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Die psychotische Erstepisode: eine besondere differentialdiagnostische und therapeutische Herausforderung
In: Swiss Medical Forum ‒ Schweizerisches Medizin-Forum, Volume 12, Issue 2021
ISSN: 1424-4020
Psychotische Frühphasen: Wann intervenieren?
In: Swiss Medical Forum ‒ Schweizerisches Medizin-Forum, Volume 5, Issue 23
ISSN: 1424-4020
Clinical and socio-demographic characteristics associated with involuntary admissions in Switzerland between 2008 and 2016 : an observational cohort study before and after implementation of the new legislation
Background: Involuntary admission (IA) for psychiatric treatment has a history of controversial discussions. We aimed to describe characteristics of a cohort of involuntarily compared to voluntarily admitted patients regarding clinical and socio-demographic characteristics before and after implementation of the new legislation. Methods: In this observational cohort study, routine data of 15'125 patients who were admitted to the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich between 2008 and 2016 were analyzed using a series of generalized estimating equations. Results: At least one IA occurred in 4'560 patients (30.1%). Of the 31'508 admissions 8'843 (28.1%) were involuntary. In the final multivariable model, being a tourist (OR = 3.5) or an asylum seeker (OR = 2.3), having a schizophrenic disorder (OR = 2.1), or a bipolar disorder (OR = 1.8) contributed most to our model. Male gender, higher age, prescription of neuroleptics (all OR 0.6) were also weakly associated with IA. Conclusions: Besides schizophrenic or bipolar disorders, a small group of patients had an increased risk for IA due to non-clinical parameters (i.e. tourists and asylum seekers). Knowledge about risk factors should be used for the development of multi-level strategies to prevent frequent (involuntary) hospitalizations in patients at risk. On the organizational level, we could show that the new legislation decreased the risk for IA, and therefore may have succeeded in strengthening patient autonomy.
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Involuntary admission of psychiatric patients: Referring physicians' perceptions of competence
In: The international journal of social psychiatry, Volume 65, Issue 7-8, p. 580-588
ISSN: 1741-2854
Background: Involuntary admissions can be detrimental for patients. Due to legal, ethical and clinical considerations, they are also challenging for referring physicians. Nevertheless, not much is known about the subjective perceptions of those who have to decide whether to conduct an involuntary admission or not. Aims: This study aimed at answering the question whether psychiatrists' perceptions of confidence during psychiatric emergency situations and consecutive involuntary admissions differ from those of physicians without a psychiatric training. Method: We assessed the professional background and subjective perceptions during psychiatric emergency situations in physicians who executed involuntary admissions to the University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich. We used one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests and chi-square tests to compare the responses of 43 psychiatrists with those of 64 other physicians. Results: Psychiatrists felt less time constraints compared with non-psychiatric residents. The latter also had more doubts on the necessity of the involuntary admission issued. Psychiatrists considered themselves significantly more experienced in handling psychiatric emergency situations and in handling the criteria for involuntary admissions than other physicians. Psychiatrists and other physicians did not differ in their satisfaction concerning course and results of psychiatric emergency situations which was overall high. About half of all participants felt pressure from third parties. Conclusion: Psychiatric emergency situations are challenging situations not only for patients but also for the involved physicians. Physicians with a specialized training might be more confident in the handling of psychiatric emergency situations and exertion of involuntary admissions. Non-psychiatric physicians might benefit from specialized training programs.
Eugenics between Darwin's Εra and the Holocaust
Heredity and reproduction have always been matters of concern. Eugenics is a story that began well before the Holocaust, but the Holocaust completely changed the way eugenics was perceived at that time. What began with Galton (1883) as a scientific movement aimed at the improvement of the human race based on the theories and principles of heredity and statistics became by the beginning of the 20th century an international movement that sought to engineer human supremacy. Eugenic ideas, however, trace back to ancient Greek aristocratic ideas exemplified in Plato's Republic, which played an important role in shaping modern eugenic social practices and government policies. Both positive (prevention and encouragement of the propagation of the fit, namely without hereditary afflictions, i.e. socially acceptable) and negative (institutionalization, sterilization, euthanasia) eugenics focused on the encouragement of healthy and discouragement of unhealthy reproduction. All these practices were often based on existing prejudices about race and disability. In this article, we will focus on the rise of eugenics, starting with the publication of Origin of Species to the Holocaust. This examination will be multidisciplinary, utilizing genetics, legal history and bioethical aspects. Through this examination, we will discuss how provisional understandings of genetics influenced eugenics-based legislation. We will also discuss the rise of biopolitics, the change of medical ethos and stance towards negative eugenics policies, and the possible power of bioethical principles to prevent such phenomena.
