Nevin Manimala

Psychiatriki. 2021 Aug 5. doi: 10.22365/jpsych.2021.026. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Τhe severity and variation of depressive symptoms (DS), among psychotic individuals under involuntary hospitalization is unclear. We investigated the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of psychotic adults with DS involuntarily hospitalized for compulsory treatment in Cyprus. We also evaluated the psychometric properties (internal consistency, known-group and discriminant validity) of the HDRS-17 and HAM-A for the assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. A descriptive correlational study with cross-sectional comparisons was applied. Data on demographics, cognitive functioning (MoCA scale), depressive (HDRS-17 scale), anxiety (HAM-A scale) and psychotic (PANSS scale) symptoms were collected (December 2016 -February 2018). Following informed consent, the sample included 406 patients. Among them, 21 males and 23 females reported DS (HDRS-17 total score ≥8). The latter were mainly Greek-Cypriots (61.4%), 45-65 years old (38.6%), single (77.3%), unemployed (72.7%), mainly admitted due to aggressiveness towards others (47.7%), most frequently diagnosed with a bipolar disorder (59.1%). The mean score (M) in the HDRS-17 was 30.72 (scale range: 8-50; Standard Deviation [SD]: 10.42). The highest mean score (M) per item was in the variables “Suicide behavior”‘(M:3.09; SD:1.09) and “Depressive mood” (M=2.95; SD=1.07). The DS group (HDRS-17 score≥8) reported higher PANSS positive symptoms subscale score (t-test, p=0.003) and HAM-A total score (t-test, p=0.05) compared to the non-DS group (HDRS-17 score<8). In multivariable logistic regression analysis only female sex [OR (95%CI) = 3.28 (1.33.-8.04), p=0.01)] and a mood disorder diagnosis [OR95% CI: 15.22(4.13.-56.14), p<0.0001)] retained a statistically significant association with DS. Cronbach’ s alpha was 0.827 for the HDRS, and 0.763 for the HAM-A. The present findings partially support the known-group validity of the HDRS-17 and the ΗΑΜ-Α, and the discriminant validity of the HDRS-17 in psychotic patients under involuntary hospitalization. Additionally, the most frequent diagnosis in the DS group was a bipolar disorder, and the most frequent admission cause was aggressiveness towards others; it is possible that the majority of the DS group participants were patients with a bipolar disorder in episodes with mixed features, presenting simultaneously depressive symptoms and aggressiveness. Further studies on relapse prevention regarding this clinical group are proposed, as well as studies on specificity and sensitivity of the HDRS-17 and HAM-A.

PMID:34390553 | DOI:10.22365/jpsych.2021.026

Int J Prison Health. 2021 Aug 16;ahead-of-print(ahead-of-print). doi: 10.1108/IJPH-12-2020-0103.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the intensity of perceived stress and measure the subjective control of anxiety, anger and depression in a group of women and men staying in Polish penitentiary institutions.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The research was carried out in two penitentiary institutions located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship at the turn of 2019/2020. The study group consisted of 152 prisoners. In the cross-sectional study, two standardised research tools – the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Control Scale – were used.

FINDINGS: Over half of the prisoners (57.24%) presented a high level of stress. The intensity of the perceived stress did not depend on the gender and age of the convicted persons. The general indicator of emotional control among the respondents averaged 51.82 points (standard deviation = 14.52) and ranged from 22 to 83 points, which means that people detained in penitentiary institutions suppressed their negative emotions at an average level. The prisoners had the best control over fear (M = 18.68), less over anger (M = 16.86) and the least over depression (M = 16.27). Statistical analysis showed a correlation between the level of emotional control and the intensity of perceived stress.

RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The small sample size of the group participating in the study and narrowing of the research area means that results can not be generalised across all isolated prison population.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results obtained from the study can be used by a multidisciplinary team to develop therapeutic programmes for convicted persons, the aim of which is to evaluate strategies for coping with stress and controlling emotions.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Popularising reliable information related to the issue of experiencing stress and varied emotions in those staying in penitentiary institutions may lead to the elimination of harmful stereotypes functioning in society, as well as reduce the phenomenon of marginalisation of prisoners, and thus contribute to the success of the social rehabilitation process.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Research on the level of stress intensity in prisoners is important because the rates of mental health disorders among prisoners consistently exceed the rates of such disorders in the general population.

