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The presence of psychiatric comorbidity significantly impacts the quality of life for patients and often goes unnoticed within the realm of neurology.
Objectives
This study’s objective was to elucidate and characterize psychiatric comorbidity among patients hospitalized for neurological disorders in mainland Portugal.
Methods
This retrospective observational study analyzed hospitalizations categorized with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders, defined by Clinical Classification Software (CSS) for ICD-9-CM codes 76, 77, 79-85, 95, and 109, occurring in adult patients (≥18 years) between 2008 and 2015. Psychiatric comorbidity was determined by the presence of secondary diagnoses falling under CCS categories 650-670.
Results
A total of 294,806 hospitalization episodes were documented with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders in adult patients between 2008 and 2015 in Portuguese public hospitals. Approximately 26.9% (n=79,442) of these episodes were associated with documented psychiatric comorbidity (22.1% for female hospitalizations and 32.2% for male hospitalizations). Patients with recorded psychiatric comorbidity were younger (66.2±16.2 vs. 68.6±17.2 for those without psychiatric comorbidity, p<0.001), exhibited a lower overall in-hospital mortality rate, and experienced significantly longer mean hospital stays. Among these comorbidities, ‘Delirium, dementia, amnestic, and other cognitive disorders’ were documented in 7.4% (n=21,965) of hospitalizations, followed by alcohol-related disorders in 6.5% (n=19,302) and mood disorders in 6.1% (n=18,079). Epilepsy/seizures had the highest recorded psychiatric comorbidity rate among neurological disorders (39.9%).
Conclusions
Psychiatric comorbidity is present in more than a quarter of hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of neurological disorders. The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity varies across different neurological disorders and is associated with distinct demographic and clinical characteristics.
Individuals with mental health disorders often lack access to appropriate care, including psychosocial rehabilitation programs, which are considered essential for their recovery. In 2019, as part of the intervention by the Community and Mental Health Service, at Hospital de Magalhães Lemos, we initiated a psychoeducational group for patients with psychotic spectrum disorders, with the purpose of providing our patients with comprehensive information about their condition and effective management strategies. Our 8-week program consisted of 16 sessions, including icebreaker activities, discussion of certain themes, sharing of experiences and practice of stress management techniques.
Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess and quantify the impact of our 2023 program.
Methods
Out of a total of 20 patients interviewed for our program in 2023, 16 began the program and 12 completed it. The program’s evaluation was based on several assessment tools, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, a knowledge assessment questionnaire, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Insight and Treatment Attitudes Questionnaire (ITAC), the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL), and the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). We also created a health agenda to organize an individual plan of care.
Results
Our findings indicated an improvement in insight and attitudes towards treatment by 8.6%, an enhancement in treatment adherence by 5%, and an increase in knowledge by 11.9%. In terms of quality of life, we observed a slight improvement in the psychological domain by 0.6% and in the social domain by 1.2%. Regarding the impact on psychotic symptomatology, there was an average decrease in 4 points in the negative subscale and in 3 points in the general psychopathology subscale, whereas the positive subscale remained unchanged. None of the patients required hospitalization during this period.
Conclusions
Our study revealed some improvement in nearly all the evaluated parameters. There was an improvement of the therapeutic relationship, which we believe has contributed to lower scores in the negative symptoms and general psychopathology subscale. As for the study limitations, we acknowledge that we will need to expand our sample through additional programs in the next years, to include it in early intervention psychosis programs and to re-evaluate our patients’ outcomes after a more extended follow-up period, particularly if they continue to participate in our monthly mutual support group. Additionally, we must consider potential study biases, including the subjectivity of PANSS evaluations and the influence of other confounding factors, such as changes in treatment regimens during the program.
Sexual unwellness (SU) has been linked to a lack of sexual satisfaction and to an incapacity to maintain sexual relations.
Objectives
The objective of this cross-cultural study is to shed light on older adults’ perspectives on SU across cultures.
Methods
Eighty-three older participants (65 to 98 years of age) took part in this qualitative study. Participants lived in the community and were of two different nationalities (Portuguese and Mexican). Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was then carried out.
