Human sweat contains oxytocin.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin (OT) has been detected in various body fluids, including blood, urine, saliva, breastmilk, and spinal fluid. Consistent with models that regard skin as a social organ and in line with studies demonstrating that skin cells express both OT and its receptor, our study sought to examine the presence of OT in human sweat. METHODS: Overall, 553 individuals participated in a pilot study and three experiments. Firstly, 50 participants provided sweat after engaging in various sports for different durations. Secondly, 26 participants provided sweat from forehead, upper-chest, forearm, and underarm, including 11 in natural setting and 15 following OT administration and a 30-minute exercise. Thirdly, of 435 volunteers, 97 provided sufficient axillary sweat for assaying. Of these, 84 participated in a naturalistic experiment that involved saliva and sweat collection in response to physical activity in either solitary or social settings. OT and testosterone (TS) were assayed in sweat and saliva. RESULTS: Intense activity for at least 25 min was required to produce sufficient sweat for OT analysis. Highest OT levels were found in axillary sweat compared to sweat from the forehead, upper-chest, and forearm. Salivary OT and TS increased after both solitary and social physical activity; however, higher sweat OT was found after solitary sports. Post-hoc preliminary findings indicate that highly extroverted individuals exercising in solitary environments showed the highest sweat OT levels. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of OT in human sweat and show the feasibility of its measurement. Much further research is required to illuminate how sweat OT is impacted by personality and social context and to uncover the role of the skin in OT production.

Linking negative affect, personality and social conditions to structural brain development during the transition from late adolescent to young adulthood.

BACKGROUND: The transition from late adolescence to early adulthood is a period that experiences a surge of life changes and brain reorganization caused by internal and external factors, including negative affect, personality, and social conditions. METHODS: Non-imaging phenotype and structural brain variables were available on 497 healthy participants (279 females and 218 males) between 17 and 22 years old. We used sparse canonical correlation analysis (sCCA) on the high-dimensional and longitudinal data to extract modes with maximum covariation between structural brain changes and negative affect, personality, and social conditions. RESULTS: Separate sCCAs for cortical volume, cortical thickness, cortical surface area and subcortical volume confirmed that each imaging phenotype was correlated with non-imaging features (sCCA |r| range: 0.21-0.38, all pFDR < 0.01). Bilateral superior frontal, left caudal anterior cingulate and bilateral caudate had the highest canonical cross-loadings (|ρ| = 0.15-0.32). In longitudinal data analysis, scan-interval, negative affect, and enthusiasm had the highest association with structural brain changes (|ρ| = 0.07-0.38); at baseline, intellect and politeness were associated with individual variability in the structural brain (|ρ| = 0.10-0.25). LIMITATIONS: The present study used non-imaging variables only at baseline, making it impossible to explore the relationship between changing behavior and structural brain development. CONCLUSIONS: Individual structural brain changes are associated with multiple factors. In addition to time-dependent variables, we find that negative affect, enthusiasm and social support play a numerically weak but significant role in structural brain development during the transition from late adolescence to young adulthood.

The geographic distribution of retail tobacco outlets in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking prevalence in Indonesia is among the highest in the world. Research worldwide identifies that physical access to tobacco through retail outlets is related to increased tobacco smoking. Tobacco outlet density is very high in many Indonesian cities, so tobacco access may contribute to the high prevalence of tobacco use in that country. The aim of this study was to examine distributions of tobacco outlets in one Indonesian city, Yogyakarta, in relation to social and physical environmental conditions. METHODS: For this cross-sectional ecological study, we virtually audited randomly selected street segments (n = 1099) using Google Street View. The outcome of interest was a count of tobacco advertising banners (indicating the presence of retail outlets). Exposures were physical environmental conditions (scales of main roads, physical decay, presence of schools, mosques, churches) and social conditions measured at the neighbourhood level (concentrated disadvantage, age composition, population density). RESULTS: Tobacco banners were present on 36.4% of sampled street segments, including 55 (37%) of 147 streets with schools; a total of 1381 banners were identified. Multilevel negative binomial regression models for street segments nested within neighbourhoods found the prevalence of tobacco banners per 100 m was lower near schools (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.45, 0.97) and was not associated with other exposure measures. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Retail tobacco outlets are ubiquitous in Yogyakarta. Although they are relatively less prevalent on streets with schools, the high absolute values and wide spatial distribution means all residents of Yogyakarta are exposed to tobacco outlets.

Do social circumstances dictate a change in the setup of an anorectal malformation clinic?

