719 results
A kinetic model for Ascaridia galli populations in chickens treated with mixed salts of copper and zinc
- M. Gabrashanska, S. Teodorova, M. Galvez-Morros, O. Garcia Martinez
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- Journal:
- Journal of Helminthology / Volume 73 / Issue 1 / January 1999
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 April 2024, pp. 45-50
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The action of mixed salts of copper and zinc (basic and neutral) on Hisex chickens experimentally infected with Ascaridia galli has been studied. The data show that the lowest host mortality and decrease in body weight gain and the highest reduction in nematode loading occurs in infected chickens treated with basic salts (in comparison with infected chickens, untreated or treated with neutral salts). A mathematical model has been proposed to provide a quantitative interpretation of the observed results. The model solutions of the kinetics of parasite numbers and of the gain in body weight are in a good agreement with the experimental data. One of the kinetic parameters in the model is defined as a phenomenological constant of the host immune response. Its value is determined in the case of infected and untreated chickens.
Decision making capacity for treatment in psychiatric inpatients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Silvia Marcó-García, Kevin Ariyo, Gareth S. Owen, Anthony S. David
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- Psychological Medicine / Volume 54 / Issue 6 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 04 March 2024, pp. 1074-1083
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Decision-making capacity (DMC) among psychiatric inpatients is a pivotal clinical concern. A review by Okai et al. (2007) suggested that most psychiatric inpatients have DMC for treatment, and its assessment is reliable. Nevertheless, the high heterogeneity and mixed results from other studies mean there is considerable uncertainty around this topic. This study aimed to update Okai's research by conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis to address heterogeneity. We performed a systematic search across four databases, yielding 5351 results. We extracted data from 20 eligible studies on adult psychiatric inpatients, covering DMC assessments from 2006 to May 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted on 11 papers, and a quality assessment was performed. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42022330074). The proportion of patients with DMC for treatment varied widely based on treatment setting, the specific decision and assessment methods. Reliable capacity assessment was feasible. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Global Assessment of Function (GAF), and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) predicted clinical judgments of capacity. Schizophrenia and bipolar mania were linked to the highest incapacity rates, while depression and anxiety symptoms were associated with better capacity and insight. Unemployment was the only sociodemographic factor correlated with incapacity. Assessing mental capacity is replicable, with most psychiatric inpatients able to make treatment decisions. However, this capacity varies with admission stage, formal status (involuntary or voluntary), and information provided. The severity of psychopathology is linked to mental capacity, though detailed psychopathological data are limited.
Zeolites in Pyroclastic Deposits in Southeastern Tenerife (Canary Islands)
- J. E. Garcia Hernandez, J. S. Notario del Pino, M. M. Gonzalez Martin, F. Hernan Reguera, J. A. Rodriguez Losada
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- Clays and Clay Minerals / Volume 41 / Issue 5 / October 1993
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 28 February 2024, pp. 521-526
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The chemical and the mineralogical composition of a group of pumiceous tuffs associated with recent salic volcanic episodes from Tenerife (Canary Islands) have been studied. The investigation focused on the two main types of pyroclastic deposits of the zone: ash-flows and ash-falls. The samples can be classified chemically as trachytic and phonolitic rocks with an intermediate silica content and a high percentage of alkali cations (Na+ and K+). The mineralogical composition, determined by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy, shows the occurrence of zeolites (mainly phillipsite, with lesser chabazite and analcime), associated with the parent glass. K-feldspar (sanidine) and calcite are accessory minerals. Zeolites are significantly more abundant in the ash-flow deposits. Zeolite formation by hydrothermal weathering in closed-system conditions varies according to the nature and the origin of the pyroclastic deposits. Tenerife phillipsites differ from typical diagenetic, lacustrine, and deep-sea phillipsites, both in chemical and mineralogical features. Alkali cations exceed divalent cations in the unit-cell that, assuming a monoclinic symmetry, has the following parameters: a = 8.46–10.55 Å, b = 14.21–14.40 Å, c = 7.80–8.70 Å, and β = 105°–110°.
Radiation and Chemical Program Research for Multi-Utility and Repurposed Countermeasures: A US Department of Health and Human Services Agencies Perspective
- Carmen I. Rios, Efrain E. Garcia, Thomas S. Hogdahl II, Mary J. Homer, Narayan V. Iyer, Judith W. Laney, Shannon G. Loelius, Merriline M. Satyamitra, Andrea L. DiCarlo
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- Journal:
- Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness / Volume 18 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 22 February 2024, e35
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Although chemical and radiological agents cause toxicity through different mechanisms, the multiorgan injuries caused by these threats share similarities that convene on the level of basic biological responses. This publication will discuss these areas of convergence and explore “multi-utility” approaches that could be leveraged to address common injury mechanisms underlying actions of chemical and radiological agents in a threat-agnostic manner. In addition, we will provide an overview of the current state of radiological and chemical threat research, discuss the US Government’s efforts toward medical preparedness, and identify potential areas for collaboration geared toward enhancing preparedness and response against radiological and chemical threats. We also will discuss previous regulatory experience to provide insight on how to navigate regulatory paths for US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval/licensure/clearance for products addressing chemical or radiological/nuclear threats. This publication follows a 2022 trans-agency meeting titled, “Overlapping Science in Radiation and Sulfur Mustard Exposures of Skin and Lung: Consideration of Models, Mechanisms, Organ Systems, and Medical Countermeasures,” sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Discussions from this meeting explored the overlapping nature of radiation and chemical injury and spurred increased interest in how preparedness for one threat leads to preparedness for the other. Herein, subject matter experts from the NIAID and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), a part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), summarize the knowledge gained from recently funded biomedical research, as well as insights from the 2022 meeting. These topics include identification of common areas for collaboration, potential use of biomarkers of injury to identify injuries caused by both hazards, and common and widely available treatments that could treat damage caused by radiological or chemical threats.
