International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal

Permanent URI for this collection

https://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/151214

ISSN: 2321–7235

Frequency: Quarterly

Language: English

Open Access Peer-reviewed journal

Web site: https://www.sciencedomain.org/journal-home.php?id=29

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Barriers and Attitudes towards Mental Health Services in Nigeria: A Systematic Review
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-07) Chijioke, OC; Uzochukwu, O; Ohams, OE; Nwaforcha, NB
Mental health services in Nigeria consists mainly of large government psychiatric hospitals. There are eight Neuropsychiatric hospitals and a similar number of teaching hospital psychiatric departments for a population of 200 million people. There is only one private community residential facility available with ten beds in Lagos State and it is administered by a religious organization for rehabilitation of persons with drug problems.In Nigeria, an estimated 20-30%of the population are believed to suffer from mental disorders.MEDLINE EntrezPubmed search was done in November, 2018. Studies conducted on mental health and mental health services in Nigeria done from 2009 till date were selected for review. The studies were grouped into two categories according to the key words used in the search. Category 1: Keywords used in the search: mental health,Nigeria.This search yielded a total of one thousand and fifty (1,051) publications. Category 2: Keywords used in the search: mental health services,Nigeria. Lack of incentives for health care workers and inadequate workforce were identified as some of the barriers against the use of mental health services in Nigeria. Other major barriers identified were- poor education, ignorance, and stigmatization. Absence of services in rural communities, waiting time at the facilities, bureaucracy in treatment and poor information management, high cost of service, travel distance, feelings of shame and loss of productive income were the barriers identified in some other studies conducted in Nigeria.
The Role of the Hippocampus in Borderline Personality Disorder: Structural and Functional Abnormalities
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-03) Thornton, OR; Li, W; Cole, H; Cólon, I.
This review article discusses the structural and functional abnormalities observed in the hippocampus of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). The hippocampus plays a critical role in regulating emotions and memories, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of BPD. The review summarizes the findings from various studies that have used neuroimaging techniques to investigate the hippocampus in BPD. The results suggest that individuals with BPD exhibit reduced hippocampal volume, altered hippocampal activation patterns, and disrupted connectivity with other brain regions. These abnormalities have been linked to several clinical features of BPD, including emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, and unstable self-image. The review also discusses potential mechanisms underlying these abnormalities, such as childhood trauma and chronic stress. Overall, this review highlights the importance of the hippocampus in the etiology of BPD and emphasizes the need for further research to understand its role in this complex disorder fully.
Caffeine, Nicotine and Mdma Effects on the Brain Hippocampal Formation of Juvenile Experiential Models
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-08) Adelakin, LA; Fabiyi, OS; Ogunbiyi, OE; Konyeme, I; Owolabi, JO.
Introduction: Chronic exposure of MDMA in humans has been shown to produce negative neuroplastic alterations to the brain's white matter and microvasculature, as well as significant neurodegeneration in the striatal, hippocampal, prefrontal, and occipital serotonergic axon terminals. Adolescent exposure to nicotine damages hippocampus cells, and as a result, damages memory retention. Caffeine suppresses the actions of adenosine which is crucial for energy transfer and sleep promotion as long as it enters the brain, as it crosses the crosses the blood-brain barrier. The hippocampus is critical for the formation of new autobiographical and fact memories, hence, severe damage to the hippocampi in both hemispheres result in profound difficulties in forming new memories. This also affects the memory formed before the damage, resulting in anterograde and retrograde amnesia, respectively. This study compared the effect of Nicotine, MDMA and Caffeine on the hippocampus and memory of juvenile male Wister rats. Materials and Methods: Fifty (n=50) juvenile male Wistar rats (120g) were randomly distributed into 7 groups labeled A-G. Group A served as Control, Group B was administered 30mg/kg Caffeine, Group C was administered 50mg/kg Caffeine, Group D was administered 10mg/kg Nicotine, Group E was administered 20mg/kg Nicotine, Group F was administered 30mg/kg MDMA and Group G was administered 40mg/kg MDMA, for a period of 30 days. Rats were sacrificed after the experiment and their brains were harvested. Their hippocampi were excised and processed for histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical observations. Neurobehavioral studies were done before sacrifice. Analysis was done using Graph Pad Prism 8.0. P-value of ?0.05 was regarded as significant, and data was expressed as mean ± SEM. Results: MDMA and caffeine caused neuron degeneration at low and high dose. There was no tissue disruption attributable to nicotine. Myelination was preserved generally across the treated groups, except groups F and G. There was general disruption in the dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters levels, except group c, and a significant increase in serotonin neurotransmitters especially, in groups D-G. Conclusion: Caffeine, nicotine and MDMA induced neuronal disruptions of varying degrees in the hippocampus of the brain, and as such caused deleterious effects in the long/short-term memories, as evidenced in the behavioral analyses. The damage was dose dependent.
