bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Harvested area did not increase abruptly—how advancements in satellite-based mapping led to erroneous conclusions
Authors: Breidenbach Johannes , Ellison David , Petersson Hans , Korhonen Kari T. , Henttonen Helena M. , Wallerman Jörgen , Fridman Jonas , Gobakken Terje , Astrup Rasmus , Næsset Erik
Published: February 2022

Key message

Using satellite-based maps, Ceccherini et al. (Nature 583:72-77, 2020) report abruptly increasing harvested area estimates in several EU countries beginning in 2015. Using more than 120,000 National Forest Inventory observations to analyze the satellite-based map, we show that it is not harvested area but the map’s ability to detect harvested areas that abruptly increases after 2015 in Finland and Sweden.
Balancing the perceptions of NK modelling with critical insights
Authors: Arend Richard J.
Published: February 2022

NK models are agent-based simulations of market evolution generated through new entry and firm innovation, and are often focused on better understanding complex interdependencies in organizational phenomena. We provide a counterpoint to the mostly optimistic descriptions of the advantages and of the requirements for these fitness-landscape-based analyses. We do so by offering a comprehensive list of limitations of that modelling technique as well as a critical analysis of two recent applications of the NK model—one of a theory-testing application and one of a theory-building application. Our analysis reveals that when care is not taken to capture the essential parts of a phenomenon, the NK approach may be unnecessary at best, and misleading at worst. We discuss the implications of these analyses and update past suggestions for future uses of NK simulations in organizational research.
Defining entrepreneurial success to improve guidance services: a study with a comprehensive database from Andalusia
Authors: Chaves-Maza Manuel , Fedriani Eugenio M.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this paper is to assess the level of success achieved by entrepreneurs. The concept of success has many subjective facets, and it needs to be evaluated to reach other higher objectives, such as improving support systems for entrepreneurs. The usual pre-existing focuses for the evaluation of business performance are analysed and adapted. Based on a real case, the most relevant variables for detecting success are studied and an algorithmic process (based on decision trees) is established to ascertain whether an entrepreneur has achieved success. The data refers to entrepreneurs from Andalusia, the European region with the highest unemployment rates and where support for entrepreneurship is on the agenda of all political parties. The model specifies a minimal set of variables to evaluate success in each case. Subsequently, a simple set of 29 questions is also offered, serving to classify most entrepreneurs (over 98% of 2221 individuals in the case analysed) by their level of success. An objective procedure to measure the success of entrepreneurs is given. Such method is based on artificial intelligence and on three focuses: positioning, expectations and evolution. Both the variables used in this case and the 29 questions necessary to classify the entrepreneurs by their level of success are explicitly provided.
Brand auditing and the development of the brand salience management model of the Statistics Study Program
Authors: Suhardi Deddy A. , Susilo Adhi , Priyanto Sony Heru , Abdi Antonius Surya
Published: February 2022

This research contains a novelty in producing a study program brand audit method and developing a brand salience development model in higher education, which has not been widely discussed. A quantitative-explanative research method was used in this study by collecting online survey data on the potential market for the Statistics Study Program with a total of around 1000 people from all over Indonesia, which is related to the understanding, association, perception, experience, brand equity, and consumer brand salience towards the Statistics Study Program. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results obtained are the formulation of a brand audit model and a salience brand management model for the Universitas Terbuka Statistics Study Program.
Prophetic values of lung ultrasound score on post-extubation distress in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Wang Ran , Qi Benquan , Zhang Xiaohua , Meng Liang , Wu Xiaofei
Published: February 2022

Background

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has been a prevalent disease in ICU with mortality of up to 27–45%. A considerable proportion of extubated ARDS patients passing spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) still requires reintubation.

Methods

Lung ultrasonography (LUS) was used to predict the success rate of extubation. Ninety-two patients passing the 60-min SBT were included in this prospective research. Their clinical characters including LUS, APACHE II, SOFA, CPIS, EVLWI and PaO2/FiO2 were collected before the SBT. Another two LUS assessments were performed at the end of and 4 h after SBT. LUS results were evaluated and scored by two independent experts, and the correlations of LUS scores, APACHE-II scores, SOFA scores, CPIS and EVLWI with the success rate of extubation and rate of reintubation were analyzed.

Results

Failed weaning and reintubation of ARDS patients were correlated with higher LUS scores both before and after SBT. Post-extubation distress was correlated with higher APACHE-II scores, SOFA scores, CPIS and EVLWI before SBT. There were positive correlations between the LUS score and APACHE-II score, SOFA score, CPIS and EVLWI before SBT, respectively.

