Effect of environmental variables on the abundance of Amblyomma ticks, potential vectors of Rickettsia parkeri in central Brazil.

Amblyomma ticks are vectors of both Rickettsia rickettsii and R. parkeri in the Americas, where capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the main hosts in urban areas, thus contributing to the transmission of spotted fever. Herein, we studied: (i) the seasonal dynamics and abundance of ticks in areas where capybaras live, (ii) the effect of environmental variables on tick abundance, and (iii) the presence of Rickettsia-infected ticks. Between September 2021 and September 2022, we sampled ticks using cloth-dragging at 194 sites on the shore of Lake Paranoá in Brasília, Brazil. We measured environmental data (season, vegetation type, canopy density, temperature, humidity, and presence or vestige of capybara) at each site. Nymphs and adults were morphologically identified to the species level, and a selected tick sample including larvae was subjected to genotypic identification. We investigated Rickettsia-infected ticks by PCR (gltA, htrA, ompB, and ompA genes) and associations between tick abundance and environmental variables using Generalized Linear Models. A total of 30,334 ticks (96% larvae) were captured. Ticks were identified as Amblyomma, with A. sculptum comprising 97% of the adult/nymphs. Genotype identification of a larval sample confirmed that 95% belonged to A. dubitatum. Seasonal variables showed significant effects on tick abundance. Most larvae and nymphs were captured during the early dry season, while the adults were more abundant during the wet season. Vegetation variables and the presence of capybaras showed no association with tick abundance. Rickettsia parkeri group and R. bellii were identified in A. dubitatum, while A. sculptum presented R. bellii. We conclude that: (i) Amblyomma ticks are widely distributed in Lake Paranoá throughout the year, especially larvae at the dry season, (ii) the abundance of Amblyomma ticks is explained more by climatic factors than by vegetation or presence of capybaras, and (iii) A. dubitatum ticks are potential vectors of R. parkeri in Brasília.

An exploratory study of resting-state functional connectivity of amygdala subregions in posttraumatic stress disorder following trauma in adulthood.

We carried out an exploratory study aimed at identifying differences in resting-state functional connectivity for the amygdala and its subregions, right and left basolateral, centromedial and superficial nuclei, in patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), relative to controls. The study included 10 participants with PTSD following trauma in adulthood (9 females), and 10 controls (9 females). The results suggest PTSD was associated with a decreased (negative) functional connectivity between the superficial amygdala and posterior brain regions relative to controls. The differences were observed between right superficial amygdala and right fusiform gyrus, and between left superficial amygdala and left lingual and left middle occipital gyri. The results suggest that among PTSD patients, the worse the PTSD symptoms, the lower the connectivity. The results corroborate the fMRI literature that shows PTSD is associated with weaker amygdala functional connectivity with areas of the brain involved in sensory and perceptual processes. The results also suggest that though the patients traumatic experience occured in adulthood, the presence of early traumatic experiences were associated with negative connectivity between the centromedial amygdala and sensory and perceptual regions. We argue that the understanding of the mechanisms of PTSD symptoms, its behaviors and the effects on quality of life of patients may benefit from the investigation of brain function that underpins sensory and perceptual symptoms associated with the disorder.

Diversity of Gall-Inducing Insects Associated With a Widely Distributed Tropical Tree Species: Testing the Environmental Stress Hypothesis.

Abiotic factors can affect plant performance and cause stress, which in turn affects plant-herbivore interactions. The Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) predicts that gall-inducing insect diversity will be greater on host plants that grow in stressful habitats. We tested this hypothesis, considering both historical and ecological scales, using the plant Copaifera langsdorffii Desf. (Fabaceae) as a model because it has a wide geographic distribution and is a super-host of gall-inducing insects. According to the ESH, we predicted that 1) on a historical scale, the diversity of gall-inducing insects will be higher in habitats with greater environmental stress and 2) on an ecological scale, gall-inducing insect diversity will be greater on plants that possess greater levels of foliar sclerophylly. We sampled gall-inducing insects on plants of C. langsdorffii in five sites with different levels of water and soil nutrient availability and separated from each other by a distance of up to 470 km. The composition, richness, and abundance of gall-inducing insects varied among study sites. Plants located in more stressful habitats had higher levels of foliar sclerophylly; but richness and abundance of gall-inducing insects were not affected by host plant sclerophylly. Habitat stress was a good predictor of gall-inducing insect diversity on a regional scale, thus corroborating the first prediction of the ESH. No relationship was found between plant sclerophylly and gall-inducing insect diversity within habitats. Therefore, on a local scale, we did not find support for our second prediction related to the ESH.

