Cheers to anxiety: Granger causality insights on alcohol consumption patterns across 13 South American countries.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health is complex; drinking may exacerbate anxiety, and in turn, anxiety can lead to excessive drinking. This study explores the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns including wine, beer, and spirits, and anxiety prevalence in selected 13 South American nations. METHODS: This study utilises secondary data spanning 29 years from 1991 to 2019 obtained from the Our World in Data database. It investigates the causal link between the prevalence of anxiety and alcohol consumption in the selected countries using the Granger causality test. RESULTS: Anxiety was found to have a unidirectional effect on wine and beer consumption in Chile, Suriname, Uruguay, and Trinidad and Tobago. Additionally, drinking alcohol consumption appears to impact anxiety levels in Brazil. Argentina demonstrates a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and all three types of alcohol consumption, with similar patterns observed in Brazil (wine and beer), Chile (spirits), and Paraguay (spirits). CONCLUSION: No significant causal relationships for alcohol consumption patterns were found in other nations. The identified Granger causal links follow four distinct directions in this study. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, governments, and international investors for informed decision-making regarding regulation and policy tools.

Single proxy control.

Negative control variables are sometimes used in nonexperimental studies to detect the presence of confounding by hidden factors. A negative control outcome (NCO) is an outcome that is influenced by unobserved confounders of the exposure effects on the outcome in view, but is not causally impacted by the exposure. Tchetgen Tchetgen (2013) introduced the Control Outcome Calibration Approach (COCA) as a formal NCO counterfactual method to detect and correct for residual confounding bias. For identification, COCA treats the NCO as an error-prone proxy of the treatment-free counterfactual outcome of interest, and involves regressing the NCO on the treatment-free counterfactual, together with a rank-preserving structural model, which assumes a constant individual-level causal effect. In this work, we establish nonparametric COCA identification for the average causal effect for the treated, without requiring rank-preservation, therefore accommodating unrestricted effect heterogeneity across units. This nonparametric identification result has important practical implications, as it provides single-proxy confounding control, in contrast to recently proposed proximal causal inference, which relies for identification on a pair of confounding proxies. For COCA estimation we propose 3 separate strategies: (i) an extended propensity score approach, (ii) an outcome bridge function approach, and (iii) a doubly-robust approach. Finally, we illustrate the proposed methods in an application evaluating the causal impact of a Zika virus outbreak on birth rate in Brazil.

The Autism Spectrum Disorder and Its Possible Origins in Pregnancy.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) belongs to the group of neurodevelopmental disorders, and has a high prevalence, affecting 1 in 100 children according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO). To be diagnosed with ASD, the child must have persistent deficits in communication and social interactions, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Despite its prevalence, the etiology of ASD is still uncertain, with multifactorial characteristics, including those associated with the gestational period, where maternal exposure to biological, chemical, or physical hazards occurs, some of which have already been proposed as causes of ASD outcomes. Since pregnancy requires a balance between the maternal-fetal binomial, the breakdown of this balance caused by such environmental hazards can lead to altered fetal neurodevelopment, including ASD. With this firmly in mind, this review aims to compile the most recent data on the gestational causes that may be associated with the development of ASD to help health professionals identify risk factors and act for the prevention and management of ASD.

Factors associated with external causes in elderly attended by the mobile emergency care service.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency care service. METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 1,972 pre-hospital care records of elderly victims of external causes from 2019 to 2020. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed, with a significance level of 5% (p<0.05). RESULTS: The prevalence of external causes in elderly people attended by the mobile emergency service was 12.2%. Falling was the most frequent occurrence. The associations of the occurrence of falls with age from 90 years old (OR=29.31; p<0.001) and female gender (OR=5.38; p<0.001) stood out, as well as the suspicion of ingestion of alcoholic beverages with occurrence of violence (OR=4.17; p<0.001) and traffic accidents (OR=1.97; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The study showed factors associated with injuries due to external causes in theelderly and may support the formulation of coping strategies for this problem.

