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Caregivers can play an important role in supporting and caring for people with progressive, life-threatening, or debilitating conditions. However, this supportive role can expose caregivers to various detrimental financial, physical, and psychosocial issues. When evaluating medical technologies for reimbursement decisions, health technology assessment (HTA) agencies typically focus on the treatment’s impact on patients and ignore or downplay the impact on caregivers. Including caregiver impacts within a wider societal perspective may better enable health systems to maximize health benefits from available resources. However, the lack of clear guidance or methodological recommendations from decision makers on the inclusion of caregiver impacts limits the number of HTA submissions that consider these effects. We outline a conceptual framework based on intensity and duration of caregiving to guide researchers, industry, and decision makers when developing policies for the inclusion of caregiver outcomes and justify their inclusion based on expected caregiver burden in identified circumstances.
Breast cancer patients and survivors deal with physical and psychological challenges due to oncological treatments. The existing literature highlights the importance of compassion in reducing the main cancer-related effects in terms of emotions, quality of life, and dysfunctional coping skills. Over the past few years, compassion-based interventions (CBIs) have been considered an interesting approach to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms and improve quality of life and well-being. However, there have not been many studies that show the benefits of these interventions in breast cancer patients and survivors. The primary objective of this systematic review is to provide evidence of the impact of CBIs on specific variables identified in the literature as affected by this pathology. The variables that will be studied are (a) emotional issues (e.g., anxiety, stress, and depression symptoms); (b) quality of life; and (c) positive coping skills. A systematic search during the previous 10 years up to November 2023 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines across multiple databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and Scopus. Nine eligible randomized controlled trials were included in this article, with a total of 813 breast cancer patients and survivors. Findings show that CBIs increased compassion, mindful observation, and acting with awareness skills, leading to a significant reduction of anxiety and stress levels, depression, and negative affect. Additionally, less body image distress and greater body appreciation were reported as a consequence of the interventions. This review shows the CBI’s efficacy on emotions, positive coping skills, and quality of life in breast cancer patients and survivors. Guidelines for future studies are listed to promote CBIs as a clinically useful intervention for breast cancer patients and survivors.
Healthcare stakeholders in Latin America, including payers, manufacturers, and patients, seek to expedite access to technologies. However, uncertainty sometimes surrounds their true benefits and budgetary implications. Managed entry agreements (MEAs) are proposed to address this uncertainty by redistributing risks among key actors.
Objectives
The objective of Health Technology Assessment International’s 2023 Latin American Policy Forum was to examine the potential utility of MEA in technology reimbursement and decision-making processes in the region.
Methods
This article is based on a background document, a survey, and the deliberative work of the country representatives and others who participated in the Policy Forum.
Results
Interest in MEA in Latin America is increasing, with financial agreements being more prevalent than those based on clinical outcomes. During the Policy Forum, potential barriers to MEA implementation were identified, such as the lack of legal frameworks, insufficient reliable data, and, in some cases, distrust among stakeholders. Some potential solutions were also identified, including early stakeholder involvement to enhance dialogue and understanding, and piloting shorter-duration MEA to facilitate the revision of agreement terms, especially in situations of epidemiological uncertainty.
Conclusions
The Policy Forum served as a valuable platform for discussing the importance of flexible MEA implementation that acknowledges data uncertainty, promotes transparent dialogue to incorporate opinions and values from all stakeholders, and develops legal frameworks to support effective technology access schemes in Latin America.
One type of computational indeterminacy arises from partitioning a system’s physical state space into state types that correspond to the abstract state types underlying the computation concerned. The mechanistic individuative strategy posits that computation can be uniquely identified through either narrow physical properties exclusively or wide, proximal properties. The semantic strategy posits that computation should be uniquely identified through semantic properties. We develop, and defend, an alternative functional individuative strategy that appeals—when needed—to wide, distal functions. We claim that there is no actual computation outside of a functional context. Desiderata for the underlying notion of teleofunction are discussed.
Mental health in the deaf community is a complex issue. Challenges in diagnosis and treatment arise from a lack of experienced interpreters and difficulties in translating Sign Language to spoken language. Deaf individuals, due to auditory limitations, are more vulnerable to abuse, increasing their risk of mental health disorders, including bipolar affective disorder (BPAD). BPAD is a prevalent, debilitating condition with varied prevalence estimates. Managing it is tough due to its lifelong, unpredictable nature. A new approach called Psychiatric Home Hospitalization Unit aims to provide acute mental health care at home as an alternative to hospitalization.
