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Biagianti B, Lisi I, Di Liberto A, Turtulici N, Foti G, Zito S, Ginex V, Fornoni C, Gallo F, Cantù F, Tombola V, Di Fede V, Rossetti MG, Colombo E, Stocchetti N, Zanier ER, Bellani M, Bressi C, Brambilla P. Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of brief tele-psychotherapy for COVID-19 patients and their first-degree relatives. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:300-308. [PMID: 36934855 PMCID: PMC10022466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compromised the mental health of COVID-19 patients and their family members. Due to social distancing and lockdown measures, a remote, tele-psychotherapy program for former or current COVID-19 patients and their relatives was implemented. OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this project was to evaluate intervention feasibility. The secondary aim was to assess the impact of the intervention by means of pre-post psychological changes. METHODS After a phone-based eligibility screening and remote neuropsychological testing, participants completed online self-reports assessing baseline COVID-related psychopathology. Next, participants attended eight tele-psychotherapy sessions. After treatment, the online self-reports were completed again. RESULTS Of 104 enrolled participants, 88 completed the intervention (84.6 % completion rate). Significant pre-post improvements were observed for generalized anxiety (d = 0.38), depression (d = 0.37), insomnia (d = 0.43), post-traumatic psychopathology (d = 0.54), and general malaise (d = 0.31). Baseline cluster analysis revealed a subgroup of 41 subjects (47.6 %) with no psychopathology, and a second subgroup of 45 subject (52.3 %) with moderate severity. Thirty-three percent of the second group reached full symptom remission, while 66 % remained symptomatic after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Remote brief tele-psychotherapy for COVID-19 patients and their first-degree relatives is feasible and preliminary efficacious at reducing COVID-related psychopathology in a subgroup of patients. Further research is needed to investigate distinct profiles of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Biagianti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Lisi
- Laboratory of Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Asia Di Liberto
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nunzio Turtulici
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Foti
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Ginex
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Fornoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallo
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Filippo Cantù
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Tombola
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Viviana Di Fede
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gloria Rossetti
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Colombo
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Nino Stocchetti
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa R Zanier
- Laboratory of Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Marcella Bellani
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bressi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126, Milano, Italy; Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy.
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Zito S, Poluzzi E, Pierantozzi A, Onder G, Da Cas R, Ippoliti I, Lunghi C, Cangini A, Trotta F. Medication use in Italian nursing homes: preliminary results from the national monitoring system. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1128605. [PMID: 37266155 PMCID: PMC10229842 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1128605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The aging population has increased concerns about the affordability, quality, and nature of long-term care for older people, emphasizing the role of nursing homes. Unlike acute hospital and primary care, there is a lack of drug consumption data in long-term care to understand regional or national healthcare policies. Objectives: This study aimed to describe medication consumption by older adults and expenditure in Italian nursing homes (NHs). Methods: Data on drug consumption and costs from the administrative medicine informational flows that detect medicines packages supplied to patients in health facilities and NHs were used. Data on the characteristics of the healthcare residence were from the Italian Health Ministry. Records for the year 2019, selecting the nursing homes exclusively providing elderly or mixed (elderly and disabled) were used. Results: In 2019, the total expenditure on medicines in NHs amounted to 25.38 million euros, the average cost to 1.30 and the expenditure per bed to 436.18 euros. Cardiovascular drugs were the highest-consuming therapeutic class (177.0 defined daily doses-DDDs/100 days of NH stay; 22.2% of total) followed by drugs acting on the alimentary tract and metabolism (167.6% and 21.0%) and blood drugs (160.4% and 20.1%). The treatment of hypertension and heart failure was widely the most frequently used, with the consumption being driven mainly by furosemide and ramipril. Antiulcer drugs were used on average in more than half of the days of NH stay (58.5 DDDs/100 days of NH stay), representing a therapeutic category for which deprescribing initiatives are recommended. On average, almost all patients received a dose of benzodiazepines, antipsychotics and antidepressants (37.6, 35.9, and 17.7 DDDs/100 days of NH stay, respectively), confirming the high prevalence of use for these medicines. Antibiotics reached 6.8 DDDs/100 days of NH stay. Conclusion: The availability of data in this specific setting allows the identification of the main interventions toward improving appropriateness and represents a challenge for drug utilization research. Data from this study suggest that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), benzodiazepines and antibacterials can be areas of improving prescribing appropriateness.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Zito
- Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA), Rome, Italy
| | - E. Poluzzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - G. Onder
- Department of Geriatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacral Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - R. Da Cas
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - I. Ippoliti
- National Centre for Drug Research and Evaluation, Pharmacoepidemiology Unit, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - C. Lunghi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A. Cangini
- Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA), Rome, Italy
| | - F. Trotta
- Italian Medicine Agency (AIFA), Rome, Italy
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Zito S, Nosari G, Pigoni A, Moltrasio C, Delvecchio G. Association between testosterone levels and mood disorders: A minireview. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:48-56. [PMID: 36841309 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many studies reported the neuropsychiatric involvement of testosterone (T) levels in the development of mood disorders, its role in this disabling disorder is still not well understood. Therefore, in this review, we aim to summarize the current literature exploring serum testosterone levels in both major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD), with particular attention given to the possible causal relationship between pathological mood alterations and T levels. METHODS We selected 9 original studies from a bibliographic search on PubMed, excluding studies on hormonal therapy and other psychiatric disorders other than mood disorders. RESULTS The results reported by the reviewed studies were conflicting especially with regards to the presence of dysfunctional levels of T in patients with BD. Specifically, while MDD was found to be associated with low levels of T compared to healthy controls (HC), in BD the results were highly heterogeneous, with a mixed picture of reduced, increased or no difference in T levels in BD patients compared to HC. LIMITATIONS Studies were highly heterogeneous in terms of samples employed, psychometric scales used for assessing depressive symptoms, T assay methods and therapeutic regimens. CONCLUSIONS Overall, T levels were shown to be reduced in both MDD and BD patients, ultimately suggesting that T could be useful as a biomarker in mood disorders and provide guidance for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Nosari
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy; Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Pigoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delvecchio
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Cantù F, Biagianti B, Lisi I, R Zanier E, Bottino N, Fornoni C, Gallo F, Ginex V, Tombola V, Zito S, Colombo E, Stocchetti N, Brambilla P. Psychotherapeutic and psychiatric intervention in COVID-19 patients and their relatives: the DigiCOVID trial protocol (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e39080. [PMID: 36228130 PMCID: PMC9674079 DOI: 10.2196/39080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting the mental health of both patients with COVID-19 and the general population. As current guidelines are limiting in-person contacts to reduce the spread of the virus, the development of a digital approach to implement in psychiatric and psychological consultations is needed. In this paper, we present the DigiCOVID protocol, a digital approach to offer remote, personalized psychological and psychiatric support to former or current patients with COVID-19 and their relatives. Objective The main goal of this project is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and usability of the DigiCOVID protocol. Furthermore, we also aim to assess the impact of the abovementioned protocol by means of pre-post changes in psychological clinical variables. Methods Participants undergo an initial telephonic screening to ensure inclusion criteria are met. Secondly, participants complete a video-assisted neuropsychological IQ test as well as web-based self-reports of health and general well-being. Participants are then assigned to a psychotherapist who offers 8 teletherapy sessions. At the end of the therapy cycle, the web-based questionnaires are administered for a posttreatment evaluation. Results As of April 2022, we enrolled a total of 122 participants, of which 94 have completed neuropsychological tests and web-based questionnaires. Conclusions Our study aims at testing the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of DigiCOVID, a remote telemedicine protocol for the improvement of psychological and psychiatric health in patients with COVID-19 and their relatives. To date, the approach used seems to be feasible and highly customizable to patients’ needs, and therefore, the DigiCOVID protocol might pave the way for future telepsychiatry-based interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05231018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05231018?term=NCT05231018 &draw=2&rank=1 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/39080
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Cantù
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
| | - Bruno Biagianti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Research and Development, Posit Science Corporation, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ilaria Lisi
- Laboratory of Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa R Zanier
- Laboratory of Acute Brain Injury and Therapeutic Strategies, Department of Neuroscience, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Bottino
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Fornoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallo
