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Influence of Nonstoichiometry and the Presence of Maghemite on the Mössbauer Spectrum of Magnetite
- G. M. da Costa, E. de Grave, P. M. A. De Bakker, R. E. Vandenberghe
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- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 43 / Issue 6 / December 1995
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 February 2024, pp. 656-668
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Several samples of large- and small-particle magnetite (Fe3O4), as well as its thermal decomposition products formed at different temperatures and atmospheres, have been studied extensively by Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), both with and without an applied field of 6T. Synthetic mixtures of magnetite and poorly- or well-crystallized maghemite have also been studied. Large-particle magnetite (MCD > 200 nm), when heated in air for 12 hours at T < 400°C, transforms to a mixture of well-crystallized hematite and magnetite, the latter one remaining stoichiometric, according to the relative area-ratios obtained from MS. Thermal treatment at 1300°C in a controlled O2 partial pressure, produced a mixture of stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric magnetite, but the latter component seems to be composed of particles with different degrees of nonstoichiometry. The Mössbauer spectra of the decomposition products at T < 200°C in air of small-particle magnetite (MCD ~ 80 nm) could be successfully interpreted as a mixture of magnetite and maghemite, rather than nonstoichiometric magnetite. This suggestion is further supported by the experiments with the synthetic mixtures. It is clearly demonstrated that is not possible, even by applying a strong external field, to separate the contribution of the A-site of magnetite from that of maghemite.
The Center Shift in Mössbauer Spectra of Maghemite and Aluminum Maghemites
- G. M. Da Costa, E. De Grave, L. H. Bowen, R. E. Vandenberghe, P. M. A. De Bakker
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- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 42 / Issue 5 / October 1994
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 February 2024, pp. 628-633
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Synthetic, relatively well-crystallized aluminum-substituted maghemite samples, γ-(Aly·Fe1−y)2O3, with y = 0, 0.032, 0.058, 0.084, 0.106 and 0.151 have been studied by X-ray diffraction and zero-field Mössbauer spectroscopy in the range 8 K to 475 K, and also with an external field of 60 kOe at 4.2 K and 275 K. It was found that there are two different converging models for fitting the zero-field spectra of the maghemites with a superposition of two Lorentzian-shaped sextets, both resulting in inconsistent values for the hyperfine fields (Hhf) and/or the center shifts (δ) of the tetrahedral (A) and octahedral (B) ferric ions. From the applied-field measurements it is concluded that there is a constant difference of 0.12 ± 0.01 mm/s between δB and δA, regardless of the Al content. For the Al-free sample the center shifts are found as: δA = 0.370 mm/s and δB = 0.491 mm/s at 4.2 K and δA = 0.233 mm/s and δB = 0.357 mm/s at 275 K (relative to metallic iron), with an estimated error of 0.005 mm/s. Both δA and δB are observed to decrease with increasing Al concentration. The effective hyperfine fields for the non-substituted maghemite sample are: Heff,A = 575 kOe and Heff,B = 471 kOe at 4.2 K and Heff,A = 562 kOe and Heff,B = 449 kOe at 275 K, with an error of 1 kOe. The B-site hyperfine field remains approximately constant with Al substitution, while for the A site a slight decrease with increasing Al content was observed.
Variable-Temperature Mössbauer Spectroscopy of Nano-Sized Maghemite and Al-Substituted Maghemites
- G. M. Da Costa, E. De Grave, L. H. Bowen, P. M. A. De Barker, R. E. Vandenberghe
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- Journal:
- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 43 / Issue 5 / October 1995
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 February 2024, pp. 562-568
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Synthetic aluminum-substituted maghemite samples, γ-(Fe1-xAlx)2O3, have been prepared by thermal decomposition of Al-lepidocrocite (γ-Fe1-xAlxOOH), with × = 0, 0.04, 0.06, 0.14 and 0.18. The particles are needle-shaped and the mean crystallite diameter along the [311] crystallographic direction was found to be between 2.0 and 5.0 nm. Mössbauer spectra were collected at 6 K and from 80 K up to 475 K at steps of 25 K. In a wide range of temperatures the spectra of the non-substituted sample consist of a superposition of a broad sextet and a superparamagnetic doublet, whereas for the Al-maghemites this range is much smaller. From the temperature variation of the fractional doublet area two different parameters were defined: the temperature corresponding to a 50/50 doublet-sextet spectrum (T1/2), and the temperature below which the doublet ceases to exist (T0). These two parameters (T1/2 and T0) decrease from 390 K and 92 K (Al-free sample), to 118 K and 64 K (4 mole % Al) and to 100 K and 48 K (18 mole % Al), respectively. The average hyperfine fields at 6 K undergo a steep drop in going from the Al-free sample (Hhf = 506 kOe) to the sample with 4 mole % Al (Hhf = 498 kOe), but for higher substitutions the effect is much smaller. The A- and B-site quadrupole splittings, obtained from the data between 220 K and 475 K, were found as: ΔEQ,A = 0.86 ± 0.04 mm/s and ΔEQ,B = 0.65 ± 0.04 mm/s for the 4 mole % Al sample. The characteristic Mössbauer temperature, determined from the temperature dependence of the average isomer shift, was found to be in the range of 500–600 K.
