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This project proposes a program for the promotion of mental health and prevention of suicidal behavior among individuals experiencing homelessness, with the aim of reducing suicidal ideation and suicide mortality within this vulnerable population.
Objectives
The project aims to implement an evidence-based program to reduce suicidal ideation and suicide mortality among homeless individuals. This will be achieved through two phases: a review of scientific literature and the development of the program in collaboration with experts and homeless individuals.
Methods
The first phase of the project involved a review of scientific literature to identify the most effective content and programs for improving mental health and preventing suicide. These findings were adapted for application in the program and for dissemination to professionals who will directly engage with individuals experiencing homelessness.
In the second phase, the program content was designed in collaboration with experts and validated through the input of educational professionals. Additionally, individuals experiencing homelessness actively participated in the creation of materials and the definition of the approach to be utilized. Subsequently, a four-hour training was provided to professionals working in specialized homeless shelters to guide groups of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Results
The program consists of the following components:
- Training and Awareness: Workshops and campaigns to reduce the stigma surrounding suicide.
- Early Detection and Risk Assessment: Staff training in recognizing suicide indicators and risk assessment protocols.
- Psychological and Social Interventions: Crisis teams, individual and group therapy.
- Access to Services: Mobile mental health clinics and collaborations with healthcare professionals.
- Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Temporary housing programs and support groups.
Conclusions
The proposed program seeks to mitigate the risk of suicide among individuals experiencing homelessness through a comprehensive approach. The collaboration of experts and homeless individuals ensures that the solutions are appropriate and effective. The implementation of this program has the potential to make a significant difference in promoting mental health and preventing suicide within this vulnerable population.
Epilepsy is one of the most common serious brain illness, with symptoms influenced by multiple risk factors and a strong genetic predisposition, rather than having a single expression and cause¹. Neuropsychiatric symptoms in epilepsy can encompass manifestations such as mood alterations, anxiety, sleep disturbances, psychosis, and behavioral disorders. While the motor and sensory manifestations of epileptic seizures are widely recognized, neuropsychiatric symptoms accompanying epilepsy are often underestimated. Therefore, it is essential to understand the most prevalent epidemiological profile of these patients to improve the diagnosis and management of these symptoms.
Objectives
Our goal was to evaluate the neuropsychiatric behavior of epilepsy patients in Brazilian over the past 3 years through hospitalization data in order to outline an epidemiological and behavioral profile.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted on hospitalizations of individuals simultaneously diagnosed with epilepsy, schizotypal and delusional disorders, and mood disorders in all five regions of Brazil (South, Southeast, Midwest, North, and Northeast) between February 2020 and December 2022. Data from January 2020 were not available. The data used were collected through the Department of Health Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, gathering information regarding the nature of care, age range, gender, and ethnicity of the patients.
Results
The analysis covers the years 2020 to 2022, totaling 503,045 hospitalizations. In 2022, the highest number of cases occurred (≈ 37.55%), followed by 2021 (≈ 33.62%) and 2020 (≈ 28.81%). Urgent hospitalizations represented ≈ 90.85% of the total. The most affected age group was 30 to 39 years old (≈ 18.30%). Men were more affected than women (≈ 52.03% and ≈ 47.96%, respectively), and Caucasians accounted for ≈ 36.07% of the hospitalizations. The average length of stay was 19.1 days, and the mortality rate was 1.4%.
Conclusions
Thus, there is a gradual and annual increase in the number of hospitalizations during the observed period. While there is a minimal disparity between the affected genders, it is evident that the profile of male, caucasian, and adult patients is the most prevalent. Moreover, the predominantly urgent nature of hospitalizations points to an alarming scenario regarding this issue. From the analysis of the data obtained in the study, there is a clear need for interventions capable of reducing the prevalence of hospitalizations for neuropsychiatric symptoms in epilepsy patients in Brazil.
