373 results
Development and implementation of a nationwide multidrug-resistant organism tracking and alert system for Veterans Affairs medical centers
- Christopher D. Pfeiffer, Makoto M. Jones, James S. Klutts, Quinn A. Francis, Hannah M. Flegal, Adrienne O. Murray, Tina M. Willson, Natalie R. Hicks, Charlesnika T. Evans, Martin E. Evans
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- Journal:
- Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 May 2024, pp. 1-6
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Objective:
Develop and implement a system in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to alert local medical center personnel in real time when an acute- or long-term care patient/resident is admitted to their facility with a history of colonization or infection with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) previously identified at any VA facility across the nation.
Methods:An algorithm was developed to extract clinical microbiology and local facility census data from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse initially targeting carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The algorithm was validated with chart review of CRE cases from 2010-2018, trialed and refined in 24 VA healthcare systems over two years, expanded to other MDROs and implemented nationwide on 4/2022 as “VA Bug Alert” (VABA). Use through 8/2023 was assessed.
Results:VABA performed well for CRE with recall of 96.3%, precision of 99.8%, and F1 score of 98.0%. At the 24 trial sites, feedback was recorded for 1,011 admissions with a history of CRE (130), MRSA (814), or both (67). Among Infection Preventionists and MDRO Prevention Coordinators, 338 (33%) reported being previously unaware of the information, and of these, 271 (80%) reported they would not have otherwise known this information. By fourteen months after nationwide implementation, 113/130 (87%) VA healthcare systems had at least one VABA subscriber.
Conclusions:A national system for alerting facilities in real-time of patients admitted with an MDRO history was successfully developed and implemented in VA. Next steps include understanding facilitators and barriers to use and coordination with non-VA facilities nationwide.
Expert Consensus Statement for Telepsychiatry and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Jennifer Hong, Gregory W. Mattingly, Julie A. Carbray, Takesha V. Cooper, Robert L. Findling, Martin Gignac, Paul E. Glaser, Frank A. Lopez, Vladamir Maletic, Roger S. McIntyre, Adelaide S. Robb, Manpreet K. Singh, Mark Stein, Stephen M. Stahl
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- Journal:
- CNS Spectrums / Accepted manuscript
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 May 2024, pp. 1-34
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Physiological and biochemical processes underlying the differential sucrose yield and biomass production in sugarcane varieties
- Tamires Da Silva Martins, José R. Magalhães Filho, Larissa Prado Cruz, Daniela F. S. P. Machado, Norma M. Erismann, Rose M. A. Gondim-Tomaz, Paulo E. R. Marchiori, André L. B. O. Silva, Eduardo Caruso Machado, Rafael Vasconcelos Ribeiro
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- Journal:
- Experimental Agriculture / Volume 60 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 May 2024, e13
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Sucrose yield in sugarcane is a complex process regulated by both environmental and endogenous factors. However, the metabolic balance driving vegetative growth and sucrose accumulation remains poorly understood. Herein, we carried out a comprehensive assessment of carbohydrate dynamics throughout the crop cycle in two sugarcane varieties varying in biomass production, evaluating the carbon metabolism in both leaves and stalks. Our data revealed that the decline in photosynthetic rates during sugarcane maturation is associated not only to accumulation of sugars in leaves but also due to stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. We found that metabolic processes in leaves and stalks were intrinsically linked. While IACSP94-2094 had higher stalk sucrose concentration than IACSP95-5000, this latter produced more biomass. Compared to IACSP95-5000, IACSP94-2094 showed higher sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) activity in leaves and stalks, along with lower soluble acid invertase (SAI) activity in leaves during the maximum growth stage. Interestingly, IACSP94-2094 also exhibited higher stalk SPS activity and lower stalk SAI activity than IACSP95-5000 during maturation. High biomass production by IACSP95-5000 was associated with higher sucrose synthase (SuSy) and SAI activity in leaves and higher SuSy and soluble neutral invertase (SNI) activity in stalks when compared to IACSP94-2094 during the maximum growth. Despite the contrasting strategies, both varieties displayed similar total sucrose yield, a balance between sucrose concentration and biomass production. This phenomenon implies the presence of a compensatory mechanism in sugarcane, with high biomass production compensating low sucrose accumulation and vice versa.
Alcohol milestones and internalizing, externalizing, and executive function: longitudinal and polygenic score associations
- Sarah E. Paul, David A.A. Baranger, Emma C. Johnson, Joshua J. Jackson, Aaron J. Gorelik, Alex P. Miller, Alexander S. Hatoum, Wesley K. Thompson, Michael Strube, Danielle M. Dick, Chella Kamarajan, John R. Kramer, Martin H. Plawecki, Grace Chan, Andrey P. Anokhin, David B. Chorlian, Sivan Kinreich, Jacquelyn L. Meyers, Bernice Porjesz, Howard J. Edenberg, Arpana Agrawal, Kathleen K. Bucholz, Ryan Bogdan
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- Psychological Medicine , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 May 2024, pp. 1-14
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Background
Although the link between alcohol involvement and behavioral phenotypes (e.g. impulsivity, negative affect, executive function [EF]) is well-established, the directionality of these associations, specificity to stages of alcohol involvement, and extent of shared genetic liability remain unclear. We estimate longitudinal associations between transitions among alcohol milestones, behavioral phenotypes, and indices of genetic risk.
MethodsData came from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (n = 3681; ages 11–36). Alcohol transitions (first: drink, intoxication, alcohol use disorder [AUD] symptom, AUD diagnosis), internalizing, and externalizing phenotypes came from the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. EF was measured with the Tower of London and Visual Span Tasks. Polygenic scores (PGS) were computed for alcohol-related and behavioral phenotypes. Cox models estimated associations among PGS, behavior, and alcohol milestones.