Water use efficiency and yield responses of Cenchrus purpureus genotypes under irrigation
- R. E. P. Ribeiro, A. C. L. Mello, M. V. Cunha, M. V. F. Santos, S. B. M. Costa, J. J. Coelho, R. O. Carvalho, V. J. Silva
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- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 4 / August 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 September 2023, pp. 572-580
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In tropical regions, water stress is one of the main causes of the reduction in forage productivity, and irrigation strategies can mitigate the problem, especially for highly productive species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation, genotype and plant size on productive responses and water use efficiency (WUE) of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus [Schumach.] Morrone), in the rainy and dry season. The experimental design was randomized in blocks, arranged in split plots, the main plots were established based on the use of irrigation and the subplots were the tall-sized genotypes (IRI 381 and Elephant B) and dwarfs (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott). The genotypes were evaluated for two years and harvested every 60 days. Water use efficiency, total forage accumulation per year and harvest, forage accumulation rate and forage density were evaluated. There was a significant difference between the genotypes in terms of total forage accumulated (P < 0.05). The most productive genotype was IRI 381, which showed the greatest total forage accumulation (42 168 kg of DM/ha in two years) in the irrigated plots. During the rainy seasons, IRI 381 stood out in terms of forage accumulated (24 667 kg of DM/ha). Irrigation favoured increases in forage accumulation around 60%, in both years of evaluation. Irrigation and plant size influenced the productivity and WUE of elephant grass harvested in 60-day intervals. Tall genotypes and Taiwan A-146 2.37 (dwarf size) stood out in most of the productive traits analysed, while Mott was highlighted by its forage density.
Night-time/daytime Protein S100B serum levels in paranoid schizophrenic patients
- E. Diaz-Mesa, A. Morera-Fumero, L. Torres-Tejera, A. Crisostomo-Siverio, P. Abreu-Gonzalez, R. Zuñiga-Costa, S. Yelmo-Cruz, R. Cejas-Mendez, C. Rodriguez-Jimenez, L. Fernandez-Lopez, M. Henry-Benitez
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S445-S446
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Introduction
S100B is a calcium-binding astrocyte-specific cytokine, that is considered a biomarker of neurodegeneration; which may be involved in the imbalance of the inflammatory response observed in several brain disorders, including major depression and schizophrenia. Two meta-analyses have reported higher serum levels of S100B in patients with schizophrenia respect to healthy controls.
Different studies have described circadian and seasonal variations of biological variables, such as melatonin or cortisol. It has been reported that there is not circadian rhythm of S100B blood levels in healthy subjects. However, it is not known whether there are circadian oscillations in S100B blood concentrations in patients with schizophrenia.
ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe S100B serum levels in patients with schizophrenia and to analyse whether they follow a circadian rhythm.
MethodsOur sample consists in 47 patients in acute phase and stabilized status. Blood samples were collected at 12:00 and 00:00 hours by venipuncture. Serum levels of Protein S100B were measured three times: at admission, discharge and three months after discharge. Protein S100B was measured by means of ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) techniques.
Results12:00 24:00 P ADMISSION 132,95±199,27 85,85±121,44 0,004 DISCHARGE 73,65±71,744 75,80±123,628 0,070 CONTROL 43,49±34,60 40,14±23,08 0,47 P global P Admission Vs. Discharge P Admission Vs. Control P Discharge Vs. Control 0,97 There is a significance difference between 12:00 and 24:00 at admission for the Protein S100B.However, these difference did not occur at discharge and at three months after discharge.It can be interpreted as there is a circadian rhythm of Protein S100B when the patient has got a psychotic outbreak and disappears at discharge and when is psychopathologically stable.