Neuropsychiatric disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide, as seen in cases such as depression, anxiety, bipolar mood disorder and schizophrenia, which can be developed or exacerbated by the use of psychoactive substances. Most mental disorders have an early onset, often leading to early and/or permanent disability, increasing the need and cost of healthcare. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the identification of the epidemiological profile of these cases in the South of Brazil in order to enhance the diagnosis and reduce the costs associated with managing these disorders.
Objectives
The present study aimed to analyze statistical data regarding hospitalizations related to mental disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances and alcohol in the southern region of Brazil, highlighting the pathological scenario and identifying the most prevalent profiles of these disorders in this region.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted on hospitalizations of individuals diagnosed with mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of psychoactive substances and alcohol in the states of the Southern region of Brazil (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) between February 2020 and December 2022. Data of January 2020 were not available. The data used were collected through the Department of Health Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, gathering information regarding the nature of the care, age range, gender, and ethnicity of the patients.
Results
The study covers the years 2020 to 2022, indicating a total of 81,608 hospitalizations, with the year 2022 having the highest number of cases (≈ 37.13%), followed by 2021 (≈ 33.30%) and 2020 (≈ 29.55%). The states with the highest number of hospitalizations were Rio Grande do Sul (≈ 54.90%), Paraná (≈ 29.29%), and Santa Catarina (≈ 15.79%). Urgent hospitalizations accounted for ≈ 87.29% of the total. The most affected age group was 30 to 39 years old (≈ 25.61%). Men were more affected than women (≈ 81.70% and ≈ 18.28%, respectively). Caucasians accounted for ≈ 64.29% of the hospitalizations. The average length of stay was 20.8 days, and the mortality rate was 0.32%.
Conclusions
There is a clear increase in the number of hospitalizations related to mental disorders caused by the use of psychoactive substances in the period from 2020 to 2022 in the southern region of Brazil, with the highest number of cases in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The most affected population consisted of Caucasian men aged 30 to 39 years old. Furthermore, these results may be related to the increasing trend of psychoactive substance use among the Brazilian population and also the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a period of underreporting due to social isolation.
Suicide is a serious and complex public health issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Among the most vulnerable populations are homeless individuals (HIs), whose suicide rate is significantly higher than that of the general population.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to analyze mortality and suicidal behavior in a cohort of HIs during a seven-year follow-up. Additionally, the study sought to identify variables linked to mortality in this population.
Methods
The study was conducted in the province of Girona, Spain, and included 154 HIs who were literally experiencing homelessness. Self-report questionnaires were used to gather sociodemographic data, assess suicide risk, and measure the severity of substance dependence. The follow-up was carried out between 2015 and 2022, collecting data on mortality, suicide attempts, episodes of overdose, and violence experienced from public health services (psychiatric and primary health care services).
Results
During the seven-year follow-up, 23 individuals (14.3% of the sample) passed away, with an average age at the time of death of 52.6 years. The main causes of death were cancer, suicide (excluding overdose), and accidental overdose. Methods used for suicide included drug overdose, jumping, and vein slashing. All deceased individuals had scores above the threshold on the Plutchik Suicide Risk Scale and had reported previous suicide attempts.
Individuals who experienced violence during the follow-up period exhibited more severe suicidal ideation, more suicide attempts, and more non-lethal overdose episodes. Substance dependence, particularly cocaine dependence and dual pathology, was significantly associated with higher mortality.
Conclusions
This study reveals a high mortality rate among HIs, especially due to suicide and accidental overdose. The most significant variables related to mortality were suicidal ideation, the number of previous non-lethal overdoses, and substance use disorders, with cocaine dependence being prominent. The results underscore the need for specific prevention and treatment programs to address suicide risk factors and improve the mental health of homeless individuals. The importance of conducting interventions in specialized centers that detect and address suicide risk in this vulnerable population is also emphasized.