Beyond the acute phase: a comprehensive literature review of long-term sequelae resulting from infectious diseases.

Infectious diseases have consistently served as pivotal influences on numerous civilizations, inducing morbidity, mortality, and consequently redirecting the course of history. Their impact extends far beyond the acute phase, characterized by the majority of symptom presentations, to a multitude of adverse events and sequelae that follow viral, parasitic, fungal, or bacterial infections. In this context, myriad sequelae related to various infectious diseases have been identified, spanning short to long-term durations. Although these sequelae are known to affect thousands of individuals individually, a comprehensive evaluation of all potential long-term effects of infectious diseases has yet to be undertaken. We present a comprehensive literature review delineating the primary sequelae attributable to major infectious diseases, categorized by systems, symptoms, and duration. This compilation serves as a crucial resource, illuminating the long-term ramifications of infectious diseases for healthcare professionals worldwide. Moreover, this review highlights the substantial burden that these sequelae impose on global health and economies, a facet often overshadowed by the predominant focus on the acute phase. Patients are frequently discharged following the resolution of the acute phase, with minimal long-term follow-up to comprehend and address potential sequelae. This emphasizes the pressing need for sustained vigilance, thorough patient monitoring, strategic health management, and rigorous research to understand and mitigate the lasting economic and health impacts of infectious diseases more fully.

Urinary incontinence in health workers as a predisposing factor for presenteeism in Chile: A mixed-methods exploratory study. / Incontinencia urinaria en trabajadoras de la salud como factor predisponente de presentismo en Chile: estudio exploratorio de método mixto.

Introduction: Urinary incontinence negatively impacts the quality of life and can harm work activities, causing presenteeism in health professionals and decreasing the quality of care and patient safety. The objective of this study is to explore the self-perception of health workers who suffer from urinary incontinence as a predisposing factor for presenteeism. Methods: Mixed study of an exploratory-descriptive nature. The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic and intentional way by criterion and convenience with a size of 14 volunteers, considering the saturation of the information. Reliability criteria defined by Guba for the process and analysis of thematic data were considered. Results: The sample had a mean age of 38.9 + 7.1 years and a mean SPS-6 score of 15.8 + 3.5 points, showing alteration in the dimension of avoiding deconcentration. The narratives in the case study provide relevant information on how urinary incontinence affects the work performance of health workers through the interruption in their day, decreases the quality of clinical care, and increases their anxiety regarding their environment. Conclusions: Urinary incontinence and presenteeism are subjective, and multidimensional experiences affect work performance. Therefore, further studies are recommended to identify predictor variables and the economic losses associated with this condition to establish improvements in the work environment and the self-care of female employees seeking greater benefits and better levels of efficiency in the organization.

Introducción: La incontinencia urinaria impacta de forma negativa la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen y puede perjudicar las actividades laborales, siendo causante de presentismo en las profesionales de salud. Esto puede implicar la disminución en la calidad de la atención y seguridad de la/el paciente. El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la autopercepción de las trabajadoras de salud que padecen incontinencia urinaria como factor predisponente de presentismo. Métodos: Estudio mixto de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo. La muestra fue seleccionada de forma no probabilística e intencionada por criterio y conveniencia con un tamaño de 14 voluntarias, considerando la saturación de la información. Para el proceso y análisis de datos temáticos se consideraron los criterios de confiabilidad definidos por Guba. Resultados: Muestra con edad media de 38,9 + 7,1 años y un puntaje de SPS-6 medio de 15,8 + 3,5 puntos, mostrando mayor alteración en la dimensión de evitar la desconcentración. Las narrativas presentes en el caso estudiado aportaron información relevante de cómo la incontinencia urinaria afecta el desempeño laboral de las trabajadoras de salud a través de la interrupción en su jornada, disminución en la calidad de la atención clínica, como también el aumento de su ansiedad respecto a su entorno. Conclusiones: Dado que la incontinencia urinaria y el presentismo son experiencias subjetivas y multidimensionales, al igual que el efecto negativo en el desempeño laboral, se recomienda un estudio que permita identificar variables predictoras y las pérdidas económicas asociadas a esta condición. Con ello se buscaría establecer mejoras en el ambiente laboral, así como en el autocuidado de funcionarias, procurando mayores beneficios y mejores niveles de eficiencia en la organización.

