Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the self-care and health condition of the older adults. CUIDAMOS+75. A mixed methods study protocol.

Aims: To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health condition of people ≥75 years of age and on their family caregivers in Spain. Design: Multicentric, mixed method concurrent study. Methods: This work, which will be conducted within the primary care setting in 11 administrative regions of Spain, will include three coordinated studies with different methodologies. The first is a population-based cohort study that will use real-life data to analyze the rates and evolution of health needs, care provision, and services utilization before, during, and after the pandemic. The second is a prospective cohort study with 18 months of follow-up that will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 disease on mortality, frailty, functional and cognitive capacity, and quality of life of the participants. Finally, the third will be a qualitative study with a critical social approach to understand and interpret the social, political, and economic dimensions associated with the use of health services during the pandemic. We have followed the SPIRIT Checklist to address trial protocol and related documents. This research is being funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III since 2021 and was approved by its ethics committee (June 2022). Discussion: The study findings will reveal the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the older adults and their caregivers. This information will serve policymakers to adapt health policies to the needs of this population in situations of maximum stress, such as that produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial Registration: Identifier: NCT05249868 [ClinicalTrials.gov].

Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Health of Nation Outcome Scales for schizophrenia patients.

Accessible Summary What is known on the subject? Functioning is one of the most affected areas in schizophrenia. Social, occupational and personal domains are affected, and these deficits are responsible for a major part of the disability associated with the disorder. There are several instruments to measure functioning, but the HoNOS provides a wide assessment of impairment in 12 areas of functioning. What does the paper add to existing knowledge? The Spanish version of the HoNOS shows good properties in terms of reliability and validity for use in schizophrenia patients. Although some authors divide the scale according to proposed underlying dimensions, in schizophrenia this division may not be appropriate. What are the implications for practice? A reliable and easy-to-use measure of impairment in different areas of functioning is useful for optimizing the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with schizophrenia. ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The HoNOS scale was designed for the assessment of psychosocial impairment in various domains. While it is widely used in psychiatric settings, it has not been validated in Spanish for use in patients with schizophrenia. AIM: To examine the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the HoNOS scale in a sample of schizophrenia patients. METHOD: A total of 194 individuals aged 18 to 65 with schizophrenia spectrum diagnoses were evaluated using the HoNOS. Illness severity and level of functioning were also assessed. RESULTS: The HoNOS showed moderate internal consistency, good inter-observer reliability and good test-retest reliability. Factor analysis revealed an internal structure consisting of four factors, with item distribution differing from the theoretical dimensions proposed for the original scale. DISCUSSION: The Spanish version of the HoNOS scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing psychosocial impairment in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, further research is needed to determine its internal structure more accurately. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The HoNOS scale provides researchers and clinicians with a valid measure of impairment in twelve different domains, which can facilitate and guide the treatment of schizophrenia patients.

Periodic attention deficits after frontoparietal lesions provide causal evidence for rhythmic attentional sampling.

Contemporary models conceptualize spatial attention as a blinking spotlight that sequentially samples visual space. Hence, behavior fluctuates over time, even in states of presumed "sustained" attention. Recent evidence has suggested that rhythmic neural activity in the frontoparietal network constitutes the functional basis of rhythmic attentional sampling. However, causal evidence to support this notion remains absent. Using a lateralized spatial attention task, we addressed this issue in patients with focal lesions in the frontoparietal attention network. Our results revealed that frontoparietal lesions introduce periodic attention deficits, i.e., temporally specific behavioral deficits that are aligned with the underlying neural oscillations. Attention-guided perceptual sensitivity was on par with that of healthy controls during optimal phases but was attenuated during the less excitable sub-cycles. Theta-dependent sampling (3-8 Hz) was causally dependent on the prefrontal cortex, while high-alpha/low-beta sampling (8-14 Hz) emerged from parietal areas. Collectively, our findings reveal that lesion-induced high-amplitude, low-frequency brain activity is not epiphenomenal but has immediate behavioral consequences. More generally, these results provide causal evidence for the hypothesis that the functional architecture of attention is inherently rhythmic.

Brightness illusions evoke pupil constriction preceded by a primary visual cortex response in rats.

