bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life narratives of individuals with psychosis in ethnic minority and migrant communities in Canada and the Netherlands
Authors: Jansen I.
Published: August 2024

Background

Increased psychosis risk has long been reported for some migrant and ethnic minority populations, a finding has been replicated in different parts of the world, with risk seeming to persist for further generations. Several explanations such as genetic liability or selective migration, higher cannabis-use or higher exposure to neurodevelopmental risk factors were considered unlikely explanations. Rather, exposure to adversity experiences found to be a determinant of psychotic disorders, such as parental separation, social and economic disadvantage, discrimination, social exclusion and marginalization. Additionally, migrants often live in cities, where high population density, low social cohesion and social fragmentation and deprivation, combined with lack of green space and urban stress increase the psychosis risk. Although previous research work has emphasized the quantitative exploration of social-environmental determinants of psychosis, qualitative studies allow for the generation of innovative, rich and nuanced understandings about a given phenomenon, being an ideal approach in face of complex social dynamics and contexts. Concretely, the associations are established, however, the underlying mechanisms and experiences remain largely unknown.

This study aims to address several research gaps identified in research on the issues of psychosis, socio-environmental determinants of mental health, migration and ethnicity, and inequalities by exploring the life narratives and experiences of service-users with first psychosis with distinct ethnic, racial and migrant backgrounds.

Methods

Participants aged between 18 and 35 years old, who have been diagnosed with a first psychosis are recruited in Montreal, Canada, and in the Netherlands. The aim is to recruit at least 20-25 individuals from each site, but recruitment is still ongoing. Qualitative interviews of about an hour are being held, and transcripts will be analyzed with Nvivo, software for qualitative data. Categories and clusters will be formed from the narratives, resulting in common themes that are important to the patients, in their understanding of the development of their psychosis, and the help they have received.

Results

Preliminary data show that the patients have predominantly African or (Eastern)European background, moved around a lot, and experiences inequities. Help and care were not always available for them, not always beneficial. Participants experiences a lot of isolation and deplacement, together with socio-economic disadvantages. Common themes as to by which mechanisms these aspects play a role will further be explored.

Discussion

These findings will be discussed in light of the quantitative data already existing. Implications for prevention and interventions will be discussed.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients on Methadone followed at Ar Razi hospital in Morocco
Authors: Bensalah Y. , Sabir M. , Elomari F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Opioid substitution treatments, notably methadone, now represent the standard treatment in the management of opioid dependence, making it possible to reduce illicit opioid consumption, crime, infections linked to administration practices and improve socio-professional integration

Objectives

Determine the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients Evaluate the quality of life of these patients

Methods

A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study was conducted with 60 patients receiving methadone followed at Ar-Razi Hospital in Salé between 01 june 2023 and 30 august 2023. A questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Quality of life was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey SF-36 scale

Results

The average age of our patients was 34 years with a male predominance Most of our patients were single and unemployed Somatic disorders were found in 15% of the sample The majority of them had an associated depressive disorder The main types of new psychoactive substances consumed were benzodiazepines (62.3%) and cannabis.

Quality of life was impaired in 60% of patients treated with methadone

Conclusions

The population using methadone is precarious and presents somatic and psychiatric vulnerability. Forms of misuse and associated consumption of other psychoactive substances and illicit drugs are recorded, hence the need for early detection in order to improve care

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Transition from methadone to subcutaneous buprenorphine depot in patients with opioid use disorder - a case report
Authors: Delic M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Opioid dependence is a complex condition that often requires long-term treatment and care. Methadone, a synthetic full opioid agonist, and buprenorphine, a partial agonist at the opioid receptor, are most commonly used for substitution therapy of opioid dependence and typically administered orally as a liquid and sublingual tablets. Transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine may precipitate withdrawal and is usually performed only in patients on low dose of methadone (<30-40 mg). Microdose induction is proposed as a possible solution to ease the transition to buprenorphine.

Objectives

To present a rapid transition from methadone to sublingual buprenorphine and after that to buprenorphine depot.

Methods

A case report of a patient who was switched from methadone 60 mg to sublingual buprenorphine 8 mg using microdosing and after that switched to buprenorphine depo 16 mg weekly.

Results

Patient was successfully switched to sublingual buprenorphine and after that to buprenorphine depot. The transition was complited without withdrawal simptoms.

Conclusions

This report supports the use of a microdose induction to initiate buprenorphine. Additionally, this approach may be significant for patients stabilized on high doses of methadone who may not be able to tolerate a traditional buprenorphine induction.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Quality of Life Assessment in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Feki A. , Sellami I. , Ellouze F. , Yahya M. , Baklouti S. , Elleuch M. H.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common diseases and a leading cause of functional limitation and dependence, significantly impacting the quality of life (QOL).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of knee osteoarthritis on QOL and identify associated factors.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Physical Medicine and Functional Rehabilitation Department over a 4-month period, involving patients with symptomatic bilateral knee osteoarthritis (according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria). Sociodemographic data, comorbidities, and characteristics of knee osteoarthritis were collected. The assessment of QOL and the functional impact of knee osteoarthritis were based on the KOOS (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score) self-questionnaire, Lequesne Index, and modified WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) Score. The KOOS questionnaire included 5 subscales: pain (KOOS-Pain), symptoms other than pain (KOOS-Symptoms), activities of daily living (KOOS-ADL), sports and recreational function (KOOS-Sport), and QOL (KOOS-QOL).