Amputación de pie diabético: Manejo de los factores predisponentes, criterios para su indicación y manejo post quirúrgico. Aprobada por resolución exenta N° 293.Orientación técnica / Diabetic foot amputation: management of predisposing factors, criteria for indication and post-surgical management. Approved by exempt resolution N° 293. Technical guidance

El presente documento entrega a los equipos de salud contenidos para la estandarización del manejo de los factores predisponentes de la amputación, criterios para su indicación y manejo post quirúrgico. Si bien este documento hace alusión a una condición de salud en particular, es fundamental tener presente que la atención de salud de las personas con enfermedades crónicas se basa en la integralidad del cuidado, el que considera a la persona en el contexto de su multimorbilidad, por lo que el abordaje presentado se utiliza con fines operativos.

Incontinencia urinaria en trabajadoras de la salud como factor predisponente de presentismo en Chile: estudio exploratorio de método mixto / Urinary incontinence in health workers as a predisposing factor for presenteeism in Chile: a mixed-methods exploratory study

INTRODUCCIÓN: La incontinencia urinaria impacta de forma negativa la calidad de vida de quienes la padecen y puede perjudicar las actividades laborales, siendo causante de presentismo en las profesionales de salud. Esto puede implicar la disminución en la calidad de la atención y seguridad de la/el paciente. El objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la autopercepción de las trabajadoras de salud que padecen incontinencia urinaria como factor predisponente de presentismo. MÉTODOS: Estudio mixto de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo. La muestra fue seleccionada de forma no probabilística e intencionada por criterio y conveniencia con un tamaño de 14 voluntarias, considerando la saturación de la información. Para el proceso y análisis de datos temáticos se consideraron los criterios de confiabilidad definidos por Guba. RESULTADOS: Muestra con edad media de 38,9 + 7,1 años y un puntaje de SPS-6 medio de 15,8 + 3,5 puntos, mostrando mayor alteración en la dimensión de evitar la desconcentración. Las narrativas presentes en el caso estudiado aportaron información relevante de cómo la incontinencia urinaria afecta el desempeño laboral de las trabajadoras de salud a través de la interrupción en su jornada, disminución en la calidad de la atención clínica, como también el aumento de su ansiedad respecto a su entorno. CONCLUSIONES: Dado que la incontinencia urinaria y el presentismo son experiencias subjetivas y multidimensionales, al igual que el efecto negativo en el desempeño laboral, se recomienda un estudio que permita identificar variables predictoras y las pérdidas económicas asociadas a esta condición. Con ello se buscaría establecer mejoras en el ambiente laboral, así como en el autocuidado de funcionarias, procurando mayores beneficios y mejores niveles de eficiencia en la organización.

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence negatively impacts the quality of life and can harm work activities, causing presenteeism in health professionals and decreasing the quality of care and patient safety. The objective of this study is to explore the self-perception of health workers who suffer from urinary incontinence as a predisposing factor for presenteeism. METHODS: Mixed study of an exploratory-descriptive nature. The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic and intentional way by criterion and convenience with a size of 14 volunteers, considering the saturation of the information. Reliability criteria defined by Guba for the process and analysis of thematic data were considered. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 38.9 + 7.1 years and a mean SPS-6 score of 15.8 + 3.5 points, showing alteration in the dimension of avoiding deconcentration. The narratives in the case study provide relevant information on how urinary incontinence affects the work performance of health workers through the interruption in their day, decreases the quality of clinical care, and increases their anxiety regarding their environment. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary incontinence and presenteeism are subjective, and multidimensional experiences affect work performance. Therefore, further studies are recommended to identify predictor variables and the economic losses associated with this condition to establish improvements in the work environment and the self-care of female employees seeking greater benefits and better levels of efficiency in the organization.