ResultsExternalizing phenotypes (e.g. conduct disorder symptoms) were associated with future initiation and drinking problems (hazard ratio (HR)⩾1.16). Internalizing (e.g. social anxiety) was associated with hazards for progression from first drink to severe AUD (HR⩾1.55). Initiation and AUD were associated with increased hazards for later depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation (HR⩾1.38), and initiation was associated with increased hazards for future conduct symptoms (HR = 1.60). EF was not associated with alcohol transitions. Drinks per week PGS was linked with increased hazards for alcohol transitions (HR⩾1.06). Problematic alcohol use PGS increased hazards for suicidal ideation (HR = 1.20).
ConclusionsBehavioral markers of addiction vulnerability precede and follow alcohol transitions, highlighting dynamic, bidirectional relationships between behavior and emerging addiction.
VaTEST III: Validation of eight potential super-earths from TESS data
- Priyashkumar Mistry, Aniket Prasad, Mousam Maity, Kamlesh Pathak, Sarvesh Gharat, Georgios Lekkas, Surendra Bhattarai, Dhruv Kumar, Jack J. Lissauer, Joseph D. Twicken, Abderahmane Soubkiou, Francisco J. Pozuelos, Jon Jenkins, Keith Horne, Steven Giacalone, Khalid Barkaoui, Mathilde Timmermans, Cristilyn N. Watkins, Ramotholo Sefako, Karen A. Collins, David R. Ciardi, Catherine A. Clark, Boris S. Safonov, Avi Shporer, Joshua E. Schlieder, Zouhair Benkhaldoun, Chris Stockdale, Carl Ziegler, Emily A. Gilbert, Jehin Emmanuël, Felipe Murgas, Ian J. M. Crossfield, Martin Paegert, Michael B. Lund, Norio Narita, Richard P. Schwarz, Robert F. Goeke, Sergio B. Fajardo-Acosta, Steve B. Howell, Thiam-Guan Tan, Thomas Barclay, Yugo Kawai
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- Journal:
- Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia / Volume 41 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, e030
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NASA’s all-sky survey mission, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), is specifically engineered to detect exoplanets that transit bright stars. Thus far, TESS has successfully identified approximately 400 transiting exoplanets, in addition to roughly 6 000 candidate exoplanets pending confirmation. In this study, we present the results of our ongoing project, the Validation of Transiting Exoplanets using Statistical Tools (VaTEST). Our dedicated effort is focused on the confirmation and characterisation of new exoplanets through the application of statistical validation tools. Through a combination of ground-based telescope data, high-resolution imaging, and the utilisation of the statistical validation tool known as TRICERATOPS, we have successfully discovered eight potential super-Earths. These planets bear the designations: TOI-238b (1.61$^{+0.09} _{-0.10}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-771b (1.42$^{+0.11} _{-0.09}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-871b (1.66$^{+0.11} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1467b (1.83$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-1739b (1.69$^{+0.10} _{-0.08}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-2068b (1.82$^{+0.16} _{-0.15}$ R$_\oplus$), TOI-4559b (1.42$^{+0.13} _{-0.11}$ R$_\oplus$), and TOI-5799b (1.62$^{+0.19} _{-0.13}$ R$_\oplus$). Among all these planets, six of them fall within the region known as ‘keystone planets’, which makes them particularly interesting for study. Based on the location of TOI-771b and TOI-4559b below the radius valley we characterised them as likely super-Earths, though radial velocity mass measurements for these planets will provide more details about their characterisation. It is noteworthy that planets within the size range investigated herein are absent from our own solar system, making their study crucial for gaining insights into the evolutionary stages between Earth and Neptune.
Zeolites in Pyroclastic Deposits in Southeastern Tenerife (Canary Islands)
- J. E. Garcia Hernandez, J. S. Notario del Pino, M. M. Gonzalez Martin, F. Hernan Reguera, J. A. Rodriguez Losada
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- Journal:
- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 41 / Issue 5 / October 1993
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 February 2024, pp. 521-526
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The chemical and the mineralogical composition of a group of pumiceous tuffs associated with recent salic volcanic episodes from Tenerife (Canary Islands) have been studied. The investigation focused on the two main types of pyroclastic deposits of the zone: ash-flows and ash-falls. The samples can be classified chemically as trachytic and phonolitic rocks with an intermediate silica content and a high percentage of alkali cations (Na+ and K+). The mineralogical composition, determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy, shows the occurrence of zeolites (mainly phillipsite, with lesser chabazite and analcime), associated with the parent glass. K-feldspar (sanidine) and calcite are accessory minerals. Zeolites are significantly more abundant in the ash-flow deposits. Zeolite formation by hydrothermal weathering in closed-system conditions varies according to the nature and the origin of the pyroclastic deposits. Tenerife phillipsites differ from typical diagenetic, lacustrine, and deep-sea phillipsites, both in chemical and mineralogical features. Alkali cations exceed divalent cations in the unit-cell that, assuming a monoclinic symmetry, has the following parameters: a = 8.46–10.55 Å, b = 14.21–14.40 Å, c = 7.80–8.70 Å, and β = 105°–110°.