Conclusion

LUS score measured at the end of 60-min SBT could be used to predict post-extubation distress in ARDS patients.
The mediation effect of perceived weight stigma in association between weight status and eating disturbances among university students: is there any gender difference?
Authors: Ruckwongpatr Kamolthip , Saffari Mohsen , Fung Xavier C. C. , O’Brien Kerry S. , Chang Yen-Ling , Lin Yi-Ching , Lin Chung-Ying , Chen Jung-Sheng , Latner Janet D.
Published: February 2022

Background

The study aimed to examine the association between perceived weight stigma (PWS), weight status, and eating disturbances. We hypothesized that PWS would partially mediate the association between weight status and eating disturbances among university students.

Methods

The study involved 705 undergraduate students (379 females and 326 males) recruited from Hong Kong and Taiwan Universities (399 Hong Kong; 306 Taiwan participants). Our sample was from one Hong Kong university (located in Kowloon) and five Taiwan universities (three located in Southern Taiwan, one located in Central Taiwan, and one located in North Taiwan). Participants’ mean age was 20.27 years (SD = 1.79). All participants completed a demographic information sheet, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-18 (TFEQ-R18), and the PWS questionnaire. PROCESS macro models were used to analyze potential mediations.

Results

We found a significantly higher PWS scores in a high weight group for females and males. There was a significant difference between weight status and eating disturbances. Moreover, PWS partially mediated the association between weight status and eating disturbances for both genders.

Conclusions

PWS is associated with weight status and eating disturbances, making it an important target for health improvement among young adults. Further studies are needed to corroborate such associations in participants from other societies and cultures.
Developing a Comprehensive Scale for Parenting Resilience and Adaptation (CPRA) and an assessment algorithm: a descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Sugao Shoko , Hirai Kei , Endo Masayuki
Published: February 2022

Background

Adapting to child-rearing is affected by multiple factors, including environmental and individual factors. Previous studies have reported the effect of a single factor on childcare maladjustment; however, to prevent maladaptation in and to support child-rearing, a comprehensive evaluation of factors is necessary. Therefore, this study developed a comprehensive assessment tool for childcare adaptation.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with specialists whose jobs entailed supporting parents. Items were extracted from the interview data and used to develop a new questionnaire. Mothers with a child aged 0–3 years completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology as a depression index. We performed both factor and correlation analyses on the collected, data and multiple regression analyses to determine which factors predict depressive tendencies leading to childcare maladaptation. Subsequently, an assessment algorithm model was built.

Results

1,031 mothers responded to the questionnaire which had 118 items in five domains. A factor analysis was performed on each domain to develop the Comprehensive Scale for Parenting Resilience and Adaptation (CPRA). The CPRA comprised 21 factors and 81 items in five subcategories: Child’s Temperament and Health (1 factor, 5 items); Environmental Resources (5 factors, 20 items), Perceived Support (4 factors, 15 items); Mother’s Cognitive and Behavioural Characteristics (6 factors, 22 items), and Psychological Adaptation to Parenting (5 factors, 19 items). Correlations between all factors and depressive symptoms were identified. Depressive symptoms were predicted by factors from four subcategories: Environmental Resources, Perceived Support, Mother’s Cognitive and Behavioural Characteristics, and Psychological Adaptation to Parenting. A comprehensive model of mothers’ psychological adjustment was developed using the CPRA’s domain structure.

Conclusions

The CPRA enables researchers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of mothers. Mother’s maladaptive states can potentially be predicted by understanding the interactions between these multiple factors. The developed model can provide the necessary support to mothers and increase mothers’—and others’—awareness of the support that can prevent childcare maladjustment.
Effectiveness of an online versus face-to-face psychodynamic counselling intervention for university students before and during the COVID-19 period
Authors: Ierardi Elena , Bottini Marta , Riva Crugnola Cristina
Published: February 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased online counselling interventions, including those aimed at university students. The principal aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the online counselling intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic, also with regards to the effectiveness of the face-to-face intervention.

Methods

34 students (Mean age = 23.74; Female = 27) who requested online university counselling during COVID-19 have been compared with 81 (Mean age = 22.8; Female = 60) students who requested university face-to-face counselling before the pandemic. The psychopathological problems were assessed with the Symptom Checklist 90 Revised, attachment styles with the Attachment Style Questionnaire, adverse childhood experiences with Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, and life satisfaction with the Life Satisfaction Scale.

Results

At the pre-intervention phase, psychological distress was similar in both groups with no differences in the General Severity Index of the SCL-90 R, and there were no significant differences for secure/insecure attachment, adverse childhood experiences, and life satisfaction. The online counselling intervention during the pandemic was effective in reducing psychological distress scales as depression (p = .008), obsessive–compulsive (p = .008), interpersonal sensitivity (p = .005), and anxiety (p = .011), and in the total scale of the SCL-90 R (p = .017). The face-to-face counselling intervention was effective in reducing psychological distress in all subscales and in the total scale of the SCL-90 R (p = .000) and in increasing the level of life satisfaction (p = .023). Attachment style did not moderate the effectiveness of the online and face-to-face interventions.