Objectives
To show the management of severe bipolar disorder with comorbidity from a Psychiatric Home Hospitalization Unit
Methods
A clinical case of bipolar disorder with deafness attended at the Psychiatric Home Hospitalization Unit of our hospital is presented.
Results
A 24-year-old deaf woman borned in Pakistan and later moving to Catalonia, she faced educational challenges but ultimately completed her studies with sign language support. Afterward, she struggled to find suitable employment, and her family had a history of bipolar disorder.
She exhibited a sudden change in behavior, characterized by irritability, paranoia, and distrust. Communication was challenging due to her speech difficulties, but assessments using sign language and observation were conducted. Her physical examination was normal, but her speech was disorganized and pressured, suggesting possible auditory hallucinations and thought disturbances. She was hospitalized and diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychotic features.
During her initial hospitalization, she received lithium, olanzapine, clotiapine and benzodiacepines. After discharge, she continued treatment through a home hospitalization service during almost 4 month. During follow-up she presented a course with high affective instability, rapid cycling alternating brief periods of stability with other presenting manic and mixed features with high disorganization.
Due to the rapid cycling pattern Valproic acid was considered. Valproic acid was introduced up to 700 mg/d (97.1 mcg/mL). Treatment with lithium carbonate 800 mg/d (0.91 mEq/L) was maintained. Previous antipsychotic regimen was changed to quetiapine 400mg/d, olanzapine 5mg/d. Her condition improved significantly with the adjusted treatment regimen. She was discharged to an outpatient service.
Conclusions
Diagnosing and treating bipolar affective disorder (BPAD) in a deaf and mute patient posed unique challenges. The rapid mood cycling pattern and complexity of her case made treatment challenging. Family information and interpreter support were vital. Cultural factors were considered, and home hospitalization was crucial in managing symptoms that lasted over four months.
The expression of sexuality in the adult with mental disorders depends on the early incorporation of factors for promoting social inclusion. It is fundamental that sexual educators and advisors, in addition to working with the clients, also work with close family members. Intervention programs should establish objectives for developing a positive attitude towards sexuality in people with mental disorders and improving self-esteem (Katz G,Salud Publica Mex. 2008;50 Suppl 2:s239-54).
Challenge
Achieving support for people with mental health problems and/or substance use disorder admitted to the Social Rehabilitation Process of a psychiatric hospital so that they develop their sexuality satisfactorily. The right to privacy must be taken into account.
Objectives
Promoting a healthy and satisfactory development of sexuality in people with severe mental disorders. Raising awareness among healthcare teams, families and legal representatives regarding the need and suitability for support. Introducing the concept of sexuality as a dignifying perspective. Promoting sexual education that avoids disadvantages and situations of abuse in the target group. Coordinating the continuity of the project with non-health social services after discharge.
Hypothesis
Possibility of receiving support in the development of sexuality through training, information and improvement in the management of emotions/feelings in people who express the need or willingness to receive it, will contribute to overcoming limitations or difficulties.
Methods
Detecting people who during 2021 wish to work on the objectives through the care team. Searching for community resources aimed at attending sexuality issues in people with mental health problems. Proposing the hospital a collaboration with a non-profit entity that develops a specialized program for attention to sexuality in disability. Coordination between Treatment team and Entity. Quantitative and qualitative assessment of one year of experience according to the parameters of the entity.
Results
2022
People included
Percentage of people admittedto the Income Unit (65)
Detection concern sex-affectivity
5
7,69%
Verbalized concern
3
4,61%
Referral to the entity program
2
3,07%
Conclusions
All patients included have a diagnosis of psychosis. Experience was very positive for the participants. Community intervention projects that lead to an education in healthy and respectful relationships in the field of sexuality and affectivity are necessary. This would allow to prevent behaviours and situations at risk of abuse as well as social and emotional instability.
Women experiencing severe perinatal mental health problems require specialized services and care. Perinatal mental disorders are common and can contribute to maternal mortality, affecting neonatal, infant, and child outcomes. Home treatment can prevent hospital admissions and promote strategies within the patient’s support network.
