bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Re-Audit Assessing the Standardisation of Admission Blood Tests for Patients on Norbury House (PICU)
Authors: Kaur Raminderjit , Sargent Sarah , Shanmugaratnam Hari , Winchester Mark
Published: June 2022

Aims

Assess if variation exists for routine blood tests performed on admission, evaluate compliance with MPFT guidelines when performing routine admission blood tests, compare results with the previous audit completed in October/November 2020 and identify strategies to improve and standardise admission blood tests.

Methods

Retrospective blood result data were collected for all admissions to Norbury House (PICU) at St George's Hospital in Stafford over a two month period. For the original audit, this was between October and November 2020, following which a staff education programme raised awareness of trust guidelines regarding admission blood tests. This was then re-audited in May and June 2021 to assess its impact. Patients transferred from acute wards were included but repeat admissions were omitted. Data analysis was completed through Microsoft Excel.

Results

17 patients were included in the audit in October and November 2020 while 13 patients were included for the May and June 2021 audit. As per trust guidelines, the number of patients having the appropriate admission blood tests increased to 69% in 2021. Certain mandatory blood tests were requested far more regularly such as TFTs increasing from 71% in 2020 to 100% in 2021. Other vital blood tests on admission also increased substantially, such as Glucose increasing from 6% of admissions in 2020 to 69% in 2021 and Prolactin increasing from 77% in 2020 to 100% in 2021. All mandatory blood tests either increased in frequency or maintained a 100% completion rate, with the exception of Calcium which decreased slightly from 94% in 2020 to 92% in 2021.

In the 2020 audit, unnecessary blood tests were requested for 88% of patients which was reduced substantially to just 21% of admissions in the 2021 audit. The total number of unnecessary tests also greatly reduced from 23 tests in total in 2020 to 3 in 2021.

Conclusion

It is vital that patients being admitted to the PICU have the appropriate blood tests completed on admission, as they may be prescribed psychotropic medication that impacts their physical health and may have been self-neglecting prior to admission. Although the audit shows that the interventions completed following the last review have been hugely successful in improving compliance with trust guidelines and reducing waste of NHS resources, there is still significant room for improvement through the continual education of staff. This should then be re-audited again in Spring 2022 to ensure that the improvement continues.
Assessment of Legibility and Completeness of Prescriptions at Tertiary Care Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Saeed Sajeel , Tousif Kashif , Haider Tehseen , Dhillon Rubaid Azhar , Ebad ur Rehman Mohammad , Munir Attiya , Asif Omaima , Asif Nabeel , Arish Muhammad
Published: June 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the legibility as well as components of a prescription prescribed by doctors in tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Methods

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in pharmacies of two allied hospitals of Rawalpindi Medical University. Data were collected using stratified randomized sampling. A total of 661 prescriptions were selected and analysed for legibility by three experts. SPSS version 26.00 and Graph Pad Prism were used to enter and analyze the data. Descriptive statistics, correlational model and multinomial logistic regression were applied.

Results

A total of 1982 drugs were prescribed in 661 prescriptions. A total of 46.0% prescriptions were classified in grade 2 and 32.1% in grade 3. On average, 55.74% prescriptions were found to be complete. On average, prescriber's information, patient's information and medication details were present in 72.64%, 57.25%, and 36.73% prescriptions, respectively. Grade 1 (AOR = 0.62), grade 2 (AOR = 0.83), and grade 3 (AOR = 0.85) prescriptions had less odds of being complete compared to grade 4 prescriptions.

Conclusion

Majority of the prescriptions prescribed at tertiary care hospitals were barely legible and also quite a number of prescriptions were incomplete.
'Just Say No' (Or at Least Ask Why) STOMP Medication Reviews in Tower Hamlets Community Learning Disability Service
Authors: Jones Anthony , Fouladi-Nashta Shiva , Eady Nicole , Bedeau Simon , Hafezi Hannah
Published: June 2022

Aims

'STOMP stands for stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines. It is a national project involving many different organizations which are helping to stop the over use of these medicines. STOMP is about helping people to stay well and have a good quality of life'. Our aim was to reduce the percentage of psychotropic burden on the LD and/or autism caseload in Tower Hamlets.

Methods

We reviewed the internal LD caseload that fit STOMP eligibility criteria (prescribed antipsychotics without an indicated mental health diagnosis).

We calculated the% of BNF maximum dose for individual service users, aimed to reduced this, and reviewing the cumulative dose reduction achieved across the service, before and after an intervention.

The primary intervention was the introduction of a pharmacy led clinic for service users meeting the criteria. This allowed closer f/u from LD pharmacist, thorough medication histories independent of their routine psychiatric reviews, and using GASS and BAI scales to quantify change achieved to their quality of life.

We used early and rigourous people participation to consider the role medications (and their overprescription) in service users quality of life, and asked what service users want out of these medication reviews. Several focus groups were ran without People Participation Lead.