Somatic multicomorbidity and disability in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population: a quasi-epidemiological investigation in 54,826 subjects from 40 countries (COMET-G study)
- Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis, Grigorios N. Karakatsoulis, Seri Abraham, Kristina Adorjan, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Renato D. Alarcón, Kiyomi Arai, Sani Salihu Auwal, Michael Berk, Sarah Bjedov, Julio Bobes, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Julie Bourgin-Duchesnay, Cristina Ana Bredicean, Laurynas Bukelskis, Akaki Burkadze, Indira Indiana Cabrera Abud, Ruby Castilla-Puentes, Marcelo Cetkovich, Hector Colon-Rivera, Ricardo Corral, Carla Cortez-Vergara, Piirika Crepin, Domenico De Berardis, Sergio Zamora Delgado, David De Lucena, Avinash De Sousa, Ramona Di Stefano, Seetal Dodd, Livia Priyanka Elek, Anna Elissa, Berta Erdelyi-Hamza, Gamze Erzin, Martin J. Etchevers, Peter Falkai, Adriana Farcas, Ilya Fedotov, Viktoriia Filatova, Nikolaos K. Fountoulakis, Iryna Frankova, Francesco Franza, Pedro Frias, Tatiana Galako, Cristian J. Garay, Leticia Garcia-Álvarez, Maria Paz García-Portilla, Xenia Gonda, Tomasz M. Gondek, Daniela Morera González, Hilary Gould, Paolo Grandinetti, Arturo Grau, Violeta Groudeva, Michal Hagin, Takayuki Harada, Tasdik M. Hasan, Nurul Azreen Hashim, Jan Hilbig, Sahadat Hossain, Rossitza Iakimova, Mona Ibrahim, Felicia Iftene, Yulia Ignatenko, Matias Irarrazaval, Zaliha Ismail, Jamila Ismayilova, Asaf Jakobs, Miro Jakovljević, Nenad Jakšić, Afzal Javed, Helin Yilmaz Kafali, Sagar Karia, Olga Kazakova, Doaa Khalifa, Olena Khaustova, Steve Koh, Svetlana Kopishinskaia, Korneliia Kosenko, Sotirios A. Koupidis, Illes Kovacs, Barbara Kulig, Alisha Lalljee, Justine Liewig, Abdul Majid, Evgeniia Malashonkova, Khamelia Malik, Najma Iqbal Malik, Gulay Mammadzada, Bilvesh Mandalia, Donatella Marazziti, Darko Marčinko, Stephanie Martinez, Eimantas Matiekus, Gabriela Mejia, Roha Saeed Memon, Xarah Elenne Meza Martínez, Dalia Mickevičiūtė, Roumen Milev, Muftau Mohammed, Alejandro Molina-López, Petr Morozov, Nuru Suleiman Muhammad, Filip Mustač, Mika S. Naor, Amira Nassieb, Alvydas Navickas, Tarek Okasha, Milena Pandova, Anca-Livia Panfil, Liliya Panteleeva, Ion Papava, Mikaella E. Patsali, Alexey Pavlichenko, Bojana Pejuskovic, Mariana Pinto Da Costa, Mikhail Popkov, Dina Popovic, Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan, Francisca Vargas Ramírez, Elmars Rancans, Salmi Razali, Federico Rebok, Anna Rewekant, Elena Ninoska Reyes Flores, María Teresa Rivera-Encinas, Pilar Saiz, Manuel Sánchez de Carmona, David Saucedo Martínez, Jo Anne Saw, Görkem Saygili, Patricia Schneidereit, Bhumika Shah, Tomohiro Shirasaka, Ketevan Silagadze, Satti Sitanggang, Oleg Skugarevsky, Anna Spikina, Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa, Maria Stoyanova, Anna Szczegielniak, Simona Claudia Tamasan, Giuseppe Tavormina, Maurilio Giuseppe Maria Tavormina, Pavlos N. Theodorakis, Mauricio Tohen, Eva Maria Tsapakis, Dina Tukhvatullina, Irfan Ullah, Ratnaraj Vaidya, Johann M. Vega-Dienstmaier, Jelena Vrublevska, Olivera Vukovic, Olga Vysotska, Natalia Widiasih, Anna Yashikhina, Panagiotis E. Prezerakos, Daria Smirnova
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- Journal:
- CNS Spectrums / Volume 29 / Issue 2 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 January 2024, pp. 126-149
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Background
The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders.
MethodsThe sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions.
ResultsAbout 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15–20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome.
ConclusionsThe finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.
5 Cognitive Rehabilitation Using Teleneuropsychology. A Cohort Study in South America
- Carlos Martinez Canyazo, Rodrigo S Fernandez, Maria B Helou, Micaela Arruabarrena, Nicolas Corvalan, Agostina Carello, Paula Harris, Monica Feldman, Ismael Luis Calandri, Maria E Martin, Ricardo F Allegri, Lucia Crivelli
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, p. 209
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Objective:
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the continuity of cognitive rehabilitation (CR) worldwide. However, the use of teleneuropsychology (TNP) to provide CR has contributed significantly to the continuity of treatment. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of CR via the TNP on cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and memory strategies in a cohort of patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI).
Participants and Methods:A sample of 60 patients (60% female; age: 72.4±6.96) with MCI according to Petersen criteria was randomly divided into two groups: 30 cases (treatment group) and 30 controls (waiting list group). Subjects were matched for age, sex, and MMSE or MoCA.
The treatment group received ten weekly CR sessions of 45 minutes weekly. Pre-treatment (week 0) and post-treatment (week 10) measures were assessed for both groups. Different Linear Mixed Models were estimated to test treatment effect (CR vs. Controls) on each outcome of interest over Time (Pre/Post), controlling for Diagnosis, Age, Sex, and MMSE/MoCA performance.
Results:A significant Group (Control/Treatment) x Time (pre/post) interaction revealed that the treatment group at 10 weeks had better scores in cognitive variables: memory (RAVLT learning trials p=0.030; RAVLT delayed recall p=0.029), phonological fluency(p=0.001), activities of daily living (FAQ p=0.001), satisfaction with memory performance (MMQ Satisfaction p=0.004) and use of memory strategies (MMQ Strategy p=0.00), and a significant reduction of affective symptomatology: depression (GDS p=0.00), neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPIQ p=0.045), Forgetfulness (EDO-10 p=0.00), Stress (DAS Stress p=0.00).
Conclusions:This is the first study to test CR using teleNP in South America. Our results suggest that CR through teleNP is an effective intervention to improve performance on cognitive variables and reduce neuropsychiatric symptomatology compared to patients with MCI. These results have great significance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in South America, where teleNP is proving to be a valuable tool.