Objectives
Our aim is to describe a clinical case in perinatal psychiatry managed by a Psychiatric Home Treatment Unit.
Methods
We present a case of perinatal psychotic depression in a 26-year-old pregnant woman.
Results
We describe the case of a patient with no prior history of mental health issues. She was 25 weeks pregnant when she first sought psychiatric help in July 2023 and was diagnosed with depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms. She reported symptoms such as low mood, psychomotor inhibition, delusional guilt thoughts, and auditory hallucinations beginning three weeks before her initial visit. Due to her clinical presentation, the patient was admitted to the hospital, where pharmacological treatment was initiated with Olanzapine 5 mg, Sertraline 50 mg, and Lorazepam 1.5 mg. She remained in the hospital for four days, during which she showed gradual improvement but did not achieve full recovery.
Considering the improvement observed, home treatment was proposed and accepted by the patient and her relatives. During home treatment, she continued to exhibit persistent depressive and psychotic symptoms, including low mood, inhibition, and delusional thoughts of ruin and catastrophe. Therefore, her treatment was adjusted, with Olanzapine increased to 10 mg, Sertraline raised to 100 mg, and Lorazepam reduced to 0.75 mg. Over time, significant improvement in her clinical symptoms was noted. Throughout the follow-up period, she reported no significant side effects from the pharmacological treatment. After a month of follow-up in our department, she was discharged with outpatient care provided by a specialized community perinatal psychiatric unit.
Conclusions
We illustrate the possibility of home treatment for perinatal psychiatric disorders. The potential benefits of remaining close to one’s support network and developing coping strategies can be advantageous during the course of illness. Further studies should be conducted to explore these potential benefits.
Hospital at home for psychiatric patients is a new emerging resource of delivering acute mental health care in the community. The main objective of this program is to provide intense care to patients with severe mental disorders at home as an alternative to acute admission.
Although home hospitalisation has begun to develop widely in recent years there is a notable lack of studies
The CAEM Psychiatric Home Hospitalization Unit (HAD-CAEM) has been operating since 2018 and takes place in Santa Coloma de Gramenet; and from March 2022 also in a part of Badalona. Both are sociodemographically depressed areas near Barcelona.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of patients attended at the Psychiatric Home Hospitalization Unit of our hospital and to study differences according to area and place of referral.
Methods
Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively at admission and discharge of all patients treated at HAD-CAEM between March 2022 to february 2023.
Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS program.
Results
85 patients were included in the study. 45.9% were women. The mean age was 45.5 years (SD 15.58 years). The main diagnoses of the sample were psychosis and schizophrenia (38.8%), Bipolar disorder (23.53%), Depressive disorder (21.18%), schizoaffective disorder (8.24%) and others (8,24%).
54 (63.53%) patients were from Santa Coloma area and 35 (41.18%) from Badalona area.
The total mean duration of admission was 40.22 days (SD 26.18 days), with a mean follow-up of 10.09 visits (SD 5.39 visits) and 2.41 teleassistence (SD 2.62).
The mean duration of admission for Santa Coloma patients was 43.98 days (SD 28.59), and for Badalona patients 33.68 days (SD 20.13). Trend without significance is observed (t= 1.77, p=0.08)
We found differences in the mean duration of admission according to referral location. Acute psychiatric unit 33.25 days (SD 18.06), Mental health Center 51.93 days (SD 33.45), Emergencies 34.28 days (SD 19.69) (F=5.1, p=0.008).
Conclusions
Sociodemografic and clinical característics obtained in our study are consistent with those reported in previous studies. The duration of admission of patients referred from the mental health center is longer than those referred from the acute psychiatric or emergency unit. Home hospitalization teams have been increasing in recent years, being an alternative to traditional hospitalization.
Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally-invasive procedure that has been used to treat temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), however its long-term efficacy is unknown. We aim to characterize the long-term outcomes of patients from the original series by Parrent and Blume (1999). Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent stereotactic RFA for TLE were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, procedural details, and seizure outcomes until last follow-up were abstracted. Seizure-freedom after initial RFA treatment was estimated with Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: 27 patients underwent RFA from 1994 to 2002. There were 14 female (52%) patients. 24 (89%) had mesial temporal sclerosis. Mean age at time of RFA was 33.1 years (range 12-45 years). 17 (63%) patients underwent left-sided RFA. 15 (56%) patients had further interventions: 4 (15%) underwent only repeat RFA, 1 (4%) had repeat RFA and anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL), and 10 (37%) underwent subsequent ATL only. Mean follow-up was 9.0 years (range 0.5-22.7 years). At last follow-up, 16 (59%) patients were seizure-free: 5 (19%) received one RFA treatment and 11 (41%) underwent additional procedures. Conclusions: Based on the original series describing the technique, stereotactic RFA for TLE is a safe, minimally-invasive procedure. The role of stereotactic RFA in the treatment of TLE remains to be determined.
In Europe, population estimates of breeding birds are produced nationally and are periodically compiled at EU or pan-European scales. Until now, no other source was available to explore the robustness of these estimates. In this study, we compared population sizes reported in the latest edition of the European Red List of Birds (ERLoB) with those produced using data from the second European Breeding Bird Atlas (EBBA2) to assess their consistency and determine parameters behind variability in population estimates that deserve further attention in the future. In general, European population estimates derived from summing local abundance data from EBBA2 were similar to those obtained from ERLoB, although for some species they differed considerably, particularly in those distributed mainly in southern Europe. National population estimates from EBBA2 also did not differ markedly from those in ERLoB. However, we found that EBBA2 provided larger national population sizes than ERLoB for widespread species, suggesting that spatial information is more relevant for properly assessing their population size than for localised species. Our analysis also showed that, in general, population estimates based on robust methodological protocols (e.g. complete counts, statistical inference) contributed to reducing differences between ERLoB and EBBA2 values. Interestingly, EBBA2 and ERLoB estimates were quite similar for species classified in Europe as “Threatened” or “Near Threatened”, whereas the values for “Least Concern” species were consistently different between these two sources. Our results indicate which type of species would benefit from additional efforts to improve national population estimates and their consistency across countries, issues that are of paramount importance for guiding conservation strategies in Europe.
Edited by
William J. Brady, University of Virginia,Mark R. Sochor, University of Virginia,Paul E. Pepe, Metropolitan EMS Medical Directors Global Alliance, Florida,John C. Maino II, Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn,K. Sophia Dyer, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Massachusetts
Mass gatherings create challenges to timely medical response. These challenges become amplified when medically and sociologically vulnerable individuals attend. Such at-risk persons may include, but certainly are not limited to, pregnant women, children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions, and those with one or more forms of disabilities. When planning for mass gatherings, or when directly managing large assemblies of persons that have evolved subsequent to mass evacuations of displaced persons retreating from a disaster, military conflict, or other humanitarian crisis, experience has shown that prospective preparedness and contingency planning addressing the needs of the entire community, including at-risk populations, facilitates better outcomes for all. Depending on the specific mass gathering, there will always be a variation in the unique concerns, event-driven nuances and potential at-risk populations in attendance for each. However, one recommended generic strategy to help provide a more unified and methodical approach to planning for at-risk persons is the Communication, Maintaining Health, Independence, Support and Safety and Transportation (CMIST) Framework. The CMIST framework has been shown to an extremely useful tool that can help event organizers and emergency managers better anticipate the various needs of these at-risk populations under a variety of mass gathering scenarios worldwide.
Suicide is one of the main external causes of death worldwide. People who have already attempted suicide are at high risk of new suicidal behavior. However, there is a lack of information on the risk factors that facilitate the appearance of reattempts. The aim of this study was to calculate the risk of suicide reattempt in the presence of suicidal history and psychosocial risk factors and to estimate the effect of each individual risk factor.
Methods
This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. Studies on suicide reattempt that measured risk factors were searched from inception to 2022. The risk factors studied were those directly related to suicide history: history of suicide prior to the index attempt, and those that mediate the transition from suicidal ideation to attempt (alcohol or drug misuse, impulsivity, trauma, and non-suicidal self-injury).
Results
The initial search resulted in 11 905 articles. Of these, 34 articles were selected for this meta-analysis, jointly presenting 52 different effect sizes. The pooled effect size across the risk factors was significant (OR 2.16). Reattempt risk may be increased in presence of any of the following risk factors: previous history, active suicidal ideation, trauma, alcohol misuse, and drug misuse. However, impulsivity, and non-suicidal self-injury did not show a significant effect on reattempt.