Etiological factors of chronic pain syndrome in young adults with post-coronavirus disease 2019 condition.

PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) generates long-term sequelae, but studies investigating patients with chronic pain syndrome (CPS) are limited. This study aimed to establish the etiological factors of CPS in patients with post-COVID-19 conditions. METHODS: This was a case-control retrospective study. The predictor variables were sex, diabetes mellitus, obesity (predisposing factors), unfavorable socioeconomic conditions, impaired rehabilitation (disabling factors), repeated exposure to COVID-19 (precipitating factor), home isolation, stress overload, fear of dying, admission to intensive care unit, prone positioning, and use of medications (reinforcing factors). The outcome variable was the presence of CPS. FINDINGS: This study included 120 individuals. Prolonged days of isolation (p = 0.005), fear (p < 0.001), stress overload (p < 0.001), and impaired rehabilitation (p = 0.003) were significantly associated with CPS. CONCLUSIONS: A significant relationship was found between prolonged days of isolation, fear, stress overload, impaired rehabilitation, and CPS. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: The study findings can assist nurses by promoting their knowledge of the causes of CPS and supporting the care planning needs of patients with post-COVID-19 conditions, in addition to promoting the use of the NANDA-International taxonomy.

A depressão nos DSM: de reação a transtorno, de efeito a causa / Depression in the DSMs: from reaction to disorder, from effect to cause / La dépression dans les DSMs: de réaction à trouble, d'effet à cause / La depresión en los DSMs: de reacción a trastorno, de efecto a causa

Resumo: Este artigo busca problematizar como o discurso sobre a depressão, nas três primeiras edições do Manual diagnóstico e estatístico de transtornos mentais , efetuou a apropriação da contradição sofrimento-patologia. Para tanto, a análise foi orientada pelos princípios da análise de discurso francesa, de Michel Pêcheux, desenvolvida, no Brasil, por Eni Orlandi. O estudo salienta que: 1) as duas primeiras edições do manual apresentavam a depressão como efeito; a partir da terceira há um entendimento da depressão enquanto causa; 2) nas duas primeiras edições do manual, sofrimento e patologia são um único e mesmo objeto, já na terceira edição ocorre uma cisão entre essas esferas; 3) o mecanismo discursivo da antecipação pode contribuir para a compreensão do processo de apagamento do sujeito da enunciação pelo sujeito do enunciado nos manuais diagnósticos.

Abstract: This paper problematizes how the discourse on depression upheld by the first, second and third editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders appropriated the distress-pathology contradiction. Based on the principles of Michel Pêcheux's French Discourse Analysis, developed, in Brazil by Eni Orlandi, the study emphasizes that: 1) the manual's first and second editions understood depression as an effect, whereas the third depicted it as a cause; 2) in the first and second editions distress and pathology were one and the same, but the third edition splits them into two different spheres; 3) anticipation, as a discursive mechanism, can help to comprehend the process by which the subject of enunciation is suppressed by the subject of the statement in the diagnostic manuals.

Résumé : Cet article problématise la façon dont le discours sur la dépression soutenu par les trois premières éditions du Manuel diagnostique et statistique des troubles mentaux s'est approprié la contradiction souffrance-pathologie. Basée sur les principes de l'analyse du discours français de Michel Pêcheux, développée au Brésil par Eni Orlandi, l'étude souligne que : 1) les deux premières éditions du manuel considèrent la dépression comme un effet, alors que la troisième la décrit comme une cause ; 2) dans les deux premières éditions, la souffrance et la pathologie sont une seule et même chose, tandis que la troisième édition sépare ces sphères ; 3) l'anticipation, en tant que mécanisme discursif, peut aider à comprendre les processus par lequel le sujet de l'énonciation est supprimé par le sujet de l'énoncé dans les manuels diagnostiques.