In recent years, mental health has gained prominence in public health, prompting thorough investigations into psychiatric condition trends. This study conducts a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal, and Delirium Disorders in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) over the past five years. By revealing these patterns, it enhances our understanding of regional mental health dynamics and offers insights for intervention strategies, resource planning, and improved mental healthcare. The ultimate goal is to advance more effective and accessible mental healthcare in RS and beyond.
Objectives
This study aims to analyze the prevalence and epidemiological profile of hospitalizations due to psychiatric disorders to assist in the diagnosis and outcome of affected patients.
Methods
A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, and quantitative study was conducted regarding hospitalizations for Schizophrenia, Schizotypal Disorders, and Delirium in the state of RS between January 2018 and November 2022. Data were collected from the Department of Informatics of the Brazilian Unified Health System (DATASUS) in the “Hospital Information System of SUS” section, focusing on the nature of care, age group, gender, and ethnicity of the patients. The information was aggregated over the five-year period based on the four mentioned descriptors and subsequently analyzed to establish a profile of hospitalizations during that period.
Results
The analysis spans from 2018 to 2022, encompassing a total of 28,345 hospitalizations. In 2019, there was the highest number of cases (22.21%), followed by 2018 (21.08%). Urgent care admissions constituted 85.34% of the total. The age group most affected was 35 to 39 years (11.8%). Men were more affected than women (60.18%), and the majority of hospitalizations were among the Caucasian ethnicity (75.12%). The average length of stay was 23.7 days, and the mortality rate stood at 0.26%.
Conclusions
The increasing trend in hospitalizations, peaking in 2019, highlights the need for preventive measures. Urgent admissions (85.34%) underscore the demand for accessible mental health resources. Men in the 35 to 39 age group are disproportionately affected, suggesting specific risk factors. The predominance of Caucasian ethnicity emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive care. A longer average length of stay (23.7 days) underscores treatment complexity, while a low mortality rate (0.26%) signals effective medical care. In essence, these findings inform tailored mental health policies to enhance service quality and prioritize patient-centered approaches.
We consider the stochastic volatility model obtained by adding a compound Hawkes process to the volatility of the well-known Heston model. A Hawkes process is a self-exciting counting process with many applications in mathematical finance, insurance, epidemiology, seismology, and other fields. We prove a general result on the existence of a family of equivalent (local) martingale measures. We apply this result to a particular example where the sizes of the jumps are exponentially distributed. Finally, a practical application to efficient computation of exposures is discussed.
Ultra-processed plant-based foods, such as plant-based burgers, have gained in popularity. Particularly in the out-of-home (OOH) environment, evidence regarding their nutritional profile and environmental sustainability is still evolving. Plant-based burgers available at selected OOH sites were randomly sampled in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Lisbon and London. Plant-based burgers (patty, bread and condiment) (n 41) were lab analysed for their energy, macronutrients, amino acids and minerals content per 100 g and serving and were compared with reference values. For the plant-based burgers, the median values per 100 g were 234 kcal, 20·8 g carbohydrates, 3·5 g dietary fibre and 12·0 g fat, including 0·08 g TFS and 2·2 g SFA. Protein content was 8·9 g/100 g, with low protein quality according to amino acid composition. Median Na content was 389 mg/100 g, equivalent to 1 g salt. Compared with references, the median serving provided 31% of energy intake based on a 2000 kcal per day and contributed to carbohydrates (17–28%), dietary fibre (42%), protein (40%), total fat (48%), SFA (26%) and Na (54%). One serving provided 15–23% of the reference values for Ca, K and Mg, while higher contributions were found for Zn, Mn, P and Fe (30–67%). The ultra-processed plant-based burgers provide protein, dietary fibre and essential minerals and contain relatively high levels of energy, Na and total fats. The amino acid composition indicated low protein quality. The multifaceted nutritional profile of plant-based burgers highlights the need for manufacturers to implement improvements to better support healthy dietary habits, including reducing energy, Na and total fats.