Public Health Policies and Programs for Alzheimer’s and Dementia: A Data-Driven Evaluation of Effectiveness and Areas for Improvement in the United States
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-08) Akindahunsi, T; Fadojutimi, BL; Olasunkanmi, FD; Tundealao, S.
This study critically evaluates the effectiveness of public health policies and programs targeting Alzheimer's and dementia care in the United States, with a specific emphasis on early detection, disparities in access to care, and variations in service quality between urban and rural healthcare facilities. The research utilizes a representative sample sourced from national databases, including the World Bank’s Quality of Government (QoG) dataset, CDC’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Data Portal, and the Alzheimer's Association. Logistic regression models were employed to assess the influence of early detection programs on patient outcomes, while disparities in access to care were analyzed through regression models that incorporated demographic and geographic data from the National Institute on Aging and the CDC. The study also conducted extensive surveys targeting patients and healthcare providers across various settings to evaluate service quality. The findings reveal that while early detection programs are indispensable, their mere availability does not guarantee improved patient outcomes unless accompanied by high-quality implementation strategies. Significant disparities in access to care were identified, particularly along the lines of age and race, with minority groups and younger populations experiencing more significant barriers. Additionally, the study revealed pronounced differences in service quality between urban and rural areas, with rural healthcare facilities lagging in patient satisfaction, staff qualifications, and facility resources. The study recommends several targeted interventions: enhancing the quality and implementation of early detection programs, particularly in underserved areas; addressing disparities in care access by expanding Medicaid coverage and increasing funding for community health initiatives; and investing in rural healthcare infrastructure to bridge the gap in service quality and improve the overall care and support for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, particularly in marginalized communities.
Modulation of BDNF Expression by Bryophyllum pinnatum Extract: Implications for Oxidative Stress and Cognitive Function in Pain-induced Wistar Rats
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-08) Ukoro, B; Ojeka, S; Adienbo, O; Chuemere, A.
This research work investigated modulatory effects of Bryophylum pinnatum extract on BDNF expression, and cognitive functions in repetitive pain-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Animals weighing between 80–100g were acquired from the animal house of the Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, and all animals received standard laboratory rat feeds and water ad libitum. The study was designed to assess the time dependent effects with a total of 30 rats divided into 6 groups. Group 1(Control), Group 2 (Pain Only), Group 3 (Pain + 5mg/kg Morphine), Group 4 (Pain + 10mg/kg Morphine), Group (Pain + 25mg/kg Bryophylumm Pinnatum), Group 6 (Pain + 50mg/kg Bryophylumm Pinnatum), Hydromethanolic extracts was prepared accordingly, and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis were carried out. Neurobehavioral studies were conducted weekly to assess the effects of the interventions on cognitive and neurological parameters, using radial maze and navigational maze test. Assay of BDNF was done using the Elisa method. The Results showed that Morphine and Bryophyllum pinnatum both significantly improved BDNF expression, showed antioxidant effects, improved cognitive functions, and provided possible mechanisms of pain relief. Pharmacokinetic studies on the binding affinities and drug-likeness properties of the active compounds from these extracts revealed some favorable properties with regard to management of oxidative stress and promotion of cognitive function in states of pain. The study therefore provide indication of the therapeutic potential of Bryophyllum pinnatum in the effective management of Pain, oxidative stress and cognitive functions.
The Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol in Parkinson's Disease: A Review of Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Effects
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-08) Silva, INS da; Castro, SSCN de; Lima, PLE; Paiva, MJM de.
Aims: This study aims to investigate the potential therapeutic effects and mechanisms of cannabidiol (CBD) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Specifically, it focuses on understanding the role of CBD in managing motor and non-motor symptoms and its neuroprotective properties. Study Design: This research is a literature review. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the University of Gurupi, Paraíso do Tocantins, TO, in 2023. Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as Medline (PubMed), Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS), and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). Articles published in Portuguese and English were included. The search terms used were "Parkinson's Disease," "CBD," and "Treatment." The selection criteria focused on studies exploring the mechanisms of action, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties of CBD in the context of PD. Articles unrelated to the use of CBD for PD treatment or not exclusively focusing on CBD administration were excluded. Results: The review included findings from seven scientific articles. Key outcomes indicate that CBD exhibits neuroprotective effects, reduces global symptom scores, and does not produce adverse motor effects. Notably, CBD was found to protect against cell death induced by neurotoxins like MPP+ and provide potential anti-inflammatory benefits by modulating cytokine release. Conclusion: CBD shows promise as a therapeutic agent in PD due to its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. However, the clinical use of CBD remains limited and controversial, requiring further research to validate its efficacy and safety in treating PD. This summary provides an overview of the findings and methodologies covered in the full text, highlighting the potential and challenges of using CBD in Parkinson's disease treatment.
Investigating Boswellia serrata and Boswellic Acid for Huntington's Disease: Therapeutic Prospects
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-08) Bhosle, PV; Wadher, SJ.
Neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and Huntington's disease (HD), pose significant challenges to global healthcare systems due to their progressive nature and limited therapeutic options. In recent years, natural compounds have garnered attention for their potential neuroprotective effects. Boswellic acid, derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata, has emerged as a promising candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. This comprehensive review explores the therapeutic potential of boswellic acid in AD, PD, and HD. The review begins by elucidating the neuroprotective mechanisms of boswellic acid, including its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neurotrophic properties. Preclinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of boswellic acid in mitigating neurodegenerative processes are summarized, highlighting its ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in neuronal survival and apoptosis. Furthermore, the review discusses the therapeutic implications and future perspectives of boswellic acid in neurodegenerative disorders, emphasizing the need for further research to validate its clinical efficacy. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the neuroprotective effects of boswellic acid and its potential as a therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects may pave the way for the development of novel treatment strategies targeting these devastating conditions.
Cramming Analysis Based on Time to Start Studying and Time the Exam being Held
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Daroedono, E; Fachly, AHR; Salshabila, AA; Pasoro, DIS; Kambu, GH; Destrian, F; Fatimatuzzahra, R; Siagian, FE.
Aims: to explore the time that crammer start to study and the time of exam being held and relate this two with the result of the remedial exams which conducted electronically (computer based). Study Design: simple descriptive cross sectional study Place and Duration of Study: conducted during January to February 2024 in the faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta-Indonesia. Sample: respondents who join the remedial exam during 2022. Methodology: electronic questionnaire regarding time to start studying being distributed prior the exam/test. Sufficient explanation regarding the research is given before consent is politely requested to each exam’s participant. Data obtained from questionnaire were combined with demography data (gender, place of residence) and the result of the exam. Results: Cramming conducted by 69.7% of our respondents, with the involvement of male student is more common compared to female student and regarding their place of residence, more student that live in their own house with their family do the cramming. Most of the perpetrator started studying at 20.00 – 24.00 pm. Students passing rate in this study were low. Female students score better when they did not cram while only male students who conduct cramming and still fail the exam get a slightly higher mean score than male students who fail the exam and did not cram. Female students got a slightly higher mean score than male students. Conclusion: Cramming is risk taking like gambling behavior. It can give negative impact to the perpetrator’s mental health. The phenomenon of cramming is quite common, especially among male student, but the passing rate was poor. Cramming mostly started late at night. Male students who fail the exam tend to get higher grades if they cramming while on the other hand our female student tend to get higher score in they did not cram.
