Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation in the management of sleep bruxism in children: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Sleep hygiene measures and meditation may reduce stress and improve sleep quality, but their effect on the occurrence of sleep bruxism in children has not yet been investigated. AIM: To explore the effects of sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation (relaxation audio) in the management of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children. DESIGN: This clinical trial (no. NCT04501237) randomized 36 children with 3-8 years of age. Probable SB detection was performed according to the criteria established by the International Consensus on The Assessment of Bruxism-2018. Intervention group was instructed to practice sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation (i.e., the use of a digital app to broadcast audio relaxation) each night before bedtime for 5 weeks; control group did not receive guidance for therapies. Parents completed a bruxism diary for 5 weeks, and the outcome was the number of SB episodes-day reported in the week (ranging from 0 to 7) in each period. A multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression model was performed. RESULTS: A total of 32 children (mean age: 6.1 years) completed the study. The children who received the therapies related to sleep hygiene measures and mindfulness meditation had a reduction in the SB incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 46% (IRR = 0.54 [Confidence Interval 95%, 0.45-0.65]) during a 5-week observation period. The sensitivity analyses did not show relevant changes in the measure of the effect. CONCLUSION: Sleep hygiene measures combined with mindfulness meditation reduced the SB in children.

The role of metabolic syndrome as a mediator in the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in young adults with bipolar disorder.

Mixed features presentation in bipolar disorder (BD) represents the most severe form of the disease. BD may lead to cognitive and functional deterioration, a process known as neuroprogression, which appears to be exacerbated by increased serum levels of CCL11, a neuroprogression-related cytokine. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in BD, and it is known that the presence of MetS may increase inflammation, which may contribute to increased CCL11 levels, and consequently impact on the severity of the disorder. What is not known is whether the MetS mediates the association between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of MetS on the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD, in a population-based study. This is a cross-sectional study that included 184 young adults, 92 with BD and 92 populational controls, matched by sex and age. BD diagnosis was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - PLUS. Mood episodes with mixed features was defined according to DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III). Substance use was assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). CCL11 serum levels were analyzed using the multiplex analysis method Luminex 200™ system. The mediation model was tested using the MedMod module of the JAMOVI 2.4.8 software. Mediation analysis indicated a trend towards significance of MetS mediating the association between CCL11 and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in BD (p = 0.065). Individuals with BD presenting with a mood episode with mixed features and MetS may have accelerated neuroprogression due to the influence of MetS on CCL11 levels, therefore, assessing for MetS occurrence in this population and implementing early interventions to prevent its development may be effective ways of delaying cognitive impairments related to this cytokine.

Exploring protective factors in a high-risk subsample: the pivotal role of paternal support in preventing depression in a cohort of young adults.

BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global concern due to its widespread prevalence and morbidity. Identifying protective factors in high-risk individuals, including those with a familial predisposition, maltreatment history, and socio-economic vulnerabilities, is crucial. METHODS: We assessed a high-risk subsample within a young adult population cohort (n = 791; mean age = 31.94 [SD = 2.18]) across three waves. Using multiple regression models to analyse higher education, feeling supported, spirituality, psychotherapy access, higher socioeconomic status, involvement in activities, cohabitation, and family unity in Waves 1 and 2, and their association with MDD resilience at Wave 3. RESULTS: In the high-risk group, MDD incidence was 13.7% (n=24). Paternal support had a protective effect on MDD incidence (OR = 0.366; 95% CI [0.137 to 0.955], p = 0.040) and suicidal attempt risk (OR = 0.380; 95% CI [0.150 to 0.956], p = 0.038). Higher resilience scores were also protective (OR = 0.975; 95% CI [0.953 to 0.997], p = 0.030), correlating with reduced BDI (r = 0.0484; B = -0.2202; 95% CI [-0.3572 to -0.0738]; p = 0.003) and MADRS scores (r = 0.0485; B = -0.2204; 95% CI [-0.3574 to -0.0741]; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our paper emphasizes reorienting the MDD approach, focusing on positive prevention strategies. It highlights fathers' crucial role in family-based interventions and promoting resilience in high-risk populations.

