Cyanobacteria and Algae in Clouds and Rain in the Area of puy de Dôme, Central France.

The atmosphere contains diverse living microbes, of which the heterotrophic community has been the best studied. Microbes with other trophic modes, such as photoautotrophy, have received much less attention. In this study, culture-independent and dependent methods were used to examine the presence and diversity of oxygenic photoautotrophic microbes in clouds and rain collected at or around puy de Dôme Mountain, central France. Cloud water was collected from the summit of puy de Dôme (1,465 m above sea level [a.s.l.]) for cultivation and metagenomic analysis. Cyanobacteria, diatoms, green algae, and other oxygenic photoautotrophs were found to be recurrent members of clouds, while green algae affiliated with the Chlorellaceae were successfully cultured from three different clouds. Additionally, rain samples were collected below the mountain from Opme meteorological station (680 m a.s.l.). The abundance of chlorophyll a-containing cells and the diversity of cyanobacteria and green algae in rain were assessed by flow cytometry and amplicon sequencing. The corresponding downward flux of chlorophyll a-containing organisms to the ground, entering surface ecosystems with rain, varied with time and was estimated to be between ∼1 and >300 cells cm-2 day-1 during the sampling period. Besides abundant pollen from Pinales and Rosales, cyanobacteria of the Chroococcidiopsidales and green algae of the Trebouxiales were dominant in rain samples. Certain members of these taxa are known to be ubiquitous and stress tolerant and could use the atmosphere for dispersal. Overall, our results indicate that the atmosphere carries diverse, viable oxygenic photoautotrophic microbes and acts as a dispersal vector for this microbial guild.IMPORTANCE Information regarding the diversity and abundance of oxygenic photoautotrophs in the atmosphere is limited. More information from diverse locations is needed. These airborne organisms could have important impacts upon atmospheric processes and on the ecosystems they enter after deposition. Oxygenic photoautotrophic microbes are integral to ecosystem functioning, and some have the potential to affect human health. A better understanding of the diversity and the movements of these aeolian dispersed organisms is needed to understand their ecology, as well as how they could affect ecosystems and human health.

Alcohol use and risk of vehicle accidents: cross-sectional study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Harm to other people caused by an individual under the influence of alcohol (UIA) can occur in a variety of relationship situations between the drinker and these other people. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of the risk of vehicle accidents (RVA) involving people who are UIA, according to sociodemographic variables, respondent alcohol use and gender. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, in which a household survey was carried out on a cluster-stratified representative sample of urban residents in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: The final sample was composed of 1,155 subjects aged 18-59 years, who were interviewed using the GENACIS Harm-to-Others questionnaire. Individuals were defined as having been harmed if an affirmative response was given to at least one of the questions that refers to RVA involving people who had been UIA in the last twelve months. Post-stratification weights were calculated to adjust for the study design and for no response. Since the outcome was binary, logistic regression was used in multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The final response rate was 58.6%. The overall prevalence of RVA was 13.6% (95% confidence interval, CI 11.0-16.7): 16.6% among men and 10.8% among women. After the logistic regression, age remained as a protective factor (odds ratio, OR 0.95) and binge drinking as a risk factor (OR 2.03). CONCLUSION: This study showed that binge drinking was associated with RVA.

Alcohol use and risk of vehicle accidents: cross-sectional study in the city of São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Harm to other people caused by an individual under the influence of alcohol (UIA) can occur in a variety of relationship situations between the drinker and these other people. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of the risk of vehicle accidents (RVA) involving people who are UIA, according to sociodemographic variables, respondent alcohol use and gender. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study, in which a household survey was carried out on a cluster-stratified representative sample of urban residents in the city of São Paulo. METHODS: The final sample was composed of 1,155 subjects aged 18-59 years, who were interviewed using the GENACIS Harm-to-Others questionnaire. Individuals were defined as having been harmed if an affirmative response was given to at least one of the questions that refers to RVA involving people who had been UIA in the last twelve months. Post-stratification weights were calculated to adjust for the study design and for no response. Since the outcome was binary, logistic regression was used in multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The final response rate was 58.6%. The overall prevalence of RVA was 13.6% (95% confidence interval, CI 11.0-16.7): 16.6% among men and 10.8% among women. After the logistic regression, age remained as a protective factor (odds ratio, OR 0.95) and binge drinking as a risk factor (OR 2.03). CONCLUSION: This study showed that binge drinking was associated with RVA.