Results

We included 30 patients with an average age of 59.27±6.3; the male-to-female ratio was 0.15. Sixty percent of patients lived in urban areas, with varying levels of education: primary (n=10), secondary (n=4), and university (n=4), while the majority were illiterate (40%). Most of our patients were employed, with 64.28% engaging in significant physical activity, resulting in an average of 6±2 days of work absenteeism every 3 months due to knee pain. The mean duration of knee osteoarthritis was 7.97 years±3.14. The average pain visual analog scale (VAS) score was 5.2±0.4. Knee osteoarthritis was classified as stage 2 in 40% and stage 3 in 60% of cases. Regarding functional impact, the mean WOMAC global index was 16.6±4.68, and the mean Lequesne Index was 11.05±3.45; moderate disability was observed in 16.7%, significant disability in 50%, and severe disability in 16.7% of patients. Furthermore, the KOOS questionnaire revealed decreased KOOS-Sport and KOOS-QOL scores, with mean values of 35±10.2 and 37±8.9, respectively. Our study identified factors associated with a poor quality of life: age > 65 years (p<0.05), disease duration (p=0.02), and VAS pain > 5 (p=0.02).

Conclusions

Improving the quality of life is an essential therapeutic goal in managing knee osteoarthritis. Our study demonstrates that advanced age, longer disease duration, and high pain intensity can negatively impact quality of life.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Role of Virtual Reality in Treating Anxiety in Child & Adolescent
Authors: Shah K. , Reddy P. , Giri A. , Srinivas S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anxiety disorder affects nearly 9.4% of children aged 3-17 years.1 Virtual Reality (VR) provides an alternative for managing anxiety due to immersive, multisensory, and excellent distraction.

Objectives

The aim is to evaluate the efficacy of VR therapy in managing anxiety in children.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Biosisdatabases with the keywords “Virtual Reality” in the context of “AnxietyDisorders” and included 8 relevant studies published in English until February 10, 2023, for our qualitative synthesis.

Results

The VR-Guided relaxation (VR-GR) effectively decreased anxiety immediately after administration. In another trial, 4 of the 9 patients completely overcame their fears, and 8 of 9 saw an improvement in target behaviors in the autism population even after six weeks after the therapy, and the effect lasted 1 year post-treatment. In another study, VR-based therapy helped reduce anxiety and behavioral scores significantly in the VR group vs. the control. In another study, they found during pediatric intravenous catheter placement, patients who received VR therapy showed significantly less anxiety and pain compared to those who did not. In another study, they found VR therapy helped reduce anxiety during the induction of pre-operative anesthesia in children undergoing elective surgery.

Conclusions

A study discovered benefits with statistically significant results in reducing anxiety in children immediately after VR-based therapy. To explore the full spectrum of benefits and efficacy of VR-based therapy for anxiety as a standalone or adjunct to pharmacotherapy, we recommend future trials with robust study designs.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Anxiety disorders and Quality of life: The Role of Occupational Therapy
Authors: Moraiti V. , Kalmanti A. , Papadopoulou A. , Porfyri G. N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anxiety disorders represent the most common mental illnesses, which are listed among the ten most important causes of disability worldwide. According to DSM-5, they are defined as “disorders that share characteristics of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioral disorders”. Patients exhibit low levels of quality of life. Their daily routine is affected negatively. However, Occupational Therapy has been proven to play a crucial role in their treatment, improving quality of life through the involvement in occupations.

Objectives

To highlight the contribution of Occupational Therapy in ameliorating the quality of life in anxiety disorders.

Methods

A review of 50 articles -from 2013 to 2023- on PubMed and Google Scholar, regarding the beneficial impact of Occupational Therapy in the Anxiety Disorders’ treatment.

Results

Occupational Therapists can intervene in many negatively affected -by the disease- life domains such as: Activities of Daily Living, Education, Work, Play, Social Interaction and Sleep. The most effective Occupational Therapy methods are based on the cognitive behavioral approach and include: Psychoeducation, Relaxation techniques, Social skills training and Systematic desensitization.

Other methods involve training in Activities of Daily Living such as feeding, maintaining good personal hygiene, and using public transport. Furthermore, Art Therapy (visual arts, use of clay) has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety, while promoting creativity and enhancing self-esteem.