Results

Prior to starting of clinic - Of 29 STOMP eligible patients within TH CLDS, we have reduced antipsychotics in 8 of them through general raising awareness of STOMP (presentations to staff, reviews of GP letters to identify service users within the caseload who are likely to benefit and/or be receptive to dose reductions etc). So far total reduction of 45.4%, (and a total of three patients have been stopped all together).

Conclusion

The majority of the results and intervention are yet to be collated, and we are collecting these over the next 2 months, but provisionally we hope to conclude that by reducing the quantity of psychotropic medication we prescribe will improve the quality of life for our service users
“Drilling Down”: psychiatry and dentistry in collaborative action
Authors: Cattra Chiara , Malaga Elizabeth Gonzalez
Published: June 2022

Aims

People with severe mental health illnesses experience multiple adverse physical health outcomes, in part caused by difficulties accessing, engaging with health promoting behaviour, treatment and recovery strategies. As oral health is a major contributor to physical and mental wellbeing, obstacles to care, prevention, and therapy play an important role in the oral health of individuals with mental illnesses. Psychiatric medications are known to predispose to oral health pathologies, including sialorrhea and dental caries, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may rarely result in dental fractures, and substance misuse may contribute to poor dental health. Unsurprisingly, COVID-19 has been more acutely noticed by those already at risk of worse oral health outcomes, including people with mental health conditions.

Methods

We address the interplay between mental health and dental care, outline evidence behind the vital importance of collaborative working, and advocate for a joint approach between mental health and dental teams utilising harm reviews adapted to assessing the impact of delay dental care upon patients and families’ quality of life. As COVID-19 persists and winter pressures are experienced every year, these raise the question of what needs to be done to demonstrate the effects of poor oral health on patients with learning difficulties and mental illness.

Results

With annual winter pressures in healthcare, many elective operations are postponed to allow capacity for increased demand. Dental general anaesthetics are amongst the first lists to be suspended, particularly since the arrival of COVID-19. During the first peak of the pandemic, limited access to personal protective equipment and concerns over viral transmission risked by aerosol generating procedures restricted the provision of community dental care to urgent cases, and dental general anaesthetics to life-threatening infections alone.These impacts were particularly acute for those with learning difficulties and mental illness, further exacerbated by social, geographical and financial inequalities. Waiting for patients to deteriorate to access dental care treatment seems in direct opposition to the mental health movement towards community and early management of mental illnesses.

Conclusion

Adapted harm reviews are a powerful tool for mental health and dental teams to demonstrate to hospital managers the multidimensional impact that poor oral health has and causing physical, behavioural and emotional deterioration on patients, families and supporting staff. Wider understanding of the dental needs of those with mental health conditions may foster research on the interplay between oral and psychological health, and remains vital to multidisciplinary, compassionate and holistic care.
The Prevalence of OCD Like Symptoms Among UAE Residents During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alhaj Hamid , Ali Amena , Askari Hamid , Ibrahim Hend , Ali Leena Mohamed , Kassasand Leen , Nasere Noura Al
Published: June 2022

Aims

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder characterised by repetitive, undesirable thoughts or acts. With the pandemic being on the rise, public health authorities have urged people to take proper health measures, specifically around hand washing and social distancing. It is hypothesised that such sudden change would cause excessive hygiene habits in people predisposed to OCD. Our study aimed to measure how COVID-19 pandemic affected the prevalence of OCD-like symptoms among the UAE population. Furthermore, we explored the correlation between these symptoms and demographic factors.

Methods

This was a quantitative cross-sectional study that used an online survey platform to collect responses from male and female adult UAE residents (aged between 18 and 60 years). The self-administered questionnaire included Yale-Brown Obsessive compulsive scale (YBCOS) to test the severity of obsessions and compulsions, in addition to demographic questions. People with a previous diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder were excluded. Data were analysed using SPSS 23. A bivariate analysis to examine the correlation between the severity of the reported symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics, age, and ethnicity was conducted. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 343 questionnaires were completed and used for analysis; 244 of which were females and 99 were males. 63.5% of females had no symptoms of OCD, 24.6% had mild symptoms, 9% had moderate symptoms, 2.5% had severe symptoms, and 0.4% had extreme OCD symptoms. In males, 75.8% had no OCD symptoms, 18.2% had mild OCD, 6.1% had moderate OCD, and 0% had severe or extreme OCD. A significant correlation was found between the Emirate of residence and the severity of OCD-like-symptoms (P = 0.042). The most significant scores of OCD symptoms were in Sharjah, with 10 people out of 108 displaying moderate to extreme symptoms, Abu Dhabi with 9 out of 115 and Fujairah with 7 out of 56. Level of education, occupation and age had no significant role in the exhibition of the symptoms.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this is the first study to investigate the prevalence of OCD-like symptoms within the UAE residents during COVID-19 pandemic. The symptoms of potential clinical significance of OCD are high, especially in females compared to the global prevalence studies prior to COVID-19, although a within-subject comparison is not possible. Further research is warranted to investigate the long-term effect of COVID-19 on OCD-like and other neuropsychiatric symptoms and elucidate possible mechanisms.
Evaluation of Fife Forensic CMHT Liaison Services Over 10 Years
Authors: Duthie Leanne , Pike Elspeth
Published: June 2022

Aims

Fife FCMHT offer two forms of liaison; a court liaison service and a consultation service open to any professional requiring guidance on managing a person with mental disorder and offending behaviour. Our aims are to evaluate these services by analysing the number of referrals, reason for referral and outcomes in order to assess how our services are being used and help identify any areas for improvement.