Conclusions

Students seeking counselling, both before and during the pandemic, show similar levels of psychological distress. The online counselling intervention was almost as effective as face-to-face counselling intervention with respect to psychological distress; it was not effective in increasing life satisfaction.
Stressful life experience of the first married women in polygamous families in Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia: a qualitative study, 2021
Authors: Mengistu Nebiyu , Shumye Seid , Tesfaye Tinsae Shemelise , Haile Sleshi , Bayisa Yesuneh , Yimer Solomon , Tadesse Moges , Markos Tesfalidet , Madoro Derebe , Assefa Dawit Getachew , Molla Wondwosen , Abebe Lulu , Molla Alemayehu , Wudneh Aregahegn , Duko Bereket
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Polygamy is commonly referred to as the union of a man with multiple women or the practice of having more than one wife at a time. In Ethiopia, polygamy has practiced in all regions. In particular, the stress of polygamous family life predisposes mothers to psychological problems. Being a serious public health issue, the stressful experience among polygamous women was not known in Ethiopia.

Aim

To explore a stressful life experience among first married polygamous women in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia, 2021.

Methods

This study was conducted using a phenomenological study approach from February 20–30, 2021. A purposive sampling method was used and an in-depth interview was conducted. Data were collected from 13 first married women from polygamous.

Findings

Three themes emerged from the study including reaction to polygamy, socio-economic challenges in polygamy, and bonds of families in polygamy families. The finding indicated that the status of life experience among first married women in a polygamous family was stressful. They experienced various degrees of psychological difficulties including anger, mistrustfulness, emotional distress, loneliness, emptiness, unhappiness, and lack of intimacy with their husbands.

Conclusion and recommendations

This study highlighted how polygamy is a complex issue and common practice in the Gedeo zone. There has to be a mechanism for serious follow-up to educate women properly. A long-lasting measure to empower women in the economy, social, political, and creating a level of consciousness to resist polygamy is important.
iSelf-Help: a co-designed, culturally appropriate, online pain management programme in Aotearoa
Authors: Perry Meredith A. , Devan Hemakumar , Davies Cheryl , Hempel Dagmar , Ingham Tristram , Jones Bernadette , Reid Susan , Saipe Barbara ,   Patient Advisory Group members, Godfrey Hazel , Snaddon Natalie , Morris Lily , Puha Nadine , Haines Bronwyn , Irving Alanna , Brenycz Matthew ,   Technology Design Team, Fa’atafa Paulien , Maclean Kaylee , Bulfin Siobhan , Hale Leigh
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Current best practice recommends group-based pain management programmes for long-term improvements in persistent pain-related disability. However, there are barriers for people to access in-person delivered pain management programmes in Aotearoa.

Aims

To develop a co-designed, culturally responsive, online group-based pain management programme (iSelf-help) for people with persistent pain.

Methods

A modified participatory action research (PAR) framework was used to co-design contents and cultural-appropriateness of iSelf-help. The PAR team included: (1) seven end-users living with persistent pain, who had previously attended an in-person delivered group pain management programme, (2) two pain management clinicians, (3) two health researchers, (4) two digital health experts, and (5) a health literacy expert. Five meetings were held with the PAR group and a Nominal Group Technique was used to rank order the preferred features of content delivery. In parallel, to ensure cultural appropriateness of iSelf-help, three focus groups (n = 15) were held with Māori (the Indigenous population of Aotearoa) living with persistent pain in collaboration with a Māori community health trust. All contents were reviewed by a Māori Health literacy expert and core contents were translated into Te Reo (Māori language). All contents were finalised by iterative discussion among the PAR team and consultation with Māori stakeholders. The preliminary version of iSelf-help was pilot tested with the PAR group participants and Māori community members living with persistent pain and their feedback was included. The iterative co-design process occurred over a period of nine months.

Results

The finalised version of iSelf-help included a total of 130 resources organised in to 12 content relevant online modules plus a dedicated welcoming page and an online community forum. Each module included: short videos, animations explaining main concepts, patient stories, written content to accompany visual content, podcasts of relaxation techniques, illustrated texts, and evidence-summaries. A dedicated module of videos demonstrating cardiovascular and strengthening exercises of varying intensity was also included.

Conclusions

This is the first co-created, culturally appropriate, on-line group pain management programme for people with persistent pain, developed in Aotearoa. The next step is to evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of iSelf-help compared to in-person delivered pain management programme.
Virtual monoenergetic images from photon-counting spectral computed tomography to assess knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Chappard Christine , Abascal Juan , Olivier Cécile , Si-Mohamed Salim , Boussel Loic , Piala Jean Baptiste , Douek Philippe , Peyrin Francoise
Published: February 2022

Background

Dual-energy computed tomography has shown a great interest for musculoskeletal pathologies. Photon-counting spectral computed tomography (PCSCT) can acquire data in multiple energy bins with the potential to increase contrast, especially for soft tissues. Our objectives were to assess the value of PCSST to characterise cartilage and to extract quantitative measures of subchondral bone integrity.