The mind affects the body via central nervous system (CNS) control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). In humans, one striking illustration of the "mind-body" connection is that illusions, subjectively perceived as bright, drive pupil constriction. The CNS network driving this pupil response is unknown and requires an animal model for investigation. However, the pupil response to this illusion has long been thought to occur only in humans. Here, we report that the same brightness illusion that evokes pupil constriction in humans also does so in rats. We surveyed the role of most of rat cortex in this "mind-body" connection by recording cortex-wide EEG. These recordings revealed that, compared to a luminance-matched control stimulus, the illusion of brightness for a specific stimulus color and size, evoked a larger response in primary visual cortex (V1) and not in secondary visual, parietal, or frontal cortex. The response preceded pupil constriction suggesting a potential causal role of V1 on the pupil. Our results provide evidence that this "mind-body" connection is not confined to humans and that V1 may be part of a mammalian CNS network for bodily reactions to illusions.

Fingerprints as Predictors of Schizophrenia: A Deep Learning Study.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: The existing developmental bond between fingerprint generation and growth of the central nervous system points to a potential use of fingerprints as risk markers in schizophrenia. However, the high complexity of fingerprints geometrical patterns may require flexible algorithms capable of characterizing such complexity. STUDY DESIGN: Based on an initial sample of scanned fingerprints from 612 patients with a diagnosis of non-affective psychosis and 844 healthy subjects, we have built deep learning classification algorithms based on convolutional neural networks. Previously, the general architecture of the network was chosen from exploratory fittings carried out with an independent fingerprint dataset from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The network architecture was then applied for building classification algorithms (patients vs controls) based on single fingers and multi-input models. Unbiased estimates of classification accuracy were obtained by applying a 5-fold cross-validation scheme. STUDY RESULTS: The highest level of accuracy from networks based on single fingers was achieved by the right thumb network (weighted validation accuracy = 68%), while the highest accuracy from the multi-input models was attained by the model that simultaneously used images from the left thumb, index and middle fingers (weighted validation accuracy = 70%). CONCLUSION: Although fitted models were based on data from patients with a well established diagnosis, since fingerprints remain lifelong stable after birth, our results imply that fingerprints may be applied as early predictors of psychosis. Specially, if they are used in high prevalence subpopulations such as those of individuals at high risk for psychosis.

Socio-environmental disasters and their impacts: socioeconomic consequences of the oil spill in the northeast region of Brazil.

The 2019 oil spill was the biggest in Brazilian history. Oil was found along more than 3,000 km of the Brazilian coastline, mainly in the Northeast, in more than 1,000 localities. This article analyzes the disaster's damage using a sample of interviewers who were impacted - fishers, tourism and beach hawkers - distributed along 40 of the affected municipalities in the Northeast Region of Brazil. The socio-economic indicators obtained by the research show that the impacts were not homogeneous between the segments and cities researched. Localities specialized in tourism and with a workforce relatively more specialized in fishing were the most affected. Accordingly, the populations of fishers and beach hawkers suffered the most severe impacts in terms of income reduction and the sale of products. These agents report a negative impact of the disaster on their work activities of 73% (fishers) and 65% (beach vendors), while the lodging and food sectors reported losses in about 38% of the cases. The interviewees' health indicators demonstrated that the volunteers at the oil spill clean- up suffered damage due to the exposure experienced, evidencing the public health emergency dimension of the disaster.

Huellas dactilares como predictores de la esquizofrenia: un estudio de aprendizaje profundo / Fingerprints as Predictors of Schizophrenia: A Deep Learning Study