Near-source passive sampling for monitoring viral outbreaks within a university residential setting
- Kata Farkas, Jessica L. Kevill, Latifah Adwan, Alvaro Garcia-Delgado, Rande Dzay, Jasmine M. S. Grimsley, Kathryn Lambert-Slosarska, Matthew J. Wade, Rachel C. Williams, Javier Martin, Mark Drakesmith, Jiao Song, Victoria McClure, Davey L. Jones
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- Journal:
- Epidemiology & Infection / Volume 152 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 08 February 2024, e31
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Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has proven to be a powerful tool for the population-level monitoring of pathogens, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For assessment, several wastewater sampling regimes and methods of viral concentration have been investigated, mainly targeting SARS-CoV-2. However, the use of passive samplers in near-source environments for a range of viruses in wastewater is still under-investigated. To address this, near-source passive samples were taken at four locations targeting student hall of residence. These were chosen as an exemplar due to their high population density and perceived risk of disease transmission. Viruses investigated were SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern (VOCs), influenza viruses, and enteroviruses. Sampling was conducted either in the morning, where passive samplers were in place overnight (17 h) and during the day, with exposure of 7 h. We demonstrated the usefulness of near-source passive sampling for the detection of VOCs using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS). Furthermore, several outbreaks of influenza A and sporadic outbreaks of enteroviruses (some associated with enterovirus D68 and coxsackieviruses) were identified among the resident student population, providing evidence of the usefulness of near-source, in-sewer sampling for monitoring the health of high population density communities.
Somatic multicomorbidity and disability in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population: a quasi-epidemiological investigation in 54,826 subjects from 40 countries (COMET-G study)
- Konstantinos N. Fountoulakis, Grigorios N. Karakatsoulis, Seri Abraham, Kristina Adorjan, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Renato D. Alarcón, Kiyomi Arai, Sani Salihu Auwal, Michael Berk, Sarah Bjedov, Julio Bobes, Teresa Bobes-Bascaran, Julie Bourgin-Duchesnay, Cristina Ana Bredicean, Laurynas Bukelskis, Akaki Burkadze, Indira Indiana Cabrera Abud, Ruby Castilla-Puentes, Marcelo Cetkovich, Hector Colon-Rivera, Ricardo Corral, Carla Cortez-Vergara, Piirika Crepin, Domenico De Berardis, Sergio Zamora Delgado, David De Lucena, Avinash De Sousa, Ramona Di Stefano, Seetal Dodd, Livia Priyanka Elek, Anna Elissa, Berta Erdelyi-Hamza, Gamze Erzin, Martin J. Etchevers, Peter Falkai, Adriana Farcas, Ilya Fedotov, Viktoriia Filatova, Nikolaos K. Fountoulakis, Iryna Frankova, Francesco Franza, Pedro Frias, Tatiana Galako, Cristian J. Garay, Leticia Garcia-Álvarez, Maria Paz García-Portilla, Xenia Gonda, Tomasz M. Gondek, Daniela Morera González, Hilary Gould, Paolo Grandinetti, Arturo Grau, Violeta Groudeva, Michal Hagin, Takayuki Harada, Tasdik M. Hasan, Nurul Azreen Hashim, Jan Hilbig, Sahadat Hossain, Rossitza Iakimova, Mona Ibrahim, Felicia Iftene, Yulia Ignatenko, Matias Irarrazaval, Zaliha Ismail, Jamila Ismayilova, Asaf Jakobs, Miro Jakovljević, Nenad Jakšić, Afzal Javed, Helin Yilmaz Kafali, Sagar Karia, Olga Kazakova, Doaa Khalifa, Olena Khaustova, Steve Koh, Svetlana Kopishinskaia, Korneliia Kosenko, Sotirios A. Koupidis, Illes Kovacs, Barbara Kulig, Alisha Lalljee, Justine Liewig, Abdul Majid, Evgeniia Malashonkova, Khamelia Malik, Najma Iqbal Malik, Gulay Mammadzada, Bilvesh Mandalia, Donatella Marazziti, Darko Marčinko, Stephanie Martinez, Eimantas Matiekus, Gabriela Mejia, Roha Saeed Memon, Xarah Elenne Meza Martínez, Dalia Mickevičiūtė, Roumen Milev, Muftau Mohammed, Alejandro Molina-López, Petr Morozov, Nuru Suleiman Muhammad, Filip Mustač, Mika S. Naor, Amira Nassieb, Alvydas Navickas, Tarek Okasha, Milena Pandova, Anca-Livia Panfil, Liliya Panteleeva, Ion Papava, Mikaella E. Patsali, Alexey Pavlichenko, Bojana Pejuskovic, Mariana Pinto Da Costa, Mikhail Popkov, Dina Popovic, Nor Jannah Nasution Raduan, Francisca Vargas Ramírez, Elmars Rancans, Salmi Razali, Federico Rebok, Anna Rewekant, Elena Ninoska Reyes Flores, María Teresa Rivera-Encinas, Pilar Saiz, Manuel Sánchez de Carmona, David Saucedo Martínez, Jo Anne Saw, Görkem Saygili, Patricia Schneidereit, Bhumika Shah, Tomohiro Shirasaka, Ketevan Silagadze, Satti Sitanggang, Oleg Skugarevsky, Anna Spikina, Sridevi Sira Mahalingappa, Maria Stoyanova, Anna Szczegielniak, Simona Claudia Tamasan, Giuseppe Tavormina, Maurilio Giuseppe Maria Tavormina, Pavlos N. Theodorakis, Mauricio Tohen, Eva Maria Tsapakis, Dina Tukhvatullina, Irfan Ullah, Ratnaraj Vaidya, Johann M. Vega-Dienstmaier, Jelena Vrublevska, Olivera Vukovic, Olga Vysotska, Natalia Widiasih, Anna Yashikhina, Panagiotis E. Prezerakos, Daria Smirnova
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- Journal:
- CNS Spectrums / Volume 29 / Issue 2 / April 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 25 January 2024, pp. 126-149
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Background
The prevalence of medical illnesses is high among patients with psychiatric disorders. The current study aimed to investigate multi-comorbidity in patients with psychiatric disorders in comparison to the general population. Secondary aims were to investigate factors associated with metabolic syndrome and treatment appropriateness of mental disorders.
