Suicide Risk Before Mental Health Treatment Initiation: Implications for Screening and Access to Care.

With rising suicide rates in the United States over the past two decades, a critical need has emerged to improve interventions to prevent suicide. Previous research has indicated that the period before initiation of mental health treatment may be a particularly vulnerable time for individuals with suicidal behavior. Presence of suicide risk before treatment initiation highlights the need to improve suicide screening and access to care. The authors propose various care and policy considerations to increase, support, and maintain suicide prevention efforts.

Computer adaptive testing to assess impairing behavioral health problems in emergency department patients with somatic complaints.

Objectives: To assess: (1) the prevalence of mental health and substance use in patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) through use of a computer adaptive test (CAT-MH), (2) the correlation among CAT-MH scores and self- and clinician-reported assessments, and (3) the association between CAT-MH scores and ED utilization in the year prior and 30 days after enrollment. Methods: This was a single-center observational study of adult patients presenting to the ED for somatic complaints (97%) from May 2019 to March 2020. The main outcomes were computer-adaptive-assessed domains of suicidality, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use. We conducted Pearson correlations and logistic regression for objectives 2 and 3, respectively. Results: From a sample of 794 patients, the proportion of those at moderate/severe risk was: 24.1% (suicidality), 8.3% (depression), 16.5% (anxiety), 12.3% (PTSD), and 20.4% (substance use). CAT-MH domains were highly correlated with self-report assessments (r = 0.49-0.79). Individuals who had 2 or more ED visits in the prior year had 62% increased odds of being in the intermediate-high suicide risk category (odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.44) compared to those with zero prior ED visits. Individuals who scored in the intermediate-high-suicide risk group had 63% greater odds of an ED visit within 30 days after enrollment compared to those who scored as low risk (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.09, 2.44). Conclusion: The CAT-MH documented that a considerable proportion of ED patients presenting for somatic problems had mental health conditions, even if mild. Mental health problems were also associated with ED utilization.

Initiation of Opioid Prescription and Risk of Suicidal Behavior Among Youth and Young Adults.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Opioids are involved in an increasing proportion of suicide deaths. This study examined the association between opioid analgesic prescription initiation and suicidal behavior among young people. METHODS: We analyzed Swedish population-register data on 1 895 984 individuals ages 9 to 29 years without prior recorded opioid prescriptions. We identified prescriptions dispensed from January 2007 onward and diagnosed self-injurious behavior and death by suicide through December 2013. We first compared initiators with demographically matched noninitiators. To account for confounding, we applied an active comparator design, which examined suicidal behavior among opioid initiators relative to prescription nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) initiators while inverse-probability-of-treatment weighting with individual and familial covariates. RESULTS: Among the cohort, 201 433 individuals initiated opioid prescription. Relative to demographically matched noninitiators, initiators (N = 180 808) had more than doubled risk of incident suicidal behavior (hazard ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.47-2.81). However, in the active comparator design, opioid initiators (N = 86 635) had only 19% relatively greater risk of suicidal behavior compared with NSAID initiators (N = 255 096; hazard ratio = 1.19; 95% CI,: 1.11-1.28), corresponding to a weighted 5-year cumulative incidence of 2.2% (95% CI, 2.1-2.4) for opioid and 1.9% (95% CI, 1.9-2.0) for NSAID initiators. Most sensitivity analyses produced comparable results. CONCLUSIONS: Opioid initiation may make only a small contribution to the elevated risk of suicidal behavior among young people receiving pharmacologic pain management. In weighing benefits and harms of opioid initiation, our results suggest that increased risk of suicidal behavior may not be a major concern.

Chemical composition of selected insect meals and their effect on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal metabolites, and microbiota of adult cats fed insect-based retorted diets.

