The experience of long-stay patients in a forensic psychiatric hospital in China: a qualitative study

open access articleBackground Long stay in forensic psychiatric hospitals is common in patients who are defined as “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder”. However, little is known about how these patients experience and perceive the long stay within these settings. The aim of this study is to explore the perception and needs of long-stay patients in forensic psychiatric hospitals in China. Methods In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 participants who had lived in the forensic psychiatry hospital for more than 8 years. We used thematic analysis strategies to analyse the qualitative data. Results Participants’ perceptions clustered seven themes: hopelessness, loneliness, worthlessness, low mood, sleep disturbances, lack of freedom, and lack of mental health intervention. Conclusions The views and opinions expressed by long-stay patients showed that psychological distress is prevailing in forensic psychiatric hospitals. Adequate and effective care and mental health interventions are recommended to be tailored for their special needs

Unveiling the regulatory mechanism of poly-γ-glutamic acid on soil characteristics under drought stress through integrated metagenomics and metabolomics analysis

It is of utmost importance to understand the characteristics and regulatory mechanisms of soil in order to optimize soil management and enhance crop yield. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a stress-resistant amino acid polymer, plays a crucial role in plant drought stress resistance. However, little is known about the effects of γ-PGA on soil characteristics during drought treatments. In this study, the effects of different forms of γ-PGA on soil texture and basic physical and chemical properties under short-term drought conditions were investigated. Furthermore, the impact of γ-PGA on the microbial community and metabolic function of maize was analyzed. Under drought conditions, the introduction of γ-PGA into the soil resulted in notable improvements in the mechanical composition ratio and infiltration capacity of the soil. Concurrently, this led to a reduction in soil bulk density and improved soil organic matter content and fertility. Additionally, metagenomic analysis revealed that under drought conditions, the incorporation of γ-PGA into the soil enhanced the soil microbiota structure. This shift led to the predominance of bacteria that are crucial for carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycles in the soil. Metabolomics analysis revealed that under drought treatment, γ-PGA affected soil metabolic patterns, with a particular focus on alterations in amino acid and vitamin metabolism pathways. Correlation analysis between the soil metagenome and metabolites showed that microorganisms played a significant role in metabolite accumulation. These results demonstrated that γ-PGA could improve soil characteristics under drought conditions and play an important role in soil microorganisms and microbial metabolism, providing further insights into the changes in soil characteristics under drought conditions

Bupropion decreases plasma levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine and ameliorates renal injury by modulation of Ddah1, Oatp4c1, Oct2, and Mate1 in rats with adenine-induced chronic renal injury

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to investigate whether bupropion (BUP) or its circulation metabolites could decrease plasma level of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and ameliorate renal injury by modulation of Ddah1, Oatp4c1, Oct2, and Mate1 in rats with adenine-induced chronic renal injury.MethodsThe study initially determined the effect of BUP and its metabolites on cell viability and apoptosis in HK2 cells in the presence and absence of ADMA. Secondly, the study explored whether long-term administration of BUP could reduce the plasma level of ADMA and mitigate renal damage. Thirdly, the expression and activity of Oct2, Ddah1, Mate1 and Oatp4c1 was determined by Western blot and UPLC-MS/MS.ResultsWith 0.5 μmol/L ADMA, hydroxybupropion (HBUP, 100 nmol/L), threo-hydrobupropion (TBUP, 10 nmol/L and 1 μmol/L) reduced N-Acetyl-β-D-glucosidase (NAG) level. At 5 μmol/L ADMA, BUP (1 nmol/L-1 μmol/L), HBUP (1–100 nmol/L), and BUP cocktail enhanced survival. At 50 μmol/L ADMA, HBUP (10 nmol/L and 1 μmol/L), TBUP/erythro-hydrobupropion (EBUP) (10–100 nmol/L), and BUP cocktail stimulated survival. EBUP (1 and 100 nmol/L) lowered LDH. BUP (100 nmol/L) and TBUP (1 μmol/L) decreased NAG. TBUP (10 nmol/L, 1 μmol/L) and EBUP (100 nmol/L) inhibited apoptosis. In adenine-induced chronic renal injury rats, long-term administration of BUP significantly decreased the serum concentration of ADMA and creatinine by 12.78% and 38.85%, respectively, ameliorated interstitial lesions and fibrosis and upregulated Ddah1, Oatp4c1, Oct2, Mate1. BUP increased metformin renal clearance without affecting digoxin disposition.ConclusionBupropion moderately decreases plasma levels of ADMA and ameliorates renal injury by modulation of Ddah1, Oatp4c1, Oct2, and Mate1

Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

Funder: European Society of Intensive Care Medicine; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100013347Funder: Flemish Society for Critical Care NursesAbstract: Purpose: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are particularly susceptible to developing pressure injuries. Epidemiologic data is however unavailable. We aimed to provide an international picture of the extent of pressure injuries and factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries in adult ICU patients. Methods: International 1-day point-prevalence study; follow-up for outcome assessment until hospital discharge (maximum 12 weeks). Factors associated with ICU-acquired pressure injury and hospital mortality were assessed by generalised linear mixed-effects regression analysis. Results: Data from 13,254 patients in 1117 ICUs (90 countries) revealed 6747 pressure injuries; 3997 (59.2%) were ICU-acquired. Overall prevalence was 26.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.9–27.3). ICU-acquired prevalence was 16.2% (95% CI 15.6–16.8). Sacrum (37%) and heels (19.5%) were most affected. Factors independently associated with ICU-acquired pressure injuries were older age, male sex, being underweight, emergency surgery, higher Simplified Acute Physiology Score II, Braden score 3 days, comorbidities (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunodeficiency), organ support (renal replacement, mechanical ventilation on ICU admission), and being in a low or lower-middle income-economy. Gradually increasing associations with mortality were identified for increasing severity of pressure injury: stage I (odds ratio [OR] 1.5; 95% CI 1.2–1.8), stage II (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and stage III or worse (OR 2.8; 95% CI 2.3–3.3). Conclusion: Pressure injuries are common in adult ICU patients. ICU-acquired pressure injuries are associated with mainly intrinsic factors and mortality. Optimal care standards, increased awareness, appropriate resource allocation, and further research into optimal prevention are pivotal to tackle this important patient safety threat

Correction to: Prevalence, associated factors and outcomes of pressure injuries in adult intensive care unit patients: the DecubICUs study

The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake