An Integrated Data Acquisition Approach for the Structural Health Monitoring and Real-Time Earthquake Response Assessment of a Retrofitted Adobe Church in Peru.

The structural health monitoring (SHM) of buildings provides relevant data for the evaluation of the structural behavior over time, the efficiency of maintenance, strengthening, and post-earthquake conditions. This paper presents the design and implementation of a continuous SHM system based on dynamic properties, base accelerations, crack widths, out-of-plane rotations, and environmental data for the retrofitted church of Kuñotambo, a 17th century adobe structure, located in the Peruvian Andes. The system produces continuous hourly records. The organization, data collection, and processing of the SHM system follows different approaches and stages, concluding with the assessment of the structural and environmental conditions over time compared to predefined thresholds. The SHM system was implemented in May 2022 and is part of the Seismic Retrofitting Project of the Getty Conservation Institute. The initial results from the first twelve months of monitoring revealed seasonal fluctuations in crack widths, out-of-plane rotations, and natural frequencies, influenced by hygrothermal cycles, and an apparent positive trend, but more data are needed to justify the nature of these actions. This study emphasizes the necessity for extended data collection to establish robust correlations and refine monitoring strategies, aiming to enhance the longevity and safety of historic adobe structures under seismic risk.

Crack cocaine inhalation increases seizure susceptibility by reducing acetylcholinesterase activity.

Crack cocaine is a highly addictive and potent stimulant drug. Animal studies have shown that the cholinergic system plays a role in neurotoxicity induced by cocaine or its active metabolites inhalation. Behavioral alterations associated with crack cocaine use include hyperactivity, depressed mood, and decreased seizure threshold. Here we evaluate the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, behavioral profile, and the threshold for epileptic seizures in rats that received intrahippocampal pilocarpine (H-PILO) followed by exposure to crack cocaine (H-PILO + CRACK). Animals exposed to H-PILO + CRACK demonstrated increased severity and frequency of limbic seizures. The AChE activity was reduced in the groups exposed to crack cocaine alone (CRACK) and H-PILO + CRACK, whereas levels of ROS remained unchanged. In addition, crack cocaine exposure increased vertical locomotor activity, without changing water and sucrose intake. Short-term memory consolidation remained unchanged after H-PILO, H-PILO + CRACK, and CRACK administration. Overall, our data suggest that crack cocaine inhalation reduced the threshold for epileptic seizures in rats submitted to low doses of pilocarpine through the inhibition of AChE. Taken together, our findings can be useful in the development of effective strategies for preventing and treating the harmful effects of cocaine and crack cocaine on the central nervous system.

Neurotoxicity of crack cocaine exposure: evidence from a systematic review of in vitro and in vivo studies.

Several studies suggest that crack cocaine users exhibit higher prevalence of both psychiatric and psychosocial problems, with an aggressive pattern of drug use. Nevertheless, few experimental studies attempted to verify the neurotoxicity after crack cocaine exposure, especially when compared with other routes of cocaine administration. This systematic review aimed to verify whether in vitro and/or in vivo crack cocaine exposure is more neurotoxic than cocaine exposure (snorted or injected). A search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS databases for in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies conducted with either rats or mice, with no distinction with regard to sex or age. Other methods including BioRxiv, BDTD, Academic Google, citation searching, and specialist consultation were also adopted. Two independent investigators screened the titles and abstracts of retrieved studies and subsequently performed full-text reading and data extraction. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Toxicological data Reliability assessment Tool (ToxRTool). The study protocol was registered with the Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO; CRD42022332250). Of the twelve studies included, three were in vitro and nine were in vivo studies. According to the ToxRTool, most studies were considered reliable either with or without restrictions, with no one being considered as not reliable. The studies found neuroteratogenic effects, decreased threshold for epileptic seizures, schizophrenic-like symptoms, and cognitive deficits to be associated with crack cocaine exposure. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies reported a worsening in cocaine neurotoxic effect caused by the anhydroecgonine methyl ester (AEME), a cocaine main pyrolysis product, which is in line with the more aggressive pattern of crack cocaine use. This systematic review suggests that crack cocaine exposure is more neurotoxic than other routes of cocaine administration. However, before the scarcity of studies on this topic, further toxicological studies are necessary.

