaction (PPI) models assessed the task-dependent functional connectivity (FC) of activation during choice. RESULTS: Delay discounting choice activated bilateral anterior insular cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and left precentral gyrus. Right dorsal (d) AIC activation during choice negatively correlated withdiscounting of delayed rewards and alcohol consumption. PPI analysis revealed FC of the right dAIC to both the anterior and posterior cingulate cortices-key nodes in the midline default mode network. CONCLUSIONS: Greater dAIC involvement in intertemporal choice may confer more adaptive behavior (lower impulsivity and alcohol consumption). Moreover, salience network processes governing discounting may require midline default mode (precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex) recruitment. These findings supporta key adaptive role for right dAIC in decision making involving future rewards and risky drinking.

Hospital organizational structure factors related to discharge planning activities for alcoholics by nurses in Japan.

AIM: Nurses play a significant role in providing discharge support for alcoholics. We aimed to explore the organizational structures of hospitals that are related to effective discharge planning activities provided by nurses. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of Japanese hospitals with psychiatric wards that accept alcoholics. The survey questionnaire was administered to one nurse per hospital from August to September 2019. The Discharge Planning Scale for Ward Nurses (DPWN) was used to assess the actual status of the hospital nurse teams' discharge planning activities. The DPWN consists of four subscales: subscale I, "collect information from patients and their families"; subscale II, "supports for decision-making for the patients and families"; subscale III, "utilization of social resources"; and subscale IV, "discharge guidance by cooperating with community support teams and multidisciplinary teams." RESULTS: From the valid responses of 116 hospitals, scores on subscale IV were significantly lower than scores on subscales I, II, and III, indicating that medical care guidance through multidisciplinary collaboration between hospitals and the community was inadequate. In addition, multiple regression analysis showed that "hospital management and administrators understanding about nurses' discharge support activities," and "planning discharge schedules, such as using clinical paths" were significantly and independently related to the total DPWN and each of subscale scores, regardless of the hospital's establishment body and size. "Multidisciplinary discharge support" was significantly related to subscale II. CONCLUSIONS: These findings have implications for the management of discharge planning activities provided by nurses for alcoholics through multidisciplinary collaboration.

Motivação para mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas: intervenção breve como estratégia motivacional / Motivation for change in alcohol consumption: brief intervention as a motivational strategy / Motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol: la intervención breve como estrategia motivacional

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o efeito da intervenção breve na motivação para mudança do consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Método: estudo experimental, de follow-up, realizado com 43 participantes em duas Unidades Básicas de Saúde. Foi aplicado o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, a Régua de Prontidão para Mudança e um questionário socioeconômico. Resultados: o grupo experimental apresentou mediana igual a 10 pontos (fase de manutenção) no início e após 30 dias. No segmento, mediana igual a oito pontos (estágio de ação). O grupo- controle, mediana igual a oito pontos no início e após 30 dias (fase de ação). No segmento, a mediana igual a sete pontos (fase de planejamento). Na avaliação intermediária de 30 dias, notou-se que houve diferença estatística na motivação entre os dois grupos (p=0,029). Conclusão: concluiu-se que a Intervenção Breve foi eficaz para manter a motivação nos estágios de ação e manutenção da mudança no consumo de bebidas alcoólicas.

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the effect of brief intervention on motivation to change alcohol consumption. Method: experimental, follow-up study, conducted with 43 participants in two Basic Health Units. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Change Readiness Ruler, and a socioeconomic questionnaire were applied. Results: The experimental group showed a median equal to 10 points (maintenance stage) at the beginning and after 30 days. In the segment, the median was equal to eight points (action stage). The control group had a median equal to eight points at the beginning and after 30 days (action stage). In the segment, median equal to seven points (planning stage). In the 30-day intermediate evaluation, it was noted that there was a statistical difference in motivation between the two groups (p=0.029). Conclusion: it was concluded that the Brief Intervention was effective in maintaining motivation in the stages of action and maintenance of change in the consumption of alcoholic drinks.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el efecto de una intervención breve sobre la motivación para el cambio en el consumo de alcohol. Método: Estudio experimental, de seguimiento, realizado con 43 participantes en dos Unidades Básicas de Salud. Se aplicó el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, la Regla de Disposición al Cambio y un cuestionario socioeconómico. Resultados: el grupo experimental mostró una mediana igual a 10 puntos (fase de mantenimiento) al principio y después de 30 días. En el segmento, la mediana era igual a ocho puntos (etapa de acción). El grupo de control tenía una mediana igual a ocho puntos al principio y después de 30 días (etapa de acción). En el segmento, la mediana es igual a siete puntos (fase de planificación). En la evaluación intermedia de 30 días, se observó que había una diferencia estadística en la motivación entre los dos grupos (p=0,029). Conclusión: se concluyó que la Intervención Breve fue eficaz para mantener la motivación en las etapas de acción y mantenimiento del cambio en el consumo de alcohol.