The role of parental stress on emotional and behavioral problems in offspring: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Empirical evidence underscores an association between parental stress and emotional and behavioral problems in offspring. However, a comprehensive systematic review or meta-analysis on this topic is lacking. Thus, this study aims to address the scientific inquiry: Is there a relationship between parental stress and emotional/behavioral problems in children? SOURCES: This systematic review with a meta-analysis surveyed PubMed, PsycINFO, and the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde between August and September 2021. The present search combined terms (school-age children) AND (parental stress OR parenting stress OR family stress) AND (emotional and behavioral problems OR internalizing and externalizing problems). Eligibility criteria encompassed cross-sectional, cohort, and case-control studies published within the last five years, exploring the association between parental stress (stressful life events and parenthood-related stress disorders) and emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children. PROSPERO ID CRD42022274034. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Of the 24 studies meeting all inclusion criteria (n = 31,183) for the systematic review, nine were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed an association between parental stress and emotional problems (COR: 0.46 [95 % CI: 0.27 - 0.61], p < 0.001, Heterogeneity = 89 %) as well as behavioral problems (COR: 0.37 [95 % CI: 0.27 - 0.46], p < 0.001, Heterogeneity = 76 %). CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that parental stress predicts emotional/behavioral problems in school-age children. Since these problems are related to long-term negative effects in adulthood, these results are crucial for preventing mental health problems in offspring and for screening and managing parental stress.

Influence of malocclusion on sleep bruxism and orofacial pain: data from a study in school children.

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional school-based study explored the influence of malocclusion on temporomandibular disorders (TMD) pain complaints, and whether this association would be mediated by sleep bruxism in a representative sample of 7- to 8-year-old children. METHODS: Path analysis estimated direct, indirect, and total effects of occlusal features on sleep bruxism and TMD pain in 7- to 8-year-old children. Occlusal features were assessed with Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI), orofacial pain complaints using the TMD pain screener, possible sleep bruxism based on self-reports, and probable sleep bruxism based on self-reports combined with clinical findings. Structural equation modeling analyzed data with confounding factors. RESULTS: From 580 participants, possible sleep bruxism was observed in 136 children (31.5%), probable sleep bruxism in 30 children (6.7%), and TMD pain complaints in 78 children (13.8%). Malocclusion had no direct effect on either possible sleep bruxism [standardized coefficient (SC) 0.000; p = 0.992], or TMD pain complaints (SC - 0.01; p = 0.740). When probable sleep bruxism was set as the mediator of interest, malocclusion did not directly affect probable sleep bruxism (SC 0.01; p = 0.766), nor TMD pain complaints (SC - 0.02; p = 0.515). A direct effect of probable sleep bruxism on TMD pain complaints was observed with an SC of 0.60 (p < 0.001). However, in neither case, malocclusion indirectly affected TMD pain complaints via bruxism. CONCLUSION: Malocclusion in 7- to 8-year-old children did not directly influence possible or probable sleep bruxism or TMD pain complaints. Instead, probable sleep bruxism was strongly associated with TMD pain complaints. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The impact of occlusal features on TMD pain complaints and bruxism has been a long-standing controversy in dentistry. However, the scientific literature linking this association may be inconsistent, mainly due to biased sample selection methods with inadequate consideration of confounders. Further research should try to identify additional risk factors for TMD pain in addition to probable sleep bruxism in children.

Factors associated with suicide risk in young women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder: A population-based study.