- Respiratory Unit and Cystic Fibrosis Adult Center, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Ginex
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Valentina Tombola
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Colombo
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Nino Stocchetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milano, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
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Biagianti B, Zito S, Fornoni C, Ginex V, Bellani M, Bressi C, Brambilla P. Developing a Brief Tele-Psychotherapy Model for COVID-19 Patients and Their Family Members. Front Psychol 2021; 12:784685. [PMID: 34925187 PMCID: PMC8674425 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.784685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic is negatively impacting the mental health of COVID-19 patients and family members. Given the restrictions limiting in person contact to reduce the spread of the virus, a digital approach is needed to tackle the psychological aftermath of the pandemic. We present the development of a brief remote psychotherapy program for COVID-19 patients and/or their relatives. Methods: We first reviewed the literature on psychotherapeutic interventions for COVID-19 related symptoms. Based on this evidence, we leveraged ongoing clinical experiences with COVID-19 survivors and family members to design an intervention model that could be disseminated and integrated into the workflow of the mental health system. Results: This 8-session model -inspired by constructivist and hermeneutic-phenomenological therapies- serves COVID-19 patients during hospitalization, remission and recovery. This model can also be delivered to people dealing with the COVID-19 hospitalization/discharge of a family member, or the loss of a family member due to COVID-19. Conclusion: We described a remote psychotherapeutic approach to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic psychological aftermath. To date, the approach seems feasible and highly customizable to patients' needs. Studies are underway to test its preliminary efficacy. Once proven efficacious, this treatment model could provide a blueprint for future tele-psychology wide-scale interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Biagianti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvana Zito
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Fornoni
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Ginex
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Bellani
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Psychiatry, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Bressi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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Littlewood KE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Stephens C, Collins T, Quain A, Hazel S, Lloyd JF, Mallia C, Richards L, Wedler NK, Zito S. How decision-making about euthanasia for animals is taught to Australasian veterinary students. Aust Vet J 2021; 99:334-343. [PMID: 34002368 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study set out to explore how euthanasia decision-making for animals was taught to students in eight Australasian veterinary schools. A questionnaire-style interview guide was used by a representative at each university to interview educators. Educators were interviewed about their teaching of euthanasia decision-making for four categories of animals: livestock, equine, companion and avian/wildlife. Using thematic analysis, the terms provided by participants to describe how (mode of teaching) and what (specific content) they taught to students were categorised. Information about content was categorised into human-centred factors that influence decision-making, and animal-based indicators used to directly inform decision-making. All eight representatives reported some teaching relevant to euthanasia decision-making at their university for livestock, companion animal and avian/wildlife. One representative reported no such teaching for equid animals at their university. Observation of a euthanasia case was rarely reported as a teaching method. Five universities reported multiple modes of teaching relevant information, while two universities made use of modalities that could be described as opportunistic teaching (e.g., 'Discussion of clinical cases'). Factors taught at most universities included financial considerations, and that it is the owner's decision to make, while animal-based indicators taught included QoL/animal welfare, prognosis and behaviour change. Overall, most universities used a variety of methods to cover relevant material, usually including lectures and several other approaches for all animal types. However, because two universities relied on presentation of clinical cases, not all students at these veterinary schools will be exposed to make, or assist in making, euthanasia decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Littlewood
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - C Stephens
- School of Psychology, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - T Collins
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - A Quain
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - S Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jk F Lloyd
- Discipline of Veterinary Sciences, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, 1 Solander Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - C Mallia
- School of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, New South Wales, 2640, Australia
| | - L Richards
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - N K Wedler
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - S Zito
- Animal Welfare Science and Education Department, Royal New Zealand SPCA National Office, 3047 Great North Road, Auckland, 0640, New Zealand