Características sociodemográficas, de trabalho e saúde de homens e mulheres deficientes residentes em contexto rural / Características sociodemográficas, de trabajo y salud de hombres y mujeres discapacitados residentes en un contexto rural / Sociodemographic characteristics of work and health of disabled men and women living in a rural setting

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar as características sociodemográficas, de saúde e de trabalho de homens e mulheres com deficiência que residem em contexto rural. Método: Estudo transversal analítico, com 276 pessoas com deficiência residentes em cenário rural de oito municípios da região noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário fechado, com variáveis sociodemográficas, de trabalho e saúde, aplicado na residência dos participantes nos meses de setembro de 2018 a julho de 2019. Esses foram digitados e analisados no programa estatístico software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, versão 18.0 por meio de estatística analítica descritiva (comparação de frequência). Para comparar os dois grupos (homens e mulheres) empregou-se o teste Qui-Quadrado. Resultados: Dos homens, 27,8% apresentaram deficiência física e a deficiência múltipla foi mais frequente na mulher (p<0,001). O trabalho na agricultura e do lar eram mais frequentes no sexo feminino e as atividades autônomas e empregatícias, no sexo masculino. Ambos recebiam BPC, ainda que 18% não tivessem nenhum tipo de benefício. Homens tinham duas vezes mais chance de serem tabagistas e quase três vezes maior risco de etilismo que as mulheres (p<0,001). Conclusão: As características de pessoas com deficiência que residem em contexto rural se diferenciam entre os sexos, no que se refere à deficiência, trabalho e hábitos que vulnerabilizam a saúde.

RESUMEN Objetivo: comparar las características sociodemográficas, de salud y de trabajo de hombres y mujeres con discapacidad que residen en contexto rural. Método: estudio transversal analítico, con 276 personas con discapacidad residentes en escenario rural de ocho municipios de la región noroeste del Estado de Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de un cuestionario cerrado, con variables sociodemográficas, de trabajo y salud, aplicado en la residencia de los participantes en los meses de septiembre de 2018 a julio de 2019. Estos fueron introducidos y analizados en el programa estadístico software StatisticalPackageforthe Social Sciencesfor Windows, versión 18.0. por medio de estadística analítica descriptiva (comparación de frecuencia). Para comparar los dos grupos (hombres y mujeres) se empleó la Prueba de chi-cuadrado. Resultados: de los hombres, el 27,8% presentó discapacidad física y la discapacidad múltiple fue más frecuente en la mujer (p<0,001). El trabajo en la agricultura y en el hogar eran más frecuentes en el sexo femenino y las actividades autónomas y de empleo, en el sexo masculino. Ambos recibían BPC, aunque el 18% no tenía ningún tipo de beneficio. Los hombres tenían dos veces más probabilidades de ser fumadores y casi tres veces mayor riesgo de etilismo que las mujeres (p<0,001). Conclusión: las características de las personas con discapacidad que residen en un contexto rural se diferencian entre los sexos, en lo que se refiere a la discapacidad, trabajo y hábitos que vulneran la salud.