Hazardous alcohol use among transwomen in a Brazilian city.

There is a lack of information about alcohol use by transgender women. We estimated the prevalence of dangerous alcohol use in the last 12 months by transgender women, who are known as travestis in Brazil, and we identified the associated risk factors. Three hundred travestis were recruited using Respondent Driving Sampling (RDS). We applied the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). We controlled the sample by applying a weight to each interviewee. Three quarters (74.2%) of travestis were regular drinkers, half (48.7%) scored over eight in the AUDIT and 14.8% scored over 20. The risk factors for alcohol use were: aged over 24, low income and unprotected sex. The dangerous use of alcohol is prevalent among travestis. Given that this group has a greater risk of HIV infection and transmission, and that the dangerous use of alcohol was associated with unsafe sex, specific intervention strategies are required.

Hazardous alcohol use among transwomen in a Brazilian city / Consumo excessivo de álcool entre mulheres transgênero numa cidade brasileira / Consumo excesivo de alcohol entre mujeres transexuales en una ciudad brasileña

Abstract: There is a lack of information about alcohol use by transgender women. We estimated the prevalence of dangerous alcohol use in the last 12 months by transgender women, who are known as travestis in Brazil, and we identified the associated risk factors. Three hundred travestis were recruited using Respondent Driving Sampling (RDS). We applied the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). We controlled the sample by applying a weight to each interviewee. Three quarters (74.2%) of travestis were regular drinkers, half (48.7%) scored over eight in the AUDIT and 14.8% scored over 20. The risk factors for alcohol use were: aged over 24, low income and unprotected sex. The dangerous use of alcohol is prevalent among travestis. Given that this group has a greater risk of HIV infection and transmission, and that the dangerous use of alcohol was associated with unsafe sex, specific intervention strategies are required.

Resumo: Informação sobre uso de álcool entre mulheres transgêneros são escassas. Estimamos a prevalência do uso perigoso de álcool nos últimos 12 meses entre mulheres transgêneros chamadas travestis no Brasil, e identificados os fatores de risco associados. Trezentas travestis foram recrutadas utilizando Respondent Driving Sampling (RDS). Aplicamos o Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Controlamos a amostragem, com um peso aplicado a cada entrevistada. Três quartos (74,2%) das travestis eram bebedores regulares, metade (48,7%) obteve > 8 no AUDIT e 14,8% obtiveram > 20. Fatores de risco para o uso de risco de álcool foram: > 24 anos, baixa renda, raça negra, viver com a família, ter feito sexo por dinheiro, uso de drogas ilícitas nos últimos seis meses e sexo desprotegido. O uso perigoso de álcool é prevalente entre travestis. Tendo em vista que este grupo possui maior risco para a infecção e transmissão de HIV, e que o uso perigoso de álcool foi associado ao sexo inseguro, são necessárias estratégias de intervenção específicas.

Resumen: Existe falta de información sobre el consumo de alcohol por parte de mujeres transexuales. El estudio estimó la prevalencia de consumo excesivo de alcohol durante los últimos 12 meses por parte de mujeres transexuales, conocidas en Brasil como travestis, e identificó los factores de riesgo. Fueron reclutadas 300 travestis, utilizando la técnica de Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Aplicamos el Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). La muestra fue controlada, aplicando un peso a cada entrevistada. Tres cuartos (74,2%) de la muestra consumían alcohol regularmente, la mitad (48,7%) totalizó más de ocho puntos en el AUDIT y 14,8% sumaron más de 20 puntos. Los factores de riesgo para el consumo excesivo de alcohol fueron: edad por encima de 24 años, baja renta y sexo sin preservativo. El uso excesivo de alcohol es común entre las travestis. Debido a que el grupo presenta riesgo aumentado de transmisión del VIH, y que el uso excesivo de alcohol estuvo asociado al sexo inseguro, se necesitan estrategias específicas para mitigar los riesgos.