Acute dystonia is a type of extrapyramidal effect that is produced by the blockade of dopaminergic D2 receptors typical of antipsychotics. There is a subtype acute dystonia called oromandibular, which produces perioral manifestations. In extreme cases it can even produce temporomandibular joint dislocation, bilateral being more frequent than unilateral. In this abstract it is presented the clinical case of a 22-year-old female who attended to the Emergency Department due to a bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation that was finally attributed to antipsychotic treatment.
Objectives
The objective of the clinical case is to point out the importance of examination and clinical history for psychiatric diagnosis.
Methods
Review of various scientific articles related to acute dystonia.
Results
It is a report of a 22-year-old female with no medical-surgical or psychiatric history who was imprisoned for legal conflicts. During her stay in prison, she presented reactive depressive and anxiety symptoms, receiving antidepressant and anxiolytic treatment. After two months in prison, she was released and, two days after her release, she attended to the Emergency Department due to rigid akinetic symptoms, drowsiness, mutism and urination difficulties. Complementary tests revealed bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation, with no other organicity wich could justify the rest of the symptoms, so she was admitted to the Acute Psychiatry Unit for study.
During her admission, the physical examination (akinetic rigid picture, muscle contraction and galactorrhea) raised the possibility that it was extrapyramidal symptomatology secondary to antipsychotic treatment. Given that suspicion, intramuscular biperiden 5 mg/ml was administered, improving the condition in two hours. In a second time, the initial anamnesis was redone; the patient added that during her stay in prison she had presented psychomotor agitation for which she had recieved an intramuscular treatment that she was not able to specify. All this information confirmed the initial suspicion; it was extrapyramidal symptomatology induced by antipsychotic treatment. Thus, treatment with oral biperiden 4 mg/12 hours was continued and the condition completely remitted in five days.
Conclusions
In this abstract it is presented the case of a bilateral temporomandibular joint dislocation induced by antipsychotic treatment. Although it is a rare presentation, other cases like that have been described in the literature, specifically with the use of haloperidol, risperidone, amisulpride and aripiprazole. Given the high frequency of adverse effects of antipsychotics, it is essential that psychiatrists remain trained in their prediction and management.
Problem: Why did the pilots do that? Human error is a reasonably common retrospective assignment of responsibility tied to undesirable aeronautical safety occurrences. Although retributive justice has long been accepted in aviation, its effectiveness in preventing recurrence is minimal. Airmen tend to decide based on their best knowledge with the available resources in intrinsically fallible systems in the ultra-safe high-risk aviation industry.
Method and Results: This paper sheds light on Safety as Capacity under the vanguardist Safety-II perspective and examines procedures as static tools incapable of sustaining safety. It discusses the prejudice in non-critical adherence to procedural compliance beyond creating bureaucratic work environments permissible to sanction workers against regulations. Disputing the safety gain in a retrospective analysis of mishaps, the paper instils the airmen as solution elements to sustain safety at the management of context, a fundamental aspect of Safety-II.
Impact on Industry: A systemic deficiency in civilian pilot training is exposed, and an independent organisational Safety Capacity assessment tool to air operations is provided. The main debate is the synergetic interaction between aircrew’s aeronautical decision-making skills and organisational Safety-II as safety capacity. The pilot’s preparedness to analyse, create and evaluate outside forecasted protocols in modern aviation environments is discussed. These dynamics are revised in their inter-reliability known as Safety as Capacity.
To evaluate energetic contribution according to the degree of industrial food processing and its association with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and behavioural characteristics in adolescents.
Design:
Cross-sectional study (Adolescent Lifestyle Study). Food consumption was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls, with foods classified by degree of industrial progressing. The usual diet was estimated using the Multiple Source Method. In a linear regression model, the energy percentage (E %) was associated with sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, clinical and behavioural characteristics, after adjustment for sex and age.
Setting:
Juiz de Fora, Brazil.