Methods

Details about each referral made to the court liaison and consultation services and outcomes were recorded from January 2011 to December 2021. Data were analysed in excel.

Results

Court Liaison Service

1044 referrals were made; 778 of these were assessed. 98.7% were seen on day of referral. 76 required inpatient admission, 9 of whom had to be remanded in custody to await appropriate bed. Age ranged 15–78 years. Of those deemed fit to continue through court, 33% were felt to require further mental health input.

Consultation Service

280 referrals were made. Age ranged 15–83 years. The majority of referrals to this service came from criminal justice social work and NHS fife services. The majority of referrals were for specific advice or help with risk assessment and management. The average time between referral and consultation was 9.4 days.

Conclusion

Reassuringly, our team responds promptly to referrals.

25.5% of referrals made to the court service did not require assessment after triage. Only 7.3% of referrals required diversion away from the court system. Whilst 33% of those deemed fit to continue were identified as requiring further mental health input, this was often in the form of signposting to local services. As referrals are usually seen by health care in custody, this suggests mental health training for these teams would be of benefit to prevent delays in court proceedings and prevent unnecessary referrals.

Of concern are those patients remanded in custody to await a psychiatric bed. Whilst numbers are small, it is an unacceptable outcome for these patients. This occurs due to no bed being available or a requirement for assessment by the admitting unit. This mirrors findings from the Barron Report.

Our consultation service sees requests from a vast array of professionals. We believe this to be an efficient way for services to access the expertise within our team, avoiding unnecessary referrals causing delays to patient care. The majority of these referrals were for advice over a specific matter which can be dealt with succinctly by the team.
Implementing 360-Degree Simulation Training During Psychiatry Placement Inductions: A Mixed Methods Training Evaluation
Authors: Abraham Seri , Hewson Thomas , Kaye Emily , Soltani Niksa , Preston Gareth , Khanna Ankur , Higgins Sara , Ramkisson Roshelle
Published: June 2022

Aims

The authors designed a simulation training programme for foundation doctors beginning psychiatry placements across a large mental health trust. The simulation training aimed to improve the confidence, competence, and well-being of foundation doctors through exposing them to realistic psychiatry scenarios and teaching clinical skills in a safe environment.

Methods

Four clinical scenarios were filmed with a 360-degree camera, professional actress, and doctors working in psychiatry. The scenarios depicted the journey of a patient being admitted onto a psychiatry ward from the community. Various clinical skills were embedded into the videos including psychiatric history taking, risk assessment, managing acute distress, managing comorbid physical and mental health problems, using the Mental Health Act, and teamwork with colleagues. All videos were delivered to learners using simulation with head-mounted-displays (HMDs). Each video lasted 6–8 minutes and was accompanied by pre-briefing and de-briefing with experienced psychiatrists for a further 15–20 minutes. Participants rated their confidence regarding several skills in psychiatry on Likert scales from 1 to 5 immediately before and after the session. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted to detect statistically significant differences in learner's median confidence ratings before and after the training. Free-text questions explored trainee's most and least favourite aspects of the simulation. A survey also was distributed to learners 2-months after the training to assess how it had influenced their clinical practice.

Results

20 foundation doctors completed the training and provided feedback. Following the simulation training, there were statistically significant improvements in foundation doctor's confidence in: completing psychiatric assessments (p < 0.01), managing physical health problems in psychiatry (p < 0.05), managing acute distress (p < 0.01), reporting information to senior colleagues (p < 0.05), and containing anxiety when communicating with patients (p < 0.05). Trainees highlighted the debriefing, group discussions, and “interactive” simulation videos as the most useful aspects of the training. Some trainees enjoyed viewing the 360-degree videos, whilst others found the HMDs difficult to use. Of the 8 trainees who completed feedback 2 months after the training, 7 (87.5%) felt that it had helped them in their current roles. All trainees agreed (37.5%) or strongly agreed (62.5%) that the simulation scenarios were closely aligned to real-life clinical encounters.

