Neuroscience-Based Nomenclature (NbN): the Portuguese version of the new classification for psychopharmacological drugs.

Neuroscience-Based Nomenclature (NbN) is a proposal to provide a nomenclature based on neuroscience and pharmacology instead of the old disease-based classification. NbN is based on the mechanism of action and pharmacological target and aims to assist in rational prescription, reduce stigma, and increase treatment adherence. Currently, NbN is endorsed by many psychiatric associations, adopted by several relevant journals, and included in major psychiatry textbooks. Therefore, it is important that NbN is known to psychiatrists.

Which are the best evidence-based therapeutic options for clozapine and ECT resistant schizophrenia? A case-report.

This is a case description of a patient with clozapine and ECT resistance schizophrenia with several suicide attempts. We discussed evidence-based clinical decisions to deal with such conditions.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned.

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.

Cortical surface abnormalities are different depending on the stage of schizophrenia: A cross-sectional vertexwise mega-analysis of thickness, area and gyrification.

BACKGROUND: Brain magnetic resonance imaging studies have not investigated the cortical surface comprehensively in schizophrenia subjects by assessing thickness, surface area and gyrification separately during the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) or chronic schizophrenia (ChSch). METHODS: We investigated cortical surface abnormalities in 137 FEP patients and 240 ChSch subjects compared to 297 Healthy Controls (HC) contributed by five cohorts. Maps showing results of vertexwise between-group comparisons of cortical thickness, area, and gyrification were produced using T1-weighted datasets processed using FreeSurfer 5.3, followed by validated quality control protocols. RESULTS: FEP subjects showed large clusters of increased area and gyrification relative to HC in prefrontal and insuli cortices (Cohen's d: 0.049 to 0.28). These between-group differences occurred partially beyond the effect of sample. ChSch subjects displayed reduced cortical thickness relative to HC in smaller fronto-temporal foci (d: -0.73 to -0.35), but not beyond the effect of sample. Differences between FEP and HC subjects were associated with male gender, younger age, and earlier illness onset, while differences between ChSch and HC were associated with treatment-resistance and first-generation antipsychotic (FGA) intake independently of sample effect. CONCLUSIONS: Separate assessments of FEP and ChSch revealed abnormalities that differed in regional distribution, phenotypes affected and effect size. In FEP, associations of greater cortical area and gyrification abnormalities with earlier age of onset suggest an origin on anomalous neurodevelopment, while thickness reductions in ChSch are at least partially explained by treatment-resistance and FGA intake. Associations of between-group differences with clinical variables retained statistical significance beyond the effect of sample.

COMVC-19: A Program to protect healthcare workers' mental health during the COVID-19 Pandemic. What we have learned

OBJECTIVE: In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a work and stress overload to healthcare workers, increasing their vulnerability to mental health impairments. In response, the authors created the COMVC-19 program. The program offered preventive actions and mental health treatment for the 22,000 workers of The Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (HCFMUSP). This paper aims to describe its implementation and share what we have learned from this experience. METHODS: Workers were able to easily access the program through a 24/7 hotline. Additionally, a mobile phone app that screened for signs and symptoms of emotional distress and offered psychoeducation and/or referral to treatment was made available. Data from both these sources as well as any subsequent psychiatric evaluations were collected. RESULTS: The first 20 weeks of our project revealed that most participants were female, and part of the nursing staff working directly with COVID-19 patients. The most frequently reported symptoms were: anxiety, depression and sleep disturbances. The most common diagnoses were Adjustment, Anxiety, and Mood disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a mental health program in a multimodal intervention was feasible in a major quaternary public hospital. Our data also suggests that preventive actions should primarily be aimed at anxiety and depression symptoms, with a particular focus on the nursing staff.

Early Post-operative Weight Change After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Predicts Weight Loss at 12-Month Follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: Sub-optimal weight loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) represents an important clinical challenge in a significant number of patients. Early identification of such patients would be advantageous, as it could aid in the selective implementation of targeted adjunct interventions during the first post-operative year. METHODS: Clinical audit data from 1137 patients undergoing RYGB between 2013 and 2016 at the Instituto Sallet in Brazil were prospectively registered in an online database (BOLD) and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-eight percent of patients achieving less than 5% total weight loss after the first post-operative month achieved a 20% total weight loss at 1 year (n = 626; OR = 0.6 CI = 95%). Eighty-three percent of patients losing between 5 and 10% at 1 month and 95% of patients losing greater than 10% at 1 month had lost at least 20% of total body weight after the first post-operative year. Forty-four percent of patients achieving less than 10% total weight loss after the third post-operative month achieved 20% total weight loss at 1 year (n = 494; OR = 0.3 CI = 95%). CONCLUSION: Total bodyweight reduction after RYGB of < 5% at 1 month and < 10% at 3 months is associated with suboptimal weight loss at 1 year. These results reinforce findings from other studies reporting that patients tend to follow a common weight loss trajectory. Identifying the patients with weight trajectory requiring adjunct therapies early on is crucial so appropriate adjustments can be made to post-operative care.