Methods

Seven excised human knees (3 males and 4 females; 4 normal and 3 with osteoarthritis; age 80.6 ± 14 years, mean ± standard deviation) were scanned using a clinical PCSCT prototype scanner. Tomographic image reconstruction was performed after Compton/photoelectric decomposition. Virtual monoenergetic images were generated from 40 keV to 110 keV every 10 keV (cubic voxel size 250 × 250 × 250 μm3). After selecting an optimal virtual monoenergetic image, we analysed the grey level histograms of different tissues and extracted quantitative measurements on bone cysts.

Results

The optimal monoenergetic images were obtained for 60 keV and 70 keV. Visual inspection revealed that these images provide sufficient spatial resolution and soft-tissue contrast to characterise surfaces, disruption, calcification of cartilage, bone osteophytes, and bone cysts. Analysis of attenuation versus energy revealed different energy fingerprint according to tissues. The volumes and numbers of bone cyst were quantified.

Conclusions

Virtual monoenergetic images may provide direct visualisation of both cartilage and bone details. Thus, unenhanced PCSCT appears to be a new modality for characterising the knee joint with the potential to increase the diagnostic capability of computed tomography for joint diseases and osteoarthritis.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mechanisms for protecting children’s rights and the role of psychological services in the juvenile justice system of Russia against the background of international practices
Authors: Orsayeva Raissa , Vasyaev Alexander , Shestak Viktor
Published: February 2022

Background

The study examines children’s rights as a social and legal institution, adapting to the modern context, associated with new views on the psychology of the child and his legal personality. In addition, the study raises the question of the role of medical psychology and psychological practice in the juvenile justice system of Russia from the point of view of the foundations of legal regulation. The research outlines the problems of the implementation of the protection of children’s rights in Russia and suggestions for the legislative improvement of the mechanism. Through the use of the interpretative approach, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is considered as a source of soft law, requiring pluralization of practice pursuant to international rules.

Results

The comparison of the two key approaches to the Convention, the dual status of the child and the public/private dilemma, is a basis for studying current problems in Russia through discourses on rights of a child. The comparison highlights the limitations and peculiarities common to both Russia and foreign states clarifying possible strategies for improving the implementation of rights of a child in different countries. The article examines the current legislation, which sets incentives for the development of the juvenile justice system. The foreign experience has been analyzed and the possibility of its implementation into the national legal system has been considered. It was the legal norms that the research was based on. The analytical framework of the study relies on both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The aim of the current research is to analyze the degree of protection of children’s rights in Russia, as well as the system of juvenile justice. This required the assessment of the current political and cultural context, as well as the moral aspect that affects the development of the mechanism for protecting children’s rights in Russia.

Conclusions

The practical significance of the research carried out implies the possibility of using the results obtained in the development of legislative acts in the field of protecting the rights of children and the juvenile justice system.
Applicability of the mandibular canine index for sex estimation: a systematic review
Authors: Rocha Maille Ferreira Nunes , Pinto Paulo Henrique Viana , Franco Ademir , da Silva Ricardo Henrique Alves
Published: February 2022

Background

The Mandibular Canine Index (MCI) comprises a method of sex estimation by teeth that presents controversial results in the literature.

Main body

This systematic review aims to expose whether MCI can be used as a method of reliable sex estimation. A literature search was performed using the keywords “canine,” “sex,” “gender,” “determination,” “estimation,” “dimorphism,” “assessment,” “forensic” in the databases Pubmed, Scopus, Lilacs, Scielo, and Web of Science. In addition, manual searches were carried out on the reference lists of the selected articles to cover the largest number of articles of interest as possible. Studies that performed the measurements only on maxillary canines, scientific conferences abstract books, case reports and literature reviews were excluded. The assessment of methodological quality and risk of bias was carried out based on a checklist for cross-sectional studies and another for accuracy studies. Thus, 53 articles were selected, 13 of which were accurate and 40 were cross-sectional. All accuracy articles were assessed as low risk. Among cross-sectional articles, seven were considered to be of low risk, 31 of moderate risk, and two of high risk. The accuracy of the sex estimate by MCI was verified and, despite varying among studies, the minimum and maximum values found were, respectively, 20% and 87.5% for women and 40.6% and 94% for men.