Conclusion
Most of the risk factors traditionally associated with suicide are also relevant when talking about suicide reattempts. Knowing the traits that define reattempters can help develop better preventive and intervention plans.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Acidity and the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio correlate with immunotherapy resistance. AcidoCEST MRI and hyperpolarized magnetic resonance spectroscopy (HP-MRS) measure extracellular pH and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio. We will establish a baseline for these biomarkers then observe changes after combination esomeprazole and immunotherapy. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We used multiple melanoma models created via serial in vivo passage under immunotherapeutic pressure (FVAX, CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1). We used four of these corresponding to 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% resistance (TMT, F2, F3, and F4, respectively). HP-MRS was performed two weeks post implantation in male BL6 mice with AcidoCEST MRI 2-3 days later. Tumors were implanted in additional mice and grown for 1 week. We used esomeprazole as a possible immunotherapy sensitizer. Esomeprazole (or PBS) alone and in combination with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB; αCTLA-4, αPD-1) was then conducted every 3 days for 3 doses. ICB was administered 3h after esomeprazole. AcidoCEST MRI was performed the day after the final dose of combination therapy and 3h after esomeprazole (or PBS) alone. HP-MRS was performed 2-3 days after acidoCEST MRI. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: There was a statistical increase in the lactate-to-pyruvate ratio of the F4 group compared with TMT, F2, and F3 groups (p < 0.05). The TMT, F2, and F3 groups did not differ significantly. The extracellular pH (pHe) of the TMT group was statistically lower than the F2 and F4 groups (p < 0.05). The pHe did not differ significantly between the TMT and F3 groups nor the F2, F3, and F4 groups. The lactate-to-pyruvate ratio and pHe after combination treatment with esomeprazole and ICB did not differ compared to PBS+ICB control. Treatment with esomeprazole alone generated higher lactate-to-pyruvate ratio compared with PBS alone. Tumor volume curves and survival curves of mice bearing F4 tumors treated with esomeprazole combination with ICB showed no difference compared with PBS+ICB, PBS alone, and esomeprazole alone. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We differentiated between the 100% and 25% resistant models with both pHe and lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, although the pHe was counterintuitive. Esomeprazole was ineffective, but other potential sensitizers exist. A non-invasive clinical imaging tool and sensitizer would permit more personalized treatment plans so treatment is more effective.
OBJECTIVES/GOALS: At UNC-Chapel Hill’s CTSA hub – the NC Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute (NC TraCS) – we conducted a participatory evaluation of a new community and patient advisory board (CPAB) to assess member experiences, and the outcomes and early impacts of their work on institutional programming related to equity and inclusivity in research. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: NC TraCS staff conducted informal interviews with CPAB members to discuss how they envision success in their work, ideas for measuring progress towards their goals, and how they have seen similar work measured by others. These conversations guided the development of outcomes, indicators, and data collection methods for the CPAB evaluation plan. CPAB member satisfaction, experiences, and perceptions of accomplishments were assessed via an online survey. Concurrently, an Outcome Harvesting approach was used, through which NC TraCS staff retrospectively identified key outcomes of the CPAB’s work through team discussion of programmatic changes and review of internal documents and data. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: CPAB members (n=10) were highly satisfied with meetings, group dynamics, activities and accomplishments, and 90% of members felt that NC TraCS was very responsive to their feedback. Key outcomes included: 1) co-creating a shared vision, goals, and operational policies for the CPAB; 2) co-developing a training series for research teams about patient and community engagement; 3) disseminating best practices for co-developing advisory boards; 4) providing guidance to improve NC TraCS consultations, services, and resources related to enhancing equitable participation in research (e.g., developing an Equity in Research Framework); and 5) contributing to institutional initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (e.g., improving compensation processes for research participants and partners). DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Evaluations of CPABs often focus on process measures, while assessments of outcomes and impacts are lacking. Our evaluation data highlight the early outcomes and value of a newly formed CPAB. Furthermore, our approach can inform the creation and evaluation of equity-focused advisory boards within other research institutions.