Validity of alcohol screening instruments in general population gender studies: an analytical review.

The present study is an analytical review of the methodology used in studies of efficacy of screening instruments to detect harmful use/ alcohol dependence according to the gender in population surveys. Systematic review of bibliography was done, using data from Web of Science, Pubmed and PsycInfo. Population studies were included without date range, in English, Spanish or Portuguese languages, with sample of adults, evaluating psychometric characteristics of any alcohol screening instrument, whereas studies in special population or under treatment as well as prevalence of alcohol consumption were excluded. Thirteen studies were selected to be included in the present review. According to the studies, the instruments that presented a better performance among men were AUDIT and its derivatives (6 studies) and CAGE (2 studies), whereas among women, AUDIT and its derivatives (7 studies), followed by CAGE (3 studies). The increase of consumption and problems related to alcohol use and its implications for public health indicate the need and urgency for adequacy of screening instruments to differences of gender in general population. The population surveys in the area are scarce. Furthermore, the found studies present heterogeneous methodology which makes accurate comparisons difficult.

Sexual abuse and alcohol use among women in metropolitan Sao Paulo, Brazil: a general population study / Abuso sexual e uso de alcool entre mulheres na regiao metropolitana de Sao Paulo, Brasil: um estudo em populacao geral

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of lifetime sexual abuse among women and at investigating its association with alcohol consumption. METHOD: Population-based survey conducted through a representative and stratified cluster sample of metropolitan São Paulo. GENACIS questionnaire was used. Sample unit was the home, and all residents aged 18 years and over were interviewed. The outcome was lifetime sexual abuse. The univariate statistical analysis used the Rao-Scott test. Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The final sample totalized 1,216 women aged 18 years and over; the response rate was 75.0%. Most women were married (56.6%) and had less than 12 years of formal education (59.0%); 46.2% were aged between 25 and 44 years, and 44.4% had a low income. Of the respondents, 7.5% reported having suffered lifetime sexual abuse. Multiple logistic regression model showed an association between lifetime sexual abuse and being a heavy drinker (OR = 4.97) and being a former drinker (OR = 2.04). CONCLUSIONS: There are few population studies in Brazil investigating sexual abuse and its relation to alcohol use. Although the prevalence of lifetime sexual abuse in the present study was smaller than that observed in other studies, it is a highly expressive percentage on account of its social and economic impact, as well as its potential effect on the health system. .

[Alcohol consumption pattern and coronary heart disease risk in metropolitan São Paulo: analyses of GENACIS Project]. / Consumo de álcool e risco para doença coronariana na região metropolitana de São Paulo: uma análise do Projeto GENACIS.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between patterns of drinking and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in a populational sample. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study carried out from January 2006 to June 2007, in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, in conjunction with the international collaborative GENACIS project (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study), with PAHO support. The subjects (1,501; 609 men, 892 women) of this study were residents of randomly chosen households aged 30 years and above who consented to provide information. The dependent variable was cardiac risk as assessed by the WHO Rose Angina Questionnaire. Logistic Regression analysis was used and the data were adjusted for Body Mass Index (BMI) and smoking. RESULTS: The response rate was 75%. Being female, older, African-American, a current smoker, and having a greater BMI were associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease. Lifetime abstainers (OR = 2.22) and former drinkers (OR = 2.42) had greater CHD risk than those who consumed up to 19g pure alcohol per day, with no binge. Among those who had binged weekly or more there was a tendency toward higher risk (OR = 3.95, p = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a lower risk for CHD among moderate drinkers. It is important, in studies which were investigating cardiac risk, assess heavy alcohol use, since it can change that risk. Also, effective public policies are needed to reduce harmful drinking and related morbidity in Brazil.