MethodsThe sample included 54,826 subjects (64.73% females; 34.15% males; 1.11% nonbinary gender) from 40 countries (COMET-G study). The analysis was based on the registration of previous history that could serve as a fair approximation for the lifetime prevalence of various medical conditions.
ResultsAbout 24.5% reported a history of somatic and 26.14% of mental disorders. Mental disorders were by far the most prevalent group of medical conditions. Comorbidity of any somatic with any mental disorder was reported by 8.21%. One-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients were also suffering from a mental disorder depending on the severity and multicomorbidity. Bipolar and psychotic patients and to a lesser extent depressives, manifested an earlier (15–20 years) manifestation of somatic multicomorbidity, severe disability, and probably earlier death. The overwhelming majority of patients with mental disorders were not receiving treatment or were being treated in a way that was not recommended. Antipsychotics and antidepressants were not related to the development of metabolic syndrome.
ConclusionsThe finding that one-third to almost two-thirds of somatic patients also suffered from a mental disorder strongly suggests that psychiatry is the field with the most trans-specialty and interdisciplinary value and application points to the importance of teaching psychiatry and mental health in medical schools and also to the need for more technocratically oriented training of psychiatric residents.
Acceptability of self-administered antigen test for COVID-19 in the Philippines
- Jayne Eunice U. Yang, Faisal H. Jackarain, Tisha Isabelle M. de Vergara, Joshua F. Santillan, Patrick Wincy C. Reyes, Ma Cecilia Victoria B. Arellano, Jainor Timothy U. Garcia, Sheena Jasley G. Samonte, Anne Julienne G. Marfori, Anna Melissa S. Guerrero
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- Journal:
- International Journal of Technology Assessment in Health Care / Volume 40 / Issue 1 / 2024
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 17 January 2024, e10
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Objectives
In response to the Omicron surge in early 2022, the HTA Philippines evaluated the acceptability of Filipinos in using self-administered antigen tests (SAAgTs) as part of COVID-19 HTAs in the Philippines.
MethodsScoping review from literature databases was initially conducted to identify preset codes in the use of SAAgT. Preset codes were used to establish the questions for focus group discussions (FGDs). Semi-structured questionnaires were created through Delphi technique. FGDs with four stakeholder groups (i.e., nine healthcare workers [HCWs], seven representatives of at-risk groups, six economic frontliners, and seven representatives of micro–small–medium-sized enterprises) were conducted.
ResultsDiscomfort in being a target of stigma and being prescribed an “illness identity” when suspected or confirmed COVID-19-positive, along with lack of confidence to perform self-test, caused hesitancy in self-testing among participants. The need for subsidies for test kits from the government or employers was emphasized to increase its accessibility. Having a designated access point and reporting system for SAAgT was highlighted to avoid nepotism (padrino system attributed to debt of gratitude), inequitable distribution, and lapses in reporting. A participatory approach to education was perceived as crucial to reduce any misconceptions associated with the use of SAAgT.
ConclusionsAll FGD groups expressed favorable reviews on the implementation of SAAgT because it can potentially reduce the burden of health facility-administered tests. These findings were considered by the HTA Council in the recommendation of SAAgT as part of the overarching national strategies for the diagnosis and screening of COVID-19.
32 Effects of Emotion Regulation and Emotional Lability/Negativity on Academic Achievement Among Youth With and Without ADHD
- Kathleen E. Feeney, Stephanie S. J. Morris, Karissa DiMarzio, Rosario Pintos Lobo, Katherine Schmarder, Garcia Susana, Erica D. Musser
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- Journal:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society / Volume 29 / Issue s1 / November 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 December 2023, pp. 821-822
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Objective:
Youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), characterized by symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity, often experience challenges with emotion regulation (ER) and/or emotional lability/negativity (ELN).1-3 Prior work has shown that difficulties with ER and ELN among young children contribute to lower academic achievement.4-6 To date, research examining associations between ADHD and academic achievement have primarily focused on the roles of inattentive symptoms and executive functioning.7-8 However, preliminary work among youth with ADHD suggests significant associations between disruptions in emotional functioning and poor academic outcomes.9-10 The current study will examine associations between ER, ELN, and specific subdomains of academic achievement (i.e., reading, spelling, math) among youth with and without ADHD.