Results
SU emerged in the findings of the content analysis through six themes: Dissatisfying Sexual Experiences; Feelings of Isolation; Spirituality; Medication; Unattractiveness and Pain. The most common theme among older Portuguese participants was ‘Dissatisfying Sexual Experiences’ (25.5%). ‘Feelings of Isolation’ was most common among older Mexican participants (13.7%).
Conclusions
A diversity of experiences of older adults in relation to SU was highlighted in this study. Moreover, cross-cultural research on the construct of SU is essential for understanding the cultural differences in the conceptualization of the construct and how these themes may influence the quality of sexual life in old age.
Attachment theory, first proposed by John Bowlby and later extended by Mary Ainsworth and others, outlines how experiences of early childhood attachment with caregivers can affect one’s emotional and interpersonal relationships throughout adulthood. Typically, attachment styles are categorised into four main types: secure, anxious-ambivalent, avoidant and disorganised. Conversely, it is recognised that various biological, psychological, relational, social and iatrogenic factors elements can impact an individual’s sexual function.
Objectives
Our aim with this research was to present the most current literature on whether there is a correlation between attachment styles and sexual function.
Methods
We conducted a non-systematic review on the topic using PubMed and PsycInfo.
Results
There is evidence indicating a link between attachment styles and sexual function.
People with secure attachment styles tend to experience more positive and fulfilling sexual relationships. Such individuals typically have a more positive self-image, they feel at ease with emotional intimacy, and are therefore able to openly communicate their needs and desires. They exhibit a healthy balance between seeking closeness and maintaining independence.
Individuals with anxious attachment styles may experience heightened levels of sexual anxiety and insecurity. Concerns regarding rejection or abandonment within sexual relationships may impact their sexual function and satisfaction. These individuals usually have a negative self-image and may be more prone to seek reassurance and validation through sexual activities.
People with avoidant attachment styles may encounter obstacles in developing emotional intimacy and closeness, which can negatively affect their sexual relationships. Such individuals might experience commitment anxiety and prioritise physical aspects of sexual activity over emotional bonding, ultimately decreasing sexual satisfaction for both them and their partners.
Disorganised attachment styles are linked with challenges in regulating their emotions and behaviours in intimate situations, which can have a negative impact on sexual function and satisfaction.
Conclusions
While the literature proposes attachment styles may impact sexual function, it is important to acknowledge other factors that contribute to sexual function. In addition to biological and iatrogenic factors, individual personality, relationship dynamics, past experiences, and cultural influences all have a significant role in shaping one’s sexual behaviour and satisfaction. All of these should be addressed in order to alleviate sexual difficulties.
Moreover, attachment styles may develop and change over time through positive relationships and therapeutic interventions, potentially leading to changes in one’s sexual functioning and relationship dynamics.
Our objective was to evaluate the association of antioxidant intake and the inflammatory potential of the diet with functional decline in older men. A diet history questionnaire was used to collect dietary intake data from men aged ≥ 75 years (n 794) participating in the Concord Health and Aging in Men Project cohort study. Intake of vitamins A, C, E and Zn were compared with the Australian Nutrient Reference Values to determine adequacy. The Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DIITM) was used to assess the inflammatory potential of the diet. Physical performance data were collected via handgrip strength and walking speed tests, and activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) questionnaires, at baseline and 3-year follow-up (n 616). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify associations between diet and incident poor physical function and disability. Both poor antioxidant intake and high E-DII scores at baseline were significantly associated with poor grip strength and ADL disability at 3-year follow-up. No significant associations with walking speed or IADL disability were observed. Individual micronutrient analysis revealed a significant association between the lowest two quartiles of vitamin C intake and poor grip strength. The lowest quartiles of intake for vitamins A, C, E and Zn were significantly associated with incident ADL disability. The study observed that poor antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food intake were associated with odds of developing disability and declining muscle strength in older men. Further interventional research is necessary to clarify the causality of these associations.