Conclusion

The accuracy of the MCI was variable and should be used with caution and as an auxiliary method of sex estimation.
Comparative analysis of functional outcome for CT-based versus MRI-based evaluation in acute ischemic stroke prior to mechanical thrombectomy
Authors: Vajpeyee Atulabh , Tiwari Shivam , Yadav Lokendra Bahadur , Mal Narendra , Vyas Kapil , Juangco Dan Neftalie , Hendrani Sigit Dewanto , Vajpeyee Manisha
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aims to compare functional outcome for Computed tomography (CT)-based versus Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based evaluation in acute ischemic stroke patients prior to Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) in less than 6-h window period in anterior circulation stroke. Participants were patients admitted from September 2, 2018 to September 2, 2020 with an acute ischemic stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy treatment. Total duration of MRI stroke protocol and CT scan with Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was 12 min 57 s, and 9 min 23 s, respectively. Follow-up for periodic Modified Rankin Scale (MRS) was performed at 3 months.

Results

Number of patients included in the study were 152 with mean age of 54.6 (range 22–80) years with male predominance (n = 102). Mean GCS on admission was 12 (4–15) and 13(4–14) in CT and MRI group, respectively. National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) on admission was 17 (4–30) and 16(4–30) and at discharge was 7 (2–23) and 6(2–22) in CT-based group and MRI-based group, respectively. In the MRI group 65.5% had good outcome with mRS (0–2) at 3-month follow-up compared to 35.51% in CT group.

Conclusion

The current standard neuroimaging in acute ischemic stroke patients is CT and CTA brain. Using MRI over CT scan for acute ischemic stroke may improve clinical outcomes for the subgroup of patients who have an unclear diagnosis and who have higher risk of complications with MT. Even though MRI and MRA take longer period to acquire, patient’s clinical outcome was better in MRI group in comparison to CT group and was comparable to that of the five major endovascular trials.
Identification of bovine respiratory disease through the nasal microbiome
Authors: Centeno-Martinez Ruth Eunice , Glidden Natalie , Mohan Suraj , Davidson Josiah Levi , Fernández-Juricic Esteban , Boerman Jacquelyn P. , Schoonmaker Jon , Pillai Deepti , Koziol Jennifer , Ault Aaron , Verma Mohit S. , Johnson Timothy A.
Published: February 2022

Background

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is an ongoing health and economic challenge in the dairy and beef cattle industries. Multiple risk factors make an animal susceptible to BRD. The presence ofMannheimia haemolytica,Pasteurella multocida,Histophilus somni, andMycoplasma bovisin lung tissues have been associated with BRD mortalities, but they are also commonly present in the upper respiratory tract of healthy animals. This study aims to compare the cattle nasal microbiome (diversity, composition and community interaction) and the abundance of BRD pathogens (by qPCR) in the nasal microbiome of Holstein steers that are apparently healthy (Healthy group, n = 75) or with BRD clinical signs (BRD group, n = 58). We then used random forest models based on nasal microbial community and qPCR results to classify healthy and BRD-affected animals and determined the agreement with the visual clinical signs. Additionally, co-occurring species pairs were identified in visually BRD or healthy animal groups.

Results

Cattle in the BRD group had lower alpha diversity than pen-mates in the healthy group. Amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) fromTrueperella pyogenes,BibersteiniaandMycoplasmaspp. were increased in relative abundance in the BRD group, while ASVs fromMycoplasma bovirhinisandClostridiumsensu stricto were increased in the healthy group. Prevalence ofH. somni(98%) andP. multocida(97%) was high regardless of BRD clinical signs whereasM. haemolytica(81 and 61%, respectively) andM. bovis(74 and 51%, respectively) were more prevalent in the BRD group than the healthy group. In the BRD group, the abundance ofM. haemolyticaandM. boviswas increased, whileH. somniabundance was decreased. Visual observation of clinical signs agreed with classification by the nasal microbial community (misclassification rate of 32%) and qPCR results (misclassification rate 34%). Co-occurrence analysis demonstrated that the nasal microbiome of BRD-affected cattle presented fewer bacterial associations than healthy cattle.

Conclusions

This study offers insight into the prevalence and abundance of BRD pathogens and the differences in the nasal microbiome between healthy and BRD animals. This suggests that nasal bacterial communities provide a potential platform for future studies and potential pen-side diagnostic testing.
Nitrogen bound to manure fiber is increased by applications of simple phenolic acids
Authors: Halvorson Jonathan J. , Kronberg Scott L. , Christensen Rachael G. , Hagerman Ann E. , Archer David W.
Published: February 2022

Background

Polyphenolic compounds like tannins can increase nitrogen (N) excreted in feces when consumed by ruminants but less often noted is increased N in fecal acid detergent fiber (ADF-N). Some simple phenolics are thought to facilitate binding interactions between nitrogenous compounds and soil. We hypothesized that contact with common phenolic acids, such as found in crops, could increase ADF-N, in excreted manure.

Methods

We performed two separate experiments to test our hypothesis. In the first experiment, we applied three solutions (i.e., 0.001, 0.01, 0.1 M) of sodium benzoate (B0), sodium 4-hydroxybenzoate (B1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (B2), gallic acid (B3), ammonium benzoate (AB), and ammonium chloride (AC) to dried pulverized manure and measured ADF-N. In the second experiment we modified the methodology, by applying more compounds at a single concentration (0.001 M) and including an added nitrogen (NH4Cl) treatment.