Schematic Brief Outline: Bulimia Nervosa and its Medical-Based Management
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Srivastav, Y; Mansoori, MF; Srivastav, A; Kumar, A.
The disease known as bulimia nervosa, which is typified by purging and binge eating, usually starts in adolescence and peaks at the age of 18. The ratio of female to male patients varies from 10:1 to 20:1, with a lifetime frequency of 3 per cent. The majority of bulimic individuals also suffer from other mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety. Additionally, there is a correlation between substance misuse and promiscuity. Bulimia nervosa was initially identified as a "chronic phase of anorexia nervosa" in 1979 by British psychiatrist Gerald Russell. During this stage, patients overeat and resort to compensatory methods such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, or extended periods of deprivation. For three months, bingeing and purging episodes occurring at least once a week are typically associated with a bulimia diagnosis. However, even infrequent binge and purge behaviours can be harmful and require medical attention. The severity of the bulimia increases with the frequency of the bouts. Family therapy and individual treatment are frequently used to treat bulimia. The goal is to address any dietary issues and modify your behaviour. The relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours is examined in therapy. We go over the aetiology, epidemiology, current treatment, and state of bulimia nervosa in this review study.
Sleep in Elite Ultrarunners: A Look into Athlete Health
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-03) Thornton, OR.
This literature review thoroughly examines the current research on sleep in elite ultrarunners. While the importance of sleep for athletes is well-established, the unique challenges that ultrarunners face regarding sleep have not yet been extensively explored. The review delves into the specific sleep patterns, habits, and disorders of ultrarunners, and the impact of sleep on their performance, as well as exploring strategies for improving sleep in this population. By synthesizing the existing literature, this review underscores the importance of sleep for athlete health and performance, particularly in the context of ultrarunning. It fills an important gap in the current research and provides valuable insights for athletes, coaches, and researchers seeking to optimize athletic performance in the context of sleep. In conclusion, optimizing sleep hygiene is essential for athletic performance, including for ultrarunners who face unique physical and mental demands. Healthcare providers and coaches should prioritize efforts to promote healthy sleep habits and identify and treat sleep disorders promptly to optimize athletic performance and prevent injury.
The Indiscriminate Use of Pesticides could Increase the Prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease? A Systematic Review
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Trevisan, K; Cristina-Pereira, R; Santos, BR; Mendonça, PE; Silva, HT da; Gonçalves-Mendes, MT; Aversi-Ferreira, TA
Aims: This review aims to perform an extensive literature search about the pesticides problems and to associate with AD in qualitative analysis, mainly. Place and Duration of Study: Biomathematics Laboratory, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Brazil. Entre outubro de 2023 a abril de 2024. Methodology: For the purpose of this systematic review, articles from 2014 onwards with the descriptors Alzheimer's disease and pesticides; neurodegenerative diseases and pesticides, were sought. Among these, articles considered most pertinent to the objective of the present review were utilized, i.e., those whose subject matter was associated with the effects of pesticides, especially glyphosate, on dementias, particularly Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Results: After analyzed 35,590 articles, and applying exclusion criteria to journals with an impact factor equal to or lower than 4 and including topics most relevant to the objectives of this work, 35,526 articles were excluded, resulting in 64 remaining articles, of which 40 were qualitative in scope and 24 were quantitative. The articles considered most suitable for the objective of the present review were utilized, i.e., those whose topic was associated with the effects of pesticides, especially glyphosate, on dementia. The criteria for scrutinizing articles included a journal impact factor equal to or greater than 4 and the removal of duplicate articles using the freely accessible EndNote program from Web of Science. Articles and books on history and those outside the scope of the pesticide/AD relationship did not follow the criterion of having an impact factor equal to or greater than 4. Conclusion: There appears to be a relationship between the increase in pesticide use, particularly Glyphosate, and the rise in Alzheimer's disease prevalence.