ConclusionsWith respect to our results we can hypothesize that schizophrenic patients in acute relapse present circadian S100B rhythm that is not present when the patients are clinically stable.Furthermore, the decrease of serum protein S100B levels at discharge is indicative of a reduction of the cerebral inflammation, thus it can be a biomarker of cerebral inflammation and this reduction can be the effect of the treatment. Finally, its circadianity could be a guide of this process and clinical improvement.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The Fall of Icarus: Post-psychotic depression - Apropros a clinical case
- S. Jesus, A. R. Costa, G. Simões, M. Almeida, A. Tarelho, P. Garrido
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S843-S844
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Introduction
Depressive symptoms occur in different phases of psychosis, including prodromal, acute and post-psychotic. Post-psychotic depression (PPD) is a phenomenon that presents as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Having been ascribed various descriptions in the past, PPD has been used in a broad manner to describe depressive symptoms that appear in patients with history of psychosis. PPD unveils itself as a separate nosological entity, differing from the adverse effects typically associated with antipsychotics, the negative symptoms of psychosis, and other psychiatric disorders that present with both psychotic and depressive symptoms (e.g. bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or psychotic depression).
ObjectivesThe authors present a case of a 64 year-old man hospitalized due to inaugural psychosis with persecutory and grandiose delusions as well as auditory hallucinatory activity, who began to develop a depressive clinical picture whilst under treatment. A brief discussion on post-psychotic depression, from its clinical presentation to its treatment and implications in prognosis is also presented.
MethodsA brief non-systematized literature review using the Pubmed platform as well as presentation of a clinical case.
ResultsDepressive complaints are a common complication of psychotic episodes, with the literature estimating that approximately a quarter of psychotic patients present with PPD. Although typically described in association with schizophrenia, recent literature describes PPD occurring alongside other psychotic presentations, including first-episode psychosis. A division between affect and psychosis has been attempted in terms of psychiatric classification, however, the blurred lines between the two continue to contribute to difficulties in differential diagnosis. This becomes a challenge when distinguishing between extrapyramidal symptoms associated with antipsychotics, negative symptoms (i.e apathy, abulia and alogia) and psychiatric disorders with affective-psychotic overlap. Having only recently been considered a distinct clinical entity in psychiatric classification systems, research on its etiology, course, treatment and prognosis are scarce. In regards to the previously described patient, a depressive disorder whilst in treatment for psychosis was identified, and through early recognition of the symptoms treatment with an antidepressant was initiated with favourable response.
ConclusionsPPD is a relatively common phenomenon which is gaining more attention in recent literature. As classifications have begun to consider PPD as a distinct clinical entity, as well as unifying defining criteria, further studies can be developed so as to clarify aspects which remain to be defined. The clinician should be aware of this entity as well as the potentially confounding symptom presentations, so as to provide adequate early treatment thus contributing to improved patient outcomes.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Healthy mental higher education students’: Presentation of a project
- A. Torres, J. Costa, P. Carvalho, M. Loureiro
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S985-S986
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Introduction
The prevalence of mental disorders in Higher Education Students (HES) is high and has shown a worrying growth. However, only a small percentage of HES in need of psychological support request it, due to the stigma related to mental illness, requesting informal help from friends and family. Training and increasing Mental Health Literacy (MHL) have been stated as appropriate strategies to reduce stigma and increase the demand for professional psychological support. However, with the increase in the demand for help, the difficulty of providing an adequate response from psychological support of HE services also increases. Therefore, procedures that develop socio-emotional skills in the HES and strategies that enhance the responsiveness of these services are necessary.
ObjectivesTaking in consideration the literature review in this field, we develop a project to improve the mental health of HES. The project objectives’: a) the reduction of stigma related to mental disorders through the promotion of MHL in the academic community; b) the promotion of mental health and socio-emotional skills of HES; c) increasing detection and active search for professional mental health support, and d) the implementation of psychological intervention based on a stepped care model that provides an adequate response to most of the students’ mental health needs, according to individual needs.
MethodsThe project proposes to perform the following methods: a) training in mental health open to the academic community, which will aim to train volunteers to be Gatekeepers, in order to promote awareness, detection and referral of students in need of professional psychological support; b) implementation of a Student Observatory, with tracking of psychopathological symptoms, supported on the Web; c) implementation of a psychological intervention program based on a stepped care model, which will include the following progressive phases by severity: 1) digital self-help manual; 2) web-based self-help groups; 3) psychological intervention groups supported by the Web; 4) face-to-face intervention groups and 5) individual psychological intervention.
Students will be assessed before and after each step of care, with the following psychological instruments: Mental Health Inventory (MHI); Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7).
ResultsThe implementation of the presented methods expect to achieve improvements on HES’ mental health, namely improvement of MHI, reduction of PHQ-9 and GAD-7 after each step of the psychological care.