PURPOSE: Women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) are more likely to report suicide ideation and behavior when compared to women without PMDD. However, there is a lack of studies investigating the risk factors for suicide risk in women with PMDD. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess the factors associated with suicide risk in young women with PMDD. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study including 128 young women with PMDD who were recruited from the community. PMDD and suicide risk were assessed by trained psychologists using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI-PLUS). Suicide risk evaluation includes six questions that assess suicidal intention, planning and previous attempts. Subjects who answer yes to any of the six questions are classified as having current suicide risk. RESULTS: The prevalence of current suicide risk in women with PMDD was 28.1%. The factors associated with suicide risk in this population were: presenting current panic disorder (OR: 18.71 [95% CI: 1.02 - 343.27], p=0.048), a non-white skin color (OR: 4.18 [CI 95%: 1.28 - 13.61], p=0.018), greater severity of depressive symptoms (OR: 1.22 [95% CI: 1.12 - 1.32], < 0.001), and history of childhood trauma (OR: 1.04 [95% CI: 1.01 - 1.08], 0.010). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that there are key sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with suicide risk in young women with PMDD, enabling clinicians to identify at-risk individuals who could benefit from further screening and interventions.

Are big five personality traits associated to suicidal behaviour in adolescents? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Suicidal behaviour is one of the main causes of death worldwide, especially among teenagers, and its development is potentially associated with the development of personality. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to describe the association between the Big Five Personality Traits and suicidal behaviour in adolescents. METHODS: Seven databases were systematically searched between June 2022 and July 2022 with no language or year restrictions. We searched for a combination of the following search items (suicid* OR suicidal behaviour OR suicidal ideation OR suicide attempts OR self injury OR self-destructive behaviour OR self-harm OR suicidal risk) AND (personality OR personality traits OR temperament OR neuroticism OR extraversion OR agreeableness OR openness to experience OR conscientiousness) AND (adolescents OR youth OR teenagers OR young adults). Meta-analysis procedures were performed using the R software. A random-effect-model was performed for the models through the incorporation of τ2, based on the DerSimonion Lard method. RESULTS: Seven studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. Our meta-analysis showed that higher neuroticism are both associated and a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. Higher levels of openness to experience and agreeableness, and lower levels of extraversion and conscientiousness, were linked to suicidal behaviour, especially self-harm. LIMITATIONS: Due to the heterogeneity of the studies, we were only able to perform meta-analysis regarding neuroticism. CONCLUSION: The present study may help professionals to identify adolescents in higher risk for suicidal behaviour, enabling the development of early interventions to prevent suicidality in this population.

Blood Pressure Effect of Traffic-Related Air Pollution : A Crossover Trial of In-Vehicle Filtration.

BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution, including traffic-related air pollution (TRAP), increases cardiovascular disease risk, possibly through vascular alterations. Limited information exists about in-vehicle TRAP exposure and vascular changes. OBJECTIVE: To determine via particle filtration the effect of on-roadway TRAP exposure on blood pressure and retinal vasculature. DESIGN: Randomized crossover trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05454930). SETTING: In-vehicle scripted commutes driven through traffic in Seattle, Washington, during 2014 to 2016. PARTICIPANTS: Normotensive persons aged 22 to 45 years (n = 16). INTERVENTION: On 2 days, on-road air was entrained into the vehicle. On another day, the vehicle was equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration. Participants were blinded to the exposure and were randomly assigned to the sequence. MEASUREMENTS: Fourteen 3-minute periods of blood pressure were recorded before, during, and up to 24 hours after a drive. Image-based central retinal arteriolar equivalents (CRAEs) were measured before and after. Brachial artery diameter and gene expression were also measured and will be reported separately. RESULTS: Mean age was 29.7 years, predrive systolic blood pressure was 122.7 mm Hg, predrive diastolic blood pressure was 70.8 mm Hg, and drive duration was 122.3 minutes (IQR, 4 minutes). Filtration reduced particle count by 86%. Among persons with complete data (n = 13), at 1 hour, mean diastolic blood pressure, adjusted for predrive levels, order, and carryover, was 4.7 mm Hg higher (95% CI, 0.9 to 8.4 mm Hg) for unfiltered drives compared with filtered drives, and mean adjusted systolic blood pressure was 4.5 mm Hg higher (CI, -1.2 to 10.2 mm Hg). At 24 hours, adjusted mean diastolic blood pressure (unfiltered) was 3.8 mm Hg higher (CI, 0.02 to 7.5 mm Hg) and adjusted mean systolic blood pressure was 1.1 mm Hg higher (CI, -4.6 to 6.8 mm Hg). Adjusted mean CRAE (unfiltered) was 2.7 µm wider (CI, -1.5 to 6.8 µm). LIMITATIONS: Imprecise estimates due to small sample size; seasonal imbalance by exposure order. CONCLUSION: Filtration of TRAP may mitigate its adverse effects on blood pressure rapidly and at 24 hours. Validation is required in larger samples and different settings. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and National Institutes of Health.