Treatment with nitrite prevents reactive oxygen species generation in the corpora cavernosa and restores intracavernosal pressure in hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED) and both conditions are associated with oxidative stress. Given that nitrite is described to display antioxidant effects, we hypothesized that treatment with nitrite would exert antioxidant effects attenuating both reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the corpora cavernosa (CC) and ED induced by hypertension. Two kidney, one clip (2K1C) hypertension was induced in male Wistar rats. Treatment with sodium nitrite (15 mg/kg/day, p.o., gavage) was initiated two weeks after surgery to induce hypertension and maintained for four weeks. Nitrite abrogated both the decrease in intracavernosal pressure and endothelial dysfunction of the CC induced by hypertension. Treatment with nitrite decreased hypertension-induced ROS generation in the CC assessed in situ using the fluorescent dye dihidroethidium (DHE) and with the lucigenin assay. Western immunoblotting analysis revealed that nitrite prevented the increase in Nox1 expression in the CC from 2K1C rats. Decreased concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were found in the CC from hypertensive rats and treatment with nitrite prevented this response. Treatment with nitrite increased the fluorescence of DAF-2DA in the CC from sham-operated rats and restored nitric oxide (NO) levels in the CC from 2K1C rats. In summary, we found novel evidence that nitrite reversed the decrease in intracavernosal pressure induced by 2K1C hypertension. This response was partially attributed to the antioxidant effect of nitrite that blunted ROS generation and endothelial dysfunction in the CC. In addition, nitrite-derived NO may have promoted direct protective actions against hypertension-induced CC dysfunction.

Dysregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase and matrix metalloproteinase in ethanol-induced cavernosal dysfunction.

We evaluated the effects of ethanol consumption on the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and metalloproteinases (MMP) pathways in the rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM). Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v) for 6 weeks. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments showed that ethanol consumption did not alter mRNA levels of p38MAPK, SAPK/JNK, ERK1/2, MMP-2, or MMP-9 in the rat CSM. Western immunoblotting experiments revealed decreased protein expression of p38MAPK and phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK in the CSM from ethanol-treated rats. Additionally, ethanol consumption decreased the expression of MMP-2. Functional assays showed that SP600125, an inhibitor of SAPK/JNK, prevented the increase in endothelin (ET)-1-induced contraction in the CSM from ethanol-treated rats. Treatment with ethanol decreased MMP-2 activity, but did not change net MMP activity in the rat CSM. Ethanol consumption increased the circulating levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 as well as the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio. The major finding of our study is that ethanol consumption down-regulates both MAPK and MMP pathways in the rat CSM, whereas it increases the circulating levels of MMP-9. Additionally, we found that SAPK/JNK plays a role in ethanol-induced increase on ET-1 contraction in the isolated rat CSM.

Ethanol-induced erectile dysfunction and increased expression of pro-inflammatory proteins in the rat cavernosal smooth muscle are mediated by NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species.