Insect meals are novel and potentially sustainable protein sources. The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition and standardized amino acid digestibility using the cecectomized rooster model of three selected insect meals (i.e., speckled cockroach [SC], Madagascar hissing cockroach [MC], and superworm [SW]) and to determine the effects of these insect meals on food intake, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of macronutrients, fecal scores, and metabolites of adult cats fed insect- or chicken-based retorted diets. This study consisted of a complete randomized design, with 28 adult cats randomly assigned to one of the four experimental retorted diets: Control (chicken-based diet), SC diet, MC diet, or SW diet. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. All diets were formulated to be complete and balanced and meet or exceed the nutritional requirements of adult cats. The experimental period was 28 d, with the first 7 d allotted for diet adaptation. The total fecal collection was completed during the last 4 d of the experimental period. On day 21, a fresh fecal sample from each cat was collected for the determination of fecal metabolites and microbiota. Food was offered twice daily to maintain body weight and body condition score. Among the three selected insect meals evaluated, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid were the most prevalent fatty acids. Branched-chain amino acids and arginine were the most preponderant indispensable amino acids in these insect meals. ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, acid-hydrolyzed fat, and crude protein did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05), and all diets were well digested by the cats. Similarly, fecal scores did not differ among the treatments and were within ideal range. No differences (P > 0.05) in fecal metabolite concentrations or microbiota diversity were observed among cats fed different experimental diets; only a few genera from Firmicutes and Bacteroidota phyla differ (P < 0.05) in cats fed SW diet in contrast to other dietary treatments. In conclusion, the selected insect meals evaluated herein are rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for cats. Insect-based retorted diets led to comparable results to those achieved with a chicken-based retorted diet, suggesting that these novel protein sources might be adequate alternative ingredients in feline diets.

Insect meals are novel and potentially sustainable protein sources. The objectives of this study were to determine the nutrient composition of speckled cockroach, Madagascar hissing cockroach, and superworm (SW) and to determine the effects of these insect meals on food intake, digestibility of macronutrients, fecal scores, metabolites, and microbiota of adult cats fed insect- or chicken-based wet pet foods. Among the three selected insect meals evaluated, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid were the most prevalent fatty acids. Branched-chain amino acids and arginine were the most preponderant indispensable amino acids in these insect meals. All diets were well digested by the cats with no differences observed on macronutrient digestibility. Similarly, fecal scores did not differ among the treatments and were within the ideal range. No differences in fecal metabolite concentrations were observed. Only a few genera from Firmicutes and Bacteroidota phyla differ in cats fed SW diet in contrast to other dietary treatments. Overall, the selected insect meals evaluated herein are rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid for cats. Insect-based retorted diets led to comparable results to those achieved with a chicken-based retorted diet, suggesting that these novel protein sources might be adequate alternative ingredients in feline diets.

A Nation-Wide Swedish Cohort Study on Early Maternal Age at First Childbirth and Risk for Offspring Deaths, Accidents, and Suicide Attempts.

In a sample of over one million Swedish first-born offspring, we examined associations between early maternal age at first childbirth (MAFC; i.e., < 20 and 20-24 vs 25-29 years) and offspring non-accidental deaths, accidental deaths, deaths by suicide, non-fatal accidents, and suicide attempts. We included year of birth and several maternal and paternal characteristics as covariates and conducted maternal cousin comparisons to adjust for unmeasured confounding. Early MAFC (e.g., teenage childbearing) was associated with all outcomes, with the most pronounced risk elevation for accidental deaths [Hazard Ratio (HR) < 20 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.23, 2.80], suicides (HR < 20 2.08, 95% CI 1.79, 2.41), and suicide attempts (HR < 20 2.85, 95% CI 2.71, 3.00). Adjusting for covariates and comparing cousins greatly attenuated associations (e.g., accidental deaths HR < 20 1.61, 95% CI 1.22, 2.11; suicides HR < 20 1.01, 95% CI 0.69, 1.47; and suicide attempts HR < 20 1.35, 95% CI 1.19, 1.52). A similar pattern emerged for non-accidental deaths and non-fatal accidents. Therefore, results indicated maternal background factors may be largely responsible for observed associations.

Longitudinal assessment of taurine and amino acid concentrations in dogs fed a green lentil diet.

A recent association between the inclusion of pulses in canine diets and taurine deficiency has become a prevalent issue in the pet food industry. Although dogs do not currently have a nutritional requirement for taurine, taurine deficiencies that do occur can result in serious health issues, such as dilated cardiomyopathy. The objective of this study was to determine the circulating concentrations of plasma and whole blood taurine, indispensable and dispensable amino acid concentrations in the plasma, and taurine and creatinine concentrations in the urine of adult dogs fed a green lentil diet. Twelve adult, intact, female beagles were randomly assigned to a diet containing 45% green lentils (GLD) or a poultry byproduct meal diet (CON) for 90 d. Fresh urine samples were collected every 30 d and analyzed for taurine and creatinine concentrations. A blood sample was also collected every 30 d and analyzed for amino acids including taurine. Animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements for adult dogs at maintenance. The concentrations of taurine in the plasma and whole blood showed no differences (P > 0.05) between dietary treatments or across time points. Similarly, no differences (P > 0.05) in plasma methionine concentrations were observed between treatments or across time points. A treatment effect (P < 0.05) showed dogs fed GLD had higher total primary fecal bile acid excretion compared with dogs fed CON. The differential abundance of fecal microbial communities showed Firmicutes as the predominant phyla in dogs fed both GLD and CON, with Bacteroidaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Lactobacillaceae as predominant families in dogs fed GLD. The α-diversity of dogs fed GLD (P < 0.05) was lower than in dogs fed CON. These data suggest that the inclusion of 45% green lentil in extruded diets does not lower whole blood and plasma taurine concentrations during a 90-d period and is appropriate for use in a complete and balanced formulation for dogs.