Participants:
Eight hundred and four adolescents, of both sexes, 14–19 years of age, enrolled in public schools.
Results:
The E % of unprocessed or minimally processed foods corresponded to 43·1 %, processed foods to 11·0 % and the ultraprocessed foods to 45·9 %. E % of unprocessed foods was associated with socio-economic stratum (adjusted β = −0·093; P = 0·032), neck circumference (adjusted β = 0·017; P = 0·049), screen time (adjusted β = −0·247; P = 0·036) and HDL-cholesterol (adjusted β = −0·156; P = 0·003). E % of ultraprocessed foods was associated with socio-economic stratum (adjusted β = 0·118; P = 0·011), screen time (adjusted β = 0·375; P = 0·003), BMI (adjusted β = −0·029; P = 0·025), neck circumference (adjusted β = −0·017; P = 0·028) and HDL-cholesterol (adjusted β = 0·150; P = 0·002).
Conclusions:
There was a high E % of ultraprocessed foods in the diet of the adolescents. Actions are needed to raise the awareness of adopting healthy eating habits.
Telomeres are nucleoproteic structures arranged in a double helix, located at the end of chromosomes protecting them from deterioration. Each time a cell divides, the enzymatic machinery is unable to replicate integrity of telomeres and by this way, they became smaller, leading to cell aging and death. This shortening can be accelerated by inflammation, oxidative stress, radiation and toxins.
Several studies have shown that the adverse early-life experiences may also contribute to premature aging of the telomeres.
Objectives
This work aims to make a review of the literature published about the impact of adverse life experiences in the shortening of telomeres and premature aging.
Methods
Bibliographic review.
Results
Several studies show that early childhood abuse contribute to accelerated shortening of telomeres, some suggest that there is a direct relationship between the severity and duration of abuse and the degree of shortening. Some studies also show that exposure to trauma in adulthood contributes to the accelerated aging, particularly in individuals who develop PTSD.
Discussion
The interaction of the environment in the biology of the organism seems very deep and precocious. These findings will possible allow the reconstruction the of the biopsychosocial model, opening up new avenues for holistic understanding of the human being.
The existence of a close relationship between the brain and the immune system has been demonstrated based on the results of several studies. Specific autonomic, neuroendocrine and neuropeptides mediators form the biological basis of this interrelationship, as has been demonstrated. The aim of this study is to review and systematize the current scientific knowledge related to the integration of these two systems, and it's clinical correlation.
Material and Methods
Review of the literature that addresses the theme
Results
Studies in humans have shown that stress and low immunity have a close connection. Works continuously prove this relationship.
Discussion and Conclusion
Recently, the view that the interaction between the brain and the immune system is bidirectional has been preferred to that in which the direction of communication is exclusively from the brain to the immune system.
Legal drugs are changing the standards of drug consumption. These substances, labelled ‘not for human consumption’ are sold as incense, bath salts or pills, tricking sanitary authorities and Food and Drug Administration. Despite the absence of clinical trials, they grant a feeling of safety by being freely sold over the internet and smart-shops, and by ending the fear of control, since medical analyzes do not detect them. This makes them appealing and their popularity is steadily growing.
Objective:
The authors aim to describe the results of analysis made to several legal drugs samples available online and its potential implications.
Methods:
Review of PubMed’ studies between 2010 e 2012, using as key-words: ‘legal drugs’ and ‘purchase online legal highs’.
Results:
Studies of substance labeling found a lack of information, since 81,9% of the analyzed products did not report side effects and 86,3% did not specify medical interactions. A study done six months after mephedrone's prohibition in the U.K., showed that 62,5% of products still presented this substance, as well as unlisted components. Three subsequent studies revealed that the majority of the drugs listed the active principle on the label, but a significant percentage also showed unlisted substances.
Conclusions:
In addition to the dangerous effects and interactions of the unlisted substances, consumers and sellers, misled by the nomenclature ‘legal’, may be committing an illegality when buying these drugs. Despite governmental efforts, the gap between the identification of a potentially harmful substance and its prohibition, makes difficult to prevent this potential flagellum.