Ethanol consumption is associated with an increased risk of erectile dysfunction (ED), but the molecular mechanisms through which ethanol causes ED remain elusive. Reactive oxygen species are described as mediators of ethanol-induced cell toxicity/damage in distinctive tissues. The enzyme NADPH oxidase is the main source of reactive oxygen species in the endothelium and vascular smooth muscle cells and ethanol is described to increase NADPH oxidase activation and reactive oxygen species generation. This study evaluated the contribution of NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species to ethanol-induced ED, endothelial dysfunction and production of pro-inflammatory and redox-sensitive proteins in the rat cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM). Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v) or ethanol plus apocynin (30mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage) for six weeks. Apocynin prevented both the decreased in acetylcholine-induced relaxation and intracavernosal pressure induced by ethanol. Ethanol increased superoxide anion (O2-) generation and catalase activity in CSM, and treatment with apocynin prevented these responses. Similarly, apocynin prevented the ethanol-induced decreased of nitrate/nitrite (NOx), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and SOD activity. Treatment with ethanol increased p47phox translocation to the membrane as well as the expression of Nox2, COX-1, catalase, iNOS, ICAM-1 and p65. Apocynin prevented the effects of ethanol on protein expression and p47phox translocation. Finally, treatment with ethanol increased both TNF-α production and neutrophil migration in CSM. The major new finding of this study is that NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species play a role on chronic ethanol consumption-induced ED and endothelial dysfunction in the rat CSM.

Reactive oxygen species derived from NAD(P)H oxidase play a role on ethanol-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in rat resistance arteries

Chronic ethanol consumption is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We studied whether NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in ethanol-induced hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and protein expression in resistance arteries. Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20 % v/v) for 6 weeks. Ethanol treatment increased blood pressure and decreased acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MAB). These responses were attenuated by apocynin (30 mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage). Ethanol consumption increased superoxide anion (O2−) generation and decreased nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentration in the rat MAB and apocynin prevented these responses. Conversely, ethanol did not affect the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reduced glutathione (GSH) or the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the rat MAB. Ethanol increased interleukin (IL)-10 levels in the rat MAB but did not affect the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, or IL-1β. Ethanol increased the expression of Nox2 and the phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK, but reduced eNOS expression in the rat MAB. Apocynin prevented these responses. However, ethanol treatment did not affect the expression of Nox1, Nox4, p38MAPK, ERK1/2, or SAPK/JNK in the rat MAB. Ethanol increased plasma levels of TBARS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-10, whereas it decreased NOx levels. The major finding of our study is that NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS play a role on ethanol-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries. Moreover, ethanol consumption affects the expression and phosphorylation of proteins that regulate vascular function and NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS play a role in such responses (AU)

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Reactive oxygen species derived from NAD(P)H oxidase play a role on ethanol-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in rat resistance arteries.

Chronic ethanol consumption is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We studied whether NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in ethanol-induced hypertension, vascular dysfunction, and protein expression in resistance arteries. Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20 % v/v) for 6 weeks. Ethanol treatment increased blood pressure and decreased acetylcholine-induced relaxation in the rat mesenteric arterial bed (MAB). These responses were attenuated by apocynin (30 mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage). Ethanol consumption increased superoxide anion (O2-) generation and decreased nitrate/nitrite (NO x ) concentration in the rat MAB and apocynin prevented these responses. Conversely, ethanol did not affect the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reduced glutathione (GSH) or the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the rat MAB. Ethanol increased interleukin (IL)-10 levels in the rat MAB but did not affect the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, or IL-1ß. Ethanol increased the expression of Nox2 and the phosphorylation of SAPK/JNK, but reduced eNOS expression in the rat MAB. Apocynin prevented these responses. However, ethanol treatment did not affect the expression of Nox1, Nox4, p38MAPK, ERK1/2, or SAPK/JNK in the rat MAB. Ethanol increased plasma levels of TBARS, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-10, whereas it decreased NO x levels. The major finding of our study is that NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS play a role on ethanol-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in resistance arteries. Moreover, ethanol consumption affects the expression and phosphorylation of proteins that regulate vascular function and NAD(P)H oxidase-derived ROS play a role in such responses.

Data on the mechanisms underlying succinate-induced aortic contraction.