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Littlewood KE, Beausoleil NJ, Stafford KJ, Stephens C, Collins T, Fawcett A, Hazel S, Lloyd J, Mallia C, Richards L, Wedler NK, Zito S. How management of grief associated with ending the life of an animal is taught to Australasian veterinary students. Aust Vet J 2020; 98:356-363. [PMID: 32458445 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Veterinarians have an important role in supporting and understanding their clients' grief. Veterinary schools have a duty to teach students how best to manage grief - both that of the students/future veterinarians and the clients. This study explores how grief management, associated with ending the life of an animal, was taught to students in eight Australasian veterinary schools. METHODS A questionnaire-style interview guide was used by a representative at each university to conduct structured interviews with educators in a snowball sampling approach. Educators were interviewed about the teaching of grief management for four categories of animals: livestock, equine, companion and avian/wildlife. The terms used by participants to describe what they taught were grouped into common themes. Teaching was defined by individual participants and included structured and unstructured approaches. The stage in the degree (preclinical or clinical years) that grief management was taught in the veterinary curriculum and by whom (e.g. clinicians or psychologists) is also described. RESULTS Grief management was taught more in preclinical than clinical years. However, due to how grief was characterised, much of this teaching was general 'nonspecific' teaching that included all categories of animals. Client grief was taught more generically, whereas, grief of veterinarians was taught using specific examples given by clinicians. CONCLUSION A more robust end-of-life (EoL) management curriculum that includes all aspects of grief management is likely to increase job satisfaction, client happiness and professional satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Littlewood
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - N J Beausoleil
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - K J Stafford
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - C Stephens
- School of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, 4442, New Zealand
| | - T Collins
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - A Fawcett
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, 2006, Australia
| | - S Hazel
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jkf Lloyd
- Discipline of Veterinary Sciences, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, 1 Solander Drive, Townsville, Queensland, 4811, Australia
| | - C Mallia
- School of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, New South Wales, 2640, Australia
| | - L Richards
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria, 3030, Australia
| | - N K Wedler
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Murdoch University, South Street, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia
| | - S Zito
- Animal Welfare Science and Education Department, Royal New Zealand SPCA National Office, 3047 Great North Road, Auckland, 0640, New Zealand
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Gates MC, Mancera K, Dale A, Zito S. Preliminary analysis of post-adoption outcomes for kittens and adult cats rehomed through a New Zealand animal shelter. N Z Vet J 2019; 68:38-45. [PMID: 31474197 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1662340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To determine the frequency of different types of health and behavioural problems observed in the first month after adoption in kittens and adult cats rehomed through an animal shelter in New Zealand, to assess satisfaction of adopters and to determine the preferences of adopters for provision of post-adoption support.Methods: The adopters of kittens and cats from an animal shelter in Auckland, New Zealand between 15 October 2016-4 December 2016 were invited to complete a survey 1 week and 1 month after adoption. Respondents were asked about how well the animal was settling into the household, whether they had observed any health or behavioural problems, and what their preferences were for receiving post-adoption support.Results: Data from at least one survey were available for 83/115 (72.2%) kittens and 70/155 (45.6%) adult cats, with 39/115 (34%) adopters of kittens and 35/155 (23%) adopters of adult cats completing surveys at both 1 week and 1 month after adoption. By 1 month after adoption 57/60 (95%) adopted kittens and 40/53 (75%) adopted adult cats had settled well into their new home. At 1 month after adoption 28/60 (47%) kittens and 26/53 (49%) cats had ≥1 reported behavioural problem, and 16/60 (27%) kittens and 18/53 (34%) cats had ≥1 reported health problem. The most common problem behaviours for kittens were episodes of hyperactivity and scratching household items, and for adult cats were spending most of the time hiding and scratching household items. The most common health problems for kittens were eye problems and sneezing or a runny nose, and for adult cats were sneezing or a runny nose. Amongst respondents, the most helpful support for recent adopters was considered to be an email or phone call 1 month after adoption from the animal shelter.Conclusions and clinical relevance: Although many adopters reported health and/or behavioural issues in their adopted kittens and adult cats, most issues were generally mild and the adopters were generally satisfied with their animals. Providing new adopters with advice about managing common health and behavioural issues such as upper respiratory disease and scratching household items may increase satisfaction with adoptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - K Mancera
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.,Current address: Departamento de Etología y Fauna Silvestre, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Coyoacán 04510, DF, México
| | - A Dale