Effects of graded inclusion levels of raw garbanzo beans on apparent total tract digestibility, fecal quality, and fecal fermentative end-products and microbiota in extruded feline diets.

Garbanzo beans (GB; Cicer arietinum) are a readily available pulse crop that have gained popularity as a plant-based protein source in the pet food industry. However, raw GB contain anti-nutritional factors that can reduce digestibility and cause digestive upsets in pets that are undesirable to owners. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the inclusion of raw or cooked GB in extruded feline diets on macronutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in cats. Five diets were formulated to contain raw GB at 0%, 7.5%, 15%, or 30% or cooked GB at 30%. Ten adult, male cats (mean age: 1.0 ± 0.0 yr, mean BW: 4.7 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design. Each period consisted of 14 d, with 10 d of diet adaptation followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. At the end of each period, 4 mL of blood were collected and analyzed for a serum chemistry and complete blood count to ensure all animals remained healthy throughout the study. Cats were fed twice daily and food intake was calculated to maintain body weight. Food intake was highest (P < 0.05) for cats fed 0% raw GB (72.2 g/d, dry matter basis [DMB]) compared with GB inclusions of 7.5% or greater (average 70.3 g/d, DMB). Dry matter and organic matter apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) were lowest (P < 0.05) for cats consuming the 30% cooked GB diet (77.3% and 81.7%, respectively). Cats fed 7.5% raw GB had greater (P < 0.05) crude protein ATTD (86.2%) than cats fed 15% raw GB (82.3%) or 30% cooked GB (81.6%). Total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) for 30% cooked GB at 682 µmol/g but not different (P > 0.05) than 15% GB (528 µmol/g) or 30% raw GB (591 µmol/g) diets. In terms of fecal microbial abundance, the predominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria. Cats fed the 0% GB diet had a greater relative abundance of Firmicutes (62.1%) and Fusobacteria (4.0%) than the remaining diets (average 54% and 1.6%, respectively). In conclusion, all inclusion levels of raw GB resulted in high digestibility (average > 80%) and ideal fecal scores (average 2.9), demonstrating their adequacy as a protein source in feline diets up to a 30% inclusion level.

Use of the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay to determine standardized amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy content, and digestible indispensable amino acid scores of plant-based protein by-products used in canine and feline diets.

Traditionally, protein by-products from oil seeds and cereal grains have been used in pet foods as sustainable, inexpensive, and protein-rich ingredients. However, the on-going demonization of soy- and corn-based ingredients continue to hinder their use in pet food and treat formulations. Ideally, the further demonstration of their protein quality and nutrient composition may encourage their favorable return as acceptable ingredients in pet foods and treats. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the macronutrient composition, indispensable amino acid profile, standardized amino acid digestibility, true metabolizable energy content corrected for nitrogen (TMEn), and digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) of soy flakes (SF), peanut flour (PF), soybean meal (SBM), and corn gluten meal (CGM). Standardized amino acid digestibility was assessed using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. All test ingredients demonstrated a profile of highly digestible indispensable amino acids except for lysine in PF, which was lowest (P < 0.05) at 45.5%. The SBM and CGM had the highest (P > 0.05) digestibilities of indispensable amino acids. A DIAAS-like value was calculated for each ingredient using either AAFCO (2020) recommended values or NRC (2006) recommended allowances as the reference protein pattern. For adult dogs compared to AAFCO recommended values, the first-limiting amino acid was lysine for PF and CGM but it was methionine for SF and SBM. For adult cats compared to AAFCO recommended values, the first-limiting amino acid was lysine for PF and CGM but it was threonine for SF. There was no first-limiting amino acid in SBM for cats as DIAAS-like values were over 100% for all indispensable amino acids. The TMEn values were highest (P < 0.05) for PF and CGM (4.58 and 4.31 kcal/g [dry matter basis], respectively). The protein quality of these plant-based protein by-products reflects their value as nutritional ingredients for canine and feline diets. However, the prior processing of these by-products must be considered before exposing them to additional processing methods, such as extrusion. Additionally, the inclusion of complementary proteins or supplemental amino acids will be needed to meet all indispensable amino acid requirements for a portion of nutritionally complete and balanced pet food.