PMID:34390549 | DOI:10.1108/IJPH-12-2020-0103

Vet Med Sci. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/vms3.600. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Abortion, causes by several infectious and non-infectious factors is one of the most critical health problems of cattle in Ethiopia. Thus, this study aimed to assess knowledge and perception of the community about potential causes of abortion and case-control study of brucellosis as a cause of abortion in cattle of study districts.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and October 2017 in selected districts of the Jimma zone using a questionnaire survey. Based on the questionnaire survey, we also carried out a case-control study (141 cases and 282 controls) to confirm whether the most frequently mentioned disease (brucellosis) is associated with abortion. The blood samples were collected from both cases and controls cattle groups and then serum was separated. The presence of antibody against Brucella organism in serum was first tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and all RBPT positive samples were confirmed using the Complement Fixation Test (CFT).

RESULTS: From a total of 180 randomly selected respondents, the majority (59.4%) of them attributed abortion to infectious diseases. Based on the questionnaire survey, brucellosis, leptospirosis and listeriosis were identified as the major infectious causes of abortion in the areas. Physical injuries, shortage of feed and toxic substances were observed as less important non-infection causes of abortion in the study areas. This study also identified improper disposal of aborted materials and birth products, use of communal bulls, sharing communal grazing areas and water sources which favour disease transmission. Exposure to Brucella organism was higher among cases (6.4%) than controls (2.8%) with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.042).

CONCLUSION: Brucellosis is the most important infectious cause of cattle abortion in this study. Thus, important to conduct appropriate control methods and increasing public awareness of the zoonotic transmission of brucellosis are suggested. This finding also recommended the need for further study to isolate and characterise brucellosis as a cause of abortion in cattle.

PMID:34390542 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.600

Microsc Res Tech. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/jemt.23905. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

A study of image analysis of Ti_1-x Al_x N films deposited on corning glass substrates by a direct current (DC)/radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering system was performed. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) data were studied to understand how the impact of the concentration of Al content influences the 3D surface morphology as well as the surface texture parameters. The results showed that the superficial morphology was modified by the increase of Al content in the Ti_1-x Al_x N films, as well as the surface microtexture. It has also been observed that the Ti_1-x Al_x N film surface with the highest aluminum (Al) doping concentration presented a similar surface morphology to pristine titanium nitride (TiN) thin films. The Abbott-Firestone curves for all films exhibited an S-like shape suggesting topographic uniformity and Gaussian distribution of heights. An increase in surface uniformity is observed with Al concentration. The characterization of the surface morphology of Ti_1-x Al_x N films by the evaluation of surface statistical parameters suggests that the surface topography can be adjusted by suitable doping of aluminum and offers a deeper understanding of the applicability of these films.

PMID:34390538 | DOI:10.1002/jemt.23905

Vet Med Sci. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/vms3.603. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, chronic enteropathies and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) have a high prevalence in German Shepherd dogs (GSD). This prospective study determined the prevalence of faecal IgA deficiency (IgAD) in GSD and investigated several candidate genes and the canine genome for a region or locus co-segregating with IgAD in GSD. Faecal IgA concentrations were quantified and genomic DNA was extracted from 8 GSD with an undetectable faecal IgA (classified as IgAD) and 80 non-IgAD GSD. The canine minimal screening set II microsatellite markers were genotyped, with evidence of an association at p < 1.0 × 10^-3 . Faecal IgA concentrations were also tested for an association with patient clinical and biochemical variables.

RESULTS: Allele frequencies observed using the candidate gene approach were not associated with faecal IgAD in GSD. In the genome-wide association study (GWAS), the microsatellite marker FH2361 on canine chromosome 33 approached statistical significance for a link with IgAD in GSD (p = 1.2 × 10^-3 ). A subsequent GWAS in 11 GSD with EPI and 80 control GSD revealed a significant association between EPI and FH2361 (p = 8.2 × 10^-4 ).