Conclusion

Simulation training in psychiatry using 360-degree videos and HMDs is generally well-received amongst foundation doctors. Embedding simulation training into placement induction can improve the confidence and skills of junior doctors starting psychiatry placements.
Safety of Delivering Eating Disorders Day Treatment Programme on the Virtual Platform in (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Obiekezie Adaora , Friel Claudia , Pathan Mohammad Tayeem
Published: June 2022

Aims

Intensive treatment for eating disorders include day treatment programme and specialist inpatient. COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdown in the UK on the 23rd March 2020. Adult Eating Disorders Day Treatment Programme in Surrey started delivering their care on the virtual platform from that date. It offered a combination of ‘virtual’ only and ‘blended’ care (virtual and in person) for more than a year. This service evaluation examined the safety of delivering intensive eating disorders treatment on the virtual platform.

Methods

Data from March 2020 to March 2021 were retrospectively collected from Electronic patient record. Two clinicians collected the data on age, referral origin, accommodation, employment status, diagnosis (subtype), length of illness, comorbid mental and physical health diagnosis, duration of day care treatment, medication, admission weight and BMI, discharge weight and BMI, changes in bloods and ECG, acute hospital admission, risk-to-self events, admissions to Specialist Eating Disorders Unit and reasons for discharge.

Results

Data indicated that 21 patients were admitted in day treatment programme over 1 year period. 10 patients had solely virtual treatment and 11 patients had blended day treatment programme. 11 patients had anorexia nervosa restrictive subtype, 5 patients had Anorexia Binge purge subtype and 5 patients had Anorexia Nervosa, Unspecified.

Average length of illness was 4.49 years. Mean age for the group was 24.7 years and most patients lived with family (n 18) and were unemployed (n 11). More than 2/3rd (76%) patients had comorbid mental health diagnosis and 48% (n 10) had comorbid physical health diagnosis.

Average length of admission was 5.26 months. Mean BMI on admission was 15.3 (Range 12–19) and mean BMI on discharge was 16.9 (Range 13.65–22).

Safety and outcome data indicated that there were no serious incidents recorded in that time period. 1 (5%) patients required admission to acute hospital as their physical health deteriorated. 8 (38%) patients required specialist inpatient admission as the day care did not affect any changes to their eating behaviours, and 4 (19%) patients had events indicating self harm episodes(19%).

Conclusion

Our service evaluation data indicated that it is relatively safe to deliver day treatment programme on the virtual platform. Weekly face to face physical health monitoring (weight, BP, Pulse, temperature) and regular physical health investigations (Blood tests and ECG) were integral part of managing risks to health. On the other hand, delivering day treatment programme on the virtual platform has enabled the day treatment programme to prevent any significant outbreak of COVID-19 in a vulnerable group of patients and allowed them to receive uninterrupted support during pandemic.
A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Service Users With Complex Mental Health Needs
Authors: Saini Pooja , Sambrook Laura , Balmer Anna , Roks Hana , McIntyre Jason , Martin Antony , Tait Jackie , Ashley-Mudie Peter , Shetty Amrith , Nathan Rajan
Published: June 2022

Aims

Little is known about the experiences of individuals presenting with complex mental health needs and the provision of care they receive for suicide and self-harm behaviours. There are limited data describing the support individuals receive from services and, where they do, how this support is provided. Research suggests that those presenting with a more complex clinical presentation may have a history of both suicide attempts and self-harm. The aim of the study is to explore the experiences of individuals with complex mental health needs in respect of their self-harm and suicidal behaviours, and experiences of support received from mental health care services.

Methods

A semi-structured interview methodology was used to generate qualitative data. Representative participants with complex mental health needs were recruited from across Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, UK. Ten participants were interviewed for the study. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A transcript-based conceptual analysis was conducted to identify and explore emerging themes.

Results

The following three themes emerged from the service user interviews: (i) Service users discussed suicide attempts following inappropriate discharge; Service users spoke about feeling unsupported and not listened to by care staff, particularly as inpatients; and (ii) Service users expressed a necessity for staff training to improve understanding of self-harm and suicide attempts, having experienced negative consequences of staff handling when they may have self-harmed.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the following recommendations for future suicide prevention for mental health services treating service users with complex mental health needs: increasing staff awareness of suicide or self-harm related issues; improving training and risk assessment skills; providing appropriate support for service users following discharge from inpatient settings; improving liaison and collaboration between services to provide better service user outcomes; and increasing awareness in listening to service users’ distress about suicidal or self-harm thoughts for each individual's situational context.
Yorkshire and Humber Less Than Full Time Trainees: What Do They Need?
Authors: Shaw Laura , Davies Sara
Published: June 2022

Aims

Due to the demand for increased flexibility of working there is an ever-increasing number of trainees working Less Than Full Time (LTFT). The Royal College of Psychiatrists supports LTFT training and careers within the specialty. However, applying for and working LTFT can be a challenging and at times overwhelming process to navigate. This project's aims are to improve written information provided to trainees when commencing LTFT training. To assess interest for a LTFT training educational event and to plan this event based on trainees preferences for content and timing.