18 Executive Dysfunction Following Treatment for Pediatric Low Grade Brain Tumors: Increased Risk Associated with Infratentorial Tumor Location
- Luz A De Leon, Lisa E Mash, Sebastian R Espinoza, Kelley Parsons, Everett Adkins, Cameron Martin, Maheen Rizvi, Natasha Feuerbach, Marianne Macleod, Heather Stancel, Kimberly P Raghubar, Lisa S Kahalley
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 19-20
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Objective:
Treatment for pediatric brain tumors (PBTs) is associated with neurocognitive risk, including declines in IQ, executive function, and visual motor processing. Low grade tumors require less intensive treatment (i.e., focal radiotherapy (RT) or surgical resection alone), and have been associated with more favorable cognitive outcomes. However, these patients remain at risk of cognitive problems, which may present differently depending on tumor location. Executive functioning (EF), in particular, has been broadly associated with both frontal-subcortical networks (supratentorial) and the cerebellum (infratentorial). The current study examined intellectual functioning, executive functioning (set-shifting and inhibition), and visual motor skills in patients who were treated for low-grade tumors located in either the supratentorial or infratentorial region.
Participants and Methods:Participants were survivors (age 8-18) previously treated with focal proton RT or surgery alone for infratentorial (n=21) or supratentorial (n=34) low grade glioma (83.6%) or low grade glioneuronal tumors (16.4%). Survivors >2.5 years post-treatment completed cognitive testing (WISC-IV/WAIS-IV; D-KEFS Verbal Fluency (VF), Color-Word Interference (CW), Trail Making Test (TM); Beery Visual-Motor Integration). We compared outcomes between infratentorial and supratentorial groups using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Demographic and clinical variables were compared using Welch’s t-tests. ANCOVAs were adjusted for age at evaluation, age at treatment, and history of posterior fossa syndrome due to significant or marginally significant differences between groups.
Results:Tumor groups did not significantly differ with respect to sex (49.0% male), length of follow-up (M 4.4 years), or treatment type (74.5% surgery alone, 25.5% proton RT). Marginally significant group differences were found for age at evaluation (infratentorial M = 12.4y, supratentorial M = 14.1y, p = .054) and age at treatment (infratentorial M = 7.9y, supratentorial M = 9.7y, p =.074). Posterior fossa syndrome only occurred with infratentorial tumors (n=5, p = .003). Adjusting for covariates, the supratentorial group exhibited significantly superior performance on a measure of inhibition and set-shifting (CW Switching Time (t(32) = -2.05, p=.048, n2 =.11). There was a marginal group difference in the same direction on CW Inhibition Time (t(32 = -1.77, p = .086, n2 =.08). On the other hand, the supratentorial group showed significantly lower working memory than the infratentorial group (t(50) = 2.45, p = .018, n2 = .11), and trends toward lower verbal reasoning (t(50)=1.96, p = .056, n2 = .07) and full-scale IQ (t(50)=1.73, p = .090, n2 = .055). No other group differences were identified across intellectual, EF, and visualmotor measures.
Conclusions:Infratentorial tumor location was associated with weaker switching and inhibition performance, while supratentorial tumor location was associated with lower performance on intellectual measures, particularly working memory. These findings suggest that even with relatively conservative treatment (i.e., focal proton RT or surgery alone), there remains neurocognitive risk in children treated for low-grade brain tumors. Moreover, tumor location may predict distinct patterns of long-term neurocognitive outcomes, depending on which brain networks are involved.
Associations of an individual's need for cognition with structural brain damage and cognitive functioning/impairment: cross-sectional population-based study
- Lotte S. Truin, Sebastian Köhler, Irene S. Heger, Martin P. J. van Boxtel, Miranda T. Schram, Walter H. Backes, Jacobus F. A. Jansen, Martien M. C. J. M. van Dongen, Nanne K. de Vries, Hein de Vries, Simone J. P. M. Eussen, Coen D. A. Stehouwer, Marjolein E. de Vugt, Kay Deckers
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- Journal:
- The British Journal of Psychiatry / Volume 224 / Issue 6 / June 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 18 December 2023, pp. 189-197
- Print publication:
- June 2024
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Background
High cognitive activity possibly reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
AimsTo investigate associations between an individual's need to engage in cognitively stimulating activities (need for cognition, NFC) and structural brain damage and cognitive functioning in the Dutch general population with and without existing cognitive impairment.
MethodCross-sectional data were used from the population-based cohort of the Maastricht Study. NFC was measured using the Need For Cognition Scale. Cognitive functioning was tested in three domains: verbal memory, information processing speed, and executive functioning and attention. Values 1.5 s.d. below the mean were defined as cognitive impairment. Standardised volumes of white matter hyperintensities (WMH), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and presence of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) were derived from 3T magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple linear and binary logistic regression analyses were used adjusted for demographic, somatic and lifestyle factors.
ResultsParticipants (n = 4209; mean age 59.06 years, s.d. = 8.58; 50.1% women) with higher NFC scores had higher overall cognition scores (B = 0.21, 95% CI 0.17–0.26, P < 0.001) and lower odds for CSVD (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.60–0.91, P = 0.005) and cognitive impairment (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.48–0.76, P < 0.001) after adjustment for demographic, somatic and lifestyle factors. The association between NFC score and cognitive functioning was similar for individuals with and without prevalent cognitive impairment. We found no significant association between NFC and WMH or CSF volumes.
ConclusionsA high need to engage in cognitively stimulating activities is associated with better cognitive functioning and less presence of CSVD and cognitive impairment. This suggests that, in middle-aged individuals, motivation to engage in cognitively stimulating activities may be an opportunity to improve brain health.