Participants and Methods:Forty-six youth (52% male; Mage=9.52 years; 76.1% Hispanic/Latino; 21 with ADHD) and their parents were recruited as part of an ongoing study. Parents completed the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale11 and Emotion Regulation Checklist12 about their child. Youth completed the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-II13 and three subtests [Spelling (SP), Numerical Operations (NO), Word Reading (WR)] of the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test-III.14 Univariate analysis of variance assessed differences in emotional functioning and academic achievement among youth with and without ADHD. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between emotional factors and the three subtests of academic achievement.
Results:Youth with ADHD exhibited significantly higher ELN (M=30.7, SD=8.7) compared to their peers (M=23.2, SD=5.8), when controlling for child age, sex, and diagnoses of conduct disorder and/or oppositional defiant disorder [F(1,41)=8.96, p<.01, ŋp2=.18]. With respect to ER, youth with (M=24.8, SD=4.2) and without ADHD (M=25.8, SD=4.3) did not differ [F(1,41)=.51, p=.48]. Surprisingly, within this sample, ADHD diagnostic status was not significantly associated with performance on any of the academic achievement subtests [WR: F(1,41)=.29, p=.59; NO: F(1,41)=.91, p=.35; SP: F(1,41)=2.14, p=.15]. Among all youth, ER was significantly associated with WR (r=.31, p=.04) and SP (r=.35, p=.02), whereas ELN was associated with performance on NO (r=-.30, p=.04). When controlling for child age, sex, IQ, and ER within the full sample, higher ELN was associated with lower scores on the NO subtest (b=-.56, SE=.26, p=.04). The associations between higher ER and WR scores (b=1.12, SE=.51, p=.03), as well as higher ER and SP scores (b=1.47, SE=.56, p=.01), were significant when controlling for child age and sex, but not ELN and IQ (p=.73 and p=.64, respectively).
Conclusions:As expected, youth with ADHD had higher ELN, although they did not differ from their peers in terms of ER. Results identified distinct associations between ER and higher reading/spelling performance, as well as ELN and lower math performance across all youth. Thus, findings suggest that appropriate emotional coping skills may be most important for reading and spelling, while emotional reactivity appears most salient to math performance outcomes. In particular, ELN may be a beneficial target for intervention, especially with respect to improvement in math problem-solving skills. Future work should account for executive functioning skills, expand the academic achievement domains to include fluency and more complex academic skills, and assess longitudinal pathways within a larger sample.
Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: cross-sectional study in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan
- Koralagamage Kavindu Appuhamy, Danielle Podmore, Alex Mitchell, Helal Uddin Ahmed, Mark Ashworth, Jan R. Boehnke, Virtu Chongtham, Asiful Haidar Chowdhury, Olga P. Garcia, Richard I. G. Holt, Rumana Huque, Krishna Prasad Muliyala, Eline Klein Onstenk, Sukanya Rajan, David Shiers, Najma Siddiqi, S. Manjunatha, Gerardo A. Zavala
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- Journal:
- Journal of Nutritional Science / Volume 12 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 21 November 2023, e116
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Obesity is one of the major contributors to the excess mortality seen in people with severe mental illness (SMI) and in low- and middle-income countries people with SMI may be at an even greater risk. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of obesity and overweight in people with SMI and investigate the association of obesity and overweight with sociodemographic variables, other physical comorbidities, and health-risk behaviours. This was a multi-country cross-sectional survey study where data were collected from 3989 adults with SMI from three specialist mental health institutions in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was estimated using Asian BMI thresholds. Multinomial regression models were then used to explore associations between overweight and obesity with various potential determinants. There was a high prevalence of overweight (17·3 %) and obesity (46·2 %). The relative risk of having obesity (compared to normal weight) was double in women (RRR = 2·04) compared with men. Participants who met the WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake had 2·53 (95 % CI: 1·65–3·88) times greater risk of having obesity compared to those not meeting them. Also, the relative risk of having obesity in people with hypertension is 69 % higher than in people without hypertension (RRR = 1·69). In conclusion, obesity is highly prevalent in SMI and associated with chronic disease. The complex relationship between diet and risk of obesity was also highlighted. People with SMI and obesity could benefit from screening for non-communicable diseases, better nutritional education, and context-appropriate lifestyle interventions.