Results

We found a statistically significant interaction between treatment and concentration in the first experiment (P < 0.0001), but the main effects were inconsistent and there was no significant difference between the treatment means and the control mean (samples treated with water). Conversely, we observed a significant treatment effect in the second experiment (P < 0.0001), but no significant effect of the added N or interaction. Samples treated with water, B0, or B3 were similar and indistinguishable from untreated manure. The treatment with B1, caffeic acid, (CAF), or B2 increased ADF-N from 13.2 to 17.5% while +(−)catechin (CAT), and p-coumaric acid (p-COUM), increased it by 19.7 and 22.2% respectively. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ferulic acid (FER) increased ADF-N by 32.6 and 34.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

The results support our hypothesis that N in manure can complex with manure ADF following exposure to benzoic acid and especially cinnamic acid derivatives. This resulted in greater amounts of N bound to relatively recalcitrant fibers in excreted manure. Thus, N mineralization may be impacted by increasing or decreasing the amount of N bound to manure fibers or other recalcitrant soil compounds such as lignin, but it is unclear whether such N would be less available to plants, or for volatilization, or leaching.
Food matters: Anorexia nervosa and the microbiome: First findings of a European cooperation
Authors: Herpertz-Dahlmann B. , Seitz J. , Adan R. , Fetissov S. , Baines J. , Karwautz A. , Van Elburg A.
Published: February 2022

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most common chronic disorders in adolescence with still high mortality rates. Knowledge on gut-brain interaction might help to develop new treatments, as severe starvation-induced changes of the microbiome in AN-patients have been demonstrated, which do not alleviate with weight gain. In our own pilot study alpha-diversity was increased in patients with AN after short-term weight recovery, while beta diversity showed clear group differences with healthy controls before and after weight gain. A reduction of taxa belonging to Enterobacteriaceae at admission and discharge and an increase in taxa belonging to Lachnospiraceae at discharge were typically found in patients with AN. The work plan of our European project comprises an observational study and two phase II RCTs with the application of omega-3-PUFA and a multistrain psychobiotic to both, humans and rodents. With the help of a well-established animal model for AN (activity-based anorexia, ABA), the effect of stool transplants from patients to rodents will be analysed. Longitudinal MRI will be conducted in rodents together with cellular and molecular brain analyses. In addition, immune response and circulating antibodies associated with the presence of certain bacterial strains and interaction with hunger and satiety hormones will be explored. We hope that by this translational research we may systematically investigate the role of an altered microbiome for the course of AN and to identify new therapeutic tools.

Disclosure

This project is funded by ERA-NET of the European Union.
Stratification of a medium secure forensic care pathway according to risk and need: A study from dundrum hospital
Authors: Basrak N. , Khogali Y. , Twomey R. , O’Leary C. , Prashant D. , Elamin M. Elhassan , Kennedy H. , Davoren M.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Secure forensic mental health services have a dual role, to treat mental illness and reduce violent recidivism. Those admitted to secure forensic services have a significant history of violence and treatment needs in multiple domains including psychiatric illness, violence and other areas such as substance misuse and physical health.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to ascertain if the units in a medium secure forensic hospital are stratified according to individual risks and needs. We also aimed to clarify if there were differences in the symptom level, risks and needs of those with and without community leave and to clarify the risks and needs of the female patients and ID patients.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study a cohort of patients (n=138) in a secure forensic hospital.

Results

There was a total of 138 patients, the majority of whom were male (n=123, 89.1%). The most common diagnosis was schizophrenia (n=99, 71.7%). Placements in the care pathway of the medium secure forensic hospital were associated with level of symptomatology (PANSS positive), dynamic violence risk (F=26.880,P<0.001), DUNDRUM-3 therapeutic programme completion (F=44.067,P<0.001), and DUNDRUM 4 recovery (F=59.629,P<0.001). Patients with community leave had better scores than those without leave on violence risk (F=77.099, P<0.001), therapeutic programme completion (F=116.072, P<0.001) and recovery (F=172.211, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Stratifying secure forensic psychiatric hospitals according to individual risks and needs provides in-patient care in the least restrictive setting appropriate for individuals, however niche groups such as female forensic patients and ID patients may need special consideration.
Baclofen approval in france: A balance between two conceptions of medicine
Authors: Rolland B.
Published: February 2022

In October 2018, France became the first country to officially approve baclofen for alcohol use disorder (AUD), even if the French Drug Agency (ANSM) officially stated that the efficacy of baclofen in AUD could be not established at this stage, in the light of the available evidence. The decision of the ANSM comprised obvious political aspects, as baclofen approval followed a decade-long practice of off-label prescription, where doses used could reach 300 mg per day or more. This situation led to a prolonged and ferocious debate between those who questioned such a widespread and unevidenced practice, and those who defended the place of an “common sense” empirical medicine. The French story of baclofen echoes other similar controversial off-label prescribing practices in the country, from the pioneer use buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in the 1990s, to the more recent off-label use of hydroxychloroquine during the COVID-19 outbreak. In each case, similar “pros” and “cons” arguments were opposed, highlighting the difficult interpenetration between evidence-based medicine on the one hand, and on-the-ground practice on the other hand.

