525 results
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
-
- Journal:
- Experimental Agriculture / Volume 60 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 14 May 2024, e13
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
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
-
- Journal:
- Psychological Medicine , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 09 May 2024, pp. 1-14
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
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
-
- Journal:
- Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia / Volume 41 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, e030
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
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.
Parliamentary reaction to the announcement and implementation of the UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy: applied thematic analysis of 2016–2020 parliamentary debates
- Catrin P Jones, Emma R Lawlor, Hannah Forde, Dolly RZ van Tulleken, Steven Cummins, Jean Adams, Richard Smith, Mike Rayner, Harry Rutter, Tarra L Penney, Olivia Alliot, Sofie Armitage, Martin White
-
- Journal:
- Public Health Nutrition / Volume 27 / Issue 1 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 January 2024, e51
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
Objective:
The UK Soft Drinks Industry Levy (SDIL) (announced in March 2016; implemented in April 2018) aims to incentivise reformulation of soft drinks to reduce added sugar levels. The SDIL has been applauded as a policy success, and it has survived calls from parliamentarians for it to be repealed. We aimed to explore parliamentary reaction to the SDIL following its announcement until two years post-implementation in order to understand how health policy can become established and resilient to opposition.
Design:Searches of Hansard for parliamentary debate transcripts that discussed the SDIL retrieved 186 transcripts, with 160 included after screening. Five stages of Applied Thematic Analysis were conducted: familiarisation and creation of initial codebooks; independent second coding; codebook finalisation through team consensus; final coding of the dataset to the complete codebook; and theme finalisation through team consensus.
Setting:The United Kingdom Parliament
Participants:N/A
Results:Between the announcement (16/03/2016) – royal assent (26/04/2017), two themes were identified 1: SDIL welcomed cross-party 2: SDIL a good start but not enough. Between royal assent – implementation (5/04/2018), one theme was identified 3: The SDIL worked – what next? The final theme identified from implementation until 16/03/2020 was 4: Moving on from the SDIL.
Conclusions:After the announcement, the SDIL had cross-party support and was recognised to have encouraged reformulation prior to implementation. Lessons for governments indicate that the combination of cross-party support and a policy’s documented success in achieving its aim can help cement the resilience of it to opposition and threats of repeal.
Proton and helium ions acceleration in near-critical density gas targets by short-pulse Ti:Sa PW-class laser
- Part of
- J.L. Henares, P. Puyuelo-Valdes, C. Salgado-López, J.I. Apiñaniz, P. Bradford, F. Consoli, D. de Luis, M. Ehret, F. Hannachi, R. Hernández-Martín, A. Huber, L. Lancia, M. Mackeviciute, A. Maitrallain, J.-R. Marquès, J.A. Pérez-Hernández, C. Santos, J.J. Santos, V. Stankevic, M. Tarisien, V. Tomkus, L. Volpe, G. Gatti
-
- Journal:
- Journal of Plasma Physics / Volume 89 / Issue 6 / December 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 December 2023, 965890601
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
The ability to quickly refresh gas-jet targets without cycling the vacuum chamber makes them a promising candidate for laser-accelerated ion experiments at high repetition rate. Here we present results from the first high repetition rate ion acceleration experiment on the VEGA-3 PW-class laser at CLPU. A near-critical density gas-jet target was produced by forcing a 1000 bar H$_2$ and He gas mix through bespoke supersonic shock nozzles. Proton energies up to 2 MeV were measured in the laser forward direction and 2.2 MeV transversally. He$^{2+}$ ions up to 5.8 MeV were also measured in the transverse direction. To help maintain a consistent gas density profile over many shots, nozzles were designed to produce a high-density shock at distances larger than 1 mm from the nozzle exit. We outline a procedure for optimizing the laser–gas interaction by translating the nozzle along the laser axis and using different nozzle materials. Several tens of laser interactions were performed with the same nozzle which demonstrates the potential usefulness of gas-jet targets as high repetition rate particle source.
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
-
- 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
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Export citation
-
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.