Selected rock powders as sources of nutrients for soil fertilization and maize-wheat grain production in southern Brazil
- A. L. Bamberg, R. Martinazzo, C. A. P. Silveira, C. N. Pillon, L. Stumpf, M. Bergmann, P. van Straaten, E. S. Martins
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- Journal:
- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 5 / October 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 December 2023, pp. 654-668
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The current study evaluated alternative sources of nutrients to improve the soil fertility status and yield of maize-wheat succession in Southern Brazil. The treatments were: T1: no fertilization; T2: liming with dolomitic marble; T3: alternative liming (AL) with limestone interbedded with shale; T4: AL + 50% P - with Arad natural phosphate (P-ANP) + 50% P – triple superphosphate (P-TSP); T5: AL + 100% P-ANP; T6: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% K-rich monzogranite; T7: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% N (50% N from tung pressed cake (N-TPC) + 50% N-urea); T8: AL + 100% P-ANP + 100% K-rich monzogranite + 100% N (50% N-TPC + 50% N-Urea) + 100% S; T9: AL + regional average rate of NPK (5-20-20) formulation. Except for T7 and T8, all treatments received the full recommended rate of N through Urea. Immediate and residual effects were evaluated over 2.5 years (90, 360 and 900 days) on soil fertility and maize - wheat yield. The limestone interbedded with shale released Ca, Mg and corrected soil acidity similarly to dolomitic marble. The fertilization strategies used in T4, T7 and T8 presented the highest cumulative productivities while T3 (U$ = 1223), T9 (U$ = 1174) and T4 (U$ = 1122) resulted in higher profits than the other evaluated fertilization strategies. The limestone interbedded with shale (T3), alone or combined with 50% of P-ANP + 50% of P – TSP (T4) provided the best economical and technical results, highlighting the potential of selected alternative regional sources for soil fertility improvement and plant-nutrients supply.
Ten new insights in climate science 2023
- Mercedes Bustamante, Joyashree Roy, Daniel Ospina, Ploy Achakulwisut, Anubha Aggarwal, Ana Bastos, Wendy Broadgate, Josep G. Canadell, Edward R. Carr, Deliang Chen, Helen A. Cleugh, Kristie L. Ebi, Clea Edwards, Carol Farbotko, Marcos Fernández-Martínez, Thomas L. Frölicher, Sabine Fuss, Oliver Geden, Nicolas Gruber, Luke J. Harrington, Judith Hauck, Zeke Hausfather, Sophie Hebden, Aniek Hebinck, Saleemul Huq, Matthias Huss, M. Laurice P. Jamero, Sirkku Juhola, Nilushi Kumarasinghe, Shuaib Lwasa, Bishawjit Mallick, Maria Martin, Steven McGreevy, Paula Mirazo, Aditi Mukherji, Greg Muttitt, Gregory F. Nemet, David Obura, Chukwumerije Okereke, Tom Oliver, Ben Orlove, Nadia S. Ouedraogo, Prabir K. Patra, Mark Pelling, Laura M. Pereira, Åsa Persson, Julia Pongratz, Anjal Prakash, Anja Rammig, Colin Raymond, Aaron Redman, Cristobal Reveco, Johan Rockström, Regina Rodrigues, David R. Rounce, E. Lisa F. Schipper, Peter Schlosser, Odirilwe Selomane, Gregor Semieniuk, Yunne-Jai Shin, Tasneem A. Siddiqui, Vartika Singh, Giles B. Sioen, Youba Sokona, Detlef Stammer, Norman J. Steinert, Sunhee Suk, Rowan Sutton, Lisa Thalheimer, Vikki Thompson, Gregory Trencher, Kees van der Geest, Saskia E. Werners, Thea Wübbelmann, Nico Wunderling, Jiabo Yin, Kirsten Zickfeld, Jakob Zscheischler
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- Journal:
- Global Sustainability / Volume 7 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 December 2023, e19
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Non-technical summary
We identify a set of essential recent advances in climate change research with high policy relevance, across natural and social sciences: (1) looming inevitability and implications of overshooting the 1.5°C warming limit, (2) urgent need for a rapid and managed fossil fuel phase-out, (3) challenges for scaling carbon dioxide removal, (4) uncertainties regarding the future contribution of natural carbon sinks, (5) intertwinedness of the crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, (6) compound events, (7) mountain glacier loss, (8) human immobility in the face of climate risks, (9) adaptation justice, and (10) just transitions in food systems.
Technical summaryThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Reports provides the scientific foundation for international climate negotiations and constitutes an unmatched resource for researchers. However, the assessment cycles take multiple years. As a contribution to cross- and interdisciplinary understanding of climate change across diverse research communities, we have streamlined an annual process to identify and synthesize significant research advances. We collected input from experts on various fields using an online questionnaire and prioritized a set of 10 key research insights with high policy relevance. This year, we focus on: (1) the looming overshoot of the 1.5°C warming limit, (2) the urgency of fossil fuel phase-out, (3) challenges to scale-up carbon dioxide removal, (4) uncertainties regarding future natural carbon sinks, (5) the need for joint governance of biodiversity loss and climate change, (6) advances in understanding compound events, (7) accelerated mountain glacier loss, (8) human immobility amidst climate risks, (9) adaptation justice, and (10) just transitions in food systems. We present a succinct account of these insights, reflect on their policy implications, and offer an integrated set of policy-relevant messages. This science synthesis and science communication effort is also the basis for a policy report contributing to elevate climate science every year in time for the United Nations Climate Change Conference.
Social media summaryWe highlight recent and policy-relevant advances in climate change research – with input from more than 200 experts.