Application of BAROS' questionnaire in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery with 2 years of evolution / Aplicação do questionário BAROS em pacientes obesos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica com 2 anos de evolução

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND -In recent decades, the high prevalence of obesity in the general population has brought serious concerns in terms of public health. Contrarily to conventional treatment involving dieting and physical exercising, often ineffective in generating long term results, bariatric opera­tions have been an effective method for sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is an objective and recognized system in the overall evaluation of results after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE To investigate results concerning a casuistic of morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery over a 2-year follow-up in terms of weight loss, related medical conditions, safety and changes in quality of life. METHODS A total of 120 obese (17 male and 103 female) patients, who underwent bariatric surgery, were assessed and investigated using the BAROS system after a 2- year follow-up. RESULTS Patients obtained a mean excess weight loss of 74.6 (±15.9) % and mean body mass index reduction of 15.6 (±4.4) Kg/m2. Pre-surgical comorbidities were present in 71 (59%) subjects and they were totally (86%) or partially (14%) resolved. Complications resulting specifically from the surgical procedure were observed in 4.2% of cases (two bowel obstructions requiring re-operation, and three stomal stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation). Sixteen subjects (13% of total number of patients) presented minor clinical complications managed through outpatient care. The final scores for the BAROS questionnaire showcased excellent to good results in 99% of cases (excellent 44%, very good 38%, good 23%, acceptable 1%). CONCLUSION According to the BAROS questionnaire, bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for managing obesity and associated clinical comorbidities, allowing for satisfactory results after a 2-year follow-up. Future studies should address other clinical and psychosocial variables that impact outcome as well as allow for longer follow-ups.

RESUMO CONTEXTO Nas últimas décadas, a alta prevalência de obesidade na população geral trouxe grandes preocupações para a saúde pública. Contrariamente ao tratamento convencional envolvendo dieta e atividade física, quase sempre inefetivo em gerar resultados a longo prazo, a cirurgia bariátrica vem se mostrando um método efetivo de perda de peso mantida em indivíduos com obesidade mórbida. O Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) é um sistema reconhecido e objetivo para a avaliação global de resultados depois de cirurgia bariátrica. OBJETIVO Investigar os resultados referentes à casuística de pacientes obesos mórbidos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica em um período de 2 anos em termos de perda de peso, condições clínicas relacionadas, segurança e qualidade de vida. MÉTODOS Um total de 120 pacientes obesos (17 masculinos e 103 femininos) admitidos consecutivamente durante período de 4 meses para cirurgia bariátrica foram avaliados e investigados usando o sistema BAROS após 2 anos de evolução. RESULTADOS Os pacientes apresentaram redução média percentual de excesso de peso de 74,6 (±15,9) % e redução média de índice de massa corporal de 15,6 (±4,4) Kg/m2. Comorbidades pré-cirúrgicas estavam presentes em 71 (59%) pacientes e em todos eles foram total (86%) ou parcialmente (14%) resolvidas. Complicações resultantes especificamente do procedimento cirúrgico foram observadas em 4,2% dos casos (duas obstruções intestinais exigindo reoperação e três estenoses anastomóticas resolvidas com dilatação endoscópica). Dezesseis (13%) pacientes apresentaram complicações clínicas menores resolvidas com manejo clínico ambulatorial. Os escores totais do BAROS classificaram os resultados como excelente até bom em 99% dos casos (44% excelente, 38% muito bom e 23% bom) e aceitável em 1% dos casos. CONCLUSÃO De acordo com o questionário BAROS, a cirurgia bariátrica se mostrou segura e efetiva no controle da obesidade e de comorbidades clínicas associadas, permitindo satisfação geral dos pacientes após 2 anos de seguimento. Estudos futuros deverão também investigar outras variáveis clínicas e psicossociais de possível impacto na evolução e por períodos de seguimento mais longos.

Application of BAROS' questionnaire in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery with 2 years of evolution.

BACKGROUND:: -In recent decades, the high prevalence of obesity in the general population has brought serious concerns in terms of public health. Contrarily to conventional treatment involving dieting and physical exercising, often ineffective in generating long term results, bariatric opera-tions have been an effective method for sustained weight loss in morbidly obese individuals. The Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) is an objective and recognized system in the overall evaluation of results after bariatric surgery. OBJECTIVE: - To investigate results concerning a casuistic of morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery over a 2-year follow-up in terms of weight loss, related medical conditions, safety and changes in quality of life. METHODS: - A total of 120 obese (17 male and 103 female) patients, who underwent bariatric surgery, were assessed and investigated using the BAROS system after a 2- year follow-up. RESULTS: - Patients obtained a mean excess weight loss of 74.6 (±15.9) % and mean body mass index reduction of 15.6 (±4.4) Kg/m2. Pre-surgical comorbidities were present in 71 (59%) subjects and they were totally (86%) or partially (14%) resolved. Complications resulting specifically from the surgical procedure were observed in 4.2% of cases (two bowel obstructions requiring re-operation, and three stomal stenosis treated with endoscopic dilation). Sixteen subjects (13% of total number of patients) presented minor clinical complications managed through outpatient care. The final scores for the BAROS questionnaire showcased excellent to good results in 99% of cases (excellent 44%, very good 38%, good 23%, acceptable 1%). CONCLUSION: - According to the BAROS questionnaire, bariatric surgery is a safe and effective method for managing obesity and associated clinical comorbidities, allowing for satisfactory results after a 2-year follow-up. Future studies should address other clinical and psychosocial variables that impact outcome as well as allow for longer follow-ups.