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
-
- Journal:
- The Journal of Agricultural Science / Volume 161 / Issue 5 / October 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 07 December 2023, pp. 654-668
-
- Article
- Export citation
-
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
-
- Journal:
- Global Sustainability / Volume 7 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 01 December 2023, e19
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
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
-
- Journal:
- Weed Science / Volume 71 / Issue 4 / July 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 16 August 2023, pp. 312-327
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
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.
Psychiatric Comorbidity and Length of Stay in a general hospital
- R. Fernández Fernández, P. del Sol Calderón, Á. Izquierdo de la Puente, R. Blanco Fernández, M. Martín García
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S588-S589
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Psychiatric comorbidity has a significant impact on the patient’s overall health, with an increased risk of death for those patients with mental-physical comorbidity (Tan et al., 2021). This impacts, among other things, the average hospital stay of a patient with psychiatric comorbidity. For example, an American study shows that psychiatric comorbidity was associated with greater inpatient utilization, including the risk of additional hospitalizations, days of stay, and hospitalization charges (Sayers et al., 2007). Our study aims to confirm these results in patients admitted to a general hospital for any cause and presenting psychiatric comorbidity.
ObjectivesTo compare the mean length of stay of patients admitted to a general hospital for any cause according to whether they have psychiatric comorbidity or not.
MethodsWe made a descriptive retrospective study through the use of electronic medical records. The drug use history and average day of hospitalization were obtained for all patients admitted to the inpatient service of a general hospital during a 3-year period.
ResultsThe mean length of stay was longer in patients with psychiatric comorbidity (mean = 9.87 days, SD = 15.45) than in patients without psychiatric comorbidity (mean = 5.23 days, SD = 7.16), the difference being statistically significant for the analysis of variance with a small effect size (F = 18.2; p < 0.001, η²=0.038). The assumption of the equality of variances of the two groups is not fulfilled (Levene F = 29.0; p < 0.01) so Welch’s nonparametric test was applied, whose results do not modify those obtained.
N Mean SD SE No psychiatric comorbidity 296 5.23 7.16 0.416 Psychiatric comorbidity 238 9.87 15.45 1.002 ConclusionsOur results are in line with other studies, showing a longer mean length of stay in those patients admitted for any cause and with associated psychiatric comorbidity. This highlights the importance of having an integrated psychiatry service in a general hospital, as Bronson points out, where they find a shorter mean length of stay in units that have integrated, proactive psychiatric care (Bronson et al., 2019).
ReferencesBronson, B. D., Alam, A., & Schwartz, J. E. (2019). The Impact of Integrated Psychiatric Care on Hospital Medicine Length of Stay: A Pre-Post Intervention Design With a Simultaneous Usual Care Comparison. Psychosomatics.
Sayers, S. L., Hanrahan, N., Kutney, A., Clarke, S. P., Reis, B. F., & Riegel, B. (2007). Psychiatric comorbidity and greater hospitalization risk, longer length of stay, and higher hospitalization costs in older adults with heart failure. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Tan, X. W., Lee, E. S., Toh, M., Lum, A., Seah, D., Leong, K. P., Chan, C., Fung, D., & Tor, P. C. (2021). Comparison of mental-physical comorbidity, risk of death and mortality among patients with mental disorders - A retrospective cohort study. Journal of psychiatric research.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Risk factors contributing to the possibility of conducting intensive home treatment and to the risk of hospitalization of 1045 home treated patients with Schizophrenia
- A. Sabaté, R. Talisa, D. Córcoles, J. León, A. Malagon, A. M. González, M. Bellsolà, P. Samos, F. Casanovas, M. A. Jerónimo, L. M. Martin, V. Pérez
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S184
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Home Treatment (HT) teams are among the better-studied options to reduce admission at the hospital, having been described as an alternative to hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia. There may be certain risk factors which has already been described such as living alone (Dean and Gadd, BMJ, 1990; 301, 1021–1023; Schnyder et al., Acta Psychiatr. Scand. 1999; 99, 179–187), lack of awareness of the illness, uncooperativeness (Cotton et al., BMC Psychiatry, 2007; 7, 52) and fewer visits carried out (Morgan et al., Aust. New Zeal. J. Psychiatry,2006; 40, 683–690) which together can negatively influence the possibility of conducting intensive home follow-up and, therefore, increase the likelihood of hospitalization.