Predicting functional impairment in euthymic patients with mood disorder: A 5-year follow-up.

Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Disorder are psychiatric disorders associated with psychosocial impairment. Despite clinical improvement, functional complaints usually remain, mainly impairing occupational and cognitive performance. The aim of this study was to use machine learning techniques to predict functional impairment in patients with mood disorders. For that, analyzes were performed using a population-based cohort study. Participants diagnosed with a mood disorder at baseline and reassessed were considered (n = 282). Random forest (RF) with previous recursive feature selection and LASSO algorithms were applied to a training set with imputed data by bagged trees resulting in two main models. Following recursive feature selection, 25 variables were retained. The RF model had the best performance compared to LASSO. The most important variables in predicting functional impairment were sexual abuse, severity of depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms, physical neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse. The model demonstrated acceptable performance to predict functional impairment. However, our sample is composed of young participants and the model may not generalize to older individuals with mood disorders. More studies are needed in this direction. The presented calculator has clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental data, demonstrating that it is possible to use such information to predict functional performance.

Mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and caries in children.

Behavioral characteristics may also take part in the etiology of dental caries. Sedentary behavior, especially watching television, is associated with increased intake of foods high in fat or free sugar, which could influence the occurrence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to assess the mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure time and the presence of dental caries in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 580 parent-child dyads with children aged 7 to 8 years in 20 public schools in Pelotas, Brazil. Parents or legal guardians were interviewed and provided information on demographic/socioeconomic data, children's daily television exposure time, and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN-K-eating pattern domain). Caries was evaluated through clinical examination. The mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and presence of dental caries was estimated using the parametric g-formula. Prevalence of dental caries was 63%, and 22% of children watched TV 4 or more hours per day. Television exposure had no direct effect on the dental caries experience [odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.92-1.19)]. Nevertheless, difficulty maintaining regular eating pattern mediated the natural indirect effect of television exposure time (≥ 4 hours/day) on dental caries experience [OR: 1.07 (95%CI): 1.01-1.14)]. The results of this study confirm the indirect pathway between television viewing and dental caries and the role of disordered eating patterns in this association.

Ego-defense mechanisms and brief psychotherapies for the management of major depressive disorder in adults: A longitudinal and quasi-experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of psychotherapies on ego defense mechanisms and the reduction of depressive symptoms in a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS: This longitudinal and quasi-experimental study nested within a randomized clinical trial included a clinical sample of adults (18-60 years) diagnosed with major depressive disorder using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Two models of psychotherapy were used: Supportive Expressive Dynamic Psychotherapy (SEDP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Defense Style Questionnaire 40 was used to analyze defense mechanisms and the Beck Depression Inventory was used to measure the depressive symptoms. RESULTS: The total sample comprised 195 patients (113 SEDP and 82 CBT), with the mean age was 35.63 (11.44) years. After adjustments, increased mature defenses was significantly associated with reduced depressive symptoms at all follow-up times (p < 0.001) and the decrease in immature defenses was significantly associated with the reduction of depressive symptoms at all follow-up times (p < 0.001). While neurotic defenses were not associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms at any time of follow-up (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both models of psychotherapy were effective in increasing mature defenses and decreasing immature ones, as well as decreasing depressive symptoms at all evaluation times. With this, it is understood that a greater understanding of these interactions will allow a more adequate diagnostic and prognostic evaluation and the design of useful strategies that adapt to the patient's reality.