Consumo de álcool e risco para doença coronariana na região metropolitana de São Paulo: uma análise do Projeto GENACIS / Alcohol consumption pattern and Coronary Heart Disease risk in Metropolitan São Paulo: analyses of GENACIS Project

OBJETIVOS: Examinar a associação entre consumo de álcool e risco para doença coronariana em amostra populacional. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, conduzido de janeiro/2006 a junho/2007, na região metropolitana de São Paulo, como parte do estudo internacional (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study). Os sujeitos (1.501, sendo 609 homens e 892 mulheres) eram residentes da região metropolitana de São Paulo, tinham 30 anos ou mais de idade e foram selecionados aleatoriamente, a partir de amostragem complexa por conglomerados. Todos os indivíduos consentiram em participar da pesquisa. A variável dependente foi risco cardíaco avaliado através do WHO Rose Angina Questionnaire. A análise multivariada consistiu em regressão logística, tendo sido realizado ajuste para uso de tabaco e índice de massa corpórea. RESULTADOS: A taxa de resposta foi 75%. Ser mulher, ter mais idade, ser negro, fumante e ter um índice de massa corpórea elevado, foram associados a maior risco para doença coronariana. Indivíduos que nunca beberam na vida (OR = 2,22) e ex-bebedores (OR = 2,42) tiveram maior risco de doença cardíaca do que aqueles que informaram beber até 19 g de álcool por dia, sem episódios de beber excessivo. Entre os que tiveram episódios de embriaguês observou-se uma tendência a maior risco (OR = 3,95, p = 0,09). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos achados sugerem um menor risco para doença coronariana entre os bebedores moderados. Destaca-se que os estudos que avaliam o impacto do álcool sobre doença cardíaca precisam identificar o padrão de uso de álcool dos sujeitos, visto que este aspecto pode modificar o risco. Políticas públicas são necessárias para reduzir ...

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between patterns of drinking and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in a populational sample. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study carried out from January 2006 to June 2007, in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, in conjunction with the international collaborative GENACIS project (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study), with PAHO support. The subjects (1,501; 609 men, 892 women) of this study were residents of randomly chosen households aged 30 years and above who consented to provide information. The dependent variable was cardiac risk as assessed by the WHO Rose Angina Questionnaire. Logistic Regression analysis was used and the data were adjusted for Body Mass Index (BMI) and smoking. RESULTS: The response rate was 75%. Being female, older, African-American, a current smoker, and having a greater BMI were associated with higher risk of coronary heart disease. Lifetime abstainers (OR = 2.22) and former drinkers (OR = 2.42) had greater CHD risk than those who consumed up to 19g pure alcohol per day, with no binge. Among those who had binged weekly or more there was a tendency toward higher risk (OR = 3.95, p = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a lower risk for CHD among moderate drinkers. It is important, in studies which were investigating cardiac risk, assess heavy alcohol use, since it can change that risk. Also, effective public policies are needed to reduce harmful drinking and related morbidity in Brazil. .

Sexual abuse and alcohol use among women in metropolitan Sao Paulo, Brazil: a general population study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at estimating the prevalence of lifetime sexual abuse among women and at investigating its association with alcohol consumption. METHOD: Population-based survey conducted through a representative and stratified cluster sample of metropolitan São Paulo. GENACIS questionnaire was used. Sample unit was the home, and all residents aged 18 years and over were interviewed. The outcome was lifetime sexual abuse. The univariate statistical analysis used the Rao-Scott test. Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The final sample totalized 1,216 women aged 18 years and over; the response rate was 75.0%. Most women were married (56.6%) and had less than 12 years of formal education (59.0%); 46.2% were aged between 25 and 44 years, and 44.4% had a low income. Of the respondents, 7.5% reported having suffered lifetime sexual abuse. Multiple logistic regression model showed an association between lifetime sexual abuse and being a heavy drinker (OR = 4.97) and being a former drinker (OR = 2.04). CONCLUSIONS: There are few population studies in Brazil investigating sexual abuse and its relation to alcohol use. Although the prevalence of lifetime sexual abuse in the present study was smaller than that observed in other studies, it is a highly expressive percentage on account of its social and economic impact, as well as its potential effect on the health system.

Relations between depression, alcohol and gender in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil.