ObjectivesTo describe de relative contribution of several risk factors to patient hospitalization related to the possibility of conducting intensive home follow-up of patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia following home treatment. Second, to determine de risk of hospitalization related to the possibility of conducting intensive home follow-up according to the presence of one or more risk factors of patients diagnosed with Schizophrenia following home treatment.
MethodsAll patients with schizophrenia who were visited by a home treatment team in Barcelona between January 2017 and December 2021 were included in the study. To assess whether there was an increased risk of hospitalization associated with factors such as living alone, uncooperativeness (PANSS G8 item >= 4) and ≤1 home visit, two bivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. We studied these factors as independent variables to assess the relative contribution to the risk of hospitalization, and we studied if the presence of 1, 2, 3 or 4 of these risk factors as independent variables worsened the risk of hospitalization.
ResultsUncooperativeness shows the highest contribution to the risk of hospitalization, followed by ≤ 1 home visit, lack of insight and living alone, all results reaching significance (p=0.000).
There is an increase in the risk of hospitalization depending of the presence of 1,2,3 or 4 of these risk factors (1 risk factor (Odds Ratio = 1.21), 2 risk factors (Odds Ratio = 5.28), 3 risk factors (Odds ratio = 13.53), 4 risk factors (Odds ratio = 29.18).
ConclusionsThere are a number of factors directly related to the possibility of conducting intensive follow-up that appear relevant in the case of psychotic patients in acute crisis treated at home. This set of variables are the lack of awareness of the illness, lack of collaboration, living alone and the number of visits that have been made, all with statistically significant differences in our study. These factors together also greatly increase the risk of hospitalization, becoming almost 30 times more likely when these 4 factors are present.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Off-label use of atypical antipsychotics- Where are we?
- R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Sousa, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, N. Castro, R. Andrade, N. Gil
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S305
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Nowadays, In the exercise of psychiatric clinical activity, the prescription of atypical antipsychotics is a widespread practice.
However, despite the approval in the treatment of psychoses and bipolar affective disorder, where its effectiveness is clearly demonstrated, these drugs are off-label prescribed in most of the clinical situations.
ObjectivesThis work aims to clarify which atypical antipsychotics are most frequent prescribed and the clinical conditions where their off-label prescription is more common.
MethodsBibliographic research in the Pubmed® database using the terms “atypical antipsychotics and off-label use”
ResultsAccording to the scientific literature consulted, the off-label prescription of atypical antipsychotics may represent about 70% of the total prescription of these psychotropic drugs.
Risperidone, olanzapine, quetiapine and aripiprazole are the most off-label prescribed among the atypical antipsychotics.
The psychiatric conditions where atypical antipsychotics are most often off-label prescribed are addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders, insomnia and dementia, where therapeutic benefits are demonstrated when carefully selected.
ConclusionsThe off-label prescription can be interpreted from two points of view. On the one hand, it can guide innovation in clinical practice and improve symptoms in patients who do not respond to standard treatments. On the other hand, it may be associated with negative consequences due to the lack of data on safety and efficacy in these situations.
Despite widespread prescribing of atypical antipsychotics, there is no evidence-based recommendation beyond psychoses and bipolar affective disorder.
Thus, when prescribed, we must proceed with careful monitoring and consider the risks and benefits in relation to off-label prescription.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A very musical psychopathology – from intrusive musical imagery, to musical obsessions and hallucinations
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, P. Casimiro, V. Henriques, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S999
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
The semiological spectrum that encompasses musical imagery is a very confusing field, as it is often difficult to understand the nature of the underlying psychopathological phenomenon from the patient’s description.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to explore reviewing, distinguishing and organizing the concepts such as Intrusive musical imagery, musical obsessions, musical hallucinations, pseudohallucinations and musical palinacousis.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsIntrusive musical imagery (earworms, ohrwurms, or involuntary musical imagery) occur in more than 85% of general population, without pathology or ear disease. It involves the involuntary repetition of 15-30 seconds of a fragment of music/tune, persisting like a looping soundtrack, not being aversive.