Methods

Questionnaires via SurveyMonkey were sent to higher trainees in all regions of the Yorkshire and Humber Deanery in October 2021 by the Medical Education Departments. A covering email invited those working or interested in LTFT to complete the questionnaire.

Questions assessed the need for further written information on LTFT training in the region and interest in an educational event. Trainees already working LTFT were asked what they valued most out of support already in place.

Results

Of 40 trainees who responded, 100% stated when commencing LTFT training they would wish to receive more information. Respondents were asked which areas they would like included: practicalities (100% of respondents), LTFT mentor (85%), peer support (83%), weblinks to information (70%), recommended reading (53%). Those already working LTFT were asked what they had found helpful, the most common themes were mentoring, peer and supervisor support.

85% of trainees surveyed confirmed they would be interested in attending a LTFT focused educational event. Based on trainee preferences the areas to be included were job planning (78%), choosing a job (81%), clinical lead views (78%), finances (86%), Out Of Programme opportunities (61%) and emotional aspects (61%). Further questions clarified preferences for a virtual Vs face-to-face meeting and timing to maximise attendance.

Conclusion

There is a need for further information to be provided to trainees on LTFT training in the region. The content has been guided by trainees and will be incorporated into the Higher Trainee Handbook.

For those training LTFT the most helpful aspect has been mentoring, peer and supervisor support. We have subsequently linked with the established mentoring scheme and those new to LTFT are matched with an established LTFT trainee. We recommend 3 monthly LTFT peer and Training Programme Director meetings continue.

There is considerable interest in an educational event focused on LTFT working. This has been organised for May 2022 and the content guided by trainee's preferences.
Case Series Evaluating the Use of Combined Long Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Three Patients Within Forensic Services
Authors: Moxon-Holt Megan , Todd Chris
Published: June 2022

Aims

Antipsychotic polypharmacy is a relatively common practice, despite a lack of robust evidence. In 2018, the National Clinical Audit of Psychosis evaluated the treatment of 8000 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, and found 10% were receiving non-clozapine antipsychotic polypharmacy. This included 432 patients receiving one oral & one long acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic and 2 patients receiving two LAI antipsychotics. An audit within our service, found that 24 of 88 (27%) inpatients were receiving non-clozapine antipsychotic polypharmacy. Of these, 3 were prescribed two LAI antipsychotics. A literature review found very limited evidence supporting the use of combined LAI antipsychotics, with publications relating to a total of 18 cases. Presented here is a case series, reviewing the use of LAI antipsychotic polypharmacy in three patients within Devon Partnership Trust.

Methods

The case series reports on three male inpatients, who are under the care of secure services within Devon Partnership Trust. All are currently prescribed two LAI antipsychotics. Two have a diagnosis of treatment resistant schizophrenia and one of schizoaffective disorder. All are complex, necessitating recurrent or lengthy admissions, and present with significant risk to others when unwell. In each case, there have been trials of multiple antipsychotics, but only one has had a previous trial of clozapine.

Results

Published case reports highlight the positive effects of LAI polypharmacy, noting an improvement in mental state and lack of adverse effects. The cases presented here show significant variability, with one patient improving significantly, the second to a lesser extent, and the third remaining under high level observations.

All cases are complex with decisions taken on a background of high risk, after multiple failed trials of medication.

Although no specific adverse effects were reported, none of the patients regained sufficient insight to engage in treatment decisions and physical health monitoring. It is therefore difficult to quantify the adverse effect burden and weigh this against perceived efficacy.

Conclusion

Combined LAI antipsychotic medication is a possible treatment option in complex individual cases. Prescribing decisions are based on perceived clinical benefit, and the evidence base remains limited, with little understanding of long-term effects or consequences.

Unlike high dose antipsychotics, there is no formalised guidance for prescribing combined LAI antipsychotics. Treatment targets and review processes were not always explicit. A more robust approach, would provide greater clarity around the practice and aid with future decision making.
Association of GLP1R Polymorphisms With the Incretin Response
Authors: Dorsey-Trevino Edgar G , Kaur Varinderpal , Mercader Josep M , Florez Jose C , Leong Aaron
Published: June 2022

Context

Polymorphisms in the gene encoding the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP1R) are associated with type 2 diabetes but their effects on incretin levels remain unclear.

Objective

We evaluated the physiologic and hormonal effects of GLP1R genotypes before and after interventions that influence glucose physiology.

Design

Pharmacogenetic study conducted at 3 academic centers in Boston, Massachusetts.

Participants

A total of 868 antidiabetic drug-naïve participants with type 2 diabetes or at risk for developing diabetes.

Interventions

We analyzed 5 variants within GLP1R (rs761387, rs10305423, rs10305441, rs742762, and rs10305492) and recorded biochemical data during a 5-mg glipizide challenge and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) following 4 doses of metformin 500 mg over 2 days.

Main Outcomes

We used an additive mixed-effects model to evaluate the association of these variants with glucose, insulin, and incretin levels over multiple timepoints during the OGTT.