Resumen: Este artículo busca problematizar cómo el discurso sobre la depresión, en las tres primeras ediciones del Manual Diagnóstico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales , se apropió de la contradicción sufrimiento-patología. Para ello, el análisis se guio por los principios del análisis del discurso francés, de Michel Pêcheux, desarrollado por Eni Orlandi en Brasil. El estudio destaca que: 1) las dos primeras ediciones del manual presentaban la depresión como un efecto, a partir de la tercera hay una comprensión de la depresión como causa; 2) en las dos primeras ediciones del manual, el sufrimiento y la patología son un mismo objeto, por otro lado, en la tercera edición hay una escisión entre estas esferas; 3) el mecanismo discursivo de anticipación puede contribuir a la comprensión del proceso de supresión del sujeto de la enunciación por el sujeto del enunciado en los manuales diagnósticos.

Does democracy reduce corruption? A cross-country causal counterfactual analysis / ¿La democracia reduce la corrupción? Un análisis causal contrafactual entre países / A democracia reduz a corrupção? Uma análise causal contrafactual entre países

Abstract This paper examines the causal effect of the levels of democracy in countries on the levels of corruption. Research shows that the levels of corruption in countries decrease when they reach higher levels of democracy. However, most of the evidence has been obtained through correlational or regression studies that do not make clear the causal connection between the variables. The research applied a robust estimator (IPWRA) to a database of 161 countries with average data from 2010-2019, assessing a causality model within the counterfactual framework. The results indicate that a causal relationship does exist; that is, a higher level of democracy in the countries reduces the levels of corruption.

Resumo Este artigo examina o efeito causal dos níveis de democracia dos países sobre seus níveis de corrupção. As pesquisas mostram que os níveis de corrupção nos países diminuem quando atingem níveis mais altos de democracia. No entanto, a maior parte da evidência foi obtida através de estudos correlacionais ou de regressão que não esclarecem a conexão causal entre as variáveis. O presente estudo utilizou dados médios de 161 países correspondentes ao período de 2010-2019 para estimar um modelo de causalidade usando um estimador robusto (IPWRA), seguindo o referencial teórico da análise contrafactual. Os resultados indicam que existe uma relação causal, ou seja, maiores níveis de democracia nos países resultam em reduções nos níveis de corrupção.

Resumen Este artículo examina el efecto causal de los niveles de democracia de los países sobre sus niveles de corrupción. Las investigaciones muestran que los niveles de corrupción en los países disminuyen cuando alcanzan niveles más altos de democracia. Sin embargo, la mayor parte de la evidencia se ha obtenido a través de estudios correlacionales o de regresión que no aclaran la conexión causal entre las variables. El presente estudio utilizó datos promedio de 161 países correspondientes al período 2010-2019 para estimar un modelo de causalidad mediante un estimador robusto (IPWRA), siguiendo el marco teórico del análisis contrafactual. Los resultados indican que sí existe una relación causal, es decir, mayores niveles de democracia en los países producen reducciones en los niveles de corrupción.

Sintomas de ansiedade e depressão em crianças: associações com o funcionamento familiar / Depression and anxiety symptoms in children: associations with family functioning / Síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en niños: asociaciones con el funcionamiento familiar

Sintomas de ansiedade e depressão na infância têm sido amplamente investigados na atualidade. Os estudos apontam que esses sintomas têm natureza multifatorial, sendo os fatores ambientais, como as caraterísticas do funcionamento familiar, alvo de atenção dos pesquisadores. Por isso, este estudo avaliou a correlação e o poder preditivo dos fatores da parentalidade e da coparentalidade em sintomas clínicos de ansiedade e depressão nos filhos. Os participantes, 50 indivíduos que vivem em coabitação com o parceiro e têm pelo menos um filho com idade entre 7 e 11 anos, preencheram um instrumento composto por seis escalas, que avaliaram a parentalidade, a coparentalidade e a sintomatologia na prole. Os resultados indicaram correlações baixas e moderadas entre os fatores da parentalidade e da coparentalidade e os sintomas emocionais e comportamentais dos filhos. O conflito familiar coparental e a supervisão do comportamento foram preditores de 16% dos sintomas de ansiedade generalizada na prole e a triangulação familiar de 17% dos sintomas de depressão. Evidencia-se, como indica a literatura, que os filhos são suscetíveis à qualidade do funcionamento dos subsistemas parental e coparental.(AU)