Biological rhythms disruption mediates the association between mother's diagnosis of bipolar disorder and offspring's emotional/behavioral problems.

OBJECTIVE: The current study assesses whether the association between diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (BD) in mothers and emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in their offspring is mediated by a disruption in the offspring's biological rhythms. METHODS: A probabilistic sample of 492 public school children (ages 7-8, 48 % female) were assessed for biological rhythms disruption and EBP using the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, respectively. Mothers' mental health (BD = 64) was evaluated using a standardized clinical interview. A mediation analysis was conducted to assess the effect of the mother's diagnosis of BD on the EBP of their offspring in relation to the offspring's biological rhythms disruptions. RESULTS: When compared to offspring of mothers without BD, offspring of mothers with BD showed greater difficulty in maintaining biological rhythms and higher prevalence of EBP. Using the presence of EBP as the outcome, 75 % of the effect of mother's BD diagnosis was mediated by offspring's biological rhythms disruption. CONCLUSIONS: Biological rhythms disruption in children fully mediates the effect of the mother's diagnosis of BD on the child's EBP. These data encourage the development of further studies to find effective strategies to prevent and treat biological rhythms disruption in offspring of mothers with BD.

Childhood trauma, inflammatory biomarkers and the presence of a current depressive episode: Is there a relationship in subjects from a population study?

This study aims to compare the serum cytokine levels between controls, individuals with a current depressive episode (CDE) with childhood trauma and individuals with CDE without childhood trauma. This is a cross-sectional with paired sample nested in a population-based study. For the purposes of the current study, subjects who had psychotic symptoms, generalized anxiety disorder, and who refused to perform blood collection were excluded. Subsequently, only individuals who had a current depressive episode were selected (n = 76). Another 76 subjects were randomly paired by sex and age, constituting a population control group. The measurements of serum cytokine levels were performed using the multiplex analysis method. In the group with a CDE, when compared to the population control group, the following cytokines were high: IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α (p < 0.05). On the other hand, there was a decrease in the levels of cytokines IL-10 (p = 0.027) and IL12p70 (p = 0.001). Bonferroni test demonstrates that there is no statistically significant difference in serum cytokine levels between subjects with a CDE, with and without trauma (p > 0.05). In a multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for socioeconomic status, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs abuse/dependence, and use of psychiatric medication, we found that cytokines serum levels remained associated with CDE even when adjusted for these potential confounders. Our findings demonstrate that monitoring cytokine levels and immune function may be beneficial in preventing the development of a CDE. However, future research is necessary to investigate the impact of trauma on the relationship between inflammation and CDE.

Predictors of illicit substance abuse/dependence during young adulthood: A machine learning approach.

Prior studies have found an especially high prevalence of illicit substance use among adolescents and young adults in Brazil. The current study aimed to employ machine learning techniques to identify predictors of illicit substance abuse/dependence among a large community sample of young adults followed for 5 years. This prospective, population-based cohort study included a sample of young adults between the ages of 18-24 years from Pelotas, Brazil at baseline (T1). The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to assess illicit substance abuse/dependence. A clinical interview was conducted to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and psychopathology. Elastic net was used to generate a regularized linear model for the machine learning component of this study, which followed standard machine learning protocols. A total of 1560 young adults were assessed at T1, while 1244 were reassessed at the 5-year follow-up period (T2). The strongest predictors of illicit substance abuse/dependence at baseline (AUC of 0.83) were alcohol abuse/dependence, tobacco abuse/dependence, being in a current major depressive episode, history of a lifetime manic episode, current suicide risk, and male sex. The strongest predictors for illicit substance abuse/dependence at the 5-year follow-up (AUC: 0.79) were tobacco abuse/dependence at T1, history of a lifetime manic episode at T1, male sex, alcohol abuse/dependence at T1, and current suicide risk at T1. Our findings indicate that machine learning techniques hold the potential to predict illicit substance abuse/dependence among young adults using sociodemographic/clinical characteristics, with relatively high accuracy.