The Main Risks of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Integrative Review
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-06) Filho, GDDS; Costa, HAA; Borsari, DA; Braulino, EC; Magalhães, PR; Flores, PCB; Caetano, SA; Leoni, EA; Sousa, TS de; Lucio, MAA.
The consumption of alcoholic beverages by pregnant women poses a significant risk of harming the fetus, leading to permanent and irreversible physical, cognitive, and behavioral alterations. It can manifest as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Effect, impair fetal development, and cause delays in labor. Identifying the consequences of maternal alcoholism on the fetus and newborn is crucial due to the toxic effects of ethanol and alcohol exposure biomarkers. This study presents an integrative literature review. Scientific articles available from 2009 to 2020 were searched and analyzed. According to the studies reviewed, alcohol consumption has increased over the years, particularly among women, especially adolescents, often as a result of life dissatisfaction. The research highlights the significant health risks associated with early alcohol consumption for both pregnant women and fetuses. Prevention of alcohol use is the most effective method to address this issue. These findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals in implementing actions that support both users of the healthcare system and health promotion efforts.
Pathological Grief in Geriatric Age Group Affected by COVID-19 Deaths: A Community-Based Study
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-07) Kallan, SB; Bondade, S; Hiremath, LD; V, M RK; Thyloth, M; Goutham, PC; Nandhana, S.
Background: Deaths by COVID-19 have left behind nearly 12 million recent bereaved individuals worldwide and researchers have raised concerns that the circumstances of COVID-19 related deaths will lead to a rise in prevalence of prolonged grief disorder (PGD) cases. Nevertheless, no research has looked at the PGD incidence among older Indians who have lost a loved one to COVID-19. The aim this research is to determine the prevalence of PGD and the demographics of older people who have experienced COVID-19-related bereavement. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study and house to house survey was conducted between August 2022 and August 2023. Forty geriatric adults aged above 60 years, who consented to participate were assessed for PGD. Demographic details and loss-related information were collected. Self-reported prolonged grief symptoms were measured using Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS) and Traumatic Grief Inventory Self Report (TGI-SR). Anxiety and depression were measured using Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the associated factors of grief symptoms. Results: Our study indicates that individuals who experienced loss due to COVID-19 exhibited higher levels of grief. Most of the participants were females (65%). Prevalence of PGD was 10% by TGI-SR. HAM-A scores (14.28 +/- 1.42) were higher than HAM-D scores (12.02 +/- 1.58). Conclusion: It is essential to counsel families early and offer supportive services to prevent pathological grief associated with COVID-19 deaths.
Study of the Relation between Aging and Pesticides: A Review
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Cristina-Pereira, R; Ribeiro, AL de A; Nunes, ACF; Guereschi, LC; Araújo, MAG da S; Gonçalves-Mendes, MT; Trevisan, K; Silva, HT da; Aversi-Ferreira, TA.