Use of Legumes and Yeast as Novel Dietary Protein Sources in Extruded Canine Diets.

The popularity of plant-based protein sources has increased as consumer demand for grain-free and novel protein sources increase. Minimal research has been conducted as regards to use of legumes and yeast and their effects on acceptability and digestibility in canine diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate macronutrient apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal tolerance, and fermentative end-products in extruded, canine diets. Five diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with either garbanzo beans (GBD), green lentils (GLD), peanut flour (PFD), dried yeast (DYD), or poultry by-product meal (CON) as the primary protein sources. Ten adult, intact, female beagles (mean age: 4.2 ± 1.1 yr, mean weight: 11.9 ± 1.3 kg) were used in a replicated, 5 × 5 Latin square design with 14 d periods. Each experimental period consisted of 10 d of diet adaptation, followed by 4 d of total fecal and urine collection. A fasted, 5 ml blood sample was collected at the end of each period and analyzed for serum metabolites and complete blood count. Serum metabolites were within normal ranges and all dogs remained healthy throughout the study. Fecal quality, evaluated on a 5-point scale, was considered ideal. Macronutrient ATTD was similar among dietary treatments, with diets highly digestible (>80%). Total fecal branched-chain fatty acid concentrations were highest (P < 0.05) for DYD (23.4 µmol/g) than GLD (16.1 µmol/g) and PFD (16.0 µmol/g) but not different (P > 0.05) than other treatments. The plant-based protein treatments had greater (P < 0.05) total fecal short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations (average 627.6 µmol/g) compared with CON (381.1 µmol/g). Fecal butyrate concentration was highest (P < 0.05) for DYD than all other dietary treatments (103.9 µmol/g vs. average 46.2 µmol/g). Fecal microbial communities showed Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Proteobacteria as abundant phyla. There was greater ß-diversity for dogs fed DYD which differed from all other diets in both weighted and unweighted UNIFRAC analyses. Inclusion of these novel, plant-based, protein sources showed no detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility or fecal characteristics and represent viable protein sources in canine diets that can produce beneficial shifts in fecal metabolites.

A Co-Twin Control Study of the Association Between Bullying Victimization and Self-Harm and Suicide Attempt in Adolescence.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate the magnitude of an independent association between bullying victimization and self-harm and suicide attempt in adolescence after adjusting for unmeasured and measured confounding factors. METHODS: Using the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, we examined twins born between 1994 and 1999 (n = 13,852). Twins self-reported bullying victimization at age 15 years and self-harm and suicide attempt at age 18 years. We created a factor score of 13 bullying items, on which self-harm and suicide attempt items were regressed in three models: (1) among unrelated individuals; (2) among co-twins, in which a twin exposed to more bullying was compared with his/her co-twin who was exposed to less; and (3) among co-twins while adjusting for indicators of childhood psychopathology. RESULTS: Among unrelated individuals, a one standard deviation increase in bullying victimization was associated with increased odds for self-harm (odds ratio [OR], 1.29 [95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.36]) and suicide attempt (OR, 1.68 [1.53-1.85]). Among co-twins, the odds attenuated for self-harm (OR, 1.19 [1.09-1.30]) and suicide attempt (OR, 1.39 [1.17-1.66]). Finally, when accounting for childhood psychopathology, there was a 14% (1.04-1.25) and 25% (1.03-1.52) relative increase in odds of self-harm and suicide attempt, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that bullying victimization was uniquely associated with self-harm and suicide attempt over and above the confounding because of unmeasured and measured factors (i.e., familial vulnerability and pre-existing psychopathy). However, magnitudes were small, suggesting that additional interventions and screenings are needed to address suicidality apart from bullying interventions.

Sexual orientation and adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm: a co-twin control study.