We describe the mechanisms underlying the vascular contraction induced by succinate. The data presented here are related to the article entitled "Pharmacological characterization of the mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of succinate" (L.N. Leite, N.A. Gonzaga, J.A. Simplicio, G.T. Vale, J.M. Carballido, J.C. Alves-Filho, C.R. Tirapelli, 2016) [1]. Succinate acts as a signaling molecule by binding to a G-protein-coupled receptor termed GPR91, "Citric acid cycle intermediates as ligands for orphan G-protein-coupled receptors" (W. He, F.J. Miao, D.C. Lin, R.T. Schwandner, Z. Wang, J. Gao, J.L. Chen, H. Tian, L. Ling, 2004) [2]. Here we include data on the contractile effect of succinate in the aorta. Succinate contracted both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings isolated from male Wistar rats or C57BL/6 mice. Succinate was less effective at inducing contraction in arteries isolated from GPR91-deficient mice, when compared to its vascular effect in aortas from wild type mice. SB203508 (p38MAK inhibitor), SP600125 (JNK inhibitor) and Y27632 (Rho-kinase inhibitor) reduced succinate-induced contraction in both endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings, while PD98059 (ERK1/2 inhibitor) did not affect succinate-induced contraction. The contractile response induced by succinate on endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings was reduced by indomethacin (non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor), H7 (protein kinase C inhibitor), verapamil (Ca(2+) channel blocker) and tiron (superoxide anion scavenger).

Pharmacological characterization of the mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of succinate.

We investigated the mechanisms underlying the vascular effects of succinate. Vascular reactivity experiments were performed in aortic rings isolated from male Wistar rats and C57BL/6 wild type (WT) or GPR91(-/-) mice. Nitrate/nitrite (NOx) was measured colorimetrically whereas 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α (stable product of prostacyclin) was measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was assessed by western immunoblotting. Functional assays revealed that the direct effect of succinate in the vasculature is biphasic. At lower concentrations succinate induced relaxation while at higher concentrations succinate induced vascular contraction. Succinate concentration dependently relaxed rat aortic rings with intact endothelium. Endothelial removal reduced, but not abolished succinate-induced relaxation. Similarly, succinate relaxed endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortas isolated from both C57BL/6 and GPR91(-/-) mice. Pre-incubation of endothelium-intact, but not endothelium-denuded rat aortic rings with l-NAME, indomethacin and tetraethylammonium (TEA) reduced succinate-induced relaxation. In endothelium-intact rings, succinate-induced relaxation was attenuated by ODQ, haemoglobin, Rp-8-Br-Pet-cGMPS, thapsigargin, wortmannin and SC-560. Blockade of K(+) channels with 4-aminopyridine, apamin and charybdotoxin reduced succinate-induced relaxation. Succinate increased the concentration of NOx and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1α as well as eNOS phosphorylation at ser(1177) residue. CaCl2-induced contraction of endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded aortas was not affected by succinate. The major finding of our study is that it first demonstrates a direct effect of succinate in the vasculature. Succinate displays a biphasic and concentration-dependent effect. The vascular relaxation induced by succinate is partially mediated by endothelial GPR91 receptors via the NO-cGMP pathway, a vasodilator cyclooxygenase (COX) product(s) and the opening of K(+) channels.

Chronic ethanol consumption induces erectile dysfunction: Role of oxidative stress.

AIMS: Investigate the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on erectile function and on the corpus cavernosum (CC) reactivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1). MAIN METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated with ethanol (20% v/v) for six weeks. KEY FINDINGS: Ethanol-treated rats showed impaired erectile function represented by decreased intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) responses. Ethanol consumption increased the contractile response induced by ET-1 in the isolated CC. Tiron increased ET-1-induced contraction in CC from control and ethanol-treated rats. No differences in the maximal contraction to ET-1 were observed after incubation of CC with PEG-catalase. SC560 and SC236 increased ET-1-induced contraction in CC from ethanol-treated rats. Y27632 reduced the contraction induced by ET-1 in CC from control and ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol increased plasma TBARS, superoxide anion (O2(-)) levels and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the rat CC. Reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in CC and increased catalase (CAT) activity in plasma and CC were detected after treatment with ethanol. Ethanol decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the rat CC. Increased expression of COX-1 was observed in CC from ethanol-treated rats. Treatment with ethanol decreased COX-2 expression but did not alter the expression of Nox1, RhoA and p-RhoA (ser(188)) in the rat CC. SIGNIFICANCE: The major new findings of our study are that ethanol consumption induces erectile dysfunction (ED) and increases the contraction induced by ET-1 in the rat CC by a mechanism that involves decreased generation of H2O2 and vasodilator prostanoids as well as increased activation of the RhoA/Rho-kinase pathway.