Agricultural Research Service Weed Science Research: Past, Present, and Future
- Stephen L. Young, James V. Anderson, Scott R. Baerson, Joanna Bajsa-Hirschel, Dana M. Blumenthal, Chad S. Boyd, Clyde D. Boyette, Eric B. Brennan, Charles L. Cantrell, Wun S. Chao, Joanne C. Chee-Sanford, Charlie D. Clements, F. Allen Dray, Stephen O. Duke, Kayla M. Eason, Reginald S. Fletcher, Michael R. Fulcher, John F. Gaskin, Brenda J. Grewell, Erik P. Hamerlynck, Robert E. Hoagland, David P. Horvath, Eugene P. Law, John D. Madsen, Daniel E. Martin, Clint Mattox, Steven B. Mirsky, William T. Molin, Patrick J. Moran, Rebecca C. Mueller, Vijay K. Nandula, Beth A. Newingham, Zhiqiang Pan, Lauren M. Porensky, Paul D. Pratt, Andrew J. Price, Brian G. Rector, Krishna N. Reddy, Roger L. Sheley, Lincoln Smith, Melissa C. Smith, Keirith A. Snyder, Matthew A. Tancos, Natalie M. West, Gregory S. Wheeler, Martin M. Williams, Julie Wolf, Carissa L. Wonkka, Alice A. Wright, Jing Xi, Lew H. Ziska
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- Journal:
- Weed Science / Volume 71 / Issue 4 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 August 2023, pp. 312-327
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS) has been a leader in weed science research covering topics ranging from the development and use of integrated weed management (IWM) tactics to basic mechanistic studies, including biotic resistance of desirable plant communities and herbicide resistance. ARS weed scientists have worked in agricultural and natural ecosystems, including agronomic and horticultural crops, pastures, forests, wild lands, aquatic habitats, wetlands, and riparian areas. Through strong partnerships with academia, state agencies, private industry, and numerous federal programs, ARS weed scientists have made contributions to discoveries in the newest fields of robotics and genetics, as well as the traditional and fundamental subjects of weed–crop competition and physiology and integration of weed control tactics and practices. Weed science at ARS is often overshadowed by other research topics; thus, few are aware of the long history of ARS weed science and its important contributions. This review is the result of a symposium held at the Weed Science Society of America’s 62nd Annual Meeting in 2022 that included 10 separate presentations in a virtual Weed Science Webinar Series. The overarching themes of management tactics (IWM, biological control, and automation), basic mechanisms (competition, invasive plant genetics, and herbicide resistance), and ecosystem impacts (invasive plant spread, climate change, conservation, and restoration) represent core ARS weed science research that is dynamic and efficacious and has been a significant component of the agency’s national and international efforts. This review highlights current studies and future directions that exemplify the science and collaborative relationships both within and outside ARS. Given the constraints of weeds and invasive plants on all aspects of food, feed, and fiber systems, there is an acknowledged need to face new challenges, including agriculture and natural resources sustainability, economic resilience and reliability, and societal health and well-being.
Mindfulness, Attention, and Impulsivity in Bipolar Disorder
- N. E. Fares-Otero, B. Solé, S. Martin-Parra, F. Piazza, J. Sanchez-Moreno, E. Vieta, A. Martinez-Aran
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S84-S85
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Introduction
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental disorder characterized by mood instability1. BD is further related to neurocognitive and functional disruptions that remain remarkably stable even when patients are euthymic, leading to poor well-being and quality of life. Mindfulness means paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and involves different facets such as observing, describing, acting with awareness, non-judging and non-reacting of inner experience. It remains unclear whether mindfulness and its specific facets are differentially associated with different aspects of attention and trait impulsivity in individuals with BD.
ObjectivesTo examine associations between different mindfulness facets, and different aspects of attention and trait impulsivity in BD.
MethodsThis study was approved by the Hospital Clínic Ethics and Research Board (HCB/2017/0432). After informed consent, 94 outpatients, M age = 45.57, SD = 9.8, range 19-61 years, 41.5% Male, 63.8% BD-I according to DSM-5 criteria, in partial or total remission based on Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS; M = 1.81, SD = 2.11) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS; M = 5.46, SD = 3.71) were enrolled in this study. Participants were evaluated using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) to assess Mindfulness, the Trail Making Test (TMT-A) and the Conner’s Continuous Performance test (CPT-II) to assess Attention, and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) to assess Impulsivity. Pearson correlations were performed, and statistical significance was evaluated two-sided at the 5% threshold.
ResultsMindfulness-Describing was negatively associated with Cognitive and Non-Planning Impulsivity (r = -.43 and -.28, p < .001), Mindfulness-Acting with Awareness was negatively associated with Cognitive, Motor and Non-Planning Impulsivity (r = -.27 to -.45, p < .001), Mindfulness Non-Judging (r = -.33 and -.34, p < .001) and Non-Reacting (r = -.30 and -.46, p < .001) of inner experience were negatively associated with Cognitive and Motor Impulsivity. No associations were found between neither Mindfulness nor Impulsivity with any aspects of Attention.
ConclusionsPreliminary findings suggest that better performance in specific facets of mindfulness (describing, acting with awareness, non-judging or reacting of inner experience) may be related to a decrease in different aspects of trait impulsivity. Further longitudinal and interventional research is needed on underlying mechanisms. Nonetheless, our study suggests the need for including mindfulness-based approaches to improve behavioral and functional outcomes for those with BD.
FundingThis work was supported by the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (EU.3.1.3. Treating and managing disease: Grant 945151), CIBERSAM, FIS PI17/00941 ISCIII, European Regional Development Fund.
References1. Carvalho AF, Firth J, Vieta E. Bipolar Disorder. N Engl J Med. 2020;383(1):58-66. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1906193
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Suicidality among inpatients - Right under our noses
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, V. Henriques, P. Casimiro, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes, N. Cunha e Costa, S. Cruz
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1106-S1107
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Introduction
An inpatient suicide is a tragic event that, despite not very prevalent, should not be overlooked. It occurs in 250 in 100 000 psychiatric hospital admissions (which represents a suicide risk fifteen times greater than general population) and in 1.7-1.9 in 100 000 in general hospitals (4-5 times greater risk). Together they constitute 5-6% of all suicides.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to explore the epidemiology, the risk factors and the prevention of suicide in inpatient setting.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsThe risk was higher at admission (first week) and immediately after discharge (first 24 hours, up to two weeks).