BACKGROUND: Research has demonstrated that individuals who identify as a sexual minority (e.g., gay/lesbian, bisexual) are at increased risk for suicidality-related outcomes. However, previous research is primarily limited by the lack of adjustment for unmeasured (i.e., genetic and environmental) confounding factors and previous psychopathology. METHODS: Using the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden, we employed a co-twin control design to examine the extent to which the association between sexual orientation and adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm (SA/SH) was independent of genetic and environmental factors shared by twins, as well as measured symptoms of childhood psychopathology. RESULTS: Adolescents who identified as a sexual minority (i.e., gay/lesbian, bisexual, or other sexual orientation) were at two-fold increased odds for SA/SH (OR, 2.01 [95% confidence interval, 1.63-2.49) compared to heterosexual adolescents. When adjusting for all genetic and shared environmental factors that make twins similar and for measured childhood psychopathology, the association remained positive but attenuated to OR, 1.55 (1.11-2.16). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying as a sexual minority was associated with approximately 50% increased odds of SA/SH in adolescence after adjusting for unmeasured genetic and environmental factors shared by twins and for childhood psychopathology. The results support that environmental factors specifically associated with identifying as a sexual minority likely increase risk for SA/SH. Our findings highlight the need to monitor suicidality risk among this group.

Use of precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay and digestible indispensable amino acid scores to characterize plant- and yeast-concentrated proteins for inclusion in canine and feline diets.

Increased consumer interest in high-quality and novel protein sources has driven the demand for the inclusion of protein-rich ingredients in companion animal diets. Novel protein concentrates, with protein contents of at least 50%, have been used to satisfy these consumer demands. However, minimal information is available regarding the macronutrient composition and protein quality of these ingredients that is needed for proper formulation of pet foods. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the macronutrient and amino acid compositions, standardized amino acid digestibility according to the precision-fed rooster assay, and protein quality using digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS like) of pea protein (PP), potato protein (POP), faba bean protein (FBP), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and dried yeast (DY). Precision-fed rooster assays were conducted using cecectomized roosters to calculate standardized amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (TMEn). For all five protein concentrates, all essential amino acids were highly digestible (88.0% to 96.3%, dry matter basis) with differences (P < 0.05) in only lysine, methionine, and tryptophan digestibilities. The TMEn values were highest for POP (4.22 kcal/g) and DY (3.61 kcal/g). The DIAAS-like values for adult dogs indicated that methionine was the first-limiting amino acid in all protein concentrates except POP, where the first-limiting amino acid was tryptophan. Using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)-recommended values for adult cats, DIAAS-like values for methionine were lowest (P < 0.05) for FBP at 81.5%, with all other amino acids for all protein concentrates over 100%. The National Research Council (NRC)-recommended allowances for adult cats indicated that DIAAS-like methionine values for PP (92.7%) and FBP (73.8%) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) with these being the first-limiting amino acids, with the remaining amino acids above 100% for the other protein concentrates. The protein quality and high essential amino acid digestibility of these protein concentrates indicate that they would be viable protein sources in canine and feline diets. However, additional complementary protein sources should be included to meet the requirements of all essential amino acids.

The intergenerational transmission of suicidal behavior: an offspring of siblings study.

We examined the extent to which genetic factors shared across generations, measured covariates, and environmental factors associated with parental suicidal behavior (suicide attempt or suicide) account for the association between parental and offspring suicidal behavior. We used a Swedish cohort of 2,762,883 offspring born 1973-2001. We conducted two sets of analyses with offspring of half- and full-siblings: (1) quantitative behavior genetic models analyzing maternal suicidal behavior and (2) fixed-effects Cox proportional hazard models analyzing maternal and paternal suicidal behavior. The analyses also adjusted for numerous measured covariates (e.g., parental severe mental illness). Quantitative behavior genetic analyses found that 29.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.29, 53.12%) of the intergenerational association was due to environmental factors associated with exposure to maternal suicidal behavior, with the remainder due to genetic factors. Statistical adjustment for parental behavioral health problems partially attenuated the environmental association; however, the results were no longer statistically significant. Cox hazard models similarly found that offspring were at a 2.74-fold increased risk [95% CI, 2.67, 2.83]) of suicidal behavior if their mothers attempted/died by suicide. After adjustment for familial factors and measured covariates, associations attenuated but remained elevated for offspring of discordant half-siblings (HR, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.45, 1.71]) and full-siblings (HR, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.57, 1.67]). Cox hazard models demonstrated a similar pattern between paternal and offspring suicidal behavior. This study found that the intergenerational transmission of suicidal behavior is largely due to shared genetic factors, as well as factors associated with parental behavioral health problems and environmental factors associated with parental suicidal behavior.

Macronutrient composition, true metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility, and indispensable amino acid scoring of pulse ingredients for use in canine and feline diets.