Disclosure

Benjamin Rolland declare having received fees for lectures and expertise from Ethypharm. He was the principal investigator of a phase-1 study funded by Ethypharm
Dangerousness assessment in psychiatric inpatients suffering from psychotic disorders
Authors: Khouadja S. , Melki R. , Taleb C. Ben , Zarrouk L.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Dangerousness is a state in which a person is likely to commit violent acts.

Objectives

Describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of psychiatric inpatients hospitalized in the locked unit and suffering from schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders and to assess their dangerousness.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study carried out in the locked unit of psychiatric department of the University Hospital of Mahdia during one year. We have collected data of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders according to DSM 5. Psychometric assessment was done using the BPRS, the PANSS, the VRAG and the HCR-20 scales.

Results

We have included 173 patients. The average age was 36 years with a sex ratio of 9. The majority of our patients were unmarried and of a low economic level. Alcohol and cannabis consumption was found in 7.6% and in 5.7% of cases respectively. A history of incarceration was found in 79% of cases. Homicide was the infraction the most committed in 8% of cases. 71.2% of patients had an anterior hospitalization in the locked unit. Aggressiveness and instability were the main indication for hospitalization. The diagnosis was schizophrenia in 84% of cases. Patients were treated with classic antipsychotic drugs in 55.8% of cases. Non-adherence to treatment was reported in 33% of cases. The average score of psychometric scales were BPRS = 21.4; VRAG = - 4.87 and HCR-20 = 17± 0.87.

Conclusions

Our study showed comparable assessments for dangerousness with the literature. Evaluating dangerousness should represent the first step of the therapeutic process.
Elderly criminal patients in Razi psychiatric hospital of tunis
Authors: Jemli H. , Jomli R. , Rym H. , Bouslama I. , Ahmed A. Ben Cheikh , Nacef F.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Criminality has become of increasing concern in the practice of psychiatry. However, violence among elderly psychiatric patients is an underestimated and understudied phenomenon.

Objectives

The aim of the study is to identify differences in the socio-demographic, clinical and criminological profiles between elderly criminals under treatment for psychiatric disorders and those not known to have mental disorders prior to the criminal offense in Tunisia.

Methods

We present a retrospective study on twenty male criminal mental patients, aged sixty years or older, who were hospitalized in the Forensic Psychiatry Department of Razi Hospital during 18 years, following a dismissal for insanity under Article 38 of the Penal Code and Article 29 of Law 92/83 on Mental Health.

Results

Prevalence was higher among elderly criminals without a known psychiatric history (2.42% versus 1.98%). The average age was roughly the same, around 73 years old.Neurological and cardiovascular histories were the most common in both groups. The criminal act was indicative of dementia in 8 cases. Criminal history was more frequent in elderly patients with a personal psychiatric history (55.5% versus 18.2%). Patients whose act was revelatory of their mental disorder committed more violent crimes (63.7% versus 44.4%) using blunt objects (71.4% versus 0%).The victim most often belonged to the aggressor’s family, particularly the spouse (87.5%).

Conclusions

Screening for criminal risk factors in the elderly, early diagnosis of mental disorders and a comprehensive therapeutic project are necessary to prevent the risk of violent behaviour.
Cognitive styles and specific learning disorders in children and adolescents
Authors: Galletta D. , D’Amaro M. , Celentano S. , Santoriello C. , Passerini R.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Learning Difficulties relates to significant and unusual difficulties in the acquisition and use of one or more of the following areas: listening, speaking, reading, writing and mathematical skills. In the last twenty years, following the research conducted by cognitive psychology, from neuropsychology, from pedagogy and from the confrontation between educators and psychologists, the attention was focused on the cognitive modalities of the subjects engaged in learning tasks.

Objectives

Thanks to the study of cognitive styles and Learning Styles thelearning subject was placed at the center of the educational project, stimulating from on the one hand there is also reflection on teaching styles and the most appropriate ones methodologies, teaching methods and methods of approaching the individual disciplines and, on the other hand, prompting clinicians to research around the intellectual peculiarities of each subject and a outline a descriptive criterion of his / her cognitive functioning profile.

Methods

The intellectual scale (WISC IV) of 32 children (aged between 7 and 15 years) with specific learning disabilities was analyzed, in order to highlight the underlying intellectual functioning and any cognitive styles.