Musical obsessions are a rare form of intrusive imagery, occurring either with other symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or isolated (“The stuck song syndrome”). It is recurrent, persistent, intrusive, unintentional, time consuming and causes distress or functional impairment (although not as ego-dystonic and aversive as usually intrusive visual imagery are); preserved insight.
Musical hallucinations occur only in 0,16% in a general hospital; they can be linked to psychiatric diseases, but they are more common in neurological diseases (cerebral lesions, Parkinson’s disease, delirium, drug induced…). They are reported to with less controllability, less lyrical content, and lower familiarity, than other forms of inner music; are perceived to arise from an external source and are interpreted as veridical.
Musical Pseudohallucinations can arise after severe hearing loss, in hallucinogen intoxication and in psychotic or non-psychotic disorders (as dissociative states or in borderline personality disorder). They occur in inner/subjective space, but insight can fluctuate.
Musical palinacousis is associated with electroencephalogram and neuroimaging abnormalities, linked to structural brain pathology. There is perseveration (echoing) of an external auditory stimulus occurs after cessation of the stimulus.
ConclusionsA rash classification can lead to misdiagnosis (for e.g. interpreting obsessive symptoms as hallucinatory phenomena or rendering an organic pathology undiagnosed) and the institution of inappropriate therapy. It is important to carefully explore these musical imagery phenomena when patients present these complaints, taking some time to characterize them.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Relationship between dementia and depression: a case series
- A. Izquierdo De La Puente, P. del Sol Calderón, R. Fernández Fernádez, A. Rodríguez Rodriguez, M. Vizcaíno Da Silva, M. Martín García, O. Médez Gonzalez
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S825
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Four cases are presented who debut with depressive episodes and after close follow-up, are diagnosed and treated for Alzheimer’s disease
ObjectivesThe aim of this case series is to give a brief review of the depressive prodrome of dementia.
MethodsFour women, aged 67-77 years, treated on an outpatient basis, consulted for depressive symptoms. In addition to affective symptoms such as apathy, lack of interest, sadness, increased emotional lability and anhedonia, all three reported cognitive impairment. In their follow-up after two years, they became progressively more dependent on their partners, with more memory lapses, forgetfulness and progressive loss of higher cognitive functions. With the progression of cognitive impairment, anxious symptoms have become increasingly present.
ResultsThe mean age of the patients is 70 years. Two of them had an insidious onset of depressive symptoms, while the other two had a psychotic onset of depression. None of the patients had no previous history of depression. All four were started on antidepressant treatment with little response. Following the diagnosis of cognitive impairment, treatment was started with rivastigmine, with an adequate response.
ConclusionsDementia and depression are very common in the elderly. It appears that up to 40% of patients with dementia have depressive symptoms. It appears that depression in old age may actually be a prodromal symptom of dementia.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Suicide among physicians: what do we know about it?
- R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, R. Sousa, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, N. Castro, R. Andrade, N. Gil
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1115-S1116
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
The prevalence of mental illness has increased worldwide over the past few years. At the same time, and even in the sense, there is also an increase in suicide rates with special incidence in certain risk groups, among which health professionals stand out.
In this particular group, physicians seem to represent a class particularly vulnerable by the stress and demand associated with it, but also by access and knowledge about potentially lethal means.
For this very part, they have a higher risk of suicide than the general population.
ObjectivesThis paper aims to better understand the phenomenon of suicide among physicians and identify which medical specialties are most vulnerable.
MethodsBibliographic research in the Pubmed® database using the terms “suicide and physicians”.
ResultsThe data obtained from the scientific literature consulted indicate that physicians have a higher risk of suicide than the general population, with greater emphasis on females who have higher rates compared to males.