Intervention diversity predicts social rehabilitation indicators at discharge in Therapeutic Communities.

INTRODUCTION: The Therapeutic Community Model narrows the gap in substance use disorder's network of assistance in Brazil by offering residential treatment to socially vulnerable populations. Due to a historical lack of evidence-based approaches, the government has established treatment guidelines and has been trying to implement training and monitoring methods. METHOD: This study analysed real-world data from the monitoring system implemented in the largest network of institutions receiving public funds in the State of Sao Paulo. Data came from 8109 records of individuals admitted between 2014 and 2016 in 48 institutions. RESULTS: Results showed that less than half of the sample was exposed to at least one therapeutic activity from each of the recreational, spiritual, educational and selfcare intervention domains, as proposed by the national guidelines. Social rehabilitation outcome (SRO) defined by housing and self-support at discharge was reported by 21 % of the sample, who stayed in residential treatment for 82.6 days in average. More than half completed the therapeutic programme while 27.3 % dropout. Treatment duration and the diversity of the interventions offered were significantly associated with SRO when mutually adjusted. Chances of SRO increased nearly 5 times when residents were offered the full range of intervention domains, even when controlling for treatment duration. Treatment duration increased chances of SRO in a dose-response manner with a threefold increase for stays up to 90 days and over 9 times for stays longer than 90 days. CONCLUSION: Our findings offer evidence to promote treatment guidelines compliance and to pave the way for the implementation of monitoring systems for this modality of treatment in Brazil and abroad.

Preliminary investigation of the administration of biperiden to reduce relapses in individuals with cocaine/crack user disorder: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have demonstrated that ACh modulates the dopaminergic circuit in the nucleus accumbens, and its blockade appears to be associated with the inhibition of the reinforced effect or the increase in dopamine caused by cocaine use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of biperiden (a muscarinic receptor antagonist with a relatively higher affinity for the M1 receptor) on crack/cocaine use relapse compared to a control group that received placebo. METHODS: This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The intervention group received 2 mg of biperiden, 3 times a day, for a period of 3 months. The control group received identical placebo capsules, at the same frequency and over the same period. All participants were followed for a period of six months. RESULTS: The sample comprised 128 people, with 61 in the control group and 67 in the biperiden group. Lower substance consumption was observed in the group that received biperiden treatment two (bT2 = -2.2 [-3.3; -1.0], p < 0.001) and six months (bT4 = -6, 2 [-8.6; -3.9], p < 0.001) after the beginning of the intervention. The biperiden group had a higher latency until a possible first day of consumption, in the same evaluation periods (bT2 = 0.26 [0.080; 0.44], p = 0.004; bT4 = 0.63 [0.32; 0.93], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the major limitations of the present study, the group that received biperiden reduced the number of days of cocaine/crack use and showed an increase in the latency time for relapse. More studies are needed to confirm the utility of this approach.

Apego materno-fetal, trauma infantil e forças de caráter em gestantes usuárias de crack / Maternal-fetal attachment, childhood trauma and character strengths in pregnant crack users

RESUMO Objetivos: o estudo buscou avaliar o apego materno-fetal, os traumas na infância e as forças de caráter em mulheres que fizeram uso de crack durante a gestação, internadas em hospital público, em Porto Alegre. Métodos: foram entrevistadas 24 gestantes, em um delineamento transversal, e aplicados os instrumentos: Questionário sobre Traumas na Infância, Escala de Apego Materno-Fetal e Escala de Forças e Virtudes. Resultados: foi encontrado um grau médio ou alto de apego materno-fetal e alta frequência de traumas sofridos na infância, destacando-se abuso emocional e negligência física. Não houve associação significativa entre o vínculo materno fetal e a ocorrência de traumas na infância. As forças de caráter com maior escore foram: bravura, autenticidade e amor. Conclusões: Apesar das condições adversas, foi observado que as gestantes tinham um elevado apego materno-fetal. A identificação das forças de caráter que se destacaram pode ajudar para um tratamento mais efetivo dessas mulheres, sendo esta uma boa estratégia no planejamento de políticas de saúde pública.