Anxiety and depression symptoms in the early childhood have been investigated extensively in current times. Studies have point out that these symptoms have a multifactorial nature, with environment factors, such as the characteristics of the familiar functioning, as the researchers' target. Therefore, this study evaluated the correlation and the predictive power of parenting and co-parenting factors on clinical symptoms of anxiety and depression in the children. The participants, 50 individuals who lived in cohabitation with their partners and that had at least one child aged between 7 and 11 years old, filled in a form composed of six scales; which evaluated the parenting, the coparenting, and the offspring symptomatology. The results revealed low and moderate correlations between the parenting and coparenting variables and the emotional and behavioral symptoms of the children. The coparental familiar conflict and the behavior monitoring were predictors of 16% of the generalized anxiety symptom in the offspring, and the familiar triangulation of 17% of the depression symptoms. It shows, as the literature suggests, that the children are vulnerable to the quality of the functioning of the parental and coparental subsystems.(AU)

Los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en la infancia son ampliamente investigados en la actualidad. Los estudios demuestran que los síntomas son multifactoriales, de los cuales los factores ambientales y las características de funcionamiento de la familia están en el centro de la atención de los investigadores. Por lo tanto, este estudio evaluó la correlación y el poder predictivo de los factores de la parentalidad y de la coparentalidad en los síntomas clínicos de ansiedad y depresión en los niños. Los participantes, 50 individuos que conviven con su pareja y tienen al menos un hijo, de entre 7 y 11 años, completaron una herramienta que se compone de seis escalas que evaluaban la crianza, la coparentalidad y la sintomatología en sus hijos. Los resultados indicaron correlaciones bajas y moderadas entre los factores de la parentalidad y de la coparentalidad y los síntomas emocionales y conductuales de los niños. El conflicto familiar coparental y la supervisión del comportamiento fueron predictores del 16% de los síntomas de ansiedad generalizada en la descendencia y la triangulación familiar del 17% de los síntomas de depresión. Esto coincide con la literatura al indicar que los niños son susceptibles a la calidad del funcionamiento de los subsistemas parental y coparental.(AU)

Carcinoma oral de células escamosas en el paladar: reporte de un caso / Oral squamous cell carcinoma of the palate: a case report

El cáncer oral representa un grave problema de salud a nivel mundial debido a su importante morbilidad y mortalidad. Ocupa la sexta causa de muerte por cáncer y tienen una supervivencia mundial a cinco años cercana a 50%, en gran parte debido a la falta de su reconocimiento en estadios iniciales por parte de los pacientes y de los mismos profesionales de la salud, lo que ocasiona un grave retraso en su diagnóstico y tratamiento. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 64 años de edad con úlceras de larga evolución en la cavidad oral y quien acude a múltiples profesionales de salud sin ser diagnosticada en las fases iniciales de la enfermedad; acude a la Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala en donde se diagnostica carcinoma oral de células escamosas en el maxilar. En el presente artículo se hace énfasis en el reconocimiento de signos clínicos y factores precipitantes que puedan generar sospecha de un crecimiento maligno y así concientizar a los profesionales de la salud para promover la prevención (AU)

Oral cancer represents a serious health problem worldwide due to its significant morbidity and mortality, it is the sixth leading cause of cancer death and has a global 5-year survival rate of 50%, largely due to the lack of recognition in early stages by patients and health professionals themselves, which causes a serious delay in diagnosis and treatment. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman with long-standing ulcers in the oral cavity who went to multiple health professionals without being diagnosed in the initial stages of the disease. She went to the Autonomous University of Tlaxcala where oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the maxilla was diagnosed. This article emphasizes the recognition of clinical signs and precipitating factors that may generate suspicion of malignant growth and thus raise awareness among health professionals to promote prevention (AU)