CONCLUSIONS: The lack of an association with the phenotype of faecal IgAD in GSD using the candidate gene approach and GWAS might suggests that faecal IgAD in GSD is a relative or transient state of deficiency. However, the prevalence of faecal IgAD in GSD appears to be low (<3%). The relationship between faecal IgAD, EPI and loci close to FH2361 on canine chromosome 33 in GSD warrants further investigation.

PMID:34390535 | DOI:10.1002/vms3.603

J Magn Reson Imaging. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/jmri.27890. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) are morphological features of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. However, their relationship to circulating lipoproteins is unclear.

PURPOSE: To study associations between changes in lipoproteins vs. changes in LRNC (represented by fat fraction [FF]) and IPH (represented by R2*).

STUDY TYPE: Prospective.

SUBJECTS: Fifty-two patients with carotid plaques, 33 males (63.5%), mean age 72 (±5).

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: Four-point fast gradient Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify FF and R2* (to measure IPH) inside plaques and in vessel wall. Turbo-spin echo was used for T₁ weighted sequences to guide manual segmentation.

ASSESSMENT: Carotid MRI and serum lipid levels were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. For patients, lipid-lowering therapy was customized to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels below 1.8 mmol/L. Segmentation was performed with one set of regions of interest for the plaque and one for the vessel wall at the location of the plaque. Thereby MRI data for FF, R2*, and volumes in plaque- and vessel-wall segmentations could be obtained from baseline and follow-up, as well as changes over the study year.

STATISTICAL TESTS: Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations. Paired samples t-test for changes over time. Significance at P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS: LDL decreased significantly (2.19-1.88 mmol/L, Z – 2.9), without correlation to changes in plaque composition, nor to the significant reduction in vessel-wall volume (-106.3 mm³ ). Plaque composition remained unchanged, FF +8.5% (P = 0.366) and R2* +3.5% (P = 0.304). Compared to plaque segmentations, R2* was significantly lower in the vessel-wall segmentations both at baseline (-9.3%) and at follow-up (-9.1%).

DATA CONCLUSION: The absence of correlations between changes in lipoproteins and changes in plaque composition indicates more complex relationships between these parameters than previously anticipated. The significant differences in both R2* and volume dynamics comparing plaque segmentations and vessel-wall segmentations suggest differences in their pathobiology of atherosclerosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

PMID:34390516 | DOI:10.1002/jmri.27890

Eur J Neurosci. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1111/ejn.15411. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Alcohol consumption is commonly initiated during adolescence but the effects on human brain development remain unknown. In this multi-site study, we investigated the longitudinal associations of adolescent alcohol use and brain morphology. Three longitudinal cohorts in the Netherlands (BrainScale n=200, BrainTime n=239, and a subsample of the Generation R study n=318) of typically developing participants aged between 8-29 years were included. Adolescent alcohol use was self-reported. Longitudinal neuroimaging data were collected for at least two time points. Processing pipelines and statistical analyses were harmonized across cohorts. Main outcomes were global and regional brain volumes, which were a priori selected. Linear mixed effect models were used to test main effects of alcohol use and interaction effects of alcohol use with age in each cohort separately. Alcohol use was associated with adolescent’s brain morphology showing accelerated decrease in gray matter volumes, in particular in the frontal and cingulate cortex volumes, and decelerated increase in white matter volumes. No dose-response association was observed. The findings were most prominent and consistent in the older cohorts (BrainScale and BrainTime). In summary, this longitudinal study demonstrated differences in neurodevelopmental trajectories of gray and white matter volume in adolescents who consume alcohol compared to non-users. These findings highlight the importance to further understand underlying neurobiological mechanisms when adolescents initiate alcohol consumption. Therefore, further studies need to determine to what extent this reflects the causal nature of this association, as this longitudinal observational study does not allow for causal inference.

PMID:34390509 | DOI:10.1111/ejn.15411

J Sci Food Agric. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1002/jsfa.11478. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Microwave sensor technology is considered to be a non-destructive and hygienic means for food evaluation and analysis. The rapid progress in microwave sensor technologies motivate to present a novel monkey-wrench shaped Microstrip Patch Sensor (MPS) for evaluating food quality. The proposed antenna is considered as a liquid sensor to detect adulteration in liquids by examining the relationship between concentration, shift in resonant frequency and variation in reflection coefficient.