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To assess the number of patients seen at the colorectal clinic of a low-to-middle income-country with emphasis on their social circumstances. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2018 we recorded the number of visits to colorectal clinic. From February 2019 prospective data on patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) focusing on their social conditions (type of housing and sanitation) and HIV-exposure were collected. RESULTS: At the clinic 452 visits were recorded in 2013, 608 in 2014, 904 in 2016, 1392 in 2017, and 1968 in 2018. The ARM cohort included 100 patients: at the time of delivery the HIV status of 74 mothers was negative, positive in 21, and unknown in 5. None of the HIV-exposed patients seroconverted to HIV positive (average follow-up:39 months). Seventy-four patients live in formal settlements, 23 in informal, and 3 in unknown type. Forty-six patients have inside toilets, 39 outside flushing toilets, 10 outside pit latrines, 2 community toilets, and 3 an unknown sanitation. CONCLUSIONS: The clinic work-load has increased during the past years. A significant proportion of our patients are HIV-exposed, do not live in formal houses and do not have inside toilets. Tailored strategies for a successful surgical plan and bowel management need to be implemented. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Social vulnerabilities and health conditions of arrestees in the Greater Paris area, France, in 2013: a multicentre cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the health and social conditions of arrestees, as compared to the general population. METHODS: We studied a sample of 600 adult arrestees in three locations in the Greater Paris area, prospectively included (February-May 2013). A descriptive analysis has been performed, then prevalence was estimated using an indirect standardisation according to age, based on data from a population-based, representative survey in the same area. RESULTS: Arrestees had a median age of 31 years; 92% were males. As compared to the general population, arrestees had a lower level of education (8.6 vs. 7.6%, p < 0.001), were more frequently unemployed (42.0 vs. 11.9%, p < 0.001) and in a difficult financial situation (43 vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and had less significant social support (48.1 vs. 87.9%, p < 0.001). They reported also more frequently a chronic health condition (54 vs. 36%, p < 0.001) and a limited health insurance coverage (36 vs. 15%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Comparative analysis of male arrestees and males from the general population showed that the former had worse social and health conditions. These results argue for widespread medical interventions on all arrestees. Medical examination during detention could act as a gateway to health care and social support.

Association of demographic, economic and clinical variables in daily activities and symptoms presented by patients in cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between demographic, economic and clinical variables, cancer symptoms, and daily life interference in patients receiving cancer treatment in Brazil. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 268 patients were assessed. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic, economic and clinical variables, and the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory was used to assess cancer symptoms. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: The following variables were associated with higher symptom scores: female sex (prevalence ratio [PR]=1.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.06-1.53), illiteracy or ≤ 9 years of formal education (PR=1.40; 95% CI 1.08-1.82), clinical equipment or situations that requiring nursing care (PR=1.23; 95% CI 1.03-1.46), and family history of cancer (PR=1.23; 95% CI 1.04-1.45). Daily life interference was associated with female sex (PR=1.40; 95% CI 1.12-1.75), secondary tumour (PR=1.42; 95% CI 1.16-1.74) and radiotherapy (PR=1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.51). CONCLUSION: Management of cancer patients requires multidisciplinary knowledge, taking into consideration all the subjective dimensions of the patients. Knowing the profile of patients most strongly affected by symptoms will help them face the limitations and consequences of the disease and its treatment.

Restauración post-endodoncia y condición social como factor de preservación dentaria: parte 2 / Post-endodontic restoration and social condition asa factor of tooth preservation. Part 2

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer el estado dental de piezas endodonciadas en correlación conlas variables de restauración coronaria, estado periodontal, nivel de estudio, condición laboral y acceso a servicios odontológicos. Para ello, se analizó una población de individuos compuesta por sujetos concurrentes a los cursos de posgrado de Endodoncia, del Círculo Odontológico de Córdoba, y al servicio de la Cátedra “B” de Endodoncia de la Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Se hicieron tratamientos controlados durante dieciocho meses. La muestra total la conformaron 144 pacientes y se trataron 174 casos. El estudio mostró 37 casos con restauración coronaria definitiva sin fracturas, 52 dientes sin restauración, 21 con fracturas y 1 se perdió. De los dientes restaurados, el55,6 por ciento mostraron periodonto normal; 22,2 por ciento gingivitis, y 22 por ciento periodontitis leve. De los dientes sin restauración, el 3,9 por ciento mostraron periodonto normal; 7,8 por ciento gingivitis; 31,4 por ciento periodontitis leve; 35,3 por ciento periodontitis grave y 21,6 por ciento periodontitis complicada. De los dientes fracturados, el 16,7 por ciento mostraron periodonto normal o gingivitis; 35,3 por ciento periodontitis leve y grave, y un 72,7 por ciento periodontitis complicada. No se demostró asociación entre nivel de estudios, condición laboral y tipo de atención con fracturas de los pacientes, pero los porcentajes sugieren más probabilidad de sufrir fractura en los pacientes de la asistencia pública. El elevado porcentaje de inasistencia a control motivó un análisis específico, del cual se pudo concluir que cuanto más grave la patología periodontal, mayor el porcentaje de inasistencia. El estudio permitió observar desigualdad en el acceso a los servicios odontológicos, dientes no rehabilitados y con compromiso periodontal.