ConclusionsThe project presented encloses evidence-based interventions, with inspiration on psychoeducation and cognitive behavioral approaches, and it is expected to contribute to the improvement of mental health of HES. The results will be collected and disseminated. We encourage other researcher and clinicians to perform studies about the mental health of HES.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The Green-Eyed Monster: A Brief Exploration of the Jealousy Spectrum
- S. Jesus, A. R. Costa, M. Almeida, P. Garrido
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1002
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Introduction
A feeling as ancient as humankind, having been documented in the Bible, represented by mythological figures and appearing as a recurrent theme in art and literature, jealousy is a complex emotion that is non-discriminatory and often associated with negative feelings ranging from insecurity, suspicion, rage, fear to humiliation. Commonly associated with romantic relationships, it typically arises when one perceives a threat, either real or imagined, from a third party in regards to possession or perceived security. Jealousy, like other aspects of the human experience, varies in its expression and intensity, ranging from an adaptive response to a potentially dangerous psychopathological symptom.
ObjectivesThe authors aim to describe jealousy and discuss the spectrum on which it appears, ranging from an adaptive response to a psychopathological manifestation.
MethodsA brief non-structured literature review was carried out with recourse to various databases such as Pubmed as well as complimentary literary sources when deemed pertinent.
ResultsDescribed as a defensive reaction that is expressed as a cognitive, emotional and behavioural response to a perceived threat, jealousy has been discussed in various arenas of thought ranging from evolutionary psychology to philosophy to psychiatry to representation in the arts. It is a difficult term to define as it is a feeling expressed through diverse emotions and behaviours originating from various contexts as well as varying in its intensity. The literature demonstrates that jealousy can exist as an adaptive response, with evolutionary explanations, to a psychopathological expression either as obsessive jealousy or morbid jealousy, also known as Othello’s Syndrome. Each carries its own particularities in terms of expression, clinical significance and intervention. The more often described delusional jealousy, is characterized by the presence of strong, false beliefs that the partner is unfaithful, whereas obsessive jealousy, less commonly described, presents with unpleasant, ego-dystonic and irrational jealous ruminations that the partner could be unfaithful. These thoughts are often accompanied by compulsive verification of the partners’ behaviour. Treatment interventions in these cases are varied and present implications in prognosis.
ConclusionsJealousy is a complex emotional state and has been described as part of the universal human experience, with research indicating its existence across various cultures. The expression of this emotional experience as well as its potential manifestation types should be taken into consideration by the mental health practitioner when carrying out an evaluation, as treatment interventions and prognosis may vary depending on the presentation.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Cut From the Same Cloth: Bipolar disorder and Frontotemporal Dementia – Apropos a Clinical Case
- S. Jesus, A. R. Costa, M. Almeida, P. Garrido
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S709
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Introduction
Mood disorders have been reported in the literature as a risk factor for developing cognitive deficits. Bipolar disorder (BD) and Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) share many common features, often presenting as a differential diagnostic challenge to the clinician. The clinical features of mania, such as euphoria, hyper-sexuality and difficulties in impulse control can mimic the impaired judgment and loss of inhibition seen in FTD. Depressive features such as anhedonia and social isolation can mimic apathy associated with FTD. Of the various subtypes, the behavioural-variant of FTD (bvFTD) is most similar to a manic episode.
ObjectivesThe authors aim to explore the relationship between BD and FTD, and the implications in differential diagnosis, treatment and prognosis with recourse to a clinical case example.
MethodsA non-systematized review of pertinent literature on the topic with focus on that which is most relevant to the theme was included. The authors present a clinical case of 55 year-old female with history of BD who was hospitalized in the context of a depressive episode with suicidal ideation and disorganized behaviour.
ResultsIt is not uncommon for patients with bvFTD to be initially diagnosed with BD, whereas on the other hand, patients presenting in late with an inaugural manic episode are considered to have dementia. The literature also reports that patients with BD appear to be at increased risk of a later FTD diagnosis, further contributing the diagnostic difficulties. Core symptoms that present in mood disorders, also make-up the clinical picture of FTD, and vice versa. Correct diagnosis is imperative as early-intervention may have significant impact on prognosis of the clinical pictures. The patient underwent complementary diagnostic imaging testing with magnetic resonance imaging, which documented atrophy in the fronto-temporal regions which were not detected on previous exams, thus strongly suggesting a FTD diagnosis in a patient with history of BD.
ConclusionsThe literature establishes, especially through various case reports, an apparent clinical overlap between FTD and mood disorders. A multifaceted connection between BD and FTD appears to exist, with clinical and genetic similarities having been described, although further studies are merited demonstrating this relationship. The clinical case highlights the challenges in FTD diagnosis in a patient with prior history of a mood disorder, especially BD, as well as demonstrating the difficult task in establishing a differential diagnosis between the two conditions when the mood disorder presents late in life. The clinician is alerted to the mimicry between the two conditions, taking into account the possibility of a FTD diagnosis in patients with history of BD presenting with unexpected cognitive and behavioural decline.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A Challenging Sexsomnia Seen as a Deceptive Case of Depression
- J. Brás, M. Meira e Cruz, C. Teixeira, R. Andrade, A. P. Costa
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1103
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Introduction
Sleep related sexual behaviors or sexsomnias are unconscious behavioral activities that occur during sleep (e.g. parasomnias). Behaviors could range from sexual vocalizations, orgasms, sexualized movements, masturbation, or full sexual intercourse with a subsequent amnesia. Early epidemiological studies showed a prevalence of 7.1%, with a male predominance. While intended as a rare condition, leads to important physical and psychological consequences for both the patient and their bed partner. For our knowledge this is the first case of sexsomnia reported in Portugal.