Conclusions

Additional research is needed regarding the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy in improving the quality of life for patients suffering from Anxiety Disorders. The important “take home message” is that the amelioration of the patients’ quality of life should be the main goal of the therapeutic intervention and not a secondary result of it.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Perfectionism, self-efficacy and mindfulness as predictors of test anxiety among university students
Authors: Tvrtkovic S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Test anxiety includes subjective experience of intense physiological, cognitive and/or behavioral symptoms during test-taking situations such as pacing, headaches, excessive feelings of fear, anger, troubles concentrating, sudden forgetfulness and negative self-talk. Especially students who are striving for flawlessness, have overly critical self-evaluations and beliefs that other expect perfection are sensitive to experiencing these feelings. On the contrary, individuals who believe in their ability, are present in the moment and are open to experiences tend to be more resilient to stressors and anxiety symptoms.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate perfectionism, self-efficacy, and mindfulness as predictors of test-anxiety among undergraduate and postgraduate students of different study fields.

Methods

525 undergraduate and postgraduate students from the fields of Natural, Medical Sciences and Engineering, Social Sciences, Humanities and Art, and Economics, Business and Administration Studies participated in the study. A sociodemographic form, the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), 15-Item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15), Scale of General Self-efficacy (GSES) and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale-Brief (FMPS-Brief

) were used. Descriptive statistics were used to show the sociodemographics of our sample, while correlational analyses were performed to asses the associations between the variables. To further validate the findings, multiple linear regression analyses were performed.

Results

Higher perfectionistic evaluative concerns and lower self-efficacy showed associations with test-anxiety and were proven as predictors among undergraduate and postgraduate students. In addition, being younger and female in postgraduates, and having perfectionistic strivings and being Mindful-Observe in undergraduate students proved to be significant predictors of test-anxiety.

Conclusions

The found associations of perfectionism and self-efficacy, as well as its predictor roles further validate the information we have in literature, but widen the sample to postgraduate students and various study fields which help us generalize the findings more. What adds the most value in theoretical and practical aspects is the findings associated with mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques are very popular intervention methods for anxiety related symptoms, and the positive relationship of Mindful-Observe with test anxiety opens new viewpoints to mindfulness-based interventions. Particularly focusing on Mindful-Observe while treating test-anxiety may yield better outcomes in alleviation of symptoms.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Factors influencing stigma in bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Adouni A. , Zgueb Y. , Bouguerra I. , Ben Othman F. , Jomli R.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Given the recurrence of mood episodes, with their negative repercussions such as high suicidal risk, significant cognitive decline and the persistence of residual signs with a negative impact on the patient’s family, social and professional functioning, Bipolar Disorder is a mental disorder with a significant social stigma.

Objectives

Identify the socio-demographic and clinical factors that may influence the experience of stigma in bipolar disorder type I

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional, comparative study over a six-month period at the aftercare unit of Razi Hospital’s psychiatric ward “A”, including patients treated for TB I according to DSM 5 criteria and stable on treatment.

The study was conducted in two stages: first, sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using a pre-established form. The DISCUS scale, validated in Arabic, was then administered.

Results

We included 100 patients (60 men and 40 women) with a mean age of 43.55 years.

The median DISCUS stigma score was 6 (0-19).

The mean value of the DISCUS scale was high for patients of urban origin (p=0.042), with a low socioeconomic level (p=0.001), and poor family dynamics (p<0.001).

The presence of a comorbid personality disorder was significantly associated with stigma (p=0.006). The DISCUS scale was positively associated with the number of years of follow-up, the number of hospitalizations, the number of manic episodes, the number of depressive episodes and the number of episodes with psychotic or melancholic features.

Conclusions

This stigma can have a negative impact on patients’ quality of life in a whole range of ways, including limiting their opportunities for education, employment and housing.

Intensive therapeutic interventions should be considered for vulnerable patients to limit the consequences.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Women with internet related disorders- illustration of an in-depth clinical assessment and personnalized treatment approach
Authors: Achab S.
Published: August 2024

Towards a personalized response to public health issues of PIU in women, understanding female profiles of problematic internet users and their underlying psychosocial characteristics is a crucial preliminary step.

Mobile Problematic Internet Use (PIU) is most likely present in young females, with heavy pattern of use being specifically associated to some online activities including communication, buying, video gaming and video watching.

The present talk will introduce epidemiological data on female with PIU in Europe, and will afterwards describe clinical assessment and treatment of a young female suffering from mobile PIU.

Assessment found heavy social networks (SNs) use, being mainly explained by dysfunctional coping to low self-esteem and traumatic sexual experiences in her biography.

Psychotherapy consisted in CBT for excessive time devoted to SNs, relocating life-priorities and cognitive remediation targeting self-esteem, self-compassion, and assertiveness.

Behind quantitative data on PIU in female, each patient has specific needs for treatment that should be identified in other to address PIU.