The aim of this study was to know the dental state of endodontic pieces in correlation with different variables such as coronary restoration, periodontic condition, level of study, employment status and access to dental services. A population composed of patients treated in two different postgraduate courses at the Círculo Odontológico de Córdoba and Chair “B” of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry,National University of Córdoba were analyzed. Treatments were clinically and radiographicallycontrolled for eighteen months. The total sample included 144 patients and 174 treatments. The studyshowed 37 cases with definitive coronary restoration without fractures, 52 teeth without restoration,21 with fractures, and 1 was lost. From restored teeth, 55.6% showed normal periodontium, 22.2%gingivitis, and 22% mild periodontitis. From teeth without restoration, 3.9% showed normalperiodontitis, 7.8% gingivitis, 31.4% mild periodontitis, 35.3% severe periodontitis and 21.6%complicated periodontitis. From fractured teeth, 16.7% showed normal periodontitis or gingivitis, 35.3% had mild and severe periodontitis, and 72.7% had complicated periodontitis. There has beenno correlation between level of education, work status, and kind of service on patient with fractures,but the percentage suggest that patients in public assistance are more likely to suffer fracture. The highpercentage of non-attendance to control led to a specific analysis, from which it is possible to concludedthat the more severe the periodontal disease, the greater the percentage of non-attendance. The study showed inequality in access to dental services, un rehabilitated teeth and with periodontal compromise.

Condición juvenil y drogas en universitarios: el caso de una universidad regional / Youth condition and drugs in universities: the case of a regional university / Condição dos jovens e drogas em universitários: o caso de uma universidade regional

En este artículo exponemos una reflexión acerca de la condición juvenil, y se centra la atención en la relación entre la condición juvenil diferenciada de los estudiantes universitarios y el uso de sustancias psicoactivas. Se argumenta que, si bien la condición juvenil es diferenciada frente a las prácticas de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas se homogenizan las diferencias. Lo anterior se sustenta a partir del caso de una universidad regional. El artículo se desarrolla en dos momentos: en el primero, se aborda el inicio, escalamiento y diversificación del uso de sustancias psicoactivas; en el segundo, se desarrolla la relación con la condición juvenil a partir de la construcción de cuatro categorías. Para lo anterior, se utiliza un cuestionario de la Cicad/OEA, y con ello se busca profundizar en las circunstancias sociales de los usuarios y usuarias, más allá de su experiencia estudiantil universitaria, al tiempo que se busca desnaturalizar la concepción etaria al transformarla en una cualidad social y no en una condición biológica del sujeto.

This article develops a reflection regarding the youth condition,focusing on the relation between the differentiated youth condition of university students and theuse of psychoactive substances. The authors argue that while the youth condition is differentiatedinternally, in regards to the practices of the consumption of psychoactive substances, these differences are homogenized. This argument is based on the case of a regional university and is developed throughtwo separate sections in the article. The first covers the beginning, increase and diversification in theuse of psychoactive substances. The second section sees the authors address the relation betweenpsychoactive substance consumption and the youth condition through the construction of fourcategories. To achieve this a survey from the Cicad/OAS was used to obtain more knowledge aboutthe social circumstances of these users that goes beyond their experience as university students. Theauthors also denormalize the concept of age through transforming it into a social characteristic andnot a biological condition of the subject.