ObjectivesTo report the clinical and psychosocial impact of a Sexsomnia case in a young woman which was misdiagnosed with depression.
MethodsPatient´s clinical files consultation and literature review using Pubmedâ and the keywords: sexsomnia.
ResultsA 18-year-old female referred to a psychiatric consultation to be assessed and treated from a diagnostic of depressive disorder. This was a young woman with a previous history of sleepwalking during childhood, with no recurrent episodes since adolescence. A familiar positive history for sleepwalking was confirmed (mother). She reported the beginning of her sleep related sexual behavior six months before the consultation, conflicting with the moment in which she started pharmacological therapy for Chron Disease, diagnosed at that time.
After she slept with her boyfriend, she was told by him about the recurrence of masturbatory activity during sleep. These episodes were told to occur as often as 1 to 2 times a night, shortly after falling asleep, with posterior amnesia for the event.
As for medical or psychiatric history, only Chron’s disease is highlighted, being under control with azathioprine. Likewise, he took 1mg of melatonin/night.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index at presentation was 7/21 and the STOP-Bang questionnaire revealed a low risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
A Type I Polysomnographic study was performed revealing decreased sleep efficiency and fragmented sleep presenting an alternating cyclic pattern. The existence of significant respiratory events during sleep, as well as periodic movements, was excluded.
Cognitive behavioral therapy by means of highlighting the need of improvement on sleep hygiene measures was prescribed and the dose of melatonin was increased up to 3mg. Despite the good clinical response, the patient discontinued the melatonin treatment mainly due to familiar and personal reasons and failed to comply with the prescribed hygienic measures, with a further worsening of the clinical condition.
ConclusionsThis particularly challenging case representing the emerging medicolegal issues and psychosocial aspects related with the still poorly understood sleep disorders like sexomnia, shows up how much awareness is required from psychiatric team members to better assist and refer patients, promoting both an assertive diagnostic and an effective management.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Radiation use efficiency and canopy structure of contrasting elephant grass varieties grown as monocrops and intercrops with butterfly pea
- P. H. F. Silva, M. V. F. Santos, A. C. L. Mello, T. B. Sales, E. R. Costa, L. M. P. Guimarães, D. E. Simões Neto, J. J. Coêlho, M. V. Cunha
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- Journal:
- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 1 / January 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 January 2023, pp. 88-96
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the radiation use efficiency (RUE) and canopy structure of elephant grass varieties (Cenchrus purpureus Schum.) of contrasting statures, under monocropping or intercropped with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) in cut-and-carry systems. Two tall varieties (elephant B and IRI-381), and two dwarf ones (Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37), were evaluated as monocrops or binary intercrops with the legume in a 2-year trial with eight harvests. Greater annual leaf biomass accumulation was observed in the monocrops of the tall variety elephant B (7.76 t/ha per year) and dwarf Mott (8.08 t/ha per year). Greater herbage bulk density (59 kg/ha per cm) and leaf area index (3.83) were recorded in canopies of dwarf Mott than in those composed of IRI-381 (37 kg/ha per cm and 3.48, respectively). In the first year, dwarf varieties Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 showed less RUE (0.89 and 0.84 g dry matter (DM)/MJ, respectively) than the elephant B (1.46 g DM/MJ). Higher non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) contents were found in dwarf Mott under monocrop (180 g/kg) and in the intercrop systems. Tall varieties elephant B and IRI-381 showed greater efficiency in intercepting the radiation to accumulate herbage via stem accumulation. Dwarf Mott variety exhibited short stems and great leaf biomass accumulation that favoured denser canopies with higher content of NFCs in vegetal tissue. Planting butterfly pea into rows of elephant grass varieties can be adopted with no significant losses in RUE caused by light extinction, regardless of the grass stature.