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- RNZSPCA, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.,Current Address: RSPCA Australia, 5/6 Napier Cl, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
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Gates MC, Walker J, Zito S, Dale A. Cross-sectional survey of pet ownership, veterinary service utilisation, and pet-related expenditures in New Zealand. N Z Vet J 2019; 67:306-314. [PMID: 31319781 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1645626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To describe the demographics of and predictors for pet ownership, reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure in pet owners in New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from 18-22 June 2015 using a permission-based panel of New Zealand residents aged ≥18 years. Questions included demographics of respondents, number of pets and reasons for owning or not owning pets, number of visits and reasons for visiting a veterinarian, and pet-related expenditure. Results: Of the 1,572 respondents who completed the survey, 1,013 (64.4%) owned ≥1 pet. Of these, 443 owned dogs, 696 cats, 32 horses, 103 birds, 55 rabbits, and 159 owned fish. Companionship was the most common reason for getting dogs, cats, and birds; horses were mostly owned as a hobby, rabbits to provide fun for children, and fish as a source of relaxation. The majority of dog, cat, and rabbit owners considered their pets to be family members; horse owners almost equally considered their horses a hobby or a family member. The odds of pet ownership increased for respondents from a rural region, having a higher household income, having children and being female. Overall, 711/1,013 (70.2%) pet-owning respondents had taken ≥1 animal to the veterinarian in the previous year, with the most common reasons being for vaccination or annual check-ups or health issues. Respondents who considered their pets trusted companions, had a higher income, and owned dogs or cats compared with other species, were most likely to have taken their pet to a veterinarian. The greatest pet-related expenditure for all species was food. The median yearly veterinary expenditure was $200-499 by dog owners, $100-199 by cat owners, and <$100 by horse, bird, rabbit, and fish owners. The best source of information for pet-related issues was considered to be veterinarians by 724/1,001 (72.3%) owners, and the internet by 509/1,001 (50.8%) owners. Conclusions: Among survey respondents, pet ownership was common and pets filled a variety of roles in the household. Pet owners reported spending considerable amounts of money on their pets each year, but some of them may be underutilising veterinary services despite veterinarians being considered as valuable sources of information about pet-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - J Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- RNZSPCA , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - A Dale
- RNZSPCA , Auckland , New Zealand
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10
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Abstract
Aims: To describe the opinions of respondents to an online survey on desexing, microchipping and pet registration, and the management of cats, and aggressive dogs in New Zealand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online from 18-22 June 2015 using a permission-based panel of New Zealand residents aged ≥18 years. Questions included demographics of respondents, number of dogs and cats owned, and opinions on desexing, microchipping, pet registration, management of cats and aggressive dogs. Results: Of the 1,572 survey respondents, 216 (13.7%) owned ≥1 dog and ≥1 cat, 227 (14.4%) owned ≥1 dog and no cats, 480 (30.5%) owned ≥1 cat and no dogs, and 559 (35.6%) did not own any pets. The majority of dogs (456/613; 74.8%) and cats (974/1,045; 93.2%) were desexed. The most common reasons for not desexing pets were cost, feeling that it was not needed, or keeping the dog for breeding. Of the 613 dogs, 557 (90.9%) were registered with the local council, and 434 (71.0%) were microchipped, but only 290 (47.3%) were registered in the national database. Of the 1,045 cats, 326 (31.2%) were microchipped and 279/486 (57.4%) owners felt that it was unnecessary. Of the 1,572 respondents, 947 (60.2%) were unaware of stray cats in their local community, and 479 (30.5%) stated that local councils, or animal welfare organisations (546/1,572; 34.7%) should be responsible for managing strays. Among all 1,572 respondents, 787 (50.1%) thought stray cats should be assessed and subjected to euthanasia. Compared with non-pet owners, a lower percentage of cat owners agreed that cats should be confined (p < 0.001). When asked to choose the most appropriate course of action for dogs that had bitten people or other animals, 849 (54.0%) and 820 (52.5%) respondents, respectively, agreed that the dog should be assessed by an expert who would then determine the appropriate action. Compared with non-pet owners, a lower percentage of dog owners supported registration and education of dog owners, aggressive dogs being destroyed, and giving more power to local councils (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results highlight opportunities to improve owner compliance with desexing, microchipping and registration of dogs and cats. Opinions towards management of stray cat and aggressive dogs varied between pet owners and non-owners. Further research is needed to better understand how to engage the public in important dog and cat management policy issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - J Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council , Waiuku, Auckland , New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- RNZSPCA , New Lynn, Auckland , New Zealand
| | - A Dale
- RNZSPCA , New Lynn, Auckland , New Zealand