Neste artigo é realizada uma reflexão a respeito da condição dos jovens, centrando a atenção na relação entre a condição juvenil diferenciada dos estudantes universitários e o uso de substâncias psicoativas. Argumentou-se que, se a condição juvenil é diferenciada em seu interior, diante das práticas de consumo psicoativas, se homogenizam as diferenças. Esse argumento é sustentado por meio do estudo de caso em uma universidade regional. O artigo foi desenvolvido em dois momentos: no primeiro, abordou-se o início, a escolha e a diversificação do uso de psicoativos;no segundo, foi abordada a relação com a condição juvenil por meio da construção de quatro categorias. Assim, um questionário da Cicad/OEA foi utilizado e, com ele, as circunstâncias sociais dos usuários e usuárias foi aprofundada, além de sua experiência estudantil universitária, enquantos e desnaturalizou a concepção etária ao transformá-la em uma qualidade social e não em uma condição biológica do sujeito.

Adolescent Social Defeat Induced Alterations in Social Behavior and Cognitive Flexibility in Adult Mice: Effects of Developmental Stage and Social Condition.

Negative social experiences during adolescence increase the risk of psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Using "resident-intruder" stress, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of adolescent social defeat on emotional and cognitive symptoms associated with psychiatric disorders during adulthood and the effects of the developmental stage and social condition on this process. In Experiment 1, animals were exposed to social defeat or manipulation for 10 days during early adolescence (EA, postnatal days [PND] 28-37), late adolescence (LA, PND 38-47), and adulthood (ADULT, PND 70-79) and then singly housed until the behavioral tests. Behaviors, including social avoidance of the defeat context and cortically mediated cognitive flexibility in an attentional set-shifting task (AST), were assessed during the week following stress or after 6 weeks during adulthood. We determined that social defeat induced significant and continuous social avoidance across age groups at both time points. The mice that experienced social defeat during adulthood exhibited short-term impairments in reversal learning (RL) on the AST that dissipated after 6 weeks. In contrast, social defeat during EA but not LA induced a delayed deficit in extra-dimensional set-shifting (EDS) in adulthood but not during adolescence. In Experiment 2, we further examined the effects of social condition (isolation or social housing after stress) on the alterations induced by social defeat during EA in adult mice. The adult mice that had experienced stress during EA exhibited social avoidance similar to the avoidance identified in Experiment 1 regardless of the isolation or social housing after the stress. However, social housing after the stress ameliorated the cognitive flexibility deficits induced by early adolescent social defeat in the adult mice, and the social condition had no effect on cognitive function. These findings suggest that the effects of social defeat on emotion and cognitive function are differentially affected by the developmental stage and social condition. EA may comprise a particularly sensitive developmental period in which social defeat may produce a delayed impairment in cognitive flexibility during adulthood, and the social condition following stress appears to play an important intermediary role in the development of these cognitive deficits.

The burden of cancer in Mexico, 1990-2013 / La carga del cáncer en México, 1990-2013

Abstract: Objective: To analyze mortality and incidence for 28 cancers by deprivation status, age and sex from 1990 to 2013. Materials and methods: The data and methodological approaches provided by the Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2013) were used. Results: Trends from 1990 to 2013 show important changes in cancer epidemiology in Mexico. While some cancers show a decreasing trend in incidence and mortality (lung, cervical) others emerge as relevant health priorities (prostate, breast, stomach, colorectal and liver cancer). Age standardized incidence and mortality rates for all cancers are higher in the northern states while the central states show a decreasing trend in the mortality rate. The analysis show that infection related cancers like cervical or liver cancer play a bigger role in more deprived states and that cancers with risk factors related to lifestyle like colorectal cancer are more common in less marginalized states. Conclusions: The burden of cancer in Mexico shows complex regional patterns by age, sex, types of cancer and deprivation status. Creation of a national cancer registry is crucial.

Resumen: Objetivo: Analizar la incidencia y la mortalidad de 28 tipos de cáncer por nivel de marginación, grupos de edad y sexo, de 1990 a 2013. Material y métodos: Los datos utilizados provienen del estudio de la Carga Global de Enfermedades (2013). Las entidades federativas se clasificaron de acuerdo con el índice de marginación del Consejo Nacional de Población. Resultados: Los datos muestran una tendencia decreciente para algunos cánceres (pulmón y cervical), mientras otros aparecen como prioritarios y relevantes (próstata, mama, estómago, colon e hígado). En el norte se observan incrementos regionales mayores en las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad estandarizadas por edad, mientras que en los estados del centro se observa una tendencia decreciente de la tasa de mortalidad. Conclusiones: La epidemiología del cáncer en México (en su mayoría basada en datos de mortalidad) presentan patrones regionales complejos por edad, sexo, tipo de cáncer e índice de marginación. Es vital la creación de un registro nacional para mejorar el seguimiento y evaluación de intervenciones preventivas y curativas.