In tropical regions, water stress is one of the main causes of the reduction in forage productivity, and irrigation strategies can mitigate the problem, especially for highly productive species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of irrigation, genotype and plant size on productive responses and water use efficiency (WUE) of elephant grass (Cenchrus purpureus [Schumach.] Morrone), in the rainy and dry season. The experimental design was randomized in blocks, arranged in split plots, the main plots were established based on the use of irrigation and the subplots were the tall-sized genotypes (IRI 381 and Elephant B) and dwarfs (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott). The genotypes were evaluated for two years and harvested every 60 days. Water use efficiency, total forage accumulation per year and harvest, forage accumulation rate and forage density were evaluated. There was a significant difference between the genotypes in terms of total forage accumulated (P < 0.05). The most productive genotype was IRI 381, which showed the greatest total forage accumulation (42 168 kg of DM/ha in two years) in the irrigated plots. During the rainy seasons, IRI 381 stood out in terms of forage accumulated (24 667 kg of DM/ha). Irrigation favoured increases in forage accumulation around 60%, in both years of evaluation. Irrigation and plant size influenced the productivity and WUE of elephant grass harvested in 60-day intervals. Tall genotypes and Taiwan A-146 2.37 (dwarf size) stood out in most of the productive traits analysed, while Mott was highlighted by its forage density.
Stigma in mental health settings is described as a set of negative and unrealistic beliefs about those with mental illness. Authors suggest that stigma is consistently underdefined and overused, leading to resources toward preventing and managing this problem lacking intention and efficiency. Three interacting levels of stigma are defined: social, structural, and internalized or self-stigma. Internalized stigma refers to how people with mental illness see themselves as mentally unwell and, therefore, of lesser value.
Objectives
We aim to discuss the impact of internalized stigma on psychiatric patients and ways of prevention and stigma resistance.
Methods
We performed a non-systematic literature review from the data base PubMed using the key words “internalized stigma” and “mental illness”.
Results
Internalized stigma is one of the major factors leading to delayed contact with psychiatric care up to two years in outpatients. In psychiatric patients, higher internalized stigma was associated with weakened social support and integration, hopelessness and lower self-esteem and sense of coherence. Low self-esteem is the most significantly associated factor and mediates lower quality of life and higher treatment avoidance. The risk of self-esteem loss seems higher in patients with more insight, especially if they also have a loss of valued social identity. Although some studies suggest higher levels of internalized stigma in female, single and lower educated patients, adjusted statistical analyses do not validate these sociodemographic variations. It is however more prevalent in those with depression and who had been hospitalized because of their mental illness. The impact of internalized stigma is often compared to the levels of the illness burden itself, leading to higher levels of depression and greater psychiatric symptom severity. Additionally, more self-stigma seems to predict suicidal ideation, particularly in young adults.
Conclusions
The internalization of negative stereotypes undermines empowerment and negatively impacts the evolution and recovery of psychiatric patients. There’s strong evidence that general stigma constitutes a risk factor for poor biopsychosocial health outcomes. Programs addressing multiple stigma components seem to be most effective in improving suicide prevention. However, most self-stigma interventions involve groups, which can create barriers for people who are not comfortable disclosing a mental health condition to others. Anti-stigma programs are most effective when they involve people with lived experience of mental health conditions in all aspects of development. Interventions from a younger age should focus on prevention of general stigma by improving understanding of mental illness and reducing self and outwards discrimination. Working on professionals own stigmatizing behaviors is also key to improve the way we communicate and educate populations on how to internally process mental health problems.
Paraphilias constitute a set of psychiatric conditions that are often chronic and require a combination of treatment approaches, such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Sexual interest toward prepubescents and pubescents (pedophilia and hebephilia) is frequently identified in criminal settings, within numerous child sexual abuse and child pornography offenses. The high prevalence rates and negative consequences of these acts, causing distress in multiple important areas of health and functioning, reveal the importance of preventing these offenses as a clinical and social matter. Secondary prevention programs, which provide treatment and support for those with paraphilia disorders before sexually abusive behaviors and legal system involvement, show as ethically and socially necessary.
Objectives
We aim to discuss and bring insights into the knowledge on pedophilia and hebephilia treatments and prevention programs, in the fields of psychotherapy as well as pharmacologic strategies.
Methods
We present a non-systematic review of the updated literature on this subject from the data found on the PubMed and PsycInfo databases.