Thinking out of the box: revisiting health surveillance based on medical records
- Vanderson S. Sampaio, Rafael Lopes, Mina Cintho Ozahata, Helder I. Nakaya, Erick Sousa, José D. Araújo, Marcelo A.S. Bragatte, Anderson F. Brito, Regina Maura Zettoni Grespan, Maria Ligia Damato Capuani, Helves Humberto Domingues, Alessandra Cristina Guedes Pellini, Sheila de Oliveira Garcia Mateos, Mônica Tilli Reis Pessoa Conde, Fabio Eudes Leal, Ester Sabino, Mariangela Simão, Jorge Kalil
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- Journal:
- Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology / Volume 3 / Issue 1 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 24 October 2023, e185
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Despite the considerable advances in the last years, the health information systems for health surveillance still need to overcome some critical issues so that epidemic detection can be performed in real time. For instance, despite the efforts of the Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) to make COVID-19 data available during the pandemic, delays due to data entry and data availability posed an additional threat to disease monitoring. Here, we propose a complementary approach by using electronic medical records (EMRs) data collected in real time to generate a system to enable insights from the local health surveillance system personnel. As a proof of concept, we assessed data from São Caetano do Sul City (SCS), São Paulo, Brazil. We used the “fever” term as a sentinel event. Regular expression techniques were applied to detect febrile diseases. Other specific terms such as “malaria,” “dengue,” “Zika,” or any infectious disease were included in the dictionary and mapped to “fever.” Additionally, after “tokenizing,” we assessed the frequencies of most mentioned terms when fever was also mentioned in the patient complaint. The findings allowed us to detect the overlapping outbreaks of both COVID-19 Omicron BA.1 subvariant and Influenza A virus, which were confirmed by our team by analyzing data from private laboratories and another COVID-19 public monitoring system. Timely information generated from EMRs will be a very important tool to the decision-making process as well as research in epidemiology. Quality and security on the data produced is of paramount importance to allow the use by health surveillance systems.
TrackAnalyzer: A Fiji/ImageJ toolbox for a holistic analysis of tracks
- Ana Cayuela López, Eva M. García-Cuesta, Sofía R. Gardeta, José Miguel Rodríguez-Frade, Mario Mellado, José Antonio Gómez-Pedrero, Carlos Oscar S. Sorzano
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- Biological Imaging / Volume 3 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 11 October 2023, e18
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Current live-cell imaging techniques make possible the observation of live events and the acquisition of large datasets to characterize the different parameters of the visualized events. They provide new insights into the dynamics of biological processes with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolutions. Here we describe the implementation and application of a new tool called TrackAnalyzer, accessible from Fiji and ImageJ. Our tool allows running semi-automated single-particle tracking (SPT) and subsequent motion classification, as well as quantitative analysis of diffusion and intensity for selected tracks relying on the graphical user interface (GUI) for large sets of temporal images (X–Y–T or X–Y–C–T dimensions). TrackAnalyzer also allows 3D visualization of the results as overlays of either spots, cells or end-tracks over time, along with corresponding feature extraction and further classification according to user criteria. Our analysis workflow automates the following steps: (1) spot or cell detection and filtering, (2) construction of tracks, (3) track classification and analysis (diffusion and chemotaxis), and (4) detailed analysis and visualization of all the outputs along the pipeline. All these analyses are automated and can be run in batch mode for a set of similar acquisitions.
TIME SERIES OF SURFACE WATER DISSOLVED INORGANIC CARBON ISOTOPES FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT
- Niels E Hauksson, Xiaomei Xu, Shawn Pedron, Hector A Martinez, Christian B Lewis, Danielle S Glynn, Christopher Glynn, Noreen Garcia, Alessandra Flaherty, Katherine Thomas, Sheila Griffin, Ellen R M Druffel
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- Radiocarbon , First View
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 September 2023, pp. 1-16
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Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in ocean water is a major sink of fossil fuel derived CO2. Carbon isotopes in DIC serve as tracers for oceanic water masses, biogeochemical processes, and air-sea gas exchange. We present a timeseries of surface DIC δ13C and Δ14C values from 2011 to 2022 from Newport Beach, California. This is a continuation of previous timeseries (Hinger et al. 2010; Santos et al. 2011) that together provide an 18-year record. These data show that DIC Δ14C values have declined by 42‰ and that DIC δ13C values have declined by 0.4‰ since 2004. By 2020, DIC Δ14C values were within analytical error of nearby clean atmospheric CO2 Δ14C values. These long-term trends are likely the result of significant fossil fuel derived CO2 in surface DIC from air-sea gas exchange. Seasonally, Δ14C values varied by 3.4‰ between 2011 and 2022, where seasonal δ13C values varied by 0.7‰. The seasonal variation in Δ14C values is likely driven by variations in upwelling, surface eddies, and mixed layer depth. The variation in δ13C values appears to be driven by isotopic fractionation from marine primary producers. The DIC δ13C and Δ14C values record the influence of the drought that began in 2012, and a major upwelling event in 2016.
Human-induced mortality an overlooked threat for raptors in Nepal
- Tulsi R. Subedi, Juan M. Pérez-García, Sandesh Gurung, Hem S. Baral, Aishwarya Bhattacharjee, José D. Anadón, Munir Z. Virani, Simon Thomsett, Ralph Buij
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- Journal:
- Bird Conservation International / Volume 33 / 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 12 September 2023, e73
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Raptors play a unique role in ecosystem services and are regarded as effective indicators of ecosystem health. In recent years, varieties of anthropogenic factors have threatened the majority of raptor species worldwide. Nepal is considered a global hotspot for threatened and declining raptor species, but there is limited information on the direct human threats to the raptor populations living in the country. In this paper, we identify important anthropogenic threats to raptors in Nepal based on raptor mortality data collected by powerline surveys and from monitoring of GPS-tagged raptors, complete various reports, and social media. We found that powerlines, poisoning, and persecution, mainly shooting, are significant threats to raptors in Nepal that were largely overlooked previously. We report 54 electrocuted raptors affecting eight species, 310 poisoned raptors of 11 species, and five persecuted raptors of four species; among them vultures are the most affected (>88%). Based on our findings, to safeguard the future of Nepal’s raptors, we propose the retrofitting of power poles and the use of flight diverters on powerlines in the most affected areas to reduce raptor interactions with powerlines, as well as an effective conservation education programme to prevent the use of unintentional poisoning.