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Gates MC, Zito S, Walker JK, Dale AR. Owner perceptions and management of the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals: an update. N Z Vet J 2019; 67:323-328. [PMID: 31262239 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1638845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To provide updated results on the adverse behavioural effects of fireworks on companion animals in New Zealand, measures that owners use to mitigate these effects, and opinions on a ban on the sale of fireworks. Method: A cross-sectional survey of companion animal owners in New Zealand was conducted between 2 November and 5 December 2016 using an online survey. The survey was modelled after a similar study conducted in 2006. Owners were asked to provide information on the types and severity of behaviours observed in their animals that were frightened by fireworks, what they did for their frightened animals and whether they would support a ban on the sale of fireworks. Results: There were 4,293 respondents who completed the online survey and they owned 15,871 companion animals, of which 11,750 (74.4%) were frightened of fireworks. For the 7,464 fearful animals with individual data available, the most commonly reported adverse behaviours were hiding (5,287; 70.8%), shivering (4,058; 54.3%) and cowering (3,324; 44.5%). Owners reported that 345 animals had been physically injured as the result of fireworks. Of 3,682 owners with frightened animals, 2,649 (71.9%) had not sought help or treatment for their animal. Frightened animals were mostly kept inside (3,479/7,464; 46.%) or comforted (2,112/7,464; 28.2%). Of all 4,325 respondents, 3,631 (84.0%) were supportive of a ban on the private sale of fireworks, with 370 (8.6%) against and 315 (7.3%) undecided. Owners with ≥1 animal that was fearful towards fireworks were more likely to support a ban (3,137/3,412; 91.9%) than owners whose animals were not afraid (466/561; 83.1%) (OR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.80-2.98). Conclusion and Clinical Relevance: Among respondents to this survey, many owners of companion animals reported that their animals were adversely affected by fireworks, but few of them sought advice about strategies to mitigate the impacts. The majority of respondents supported a ban on the private sale of fireworks. Campaigns to raise public awareness of treatment strategies for managing fear behaviours during anticipated fireworks displays may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council , Auckland , New Zealand
| | - J K Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council , Auckland , New Zealand
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Gates MC, Zito S, Harvey LC, Dale A, Walker JK. Assessing obesity in adult dogs and cats presenting for routine vaccination appointments in the North Island of New Zealand using electronic medical records data. N Z Vet J 2019; 67:126-133. [DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2019.1585990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MC Gates
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - S Zito
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - LC Harvey
- Environmental and Animal Sciences Practice Pathway, Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - A Dale
- Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - JK Walker
- New Zealand Companion Animal Council, Waiuku, Auckland, New Zealand
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Sinclair M, Zito S, Idrus Z, Yan W, van Nhiem D, Lampang PN, Phillips CJC. Attitudes of stakeholders to animal welfare during slaughter and transport in SE and E Asia. Anim Welf 2017. [DOI: 10.7120/09627286.26.4.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Filauro F, Gaggero D, Arena V, Ferelli E, Cericola A, Rossi M, Zaninoni E, Zito S, Campanella D, Fraguglia C. OHP-022 Departmental pharmacists join the Central Surgical Unit (BOC): a yearís experience in the E. O. Galliera Hospital, Genoa. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2014. [DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2013-000436.474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Filia A, Barale A, Malaspina S, Montù D, Zito S, Muscat M, Ciofi Degli Atti ML. A cluster of measles cases in northern Italy: a preliminary report. Euro Surveill 2007; 12:E071129.1. [PMID: 18053566 DOI: 10.2807/esw.12.48.03318-en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
From 19 September to 19 November 2007, 46 measles cases related to a single outbreak were reported in the Piemonte region of northern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Filia
- National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
To analyze the mechanism of Tat-mediated HIV pathogenicity, we produced a Drosophila melanogaster strain transgenic for HIV-tat gene and induced the expression of the protein during Drosophila development. By in vitro and in vivo experiments, we demonstrated that Tat specifically binds to tubulin via the MAP-binding domain of tubulin, and that this interaction delays the polymerization of tubulin and induces a premature stop to microtubule-dependent cytoplasmic streaming. The delay in the polymerization of microtubules, the tracks for the transport of the axes determinants, alters the positioning of the dorso-ventral axis as shown by the mislocalization of Gurken and Kinesin in oocyte of Drosophila after Tat induction. These results validate the use of Drosophila as a tool to study the molecular mechanism of viral gene products and suggest that Tat-tubulin interaction is responsible for neurodegenerative diseases associated with AIDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Battaglia
- Laboratorio di Biologia Cellulare, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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Stjernholm RL, Dimitrov NV, Zito S. Carbohydrate metabolism in leukocytes. 13. Differentiation by metabolism of leukemic leukocytes into three groups. J Reticuloendothel Soc 1970; 7:539-50. [PMID: 5265727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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