ABSTRACT Objective: the study aimed to evaluate maternal-fetal attachment, childhood traumas, and character strengths in women who used crack during pregnancy admitted to a public hospital in Porto Alegre. Methods: twenty-four pregnant women were interviewed, in a cross-sectional design, and were applied the instruments: Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale and the Characters Strenghts Scale. Results: a medium or high degree of maternal-fetal attachment and a high frequency of childhood traumas was found, standing out emotional abuse and physical neglect. There was no significant association between maternal-fetal bonding and the occurrence of trauma in childhood. The character strengths that obtained the highest scores among the pregnant women were bravery, authenticity and love. Conclusion: despite the adverse conditions, it was observed that the pregnant women had a high maternal-fetal attachment. Identifying the strengths that stood out may contribute to the more effective treatment of these women, this being a good strategy in the planning of public health policies.

Psychiatric and obstetric characteristics of pregnant crack users admitted to a referral center in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Psychoactive substance use among pregnant women has reached alarmingly high rates. Our aim was to characterize the psychiatric and clinical profiles of pregnant crack users in Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 24 pregnant crack users admitted to a referral hospital for psychiatric disorders in pregnant women, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, over three years. The following instruments were applied: a clinical-obstetric questionnaire; the condensed version of the Addiction Severity Index; a diagnostic interview for psychoactive substance use based on DSM-5; the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for DSM-IV; and the Semi-Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II). RESULTS: Most patients had severe crack dependence and used other substances, such as tobacco, cannabis, and alcohol. The median duration of crack use was three years, ranging between three and 12 years. Most women subsisted from illegal or informal activities; a fifth had previously been arrested and often had relationship problems. Twenty percent had HIV (n = 5), and 37.5% (n = 9) had syphilis. Borderline personality disorder was the most prevalent mental condition (62.5%), followed by suicidal tendencies (45.8%), hypomanic episodes due to substance use (37.5%), and past major depressive episodes (33.3%). CONCLUSIONS: An alarmingly high prevalence of consumption of other drugs, psychiatric disorders, and difficult-to-treat personality disorders was observed in our study. Investigating the psychiatric profile of women who use substances is essential to minimize the impacts on the mother and child, optimize therapeutic approaches to comorbidities, and enable more effective relapse prevention.

Are Cytomorphogenetic Events Correlated with Oral Mucosal Lesions Induced by Crack Cocaine Use? A Systematic Review.

The aim of this systematic review was to answer the question of whether crack cocaine can induce cellular and molecular alterations and whether such alterations are somehow related to clinical lesions in the oral mucosa. The searches were undertaken in three electronic databases and conducted based on the PRISMA 2020 statement. Eleven studies published between 1994 and 2020 were analyzed. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two independent reviewers (TGP and DAR) through a confounder's categorization methodology, in which final ratings were attributed (strong, moderate or weak) for each study. From 11 studies included, 7 evaluated the cellular/molecular impact of the addiction in a total of 492 individuals and compared to a control (non-exposure) group (n = 472). The main tests used for cellular alteration were MN and AgNORs. Cells from crack cocaine groups exhibited increased proliferation and MN counting. Only four studies evaluated the prevalence of oral lesions. All of them showed that individuals exposed to crack cocaine presented an increased number of oral lesions. Most studies showed good quality. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that crack use may induce changes at the cellular and molecular level and also exhibit an increased number of oral lesions. However, a correlation between such changes and oral mucosa lesions still needs further investigation and elucidation through other clinical studies in humans.