Work factors that translate into higher levels of demand and stress combined with easy access and knowledge about the use of potentially lethal means seem to contribute very significantly to this phenomenon. Perfectionist personality traits with a high sense of responsibility and duty are also important characteristics that place these professionals in a position of greater vulnerability.
With regard to the different medical specialties, anesthesiology, psychiatry and general and family medicine are the ones with higher suicide rates among the medical class.
ConclusionsThe risk of suicide, although admittedly high in the medical class, is not homogeneous among different countries, being naturally influenced by the satisfaction/gratification obtained in the performance of their profession. In this sense, countries such as Switzerland and Canada show higher levels of professional satisfaction. In the opposite direction, dissatisfaction in the exercise of clinical activity is associated with higher levels of fatigue and burnout.
Medical women, due to the need to combine the responsibility of family tasks with professional responsibility, are at greater risk.
In this sense, it is necessary to develop strategies that are more appropriate for the prevention and early identification of suicide risk situations that can be experienced not only by improving working conditions but also by better addressing professionals suffering from mental disorders.
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
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S1106-S1107
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
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
Psychosis in Parkinson’s Disease: a Case Report of Diagnosis and Management
- R. P. L. Andrade, N. P. Gil, A. L. Costa, J. Brás, N. Castro, R. Sousa, R. P. Vaz, J. Martins, E. Almeida, J. Abreu, H. Afonso
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1085
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Psychosis is a frequent complication in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Characterized mainly by visual hallucinations and paranoid delusions, it occurs most frequently, but not exclusively, as an adverse effect of antiparkinson medications. Nevertheless, cognitive impairment and dementia, as a frequent feature of PD, needs to be considered for differential diagnosis.
ObjectivesOur main objective is to report a case of PD Psychosis, its diagnosis and management and complement it with a non-systematic review of literature.
MethodsPatient file consultation and an additional research, based on the key words “Psychosis” and “Parkinson’s Disease”, using Pubmed as database.
ResultsA 53-year-old female, diagnosed with Juvenile Parkinson’s Disease since age 45 and, as expected, polimedicated with antiparkinson medication. Without any relevant psychiatric background, she was admitted to the emergency department for disorganized behaviour, with 2 weeks of evolution. There, it was also possible to determine the presence of auditive hallucinations and persecutory delusions, associated with marked anguish.
After exclusion of any underlying cause for this symptomatology, inpatient treatment was proposed and accepted by the patient. In collaboration with the Neurology Department, a gradual reduction and optimization of antiparkinson drugs was conducted, associated with introduction of low doses of antipsychotic drugs, in this case Olanzapine. With this medication adjustments, clinical improvement was accomplished, with eventual fading and cessation of psychotic symptoms. Additionally, an irregularly intake of antiparkinson drugs was considered the most probably cause of this clinical decompensation.
ConclusionsAs present in literature, due to the chronicity and complexity of PD, stopping all antiparkinson drugs is not an option, even when psychotic symptoms, that could be a consequence of these drugs, are present. Therefore, a rigorous evaluation and management are mandatory, including the exclusion of other underlying causes and a careful therapeutic adjustment, with gradual reduction of antiparkinson drugs, addressing an eventual temporal relationship between the beginning of a specific drug and the onset of symptoms, and verification of therapeutic compliance, including an involuntary overdose. In cases of refractory symptoms, and after a risk-benefit assessment, pharmacologic treatment directed at these symptoms, low doses of anti-psychotics, may be necessary.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) predictors of hospitalization during home treatment on 1045 patients with schizophrenia in acute crisis
- R. Talisa, A. Sabaté, D. Córcoles, J. Leon, A. Malagón, A. M. González, M. Bellsolà, P. Samos, M. Á. Jerónimo, L. M. Martín, V. Pérez
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S640-S641
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Several factors related to the risk of requiring psychiatric hospitalization have been described in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia treated with methods other than home treatment. With regard to the symptoms, high global illness severity and positive symptoms of schizophrenia have been most frequently related to the risk of hospitalization in patients with schizophrenia. However, there are no studies describing which clinical factors increase the likelihood of being hospitalized while undergoing home follow-up.