El vínculo existente entre la formación de huellas dactilares y el crecimiento del sistema nervioso central apunta a un uso potencial delas huellas dactilares como marcadores de riesgo en la esquizofrenia.Sin embargo, la elevada complejidad de los patrones geométricos delas huellas dactilares requiere algoritmos flexibles capaces de caracterizar dicha complejidad. A partir de una muestra inicial de huellasdactilares escaneadas de 612 pacientes con diagnóstico de psicosisno afectiva y 844 sujetos sanos, hemos construido algoritmos declasificación de aprendizaje profundo basados en redes neuronalesconvolucionales. Previamente, se eligió la arquitectura general de lared a partir de ajustes exploratorios realizados con un conjunto dedatos independiente de huellas dactilares del National Institute ofStandards and Technology. A continuación, la arquitectura de la redse aplicó para construir algoritmos de clasificación (paciente frentea controles) basados en modelos de un solo dedo y en modelos devarios dedos. Se obtuvieron estimaciones de la precisión de la clasificación aplicando un esquema de validación cruzada quíntuple.El mayor nivel de precisión de las redes basadas en un solo dedo loalcanzó la red del pulgar derecho (precisión = 68%), mientras quela mayor precisión de los modelos multientrada la obtuvo el modeloque utilizó simultáneamente imágenes de los dedos pulgar, índice ycorazón izquierdos (precisión = 70%). Aunque los modelos ajustadosse basaron en datos de pacientes con un diagnóstico bien establecido, dado que las huellas dactilares permanecen estables durantetoda la vida después del nacimiento, nuestros resultados implicanque las huellas dactilares pueden aplicarse como predictores tempranos de psicosis. Especialmente, si se utilizan en subpoblacionescon alta prevalencia de esquizofrenia, como las de personas con alto riesgo de psicosis. (AU)

The link between fingerprint generation and central nervous system growth points to a potential use of fingerprints as risk markersin schizophrenia. However, the high complexity of fingerprint geometric patterns requires flexible algorithms capable of characterizing such complexity. From an initial sample of fingerprints scanned from 612 patients diagnosed with non-affective psychosis and844 healthy subjects, we have built deep learning classification algorithms based on convolutional neural networks. Previously, thegeneral network architecture was chosen from exploratory fittingsperformed on an independent fingerprint dataset from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The network architecturewas then applied for buinding classification algorithms (patientsvs. controls) based on single-finger models and multi-finger models. Classification accuracy estimates were obtained by applyinga 5-fold cross-validation scheme. The highest level of accuracy ofthe single-finger-based networks was achieved by the right thumbnetwork (accuracy = 68%), whereas the highest accuracy of themulti-input models was obtained by the model that simultaneouslyused images of the left thumb, index and middle fingers (accuracy =70%). Although the fitted models were based on data from patientswith a well-established diagnosis, given that fingerprints remainstable throughout life after birth, our results imply that fingerprintscan be applied as early predictors of psychosis. Especially, if usedin subpopulations with high prevalence of schizophrenia, such as those at high risk for psychosis. (AU)

Holistic word processing is correlated with efficiency in visual word recognition.

Holistic processing of visual words (i.e., obligatory encoding of/attending to all letters of a word) could be a marker of expert word recognition. In the present study, we thus examined for the first time whether there is a direct relation between the word-composite effect (i.e., all parts of a visual word are fully processed when observers perform a task on a word part) and fast access to the orthographic lexicon by visual word experts (i.e., fluent adult readers). We adopted an individual differences approach and used the word-frequency effect (i.e., faster recognition of high- than low-frequency words) in an independent lexical decision task as a proxy of fast access to lexical orthographic representations. Fluent readers with larger word-composite effect showed smaller word-frequency effect. This correlation was mainly driven by an association between a larger composite effect and faster lexical decision on low-frequency words, probably because these lexical representations are less stable and integrated/unitized, hence allowing differentiating among fluent readers. We thus showed that holistic processing of visual words is indeed related to higher efficiency in visual word recognition by skilled readers.

Psychometric Properties of Self-Care Requisites Scale (SCRS-h) in Hospitalized Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to adapt the community version of the Self-Care Requisites Scale so as to be able to use it in a hospital context and to validate the new version in patients with schizophrenia. DESIGN AND METHODS: An initial phase was conducted to develop the questionnaire by means of a panel of experts. The validation of the psychometric properties was conducted using a sample of 264 patients. FINDINGS: The new version showed good internal consistency and stability over time. The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the theoretical model fit the self-care requisites proposed in Orem's nursing theory from which it was drawn. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The new version is a valid and reliable instrument for use in clinical practice.

A retrospective study of nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions for patients with mental disorders.

AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the most frequent NANDA-I nursing diagnoses, NOC outcomes, and NIC interventions used in nursing care plans in relation to psychiatric diagnosis. BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies have described the most prevalent NANDA-I, NIC and NOC labels in association with medical diagnosis in different specialties, only few connect these with psychiatric diagnoses. METHODS: This multicentric cross-sectional study was developed in Spain. Data were collected retrospectively from the electronic records of 690 psychiatric or psychogeriatric patients in long and medium-term units and, psychogeriatric day-care centres. RESULTS: The most common nursing diagnoses, interventions and outcomes were identified for patients with schizophrenia, organic mental disorders, mental retardation, affective disorders, disorders of adult personality and behavior, mental and behavioural disorders due to psychoactive substance use and neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that NANDA-I, NIC and NOC labels combined with psychiatric diagnosis offer a complete description of the patients' actual condition.

Efectividad de una intervención enfermera en la mejora del estado nutricional de pacientes con trastornos de salud mental hospitalizados / Efficacy of nursing intervention in the improvement of the nutritional status of hospitalized patients with mental health disorders

OBJETIVO: evaluar la contribución de un programa fundamentado en el Proceso de Atención de Enfermería y dirigido a la mejora del estado nutricional de pacientes con trastorno mental hospitalizados. MÉTODO: estudio de intervención antes-después en pacientes ingresados en la unidad psiquiátrica de agudos, con malnutrición o riesgo, durante el primer cuatrimestre del año 2012. La variable dependiente principal fue el estado nutricional medido a través del Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA); también fueron utilizados los indicadores para los objetivos NOC (Nursing Outcome Classification): apetito, estado nutricional, conducta de mantenimiento del peso, y autocuidados: comer. La intervención NIC (Nursing Intervention Classification) llevada a cabo fue «Manejo de la nutrición» para la mejora del estado nutricional. Para la comparación de las medias de las diferentes mediciones (MNA antes y después) se utilizó la t de Student para datos apareados. RESULTADOS: fueron estudiados 74 pacientes. Un 47,3% tenía trastornos del estado de ánimo, y el 43,2% esquizofrenia. Al alta de la unidad se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en todas las variables analizadas. La mejora del estado nutricional, según el cuestionario MNA, se produjo tanto en la escala A (diferencia de medias: -2,23; IC95%: -2,67, -1,79) como en la escala B (diferencia de medias: -1,54; IC 95%: -2,02, -1,05). CONCLUSIONES: la intervención de Enfermería NIC «Manejo de la nutrición», como eje del programa nutricional, ha contribuido a mejorar el estado nutricional de los pacientes hospitalizados, reflejado en la mejora de estado nutricional según el cuestionario MNA, en la disminución del grado de dependencia en alimentación y en la consecución de objetivos NOC relacionados

OBJECTIVE: to assess the potential contribution of a program based on the Nursing Care Process, targeted to the improvement of the nutritional status of hospitalized patients with mental disorders. METHOD: interventional before-after study, conducted on patients hospitalized in the Acute Psychiatric Unit, with malnutrition or at risk, during the first four months of 2012. The primary dependent variable was the nutritional status measured through the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA); the NOC (Nursing Outcome Classification) objective indicators were also used: appetite, nutritional status, weight maintenance behaviour, and self-care: eating. The NIC (Nursing Intervention Classification) intervention conducted was «Nutrition Management» for the improvement of nutritional status. For comparison of mean levels of the different measures (MNA before and after), Student's t test was used for paired data. RESULTS: seventy-four (74) patients were studied. A 47,3% had mood disorders, and 43,2% suffered schizophrenia. At discharge from the unit, statistically significant differences were found in all variables analyzed. The improvement in nutritional status, according to the MNA questionnaire, occurred both in Scale A (difference in mean values: -2,23; CI95%: -2,67, -1,79) and in Scale B (difference in mean values: -1,54; CI95%: -2,02, -1,05). CONCLUSIONS: the NIC Nursing Intervention «Management of Nutrition», as the core of the nutritional program, has contributed to improve the nutritional status of hospitalized patients, and this has been reflected in the improvement in nutritional status according to the MNA questionnaire, in the reduction of the level of dependence regarding diet, and in the achievement of associated NOC objectives

Prevención de depresión y ansiedad en adolescentes con un programa de resolución de problemas a través de internet / An internet based problem solving program in the prevention of depression and anxiety in adolescents

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Intervenciones educativas para enfermos de salud mental con medicación psicotrópica / No disponible

No disponible