Results
Preliminary results of recent works show that at-risk individuals with paraphilia disorders are often willing to seek treatment without external pressure from the legal system, and report benefits from early treatments. Most studies found that gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists reduce the risk of child sexual abuse in men with pedophilia. An injectable form has shown to lower this risk 2 weeks after the initial injection, suggesting its use as a rapid-onset treatment option. Cyproterone acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate are other anti-androgen drugs that inhibit hypersexual behavior, with important side effects to be considered. The combination of androgen deprivation treatment and psychotherapy has a greater effect on preventing fantasies, urges, and behaviours in paraphilic patients. Cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy shows the best results and should soon be initiated in all patients. Biomolecular studies revealed that serotonin and prolactin inhibit sexual arousal, being SSRIs used as first treatment in younger patients, particularly in less severe cases.
Conclusions
Evidence-based treatments from randomized clinical trials for paedophilic and hebephilic disorders are lacking. These current numbers reveal the need for widespread implementation of primary and secondary prevention initiatives, that go beyond the prevention of a repeated offense. There is a need for further research using controlled, randomized trials to examine the effectiveness of sexual offender treatment including psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions. The development of more specific, more effective, and better-tolerated medications for these disorders should be recognized as a program worthy of greater support from government and pharmaceutical industry sources.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairments in social cognition and repetitive behaviors with onset in early infancy. Deficits in emotion recognition, social perception, and communication have been identified as core symptoms of ASD.
Comorbid disorders are frequent, namely psychiatric illness, epilepsy, sleep disruption, and hyperactivity.
Immune profile changes during early life may contribute to pathogenesis of ASD. Other risk factors include advanced parental age, fetal environment, fertility treatments, medications, and nutritional and toxic factors.
Several brain regions are involved in the pathophysiology of ASD but the cerebellum is the structure most consistently found altered. An increased risk of ASD is associated with cerebellar damage.
Objectives
To highlight the importance of understanding the key processes of cerebellar development and how altered cerebellar function leads to social and cognitive impairments, and consequently ASD.
Methods
Non-systematic review of the literature using Pubmed database. Papers were selected according to their relevance.
Results
From imaging studies, we can understand that cerebellum is not just about motor function. Different tasks like adding working memory, emotional and social processing, and language seem to be part of core functions of the cerebellar circuit.
Adults with lesions in the cerebellum can develop cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome (CCAS), with core symptoms of impaired executive function, difficulties in spatial cognition, blunted affect, or inappropriate behavior. Some children who have tumor resection surgery for medulloblastomas also exhibit symptoms of CCAS, and some experience posterior fossa syndrome (PFS).
The linguistic, cognitive, and behavioral deficits in CCAS and PFS may contribute to explaining how cerebellar alterations are related to ASD, which is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an earlier onset and broader spectrum of these symptoms.
Conclusions
The literature has suggested an important role for cerebellar dysfunction in etiology of ASD, under certain premises: (a) cerebellar expansion temporarily coincides with onset of ASD; (b) cerebellum is prone to lesions during this period; (3) cerebellar lesions contribute to dysfunctional social and language abilities.
Disturbances in cerebellar development lead to alterations in higher cognitive functions, due to changes in Purkinje cells. These dysfunctional neurons, once integrated into a brain circuit that controls complex tasks, lead to these functions becoming aberrant.
It is therefore fair to say that cerebellum is important for development of the so-called “cognitive and social brain” since it is itself part of this network. So, the cerebellum certainly plays a relevant role in pathophysiology of ASD.
Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and the risk of death from cancer has decreased continuously since 1991, therefore, This translates into an increasing number of cancer survivors (CS) worldwide.
During the survivorship seasons, CS face several short-term, long-term, persistent, and late-emerging health and psychosocial problems, including cancer-related pain, fatigue, menopausal symptoms, anxiety, depression, distress associated with the risk of cancer recurrence, chronic uncertainty, social disruption, alterations of sleep, sexual and cognitive dysfunctions.
Since 2002 that some researchers and clinicians argued that it is important to de-velop and implement rehabilitation programs for cancer patients that integrate both psychosocial and physical rehabilitation.