Care process model used at ReConnecte since a decade allows for a comprehensive assessment of each PIU.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Risk factors and personality characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior in clinical sample of female adolescents
Authors: Osváth A. , Hankó C. , Csáki M. , Molnár E. , Pahocsa J. , Kocsor S. , Tóth K. , Fertői D. , Sándor-Bajusz K. A. , Dergez T. , Csábi G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a self-damaging behavior with typical onset in early adolescence, and shows greater prevalence in females. NSSI is defined by recurrent episodes of intentional self-inflicted damage to body tissue, without suicidal intent. These recurring self-inflicted injuries are done by the indivuduel to relief oneself from negative feelings, to resolve interpersonal difficulties, or to induce positive feelings.

NSSI in DSM-5. has been included among the conditions in need of further study.

NSSI can be interpreted as a maladaptive coping mechanism that can be regarded as an emotional dysregulation. Adverse childhood experiences including physical abuse, neglect or sexual abuse are the strongest predictors of the NSSI. Research has repetitively found strong associations between NSSI and identity diffusion and/or distorted personality traits.

Objectives

The aim of our study was to assess the association between childhood traumatization, personality characteristics including stages of identity development, and self-injurious behavior among female adolescents that experience difficulties with emotional regulation.

Methods

We compared our results to a Hungarian normative sample. The sample consisted of inpatients adolescents, age between 14 and 18, with a diagnosis consisting of „Emotional disorders with onset specific for childhood” or „Mixed disorders of conduct and emotions” with chronic nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior.

Childhood traumatization was measured with the short version of Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (H-CTQ-SF). Identity development and identity diffusion were measured with the Assessment of Identity Development in Adolescence Questionnaire (AIDA). Temperament and character factors were measured with the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI).

Results

Adolescent patients with NSSI reported severe and multiplex childhood traumatization. These patients scored higher on novelty seeking and harm avoidance and scored lower on the persistence, self-directedness, and cooperativeness factors in the JTCI. These results were compared with the Hungarien normative sample. Adolescents scored higher on the Discontinuity and Incoherence scales of the AIDA.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that childhood traumatization predicts self-injurious behavior in adolescent females. Additionally, we have found associations between signs indicative of personality disorder, including lower level of self-cohesion, self-integration and self-directedness.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Therapy program assisted with therapy dogs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Huguet Miguel A. , Cornudella Solans N. , Vergés Balasch P. , Bergadà Bell-lloc J. , Pera Guardiola V.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with an estimated lifetime prevalence of at least 1%. Some studies suggest that approximately 60% of children with ASD show emotional dysregulation and 44-86% sleeping disorders.

Studies suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy and animal-assisted therapy AAT can be an intervention strategy to promote emotional and behavioral dysregulation and sleep disturbances.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a therapy program assisted with dogs (AAT) together with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on behavioral and emotional regulation and sleep disorders in children diagnosed with ASD.

Methods

The sample was composed of 24 children between 7 and 10 years old diagnosed with ASD randomized into two groups (CGT group (control group) and AAT + CBT group (experimental group). Inclusion criteria: communication level of simple sentences, mild-moderate difficulties in behavioral and emotional regulation and sleep disturbances. Exclusion criteria: intellectual disability, children with specific dogs phobia. Assessment included ADOS-2, WISC-V, CGAS. dysregulation profile of Achenbach scale and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children-Bruni. A program of 12 sessions (weekly one-hour sessions) focusing emotional and behavioral regulation and sleep disturbance was designed (Behavior Emotional Sleep Treatment Program. A pre-post evaluation was performed.

Results

Participants were 20 boys and 2 girls (2 participants dropped out), with a mean age of 9. Regarding the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, no significant differences has been observed between both groups in the global functioning measured with the Children’s Global Assessment scale (CGAS) (p=0.832), nor in the cognitive capacity (QI ) neither in reference to the associated comorbidities (p=0.103) nor in the variable prescription pharmacological treatment (p= 0.142). In emotional self-regulation, a significant improvement in emotional regulation difficulties was observed after treatment in both groups (experimental group: p=0.014; control group: p=0.012). However, the comparison between the pre-post intervention results between groups, regarding the emotional regulation variable, a greater improvement is observed in the experimental group (p=0.013). Significant improvements were also observed in sleep disorders (Bruni scale total score and in the sleep conciliation and maintenance difficulties scale) in both groups.

Conclusions

To conclude, although this is a pilot study with a small sample size and further research is needed, results suggest that a therapy program assisted with therapy dogs and CBT have positive effects on emotional dysregulation and sleep disturbances in children with ASD and offers a possible intervention strategy.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Neurobiological Correlation Between Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa in Children
Authors: Shah K. , Reddy P. , Giri A. , Srinivas S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is common in adolescents and has a high mortality and morbidity rate with a lifetime prevalence of 0.5% to 2%.1,2 We aim to review the neurobiology correlation of Anorexia Nervosa in Autism Spectrum Disorder as they are often associated together.