As part of the GENACIS project, this paper sought to assess the prevalence of depression in an urban sample in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, as well as the association between depression and alcohol abuse according to gender. To achieve this, an epidemiological survey was conducted using a stratified probability sample, including 2,083 adults. CIDI SF was used to identify depression. The Rao Scott test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. The response rate was 74.9%. Females (58.3%) under 40 years of age (52%) were predominant. The prevalence of depression was 28.3% for women and 12.7% for men. Most men declared being drinkers (61.1%) in the last year. Depression was associated with an alcohol drinking pattern, mostly binge drinking, in addition to the occurrence of problems derived from alcohol use. Most women declared being abstainers (69.5%). Depression was associated with cohabiting with spouses with alcohol-related problems. Results reveal that the association between depression and alcohol consumption is distinct between genders.

Relations between Depression, Alcohol and Gender in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, Brazil / Relações entre depressão, álcool e gênero na região metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

As part of the GENACIS project, this paper sought to assess the prevalence of depression in an urban sample in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, as well as the association between depression and alcohol abuse according to gender. To achieve this, an epidemiological survey was conducted using a stratified probability sample, including 2,083 adults. CIDI SF was used to identify depression. The Rao Scott test and multivariate logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. The response rate was 74.9%. Females (58.3%) under 40 years of age (52%) were predominant. The prevalence of depression was 28.3% for women and 12.7% for men. Most men declared being drinkers (61.1%) in the last year. Depression was associated with an alcohol drinking pattern, mostly binge drinking, in addition to the occurrence of problems derived from alcohol use. Most women declared being abstainers (69.5%). Depression was associated with cohabiting with spouses with alcohol-related problems. Results reveal that the association between depression and alcohol consumption is distinct between genders.

Como parte do projeto GENACIS, este artigo visou estimar a prevalência de depressão em amostra urbana de São Paulo, Brasil, assim como a associação entre depressão e padrão de uso de álcool segundo gênero. Para tanto, foi realizado inquérito epidemiológico com amostra probabilística e por conglomerados, com um total de 2083 adultos. Utilizou-se o CIDI SF para identificação de depressão. A análise estatística utilizou o teste de Rao Scott e regressão logística multivariada. A taxa de resposta foi de 74,9%. Predominaram mulheres (58,8%), menores de 40 anos de idade (52%). A prevalência de depressão foi de 28,3% para as mulheres e 12,7% para os homens. Entre os homens, 61,1% são de bebedores no último ano e a depressão esteve associada ao padrão de consumo de álcool, à maior frequência de binge drinking e à presença de problemas decorrentes do álcool. Entre as mulheres, 69,5% são abstinentes e a depressão se associou à convivência com cônjuge com problemas devidos ao álcool. Os resultados ressaltam que a associação entre depressão e consumo de álcool é distinta entre os gêneros.

Expectativas positivas com o uso de álcool e o beber se embriagando: diferenças de gênero em estudo do Projeto GENACIS, São Paulo, Brasil / Positive expectations towards alcohol use and binge drinking: gender differences in a study from the GENACIS project, São Paulo, Brazil

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar as expectativas de homens e mulheres com relação ao uso do álcool e a associação dessas com o comportamento de beber com embriaguez. Foi realizado inquérito epidemiológico, domiciliar, transversal, de base populacional, com amostra probabilística estratificada por conglomerados, na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram entrevistadas 2.083 pessoas de ambos os sexos utilizando-se o questionário GENACIS (Gender, Alcohol and Culture: An International Study). Beber com embriaguez foi considerada variável dependente, e foram construídos modelos de regressão logística para cada sexo, ajustando-se os modelos para idade, escolaridade e renda. Todas as expectativas, exceto achar mais fácil falar com companheiro, associaram-se ao comportamento de beber com embriaguez. Nosso estudo mostrou que beber com embriaguez pode estar associado a expectativas com uso do álcool. Compreender essas expectativas pode contribuir para elaboração de estratégias mais efetivas de prevenção do beber excessivo.

The objective was to investigate expectations towards alcohol use among men and women and the association between these expectations and binge drinking (or heavy episodic drinking). An epidemiological cross-sectional population-based household survey with a stratified probabilistic sample was conducted in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. Males and females were interviewed (n = 2,083) with the GENACIS questionnaire (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study). The dependent variable was binge drinking, and logistic regression models were constructed for each gender, adjusting for age, schooling, and income. All expectations, with the exception of increased ease in talking with one's partner, were associated with binge drinking. The study shows that binge drinking can be associated with expectations towards alcohol use. Understanding such expectations can contribute to the design of effective polices to prevent binge drinking.