Emotional traits and affective temperaments in alcohol users, abusers and dependents in a national sample.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear how temperament is related to alcohol-related behavior in large population studies. We have used the Affective and Emotional Composite Temperament Scale (AFECTS) model to evaluate how emotional traits and affective temperaments are associated with alcohol use, abuse, and dependence in the general population. METHODS: Data from 10,603 subjects (mean age=28.0±7.8 years, 70.3% females) was collected anonymously by the Internet in Brazil using the AFECTS model and the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Alcohol use was stratified into control, low use, abuse, and dependence groups. RESULTS: The analysis of dimensional traits showed that Volition and Coping were lower, and Sensitivity was higher, in the abuse and dependence groups, with no differences between the Control and the Low Use groups. Alcohol consumption was also associated with lower Control, Stability, and Caution, and higher with Anger, Anxiety, and Desire, with significant differences between all groups. Regarding affective temperament types, alcohol abuse and dependence were associated with euphoric and cyclothymic temperaments in both genders, which was mirrored by a lower frequency of both euthymic and hyperthymic types. Only hyperthymics were overrepresented in the Control group for both genders. LIMITATIONS: Data was collected by Internet only. CONCLUSIONS: A global dysfunction of emotional traits and a predominance of cyclothymic and euphoric temperaments were associated with alcohol-related behavior. Prevention and treatment strategies may be developed more effectively if these traits are taken into account.

Ethanol consumption increases endothelin-1 expression and reactivity in the rat cavernosal smooth muscle.

AIMS: We investigated the effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the cavernosal smooth muscle (CSM) reactivity to endothelin-1 (ET-1) and the expression of ET system components in this tissue. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were treated with heavy dose of ethanol (20% v/v) for 6 weeks. Reactivity experiments were performed in the isolated rat CSM. Plasma and CSM nitrate generation and also superoxide anion generation in rat CSM were measured by chemiluminescence. Protein and mRNA levels of pre-pro-ET-1, endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1), ETA and ETB receptors, eNOS, nNOS and iNOS were assessed by western immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS: Chronic ethanol consumption increased plasma ET-1 levels and the contractile response induced by this peptide in the isolated CSM. The relaxation induced by acetylcholine, but not IRL1620, a selective ETB receptor agonist, was reduced in CSM from ethanol-treated rats. BQ123, a selective ETA receptor antagonist, produced a rightward displacement of the ET-1 concentration-response curves in CSM from control, but not ethanol-treated rats. Reduced levels of nitrate were found in the plasma and CSM from ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol consumption increased superoxide anion generation in the rat CSM. The mRNA levels of pre-pro-ET-1, ECE-1, ETA and ETB receptors, eNOS, nNOS and iNOS were not altered by ethanol consumption. Protein levels of ET-1, ETA receptor and iNOS were higher in the CSM from rats chronically treated with ethanol. CONCLUSION: The major findings of the present study are that heavy ethanol consumption increases plasma ET-1 levels and the contraction induced by the peptide in the CSM. Increased CSM reactivity to ET-1 and altered protein levels of ET-1 and ETA receptors could play a role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction associated with chronic ethanol consumption.