Homeless children: Experiences and meanings of the environments they construct / Los niños en situación de calle: experiencias y significados de los ambientes que construyen / As crianças em situação de rua: experiências e significados dos ambientes que constroem

Objective.This work sought to learn of the experiences of homeless children and understand the meanings they give to environments they construct within these spaces. The study took place in Medellín, Colombia in 2015. Methods. Ours was a qualitative research with ethnographic approach. Non-structured interviews and observations were conducted; a field diary was kept. Results. The street, although a space of public use, is converted by children into their private space; they carry in it almost all their activities and construct two big environments: that of the street that attracts and educates and that of the work that is transitory because it is performed to survive. These children dream with an ideal environment that allows them to live quietly. Conclusion. Children convert the street into a private place where they carry out their daily practices: socializing, working, sleeping, having fun, and relaxing, that is, a place of social construction.

Objetivo.Conocer las experiencias de los niños en situación de calle, y comprender los significados que dan a los ambientes que construyen en estos espacios. Medellín, Colombia 2015. Métodos. Investigación cualitativa con enfoque etnográfico. Se realizaron entrevistas no estructuradas, observaciones; se llevó un diario de campo. Resultados. La calle, aunque espacio de uso público, los niños la convierten en su espacio privado; desarrollan en ella casi la totalidad de sus actividades y construyen dos grandes ambientes: el de calle que engancha y educa y el de trabajo que es transitorio porque se hace para sobrevivir. Sueñan con un ambiente ideal que les permita vivir de manera tranquila. Conclusión. Los niños convierten la calle en un lugar privado donde realizan sus prácticas cotidianas: socializarse, trabajar, dormir, divertirse y relajarse, es decir, un lugar de construcción social.

Objetivo.Conhecer as experiências das crianças em situação de rua, e compreender os significados que dão aos ambientes que constroem nestes espaços. Medellín, Colômbia 2015. Métodos. Investigação qualitativa com enfoque etnográfico. Se realizaram entrevistas não estruturadas, observações; se fez um diário de campo. Resultados. A rua, embora espaço de uso público, as crianças a convertem em seu espaço privado; desenvolvem nela quase a totalidade de suas atividades e constroem dois grandes ambientes: o de rua que engancha e educa e o de trabalho que é transitório porque se faz para sobreviver. Sonham com um ambiente ideal que lhes permita viver de maneira tranquila. Conclusão. As crianças convertem a rua num lugar privado onde realizam suas práticas cotidianas: socializar-se, trabalhar, dormir, divertir-se e relaxar-se, ou seja, um lugar de construção social.

Características de los sistemas humano y ambiental como determinantes para la construcción de políticas públicas / Characteristics of human and environmental systems as determinants for the development of public policies

Introducción: Las políticas públicas corresponden al diseño de acciones colectivas y el curso que efectivamente toman las acciones como resultado de las interacciones que comporta y, en consecuencia, los hechos reales que la acción colectiva produce. Objetivo: Plantear una metodología participativa para la construcción de políticas públicas en localidades municipales urbanas. Métodos: El estudio se realizó en dos fases: una primera de tipo descriptivo para caracterizar los sistemas humanos y ambiental y una segunda fase correspondió a investigación-participación mediante la cual se construyeron los lineamientos de las políticas públicas, previa priorización de problemas con la población e instituciones y propuestas de solución siguiendo las fases que contempla el método del arco de Maguerez. Resultados: Se logró priorizar con la población participante y las instituciones desde lo individual, familiar y comunitario, ocho determinantes: bajo nivel educativo, bajos ingresos económicos, débil participación y organización comunitaria, escasez de vivienda propia, servicios de salud centrados en lo curativo, inadecuado uso de tiempo libre, deficientes condiciones de infraestructura para la movilidad y subvaloración de los entornos naturales, que se socializaron con los entes gubernamentales y la comunidad para aportar a la construcción de políticas públicas que coadyuven a mejorar los componentes de los sistemas estudiados, desde una perspectiva de desarrollo humano y bienestar. Conclusión: El estudio permitió disponer de una metodología basada en las características de los sistemas, humano y ambiental que consensuados con la población y las autoridades locales generan información para la construcción de políticas públicas.