Results

According to the international scientific literature, the results show a greater fall in the area of working memory, followed by the cognitive domain concerning processing speed.

Conclusions

In detail, by analyzing the individual subtests, greater difficulties are noted, at all ages, in the processes of abstraction and conceptualization, in short-term auditory memory, in the speed of processing and visual-praxic motor coordination.
An outpatient clinic for integrative mental health: Patient and treatment characteristics and health outcomes based on patient reported routine outcome monitoring data
Authors: Hoenders R. , Bartels A. , Castelein S. , Visser E. , Booij S.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

There is an increasing interest in integrative (mental) health care and a growth in centers offering such services, but a paucity of research on patient characteristics, diagnosis, treatments offered, the effects of those treatments and patient satisfaction.

Objectives

To examine the course of mental health outcomes in the context of the nature and quality of care of outpatients at a center for integrative psychiatry in the Netherlands, as well as relevant sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment-related moderators of this course.

Methods

Baseline patient demographics, clinical and treatment characteristics of 537 patients with a completed care episode between 2012 and 2019 were assessed. Satisfaction and mental health treatment outcomes were examined using routine outcome monitoring and analyzed with multilevel intention-to-treat models.

Results

Two thirds of patients were woman (median age 41 years), predominantly with a primary diagnosis of mood or anxiety disorder. Mean number of treatment sessions was 49 (SD=94) and total clinical time was 54 hours (SD=109). Mean treatment duration was 460 days (SD=407). Ninety percent of the sample filled out one or more assessment(s). Of the individuals with a baseline assessment, 50% completed a follow-up. Significant improvements in symptomatology, social functioning, interpersonal functioning, wellbeing, resilience and quality of life were found. Clinical and scientific interpretation, moderator analyses and patient satisfaction will be presented at the conference.

Conclusions

Although no definite conclusions can be drawn due to the naturalistic design and missing data, especially at follow-up, patients seem to improve on all measured domains, including psychopathology, functioning and wellbeing.
Scope: A new service supporting family doctors dealing with psychiatric patients in the community: Current utilization and quality improvement implementation protocol in the covid era
Authors: Hytman L. , Bolea-Alamañac B.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Seamless Care-Optimizing Patients Experience-Mental Health (SCOPE-MH) is a hub-based integrative case management and psychiatric care program supporting family physicians (FPs). SCOPE-MH provides patient resource navigation, social support, counselling, psychiatric consults, and short-term follow-up. Due to COVID-19, SCOPE-MH pivoted to serve patients completely online.

Objectives

To assess current utilization and evaluate patients’ and FPs’ experiences using SCOPE-MH as an online service before and during COVID-19.

Methods

This evaluation was developed under the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance). Two surveys, one for Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMS), and one seeking FPs perspective on the service, will complement the evaluation.

Results

Past data showed that 66.4% of referrals to SCOPE-MH were women (ages 14-97), and 33.6% were men (ages 14-91). The most common diagnoses were anxiety and depression, followed by adjustment reaction and PTSD. 72% of referred patients had more than one psychiatric diagnosis. 35.4% of the referrals were resource navigation and brief coordination of care. 39.2% required long term involvement. The main recommendations provided were counselling resources in the community and referral to local community mental health teams. Data on patient and FP experiences using SCOPE-MH, and perspectives on unique needs for psychiatric care in COVID-19, is still being collected. Surveys will be sent within 6 months.

Conclusions

SCOPE-MH is an effective model to support FP’s addressing patients’ psychiatric needs. The information obtained from the evaluation will be used to modify the online service to address unmet needs during COVID-19 and optimize current resources to serve more patients.
Ranzcp efforts to improve access to funded treatments
Authors: Allan J.
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Australia has a universal health insurance scheme covering part costs for private mental health care and which supports the public system. The Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) schedule provides a recommended fee for each service, the amount the Australian Government thinks the service should cost. Many patients still pay a gap fee for the service. Similarly a system for medications, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of medicines for most medical conditions. As new evidence emerges in the treatment of psychiatric conditions, it is important that the MBS and PBS are updated so patients receive subsidised best practice treatment.

Objectives

To provide an overview of RANZCP efforts to expand treatment availability through evidence and advocacy to government.

Methods

The RANZCP made submissions to the independent Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) requesting an MBS listing for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment of antidepressant medication-resistant major depressive disorder. Submissions were made to the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to request ability to prescribe quetiapine in 25mg ranges for maintenance therapy.

Results

Following RANZCP submissions, the MSAC supported public funding for initial treatment with rTMS for adults with major depression who have tried antidepressant medicine or psychological therapy and remain unwell. The PBAC has recommended changes allowing prescription of 25mg quetiapine tablets for maintenance therapy for acute mania, bipolar 1 disorder and in the treatment of schizophrenia following RANZCP submission.

Conclusions

The RANZCP has achieved access to treatments to provide optimal symptom relief for people living with mental illness.