Objectives

1. Understand the correlation between the neurobiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Anorexia Nervosa.

2. Assess the association and prevalence of Anorexia nervosa in the ASD population.

3. To focus on the implications for the pathogenesis of Anorexia Nervosa and treatment of this disorder in the ASD population.

Methods

We searched PubMed, APA PscyINFO, Embase, CINAHL, and Google scholar databases with the keywords Autism Spectrum Disorder AND Anorexia Nervosa and included 6 relevant human studies out of 187 published in English.

Results

Neilson et al. studied the outcome of ASD in teenage onset AN, and a statistically significant negative dose-response relationship is found in all the 3 Morgan-Russell Outcome Assessment Schedule (MROAS) domains in stable ASD over time, and the results on the subscales ‘mental state,’ ‘psychosexual state’ and ‘socio-economic state, “personal contacts,’ ‘social activities’ and ‘employment record.’3 The outcome of AN onset in adolescence is generally favorable regarding mortality and the persistence of eating disorders in adulthood. A study by Pruccoli et al. noted a high prevalence of ASD traits in a group of young AN patients, predominantly seen in 4 specific EDI-3 subscales and independent of BMI.4 Margari et al. found only AN diagnosis had a statistically significant difference (p = 0.04) in females vs. males when comparing sex differences for comorbidities.5

Conclusions

Morphological changes in brain areas are linked to social cognition and increase the risk of eating disorders in ASD. We recommend future studies with robust study design to explore the full spectrum of pathogenesis and association of AN in ASD.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Investigating LGBTQ affirmative attitudes and needs for better practice among Hungarian healthcare professionals
Authors: Vizin G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) people often do not seek health care and do not identify as LGBTQ people because of fear of judgment, stereotyping, and discrimination by health professionals. All of this is a particularly worrying phenomenon, because various mental difficulties, risky behaviors, and certain types of somatic and psychosomatic diseases may appear in a higher proportion among them.

Objectives

Attitudes related to LGBTQ people were examined in several areas in Hungary. Most of our data comes from psychologists, however, a comprehensive examination of health professionals’ attitudes towards LGBTQ people has not yet been carried out.

Methods

In a cross-sectional online survey, we ask healthcare professionals (medical doctors, nurses, other graduate healthcare professionals and medical university students) to fill out our questionnaire. The participants complete the Modern Homonegativity Scale and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Clinical Skills Development Scale.

Results

We assume that the majority of Hungarian healthcare professionals have a neutral or positive attitude towards LGBTQ people, but they struggle with a significant lack of affirmative skills. We will present our results in detail in the presentation of the symposium.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to provide the appropriate affirmative knowledge material to Hungarian healthcare workers.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Sex differences in diagnostic stability in first episode psychosis after 1-year follow-up
Authors: Jiménez-Fernández B. , Toll-Privat A. , Bergé-Baquero D. , Motta-Rojas N. V. , Delgado-Marí M. , Legido-Gil T. , Martínez-Sarduní L. , Legido-Gil T. , Cuevas-Esteban J. , Mané-Santacana A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Diagnostic stability is a controversial issue in first episode psychosis (FEP) due to heterogenous symptoms and unclear affective symptoms. Differencing affective and non-affective psychoses is important as treatment strategies are different. Initial affective symptomatology has low specificity for predicting the subsequent diagnosis of affective psychosis. Sex has proven to be relevant for clinical and functional outcomes but it remains unclear how sex may contribute to diagnosis switch of FEP.

Objectives

To determine the role of sex in diagnostic stability in a sample of FEP after 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Diagnoses of FEP patients from Hospital del Mar of Barcelona were assessed at baseline and 1 year after. Univariate analyses was perfomed for all diagnoses and dichotomic variable (affective/non-affective). Logistic regression model was perfomed to know which variables predict diagnosis switch.

Results

256 patients were enrolled. No differences were found at baseline between completers and non-completers (Table 1). No significant differences between men and women at baseline diagnosis were found, neither all diagnoses (p=0.274) nor the dichotomic variable affective/non-affective (p=0.829) (Table 2AB). Significant differences were found at 1-year follow-up between men and women, for all diagnoses (p=0.043) and the dichotomic variable (p=0.039). Sex was the only variable that predicted diagnosis switch (Figure 1), PANSS, CDSS, YMRS, GAF and cannabis did not.
Table 1.

Baseline characteristics of participants

Completers
(n=188)Non-completers
(n=68)pWomen (n, %)71 (37.8)30 (44.1)0.111Age (M, IQR)24 (20-28)22 (20-28)0.899Cannabis use (M, IQR)5.5 (0-18)7 (0-21)0.231DUP (M, IQR)45 (12.5-130)36 (11.25-115.75)0.213PANSS (m, sd)44.55 (10.17)40.93 (10.42)0.761CDSS (M, IQR)2 (0-7)3 (0-5.5)0.199YMRS (m, sd)19 (9.64)17.6 (9.15)0.845GAF (M, IQR)30 (25-50)30 (25-35)0.114TABLE 2A and 2B.