Objectives
With the scarcity of studies on the effectiveness of combined interventions in this population, despite the strong recommendation to perform and study it, and aiming to contribute to a greater knowledge on the theme, the present work aims to build, implement, and evaluate a combined intervention program, which integrates psychoeducational intervention with physical exercise to cancer survivors and relatives, through the following indicators: psychopathological symptoms (anxiety and depression), self-concept, coping strategies, personal growth and QoL.
Methods
A non-probabilistic convenience sample of 70 cancer survivors was assigned to: control (without intervention: n=32), combined intervention (n=21) and psychoedu-cation intervention (n=17) groups. Both intervention groups were 9 consecutive weeks duration. The combined intervention group benefited from 2 weekly exercise sessions additionally. It was administered before and after intervention the following questionnaires: demographic; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); Clinical Self-concept Inventory (ICAC); Cancer Coping Questionnaire (CCQ); sub-scale of Personal Growth of the Psychological Well-being Scale (EBEP) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-Bref).
Results
It was observed a statistically significant reduction of anxiety and depression symptoms from the beginning to the end of the intervention, as well as a significative improvement of overall and all do-mains of self-concept and personal growth. It was not observed a significative difference on quality of life.
Conclusions
The findings of this study contribute to support of the beneficial effect of combined intervention on psychological functioning of cancer survivors. Positive effects of the psychological program were observed but not into the same extent as in the combined intervention.
This umbrella review is the frst to systematically examine psychological trauma as a transdiagnostic risk factor across psychiatric conditions.
Objectives
This review aimed to be the frst to evaluate whether psychological trauma fulflilled criteria as a transdiagnostic risk factor cutting across various diagnostic categories and spectra. Transdiagnosticity will be assessed against the framework of the TRANSD criteria (Fusar-Poli, World Psychiatry 2019; 18 361-362). The paper additionally aimed to analyse the association of psychopathology with specifc trauma type.
Methods
We searched Pubmed, Scopus, and PsycNET databases from inception until 01/05/2021 for systematic reviews/meta-analyses evaluating the association between psychological trauma and at least one diagnosed mental disorder. We re-calculated the odds ratio (OR), then classifed the association as convincing, highly suggestive, suggestive, or weak, based on the number of cases and controls with and without psychological trauma, random-efects p value, the 95% conf- dence interval of the largest study, heterogeneity between studies, 95% prediction interval, small-study efect, and excess significance bias. Additional outcomes were the association between specifc trauma types and specific mental disorders, and a sensitivity analysis for childhood trauma. Transdiagnosticity was assessed using TRANSD criteria. The review was pre-registered in Prospero CRD42020157308 and followed PRISMA/MOOSE guidelines.
Results
Fourteen reviews met inclusion criteria, comprising 16,277 cases and 77,586 controls. Psychological trauma met TRANSD criteria as a transdiagnostic factor across diferent diagnostic criteria and spectra. There was highly suggestive evidence of an association between psychological trauma at any time-point and any mental disorder (OR=2.92) and between childhood trauma and any mental disorder
(OR=2.90). Regarding specifc trauma types, convincing evidence linked physical abuse (OR=2.36) and highly suggestive evidence linked sexual abuse (OR=3.47) with a range of mental disorders, and convincing evidence linked emotional abuse to anxiety disorders (OR=3.05); there were no data for emotional abuse with other disorders.
Image:
Image 2:
Conclusions
These fndings highlight the importance of preventing early traumatic events and providing trauma-informed care in early intervention and psychiatric services.
Schizophrenia is a chronic severe mental disorder characterized by acute decompensation episodes that may lead to hospitalization. In Portugal a previous study found a total of 25,385 hospitalizations in an 8-year period, being one of the most burdensome serious mental disorders in Portugal.Rehospitalizations (hospitalization occurring after a previous discharge due to Schizophrenia) are one of the quality-of-care indicators of schizophrenia treatment.
