A magnetic resonance imaging-based morphometric and structural covariance network study of Brazilian adolescents stratified by depression risk

Objectives: To explore differences in regional cortical morphometric structure between adolescents at risk for depression or with current depression. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional structural neuroimaging data from a sample of 150 Brazilian adolescents classified as low-risk (LR) (n=50) or high-risk (HR) for depression (n=50) or with current depression (n=50) through a vertex-based approach with measurements of cortical volume (CV), surface area (SA), and cortical thickness (CT). Differences between groups in subcortical volume and in the organization of networks of structural covariance were also explored. Results: No significant differences in brain structure between groups were observed in whole-brain vertex-wise CV, SA, or CT. Also, no significant differences in subcortical volume were observed between risk groups. In relation to the structural covariance network, there was an indication of an increase in the hippocampus betweenness centrality index in the HR group network compared to the LR and current depression group networks. However, this result was only statistically significant when applying false discovery rate correction for nodes within the affective network. Conclusion: In an adolescent sample recruited using an empirically based composite risk score, no major differences in brain structure were detected according to the risk and presence of depression.

An MRI-based morphometric and structural covariance network study of Brazilian adolescents stratified by depression risk.

OBJECTIVE: To explore differences in regional cortical morphometric structure between adolescents at risk for depression or with current depression. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional structural neuroimaging data from a sample of 150 Brazilian adolescents classified as low-risk (n=50) or high-risk for depression (n=50) or with current depression (n=50) through a vertex-based approach with measurements of cortical volume, surface area and thickness. Differences between groups in subcortical volumes and in the organization of networks of structural covariance were also explored. RESULTS: No significant differences in brain structure between groups were observed in whole-brain vertex-wise cortical volume, surface area or thickness. Also, no significant differences in subcortical volume were observed between risk groups. In relation to the structural covariance network, there was an indication of an increase in the hippocampus betweenness centrality index in the high-risk group network compared to the low-risk and current depression group networks. However, this result was only statistically significant when applying false discovery rate correction for nodes within the affective network. CONCLUSION: In an adolescent sample recruited using an empirically based composite risk score, no major differences in brain structure were detected according to the risk and presence of depression.

Brazilian Portuguese version of the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS-Brazil).

Objective To describe the cross-cultural adaptation of the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) for use in Brazil. Methods The cross-cultural adaptation followed a four-step process, based on specialized literature: 1) investigation of conceptual and item equivalence; 2) translation and back-translation; 3) pretest; and 4) investigation of operational equivalence. Results A final Brazilian version of the instrument (ARS-Brazil) was defined and is presented. Pretest results revealed that the instrument was generally well understood by adults as well as indicated a few modifications that were included in the final version presented here. Conclusion The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ARS seems to be very similar to the original ARS in terms of conceptual and item equivalence, semantics, and operational equivalence, suggesting that future cross-cultural studies may benefit from this early version. As a result, a new instrument is now available for the assessment of rumination symptoms of anger and irritability for adults in community, clinical, and research settings.

Brazilian Portuguese version of the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS-Brazil) / Versão em português brasileiro da Escala de Ruminação de Raiva (ARS-Brasil)

Abstract Objective To describe the cross-cultural adaptation of the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS) for use in Brazil. Methods The cross-cultural adaptation followed a four-step process, based on specialized literature: 1) investigation of conceptual and item equivalence; 2) translation and back-translation; 3) pretest; and 4) investigation of operational equivalence. Results A final Brazilian version of the instrument (ARS-Brazil) was defined and is presented. Pretest results revealed that the instrument was generally well understood by adults as well as indicated a few modifications that were included in the final version presented here. Conclusion The Brazilian Portuguese version of the ARS seems to be very similar to the original ARS in terms of conceptual and item equivalence, semantics, and operational equivalence, suggesting that future cross-cultural studies may benefit from this early version. As a result, a new instrument is now available for the assessment of rumination symptoms of anger and irritability for adults in community, clinical, and research settings.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever a adaptação transcultural da Escala de Ruminação de Raiva (Anger Rumination Scale, ARS) para uso no Brasil. Método A adaptação transcultural seguiu um processo de quatro etapas baseado em literatura especializada: 1) investigação da equivalência conceitual e dos itens; 2) tradução e retrotradução; 3) pré-teste; e 4) investigação da equivalência operacional. Resultados Uma versão final brasileira do instrumento, denominada ARS-Brasil, foi obtida e é apresentada. Os resultados do pré-teste demonstraram que a escala foi predominantemente bem entendida entre adultos, e indicaram algumas modificações que foram incluídas na versão final. Conclusão A versão da ARS adaptada para o português brasileiro mostra-se muito similar à versão original da ARS no que diz respeito à equivalência conceitual e dos itens, semântica e equivalência operacional, sugerindo que futuros estudos transculturais poderiam se beneficiar desta primeira versão. Como resultado, um novo instrumento está agora disponível para a avaliação de sintomas de ruminação da raiva e da irritabilidade para adultos, em contextos comunitário, clínico e de pesquisa.

Processo de perdas e morte em cuidados paliativos: paciente, família e equipe assistente / Loss and death in palliative care: patient, family and healthcare staff

Introdução: Os cuidados de pacientes cronicamente doentes, sem a perspectiva de terapias curativas, trazem consigo diversas perdas e sofrimentos. O desafio de enfrentar a terminalidade é debatido nesta revisão pelo ponto de vista do paciente, da família e da equipe assistente. O objetivo desta revisão narrativa é servir de reflexão sobre os conceitos bioéticos relacionados aos cuidados paliativos em oncologia. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão conceitual e narrativa da literatura nas bases de referências PubMed e SciELO, além de livros-texto referência na área de Cuidados Paliativos. Resultados: Foi realizado um sumário dos achados da literatura em relação a aspectos bioéticos relacionados a paliação; alterações do processo normal de luto; e a carga emocional e física da terminalidade no paciente, sua família e equipe assistente. Conclusão: Aceitar a condição de terminalidade é um desafio para todas as partes envolvidas no cuidado médico. Compreender os processos de luto e os sofrimentos como partes normais do cotidiano médico é fundamental para o enfrentamento da terminalidade de maneira saudável.

Introduction: The care of chronically ill patients brings different kinds of losses and suffering. The challenge of facing terminality is discussed from the point of view of the three main actors in these situations: patient, family and healthcare staff. The goals of this narrative review are: to be a reflection on the basic bioethical concepts of palliative care in the oncology setting; and to discuss the emotional and physical toll that the absence of curative treatments brings to the patient, to his family and to the staff that cares for him. Methods: Conceptual, narrative literature review using textbooks and databases PubMed and SciELO. Results: An overview of the literature is presented focusing on bioethical aspects of palliative care; disorders of the grieving process; and the emotional and physical toll of terminality on the patient, his family and healthcare staff. Conclusion: Accepting terminality is a challenge for all the actors involved with medical care. Understanding grief and suffering as normal and expected parts of the medical routine is fundamental for facing terminality in a healthy manner.

Abordagem farmacológica do episódio maníaco agudo no transtorno de humor bipolar Tipo I / Pharmacological approach of the acute maniac episode in bipolar type i mood disorder

Este artigo tem como objetivo revisar os principais tratamentos farmacológicos para o episódio maníaco agudo no THB tipo I. O guideline Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments 20131 será utilizado como principal referência dessa revisão.

This study aims to review the main pharmacological treatments of acute manic episode in type I bipolar disorder. The Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments 20131 guideline will be used as a main reference.