Network analysis of trauma in patients with early-stage psychosis

Childhood trauma (ChT) is a risk factor for psychosis. Negative lifestyle factors such as rumination, negative schemas, and poor diet and exercise are common in psychosis. The present study aimed to perform a network analysis of interactions between ChT and negative lifestyle in patients and controls. We used data of patients with early-stage psychosis (n = 500) and healthy controls (n = 202). Networks were constructed using 12 nodes from five scales: the Brief Core Schema Scale (BCSS), Brooding Scale (BS), Dietary Habits Questionnaire, Physical Activity Rating, and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETI). Graph metrics were calculated. The nodes with the highest predictability and expected influence in both patients and controls were cognitive and emotional components of the BS and emotional abuse of the ETI. The emotional abuse was a mediator in the shortest pathway connecting the ETI and negative lifestyle for both groups. The negative others and negative self of the BCSS mediated emotional abuse to other BCSS or BS for patients and controls, respectively. Our findings suggest that rumination and emotional abuse were central symptoms in both groups and that negative others and negative self played important mediating roles for patients and controls, respectively.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CUH201411002.

Network Analysis of Trauma in Patients With Early-Stage Psychosis

Objectives: Childhood trauma (ChT) is a risk factor for psychosis. Negative lifestyle factors such as rumination, negative schemas, and poor diet and exercise are common in psychosis. The present study aimed to perform a network analysis of interactions between ChT and negative lifestyle in patients and controls.Methods: We used data of patients with early-stage psychosis (n = 500) and healthy controls (n = 202). Networks were constructed using 12 nodes from five scales: the Brief Core Schema Scale (BCSS), Brooding Scale (BS), Dietary Habits Questionnaire, Physical Activity Rating, and Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form (ETI). Graph metrics were calculated.Results: The nodes with the highest predictability and expected influence in both patients and controls were cognitive (Co) and emotional domains (Em) of the BS and emotional abuse (EMO) of the ETI. The EMO was a mediator in the shortest pathway connecting the ETI and negative lifestyle for both groups. The negative other (NO) and negative self (NS) of the BCSS mediated EMO to other BCSS or BS for patients and controls, respectively.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that rumination and EMO were central symptoms in both groups and that NO and NS played important mediating roles for patients and controls, respectively.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: CUH201411002

Psychological Features in the Inflammatory Bowel Disease–Irritable Bowel Syndrome Overlap: Developing a Preliminary Understanding of Cognitive and Behavioral Factors

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients in clinical remission may experience ongoing symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain, attributed to IBD–irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) overlap. This study aims to characterize the psychosocial needs of patients with IBD–IBS overlap, particularly in regard to cognitive and behavioral functioning. Methods Adults with an established IBD diagnosis were recruited from a gastroenterology clinic. Participants completed self-report questionnaires about psychological functioning and quality of life. The Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Adults-IBS Module assessed IBS criteria. The treating gastroenterologist completed a clinician rating of IBD activity to determine clinical disease activity. Biomarkers of inflammation collected in routine care within 90 days of the research encounter were obtained via medical record review to further contextualize IBD activity status. Participants were separated into the following groups: “inactive IBD” (IBD activity rating indicating inactive disease and no IBS criteria met), “active IBD” (IBD activity rating indicating mild, moderate, or severe regardless of IBS criteria), or “IBD–IBS overlap” (IBD activity rating indicating inactive disease and IBS criteria met). Results One hundred and seventeen participants were recruited. Those with IBD–IBS overlap reported no significant differences in ratings of anxiety, depression, somatization, catastrophic thinking patterns, and behavioral avoidance, to patients with active IBD whereas participants with inactive IBD reported significantly lower ratings on these factors. However, a significant portion of participants with IBD–IBS overlap who were rated as inactive on IBD activity measures had laboratory or endoscopic findings indicating mild inflammation within 90 days of the research encounter. Conclusions The study findings provide preliminary evidence that suggests patients with IBD–IBS overlap display similar rates of psychological distress, catastrophic thinking, and avoidance behaviors as those with active IBD. Those with mild ongoing inflammation despite meeting a definition for clinical remission may have similar psychological needs compared to those with moderate-to-severely active IBD. Incorporating a mental health provider with training in psychogastroenterology can help a patient with IBD learn how to effectively with these cognitive and behavioral patterns.