Mindfulness is rooted in old and philosophical traditions, but its practice does not require the domain of those cultures or their vocabulary, allowing it to become widespread and increasingly popular. In this way and having its psychological concept of focusing of attention and awareness, Mindfulness is desirable for many clinicians worldwide. Over recent years many doctors were enthused by the technique and many others are still learning and integrating it in their clinical and therapeutic work, particularly in Mental Health.
Objective
The authors aim to describe in what way the Mindfulness technique is being applied to the psychiatric field and what type of results are being achieved for the different psychiatric disorders.
Methods
Exhaustive review of the literature in what concerns Mindfulness and its applications in Psychiatry, using PubMed database.
Results
Studies show that Mindfulness has different results and outcomes accordingly to the different psychiatric diagnostic categories. The literature shows an overall improvement in the different populations of psychiatric patients, raising the hypothesis that the discrepancy may be related to differences in the duration of the illness, its baseline severity, individual characteristics, motivation for adherence and maintenance of the practice, among other factors.
Conclusions
Mindfulness practice, inherited from ancient traditions, is now being applied to several mental pathologies with some positive outcomes, particularly in Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Psycho-Oncology, Obsessive-compulsive Disorder and Substance Abuse. More studies are needed to validate this trend but so far it seems to be a promising psychotherapeutic technique for specific situations and patients.
First described by Sigbert Ganser in 1987, Ganser syndrome consists in a rare condition, characterized by the following four clinical features: approximate answers, dulling of consciousness, conversion symptoms and hallucinations.
Objectives
To present a case suggestive of Ganser Syndrome and to review the literature with particular regard to the aetiology of this condition.
Methods
Literature review, using computerized databases (MEDLINE®, Medscape®). Articles were selected based on the content of their abstract and their relevance.
Results
A 58-year-old woman was admitted to a Psychiatric Unit of a General Hospital for presenting behavioural abnormalities of acute onset. During hospitalization, the patient displayed indifference, incoherent speech with approximate answers, motor abnormalities and auditory psedudohallucinations. The patient was evaluated by a neurologist and various exams were performed (blood tests, CT, MRI, EEG) that showed no significant abnormalities. Pharmacological treatment consisted of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications. During the follow-up, there was a slow but gradual improvement of symptoms. Six months after hospitalization the patient decide to end up the follow-up.
Conclusions
Little is still known about Ganser Syndrome. The four aetiological perspectives consider: hysterical origin, malingering or factitious disorder, psychotic origin and organic origin. The lack of reports and information about Ganser syndrome made it worthwhile reporting this case.
Disclosure of interest
The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
Dirofilariosis caused by Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) is a zoonosis, considered an endemic disease of dogs and cats in several countries of Western Europe, including Portugal. This study assesses the levels of D. immitis exposure in humans from Northern Portugal, to which end, 668 inhabitants of several districts belonging to two different climate areas (Csa: Bragança, Vila Real and Csb: Aveiro, Braga, Porto, Viseu) were tested for anti-D. immitis and anti-Wolbachia surface proteins (WSP) antibodies. The overall prevalence of seropositivity to both anti-D. immitis and WSP antibodies was 6.1%, which demonstrated the risk of infection with D. immitis in humans living in Northern Portugal. This study, carried out in a Western European country, contributes to the characterisation of the risk of infection with D. immitis among human population in this region of the continent. From a One Health point of view, the results of the current work also support the close relationship between dogs and people as a risk factor for human infection
Turbulent flow evolution and energy cascades are significantly different in two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) flows. Studies have investigated these differences in obstacle-free turbulent flows, but solid boundaries have an important impact on the cross-over from 3-D to 2-D turbulence dynamics. In this work, we investigate the span effect on the turbulence nature of flow past a circular cylinder at $Re=10\,000$. It is found that even for highly anisotropic geometries, 3-D small-scale structures detach from the walls. Additionally, the natural large-scale rotation of the Kármán vortices rapidly two-dimensionalise those structures if the span is 50 % of the diameter or less. We show this is linked to the span being shorter than the Mode B instability wavelength. The conflicting 3-D small-scale structures and 2-D Kármán vortices result in 2-D and 3-D turbulence dynamics which can coexist at certain locations of the wake depending on the domain geometric anisotropy.
Using validated psychological assessment instruments, this study examined the psychological distress associated with potential language barriers experienced by over 135 000 Puerto Rican residents who either temporarily or permanently migrated to the continental United States with the landfall of Hurricane Maria in 2017.
Methods:
Participants were Puerto Rican residents (n = 107) who remained in Puerto Rico (control) or left the island for at least 3 months because of Hurricane Maria (migrants). Participants completed an online survey in their preferred language (Spanish or English), which assessed self-reported English language proficiency, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM 5, Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item depression scale, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. It was hypothesized that migrants with lower self-reported English proficiency would have comparatively higher indices of post-disaster distress than those with a higher proficiency.
Results:
Dividing the migrant group by preferred language for questionnaire completion, the Fisher’s exact test showed significant differences in prevalence of severe mental distress, as defined by K6 scores above 13, between the Spanish-preferring migrants (30.4%), English-preferring migrants (0%), and controls (9.6%).
Conclusion:
Our results support a possible correlation between decreased language proficiency in post-disaster migrants and a higher risk factor for severe mental distress.
Heavy weight gilts commonly show signs of oestrus during the late finishing phase, which results in a period of reduced feed intake and growth rate. Immunization against gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) (IM, immunocastration) was developed for finishing boars and recently extrapolated to females. Immunocastration acts by suppressing reproductive activity and improving the growth potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of IM on growth performance, reproductive activity and carcass characteristics of late finishing gilts. Seventy-two gilts (63.49 ± 0.39 kg) were either injected with saline (Intact) or immunized against GnRH (Immunized). The study consisted of three experimental periods: between the first to second immunization (V1 to V2, 15 to 19 weeks of age), from the second immunization to the beginning of daily boar exposure (DBE) (V2 to DBE, 19 to 21 weeks of age) and from the beginning of DBE to slaughter (S) (DBE to S, 21 to 25 weeks of age). Immunized gilts showed an overall increase (from 15 to 25 weeks) of 3.90 kg (P < 0.05) of live weight, 56 g (P < 0.05) of average daily gain (ADG) and 250 g (P < 0.001) of average daily feed intake (ADFI). Immunized gilts had a greater ADFI (+240 g, P < 0.05) and worse feed conversion ratio (+0.26, P < 0.05) from 19 (V2) to 21 weeks of age (before DBE). Furthermore, those females had higher feed intake (+410 g; P < 0.001) plus greater daily weight gain (+92 g; P < 0.05) from V2 to S, and from DBE to S (+470 g of ADFI, P < 0.001; +129 g of ADG, P < 0.01, respectively). Immunocastration had no effect on backfat thickness, lean meat percentage and weight, cold carcass yield or loin depth (P > 0.05). Immunized gilts showed 4.4% increased cold carcass weight (P < 0.01) and 10.6% greater gross flank weight (P < 0.001). Immunization against GnRH did not influence shoulder, collar, loin, belly or ham weights. Nor did it influence belly fat thickness, or meat, skin plus fat and bones yields of cold ham (P > 0.05). Immunocastration reduced ovarian and uterine weights by 82% (P < 0.001) and 93% (P < 0.001), respectively, and suppressed oestrus manifestation in all gilts in the immunized group (P < 0.001). These results indicate that immunization against GnRH is a promising tool for stimulating growth performance with no detrimental effects on carcass quality of heavy weight finishing gilts, by means of oestrus suppression.