Transgenerational Cycle of Traumatization and HIV Risk Exposure among Crack Users.

The aim of this manuscript is to understand the impact of childhood sexual abuse on the development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) exposure. and parental neglect in crack cocaine users, considering the role of gender. This study is a secondary database analysis of a sample from a multicenter cross-sectional study with 715 crack cocaine users receiving outpatient treatment in public mental health networks in six Brazilian capitals. Prevalence ratios were estimated by Poisson regression. In crack cocaine users with childhood sexual abuse, traumatic experiences seem to remain fixed through the development of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in adulthood. Crack cocaine users with childhood abuse and PTSD in adulthood showed more sexual risk behaviors, including outcomes such as HIV (PR = 3.6 p < 0.001 for childhood abuse and PR = 3.7 p < 0.001 for PTSD). Furthermore, this traumatic trajectory affects the functional ability of crack cocaine users, especially women, to work thus impacting their inclusion and sense of social belonging. Such a chain seems to be reflected in the establishment of a circle of transgenerational transmission, to the extent that subjects with a history of abuse and PTSD reported more parental neglect towards their children. This study reinforces the importance of preventive public policies regarding early socio-emotional vulnerabilities and the need to support families, especially women, to avoid HIV and self-destructive outcomes such as crack cocaine use.

Cuidado em saúde mental com gestantes usuárias de crack / Mental health care with pregnant crack users / Cuidadode salud mental con mujeres embarazadas que utilizan crack

Neste manuscrito, apresentamos uma pesquisa cujo objetivo foi o de compreender como vem sendo produzidas as práticas de cuidado às gestantes usuárias de crack nos serviços de saúde de um município do interior do Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudo de abordagem qualitativa, foi realizado junto a dois serviços públicos, o Programa de Redução de Danos (PRD) e o Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para Álcool e outras Drogas (CAPSad III), com cinco mulheres voluntárias para a pesquisa. As histórias de vida foram reconstruídas a partir de suas narrativas e também de profissionais da saúde que proveram algum tipo de cuidado às participantes. Após a exposição das histórias, refletimos sobre três pistas importantes para pensarmos as práticas de cuidado às gestantes usuárias de crack: saúde mental, uso de drogas e interseccionalidade; direitos humanos, hierarquias reprodutivas e concepções de maternidade; e as práticas de cuidado em saúde. Observamos que as concepções dos profissionais acerca da maternidade direcionam as práticas de cuidado em saúde, caracterizando-se como um cuidado no espectro da saúde materno-infantil, e não um cuidado direcionado à saúde da mulher. Conhecer as demandas de cuidado dessas mulheres é essencial para que possamos pensar em práticas de saúde pautadas pela clínica ampliada. (AU)

In this manuscript, we present a research whose objective was to understand how the practicesof care to the pregnant women users of crack have been being produced in the services of health in a town of Rio Grande do Sul. This study of qualitative approach it was developed jointly to two public services, the Program of Reduction of Harms (PRH) andPsychosocial Care Centers Alcohol and other Drugs (CAPSad), with five voluntary women for the research. The life histories were rebuilt starting from their narratives and also of health's professionals that provided some care to the participants.After exposing the stories, we reflected on three important clues to think about care practices for pregnant women who use crack: mental health, drug use and intersectionality; human rights, reproductive hierarchies and conceptions of motherhood; and health care practices. We observed that the professionals' conceptions about maternity guide health care practices, characterized as care in the spectrum of maternal and child health, and not care directed at women's health.Knowing the care demands of these women is essential for us to think about health practices guided by the expanded clinic. (AU)