ABSTRACT Objective: Comparing the sociodemographic characteristics of health and work of men and women with disabilities living in a rural context. Method: A cross-sectional analytical study with 276 people with disabilities living in a rural setting in eight cities in the Northwest Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected through a closed questionnaire with sociodemographic, work and health variables applied at the participants' residence from September 2018 to July 2019. These were typed and analyzed in the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences for Windows, version 18.0 by means of descriptive analytical statistics (frequency comparison). To compare the two groups (men and women) the Chi-Square test was used. Results: Of the men, 27.8% had physical disabilities and multiple disability was more frequent in women (p<0.001). Work in agriculture and home was more frequent in females and autonomous and employment activities in males. Both received PB, although 18% did not have any kind of benefit. Men were twice as likely to be smokers and almost three times higher risk of alcohol than women (p<0.001). Conclusion: The characteristics of people with disabilities living in a rural setting differ between the genders, with regard to disability, work and habits that make health vulnerable.

The prevalence of current smokers and alcohol drinkers among cancer survivors and subjects with no history of cancer among participants in a community-based cardiometabolic screening program in Miyagi prefecture, Japan: a comparison with nationally representative surveys in other countries.

BACKGROUND: We determined the prevalence of current cigarette smokers and alcohol drinkers among cancer survivors and subjects with no history of cancer in Japan and compared the findings with nationally representative studies in other countries. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of baseline data from a prospective cohort study. A self-administered questionnaire was surveyed during 2013-2015 with residents aged ≥20 years attending a community-based cardiometabolic screening program in Miyagi prefecture in north-eastern Japan. Subjects with past cancer histories were classified as cancer survivors. Sex-specific, age-standardized prevalence of current smokers, and drinkers were calculated. Age-adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs: the cancer survivors' rate divided by the rate of subjects with no history of cancer) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated with log-binomial regressions. RESULTS: 36,786 subjects, including 2760 cancer survivors, responded and provided usable information (58.9% of recruited subjects). For men, the age-standardized prevalence of current smokers and drinkers among survivors was 18.8% and 74.4%, respectively, with an age-adjusted PR (95%CI) of 0.76 (0.66-0.86, p < 0.001) and 0.95 (0.91-0.98, p = 0.002), respectively. For women, the figures were 6.1%, 37.9%, 0.84 (0.67-1.06, p = 0.138) and 0.96 (0.90-1.03, p = 0.313), respectively. The U.S., the U.K, and Australian studies generally showed no substantially lower prevalence of current smokers or drinkers in survivors than in subjects with no history of cancer (PR ≥ 0.75), while Korean studies did (PR < 0.75). CONCLUSIONS: A considerable proportion of Japanese cancer survivors, especially men, remained currently smoking and drinking. Consistent with Western studies, the rates were not substantially lower than those among subjects with no history of cancer.

O laço social na construção identitária do alcoólico anônimo / The social bond in the construction of the anonymouns alcoholic's identity / El vínculo social en la construcción de la identidad del alcohóloco anónimo

A diversidade de grupos anônimos no âmbito social compõe um panorama maior de coletivos identitários que reivindicam sua diferença e distinção social. Considerando a primazia histórica da Irmandade Alcoólicos Anônimos (AA), este artigo discute a construção identitária e social do alcoólico anônimo. Recorremos à literatura oficial da Irmandade como fonte de dados e à teoria psicanalítica como referencial teórico para a análise dos resultados. Constatamos que a construção identitária do alcoólico anônimo se estabelece a partir de um engajamento a Irmandade, sendo seu funcionamento pautado nos ideais de fraternidade, anonimato e abstinência alcoólica. Entre os AA, a identificação sintomática com o alcoolismo pressupõe o vínculo fraternal, funcionando como uma reparação imaginária no trabalho de construção do alcoolista anônimo. Concluímos que a produção identitária "alcoólico anônimo" consiste na adesão a uma nova forma de vida, cujos efeitos são de segregação ao laço social e de alienação ao Outro institucional (AU).