Objectives
This project aims to describe and quantify hospitalization readmission rates in patients with schizophrenia in Portuguese public hospitals
Methods
A descriptive study was designed according to the RECORD guidelines, using a nationwide hospitalization administrative database that contains all hospitalizations registered in Portuguese mainland public hospitals. All episodes with discharges occurring between 2008 and 2015 with a primary diagnosis of Schizophrenia were selected according to the International Classification of Diseases version 9, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes of diagnosis 295.xx. Readmission rates were estimated using a methodological approach developed by the authors that identified patients who have been rehospitalized in <=5; <=30; <=90 and <=365 days from a previous hospitalization episode during the study period. Individual patients were identified (crosschecking three variables: birthdate; sex and place of residence). The time between discharges was calculated using the difference between an index hospitalization and the next registered hospitalization from the same patient.
Results
A total of 14,279 patients were anonymously identified in order to calculate readmission rates per patient from a total of 25,385 hospitalization episodes. The mean hospitalization per patient ratio was 1.78. A total of 367 patients (2.6%) had a readmission in <=5 days after discharge. The readmission rate at <=30 days was 8.6% (n=1224); 14.1% (n=2013) at <= 90 days and 23.7% (n=3378) at <=365 days. Readmission rates were higher in male sex patients. Shorter periods of time between readmissions were increasingly frequent in male patients (3.1% vs. 1.6% of all male vs. all female patients in <=5days readmissions; 9.6% vs. 6.5% in <=30 days readmissions; 15.7% vs. 11.0% in <=90days readmissions and 25.3% vs. 20.4% in <=365days readmissions).
Conclusions
Rehospitalizations arise as one of the indicators of treatment failure and quality of care in patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Our study is the first to measure and assess readmission rates in patients with Schizophrenia in Portuguese public hospitals at a nationwide level. Portugal presents lower 30-day readmission values when compared to other countries. The 30-day readmission rate in patients with Schizophrenia in Portuguese Public Hospitals is 8.6% and male patients have higher readmission rates when compared to female patients.
Health-conscious consumers are increasingly paying attention to healthy diets and focusing on natural bioactive compounds in foods and their effects on mental health. This opens new opportunities for the study of artisanal cheeses as biofunctional foods. In the work described in this Research Communication, the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) content of seven different Portuguese cheeses produced from unpasteurized cow, sheep, and goat milk and granted with protected designation of origin (PDO) status was analysed. The PDO cheeses made from cow milk analysed in this study were São Jorge (3, 4, 7, 12 and 24 months of maturation) and Pico cheeses. PDO cheeses made from sheep milk were Serra da Estrela, Serpa, Nisa and Azeitão. Cheeses made from sheep and goat milk included Beira Baixa yellow cheese. The GABA content in the Azorean PDO cheeses (made from cow milk) ranged from 1.23 to 2.64 g/kg of cheese. Higher variations in GABA content were observed in cheeses made from sheep and goat milk (0.73–2.31 g/kg). This study provides information on the GABA content in different Portuguese PDO cheeses and shows that hard or semi-hard ripened cheeses are a suitable matrix for GABA production by lactic acid bacteria.
Reptiles, as well as other vertebrate groups, harbour a significant diversity of parasitic organisms, from nematodes and other helminths to viruses and bacteria. The Northeast is one of the richest regions in Brazil in terms of the reptile diversity, number of species and endemism. Parasites are diverse organisms and knowledge about the parasitic fauna of vertebrates is an important factor in understanding the ecological relationships between hosts and the environment. Studies on the parasitic fauna of reptiles in South America have increased in the past few years. The present review is a compilation of 122 studies published from 1924 to 2021. We present information on 101 species of reptiles from five groups (amphisbaenians, crocodile, testudines, snakes and lizards) and 183 parasitic taxa belonging to four phyla: Nematoda; Arthropoda; Platyhelminthes; and Acanthocephala. Nematodes were the most frequently recorded species. Lizards and snakes had more records of parasitism and higher levels of parasite richness and diversity. Ceará was the state with most studies and recorded cases of parasite–host association. The Caatinga and Atlantic Forest were the most investigated environments. The objective of this review was to contribute knowledge on the parasitic biodiversity in reptiles from Northeast Brazil, which may help identify gaps in our knowledge and guide future studies.