Lower phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3B levels in platelets of patients with schizophrenia: increment by olanzapine treatment.

Glycogen synthase kinase-3B (GSK-3B) is involved with important neuronal processes such as cell survival, gene regulation, mood and cognitive performance. This enzyme is inactivated by phosphorylation at the phospho-Ser9 site. We compared GSK-3B levels in patients with schizophrenia to a health control group. The levels of phosphorylated and total GSK-3B in platelets of ten drug-free patients, ten long-term olanzapine treated patients and 20 healthy controls were determined by means of an enzyme immunoassay kit. In drug-free patients, GSK-3B levels were accessed again after 8 weeks on treatment with olanzapine. At baseline, drug-free patients presented lower phosphorylated and total GSK-3B levels than healthy controls (p < 0.05). After 8 weeks on olanzapine treatment, phosphorylated and total GSK-3B levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01). Reduced phospho-Ser9-GSK-3B in schizophrenia may disrupt signal-transduction pathways and influence crucial cellular processes, such as transcription, apoptosis, stress response and cell proliferation. Further studies should clarify whether the increment of GSK-3B phosphorylation by olanzapine is related to its antipsychotic effects.

The impact of temperament and character inventory personality traits on long-term outcome of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: A significant proportion of patients who undergo bariatric surgery fail to achieve enduring weight loss. Previous studies suggest that psychosocial variables affect postoperative outcome, although this subject is still considered unclear. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the impact of psychosocial variables on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) outcomes over long-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals eligible for bariatric surgery were evaluated using validated psychopathological scales and the Temperament and Character Inventory in a specialized clinic for bariatric treatment. Adult patients who had RYGB were selected for the study. Percent of excess weight loss (%EWL) was measured after surgery at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and on the last clinical observation. RESULTS: This study included 333 subjects who had RYGB. Before surgery, mean age was 35.4 years (±9.5) and mean BMI was 43.3 kg/m(2) (±4.8). Higher baseline age and BMI were associated with lower %EWL across endpoints, although this association diminished over time. Follow up at 2 years and on the last clinical observation demonstrated that lower scores on the persistence personality variable and lower body dissatisfaction before surgery predicted lower %EWL. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial variables and personality traits assessed during preoperative evaluation significantly predicted weight loss after bariatric surgery. Greater impact was observed in long-term follow-up at 2 years. These findings provide guidance in identifying patients at risk for worse outcomes and designing interventions to improve long-term weight loss.

Neuropeptide downregulation in sepsis.

Neuropeptides are an extremely conserved arm of neurobiology. Despite their effects as neurohormones and neurotransmitters, a multitude of other effects have been described, putting in evidence their importance as regulators of immune responses, such as chemotaxis, oxidative burst, pro-inflammatory signaling, and many others. The effects of neuropeptides in the pathophysiology of sepsis, however, remain poorly investigated. A prospective cohort study to investigate the effects of neuropeptides in sepsis was carried out. Here, we describe that neuropeptides are downregulated during septic shock. We propose that it may be a protective mechanism of the host to avoid further inflammatory injury.

Classificacao das psicoses endogenas de Karl Leonhard / Karl Leonhard's classification of endogenous psychoses

O artigo apresenta uma sintese dos subtipos nosologicos descritos por Karl Leonhard na sua classificacao das psicoses endogenas, comumente arrolados sob o diagnostico de esquizofrenia ou transtorno esquizofrenico nos sistemas diagnosticos internacionais (DSM e CID). Leonhard subdivide as doencas do espectro esquizofrenico em ....

Achados neurobiologicos, geneticos e psicofarmacologicos nos subtipos diagnosticos da classificacao de Leonhard / Neurobiological, genetic, and psychopharmacological findings in the diagnostic subtypes of Leonhard's classification

A classificacao das psicoses endogenas de Leonhard permite a constituicao de subpopulacoes amostrais mais homogeneas sob o ponto de vista clinico e prognostico. O presente artigo constitui uma revisao sintetica dos principais...

Estudos de neuroimagem na classificacao de Leonhard / Neuroimaging studies in the Leonhard's classification

Os autores discutem os principais achados de neuroimagem envolvendo diagnosticos das psicose endogenas de Karl Leonhard, enfatizando a hipotese de que os aspectos clinicos e nosologicos possam oferecer subtipo mais homogeneos a investigacao neurofisiologica. Os estudos com...