In contemporaneity, the presence of several anonymous groups composes a diverse set of identity groups that claim their difference and distinction. Considering the historicity of the Brotherhood of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), this article analyzes the identity construction of the anonymous alcoholic and its relationship with the social bond. We used the official literature of the Brotherhood as a data source and the psychoanalytic theory as a theoretical reference for the analysis of the results. We find that the identity construction of the anonymous alcoholic establishes, in principle, from an institutional engagement to the AA, being its operation based on the ideals of brotherhood, anonymity and alcohol abstinence. Among AA the symptomatic identification with the alcoholism disease occurs concomitant to the establishment of the fraternal bond that functions as an imaginary and egoic repair for the alcoholic in his work of identity production. We conclude that the "anonymous alcoholic" identity construction is equivalent to the purpose of the therapeutic proposal of AA that consists in the adhesion to a new way of life, whose effects are of segregation to the social bond and of alienation to the Institutional Other (AU).

En nuestra era contemporánea, la presencia de innumerables grupos anónimos constituye un panorama diverso de grupos de identidad que reclaman su diferencia y distinción. Considerando la primacía histórica de la Hermandad Alcohólicos Anónimos (AA), este artículo discute la construcción de identidad del alcohólico anónimo y su relación con el vínculo social. Utilizamos la literatura oficial de la Hermandad como fuente de datos y la teoría psicoanalítica como marco teórico para el análisis de resultados. Descubrimos que la construcción de la identidad del alcohólico anónimo se establece, al principio, a partir de un compromiso institucional con AA, y su funcionamiento se basa en los ideales de fraternidad, anonimato y abstinencia de alcohol. Entre los AA, la identificación sintomática con el alcoholismo de la enfermedad ocurre simultáneamente con el establecimiento del vínculo fraterno que funciona como una reparación imaginaria y egoica para el alcohólico en su trabajo de construcción de identidad. Concluimos que la producción de identidad "alcohólica anónima" es equivalente al propósito de la propuesta terapéutica de AA, que consiste en adherirse a una nueva forma de vida, cuyos efectos son la segregación del vínculo social y la alienación del Otro institucional (AU)

Avaliação da anemia e outros biomarcadores em pacientes alcoolistas / Evaluation of anemia and other biomarkers in alcoholic patients

Introdução: os transtornos por uso de álcool afetam milhões de pessoas em todo o mundo e podem comprometer vários órgãos e sistemas, em muitos casos devido à deficiência de micronutrientes. O objetivo deste artigo é avaliar a frequência e caracterizar a anemia e os biomarcadores metabólicos e hepáticos em pacientes alcoolistas. Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo transversal, no qual foram incluídos 65 pacientes alcoolistas, do sexo masculino, internados no Centro de Acolhimento e Tratamento de Alcoolistas, das Obras Sociais Irmã Dulce. Resultados: a maioria dos indivíduos avaliados apresentou contagem de hemácias, teor de hemoglobina e hematócrito abaixo dos valores de referência, com uma frequência de 61,5% (40/65) para todos os parâmetros e uma média de 4,1x106/uL, 13,0 g/dL e 38,6%, respectivamente. Entre os 40 indivíduos que apresentaram anemia, prevaleceu um padrão normocítico (25/40) e normocrômico (32/40) e uma frequência de anisocitose de 35,0% (14/40). Observou-se elevada frequência de indivíduos com altos níveis de AST e GGT, 64,6 (42/65) e 76,9% (50/61), respectivamente, enquanto apenas 13,8 (9/65) e 3,1% (2/63) apresentaram alterações na concentração plasmática de albumina e no tempo de protrombina, respectivamente. Conclusão: neste trabalho, foi possível observar uma elevada frequência de anemia normocítica e normocrômica, bem como altos níveis de AST e GGT, enquanto os biomarcadores da função hepática estavam dentro do valor de referência. Estes resultados contribuem para o entendimento da saúde do indivíduo alcoolista, podendo auxiliar na elaboração de medidas públicas que atuem na prevenção e promoção da saúde desses pacientes.