Welfare assessment of horses: the AWIN approach
- E Dalla Costa, F Dai, D Lebelt, P Scholz, S Barbieri, E Canali, AJ Zanella, M Minero
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- Animal Welfare / Volume 25 / Issue 4 / November 2016
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 January 2023, pp. 481-488
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The EU-funded Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) research project (2011-2015) aimed to improve animal welfare through the development of practical on-farm animal welfare assessment protocols. The present study describes the application of the AWIN approach to the development of a welfare assessment protocol for horses (Equus caballus). Its development required the following steps: (i) selection of potential welfare indicators; (ii) bridging gaps in knowledge; (iii) consulting stakeholders; and (iv) testing a prototype protocol on-farm. Compared to existing welfare assessment protocols for other species, the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for horses introduces a number of innovative aspects, such as implementation of a two-level strategy focused on improving on-farm feasibility and the use of electronic tools to achieve standardised data collection and so promote rapid outcomes. Further refinement to the AWIN welfare assessment protocol for horses is needed in order to firstly gather data from a larger reference population and, secondly, enhance the welfare assessment protocol with reference to different horse housing and husbandry conditions.
MURDEROUS MYTHOMANIA: Psychopathology of lying – Apropos a Clinical Case
- S. Jesus, A. Costa, G. Simões, M. Almeida, P. Garrido
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S710
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Introduction
The capacity for lying is a common human phenomenon with evolutionary explanations, in which one seeks to deceive usually to avoid harmful or undesired consequences. The spectrum of lies is vast and varies from the content to the motivation. Pathological lying has the potential to affect mental evaluations thus motivating an important discussion regarding this behaviour.
ObjectivesThe authors aim to explore the psychopathological concept and spectrum of pathological lies, from their underlying motives to their implications and challenges in psychiatric diagnosis with recourse to a clinical case example.
MethodsA review of pertinent literature on the topic with focus on that which is most relevant to the theme was included. The authors present the clinical case of a middle-aged female who presented with mythomania which included the fabrication of having attempted murder.
ResultsThe literature demonstrates a relationship between compulsive lying and personality disorders. Head trauma and other central nervous system issues may also play a role. Some traits may facilitate the detection of deception, such as dramatic and unmotivated constructs with a positive self-portrayal. The clinical case description correlates the personality factors associated with mythomania, namely antisocial personality disorder, differing from the typical presentation as her fabrications portrayed her negatively.
ConclusionsThe implication of pathological lying is that it may interfere with mental assessment thus altering, by way of deception, the psychiatric evaluation as lies may be difficult to detect upon a first evaluation. The psychiatrist should be alerted to the possibility of fabrication when dealing with a patient with predisposing factors.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Aripiprazol and Hypersexuality: when partial is to much
- P. Espada-Santos, J. Facucho-Oliveira, B. Mesquita, A. Fraga, M. Albuquerque, M. Costa, M. Marinho, P. Cintra
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S723
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Introduction
A growing number of published cases has showed that hypersexual behavior may arise with treatment with second-generation antipsychotics, including aripiprazole and olanzapine. Aripiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic commonly used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It has a unique pharmacologic profile acting as a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor, as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A receptor, and as an antagonist at the 5-HT2A receptor. Literature shows that medication with partial dopaminergic agonistic activity can cause compulsive behaviors, such as pathological gambling, compulsive eating, compulsive shopping, and hypersexuality. Although it is difficult to predict who would develop these behaviors, the literature suggests that patients at a higher risk of developing impulsive behaviors include those with a personal or family history of obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse control disorder, bipolar disorder, impulsive personality, alcoholism, drug abuse, or other addictive behaviors.
ObjectivesHere, we present a case of a 32-year-old male who developed hypersexuality symptoms after receiving aripiprazole as treatment for bipolar disorder.
MethodsWe have done a literature review using the MeSH terms Aripiprazole and hypersexuality in the “PubMed”.
ResultsAfter switching Aripiprazole to Risperidone the hypersexuality symptoms started to decrease and got almost complete relief after 2 weeks.
ConclusionsThis case highlights the rare hypersexuality side effect that can arise in patients receiving aripiprazole for bipolar disorder treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the increased risk of hypersexuality and other impulsive behaviors as they can significantly impair a patient’s daily functioning.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Psychiatry training goes virtual: the experience of the first online edition of the EPA Research Summer School
- R. De Filippis, D. Almeida, U. Cikrikcili, L. Di Lodovico, M. Filip, L. Fusar-Poli, A. Gürcan, D. Gurrea Salas, K. Mieze, G. Mijaljica, C. Noël, P. Nwaubani, M. Pantic, B.I. Pérez Longás, A. Pushko, A.A. Román-Jarrín, M. Santos, K. Silagadze, M. Sorokin, C. Tapoi, C. Hanon, N. Hoertel, A. Raballo, N. Sartorius, M. Pinto Da Costa
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S846
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Introduction
The European Psychiatric Association (EPA) Summer School allows psychiatric trainees and early career psychiatrists (ECPs) from all over Europe to meet, network, and learn together. After the 2020 edition being cancelled due to COVID-19, the 10th edition in 2021 focused for the first time on research and was conducted remotely.