Inventário de expectativas de resultados em usuários de crack (IERUC): construção e validação / The crack expectancy questionnaire (CEQ): construction and validation

Objetivos: Desenvolver e validar uma escala que avalie as expectativas de resultados em usuários de crack internados. Método: Estudo transversal, com amostra por conveniência. Inicialmente os itens do IERUC surgiram de frases de usuários divulgadas pela mídia e das falas de usuários de crack internados. Apareceram 41 frases, foram selecionadas 25 e submetidas a um grupo focal de 15 usuários de crack, os quais apontaram 18 frases. Um grupo de sete juízes especialistas em dependência química avaliou os 18 itens e aprovou 17, em cinco fatores teóricos. Resultados: Na validação semântica e psicométrica, o IERUC com 17 itens e cinco fatores foi aplicado em 170 homens internados, usuários de crack e após a análise fatorial a escala resultou 14 itens, distribuídos em quatro fatores, versão final apresentada neste estudo. Conclusões: Os resultados satisfatórios de validade e confiabilidade do IERUC definiram boas propriedades psicométricas, com base em um modelo de quatro fatores que avaliam as expectativas de resultados relacionadas ao uso de crack.

Aims: To develop and validate a scale to assess crack-related expectancies in hospitalized crack users. Method: This is a cross-sectional study with a convenience sample. The Crack Expectancy Questionnaire (CEQ) items were initially developed from statements of crack users presented in the media and reports of hospitalized crack users. Of 41 statements collected, 25 were selected and subjected to a focus group of 15 crack users, who indicated 18 statements. A panel of seven drug dependence specialists evaluated the 18 items and approved 17 of them, divided into five theoretical factors. Results: For psychometric and semantic validation, the 17-item, five-factor CEQ was administered to 170 hospitalized male crack users. After factor analysis, the scale resulted in 14 items divided into four factors, with the final version presented in this study. Conclusions: Satisfactory results of CEQ validity and reliability defined good psychometric properties, based on a four-factor model to assess crack-related expectancies.

Validação psicométrica do Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack para dependentes hospitalizados / Psychometric validation of Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version inpatients dependents

Introdução: O craving (ou fissura) é um fator muito importante no tratamento da dependência de substâncias psicotrópicas. Objetivo: Validar o Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack. Método: O delineamento foi experimental e seus participantes foram randomizados, em grupos: experimental, para o qual foi apresentada uma imagem de um indivíduo consumindo crack (G1), e controle (G2), para o qual não foi apresentada nenhuma imagem. A amostra foi composta por 109 sujeitos (G1 = 50 e G2 = 59) do sexo masculino, internados por causa da dependência do crack. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Entrevista Clínica com dados sociodemográficos, CCQ-B Versão Adaptada para o Crack, Escala Analógico-Visual do Craving, Inventários Beck de Ansiedade e de Depressão e o Estímulo Visual indutor de craving para o G1. Resultados: Na análise fatorial, foram encontrados dois fatores: o fator 1, relacionado ao craving propriamente dito, e o fator 2, relacionado à percepção da falta de controle do uso do crack. Os dois fatores apresentaram variância total de 68,84 por cento, e a correlação entre os fatores foi significativa e de baixa intensidade (r = 0,204; p = 0,041). O alfa de Cronbach do seu total de pontos foi 0,85. O instrumento no total de pontos foi correlacionado com a Escala Analógico-Visual (r = 0,515; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O CCQ-B - Versão Brasileira Adaptada para o Crack demonstrou ser, psicometricamente, satisfatório para utilização em pesquisas e em ambiente clínico.

Background: The craving is a very important factor in the treatment of drug addiction. Objective: Validate the Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version. Method: Subjects enrolled in this experimental study were randomized into groups: experimental for this group was shown an image of a subject using crack (G1) and control (G2) for this group no pictures were shown. The sample was composed of 109 subjects (G1 = 50 and G2 = 59), males, crack/cocaine dependent inpatients. The assessment instruments were: Clinical Interview with social and demographic data, CCQ-B - Crack Adapted Version; Visual Analogic Scale for Craving, Anxiety and Depression Beck and Inventories Visual Cue to elicit craving. Results: On the factorial analysis two factors were found: Factor 1, related to craving itself, and Factor 2, the perceived lack of control of crack use. The two-factor factorial analysis presented a total variation of 68.84 percent, and the correlation between these factors was significant and of low intensity (r = 0.204; p = 0.041). A Cronbach’s alpha value from total of points of scale was 0.85. We observed a correlation between the scale total score and the Visual Analogic Scale (r = 0.515; p < 0.01). Conclusion: The Cocaine Craving Questionnaire-Brief - Brazilian Crack Adapted Version proved to be an adequate psychometric instrument for use in research and in clinical settings.