Results

During the OGTT, the G-risk allele at rs761387 was associated with higher total GLP-1 (2.61 pmol/L; 95% CI, 1.0.72-4.50), active GLP-1 (2.61 pmol/L; 95% CI, 0.04-5.18), and a trend toward higher glucose (3.63; 95% CI, -0.16 to 7.42 mg/dL) per allele but was not associated with insulin. During the glipizide challenge, the G allele was associated with higher insulin levels per allele (2.01 IU/mL; 95% CI, 0.26-3.76). The other variants were not associated with any of the outcomes tested.

Conclusions

GLP1R variation is associated with differences in GLP-1 levels following an OGTT load despite no differences in insulin levels, highlighting altered incretin signaling as a potential mechanism by which GLP1R variation affects T2D risk.
SPS1 deficiency-triggered PGRP-LC and Toll expression controls innate immunity in Drosophila S2 cells
Authors: Yoo Tack-Jin , Sup Shim Myoung , Bang Jeyoung , Kim Jin-Hong , Jae Lee Byeong
Published: June 2022

Selenophosphate synthetase 1 (SPS1) is an essential gene for the cell growth and embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. We have previously reported that SPS1 deficiency stimulates the expression of genes responsible for the innate immune system, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), in Drosophila S2 cells. However, the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we investigated the immune pathways that control the SPS1-deficiency-induced expression of AMPs in S2 cells. It was found that the activation of AMP expression is regulated by both immune deficiency (IMD) and the Toll pathway. Double knockdown of the upstream genes of each pathway with SPS1 showed that the peptidoglycan recognition protein-LC (PGRP-LC) and Toll genes are targeted by SPS1 for regulating these pathways. We also found that the IMD and Toll pathway regulate AMP expression by cross-talking. The levels of PGRP-LC and Toll mRNAs were upregulated upon Sps1 knockdown (6.4±0.36 and 3.2±0.45-fold, respectively, n=3). Overexpression of each protein also upregulated AMPs. Interestingly, PGRP-LC overexpression upregulated AMP more than Toll overexpression. These data strongly suggest that SPS1 controls the innate immune system of D. melanogaster through regulating PGRP-LC and Toll expression.
Minimal functional domains of the core polarity regulator Dlg
Authors: Khoury Mark J. , Bilder David
Published: June 2022

The compartmentalized domains of polarized epithelial cells arise from mutually antagonistic actions between the apical Par complex and the basolateral Scrib module. In Drosophila, the Scrib module proteins Scribble (Scrib) and Discs-large (Dlg) are required to limit Lgl phosphorylation at the basolateral cortex, but how Scrib and Dlg could carry out such a ‘protection’ activity is not clear. We tested Protein Phosphatase 1α (PP1) as a potential mediator of this activity, but demonstrate that a significant component of Scrib and Dlg regulation of Lgl is PP1 independent, and found no evidence for a Scrib-Dlg-PP1 protein complex. However, the Dlg SH3 domain plays a role in Lgl protection and, in combination with the N-terminal region of the Dlg HOOK domain, in recruitment of Scrib to the membrane. We identify a ‘minimal Dlg’ comprised of the SH3 and HOOK domains that is both necessary and sufficient for Scrib localization and epithelial polarity function in vivo.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
About Geometry, One More Time
Authors: Leparov M.
Published: June 2022

This paper has been devoted to an analysis of geometry from an engineering point of view. Has been based 23 statements about geometry contribution to physics, mathematics, engineering, as well as to other sciences. Geometry propagation in all types of objects and processes (such as material, energetic and information/signal ones), as well as in everything and everywhere (all-encompassing geometry) has been shown. Special attention is paid to geometry importance, emphasizing its crucial role at each stage of any technical object design (which predetermines geometry as the basis of design), as well as in other cases. It is proposed to establish a strict line of demarcation between the science "General Geometry" as "Geometry of Everything" with a construct (any object considered as a geometric structure) on the one hand, and with a subject (a study of spatial structures and construct relations with an assigned aim) – on the other hand, and to develop them separately.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and pregnancy - review
Authors: Grześk-Kaczyńska Magdalena , Ostrowska Magdalena , Pałac Dominika , Kaczyński Szymon
Published: June 2022