Introduction: alcohol use disorders affect millions of people around the world and can compromise many organs and systems. The aim of the essay is to evaluate frequency and characterize anemia and metabolic and hepatic biomarkers in alcoholic patients. Methods: it is a cross-sectional study in which 65 male alcoholic patients admitted to treatment at Center for Reception and Treatment for Alcoholics at Sister Dulce Social Works. Results: most evaluated individuals had red blood cell count, hemoglobin content and hematocrit below reference values, with frequency of 61.5% (40/65) for all parameters and a mean of 4.1x106/uL, 13.0 g/dL and 38.6%, respectively. Among 40 individuals who presented anemia, a normocytic (25/40) and normochromic (32/40) pattern prevailed, and anisocytosis frequency of 35.0% (14/40). A high frequency of individuals with increased AST and GGT levels was observed, 64.6 (42/65) and 76.9% (50/61), respectively, while only 13.8 (9/65) and 3.1% (2/63) presented alterations in albumin levels and prothrombin time, respectively. Conclusion: study shows that it was possible to observe a high frequency of normocytic and normochromic anemia, as well as high levels of AST and GGT, while liver function biomarkers were within reference value. Results contribute to the understanding of alcoholic individuals' health, and may help with elaboration of public measures to prevention and promotion of health for these patients

Primary care-based screening and management of depression amongst heavy drinking patients: Interim secondary outcomes of a three-country quasi-experimental study in Latin America.

INTRODUCTION: Implementation of evidence-based care for heavy drinking and depression remains low in global health systems. We tested the impact of providing community support, training, and clinical packages of varied intensity on depression screening and management for heavy drinking patients in Latin American primary healthcare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quasi-experimental study involving 58 primary healthcare units in Colombia, Mexico and Peru randomized to receive: (1) usual care (control); (2) training using a brief clinical package; (3) community support plus training using a brief clinical package; (4) community support plus training using a standard clinical package. Outcomes were proportion of: (1) heavy drinking patients screened for depression; (2) screen-positive patients receiving appropriate support; (3) all consulting patients screened for depression, irrespective of drinking status. RESULTS: 550/615 identified heavy drinkers were screened for depression (89.4%). 147/230 patients screening positive for depression received appropriate support (64%). Amongst identified heavy drinkers, adjusting for country, sex, age and provider profession, provision of community support and training had no impact on depression activity rates. Intensity of clinical package also did not affect delivery rates, with comparable performance for brief and standard versions. However, amongst all consulting patients, training providers resulted in significantly higher rates of alcohol measurement and in turn higher depression screening rates; 2.7 times higher compared to those not trained. CONCLUSIONS: Training using a brief clinical package increased depression screening rates in Latin American primary healthcare. It is not possible to determine the effectiveness of community support on depression activity rates due to the impact of COVID-19.

[Group psychological education film pathway for alcoholics and their families: a study on changes]. / Percorso filmico di psicoeducazione di gruppo per alcolisti e familiari: studio sui cambiamenti.

OBJECTIVE: This research evaluates the individual traits and family system dysfunctional habits modification of participants in the multi-family psychological education group 'Primo Percorso' (GPP) of the alcohology service NOA Perini - ASST Fatebenefratelli - Sacco, Milano. This is constituted by a multi-discipline team (physicians, systemic psychologists psychotherapists, social worker and professional educator). The GPP was created to allow participants to work on themselves, on their own personal story and on their dysfunctional family relationships with tools that stem from reflecting on 12 topics, which are explained and developed by a therapist also through film watching. METHODS: The sample we analysed is assembled by 46 patients. The following variables were measured: alexithymia, avoidance coping strategies, self-esteem, quality of life and psychological distress. RESULTS: From the results it emerges that by the end of the treatment program alcoholic patients and their relatives show improved self-esteem and an increase in general and relational functioning. There is a decrease in perceived stress, in the use of avoidance coping strategies, and in symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as physical ones. There is no evidence of significant changes in the alexithymia variable. The effect of the group factor (alcoholic patient with/without relative) was significant only for the avoidance variable. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Both patients and relatives show an improvement in all the evaluated variables except for alexithymia by the end of the treatment. Relatives have a positive effect in the patient's change in relation to the coping strategies, that are poorer in the subjects with their own relatives in the group compared with those who are alone.

The 5-HT2C receptor as a therapeutic target for alcohol and methamphetamine use disorders: A pilot study in treatment-seeking individuals.