Amphibians are a widespread Chordata taxon and are important for maintaining the balance of both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Brazil has a rich amphibian fauna; however, little is known about the role of their ecology and phylogenetic relationships during the assembly processes of associated endoparasite communities. Herein, we describe an endoparasite community in an anuran assemblage in the Caatinga, a unique biome of dry forests in north-eastern Brazil. We studied endoparasite diversity, as well as the effects of body length, body mass, body volume and sex on parasite abundance. We also investigated the influence of ecological and historical factors and anuran microhabitat use on endoparasite composition. We analysed individuals from 13 anuran species distributed across five families: Odontophrynidae (Proceratophrys cristiceps); Leptodactylidae (Leptodactylus fuscus, Leptodactylus vastus, Leptodactylus macrosternum, Leptodactylus troglodytes and Physalaemus cuvieri); Hylidae (Pithecopus gonzagai, Scinax x-signatus, Boana raniceps and Dendropsophus nanus); Bufonidae (Rhinella diptycha and Rhinella granulosa); and Microhylidae (Dermatonotus muelleri). We found nine species of endoparasites, including seven nematodes (Aplectana membranosa, Cosmocerca sp., Oswaldocruzia mazzai, Raillietnema spectans, Rhabdias fuelleborni, Schrankiana sp. and Physaloptera sp.), one species of Trematoda (Glypthelmins pseudium) and one non-identified cestode. There was no significant relationship between endoparasite abundance and host body length, body mass, body volume and sex. A phylogenetic principal component analysis showed that ecological factors had a greater influence on endoparasite assemblage than historical factors. Similarly, our results showed that ecological factors had a greater influence on anuran microhabitat use compared to historical factors, which contributed to the generalist characteristics presented by most of the sampled endoparasite species.
Circadian rhythm (CR) dysfunction is a prominent feature in bipolar disorder (BD) and sleep disturbances are characteristic, although not essential to the diagnosis.
Objectives
To review the literature regarding the CR dysfunction and its impact on the onset and clinical course of BD.
Methods
We conducted a MEDLINE search using bipolar disorder, circadian rhythm and sleep as keywords, selecting studies written in English.
Results
CR dysfunction is a trait marker of BD. It’s known that during depressive episodes insomnia is present, with difficulty falling asleep/ maintaining sleep and early awakening. Regarding mania, decreased need for sleep is a critical marker. During the euthymic period significant alterations in sleep pattern have been described. It’s also known that changes in the sleep pattern occur prior to those in mood patterns, indicating that sleep dysregulation may trigger the onset of mood episodes or relapses. Therefore, CR disruption may be associated with the pathophysiology of BD and some factors have already been identified: irregularity of the sleep-wake rhythm, eveningness chronotype, abnormality of melatonin secretion, vulnerability of clock genes and the irregularity of social zeitgeber.
Conclusions
Disturbances of sleep are pervasive, and an essential feature of BD, worse during mood episodes, but still present during euthymic periods. It remains to determine whether circadian rhythm dysfunction is a trait marker or mood state dependent. Further studies are warranted to clarify this association.
Valproic acid is an antiepileptic drug used in different fields of Psychiatry. It is known mostly for its use in managing patients with bipolar affective disorder. In psychiatry of addiction, there is still no approved indications for its usage, but it is widely prescribed in treating alcohol and cocaine abuse, due to the existence of studies in these addictions.
Objectives
This review aims to clarify the relation between valproic acid and dependences, particularly cocaine.
Methods
Non-systematic literature review using a PubMed search, using the following key words: “valproate”; “cocaine use”.
Results
Cocaine dependence can decrease GABA levels in humans. Valproic acid has multiple mechanisms that favour the synthesis of GABA, potentiating its release and postsynaptic GABAergic response. Because of this, valproic acid was found effective in promoting abstinence and in reducing the use of cocaine. There are studies that support the valproic acid’s use in alcohol and cocaine dependences. Valproic acid has been shown to be promising in relapse prevention. It has also showed efficacy in the management of impulsivity and irritability, what makes it useful in managing patients with borderline personality disorder – patients at higher risk for alcohol or substance use disorders.