ObjectivesTo provide an overview and feedback about the first Virtual EPA Research Summer School as a new way to encourage international networking during COVID-19.
MethodsThe School was organized by the EPA Secretary for Education, and 4 Faculty members. It started with a “breaking the ice session” one week before and then a two-days meeting on 23-24 September 2021 using an online video-platform. This was preceded by all the 21 participants (from 18 different countries) recording a short 4-minute video presentation, which was uploaded and shared with other participants and Faculty.
ResultsParticipants were divided on a voluntary basis into three working groups: 1) “Drug repurposing: overcoming challenges in pharmacoepidemiology” 2) “Psychopathological research in psychiatry”; 3) “How to conduct a cross-sectional survey?”. The Summer School program was composed of plenary sessions with lectures by the Faculty members, discussion sessions, and working groups time. At the end, each group presented a summary of the work done to the rest of the participants.
ConclusionsAlthough the remote format limits social interactions during the Summer School, overall participants’ high satisfaction and productivity indicate that not only online formats, but also the topic of research might be covered in future editions.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
TOO MUCH OF NOT ENOUGH: Exploring Lack of Fear and Its Consequences
- S. Jesus, A. Costa, G. Simões, G. Dias Dos Santos, M. Almeida, J. Alcafache, P. Garrido
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, pp. S735-S736
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Introduction
Fear is an unpleasant emotional response to perceiving a threat causing physiological changes. Humans feel fear for positive motives, as it plays a crucial role in our survival. Just as the right balance in life is ideal, pathological fear is often described in one of its exaggerations, of having too much. However, lack of fear or “hypophobia” can be just as devastating and debilitating. This can be demonstrated in the analogy between those who feel no pain who also demonstrate increased risk and decreased life expectancy.
ObjectivesThe authors aim to explore the concept of fear, discussing currently known physiological mechanisms in order to explain the effects that alterations of these mechanisms can have on fear responses, namely lack of fear, and subsequently the consequence of this on mental health.
MethodsA brief non-systematized literature review was performed based on works most pertinent to the topic discussed.
ResultsMuted fear responses have been mentioned in the literature, principally associated with medical conditions affecting the physiological fear pathways, including Urbach-Wiethe disease. Amygdala damage provokes abnormal fear reactions and reduced fear experience. This appears to be similar to what is seen in psychopathy, where abnormalities in the limbic system produce abnormal fear responses.
ConclusionsAny extreme can cause havoc on a well-balanced machine. Just as the excess of fear results in mental issues such as anxiety, a lack of fear can also be debilitating. Those demonstrating less fear could help investigators better understand mental health disorders that have been demonstrated to be mediated by similar processes.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Behavioural Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia or Mood Disorder?
- B. Mesquita, S. Paulino, A. Fraga, J. Facucho-Oliveira, P. Espada-Santos, M. Albuquerque, M. Costa
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, pp. S453-S454
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Introduction
The behavioural variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a devastating neurodegenerative syndrome with its peak in the early sixties at about 13 per 100,00. The diagnosis of bvFTD relies on clinical assessment as patients present executive and behavioural deficits, like apathy, loss of motivation and personality changes. Current diagnosis criteria lack specificity and symptomatic overlap between bvFTD and primary psychiatric disorders (PPD) pose a diagnostic conundrum, with half of bvFTD patients previously receiving a psychiatric diagnosis.
ObjectivesThe goal is to discuss the syntomatic overlap of these two entities.
MethodsBrief non-systematic literature review on the topic, illustrated by a case-report presentation.
ResultsA 69 year old men, retired and single, is committed for thought and behavior disorganization and insomnia. He presented expansive mood but also temporal and spatial disorientation and periods of incongruous speech. This patient’s clinical presentation could both entice a diagnosis of bvFTD but also of an affective disorder, especially since it has been reported that neuropsychiatric presentations, like late-onset psychosis or mania, can be the initial presentation of this form of dementia, particularly in patients with C9orf72 mutations, who often display persecutory or grandiosity delusions.
ConclusionsThis clinical case exemplifies the difficulty that lies in differentiating cases of bvFTD from late-onset idiopathic mood or psychotic disorders. It is important to consider that on cognitive assessment patients with bvFTD score significantly worse on executive function tests that PPD patients No disease- modifying therapies are available for patients with bvFTD, therefore drug treatment should focus on the most disruptive or taggable behaviours.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
Depression among Endometrial Cancer hospitalizations - Preliminary results of a nationwide retrospective study
- P. Vieito, A.R. Ferreira, M. Gonçalves-Pinho, F. Costa, M. Coelho, A. Freitas, L. Fernandes
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S215
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Introduction
Uterine cancer is the most common gynecologic malignant neoplasm in developed countries. While depression is up to 3-5 times more common in patients with cancer than in the general population, literature is still limited regarding the relation between Endometrial Cancer and depression.