Diagnosis comparison (n, %)

Baseline1-year follow-up

Men
Women
Total
Men
Women
Total

Psychosis NOS69 (59)39 (54.9)108 (57.4)28 (23.9)10 (14.1)38 (20.2)Schizophreniform disorder22 (18.8)16 (22.5)38 (20.2)14 (129 (12.7)23 (12.2)Induced psychosis4 (3.4)0 (0)4 (2.1)15 (12.8)4 (5.6)19 (10.1)Affective psychosis17 (14.5)9 (12.7)26 (13.8)24 (20.5)25 (35.2)49 (26.1)Schizophrenia0 (0)0 (0)1 (0.4)30 (25.6)14 (19.7)44 (23.4)Brief psychotic disorder5 (4.3)7 (9.9)12 (6.4)6 (5.1)8 (11.3)14 (7.4)Baseline1-year follow-up

Men
Women
Total
Men
Women
Total

Affective psychosis17 (14.5)9 (12.7)26 (13.8)24 (20.5)25 (35.2)49 (26.1)Non-affective psychosis100 (85.5)62 (87.3)162 (86.2)93 (79.5)46 (64.8)139 (73.9)

Image:

Conclusions

Sex has proven to be the main predictor of switching initial diagnosis of FEP.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
Impact of mean monthly temperature on psychiatric admissions: data from an acute inpatient unit
Authors: Rizzo Pesci N. , Peracchia S. , Teobaldi E. , Maina G. , Rosso G.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Psychiatric disorders are large contributors to the global disease burden and their prevalence is increasing. Global climate is also facing changes, including a rise in temperatures. Many clinical conditions are affected by meteorological factors and there are numerous reports on the effect of climate changes on such conditions. Psychiatric disorders are also influenced by climatic factors but the literature on the effects of climate changes on mental health is limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of rising temperatures on the risk of acute exacerbation of psychiatric disorders.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively for a total of 139 months, i.e. from January 2012 to July 2023. Recordings of mean monthly temperatures were obtained from registries of the meteorological station of the Department of Physics of the University of Turin. For each of the 139 months, deviations from the average temperature of that month of any year were computed (ΔTm). Anonymised socio-demographic and clinical data on patients admitted during the observation period to the acute psychiatric unit of San Luigi Gonzaga University Hospital (Turin, Italy) were extracted from the hospital registry. Linear regression analyses were used for statistical analyses.

Results

A total of 5420 admissions to our psychiatric ward were recorded over the observation period. Monthly deviations from average temperature and monthly number of admissions were directly correlated, with regression coefficient 1.803 (P = 0.0048) (Fig.1A). Linear regression analysis was performed between ΔTm and number of admissions according to diagnostic group. The regression coefficient was 0.1336 (P=0.5334) for admissions of patients with schizophrenia and related disorders (SCZ) (Fig.1B), 0.4575 (P=0.0295) for bipolar disorders (BD) (Fig.2A) and 0.3381 (P=0.0382) for major depressive disorder (MDD) (Fig.2B).

Image:

Image 2:

Conclusions

These results confirm the impact of meteorological factors on mental disorders. In particular, we observed a positive correlation between monthly temperature and the number of admissions to our acute inpatient unit. The correlation was significant when taking into consideration admissions for exacerbation of bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, but not when considering admissions for schizophrenia. This highlights the importance of climatic factors especially in mood disorders, provides new insights into their etiopathological mechanisms and provides information that can be implemented for follow up and relapse prevention.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A Targeted Methylation–Based Multicancer Early Detection Blood Test Preferentially Detects High-Grade Prostate Cancer While Minimizing Overdiagnosis of Indolent Disease
Authors: Mahal Brandon A. , Margolis Matthew , Hubbell Earl , Chen Cheng , Venstrom Jeffrey M. , Abran John , Karlitz Jordan J. , Wyatt Alexander W. , Klein Eric A.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

Indolent prostate cancer (PCa) is prevalent in the intended use population (adults age 50-79 years) for blood-based multicancer early detection (MCED) tests. We examined the detectability of PCa by a clinically validated, targeted methylation–based MCED test.

METHODS

Detectability by Gleason grade group (GG), clinical stage, association of detection status with tumor methylated fraction (TMeF), and overall survival (OS) were assessed in substudy 3 of Circulating Cell-Free Genome Atlas (CCGA; ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT02889978
) and PATHFINDER (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:
NCT04241796
) studies.