Temperament traits mediate the relationship between CACNA1C polymorphisms and bipolar disorder in cisgender women.

The influence of temperament traits on bipolar disorder (BD) has been investigated. Both temperament traits and BD are partially genetically determined and seem to be influenced by variations in the CACNA1C gene. These variations presented a significant interactive effect with biological sex, although studies that evaluate this relationship are scarce. Here, we assessed the mediation effect of temperament traits on the relationship between two polymorphisms in the CACNA1C gene (rs1006737 and rs4765913) and BD according to sex. This is a cross-sectional study consisting of 878 Caucasian individuals (508 women and 370 men), aged 18-35, enrolled in a population-based study in the city of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. BD diagnosis was evaluated using the clinical interview MINI 5.0, and temperament traits were assessed via the application of the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS). Mediation models were tested using the modeling tool PROCESS (version 3.3) for SPSS. Bootstrapping-enhanced mediation analyses in women indicated that traits anger (39%) and caution (27%) mediated the association between the rs4765913 SNP and BD, while traits volition (29%), anger (35%), and caution (29%) mediated the association between the AA haplotype (rs1006737-rs4765913) and the BD. No effect was encountered for cisgender men. Our model revealed that paths from CACNA1C SNPs to BD are mediated by specific temperament traits in women, reinforcing the definition of temperament traits as endophenotypes.

Correlation between the Implementation of Psychosocial Care Centers and the Rates of Psychiatric Hospitalizations and Suicide in Porto Alegre-RS from 2008 to 2018.

INTRODUCTION: The Brazilian psychiatric reform has revolutionized the way that mental health care is provided all over the country, introducing the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) and encouraging care at liberty. The CAPS have been assigned many objectives, such as prevention of hospitalizations and intervention in crises or suicide. This paper aims to describe the correlation between the implementation of CAPS and the rates of psychiatric hospitalizations and suicides from 2008 to 2018. METHODS: This study has an ecological time series design and included residents of the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, who were hospitalized through the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). The data were obtained from official databases (DATASUS, CNES, and IBGE) and indicators were calculated (CAPS coverage, hospitalization rate, and suicide rate). Associations between the indicators were tested using Pearson's correlation coefficients. RESULTS: We found a negative correlation between provision of CAPS and psychiatric hospitalizations (r = -0.607 p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: These results support the hypothesis that there is a negative correlation between implementation of the CAPS and psychiatric hospitalizations. This reinforces the importance of implementing policies related to improving psychiatric reform.

BDNF Levels According to Variations in the CACNA1C Gene: Sex-Based Disparity.

The CACNA1C gene encodes the pore-forming alpha-1c subunit of L-type voltage-gated calcium channels. The calcium influx through these channels regulates the transcription of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Polymorphisms in this gene have been consistently associated with psychiatric disorders, and alterations in BDNF levels are a possible biological mechanism to explain such associations. Here, we sought to investigate the effect of the CACNA1C rs1006737 and rs4765913 polymorphisms and their haplotypes on serum BDNF concentration. We further aim to investigate the regulatory function of these SNPs and the ones linked to them. The study enrolled 641 young adults (362 women and 279 men) in a cross-sectional population-based survey. Linear regression was used to test the effects of polymorphisms and haplotypes on BDNF levels adjusted for potential confounders. Moreover, regulatory putative functional roles were assessed using in silico approach. BDNF levels were not associated with CACNA1C polymorphisms/haplotype in the total sample. When the sample was stratified by sex, checking the effect of polymorphisms on men and women separately, the A-allele of rs4765913 was associated with lower BDNF levels in women compared with the TT genotype (p = 0.010). The AA (rs1006737-rs4765913) haplotype was associated with BDNF levels in opposite directions regarding sex, with lower levels of BDNF in women (p = 0.040) compared to those without this haplotype, while with higher levels in men (p = 0.027). These findings were supported by the presence of regulatory marks only on the male fetal brain. Our results suggest that the BDNF levels regulation may be a potential mechanism underpinning the association between CACNA1C and psychiatric disorders, with a differential role in women and men.