RESULTS: The sensor has a compact size of 17×14 mm² imprinted on FR4 substrate of thickness 1.57 mm. This microwave system is proposed for monitoring the overall milk quality using microstrip sensor and has considerably good numerical sensitivity and accuracy i.e. 13.11% and 88.5% respectively which makes the system attractive for detecting adulteration. Further, the Q-factor for proposed sensor is 209 and has a standard deviation less than the difference between non-adulterated and adulterated values, giving resolution high enough to distinguish adulteration with an acceptable statistical accuracy. In this study, different milk categories such as buffalo, goat and cow milk are considered as liquid samples to detect adulteration by demonstrating the variation in reflection coefficient due to change in dielectric properties for different cases viz.: (i) adulteration of milk with water, (ii) adulteration of milk with synthetic milk powder, (iii) adulteration of milk with caustic soda & (iv) adulteration of milk with vegetable oil. The referred variation in reflection coefficient and resonant frequency is due to change in the dielectric properties of a liquid when a varying concentration of an adulterant/solute is added to the liquid sample.

CONCLUSION: The simulated and measured results show good agreement that validates the proposed sensor for food adulteration detection with high sensitivity. In terms of performance, the proposed sensor shows accuracy with high spatial resolution and reduced penetration depth to detect the adulteration in various milk samples i.e. buffalo, goat and cow milk. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

PMID:34390496 | DOI:10.1002/jsfa.11478

CJEM. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s43678-021-00173-0. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We sought to evaluate the factors associated with better outcomes for emergency department (ED) patients treated for primary headache.

METHODS: This was a health records review of consecutive patients over a 3-month period presenting to two tertiary EDs and discharged with a diagnosis of primary headache. The primary outcome was the need for second round medications, defined as medications received > 1 h after the initial physician-ordered medications were administered. We performed multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine treatment factors associated with need for second round medications.

RESULTS: We included 553 patients, mean age was 42.2 years and 72.9% were females. The most common diagnoses were headache not otherwise specified (48.8%) and migraine (43%). Ketorolac IV (62.2%) and metoclopramide IV (70.2%) were the most frequently administered medications. 18% of patients met the primary outcome. Dopamine antagonists (OR 0.3 [95% CI 0.1-0.5]) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (OR 0.5 [95% CI 0.3-0.8]) ordered with initial medications were associated with reduced need for second round medications. Intravenous fluid boluses ≥ 500 ml (OR 2.8 [95% CI: 1.5-5.2]) and non-dopamine antagonist antiemetics (OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.2-4.2]) were associated with increased need. Opioid use approached statistical significance for receiving second round medication (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION: We determined that use of dopamine antagonists and NSAIDs were associated with a reduced need for second round medications in ED primary headache patients. Conversely, non-dopamine antagonist antiemetic medications and intravenous fluids were associated with a significantly increased need for second round medications. Careful choice of initial therapy may optimize management for these patients.

PMID:34390484 | DOI:10.1007/s43678-021-00173-0

Mol Neurobiol. 2021 Aug 14. doi: 10.1007/s12035-021-02513-8. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

We read with great interest the article by Kurt and colleagues. The authors, using microarray in clinical samples, found altered expression of lncRNAs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The findings from this study may open a door to the understanding of AD pathogenesis targeted by lncRNAs. In our opinion, it is necessary to further clarify the data analysis strategy of this study. According to the authors’ description, they seem to use unadjusted p values and fold change of expression values when defining significantly differentially expressed lncRNAs in PBMCs of subjects with probable AD and healthy control groups. However, due to the characteristics of lncRNA and high false positives caused by multiple comparisons, t-test is not suitable for high-level microarray analysis. It seems that a specialized high-level microarray analysis method is essential to reach a reliable result. Accurate analysis results will provide a convincing basis for subsequent experiments.

PMID:34390470 | DOI:10.1007/s12035-021-02513-8