BASE
Eugenics between Darwin's Εra and the Holocaust
Heredity and reproduction have always been matters of concern. Eugenics is a story that began well before the Holocaust, but the Holocaust completely changed the way eugenics was perceived at that time. What began with Galton (1883) as a scientific movement aimed at the improvement of the human race based on the theories and principles of heredity and statistics became by the beginning of the 20th century an international movement that sought to engineer human supremacy. Eugenic ideas, however, trace back to ancient Greek aristocratic ideas exemplified in Plato's Republic, which played an important role in shaping modern eugenic social practices and government policies. Both positive (prevention and encouragement of the propagation of the fit, namely without hereditary afflictions, i.e. socially acceptable) and negative (institutionalization, sterilization, euthanasia) eugenics focused on the encouragement of healthy and discouragement of unhealthy reproduction. All these practices were often based on existing prejudices about race and disability. In this article, we will focus on the rise of eugenics, starting with the publication of Origin of Species to the Holocaust. This examination will be multidisciplinary, utilizing genetics, legal history and bioethical aspects. Through this examination, we will discuss how provisional understandings of genetics influenced eugenics-based legislation. We will also discuss the rise of biopolitics, the change of medical ethos and stance towards negative eugenics policies, and the possible power of bioethical principles to prevent such phenomena.
BASE
Frühintervention bei bipolaren Störungen
In: Swiss Medical Forum ‒ Schweizerisches Medizin-Forum, Volume 8, Issue 17
ISSN: 1424-4020
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of lutein‐rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. for turkeys for fattening (EW Nutrition)
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 10
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lutein‐rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. as sensory additive (functional group: Colourants (ii) substances which, when fed to animals, add colours to food of animal origin) for turkeys for fattening. The additive is already authorised for use in feed for chickens for fattening and minor poultry for fattening and laying hens and minor poultry for laying. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta is safe for turkeys for fattening when used up to the maximum proposed use level of 80 mg total carotenoids/kg complete feed. The Panel concluded that the use of lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use would not be of concern for the consumer, considering also its use in other poultry for fattening and for laying hens. Regarding user safety, the lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta extract is irritant to skin and eyes and any exposure is considered a risk. The conclusions on user safety reached for the lutein‐rich extract of T. erecta would, in principle, apply to preparations made with it. The use of the additive in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to colour the skin of turkeys for fattening at the proposed conditions of use.
Safety of an extension of use of oil from Schizochytrium limacinum (strain FCC‐3204) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 10
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of an extension of use of oil from Schizochytrium limacinum (strain FCC‐3204) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The extension of use pertains to the use of the NF as a food ingredient in protein products at a maximum use level of 1 g of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in 100 g of product. The Panel considers that the information provided on the composition and the production process is sufficiently described and does not raise safety concerns. S. limacinum was attributed the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) status with the qualification 'for production purposes only'. Data provided demonstrated the absence of viable cells in the NF. Under the proposed extension of use, the highest intake estimate (at the 95th percentile) of DHA from the NF in protein products is 6.3 mg DHA/kg bw per day for adolescents. The Panel notes that the exposure to DHA from the new intended use of the NF in protein products is very low compared to the exposure to DHA from the already authorised food categories (excluding food supplements). The Panel concludes that the NF (oil from S. limacinum (FCC‐3204)) is safe under the new intended use.
Efficacy of the feed additives consisting of Enterococcus faecium ATCC 53519 and E. faecium ATCC 55593 as silage additives for all animal species (FEFANA asbl)
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 11
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of two technological additives (functional group: silage additives) consisting of Enterococcus faecium strains ATCC 53519 and ATCC 55593, respectively. The additives are intended for use with all types of fresh materials and for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 107 colony‐forming units of E. faecium ATCC 53519/kg fresh material or 5 × 106 CFU of E. faecium ATCC 55593/kg fresh material. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on their efficacy since the dry matter content of the ensiled materials at the end of the experiments was not corrected for volatiles, which led to unreliable estimation of the dry matter loss, and the lack of positive effects on any of the other parameters. The supplementary information submitted by the applicant included updated data on the dry matter loss corrected for volatiles. The results showed that, at the end of the ensiling process, the dry matter loss during the ensiling was significantly lower in the ensiled materials treated with E. faecium ATCC 53519 or ATCC 55593 compared to controls. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the addition of E. faecium ATCC 53519 or ATCC 55593 in all types of fresh plant materials shows potential to improve the nutrient preservation of silage at the proposed conditions of use.