Ebnerite and epiebnerite, both with the ideal formula NH4ZnPO4, are new mineral species from the Rowley mine, Maricopa County, Arizona, USA. They occur in an unusual bat-guano-related, post-mining assemblage of phases. Epiebnerite grows epitactically on ebnerite and replaces it. Ebnerite and epiebnerite are found in intimate association with alunite, halite, mimetite, newberyite, sampleite, struvite and wulfenite on hematite-rich quartz–baryte matrix. Crystals of ebnerite are colourless narrow prisms up to ~0.3 mm in length. The streak is white, lustre is vitreous, Mohs hardness is ~2, tenacity is brittle and fracture is splintery. The density is 2.78(2) g⋅cm–3. Ebnerite is optically uniaxial (–) with ω = 1.585(2) and ɛ = 1.575(2). Epiebnerite occurs as colourless prisms or blades, up to about 10 × 3 × 2 μm, in parallel growth forming ribs with serrated edges epitactic on ebnerite prisms. The streak is white, lustre is vitreous, Mohs hardness is probably ~2, tenacity is brittle. The calculated density is 2.851 g⋅cm–3. Epiebnerite is optically biaxial with all indices of refraction near 1.580. Electron microprobe analysis gave the empirical formula [(NH4)0.89K0.06]Σ0.95(Zn0.96Cu0.07)Σ1.03[(P0.97Si0.03)Σ1.00O4] for ebnerite and [(NH4)0.67K0.28]Σ0.95(Zn0.99Cu0.02)Σ1.02(P1.00O4) for epiebnerite. Ebnerite is hexagonal, P63, with a = 10.67051(16), c = 8.7140(2) Å, V = 859.25(3) Å3 and Z = 8. Epiebnerite is monoclinic, P21, with a = 8.796(16), b = 5.457(16), c = 8.960(16) Å, β = 90.34(6)°, V = 430.1(17) Å3 and Z = 4. The structures of ebnerite (R1 = 0.0372 for 1168 Io > 2σI reflections) and epiebnerite (known from synthetic monoclinic NH4ZnPO4) are zeolite-like frameworks based upon corner-sharing linkages between alternating ZnO4 and PO4 tetrahedra with channels in the frameworks hosting the NH4 groups. The two structures are topologically distinct. Ebnerite belongs to the family of ‘stuffed derivatives’ of tridymite, whereas epiebnerite possesses an ABW-type zeolite structure.
GIS data on the evolution of railway networks facilitate the study of the role played by the expansion of transport infrastructure since the industrial revolution. The arrival of the railway transformed economic and social activity and the distribution of population within the territory. Given their importance, we have reconstructed and digitised the layout of the railway lines and the location of the stations and halts that existed from the opening of Spain's first railway line, in 1848, until 2023. We have also added indicators of the quality of the network, more specifically, the dates of its electrification and when the track was doubled to allow two-way traffic. The potential of this database lies in its capacity to analyse the interrelationship between the railway infrastructure and a wide range of elements located in the territory, amongst which it is necessary to highlight other modes of transport, urban expansion and socio-economic development.
In 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b became enzootic and caused mass mortality in Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis and other seabird species across north-western Europe. We present data on the characteristics of the spread of the virus between and within breeding colonies and the number of dead adult Sandwich Terns recorded at breeding sites throughout north-western Europe. Within two months of the first reported mortalities, 20,531 adult Sandwich Terns were found dead, which is >17% of the total north-western European breeding population. This is probably an under-representation of total mortality, as many carcasses are likely to have gone unnoticed and unreported. Within affected colonies, almost all chicks died. After the peak of the outbreak, in a colony established by late breeders, 25.7% of tested adults showed immunity to HPAI subtype H5. Removal of carcasses was associated with lower levels of mortality at affected colonies. More research on the sources and modes of transmission, incubation times, effective containment, and immunity is urgently needed to combat this major threat for colonial seabirds.
This study examines the delivery components of inclusive mental health services in higher education, centering on international university students. Through interviews with 32 participants at a state university in the United States, including students, counseling staff, and faculty, six key themes emerged: mental health professionals’ multicultural self-awareness, focus on reparative services, mainstream mental health theories and approaches, professionals’ cultural background, faculty involvement and physical space and confidentiality. These findings underscore the importance of training for professionals, expansive mental health offerings, incorporation of diverse approaches, confidentiality, active faculty participation and suitable physical environments. By addressing these components, universities can enhance the quality of mental health support for international student populations, promoting their overall well-being and academic success.