Assessment of executive functions through a virtual reality task in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and influence in psychosocial functioning
- J. Andreu Martínez, D. Beltrán Cristancho, P. Navalón, P. Sierra San Miguel, A. García Blanco, A. Chicchi Glioli, S. Cervera Torres, M. Alcañiz Raya, Y. Cañada Pérez
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S700
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Introduction
Previous research has shown that neurocognitive deficits, especially deficits in executive functions, may persist during euthymia in in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and that those are associated with an impairment of psychosocial functioning. The assessment of executive functions (EFs) is normally carried out using laboratory tests. Novel methodologies such as virtual reality (VR) allow the creation of immersive environments, to evaluate executive performance with greater potential for ecological validity than evaluations with standard tasks.
ObjectivesThe objectives of this project are to evaluate executive performance in euthymic patients with BD with a novel virtual reality task compared to standard computerized tasks, and to find predictors of functioning associated with cognitive performance.
MethodsThis is a cross sectional study in which 46 euthymic patients with BD treated at La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital were assessed with a battery of standard computerized tasks (ST) (TMT/Stroop,/Go-No-Go/TOL/DOT) and with the Cooking Task virtual reality task. The Cooking Task presents 4 tasks of increasing difficulty in which you must cook food in a specific time. It records total time to complete the task, whether food is cooled or burned, the simultaneous use of two fires, the proper use of seasonings and the time to set the table.
Functioning was assessed with the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) that evaluates the overall functioning of patients with a mental illness in 6 subscales.
Correlation analyses between cognitive performance variables and clinical variables were done. Multiple linear regression was performed with the FAST score as a dependent variable and cognitive performance variables and relevant clinical variables to executive functioning (months of euthymia, age, and number of total episodes) were included as independent variables.
ResultsA worse psychosocial functioning was significantly associated with a worse performance in standard tasks (TMTA, TMTB, STROOP, and TOL) and cooking task (total time spent on task 2, burning time and total time spent on task 3, and total time spent on task 4). In the regression analysis, the correct simultaneous use of the two fires was the best predictor of a better psychosocial functioning in BD patient. This implies the preserved ability of planning and performing dual tasks.
ConclusionsOur findings suggest that euthymic patients with BD present deficits in executive functions related with a worse psychosocial functioning. Among the tasks, the cooking task may have a greater sensitivity than standards task to predict real functioning. This in an opportunity to design virtual applications for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
The use of Polygenic Scores in a family design of First Episode Psychosis
- N. Murillo-Garcia, S. Papiol, S. Barrio-Martínez, M. Sevilla-Ramos, R. Magdaleno-Herrero, Á. Yorca-Ruiz, V. Ortíz-García de la Foz, M. Miguel-Corredera, M. Fatjó-Vilas, R. Ayesa-Arriola
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S631
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Introduction
A wide variety of traits is heritable and has genetic loading, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and its associated neurocognitive features. The genetic architecture of SSDs is polygenic, with the contribution of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms of small effect with an estimated SNP-heritability of 24%. The same occurs with neurocognitive phenotypes such as intelligence or educational attainment. Therefore, the method of polygenic risk scores (PRS) is useful in estimating the genetic burden of such traits. Moreover, the use of PRS in a sample of genetically related individuals would allow analyzing the contribution of genetic and environmental factors involved in the development of the disorder and its candidate endophenotypes.
ObjectivesTo estimate PRS for schizophrenia, and polygenic scores for intelligence and educational attainment in patients with First Episode Psychosis (FEP), their first-degree relatives (siblings and parents), and a group of healthy controls.
MethodsThe sample is comprised of 579 participants of the PAFIP-FAMILIAS project in Santander, Spain (133 FEP patients, their 244 first-degree relatives, and 202 healthy controls). All provided sociodemographic information and completed the same neuropsychological battery. Participants’ DNA was extracted from venous blood samples, and genotyping was performed at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CeGen) by the Global Screening Array v.3.0 panel (Illumina). Data quality control, imputation, calculation of PRS, and genetic association analysis are being performed using PLINK, SHAPEIT, IMPUTE2, SPSS and R.
ResultsData analysis is currently in progress, at the quality analysis stage, in collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG) in Munich, Germany. We expect to find higher PRS for schizophrenia in FEP patients, while their first-degree relatives will potentially show intermediate risk scores between patients and healthy controls. A similar finding is expected regarding intelligence and educational attainment, as FEP patients may show more genetic burden for low intelligence and education.
ConclusionsThe estimation of PRS has demonstrated to be valuable in studying complex traits such as schizophrenia. We believe that by applying this method in a family design can provide interesting insights on the development of SSDs and its potential endophenotypes, and potentially useful in their prevention.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Searching for bridges between psychopathology and real-world functioning in first-episode psychosis: a network analysis from the OPTiMiSE trial
- F. Dal Santo, E. Fonseca-Pedrero, M. P. García-Portilla, L. González-Blanco, P. A. Sáiz, S. Galderisi, G. M. Giordano, J. Bobes
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S262-S263
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Introduction
Network analysis has been used to explore the interplay between psychopathology and functioning in psychosis, but no study has used dedicated statistical techniques to focus on the bridge symptoms connecting these domains.