DETERMINATION OF EFFICIENCY OF SMALL AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES ECONOMIC ACTIVITY BY THE ANALYSIS METHOD OF FUNCTIONING ENVIRONMENT

It has been proposed to use the analysis method of the operating environment to assess the effectiveness of small agricultural enterprises based on the two input factors characteristics (resources) – labor costs of enterprises, the cost of equity and the resultant factor – the volume of sales. Coefficients of coverage by volume of sold products (goods, works, services) of own capital cost and labor costs for small agricultural enterprises by types of economic activity have been calculated, which allowed types of economic activity rating by small enterprises by coefficients of coverage of sold products (goods, works, services) cost of capital, labor costs and financial results. It has been proved that the activity of small agricultural enterprises among all other types of economic activity has the highest rating on the coefficients of coverage of sold products (goods, works, services) of labor costs, but the lowest on the coefficients of coverage of sold products (goods, works, services) capital, despite the fact that the amount of profit is inferior only to economic entities engaged in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles. Using the coefficients values of coverage of the sold products volume (goods, works, services), the cost of equity and labor costs, built an environment for small agricultural enterprises, which allowed to form a line of technical efficiency: (agriculture, forestry and fisheries-wholesale and retail trade; repair motor vehicles and motorcycles-information and telecommunications-education) and on the basis of the position of agriculture, forestry and fisheries to find a new position by designing a line with the position of inefficient economic activity (Activities in the field of administrative and support services). It has been outlined the possibility of optimizing the activities of small agricultural enterprises by increasing the volume of sold products (goods, works, services) and reducing costs, which will improve the financial result (will increase profits).

Exploring the field and practice of knowledge mobilization: identifying common approaches and priority competencies using Q-methodology

With the growing interest to understand knowledge mobilization (KMb) and knowledge brokering in practice, this Major Research Paper investigates the viewpoints of knowledge mobilization experts, researchers, intermediaries, and practitioners regarding priority KMb activities, and the competencies and skills required for such tasks. This mixed methods study employed Q-Methodology, with data collected in two major phases. First, expert interviews were conducted with 20 KMb experts from Canada and the UK to develop the study’s concourse and subsequent q-statements. Second, 91 participants completed an online Q-survey, with a Q-sort task with 49 q-statements and an activity-rating task with 31 activities. Respondents also answered a range of open-ended questions pertaining to their KMb work, training, and perspectives. A crucial component of this research is the use of the Great Eight Competencies Framework, also known as the Universal Competencies Framework (UCF). Analysis identified four distinct approaches to KMb and puts forward a preliminary hierarchy of KMb competencies, according to the survey responses. The proposed hierarchy advances current understandings of KMb in demonstrating commonalities in competencies across various professions and fields. KMb practitioners and researchers are encouraged to respond and refine this initial list of priority competencies according to their workplace and/or research contexts.

Exploring the field and practice of knowledge mobilization: identifying common approaches and priority competencies using Q-methodology

With the growing interest to understand knowledge mobilization (KMb) and knowledge brokering in practice, this Major Research Paper investigates the viewpoints of knowledge mobilization experts, researchers, intermediaries, and practitioners regarding priority KMb activities, and the competencies and skills required for such tasks. This mixed methods study employed Q-Methodology, with data collected in two major phases. First, expert interviews were conducted with 20 KMb experts from Canada and the UK to develop the study’s concourse and subsequent q-statements. Second, 91 participants completed an online Q-survey, with a Q-sort task with 49 q-statements and an activity-rating task with 31 activities. Respondents also answered a range of open-ended questions pertaining to their KMb work, training, and perspectives. A crucial component of this research is the use of the Great Eight Competencies Framework, also known as the Universal Competencies Framework (UCF). Analysis identified four distinct approaches to KMb and puts forward a preliminary hierarchy of KMb competencies, according to the survey responses. The proposed hierarchy advances current understandings of KMb in demonstrating commonalities in competencies across various professions and fields. KMb practitioners and researchers are encouraged to respond and refine this initial list of priority competencies according to their workplace and/or research contexts.

Use of Intramuscular Chlorpromazine Versus Intramuscular Olanzapine for the Management of Acute Agitation and Aggression in Youth

OBJECTIVES In the inpatient psychiatric setting, one treatment strategy used to manage acute agitation in youth includes administration of IM antipsychotics. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of IM chlorpromazine versus IM olanzapine in treating aggression in youth. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients younger than 18 years hospitalized in the inpatient psychiatric unit who received either IM chlorpromazine or IM olanzapine for acute agitation. Demographic, efficacy, and tolerability data were collected using the electronic health record EPIC. The primary outcome was change from baseline to end point in the Behavioral Activity Rating Scale (BARS) score. BARS was applied retrospectively using nursing and physician documentation to evaluate for clinical response. RESULTS Among 145 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 72 received IM chlorpromazine, compared with 73 who received IM olanzapine. The mean change in BARS score (before and after IM antipsychotic) was greater with olanzapine (3.58 ± 0.99) than with chlorpromazine (3.07 ± 1.18, p = 0.006). The target BARS score of 4 was achieved more frequently with chlorpromazine (45.8%) than with olanzapine (24.7%, p < 0.008). Coadministration of IM diphenhydramine occurred significantly more often in the olanzapine group than in the chlorpromazine group (71.2% vs 36.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Management of acute agitation with IM olanzapine resulted in a greater change in BARS score, despite more youth requiring coadministration with diphenhydramine. In comparison, IM chlorpromazine demonstrated a higher likelihood of returning patients to baseline. Study results suggest tolerability of IM chlorpromazine and olanzapine.