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) are prevalent and have high adverse impacts on both the individual and society. Current treatment strategies for these disorders are ineffective at a population level. Lorcaserin, a 5-HT2C receptor agonist, has shown potential at reducing the symptoms of substance use disorder. This pilot study (initiated prior to market withdrawal) examined feasibility and safety of lorcaserin treatment in people undergoing residential detoxification and treatment for AUD and MUD. This was an open label pilot study of lorcaserin where participants (n = 10 AUD; n = 8 MUD) received 10-mg lorcaserin daily for 4 days then twice daily for 1 month. Primary outcome measures included recruitment and retention rate, incidence of treatment-emergent events, incidence of methamphetamine or alcohol withdrawal-related events, heart rate, and blood pressure. Secondary measures included pharmacokinetic data and self-reported alcohol or methamphetamine use, craving, and psychological distress. AUD participants were recruited faster and had a greater retention rate compared with MUD participants. Lorcaserin did not alter vital signs, was well tolerated, and had a similar pharmacokinetic profile to individuals with obesity. Lorcaserin reduced self-reported alcohol and amphetamine-type substance use and craving in AUD and MUD participants, respectively. Self-reported psychological health also improved over the treatment period for all participants. Despite the pilot nature of this study, our data support the notion of 5-HT2C receptors as a therapeutic target for drug and alcohol abuse.

Ten seconds of my nights: Exploring methods to measure brightness, loudness and attendance and their associations with alcohol use from video clips.

INTRODUCTION: Most evidence on associations between alcohol use behaviors and the characteristics of its social and physical context is based on self-reports from study participants and, thus, only account for their subjective impressions of the situation. This study explores the feasibility of obtaining alternative measures of loudness, brightness, and attendance (number of people) using 10-second video clips of real-life drinking occasions rated by human annotators and computer algorithms, and explores the associations of these measures with participants' choice to drink alcohol or not. METHODS: Using a custom-built smartphone application, 215 16-25-year-olds documented characteristics of 2,380 weekend night drinking events using questionnaires and videos. Ratings of loudness, brightness, and attendance were obtained from three sources, namely in-situ participants' ratings, video-based annotator ratings, and video-based computer algorithm ratings. Bivariate statistics explored differences in ratings across sources. Multilevel logistic regressions assessed the associations of contextual characteristics with alcohol use. Finally, model fit indices and cross-validation were used to assess the ability of each set of contextual measures to predict participants' alcohol use. RESULTS: Raw ratings of brightness, loudness and attendance differed slightly across sources, but were all correlated (r = .21 to .82, all p < .001). Participants rated bars/pubs as being louder (Cohen's d = 0.50 [95%-CI: 0.07-0.92]), and annotators rated private places as darker (d = 1.21 [95%-CI: 0.99-1.43]) when alcohol was consumed than when alcohol was not consumed. Multilevel logistic regressions showed that drinking in private places was more likely in louder (ORparticipants = 1.74 [CI: 1.31-2.32]; ORannotators = 3.22 [CI: 2.06-5.03]; ORalgorithm = 2.62 [CI: 1.83-3.76]), more attended (ORparticipants = 1.10 [CI: 1.03-1.18]; ORalgorithm = 1.19 [CI: 1.07-1.32]) and darker (OR = 0.64 [CI: 0.44-0.94]) situations. In commercial venues, drinking was more likely in darker (ORparticipants = 0.67 [CI: 0.47-0.94]; ORannotators = 0.53 [CI: 0.33-0.85]; ORalgorithm = 0.58 [CI: 0.37-0.88]) and louder (ORparticipants = 1.40 [CI: 1.02-1.92]; ORalgorithm = 2.45 [CI: 1.25-4.80]) places. Higher inference accuracies were found for the models based on the annotators' ratings (80% to 84%) and the algorithms' ratings (76% to 86%) than on the participants' ratings (69% to 71%). CONCLUSIONS: Several contextual characteristics are associated with increased odds of drinking in private and commercial settings, and might serve as a basis for the development of prevention measures. Regarding assessment of contextual characteristics, annotators and algorithms might serve as appropriate substitutes of participants' in-situ impressions for correlational and regression analyses despite differences in raw ratings. Collecting contextual data by means of sensors or media files is recommended for future research.