Conclusions
Cocaine addiction involves different phenomena and may respond to distinct pharmacologic approaches. Although some studies need to be confirmed by larger clinical trials, valproic acid seems a promising agent as one of some potential treatments for cocaine dependence. Further studies are required in this field to come to more reliable conclusions.
Pregnancy and the postpartum are generally characterized by positive feelings and expectations but they may also disguise maternal stress and difficulties. These are typical periods for the onset or relapse of psychiatric symptoms and disorders. Even though suicide during pregnancy and postpartum is rare, it is among the leading causes of maternal perinatal mortality.
Objectives
To provide an overview on the risk of suicide during pregnancy and postpartum.
Methods
PubMed database was searched using combinations of the terms “suicide”, combined with “pregnancy” and “depression”.
Results
The major risk factors for suicidal ideation are previous suicide attempts, self-harm, current or past history of psychiatric disorder, young maternal age, being unmarried, an unplanned pregnancy, substance use disorders, lack effective psychosocial support and discontinuation of psychotropic drugs. Pregnant women with suicidality behavior have also an increased risk for various adverse obstetric outcomes, including miscarriage, preterm delivery, maternal hemorrhage, and stillbirth. Furthermore, the postpartum period is often associated with the onset of mood and psychotic disorders with an increased risk of both suicide and infanticide. Women who have suffered from serious psychiatric conditions either after childbirth or in other phases of life should be informed about the possibility of relapse after subsequent pregnancies, thus presenting a higher risk of suicide.
Conclusions
During pregnancy and postpartum, it is fundamental to investigate suicide risk, including suicidal ideation, thoughts, and intent, especially (but not only) in women affected by mental pathology. Moreover, maternal suicide behaviour affects the child’s neuropsychological development and can also increase the infant´s suicide risk.
This work aimed to investigate the effects of early progeny exposure to methylglyoxal (MG), programming for metabolic dysfunction and diabetes-like complications later in life. At delivery (PN1), the animals were separated into two groups: control group (CO), treated with saline, and MG group, treated with MG (20 mg/kg of BW; i.p.) during the first 2 weeks of the lactation period. In vivo experiments and tissue collection were done at PN90. Early MG exposure decreased body weight, adipose tissue, liver and kidney weight at adulthood. On the other hand, MG group showed increased relative food intake, blood fructosamine, blood insulin and HOMA-IR, which is correlated with insulin resistance. Besides, MG-treated animals presented dyslipidaemia, increased oxidative stress and inflammation. Likewise, MG group showed steatosis and perivascular fibrosis in the liver, pancreatic islet hypertrophy, increased glomerular area and pericapsular fibrosis, but reduced capsular space. This study shows that early postnatal exposure to MG induces oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis markers in pancreas, liver and kidney, which are related to metabolic dysfunction features. Thus, nutritional disruptors during lactation period may be an important risk factor for metabolic alterations at adulthood.
Complete adherence to public health guidelines is essential to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Studies on the factors associated with increased/decreased adherence to these measures have the potential to inform public policies directed at increasing adherence, and thus helping to control the spread of the current pandemic.
Objectives
This study aimed at assessing the demographic and psychosocial predictors of the perceived risk of the COVID-19 and adherence to confinement guidelines during the first mandatory lockdown in Portugal.
Methods
A convenience sample of 430 adults living in Portugal between March 19th and May 2nd, 2020 completed an online survey asking participants about the perceived risk of the COVID-19 and adherence to confinement guidelines. Participants also completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and measures of psychological function. Multiple regression analysis was performed.
Results
Teleworking and Risk and COVID-19 controllability were significant predictors of the perceived risk of COVID-19 as measured by the perceived risk of being infected with COVID-19. Teleworking participants and those perceiving COVID-19 as less controllable reported a higher perceived risk of being infected with COVID-19 than those who were not in telework and perceived COVID-19 as a controllable condition. Adherence to confinement guidelines was predicted by the mental health status and perceived risk of COVID-19. Participants who reported worse mental health status, who perceived COVID-19 as a dangerous condition, and who trusted the public health system reported greater adherence to confinement guidelines.
Conclusions
The results of this study will be discussed considering their implications to public health policymaking to promote adherence to public health policies.