Aims: The main aim of this study was to use specific data from the literature on ageing, correlating this with the pesticide contamination, in order to understand the relationship with an increasingly ageing population. Study Design: A systematic review was performed. Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory of Biomathematics of the Federal University of Alfenas, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, between April 2023 and August 2023. Methodology: A systematic search of articles was performed using the CAPES Periodic platform, a searcher from the Education Ministry of Brazil that contains Web of Science, Scopus, MedLine, from August 2020 to May 2023. For this review, the subject’s “aging theory”; “neuroscience and pathologies to aging”; “aging and aging-associated changes”; “pesticides and pesticide toxicity”; “pesticide toxicity and neurotoxicity”; “longevity and healthy aging”; “aging human and pesticides” were searched together using the type of material “articles” in English language. Some articles about “population growth”; “world population”; “population-aging” were used for epistemological composition of this work content subjects. Results: From the 19.720 articles after the exclusion and the inclusion criteria made with the subjects most pertinent to the objectives of this work; 19.570 articles were excluded, remaining 150 ones, of which 116 were qualitative in scope and 34 quantitative. Conclusion: The complex relationship between the pesticide contamination and the condition of the exposed individual may be associated with premature ageing and a greater susceptibility to debilitating age-related diseases. Although technology is increasingly improved in its innovations, health and environmental regulations have not been able to rid the production processes of their potential to pollute the environment and cause health problems for those exposed to them.
Negative Implications of Drug and Substance use on Mental Health
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Akunna, ON; Nneka, UR; Nkesi, OC; John, AE; Cordelia, OC; Ada, AC.
Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, which encompasses aspects such as thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and the ability to cope with life's challenges. Several factors including drug abuse have been recognized to cause mental health disorders; hence, the urgent need to globally address these factors. Drug abuse emerges as a complex public health issue, involving the misuse of legal and illegal drugs, with consequences extending beyond individual health. The relationship between mental health and drug abuse intensifies challenges, as drug misuse contributes to the development or worsening of mental health disorders. This review examined biological, psychological, and social determinants, and advocate for a standardized approach to address the complex issue of drug abuse. Various electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, and others, were used to access resources, in which thirty-three (33) literatures were reviewed. Results of the reviewed literatures revealed that the impact of drug abuse on mental health involves neurobiological alterations affecting neurotransmitter levels and structural changes in the brain. This does not only affect individuals, but also results in societal burdens, such as increased healthcare costs and criminal justice involvement, compounded by the stigma surrounding mental health and substance abuse. The classification of drugs into legal and illegal categories highlights the diversity of substances and emphasizes the need to understand their effects on mental well-being. Categories include legal drugs, prescription medications, socially accepted substances, and illegal drugs with varying dependency potentials. Addressing mental health disorders induced by drug abuse requires a comprehensive approach, involving strategies like Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment (IDDT), Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Peer Support, 12-Step Programs, and Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC). These methods guarantee a care continuum that centers on the individual and emphasizes recovery, acknowledging the relationship between mental health and drug abuse disorders. Nevertheless, the review highlights a research gap in that, in-depth research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the aforementioned interventions. Additionally, exploring innovative strategies to address challenges such as stigma, limited treatment accessibility, and the cyclical nature of addiction would enhance intervention effectiveness.
Implication of Some Energy Drink Mixture with Flunitrazepam on Endurance Pattern and Cognitive/Motor Functions in Wistar Rats
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-04) Odia, KM; Ukoro, B.
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of some energy drinks mixture with Flunitrazepam on endurance pattern and cognitomotor activities in male Wistar rats. 45 Wistar rats were divided into 8 groups. Group 1 received distilled water; Group 2 received energy drink (A) (3.75 mg/kg). Group 3 energy drink (A) (7.5 mg/kg) Group 4 received energy drink (B) (3.75 mg/kg). Group 5 energy drink (B) (7.5 mg/kg) Group 6 received flunitrazepam (0.03 ml/kg), Group 7 received 3.75 ml/kg of energy drink (A) and 0.03 ml/kg of flunitrazepam, and Group 8 received 3.75 ml/kg of energy drink (B) and 0.03 ml/kg of flunitrazepam. Administration of the mixture lasted for 28 days while endurance test/Cognitive and motor functions test were conducted weekly using Handgrip test, beam walk test and navigational maze test. The result reveals significant improvement in endurance pattern and cognitomotor functions in groups administered with energy drinks alone at week one, however the mixture of energy drink with various doses of Flunitrazepam showed significant impairment in both endurance pattern, and cognitomotor activities. It was therefore concluded that while the combination of energy drinks and flunitrazepam may offer short-term benefits in terms of endurance, and alertness, there is a dose and time dependent significant decline in cognitive and motor functions functions in wistar rats. The findings suggest significant variations in endurance and cognitive-motor performance across different groups, highlighting the complex interactions between stimulant and sedative substances and their implications for health and behavior.