ObjectivesThe current study aims to estimate the network of depressive, negative, and positive symptoms, general psychopathology, and real-world functioning in people with first-episode schizophrenia or schizophreniform disorder, focusing on bridge nodes.
MethodsBaseline data from the OPTiMiSE trial were analysed. The sample included 446 participants (age 40.0±10.9 years, 70% males). The network was estimated with a Gaussian graphical model (GGM), using scores on individual items of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) scale. Stability, strength centrality, expected influence (EI), predictability, and bridge centrality statistics were computed. The top 20% scoring nodes on bridge strength were selected as bridge nodes.
ResultsNodes from different rating scales assessing similar psychopathological and functioning constructs tended to cluster together in the estimated network (Fig. 1). The most central nodes (EI) were Delusions, Emotional Withdrawal, Depression, and Depressed Mood. Bridge nodes included Depression, Conceptual Disorganisation, Active Social Avoidance, Delusions, Stereotyped Thinking, Poor Impulse Control, Guilty Feelings, Unusual Thought Content, and Hostility. Most of the bridge nodes belonged to the general psychopathology subscale of the PANSS. Depression (G6) was the bridge node with the highest value.
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ConclusionsThe current study provides novel insights for understanding the complex phenotype of psychotic disorders and the mechanisms underlying the development and maintenance of comorbidity and functional impairment after psychosis onset.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
A cross-sectional descriptive study to assess the impact of the “open door” policy on patient satisfaction
- M. Campillo, J. Marti, L. Rius, S. Garcia Fernandez, M. Olivero, G. Sanchez Tomico, G. Brusco-Passalaqua, E. Pechuan, T. Vates, R. Sanchez
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S910
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Introduction
Since the beginning of the modern psychiatry the acute units have established a “locked door” policy. Some studies show that this condition may increase patient’s discomfort and affect the perception of health quality of care (Boyer L, 2009, Eur Psychiatry Dec;24(8):540-9). Lately, several European countries such as Germany, Switzerland and Spain are starting to implement the “open-door” policy but its impact on patient’s satisfaction is still unknown (Hochstrasser, L, Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(57). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00057) .
ObjectivesTo help characterize the advantages of the “open-door” policy implemented in an acute inpatient psychiatric unit in order to assess the patient’s view of it.
MethodsThis is a descriptive observational study carried out at an inpatient psychiatric unit. Data were collected after the implementation of the open door policy on June 2019, assessing the patient satisfaction of 31 subjects who completed the SATISPSY-22 scale at the time of discharge. Results are described using the average and its standard deviation.
ResultsResults show scores in all items above 50 points, being the care team and the quality of care the most valued ones with 82 and 79 points respectively. The overall score is above 65 points (Fig. 1).
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ConclusionsIn line with previous studies, our data suggests that the main impact of the “open-door” policy implementation is on patients’ perception of the care, being Quality of care and satisfaction with the Staff the items with highest scores. This could be explained by patients trusting more in the Care team, which would help enhance the therapeutic relationship improving therapeutic adherence, treatment adequacy and the outcome. Nevertheless, the Feeling related to hospitalisation was found to be the item with the lowest score. This could mean strategies should focus on improving patient’s insight regarding their clinical state and their need to be admitted. Our study supports the hypothesis that open-door policy in acute psychiatric units is seen positively by patients and that further research should be carried.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Factors associated with first suicide attempt vs. re-attempt in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- S. Abascal-Peiró, A. Alacreu-Crespo, I. Peñuelas-Calvo, B. Ezquerra-de la Cruz, L. Jiménez-Muñoz, E. Baca-García, A. Porras-Segovia
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S584
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Introduction
Suicide among children, adolescents and young adults is a major health problem, as it represents the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15-29 (WHO, 2022). A recent study showed that the years of potential life lost (YPLL) due to suicide in 2018 were 1,344,552, which is very close to the 1,591,487 YPLL caused by COVID-19 in the year 2020 (Porras-Segovia et al, 2021). In the recent years, there is a growing interest in suicide prevention research in differentiating attempter profiles in terms of lifetime suicide attempts. Specifically, studies suggest that there may be meaningful differences concerning risk factors between patients with a history of one versus multiple suicide attempts. Multiple attempters (MA) show more suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms and hopelessness than single attempters (SA) (Esposito et al, 2003; Goldston et al, 1998).
ObjectivesWe aimed to answer the question ‘What are the factors associated with attempting suicide for the first time and are they different from the factors associated with re-attempting suicide in children and adolescents?’
MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search in four databases. Article selection and data extraction according to a predefined protocol, including bias risk assessment, were performed by independent peer reviewers. Due to the different way to present data in the studies effect sizes were pre-calculated to standard mean differences (SMD). Random effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size for all meta-analysis. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots.
Results14 studies were included in the systematic review, and 13 in the meta-analysis. Original articles used in the meta-analysis included a total of 4286 participants of whom 1579 were multiple suicide-attempters and 2707 single suicide attempters.