Introduction: Public policies are for the design of collective action and the course that is effectively is taken by the action as a result of interactions and, in consequence the real facts that collective action produce. Objective: To introduce a participatory methodology for the construction of municipal public policies in urban locations. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases: a first descriptive to characterize human and environmental systems and a second phase corresponded to research-participation, which let guidelines of public policy were built, upon prioritization of problems with the population and institutions and proposed solutions following the phases that includes the arc approach Maguerez. Results: It was possible to prioritize eight determinants with the participant population and institutions from the individual, family and community: low education, low income, weak community participation and organization, lack of home ownership, health services focused on curative, inappropriate use of free time, poor infrastructure conditions for mobility and undervaluation of natural environments, socialized with government agencies and the community to contribute to the construction of public policies that help to improve the components of the systems studied, from perspective of human development and welfare. Conclusion: The study permitted provide a methodology based on the characteristics of human and environmental systems, that in agreed with the population and local authorities may generate information for the construction of public policies.

Suicide and forced marriage.

BACKGROUND: The prevailing view that the vast majority of those who complete suicide have an underlying psychiatric disorder has been recently challenged by research on the contribution of "predicaments", in the absence of mental illness, to suicide. In this paper, we sought data to support the notion that forced marriage may lead to suicide without the presence of psychiatric disorder. METHODS: Historical records, newspapers, and the electronic media were searched for examples. RESULTS: Two examples from ancient times and six from the last hundred years were located and described. CONCLUSION: These cases suggest that forced marriage may lead to suicide and complements earlier findings that loss of fortune, health, liberty, and reputation may lead to suicide in the absence of mental disorder.

Exposição à violência entre adolescentes de uma comunidade de baixa renda no Nordeste do Brasil / Exposure to violence among adolescents in a low-income community in the northeast of Brazil

This a cross-sectional study made in Fortaleza, Ceará, 2009, which included 458 teenagers and analyzed their exposure to violence, describing their access to weapons, alcohol abuse, illegal drug use and their self-esteem by investigating their socio-economic, school and family characteristics and exposure to the phenomenon. A questionnaire and/or structured interviews were used for data collection, and analysis involved Pearson's chi-square test, with 95% reliability. Of the 458 participants, 17.7% were considered to be exposed to criminal violence. Significant variables for exposure to violence included: place of birth (p = 0.020), years of schooling (p = 0,009), school absenteeism (p < 0.001), the father as the head of the family (p = 0.026), alcohol-addicted parents (p < 0.001), good/very good family relationships (p = 0.009), and parents' dissatisfaction with their children's friends (p < 0.001). Thus, it is necessary that public policies focus on a support network for care of adolescents and that urban centers organize themselves socially and politically in the quest for understanding the effects of exposure to violence among adolescents in low-income communities.

O estudo analisou a exposição dos adolescentes à violência, considerando o acesso à arma, o uso abusivo de álcool e/ou uso de drogas ilícitas e sua autoestima, e investigou a influência de fatores socioeconômicos, escolares e características familiares com a exposição a esse fenômeno. Estudo transversal, realizado em Fortaleza, Ceará, em 2009, com 458 adolescentes. Foram utilizados questionários e/ou entrevistas estruturadas para coleta dos dados e na análise aplicamos o teste de correlação de Pearson, com a confiabilidade de 95%. Ao correlacionar a exposição do adolescente à violência com as variáveis naturalidade (p = 0,020), tempo de estudo em anos (p = 0,009), absenteísmo escolar (p < 0,001), responsável financeiro pela família (p = 0,007), pais ou responsáveis etilistas (p < 0,001), relações familiares boas/muito boas (p = 0,009) e a não satisfação dos pais com amizades de seus filhos (p < 0,001), identificamos associação direta. Assim, é necessário que as políticas públicas enfoquem rede de apoio ao cuidado com o adolescente e que os centros urbanos organizem-se social e politicamente na busca pela compreensão dos efeitos da exposição à violência em adolescentes de comunidades de baixa renda.

Suicide and Forced Marriage

Background: The prevailing view that the vast majority of those who complete suicide have an underlying psychiatric disorder has been recently challenged by research on the contribution of “predicaments”, in the absence of mental illness, to suicide. In this paper, we sought data to support the notion that forced marriage may lead to suicide without the presence of psychiatric disorder. Method: Historical records, newspapers, and the electronic media were searched for examples. Results: Two examples from ancient times and six from the last hundred years were located and described. Conclusion: These cases suggest that forced marriage may lead to suicide and complements earlier findings that loss of fortune, health, liberty, and reputation may lead to suicide in the absence of mental disorder.