[Positive expectations towards alcohol use and binge drinking: gender differences in a study from the GENACIS project, São Paulo, Brazil]. / Expectativas positivas com o uso de álcool e o beber se embriagando: diferenças de gênero em estudo do Projeto GENACIS, São Paulo, Brasil.

The objective was to investigate expectations towards alcohol use among men and women and the association between these expectations and binge drinking (or heavy episodic drinking). An epidemiological cross-sectional population-based household survey with a stratified probabilistic sample was conducted in Greater Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil. Males and females were interviewed (n = 2,083) with the GENACIS questionnaire (Gender, Alcohol, and Culture: an International Study). The dependent variable was binge drinking, and logistic regression models were constructed for each gender, adjusting for age, schooling, and income. All expectations, with the exception of increased ease in talking with one's partner, were associated with binge drinking. The study shows that binge drinking can be associated with expectations towards alcohol use. Understanding such expectations can contribute to the design of effective polices to prevent binge drinking.

Alcohol screening instruments in elderly male: a population-based survey in metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil / Instrumentos de detecção do uso de álcool em homens idosos: um estudo populacional na região metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy of the AUDIT (gold standard) with the more easily and quickly applied instruments CAGE, TWEAK, and T-ACE for men aged > 60 using data from a representative stratified sample of the general population of metropolitan São Paulo. METHOD: The GENACIS questionnaire was administered to a total sample of 2,083 people aged over 18, with a response rate of 74.5 percent. The elderly male sample consisted of 169 men. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and confidence intervals were calculated for each instrument (95 percent CI). RESULTS: Respondents were predominantly married (81.7 percent), had up to 11 years of education (61.3 percent) and a monthly per capita income of up to 300 US dollars. Current abstinence rate was high (61.6 percent) and 38 percent reported being former drinkers. There were no statistically significant differences among the instruments tested; however, the TWEAK had a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95 percent CI; 0.90-0.99). CONCLUSION: Research in the general population with screening instruments is scarce, especially among the elderly. However, it can provide specific information concerning this age group and be useful in the formulation of policies and prevention strategies.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo compara a eficácia do AUDIT (padrão-ouro) com o CAGE, TWEAK, e T-ACE, instrumentos mais fáceis e rápidos de aplicar, entre homens com > 60 anos de idade, utilizando dados de uma amostra representativa estratificada da população da região metropolitana de São Paulo. MÉTODO: Foi utilizado o questionário GENACIS em uma amostra total de 2.083 entrevistados de 18 anos ou mais de idade. A taxa de resposta foi de 74,5 por cento. A amostra de homens idosos (> 60 anos) foi constituída por 169 homens. Foram calculados para cada instrumento a sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo, área sob a curva ROC (receiver-operating characteristic) e intervalos de confiança (IC 95 por cento). RESULTADOS: Houve predominância de homens casados (81,7 por cento), com até 11 anos de estudo (61,3 por cento) e com renda per capita de até 300 dólares. A taxa de abstinência atual foi alta (61,6 por cento), dos quais 38 por cento relataram ter sido ex-bebedores. Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os instrumentos testados. No entanto, o TWEAK apresentou maior área sob a curva ROC (0,95; IC 95 por cento 0,90-0,99). CONCLUSÃO: As pesquisas em população geral com instrumentos de rastreamento são escassas, principalmente entre idosos. No entanto, podem fornecer informações específicas para essa faixa etária e são úteis para a formulação de políticas e estratégias de prevenção.

Alcohol screening instruments in elderly male: a population-based survey in metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares the efficacy of the AUDIT (gold standard) with the more easily and quickly applied instruments CAGE, TWEAK, and T-ACE for men aged > 60 using data from a representative stratified sample of the general population of metropolitan São Paulo. METHOD: The GENACIS questionnaire was administered to a total sample of 2,083 people aged over 18, with a response rate of 74.5%. The elderly male sample consisted of 169 men. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and confidence intervals were calculated for each instrument (95% CI). RESULTS: Respondents were predominantly married (81.7%), had up to 11 years of education (61.3%) and a monthly per capita income of up to 300 US dollars. Current abstinence rate was high (61.6%) and 38% reported being former drinkers. There were no statistically significant differences among the instruments tested; however, the TWEAK had a higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI; 0.90-0.99). CONCLUSION: Research in the general population with screening instruments is scarce, especially among the elderly. However, it can provide specific information concerning this age group and be useful in the formulation of policies and prevention strategies.

