Tobacco smoking and nicotine dependence in first episode and established psychosis

Aim People with psychotic disorders have increased premature mortality in comparison with the general population, with high rates of cigarette use a contributing factor. We aimed to describe the prevalence of cigarette use and nicotine dependence (ND) in first episode psychosis (FEP), and established psychosis; and to investigate associations between clinical symptoms and ND. Methodology Smoking and clinical data were collected from two cohorts: 181 people with FEP recruited as part of the Physical Health and Substance Use Measures in First Onset Psychosis (PUMP) study and from 432 people with established psychosis recruited as part of the Improving physical health and reducing substance use in psychosis randomised controlled trial (IMPaCT RCT). Results The prevalence of cigarette smoking was 78% in FEP and 62% in established psychosis. Forty nine percent (n=60) of smokers in the FEP cohort and 69% (n=183) of smokers with established psychosis were highly nicotine dependent. Being a highly nicotine dependent smoker was significantly associated with higher PANSS positive symptom scores (F= 5.480 p= 0.004), and with decreased scores on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (F=3.261, p=0.039) in established psychosis. There was no diagnostic specificity identified in relation to smoking or ND in both groups. Conclusion High rates of cigarette usage and nicotine dependence are problems from the early stages of psychosis. ND is higher in people with established psychosis. Smoking cessation strategies as part of comprehensive management of psychotic disorders at every stage require further development and evaluation

The mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence

The mental health and substance use treatment experiences of racially and ethnically minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence is not well understood. To address this we conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative studies. Our search strategy included electronic searches of 18 databases and grey literature, citation tracking and reference list screening. Studies were eligible if they presented qualitative data from racially and/or ethnically minoritised women or girls, who had experienced sexual violence at any age and described their experiences of receiving treatment from statutory mental health and/or substance use services. Studies were analysed using meta-ethnography. Fourteen papers based on 12 individual studies were included. Analysis developed three main themes: (1) understanding minoritised women holistically, (2) processing the trauma and beginning the healing and (3) the need for social connectedness and empowering relationships. For minoritised women to benefit from treatment, mental health and substance use services need to challenge the dynamics of the multiple traumas minoritised women experience. Knowledge and understanding of the racial trauma minoritised women experience is limited and many are subjected to further harm from racist practices occurring in some treatment services. Offering culturally safe, trauma-informed care which promotes anti- racist practices may help improve mental health and substance use service responses to minoritised women who have experienced sexual violence

Seasonal impact of mineral dust on deep-ocean particle flux in the eastern subtropical Atlantic Ocean

International audienceSeasonal lithogenic particle and Al fluxes were obtained from a deep-ocean sediment trap deployment during 1992 and 1993 off NW Africa, and were compared concurrently with atmospheric Al concentrations and two-dimensional backward trajectories of windfields from two barometric levels in the lower and mid troposphere. Marine Al fluxes, lithogenic particle fluxes and grain size distributions in the area were found to be directly linked to airmass pathways and surface mineral Ž y2 y1. Ž aerosol concentrations. At 1000 m water depth, highest Al fluxes 10.77 mg m day , lithogenic particle fluxes 99.25 y2 y1. Ž. mg m day and smallest mean grain sizes 11.9 mm occurred during the winter and spring season, concurrent with Ž y3. highest atmospheric dust load and Al-concentrations 15 300 ng m in the lower troposphere. A strong seasonal change of the main atmospheric dust transport from low altitude winds during winterrspring to higher altitudes during summer is Ž. Ž y2 y1. clearly reflected at depth by a significant coarsening of mean grain sizes 18.6 mm and lowest Al 0.81 mg m day and Ž y2 y1. lithogenic particle fluxes 11.3 mg m day found in the sediment traps. The comparison of marine, atmospheric and model derived data used within this study highlights the close temporal coupling between atmospheric dust transport and the deep-ocean particle stock.