ObjectivesTo analyze Depression among Endometrial Cancer hospitalizations in mainland Portuguese public hospitals (2008-2015).
MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted using administrative data from all hospitalizations in Portuguese mainland public hospitals between 2008-2015. All women’s hospitalizations(≥18 years) with a primary diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer (ICD-9-CM 182.x) were selected. Secondary diagnosis of depression was identified with ICD-9-CM 296.2x, 296.3x and 311x codes. Surgical procedures codes 68.4x, 65.6x, 40.3x, 40.5x, 68.6x, 68.9x and 68.8x were used to divide the hospitalizations into surgical vs non-surgical. Groups were compared with Pearson Chi-square test and crude odds ratio(OR) was used to estimate the association between surgery and depression.
ResultsFrom 10227 hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer, 533 had a registry of depression(5.2%). Annual depression frequency rose from 2.0% (2008) to 8.3% (2015). Among patients with a record of depression, 73.2% had surgery. Women who had surgery were significantly more likely to have registered depression (p<0.001). The OR for depression in surgical vs non-surgical patients was 1.73 (95%IC:1.42-2.10).
ConclusionsPatients hospitalized due to Endometrial Cancer and submitted to surgery had almost two-fold more risk of having a registry of depression. This trend reinforces the importance of early depression screening of these patients, enabling the implementation of timely therapeutic strategies before and after surgery.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
COVID-19 Psychiatric Inpatient Unit- experience and challenges
- B. Mesquita, A. Fraga, M. Albuquerque, P. Espada-Santos, J. Facucho-Oliveira, S. Paulino, M. Costa
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, p. S520
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Introduction
On January 2021 the Department of Psychiatry became the only unit exclusively dedicated to COVID patients with severe mental illness in acute decompensation. Only patients in risk of rapid medical deterioration were excluded and forwarded to intensive care.
ObjectivesDiscussion of this unprecedented experience.
MethodsAnalysis of 28 patients hospitalized during 3 months with both an acute psychiatric disorder and an SARS-CoV-2 infection; description of the multidisciplinary intervention made.
ResultsOur sample was characterized by a majority of patients with an acute psychotic episode derived from a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (42%) or a bipolar affective disorder (21%). Only 3% of the patients had a diagnosis of severe major depressive disorder. And 10% of patients developed severe respiratory symptoms requiring oxygen or urgent transfer to COVID medical wards. Most patients presented periods of psychomotor agitation, lack of impulse control and self-aggression. Psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions had to be adapted to these unusual conditions. Most of them had already gone through a period of isolation in the buffer ward created to exclude false negatives, which promoted atypical deliriums and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The psychiatric team was faced with the emergent need to adapt an intervention model based on trust to a model that had to prioritize physical safety.
ConclusionsThe pandemic experience was transformative for all who lived through it. From the challenge perspective, it may have been enriching. But the maintained confrontation with the antithesis of therapy, defined by “caring, supporting, communicating, approaching”, was devastating in ways that we consider essential to be debated.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.
YOU’VE BEEN CATFISHED: An exploration of social deception on online platforms
- S. Jesus, A. Costa, G. Simões, G. Dias Dos Santos, M. Almeida, P. Garrido
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 65 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 September 2022, pp. S576-S577
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Introduction
Life is a stage in which we are all actors and online we can choose who we want to be. Catfishing is a modern phenomenon in which individuals present themselves online as someone they are not as a means of engaging with others through an idealized avatar. This term has gained prominence since its portrayal in documentary and television series. With the emergence of catfishing, an expectation of betrayal in online relationships is anticipated with increasing caution being exercised by those that engage in online forums.
ObjectivesThe authors aim to explore this phenomenon and explore what personality traits might be associated with those who engage in catfishing others and in those that fall for the dupe.
MethodsA review of the recent literature on the topic with focus on that which is most relevant to the theme was included.
ResultsThe literature demonstrates that catfishing is an increasing trend as our online social interaction also increases. Catfishing appears to exist on a scale, where approximately 80% of the online population engage in some form, by means of amplifying their social status. Those with low self-esteem, poor self-worth with and a need to connect and to be validated were most susceptible.
ConclusionsThe internet permits anonymity where trading “real world” skins with digital ones creating avatars in order to seek what is desired. Catfishing raises questions about the nature of the human self and the role it plays in deception. Understanding how patients use the internet may provide insight into how personality acts on a stage of total anonymity.
DisclosureNo significant relationships.