Introduction and purpose
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinological disorders, and it affects 7-8 % of women globally. It is very heterogenous disease, which pathogenesis is complex and composed of many factors like genetics, hormonal changes, environmental factors and insulin resistance. PCOS has many symptoms, which appearance is dependent on comorbidities like obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia. Due to complexity of the pathogenesis of PCOS it may have four phenotypes: A,B,C,D.  The pregnancy pathologies connected to PCOS are mainly gestational diabetes mellitus, pregnancy induced hypertension. Pregnant women with PCOS have 3-4 times a higher risk of developing pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and preeclampsia and a three times higher risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). More than 64% of pregnancies in women with PCOS were terminated via caesarean section.  Metformin, although still controversial may be a good option for the treatment of PCOS before and during pregnancy as a second-line therapy.
PCOS is a disease which affects the women in childbearing age and may have negative impact on its course. Pathologies connected to PCOS during pregnancy affect not only mothers, but foetus and according to new researches also children and adults from mothers with PCOS. It is very essential to extract women with PCOS to implement treatment and prevent its complications. Moreover, due to its common association with obesity patients should be under cardiologists care due to higher cardiovascular risk.
Nowi Portugalczycy? Afrodescendentes i ich miejsce w społeczeństwie
Authors: Golemo Karolina
Published: June 2022

THE ‘NEW PORTUGUESE’? AFRODESCENDANTS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE SOCIETY The aim of this article is to show the role that representatives of the complex category of Afrodescendants play in contemporary Portuguese society. It is a vast topic, interpretable from different perspectives and covering many issues, such as: hybrid identities and models of integration, educational paths and experiences in the labor market, political agency and civic engagement, activity in the field of culture, art (i.a. their increasingly important role in the music market) or sport. In this work, I refer to selected examples of socio-cultural activity of Afrodescendants within non-governmental organizations, as well as to their activity on the political scene in recent years. The background for the analyses concerning the people of African origins are postcolonial relations and ideas of decolonizing space and memory. An important context is also the International Decade for People of African Descent established by UNESCO (2015-2024) and the impact of this initiative on the emergence of different projects related to Afrodescendants in Portugal.
Treni della felicità. Społeczna inicjatywa na rzecz dzieci w powojennych Włoszech
Authors: Fijał Małgorzata
Published: June 2022

TRENI DELLA FELICITÀ: A SOCIAL INITIATIVE FOR CHILDREN IN POST-WAR ITALY
This paper is devoted to the analysis of the origins and development of a social initiative, the so-called Treni della felicità (Trains of happiness) and its impact on shaping civil society and sense of national community in the post-war Italy. This project, initiated by the Union of Italian Women (Unione Donne Italiane, UDI) and then promoted mainly by the Italian Communist Party (Partito Comunista Italiano, PCI) assumed the transfer of tens of thousands of children from families in need from southern Italy to relatively more developed north-central regions of the country in order to provide them better living conditions after World War II. This example of the fight against poverty and inequalities seems to be a forgotten symbol of solidarity and renewal of the idea of civil society in post-totalitarian Italy. Moreover, this action for children is not only an example of civic activity, but also an important element in the debate on the traditional division of Italy into North and South.
Syntezy nie osiągniesz? Holizm konfirmacyjny wobec dyskursu teoretycznego w Stosunkach Międzynarodowych
Authors: Herbut Maciej , Polus Andrzej
Published: June 2022

AN IMPOSSIBLE SYNTHESIS? THE CONFIRMATION HOLISM AND THEORETICAL DISCOURSE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
In the authors’ opinion, the negative impact on the development of International Relations (IR) was exerted by the way of conducting the discourse, which we refer to as Popperism and which was expressed by the so-called “interparadigm” debates. At the root of Popperism there is the assumption that one observation that contradicts the predictions of a given theory may be the basis for its refutation. Moreover, it has become common practice to reject one theory on the basis of another. An alternative is proposed in the text - a Duhemian way of conducting discourse based on the principle of confirmation holism. One of the main principles of confirmation of holism, based on the principle of weak falsificationism (as opposed to Popper’s strong falsificationism) is the assumption that due to the subjective nature of science, theories cannot be finally confirmed or rejected. Moreover, the assumptions of one theory cannot serve as a ground for disproving another. The authors of the article point out that the application of the confirmation holism can positively impact research practice in IR and contribute to the development of the discipline.
Der Einfluss der FDP auf die Ostvertragspolitik der Bundesregierung in den Jahren 1969-1974 im Lichte der neuen Quellen vom Archiv des Deutschen Liberalismus
Authors: Węc Janusz J.
Published: June 2022