RESULTS

Test sensitivity for PCa in substudy 3 of CCGA was 11.2% (47/420). The test detected 0 (0%) of 58 low-grade (GG1), 3 (1.9%) of 157 favorable intermediate-grade (GG2), 4 (5.1%) of 78 unfavorable intermediate-grade (GG3), and 36 (31.9%) of 113 high-grade (GG4 and 5) cancers and 3 (3.2%) of 95 stage I, 11 (4.7%) of 235 stage II, 7 (14.9%) of 47 stage III, and 22 (81.5%) of 27 stage IV cases. The median TMeF was higher for detected than nondetected cases (2,106.0 parts per million [PPM]; IQR, 349.8-24,376.3
v
24.4 PPM; IQR, 17.8-38.5;
P
< .05). Nondetected cases had better OS (
P
< .05; hazard ratio [HR], 0.263 [95% CI, 0.104 to 0.533]) and detected cases had similar survival (
P
= .2; HR, 0.672 [95% CI, 0.323 to 1.21]) compared with SEER adjusted for age, GG, and stage. Performance was similar in PATHFINDER, with no detected GG1/2 (0/13) or stage I/II (0/16) cases.

CONCLUSION

This MCED test preferentially detects high-grade, clinically significant PCa. Use in population-based screening programs in addition to standard-of-care screening is unlikely to exacerbate overdiagnosis of indolent PCa.
Pharmacodynamic Activity of [
18
F]-Fluorthanatrace Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Positron Emission Tomography in Patients With
BRCA1/2
-Mutated Breast Cancer Receiving Talazoparib
Authors: Lin Lilie L. , Wong Franklin , Lin Ruitao , Yap Timothy A. , Litton Jennifer K.
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

We tested the ability of [
18
F] fluorthanatrace (FTT), a radiolabeled analog of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 inhibitors, to demonstrate target engagement on positron emission tomography (PET) scans from patients with newly diagnosed primary breast cancer receiving the PARP inhibitor (PARPi) talazoparib.

METHODS

Seven patients with germline
BRCA1/2
pathogenic variants underwent [
18
F]FTT PET-computed tomography scanning at baseline, and five underwent repeat scanning 14 days after talazoparib initiation. Maximum uptake on PET was quantified in the primary tumor, involved nodes, contralateral pectoralis muscle, and lumbar vertebra body level 3, and compared between the two time points.

RESULTS

Blocking of [
18
F]FTT was observed on the second scan. Potentially strong but nonsignificant correlations were found between changes in tumor volume (on ultrasound at 1 month
v
baseline) and percentage changes in tumor-to-muscle uptake ratio at 14 days from baseline (Spearman rank correlation coefficient
r
= 1;
P
= .083); and between the highest-grade hematologic toxicity and baseline bone marrow-to-muscle (B/M) uptake ratio (
r
= 0.72;
P
= .068) and percentage change in B/M ratio at 14 days from baseline (
r
= 0.87;
P
= .058).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that [
18
F]FTT can image target engagement by PARPi, but larger studies are needed to determine whether [
18
F]FTT uptake can predict response to PARPi and whether uptake of [
18
F]FTT in bone marrow may be an early predictor of hematologic toxicity.
Dark-state solution and symmetries of the two-qubit multimode asymmetric quantum Rabi model
Authors: Lei Ze-Feng , Tian Junlong , Peng Jie
Published: August 2024

We study the two-qubit asymmetric quantum Rabi model (AQRM) and find its dark-state solution. Such solutions have at most one photon and constant eigenenergy in the whole coupling regime, causing level crossings in the spectrum, although there is no explicit conserved quantity except for energy. We find an operator in the eigenenergy basis to label all the degeneracies with its eigenvalues, and compare it with the well-known hidden symmetry which exists when bias parameter ϵ is a multiple of half of the resonator frequency ω. Extended to the multimode case, we find symmetries related with conserved bosonic number operators, which also cause level crossings. This paves the way for further symmetry studies on generalized Rabi models.
Selective Apical Convex Rod Derotation: A Fast and Secure Technique for the Correction of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis—A Case Series of 38 Patients
Authors: Şentürk Salim , Avci İdris , Paksoy Kemal , Kapdan Melih , Yaman Onur
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

We present a novel technique of selective apical convex rod derotation as an effective and safe maneuver for the correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and give the clinical results of our patients. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the three-dimensional deformity of the spine of more than 10° affecting children from 10 to 18 years. The gold standard for the correction of larger curves is posterior fusion. With the help of osteotomies, the spine becomes mobile and the ideal alignment can be achieved with correction maneuvers. Derotations from the concave side harvest numerous complications such as exacerbation of apical rotation, screw pullout, and implant failure.

METHODS:

After the transpedicular screws are placed, a short titanium rod is put on the convex-side screws just covering the apex and the screw nuts are loosely tightened. The convex apical rod is held with 2 rod holders and derotation is applied to the rod and the convex spine is pulled toward the midline. After the desired correction is reached, a permanent rod is placed to the concave side and screw nuts are tightened.