Daily screen time, sleep pattern, and probable sleep bruxism in children: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of probable sleep bruxism (SB) in children aged 7-8 years and its association with sleep pattern and the time spent using devices with a screen. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with children from Pelotas, Brazil (n = 556). Parents/caregivers were interviewed and provided demographic/socioeconomic information, children's daily screen time, nighttime tooth grinding or clenching, sleep duration and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN-K-sleep domain). Probable SB was determined based on a positive clinical inspection with/without a positive parental/caregiver's reports of tooth clenching or grinding. Hierarchical Poisson regression was performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of probable SB was 15.83% (n = 88). There was no difference in the probable SB prevalence according to the daily screen time (p = 0.744), and low family socioeconomic status was associated with higher SB prevalence (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 1.95; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI]: 1.21-3.17; p = 0.006). Higher scores in the sleep domain of the BRIAN-K scale were associated with probable SB [PR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.01-1.30; p = 0.013]. CONCLUSIONS: Difficulties in maintaining sleep and low family socioeconomic status were associated with probable SB in schoolchildren, while screen time spent using devices with a screen was not associated.

Correlation between the implementation of Psychosocial Care Centers and the rates of psychiatric hospitalizations and suicide in Porto Alegre-RS from 2008 to 2018

Abstract Introduction The Brazilian psychiatric reform has revolutionized the way that mental health care is provided all over the country, introducing the Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) and encouraging care at liberty. The CAPS have been assigned many objectives, such as prevention of hospitalizations and intervention in crises or suicide. This paper aims to describe the correlation between the implementation of CAPS and the rates of psychiatric hospitalizations and suicides from 2008 to 2018. Methods This study has an ecological time series design and included residents of the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, who were hospitalized through the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). The data were obtained from official databases (DATASUS, CNES, and IBGE) and indicators were calculated (CAPS coverage, hospitalization rate, and suicide rate). Associations between the indicators were tested using Pearson's correlation coefficients. Results We found a negative correlation between provision of CAPS and psychiatric hospitalizations (r = -0.607 p = 0.048). Conclusion These results support the hypothesis that there is a negative correlation between implementation of the CAPS and psychiatric hospitalizations. This reinforces the importance of implementing policies related to improving psychiatric reform.

Mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and caries in children

Abstract Behavioral characteristics may also take part in the etiology of dental caries. Sedentary behavior, especially watching television, is associated with increased intake of foods high in fat or free sugar, which could influence the occurrence of dental caries. The aim of this study was to assess the mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure time and the presence of dental caries in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 580 parent-child dyads with children aged 7 to 8 years in 20 public schools in Pelotas, Brazil. Parents or legal guardians were interviewed and provided information on demographic/socioeconomic data, children's daily television exposure time, and answered the Biological Rhythms Interview for Assessment in Neuropsychiatry for Kids (BRIAN-K-eating pattern domain). Caries was evaluated through clinical examination. The mediating effect of eating pattern on the relationship between television exposure and presence of dental caries was estimated using the parametric g-formula. Prevalence of dental caries was 63%, and 22% of children watched TV 4 or more hours per day. Television exposure had no direct effect on the dental caries experience [odds ratio (OR): 1.05 (95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.92-1.19)]. Nevertheless, difficulty maintaining regular eating pattern mediated the natural indirect effect of television exposure time (≥ 4 hours/day) on dental caries experience [OR: 1.07 (95%CI): 1.01-1.14)]. The results of this study confirm the indirect pathway between television viewing and dental caries and the role of disordered eating patterns in this association.