En este manuscrito presentamos una investigación cuyoobjetivo fue comprender cómo se ha producidolas prácticas de atención a las embarazadas usuarias de crack en los servicios de salud de una ciudad del interior de Rio Grande do Sul. Este estudio cualitativo se realizó con dos servicios públicos, el Programa de Reducción de Daños (PRD) y el Centro de Atención Psicosocial de Alcohol y Otras Drogas (CAPSad III), con cinco mujeres voluntarias para la investigación. Las historias de vida fueron reconstruidas a partir de sus narrativas y también de profesionalesde la salud que brindaron algún tipo de atención a los participantes. Luego de exponer las historias, reflexionamos sobre tres claves importantes para pensar en las prácticas de cuidado de las embarazadas que consumen crack: salud mental, consumo de drogas y interseccionalidad; derechos humanos, jerarquías reproductivas y concepciones de la maternidad; y prácticas de atención de la salud.Observamos que las concepciones de los profesionales sobre la maternidad orientan las prácticas de atención de la salud, caracterizadas como cuidados en el espectro de la salud maternoinfantil, y no cuidados dirigidos a la salud de la mujer. Conocer las demandas de atención de estas mujeres es fundamental para que pensemos en las prácticas de salud guiadas por la clínica ampliada. (AU)

Is There a Relationship between Laser Therapy and Root Canal Cracks Formation? A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Crack formation has become an important issue for endodontists, as it can be decisive for the long-term prognosis of the endodontically treated tooth. Since the applicability of laser in endodontics has become frequent, this systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between laser therapy and the formation of cracks in the dentinal structure of the root canal. Materials and Methods: A search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library, as well as in the gray literature, on September 24, 2021. Studies that evaluated the formation of cracks in human root dentin due to different types of lasers were included. The risk of bias was assessed following the modified version of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist tool. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate (i) the total number of crack incidences; (ii) complete crack formation; (iii) incomplete crack formation; (iv) intra-dentinal crack formation between ultrasonic tips and laser use. The mean difference was calculated with a 95% confidence interval in a fixed-effect model, the heterogeneity was tested using the I2 index with level of significance of 5%. Results: Of the 22 studies included in this review, 15 have shown that lasers can form cracks in root dentin, including those that performed baseline assessment of samples. The meta-analysis confirmed no difference in crack formation between ultrasonic tips and laser devices. Conclusions: Laser therapy has been gaining prominence in endodontics and that irradiation can form and propagate cracks in the dentinal structure of the root canal assessed by in vitro studies. This is a critical concern for endodontists as it affects the strength and longevity of the tooth. Future research is encouraged to seek the standardization of good methodological practices and achieve establishing parameters to minimize harmful effects of laser on dentin.

Dynamic Fracture Resistance under Plane Strain Conditions of High-Density Polyethylene Nanoclay Composites.

Polymer nanoclay composites have received significant attention due to their substantially enhanced mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. However, the effect of these nanoclays on the dynamic fracture resistance of a polymer matrix during fast fracture events has not been documented. In this study, the effect of nanoclay addition on the rapid crack propagation (RCP) resistance of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) was investigated through the high-speed double torsion test. Results showed that the addition of 1, 3, and 5% of nanoclays improved the dynamic fracture resistance under the plane strain conditions (Gd1) of HDPE up to 65%. An increase in the storage and loss modulus, and a decrease in crystallinity and melt flow index with nanoclay content was also found. Although the presence of agglomerates can hinder the enhancement of Gd1 as it promotes agglomerate fracture and debonding, the increase in energy consumption through fibrillation and crazing promoted by the nanoclay prevails, suggesting that the nanoclay's toughening effect that has been extensively reported under quasi-static and impact tests, is also present under RCP conditions, and that the HDPE nanocomposites could be used in applications in which RCP must be prevented.

Early discharge predictors among inpatients crack cocaine users.