The rising consumer demand for alternative and sustainable protein sources drives the popularity of the use of plant-based proteins in the pet food industry. Pulse crops, which include beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas, have become an important addition to both human and animal diets due to their protein content and functional properties. However, knowledge of their nutrient composition and protein quality is necessary for the proper formulation of these ingredients in pet foods. The objective of this study was to determine the macronutrient composition and standardized amino acid digestibility and to describe the protein quality through the use of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) of five pulse ingredients. Black bean (BB) grits, garbanzo beans (GB), green lentils (GL), navy bean (NB) powder, and yellow peas (YP) were analyzed for dry matter (DM), ash and organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), acid hydrolyzed fat (AHF), and total dietary fiber (TDF) to determine the macronutrient composition. Precision-fed rooster assays were conducted using cecectomized roosters to calculate standardized amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (TMEn). The essential amino acids, with the exception of methionine, were highly digestible with digestibility values of 80% to 90% (dry matter basis) for all selected pulse ingredients. BB grits had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibility of arginine (86.5%) and histidine (80.6%) in contrast to GB (94.9% and 89.9%, respectively). The TMEn of GB was highest (P < 0.05) at 3.56 kcal/g compared with the other pulses. The DIAAS-like values for adult dogs were consistently the lowest for methionine for all pulses, making it the first-limiting amino acid in these ingredients. The DIAAS-like values for adult cats showed GL had lowest (P < 0.05) score in tryptophan compared with other pulses when using both AAFCO values and NRC recommended allowances as reference proteins. Methionine was the first-limiting amino acid for YP and tryptophan for GL. Based on macronutrient composition, protein quality, and amino acid digestibility, it can be concluded that pulse ingredients have the required nutritional characteristics to be viable protein sources in canine and feline foods. However, the use of complementary protein sources is recommended to counterbalance any potential limiting amino acids in pulse ingredients.

The association between general childhood psychopathology and adolescent suicide attempt and self-harm: A prospective, population-based twin study.

Few quantitative behavior genetic studies have examined why psychopathology is associated with suicide attempt (SA) and self-harm (SH) in adolescence. The present study analyzed data from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden to examine the extent to which genetic and environmental factors explain SA/SH and its association with psychopathology in childhood, an often-cited risk factor of subsequent SA/SH. When children were 9 or 12 years old (n = 30,444), parents completed the Autism-Tics, AD/HD and other Comorbidities Inventory (Larson et al., 2010) regarding their children's psychiatric problems as part of an ongoing, longitudinal study. At age 18 years (n = 10,269), adolescents completed self-report questionnaires, including SA/SH assessments. In a bifactor model of childhood psychopathology, a general factor of psychopathology was a statistically significant predictor of adolescent SA/SH at a higher magnitude (ß, 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.15, 0.34] for suicide attempt), as compared with specific factors of inattention, impulsivity, oppositional behavior, and anxiety/emotion symptoms. Quantitative genetic modeling indicated that the additive genetic influences on the general factor accounted for the association with each outcome (ß, 0.24, 95% CI [0.13, 0.34] for suicide attempt). The results remained virtually identical when we fit a higher order factors model. Two additional outcomes demonstrated comparable results. The results extend current literature by revealing the shared genetic overlap between general psychopathology during childhood and adolescent SA/SH. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Dysregulation in children: Origins and implications from age 5 to age 28.

Research shows that childhood dysregulation is associated with later psychiatric disorders. It does not yet resolve discrepancies in the operationalization of dysregulation. It is also far from settled on the origins and implications of individual differences in dysregulation. This study tested several operational definitions of dysregulation using Achenbach attention, anxious/depressed, and aggression subscales. Individual growth curves of dysregulation were computed, and predictors of growth differences were considered. The study also compared the predictive utility of the dysregulation indexes to standard externalizing and internalizing indexes. Dysregulation was indexed annually for 24 years in a community sample (n = 585). Hierarchical linear models considered changes in dysregulation in relation to possible influences from parenting, family stress, child temperament, language, and peer relations. In a test of the meaning of dysregulation, it was related to functional and psychiatric outcomes in adulthood. Dysregulation predictions were further compared to those of the more standard internalizing and externalizing indexes. Growth curve analyses showed strong stability of dysregulation. Initial levels of dysregulation were predicted by temperamental resistance to control, and change in dysregulation was predicted by poor language ability and peer relations. Dysregulation and externalizing problems were associated with negative adult outcomes to a similar extent.