Safety of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B2/riboflavin produced with Eremothecium ashbyi CCTCCM 2019833 for all animal species (Hubei Guangji Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd)
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 11
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of a feed additive consisting of vitamin B2/riboflavin produced with Eremothecium ashbyi CCTCCM 2019833 intended for use as a nutritional additive (functional group: vitamins, pro‐vitamins and chemically well‐defined substances having similar effects) for all animal species. The characterisation, safety and efficacy of the additive have been already assessed previously; however, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the safety of the additive for the target species, consumers and the users due to lack of reliable toxicological data. In the present assessment, the applicant submitted new genotoxicity and repeated dose oral toxicity studies. After the assessment of the data newly submitted, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition under the conditions of use proposed is of no safety concern for the target species and the consumer. The additive is not a skin/eye irritant nor a skin sensitiser, but it is considered a respiratory sensitiser.
Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 as a silage additive for all animal species (Lactosan GmbH & Co.KG)
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 11
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on a formulation of Bacillus subtilis DSM 33862 and Lentilactobacillus buchneri DSM 12856 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of fresh plant material. The additive is intended for use with fresh plant material with a dry matter (DM) range of 32%–65% at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg fresh plant material to be used for all animal species. The bacterial species B. subtilis and L. buchneri are considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. The identity of the strains was established, no acquired antimicrobial resistance genes of concern were detected in any of the two active agents and no evidence of toxigenic potential was found in B. subtilis DSM 33862. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of the strains as a silage additive is considered safe for all the animal species, for consumers of products from animals fed with the treated silage and for the environment. Regarding user safety, the additive contains microorganisms and therefore should be considered as a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. The additive is not irritant to skin or eyes. Inhalation and dermal exposure is considered a risk. These conclusions would apply, in principle, to any preparations containing the active agents. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive containing B. subtilis DSM 33862 and L. buchneri DSM 12856 at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg fresh material has the potential to extend the aerobic stability of silage prepared from fresh plant materials with a DM range of 32%–65%.
Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo‐1,3(4)‐beta‐glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10) for pigs for fattening, minor porcine species for fattening and turkeys for fattening for the renewal...
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 8
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo‐1,3(4)‐beta‐glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) for the renewal of its authorisation as zootechnical feed additive for pigs for fattening, minor porcine species for fattening and turkeys for fattening. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive Avemix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and Avemix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of Avemix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both forms of the additive remain safe for pigs for fattening, minor porcine species for fattening and turkeys for fattening, consumers and the environment. Regarding the safety for the user, Avemix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and Avemix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of Avemix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in all its formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.
Modification of the terms of authorisation regarding the additive consisting of liquid l‐lysine base produced with Corynebacterium glutamicum NRRL B‐67439 and NRRL B‐67535 for all animal species (ADM specialty ingredients (Europe) B.V.)
In: EFSA journal, Volume 22, Issue 7
ISSN: 1831-4732
Abstract
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of liquid l‐lysine base produced with a genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The l‐lysine base liquid produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B‐67535 and NRRL B‐67439 is currently authorised as a nutritional additive for all animal species. The present application is aimed at modifying the current authorisation to include C. glutamicum NRRL B‐68248 as a production strain. The new production strain qualifies for the qualified presumption of safety approach when used for production purposes. It was unambiguously identified as C. glutamicum and was shown not to harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants for antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. All the introduced sequences or mutations were considered to be safe, and no viable cells or DNA of the NRRL B‐68248 strain was detected in the final product. Therefore, the final product does not pose any safety concern associated with the production strain. l‐Lysine base produced using C. glutamicum NRRL B‐68248 does not represent a risk for the target species, the consumer or the environment. The additive was considered to be neither irritant to skin or the eyes, nor a dermal sensitiser. l‐Lysine base produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B‐68248 is considered to be an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l‐lysine for non‐ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l‐lysine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.