INTRODUCTION: High rates of early hospital discharge are often observed in crack cocaine users and are related to adverse outcomes and increased public spending. This study evaluated clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with early treatment discharge among crack users. METHODS: The sample comprised 308 men diagnosed with crack cocaine use disorder (crack only), aged 18 to 65 years, admitted between 2013 and 2017 to a male-only hospital unit to treat substance use disorders. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained using the Addiction Severity Index, 6th version, and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. RESULTS: Early discharge (within 7 days) was significantly associated with lack of own income, insufficient family support, being single, and recent homelessness. Regarding drug use, lower treatment retention was related to younger age of crack use onset, recent alcohol use, and nicotine use. Factors such as age, skin color, and educational level showed no relation to the outcome. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that presence of characteristics verifiable at the time of admission may be related to crack users' treatment retention. Identification of these factors can contribute to target interventions in order to improve treatment adherence in crack cocaine users.

Street scars: Suicide ideation and suicide attempt among street-involved adolescents and youth in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the prevalence of suicidal ideation and attempts as well as suicide attempts' associated factors among street-involved youth in southern Brazil. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study was conducted with street-involved adolescents and children from Porto Alegre and Rio Grande, Brazil. METHODS: A respondent-driven sampling strategy was used to access this hard-to-reach population quickly and efficiently. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted, with the latter being binary logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of suicide attempts was 16.3%, while the frequency of suicidal ideation was 30.9%. Most participants were male, aged between 16 and 18 years, with no ties to school and family. Almost half of the sample had been in a street situation for five years or more, and two-thirds reported spending more than seven hours a day on the streets. Variables independently associated with suicide attempts were aged 19-21 years old, with reduced ties with school and family, having had an experience of sexual abuse, and lifetime use of crack. CONCLUSIONS: Public policies targeting the strengthening ties of street-involved children, adolescents, and youth with school and family might reduce their vulnerability to threats, such as sexual abuse and use of crack, and hence focus on decreasing suicide attempts.

The Interactions Between Vulnerabilities for HIV and Syphilis among Cisgender and Transgender People Who Use Drugs.

In Brazil, transgender people are most affected by HIV, and crack cocaine addiction may contribute to social vulnerability and exposure to sexual and violence-related risks. This cross-sectional study comprised 2393 individuals seeking addiction treatment, consisting of 43 trans women, 1995 cisgender men, and 355 cisgender women. Records of rapid test results for HIV and syphilis and screening responses of trans women were compared to both cisgender groups using a logistic regression model to identify associated risk factors. HIV prevalence was higher in the transgender group (39.5%) than in cis women and men (5.9% and 3.6%, respectively). Our study showed an eightfold higher chance of a positive HIV test among transgender individuals who used drugs (OR: 8.79, p < .01, 95% CI: 3.90-19.78) compared to cisgender people who used drugs. A lifetime history of syphilis infection was more common in transgender people (60.0%) and cis women (32.8%) than in cis men (9.5%). Active syphilis was also more common in the transgender population (OR: 5.46, p < .01, 95% CI: 2.63 11.32). In our sample, 44.2% of transgender individuals had a history of at least one suicide attempt in their lifetime. Our results showed that transgender women were at higher risk of crack cocaine use (OR: 5.51, p < .01, 95% CI: 2.16-14.06) than cisgender men and women. The study showed that trans women had a higher prevalence of syphilis and HIV, and a greater chance of being homeless. The synergy of these vulnerabilities may have led to our findings of high psychotic symptoms and a history of suicide attempts in transgender individuals.

High COVID-19 morbidity and mortality risk among smoked drug users in Brazil.

ABSTRACT: In much of the West, including Brazil, drug use has increased since social distancing began in response to the pandemic. Use of smoked and modified drugs, and their impacts on health, may contribute to aggravate the effects of the pandemic. However, studies on the relationship between use of smoked drugs and the new coronavirus are still scarce and have not received enough attention in global health recommendations. This paper aims to briefly review the relationship between use of smoked drugs and acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]. Recent studies also suggest that drug consumption increases the risk of contamination by SARS-CoV-2 and leads to worse prognosis, particularly consumption of drugs that affect lung function. Use of smoked drugs, especially tobacco, is strongly associated with lung diseases that are risk factors for contamination by SARS-CoV-2. It is essential to develop strategies based on specific characteristics of drug users and for mental health professionals to be included in strategic teams. It is also necessary to invest in information campaigns regarding risks and prevention of harm caused by smoked drugs as well as to design strategies that facilitate access to psychosocial treatment during the pandemic.