It was found to be correlated to pour staffing, an increased number of patients with severe mental illnesses and accessibility to lethal means. Many risk factors were identified, some of them specific to context. Risk Factors at admission in a psychiatric hospital – personal or familiar suicide history, schizophrenia or mood disorder, alcohol use, involuntary admission, living alone, absence from the service without permission. Later till discharge - personal suicide history (or attempts after admission), relational conflicts, unemployment, living alone, lack of discharge planning and lack of contact in the immediate post-discharge period. In General Hospitals – chronicity and severity of somatic disease, poor coping strategies, psychiatric comorbidities and lack of liaison psychiatry.
Strategies to prevent inpatient suicide should take in environmental modification (specific to environment and specific to patient – as planned levels of supervision), optimisation of the care of the patients at suicidal risk, staff education and involvement of families in care. There are few studies on the efficacy of pharmacotherapy on reducing suicidal ideation in inpatients (just for clozapine and ketamine); some psychotherapies show promising results. The post-suicide approach cannot be neglected, whether in supporting the family, the team involved and even other patients.
ConclusionsThe assumption of the predictive and preventive value of the risk assessment has been under scrutiny. Depressed mood and a prior history of self-harm are well-established independent risk factors for inpatient suicide; however they lose their predictive value due to their high prevalence. Up to 70% of inpatients who committed suicide didn’t express suicidal ideation on the previous interviews. Most effective measures to prevent suicide are environmental modifications and staff education approaches, giving appropriate responses to each patient’s circumstances.
There is a paucity of literature on suicide in this setting. It should become a priority in national programs of Suicide Prevention.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The Suicidal Physician: When the Doctor Wants to Die
- D. O. Martins, M. Pinho, P. S. Martins, L. Gomes, E. G. Pereira
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1109
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Introduction
Medical-related professions are at high suicide risk. Suicide is a major cause of premature death among physicians, but the prevalence of suicide-related behaviors is inconsistent across studies.
ObjectivesPresenting a review of the prevalence and risk factors of suicide among physicians.
MethodsSearch on Pubmed® and Medscape® databases with the following keywords: “physicians” and “suicide”. We focused on data from systematic reviews and meta-analyzes. The articles were selected by the authors according to their relevance.
ResultsFemale and US physicians were at higher risk of suicidal behavior. Suicide decreased over time, especially in Europe. Some specialties might be at higher risk such as anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners and general surgeons. It is well established that anesthesiologists tend to have much higher rates of substance abuse than other physicians. Psychiatrists are also known to have more mental distress, mental illness and burnout compared with other physician groups and have concerning rates of depression and psychotropic. Physicians are less likely to seek mental health services out of career concerns, culture and/ or a predisposition toward self-reliance. Additionally, retrospective toxicology screening of suicide data finds that physicians are more likely than nonphysicians to have positive results for antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates but not antidepressants.
ConclusionsPhysicians are an at-risk profession of suicide, with women particularly at risk. The rate of suicide in physicians decreased over time, especially in Europe. The high prevalence of physicians who committed suicide attempt as well as those with suicidal ideation should benefits for preventive strategies at the workplace. Physician suicides are multifactorial, and further research into these factors is critical. Appropriate preventive and treatment measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of suicide-related behaviors in this population.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Psychosomatics and mentalization
- A. M. Delgado Campos, P. Alcindor Huelva, A. Alvarez Astorga, S. Rubio Corgo, E. Pérez Vicente, M. Arrieta Pey, C. Diaz Gordillo, P. Del Sol Calderón, A. C. Martín Martín
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1024
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Introduction
We have investigated the relationship between the Psychosomatic Classification method (Marty) and the Rorschach Test, with respect to the diagnosis of psychosomatic disorders, within the framework of the degree of mentalization measured by both.
ObjectivesA) To verify statistical coincidence with respect to the degree of mentalization (risk of generating psychosomatic disorders in a subject) between the Rorschach Test and the diagnostic technique Psychosomatic Classification, by P. Marty. B) To test the hypothesis: Patients diagnosed with infertility, whose degree of mentalization is good, will have a greater probability of achieving a successful pregnancy throught Assisted Reproduction Techniques.
MethodsTwo evaluation tools were used: a) Psychosomatic Classification based on the criteria established by this diagnostic method; b) The Rorschach test (based on the evaluation of 29 indicators, selected according to their greater relevance in the generation of somatic symptoms).
A sample of 120 patients (women) diagnosed infertility at the Assisted Reproduction Unit (U.R.A.) at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid was recruited. The method of ‘statistical correlation of coincidence’ between the results of the two diagnostic instruments used was used. Once both tests had been assessed by the “inter-judge” method and the quantitative values of the selected items had been weighted, the KAPPA statistical method was applied to establish the “correlation of coincidence” between the results of the two assessment instruments.
ResultsConsidering that the KAPPA method takes values between “0" and ”1" and that between 0.6 and 0.8 the agreement or coincidence is considered good, and above 0.8 very good, the result applied to the hypothesis is 0’76 (’good’).