MAs showed significantly higher proportion of anxiety disorders (SMD = 0.387, 95%CI [0.09, 0.68], p < 0.022), alcohol abuse disorder (SMD = 0.382, 95%CI [0.07, 0.70], p < 0.036) and substance abuse disorder (SMD = 0.526, 95%CI [0.21, 0.84], p <0.013) than SAs. Mean depression severity was higher among MAs than SAs (SMD = 0.515, 95%CI [0.17, 0.86], p < 0.011). MAs showed higher impulsivity (SMD = 0.28, 95%CI [-0.03, 0.60], p < 0.068) and aggressiveness (SMD = 0.688, 95%CI [0.42, 0.96], p < 0.00) than SAs. Hopelessness (SMD = 0.482, 95%CI [0.06, 0.91], p < 0.03) and suicidal ideation (SMD = 0.399, 95%CI [0.34, 0.46], p < 0.007) was significantly higher in MA.
ConclusionsOn the basis of the current results, multiple attempters may represent a distinct patient population in terms of being a more severe clinical profile. This can provide the basis of stronger suicide prevention and vigilance programs focused in this suicidal phenotype.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Differential diagnosis of late onset psychotic symptoms. A case report.
- J. Sánchez Rodríguez, S. Puyal González, M. Paz Otero, E. Lozano Bori, A. García Recio
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- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, p. S1063
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Introduction
We present the case of a sixty-seven-year-old woman who is examined for the first time in the emergency room because of a nine-month clinical picture that involves psychotic symptoms. The patient exhibits persecutory delusions that started after she shared some private information on social media. These symptoms also entail emotional distress and behavioral disturbances. She has never experienced hallucinations, but she does present delusional interpretations of the environment. Her clinical history reveals abnormalities of premorbid personality, including paranoid and immature features.
Objectives(1) We will be carrying out a differential diagnosis of late onset psychotic symptoms. We will as well be exploring the concept of Paraphrenia and analyzing its differential features in order to stablish the most suitable diagnosis for the case.
(2) The relationship between abnormalities in premorbid personality and psychotic symptoms will be covered, reviewing the available literature on this matter, and relating it to the patient’s symptomatology.
MethodsA review of the patient’s clinical history will be carried out, considering her biography, the testimony of her family and the complementary tests performed during the hospitalization period.
A bibliographic review of the available scientific literature will also be developed involving disorders that could explain psychotic symptoms in the elderly, as well as the term Paraphrenia, which describes specific features in a psychotic episode but is not included in the diagnostic manuals.
Results(1) The symptomatology that our patient exhibits may be considered atypical given the late stage of its onset and its specific features.
(2) The case could be explained under the category of Delusional Disorder. From a psychopathological point or view, it could also fit under de diagnosis of Paraphrenia as described by Ravindran et al.
(3) Pathological personality traits were assessed in premorbid personality which included paranoid and immature features.
ConclusionsIt could be useful to review the concept of the “paranoid spectrum” as proposed by some authors regarding some patient’s psychotic symptoms that don’t exactly fit any of the nowadays diagnostic categories. “Paraphrenia” could be understood as a distinct clinical entity for patients who show psychotic disorders but keep affective warmth and lack though deterioration and grossly disorganized behavior.
Most patients with late life paranoid psychoses have abnormal premorbid personalities, most usually of schizoid or paranoid type. There’s a decent amount of consensus in viewing the premorbid personality as having been abnormal as an early marker of impending psychosis.
Reformulating the way we approach diagnosis of psychotic symptoms of late onset could help us identify vulnerable patients on a premorbid stage and better classify and understand atypical entities.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared
Is social media important in adolescents with eating disorders?
- B. Martínez-Núñez, D. S. Cohen, R. Encinas-Encinas, A. Paniagua-Velasco, D. A. Gómez-Guimaraes, C. García-López, B. Muchada-López, M. Faya-Barrios, M. Graell-Berna
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- Journal:
- European Psychiatry / Volume 66 / Issue S1 / March 2023
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 19 July 2023, pp. S522-S523
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Introduction
Eating disorders (ED) are complex entities of multicausal etiology that mainly affect adolescents and young women. For this reason, EDs frequently cause medical and psychological complications that can cause potentially irreversible developmental sequelae during adolescence.
96% of Spanish youth (15-29 years old) use daily Internet. In addition, 83% use Social Networks. Internet could be a good way to spread information through social media, websites, providing material and means to achieve the body culture purpose.
As we have seen in various papers, social media can influence and trigger the development of EDs.
ObjectivesThe objetives of the study are to analyse the preferred social network by adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders, as well as to measure characteristic and time-use of these networks.
MethodsWe decided to undergo a transversal study to analyse the use of social media. For that, we developed a survey to reflect the use of the main social networks (Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube and Reddit) in adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders in Spain, who are in outpatient treatment in a specialised ED unit.
ResultsThe total number of adolescents interviewed was 65; of these 96.9% were females and 3.1% males. The mean age was 14.8 years.
The preferred social network was Instagram (54%), followed by TikTok (34%) and YouTube (6%).
Most of the patients interviewed (68%) admitted checking Instagram daily, and 31% reflected spending between 1-3 hours/day. None of the adolescents reported using Facebook or Reddit.
The majority of adolescents (89%) admitted having ignored friend requests while 12% reflected the importance of having a high number of followers as a way of external validation, getting more ‘likes’ and getting to know more people.
ConclusionsThe obtained results reinforce the need of exploring and taking into account the use of Social Media in adolescents with ED and how it may influence their pathology. There is a need for further prospective research in this field.
Disclosure of InterestNone Declared