Avaliação da prevalência de trinca, fratura e reabsorção cervical externa pré e durante a pandemia da Covid-19: um estudo coorte retrospectivo / Evaluation of the prevalence of cracks, fractures and external cervical reabortion before and during the Covid-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study

Evidências emergentes mostram que a pandemia teve impactos significativos na saúde mental, provocando aumento da ansiedade e maior isolamento social devido às políticas de distanciamento físico introduzidas para controlar a doença. Um dos relatos mais frequentes dos cirurgiões-dentistas na pandemia foi o aumento do número de casos de pacientes com bruxismo e apertamento. Em consequência, observou-se acentuado número de casos de trincas e fraturas. Outra possível consequência do quadro de bruxismo e apertamento dos pacientes é a ocorrência de reabsorção cervical externa. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o número de casos com a presença de fratura, trinca e reabsorção cervical externa antes, durante e pós pandemia da COVID-19. Os dados foram obtidos através de tomografia computadorizada cone beam no centro de radiologia Slice, uma clínica particular de radiologia referência em endodontia na cidade de Belo Horizonte Minas Gerais, Brasil. O presente estudo observou um aumento no número de casos de trinca e fratura nos anos de 2020, 2021 e 2022. Os casos de reabsorção cervical externa apresentaram um aumento nos anos de 2021 e 2022. A pandemia da COVID-19 trouxe várias consequências negativas para a população, dentre elas o aumento da ansiedade e do estresse, que estão diretamente relacionados com o hábito do bruxismo e apertamento dental, consequentemente os casos de trincas, fraturas e reabsorção cervical externa aumentaram.

Emerging evidence shows that the pandemic has had significant impacts on mental health, causing increased anxiety and greater social isolation due to physical distancing policies introduced to control the disease. One of the most frequent reports from dental surgeons during the pandemic was the increase in the number of cases of patients with bruxism and clenching. As a result, a high number of cases of cracks and fractures were observed. Another possible consequence of patients' bruxism and clenching is the occurrence of external cervical resorption. The objective of this study is to evaluate the number of cases with the presence of fractures, cracks and external cervical resorption before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were obtained through cone beam computed tomography at the Slice radiology center, a private radiology clinic that is a reference in endodontics in the city of Belo Horizonte Minas Gerais, Brazil. The present study observed an increase in the number of crack and fracture cases in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Cases of external cervical resorption increased in 2021 and 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic brought several negative consequences for the population, among them the increase in anxiety and stress, which are directly related to the habit of bruxism and clenching teeth, consequently the cases of cracks, fractures and external cervical resorption have increased.

Representações Sociais do planejamento da maternidade em gestantes usuárias de drogas / Social representations of maternity planning in pregnant drug users / Representaciones sociales de la planificación de la maternidad en embarazadas usuarias de drogas

Objetivo: compreender as Representações Sociais do planejamento e do desejo de exercer a maternidade em gestantes usuárias de drogas que vivencia/vivenciou a gravidez na adolescência. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo, fundamentado na Teoria das Representações Sociais. Foram entrevistadas 10 adolescentes que vivenciaram a gestação e o uso de drogas. A análise dos dados foi realizada a partir da Análise Textual Discursiva. Resultados: os resultados apontaram falta de conhecimento sobre aspectos da vida sexual e uso de anticoncepcionais. A droga ocupou o espaço vazio de solidão e medo, sendo uma forma encontrada pelas adolescentes de lidar com os problemas da vida. Apesar de muitas não terem planejado a gestação, esse processo motivou a diminuição do uso da substância. Conclusão: o estudo revelou a necessidade de diálogo sobre o processo gestacional na adolescência e uso de drogas, bem como, a importância de pesquisas e ações governamentais que abordem este problema de saúde pública