RESULTS:

A total of 38 patients have been included in this study. Preoperative median Cobb angle was 47.19°, postoperative Cobb angle was measured as 18.45°, and 1 year follow-up was 17.25°. Thoracic kyphosis values were 19.07°, 30.52°, and 33.05°, respectively. Lumbar lordosis were measured as 42.63°, 43°, and 45.75°, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Selective apical convex rod derotation is an effective treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with minimal risk for screw pullout, pedicular bursting, or hypokyphosis. Correction results are similar to classic correction maneuvers.
Age Set versus Kin: Culture and Financial Ties in east Africa
Authors: Moscona Jacob , Seck Awa Ambra
Published: August 2024

We study how social organization shapes patterns of economic interaction and the effects of national policy, focusing on the distinction between age-based and kin-based groups in sub-Saharan Africa. Motivated by ethnographic accounts suggesting that this distinction affects redistribution, we analyze a cash transfer program in Kenya and find that in age-based societies there are consumption spillovers within the age cohort, but not the extended family, while in kin-based societies we find the opposite. Next, we document that social structure shapes the impact of policy by showing that Uganda’s pension program had positive effects on child nutrition only in kin-based societies. (JEL H23, I12, I38, J13, O15, Z13)
Arbitraging Covered Interest rate Parity Deviations and Bank Lending
Authors: Keller Lorena
Published: August 2024

I propose and test a new channel through which covered interest rate parity (CIP) deviations can affect bank lending in emerging economies. I argue that when CIP deviations exist, banks attempt to arbitrage them. To do so, banks must borrow in a particular currency. When this currency is scarce, bank lending in the currency required to arbitrage decreases, while they use this currency in their arbitrage activities. I test this channel by exploiting differences in the abilities of Peruvian banks to arbitrage CIP deviations. I find evidence that supports the proposed channel. (JEL F31, G01, G13, G21, O16)
Top tips for promoting positive professionalism through medical education
Authors: Collins Kathleen , Goodwin Alexandra M , Macpherson Hayley , Paton Catherine , Oliver Scott W
Published: August 2024

Background Professionalism is a requirement across all healthcare disciplines yet remains challenging to teach and difficult to evidence. Professionalism, as a subject matter, is increasingly recognised in undergraduate and postgraduate formal curricula, where historically, it has sat in the hidden curriculum space. The learning of professionalism is often complicated by its association with negative connotations and focus only being given to the topic only when it lapses. Methods The authors have strong medical education interests and experience in the teaching, learning and assessment of professionalism in inter-professional settings. They have used their extensive experience, collaborative work and the current literature to develop practical top tips to promote professionalism in medical education. Results The practical tips offered are supported by current literature and educational theory and aim to support other institutions, educators and clinicians to embed and promote professionalism in a positive, constructive and pedagogical way. Conclusions The learning of professionalism in medical education remains challenging. The practical tips aim to guide educators to consider innovative strategies and modern educational thinking but also cautions readers to challenge preconceived ideas on how this topic is best presented and embedded in curriculums.
Trybunał Konstytucyjny i Sąd Najwyższy jako organy władzy sądowniczej: Pozycja ustrojowa i problem wzajemnych relacji
Authors: Dębowska Aleksandra
Published: August 2024

In view of the constitutional crisis progressing since 2015, addressing the issue of the systemic location of the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court seems particularly important now. The analyses carried out in this dissertation are aimed at indicating the fundamental assumptions that determine the way both authorities operate. A reconstruction of these assumptions should be reflected in particular in an analysis of the historical process that has led to the adoption by the legislator of certain normative solutions. Against this background, it is possible to answer the question to what extent the model of the judicial authority system, together with the role of the Supreme Court (SC) and the Constitutional Tribunal (CT) defined within it, has been determined by the Polish legal culture and being a resultant of certain historical experiences, and to what extent our legal culture has not defined this model.
Sostenibilidad del paisaje cultural cafetero de Colombia, un verdadero reto fiscal desde la perspectiva territorial*
Authors: Alvarez Bermudez Cesar Augusto , Quintero Cortés Cristina
Published: August 2024

El Paisaje Cultural Cafetero de Colombia (PCCC) fue reconocido en el año 2011 por la Unesco como patrimonio de la humanidad, lo cual ha significado para los municipios involucrados un amplio reconocimiento internacional y una importante responsabilidad en diferentes niveles, debido a que la gestión, protección y sostenibilidad de este valioso patrimonio mundial demanda una serie de recursos humanos, técnicos y económicos que deben ser entregados a través de ejercicios de colaboración y concurrencia entre la nación y las entidades locales. A partir de un enfoque metodológico mixto, el artículo analiza diversos elementos de las finanzas públicas con el fin de dar luces frente a la necesidad de cooperación entre las distintas entidades responsables del PCCC. Para ello, el texto se divide en cuatro componentes: contexto general del PCCC, finanzas públicas de los municipios, análisis de la dependencia fiscal y conclusiones generales.
Code and Data Repository for Appointment Scheduling with Delay-Tolerance Heterogeneity
Authors: Wang Shuming , Li Jun , Ang Marcus , Ng Tsan Sheng
Published: August 2024

This repository includes the original data, source code and computational results for the experiments presented in the paper.