Cancer risk assessment of ethyl carbamate in alcoholic beverages from Brazil with special consideration to the spirits cachaça and tiquira.

BACKGROUND: Ethyl carbamate (EC) is a multi-site carcinogen in experimental animals and probably carcinogenic to humans (IARC group 2A). Traces of EC below health-relevant ranges naturally occur in several fermented foods and beverages, while higher concentrations above 1 mg/l are regularly detected in only certain spirits derived from cyanogenic plants. In Brazil this concerns the sugarcane spirit cachaça and the manioc (cassava) spirit tiquira, which both regularly exceed the national EC limit of 0.15 mg/l. This study aims to estimate human exposure in Brazil and provide a quantitative risk assessment. METHODS: The human dietary intake of EC via alcoholic beverages was estimated based on WHO alcohol consumption data in combination with own surveys and literature data. This data comprises the EC contents of the different beverage groups cachaça, tiquira, other spirits, beer, wine, and unrecorded alcohol (as defined by the WHO; including alcohol which is not captured in routine government statistics nor taxed). The risk assessment was conducted using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach with benchmark doses obtained from dose-response modelling of animal experiments. Lifetime cancer risk was calculated using the T25 dose descriptor. RESULTS: Considering differences between pot-still and column-still cachaça, its average EC content would be 0.38 mg/l. Tiquira contained a considerably higher average EC content of 2.34 mg/l. The whole population exposure from all alcoholic beverages was calculated to be around 100 to 200 ng/kg bw/day, with cachaça and unrecorded alcohol as the major contributing factors. The MOE was calculated to range between 400 and 2,466, with the lifetime cancer risk at approximately 3 cases in 10,000. An even higher risk may exist for binge-drinkers of cachaça and tiquira with MOEs of up to 80 and 15, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to our risk assessment, EC poses a significant cancer risk for the alcohol-drinking population in Brazil, in addition to that of alcohol alone. Model calculations show that the implementation of the 0.15 mg/l limit for cachaça would be beneficial, including an increase of the MOE by a factor between 3 to 6. The implementation of policy measures for tiquira and unrecorded alcohol also appears to be advisable.

Childhood trauma in substance use disorder and depression: an analysis by gender among a Brazilian clinical sample.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we compared the frequency and intensity of childhood traumas in alcohol- or other drug-dependent patients, in patients with depression, and in a control group without psychiatric diagnoses. METHODS: The study had a retrospective design of a clinical sample of men and women from the groups listed above. They were evaluated by the same standardized instrument: the "Childhood Trauma Questionnaire." RESULTS: A higher frequency and intensity of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse were found in alcohol- and other drug-dependent patients than in patients with depression, who, in turn, presented significantly higher proportions than the control group. In all of the cases, the frequency was higher among women than men. CONCLUSION: Because of the high frequency and intensity of childhood traumas among alcohol- or other drug-dependent patients and depressed patients, the assessment of problems due to childhood traumas among these patients is essential to a better understanding of the etiology of those disorders and to their treatment.

A eficácia do milnaciprano em pacientes ambulatoriais com transtorno depressivo maior não respondedores ao tratamento com ISRSs: um estudo aberto de 12 semanas / Efficacy of milnacipran in outpatients experiencing major depression non respondent to SSRIs: a 12-week open study