Objective: to understand the Social Representations of planning and the desire to exercise motherhood. Method: qualitative, descriptive study, based on the Theory of Social Representations.10 adolescents who experienced pregnancy and drug use were interviewed. Data analysis was performed using Discursive Textual Analysis. Results: lack of knowledge about aspects of sexual life and use of contraceptives was observed. The drug occupied an empty space of loneliness and fear, a found way of dealing with life's problems. Although many did not plan the pregnancy, this process motivated the decrease in substance use/dependence. Conclusion: the study revealed the need for dialogue about the pregnancy process in adolescence and drug use, as well as the importance of research that problematize this public health problem

Objetivos: comprender las Representaciones Sociales de la planificación y el deseo de ejercer la maternidad. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en la Teoría de las Representaciones Sociales. Se entrevistaron 10 adolescentes que vivieron el embarazo y el consumo de drogas. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante análisis textual discursivo. Resultados: se observó desconocimiento sobre aspectos de la vida sexual y uso de anticonceptivos. La droga ocupaba un espacio vacío de soledad y miedo, una forma encontrada de afrontar los problemas de la vida. Aunque muchas no planificaron el embarazo, este proceso motivó la disminución del uso / dependencia de sustancias. Conclusión: el estudio reveló la necesidad de dialogar sobre el proceso del embarazo en la adolescencia y el consumo de drogas, así como la importancia de las investigaciones que problematizan este problema de salud pública

Unlocking the secrets of saliva: the promising potential of salivary biomarkers for evaluating crack use / Desvendando os segredos da saliva: o potencial promissor dos biomarcadores salivares para avaliar o uso de crack

The forthcoming letter will encompass the following highlights: Crack cocaine use involves smoking a highly addictive form of cocaine, which is a significant concern in Brazil, particularly in urban areas. This addiction is linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular issues, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like AIDS and syphilis, tuberculosis, and a notable increase in mortality, largely due to violent causes. Furthermore, crack cocaine users are particularly vulnerable to dental caries, gingival inflammation, oral mucosa lesions, and xerostomia (AU)

A próxima carta incluirá os seguintes destaques: O uso de crack envolve fumar uma forma altamente viciante da cocaína, o que é uma preocupação significativa no Brasil, especialmente em áreas urbanas. Esta dependência está ligada a vários problemas de saúde, incluindo problemas cardiovasculares, infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST), como a AIDS e a sífilis, a tuberculose e um aumento notável da mortalidade, devido, em grande parte, a causas violentas. Além disso, os usuários de crack são particularmente vulneráveis a cáries dentárias, inflamação gengival, lesões na mucosa oral e xerostomia (AU)

Early discharge predictors among inpatient crack cocaine users

Abstract Introduction High rates of early hospital discharge are often observed in crack cocaine users and are related to adverse outcomes and increased public spending. This study evaluated clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with early treatment discharge among crack users. Methods The sample comprised 308 men diagnosed with crack cocaine use disorder (crack only), aged 18 to 65 years, admitted between 2013 and 2017 to a male-only hospital unit to treat substance use disorders. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained using the Addiction Severity Index, 6th version, and a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. Results Early discharge (within 7 days) was significantly associated with lack of own income, insufficient family support, being single, and recent homelessness. Regarding drug use, lower treatment retention was related to younger age of crack use onset, recent alcohol use, and nicotine use. Factors such as age, skin color, and educational level showed no relation to the outcome. Conclusion Our findings suggest that presence of characteristics verifiable at the time of admission may be related to crack users' treatment retention. Identification of these factors can contribute to target interventions in order to improve treatment adherence in crack cocaine users.