Transtorno de estresse pós-traumático e prejuízos cognitivos em mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo / Posttraumatic stress disorder and cognitive impairments in women victims of intimate partner violence

A violência contra a mulher perpetrada pelo parceiro íntimo tem se constituído como um complexo problema de saúde pública. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: (a) investigar a presença de sintomatologia do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (TEPT) em uma amostra de mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo, (b) identificar a presença de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade e (c) avaliar prejuízos em funções cognitivas na presente amostra. Neste estudo, 17 mulheres adultas vítimas de violência íntima pelo parceiro foram avaliadas pelos seguintes instrumentos: Rastreio para Sintomas de Estresse Pós-Traumático (SPTSS), Inventário Beck de Depressão (BDI), Inventário Beck de Ansiedade (BAI), Repetição de Dígitos, Teste de Trilhas (TMT), Teste de Associação de Palavras Controladas (COWAT), Memory Assessment Clinics Self-Rating Scale - Short Version (MAC-SV), bem como entrevista clínica estruturada e questionário sobre dados sócio-demográficos e saúde. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que todas as mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo preencheram critérios para o diagnóstico de TEPT e apresentaram sintomatologia pós-traumática, corroborando a relevância clínica do transtorno. Ainda em relação às variáveis de psicopatologia, foram observados níveis graves de sintomas de ansiedade e sintomas moderados de depressão. De maneira geral, foram encontrados prejuízos em funções cognitivas, como atenção, memória e funções executivas. Ainda que fatores como a ausência de grupo controle e o alto índice de uso de medicação psicotrópica possam limitar a generalização dos resultados, o presente estudo sugere que a violência contra a mulher perpetrada pelo parceiro íntimo está associada a prejuízos cognitivos e sofrimento psicológico.

Transtorno de estresse pós-traumático e prejuízos cognitivos em mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo / Posttraumatic stress disorder and cognitive impairments in women victims of intimate partner violence

A violência contra a mulher perpetrada pelo parceiro íntimo tem se constituído como um complexo problema de saúde pública. Os objetivos desse estudo foram: (a) investigar a presença de sintomatologia do Transtorno de Estresse Pós-Traumático (TEPT) em uma amostra de mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo, (b) identificar a presença de sintomas de depressão e ansiedade e (c) avaliar prejuízos em funções cognitivas na presente amostra. Neste estudo, 17 mulheres adultas vítimas de violência íntima pelo parceiro foram avaliadas pelos seguintes instrumentos: Rastreio para Sintomas de Estresse Pós-Traumático (SPTSS), Inventário Beck de Depressão (BDI), Inventário Beck de Ansiedade (BAI), Repetição de Dígitos, Teste de Trilhas (TMT), Teste de Associação de Palavras Controladas (COWAT), Memory Assessment Clinics Self-Rating Scale - Short Version (MAC-SV), bem como entrevista clínica estruturada e questionário sobre dados sócio-demográficos e saúde. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que todas as mulheres vítimas de violência pelo parceiro íntimo preencheram critérios para o diagnóstico de TEPT e apresentaram sintomatologia pós-traumática, corroborando a relevância clínica do transtorno. Ainda em relação às variáveis de psicopatologia, foram observados níveis graves de sintomas de ansiedade e sintomas moderados de depressão. De maneira geral, foram encontrados prejuízos em funções cognitivas, como atenção, memória e funções executivas. Ainda que fatores como a ausência de grupo controle e o alto índice de uso de medicação psicotrópica possam limitar a generalização dos resultados, o presente estudo sugere que a violência contra a mulher perpetrada pelo parceiro íntimo está associada a prejuízos cognitivos e sofrimento psicológico.