ConclusionsA) Using the Rorschach Test and P. Marty’s Psychosomatic Classification in a complementary manner, these two instruments together provide high reliability, with respect to the degree of mentalization (a subject’s risk of suffering psychosomatic disorders). B) The degree of mentalization has a significant impact on the success or failure in the application of Assisted Reproduction Techniques in infertile women.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDUAL MOOD SYMPTOMS, DISPOSITIONAL MINDFULNESS, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN BIPOLAR DISORDER
- F. P. Piazza, B. Solé, S. Martín-Parra, A. Martínez-Arán, N. E. Fares-Otero
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S698
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Introduction
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic and recurrent mental condition characterized by mood fluctuations between hypomania or mania and depression, with high level of burden and mortality rates (Hayes et al., 2015). Subsyndromal mood symptoms, including residual depression, mania and/or anxiety, are major risk factors for episodic relapses after mood stabilisation (Samalin et al., 2016). A psychological protective mechanism against the occurrence of these maladaptative mood symptoms is dispositional mindfulness (DM). DM refers to paying purposeful attention to present moment experiences with a curious, non-judgmental and accepting attitude (Radford et al., 2014). DM has been barely assessed in BD and there is very little evidence on the relationship between DM, residual mood symptoms and quality of life
ObjectivesTo explore associations between DM, residual mood symptoms and quality of life in individuals with BD
MethodsAfter informed consent, a total of 94 adults (Mean age= 45.57 years, 41.50% Male) with diagnosis of BD according to DSM-5 criteria, in full or partial remission,were recruited from the Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona. The ethical committee approved this study. Dispositional mindfulness was assessed using the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS).The presence of residual depressive symptoms was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), residual mania symptoms were assessed with the Young Mania Rating Scale(YMRS), and anxiety symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). The subjective quality of life was assessed with the Quality of Life in Bipolar Disorder Questionnaire (QoL-BD). Pearson correlations were carried out and the level of significance was set at p<0.05
ResultsDM was negatively related to residual depressive symptoms (r= -0.283; p=0.009) and to anxiety symptoms (r=-0.345; p<0.001), and positively related to quality of life (r=0.433; p<0.001), but not related to residual manic symptoms in BD
ConclusionsOur preliminary data suggest that BD patients with higher levels of DM may experience less depressive and anxiety subsyndromal symptoms and perceived higher quality of life. No associations were detected regarding mania symptoms. These findings support the use of mindfulness training as an adjunct therapy to pharmacotherapy to reduce residual mood symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with BD
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Female infertility, Alexithymia and Stress
- A. M. Delgado Campos, P. Alcindor Huelva, A. Alvarez Astorga, S. Rubio Corgo, E. Pérez Vicente, M. Arrieta Pey, C. Diaz Gordillo, P. del Sol Calderón, A. C. Martín Martín
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S648
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Introduction
In this research the Paris School (I.P.S.O.), by P. Marty, is chosen as the theoretical and clinical basis of Psychosomatics. We work with the degree of mentalization (good, bad and uncertain) -obtained through Marty’s Psychosomatic Classification-, as a previous diagnosis and prognosis of 120 infertile women undergoing treatment at the Assisted Reproduction Unit (ARU) at Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre in Madrid.
Objectivesa) To analyse the statistical coincidence between female infertility, stress and alexithymia syndrome. b) To verify the differences between psychosomatic disorders and other somatoform symptoms and syndromes (conversive and hypochondriac). c) To test the following hypothesis: subjects whose degree of mentalization is deficient, present high degree of alexithymia and stress.
Methods120 infertile women undergoing treatment with Assisted Reproduction Techniques were examined by means of psychodiagnostic tests.
Diagnostic tools: P. Mary’s Psychosomatic Classification (P.C.) (semi-structured interview), as a means of diagnosing the degree of mentalization; T.A.S. (Toronto Alexithymia Scale); Battery of stress measurement questionnaires (H.A.D., PANAS. IRE, MCMQ).
The correlation of coincidence between the results of C.P. and the different Alexithymia and Stress questionnaires with the independent variable (success or failure of pregnancy in the selected subjects) has been studied, applying Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient.
ResultsWith respect to what was obtained in the Psychosomatic Classification:
- T.A.S. questionnaire yields a coefficient of [-0.48]. Therefore, there is a negative correlation between the degree of mentalization and the presence of alexithymia; in other words, as the degree of mentalization increases, the degree of alexithymia decreases and vice versa;
- There is positive correlation [0.39] between the results of Mentalization (Psychosomatic Classification) and the degree of stress; therefore, the existence of stress does not prevent better mentalization.
ConclusionsThe present research concludes: a) that people at risk for psychosomatic disorders have high scores on “alexithymia”; b) that patients at high risk for psychosomatic disorders do not necessarily suffer from “stress” situations; c) that there are many indicators in behavior and psychological functioning that differentiate psychosomatic disorders from conversive and hypochondriac disorders - both in their etiology and their development; d) there is a statistical correlation between female infertility and alexithymia; e) there is no statistical correlation between female infertility and stress.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Phase imaging of irradiated foils at the OMEGA EP facility using phase-stepping X-ray Talbot–Lau deflectometry
- G. Pérez-Callejo, V. Bouffetier, L. Ceurvorst, T. Goudal, S. R. Klein, D. Svyatskiy, M. Holec, P. Perez-Martin, K. Falk, A. Casner, T. E. Weber, G. Kagan, M. P. Valdivia
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- Journal:
- High Power Laser Science and Engineering / Volume 11 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 26 May 2023, e49
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Diagnosing the evolution of laser-generated high energy density (HED) systems is fundamental to develop a correct understanding of the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. Talbot–Lau interferometry constitutes a promising tool, since it permits simultaneous single-shot X-ray radiography and phase-contrast imaging of dense plasmas. We present the results of an experiment at OMEGA EP that aims to probe the ablation front of a laser-irradiated foil using a Talbot–Lau X-ray interferometer. A polystyrene (CH) foil was irradiated by a laser of 133 J, 1 ns and probed with 8 keV laser-produced backlighter radiation from Cu foils driven by a short-pulse laser (153 J, 11 ps). The ablation front interferograms were processed in combination with a set of reference images obtained ex situ using phase-stepping. We managed to obtain attenuation and phase-shift images of a laser-irradiated foil for electron densities above ${10}^{22}\;{\mathrm{cm}}^{-3}$. These results showcase the capabilities of Talbot–Lau X-ray diagnostic methods to diagnose HED laser-generated plasmas through high-resolution imaging.