THE INFLUENCE OF THE FDP ON THE EAST TREATY POLICY OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN THE YEARS 1969-1974 IN THE LIGHT OF THE NEW SOURCES FROM THE ARCHIVE OF GERMAN LIBERALISM
The main objective of the article is to analyze the course and consequences of the diplomatic negotiations for the signing and ratification of the Eastern Treaties between the Federal Government and the governments of the USSR, Poland and Czechoslovakia in the years 1969-1974. What is of great importance here is using new archive resources from the archive of German Liberalism in Gummersbach in this work. This enabled the author to present a new assessment of the influence of the FDP on the Eastern policy of the Federal Republic of Germany during the period presented. The author comes to the following conclusions: (1) The FDP played a fundamental role in the negotiations and ratification of the Eastern Treaties with the USSR (1970), Poland (1970) and Czechoslovakia (1973); (2) These treaties contained a clause not to use force in mutual relations; (3) The treaty with Poland also contained a border clause and in that sense it is to be regarded as a border treaty (Article I Paragraph 1 of the treaty of December 7, 1970). In this treaty, the Federal Republic of Germany recognized Poland’s western state border on the Oder-Neisse, as defined in the Potsdam Agreement; (4) The federal government has recognized this border in its own name (suo nomine) and not in name of a reunified Germany. The Warsaw Treaty therefore did not rule out the reunification of Germany in the indefinite future. At the same time, the Federal Government undertook not to assert any territorial claims against Poland in the event of reunification; (5) The western allies – which is very often overlooked in the specialist literature – had already forced the federal government in the secret memorandum of Acheson-Adenauer dated November 21, 1951 to agree to their definition of the reunification of Germany as an amalgamation of the Federal Republic, the GDR and both parts of Berlin accept. In return, the Federal Republic received a. o. the contractual obligation of the Western powers that the Federal Government would participate in a peace settlement in the future (Article VII Paragraph 1, 3 of the Germany Treaty of Mai 26, 1952).
United States Africa Command – Balance of Activities during the Presidencies of George H. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump
Authors: Kłosowicz Robert
Published: June 2022

The article aims at analyzing the development of the U.S. Africa Command during the three presidential administrations of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. According to the author, the attitude of individual American presidents and their administration to the U.S. AFRICOM is an accurate reflection of the approach to both the problems of African states and the place of Africa in the foreign and security policy of the United States. Since the foundation of the U.S. AFRICOM by the administration of G.W. Bush to D. Trump’s desire to liquidate the command. Trump’s attitude to Africa is also illustrated by the fact that he was the first American president since Ronald Reagan who did not visit any of the 54 African states. His two predecessors paid nine such official visits to African countries in total. It seems that despite many myths and fears that accompanied the birth of AFRICOM and during its first years of existence, the worst scenarios have not come to fruition. AFRICOM has not militarized Africa, it has not caused the drastic exacerbation of the rivalry with China in the region, and it has not become the military arm of US expansionism on the continent. What is more, even many skeptics among African state leaders have noted that it has thus far played and continues to play a positive role in counteracting terrorism, therefore, it has supported the stability of African countries.
Populizm penalny w Polsce w latach 2007-2015 z perspektywy socjotechniki władzy
Authors: Nyzio Arkadiusz
Published: June 2022

PENAL POPULISM IN POLAND IN 2007-2015 FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PROPAGANDA TECHNIQUES Penal populism is a phenomenon that receives a lot of attention in the literature. Most often, however, it is being studied from a legal perspective, whereas political motivations and consequences of its application are frequently disregarded. In the article, I analyse in what way, to what extent, and for what purpose penal populism was utilised in Poland in 2007-2015. I argue that it has proven to be an effective tool for conflict management, agenda-setting, and burying bad news.
Testing of Large Scale Pool Fire of Technical Ethanol
Authors: Tępiński Jarosław , Klapsa Wojciech , Cygańczuk Krzysztof , Lesiak Piotr , Lewak Michał
Published: June 2022

Aim: The aim of this article is to determine the characteristics of a pool fire, including the temperatures and thermal radiation densities caused by it. Mappings of pool fires occurring in actual emergency events were conducted by performing large-scale polygon tests. Project and methods: Experimental study of pool fire of technical ethanol was carried out on a specially built test stand in the training area of the Training Centre in Pionki of the Regional Headquarters of the State Fire Service in Warsaw. The pool fire test stand consisted of a test tray, with a test chamber with the diameter of 300 cm, founded on a reinforced concrete slab. Using a developed measurement system with data acquisition that included measurement sensors mounted at defined locations relative to the fire, temperatures and thermal radiation densities were measured at various distances/locations relative to the fire. Metrological data such as air temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind direction and speed were monitored and recorded using the weather station. The height of the fire flame was measured by comparing it to racks set up nearby with marked scales of specific lengths. Results: A polygon stand that was built to study pool fires, equipped with a temperature and thermal radiation density measuring system with measuring sensors distributed in defined locations, is discussed. A study of a pool fire resulting from the combustion of dehydrated, fully contaminated ethanol was conducted. The study measured temperatures, thermal radiation densities, and flame heights. The average and maximum values of temperatures and thermal radiation densities during the steady-state combustion stage (i.e., phase II of the fire) were determined. Conclusions: Based on the presented results of temperature and thermal radiation density measurements at various distances/locations relative to the pool fire site, there was a significant effect of wind direction and speed on these values. Higher temperature and heat radiation density were recorded at the sensors on the leeward side than on the windward side. As the wind speed decreased, there was an increase in the temperature values recorded on the thermocouples located above the centre of the bottom of the tray test chamber due to the flame, which, when not blown away, was allowed to rise vertically upward and fully sweep the temperature sensors. Keywords: pool fire, field tests, technical ethanol, temperature, thermal radiation Type of article: original scientific article