CONTEXTO: O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia do milnaciprano em pacientes ambulatoriais com depressão maior grave que não respondem em tempo e em dosagem adequados à terapia com ISRSs. MÉTODOS: Um estudo aberto multicêntrico com a duração de 12 semanas foi elaborado para avaliar a eficácia do milnaciprano após falha em um experimento com ISRS. Remissão completa (HAMD-17 < 8) foi o desfecho principal. Os desfechos secundários foram resposta (HAM > 50 por cento), CGI e avaliação da qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-Bref). RESULTADOS: O escore HAMD-17 médio da amostra foi de 27 (7,2). As taxas de remissão com o milnaciprano foram de 17,5 por cento, e as de resposta, 61,3 por cento. Na linha de base, 70,9 por cento dos pacientes foram classificados como gravemente sintomáticos. Ao final do tratamento, 48,1 por cento dos pacientes foram classificados como normais assintomáticos ou sintomáticos limítrofes e 20,2 por cento eram moderadamente sintomáticos. Além disso, os quatro domínios do WHOQOL-Bref, um instrumento genérico de mensuração de qualidade de vida, apresentou diferenças clínicas e estatísticas: CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados sugerem que o milnaciprano é uma possível opção para pacientes que não respondem a ISRSs. Uma vez que não há evidências na literatura de um antidepressivo que seja a melhor opção quando um ISRS falha, o uso do milnaciprano deveria ser considerado em casos de pacientes com depressão severa.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of milnacipran in outpatients experiencing severe MDD non-respondent to adequate time and dosing of SSRI therapy. METHODS: A 12 week multi-centric study open study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of milnacipran after a SRRI trial failure. Complete remission (HAMD-17 < 8) was the principal outcome. Secondary outcomes were response (HAM > 50 percent), CGI and quality of life measure (WHOQOL-Bref). RESULTS: The mean HAMD-17 score of the sample was 27 (7.2). The remission rates for minalcipran were 17.5 percent and response 61.3 percent. At baseline, 70.9 percent of the patients were markedly or severely ill. At treatment end, 48.1 percent of the patients were normal asymptomatic or borderline and 20.2 percent were mildly ill. Also, the four domains of WHOQOL-Bref, a generic instrument of Quality of Life, presented statistical and clinical differences. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that milnacipran is a possible option to be used in patients that were non-respondents to SSRIs. Since there is no evidence in literature that one single antidepressant is the best second step when an SSRI fail, milnacipran should be considered in the case of severe depressed patients.

Alcohol use and falls among the elderly in Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil / Consumo de álcool e ocorrência de quedas entre idosos na Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil

The objectives of this study are to identify the pattern of alcohol use among the elderly and to analyze its association with falls. A population-based survey was conducted in a sample of Metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, using the GENACIS questionnaire, Gender, Alcohol and Culture: An International Study. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson Regression with robust variance, and the dependent variable was the occurrence of falls. Interviews were carried out with 432 subjects whose average age was 69.5 years. Regarding alcohol use 50.9 percent were lifetime abstainers, 25.5 percent had not drunk in the previous year and 23.6 percent were current drinkers. Among the latter, 14 (13.7 percent) were heavy drinkers. In the previous year 24.5 percent people had falls, which were associated with being a heavy drinker and being older. Although a relationship between being a heavy drinker and falls found in this survey does not allow for inferences on causality, this association supports the hypothesis that alcohol abuse in later life might be related with health problems.

Este estudo se propõe a identificar o padrão de uso de álcool entre idosos e analisar sua associação com quedas. Foi conduzido um estudo transversal, de base populacional, com amostra estratificada da Região Metropolitana de São Paulo, Brasil, utilizando-se o questionário Gênero, Álcool e Cultura: Um Estudo Internacional (GENACIS). A análise estatística utilizou o teste de qui-quadrado e a regressão de Poisson, com variância robusta. A ocorrência de quedas foi considerada a variável dependente. Entrevistas foram conduzidas com 432 sujeitos, com idade média de 69,5 anos. Em relação ao uso de álcool, 50,9 por cento nunca haviam feito uso, 25,5 por cento não bebeu no último ano e 23,6 por cento fizeram uso de álcool no último ano. Entre os bebedores, 14 (13,7 por cento) relataram uso de risco de álcool. No ano anterior, 24,5 por cento relataram quedas, que se associou a uso de risco de álcool e a ser mais velho. Embora a relação entre uso de risco de álcool e quedas encontrada neste estudo não permita inferir causalidade, tal associação sustenta a hipótese de que abuso de álcool entre idosos pode estar relacionado a problemas de saúde.