ObjectivesTo determine which of the clinical factors assessed in the PANSS predict the risk of hospitalization in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia following a home treatment program.
MethodsAll patients with schizophrenia who were visited by a home treatment team in Barcelona between January 2017 and December 2021 were included in the study. A comparative, bivariate analysis of each item of the PANSS and of the global results of each category was conducted on those who were hospitalized and those who were not hospitalized. Finally, a logistic regression of each category of the PANSS was done on both groups, controlling for other socio-demographic and clinical factors.
ResultsA total of 1045 patients with schizophrenia were evaluated in this study. PANSS positive symptom subscale (PANSS-S), PANSS General Psychopathology, PANSS Excited Component and PANSS Global Score scored higher in patients who were finally hospitalized in a conventional acute treatment unit. Regarding the PANSS negative symptom subscale, no significant differences were found between the two groups.
In patients who required hospitalization, the scores of all the PANSS positive symptom subscale (PANSS-P) items and all items on the PANSS excited component (excitement, tension, hostility, uncooperativeness and poor impulse control) were significantly higher. Some items regarding general psychopathology (Somatic concern, anxiety, guilt feelings, tension, and mannerisms) were also significantly higher in the hospitalization group. Only 3 items—blunted affect, guilt feelings and motor retardation—scored significantly higher in patients who did not require hospitalization. In the logistic regression, only the global score of the PANSS-P reached statistical significance (P = 0.001).
ConclusionsPositive symptoms scored in the PANSS seem to be the most predictive factors of hospitalization regarding clinical symptoms in patients with Schizophrenia following home treatment. Other items regarding exciting symptoms and general psychopathology also showed as relevant regarding the risk of conventional hospitalization in those patients.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Anorexia Nervosa and Psychiatric Comorbidities – It’s not all about food
- A. S. Morais, F. Martins, P. Casimiro, V. Henriques, N. Descalço, R. Diniz Gomes, S. Cruz, N. Costa
-
- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S521
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Introduction
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a severe psychiatric disorder that usually begins during adolescence and is associated with a high risk of mortality and morbidity, its treatment is complex and often ineffective. Psychiatric comorbidity is common in patients with eating disorders (with the prevalence of 20–95%), namely 39% in AN.
ObjectivesThe purpose of the authors is to review the most common areas of psychiatric comorbidity in AN, how it affects the course of both diseases and the potential treatment approaches.
MethodsA brief non-systematized review is presented, using the literature available on PubMed and Google Scholar.
ResultsThe most common psychiatric comorbidities in AN are: Affective disorders in 24-38% (mainly unipolar depression which can appear in up to 75% of patients, compared to 11% in bipolar disorder); Anxiety disorders in 25.5% (11% with panic disorder, 20% social phobia/social anxiety disorder, 15% specific phobias, 10% generalized anxiety disorder, 13% post-traumatic stress disorder); Obsessive compulsive disorder in 12%; Substance use disorders at 17%; Personality disorders around 30%. Other pathologies occur less commonly but can have a significant impact on the patient, namely Autism spectrum disorder (predictive factor for unfavourable outcome) or Schizophrenia (there are reports of reciprocal relationships between the two pathologies).
Some of these comorbidities may increase mortality in AN, namely unipolar depression, personality disorders, alcohol and illicit drug use.
The profound impact that starvation has on mood and cognition is well known. It can condition symptoms that are confused with other psychiatric diseases and change their clinical presentation. As such, the specific clinical characteristics and the therapeutic approach will be presented for each of the psychiatric comorbidities.
ConclusionsEarly diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric comorbidities in AN are essential to improve the prognosis of this eating disorder. The additional treatment of these pathologies will increase complexity of the already challenging treatment of AN, with the additional symptomatology often being perpetuated by an uncontrolled eating disorder and a poor compliance to treatment.
The limited evidence available for approaching these cases is based on the few studies available, most with insufficient samples.
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
-
- Journal:
- High Power Laser Science and Engineering / Volume 11 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 26 May 2023, e49
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- HTML
- Export citation
-
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.