Assessment of Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety & Stress among Medical Students
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2023-03) Kataria, L; Patel, N; Bhatt, J; Shah, D; Raval, D.
Aims: To Assess Depressive, Anxiety & Stress related symptoms and their correlation with sociodemographic factors amongst recently enrolled medical students. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Recently enrolled 275 Medical students attending University between June 2022 and September 2022. Methodology: Study conducted among recently enrolled 275 Medical students. After taking their prior informed consent through online form shared through WhatsApp group, they were given to fill online questionnaire to collect sociodemographic factors in English made using PsyToolkit software. It also contains Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), which was used to collect information on depressive, anxiety, and stress related symptoms. Results: Prevalence of depressive symptoms is 68.4%, anxiety symptoms are 78.2% and stress related symptomsis 33.1% among medical students. Depressive, anxiety and stress related symptoms were statistically significantly associated with peer and family pressure to join study-stream (p-value of <.01 for all three) and history of mental health issues in family (p-value=.01 for all three). In addition, depressive symptoms were statistically significantly associated with poor peer-relationship (p-value=.01) and unsatisfaction regarding admission (p-value=.04); and stress related symptoms was statistically significantly associated with unsatisfaction regarding admission (p-value=.03). Conclusion: Prevalence of depressive, anxiety & stress related symptoms among recently enrolled medical students are high providing insight into needed improvement of psychological wellbeing in them; which could potentially have a positive impact upon their quality of life & patient care.
Clinician’s Opinion on Depression and Role of Escitalopram in the Management of Depression
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Shah, M N; Kumar, R; Sathianathan, R; Gupta, M; Manjula, S; Kumar, M K.
Background: Depression is an emerging severe disorder and a serious public health problem, which can often go undetected. It is associated with many disease conditions. Increase in non-communicable diseases, suicide rate, has made its incidence to increase. These will have a negative impact on patient’s quality of life and will increase the burden of morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the role of escitalopram in the management of depression by collecting clinical insights and expert opinion from Indian clinicians through a set of questionnaire. Methodology: A cross sectional, questionnaire based study was conducted to collect opinion among doctors in the major Indian cities, about experience and satisfaction with current pharmacotherapy and role of escitalopram in the management of depression across India between June to October 2017. Convenient sampling method was used. The pretested questionnaire booklet titled CHEER (Clinicians Opinions on Depression and role of Escitalopram) study was sent to the doctors who were willing to participate. For this, physicians were requested to complete this survey and express their opinion towards the various aspect of managing depression. Results: Totally, 177 out of 200 clinicians shared their experiences and opinion from all over India. As per survey data, 58.19% of clinicians reported that in their clinical practice, on an average, more than 15 patients were diagnosed with depression in a month. Around 75% of clinicians say that incidence of depression was more common in the female when compared to the male patients. Reports showed that incidence of depression was more common in urban educated patients (47.11%). Depression was seen more commonly in the age group of 31-40 years. About 58% of clinicians reported that counselling was as important as pharmacotherapy. The survey report suggested that more than 90% of clinicians prefer escitalopram as a first-line therapeutic agent for treating depression. More than 87% of clinicians prefer escitalopram in combination with clonazepam to treat co-morbidity of anxiety depression in their clinical practise. Conclusion: The present survey report suggested that majority of clinicians (85%) preferred escitalopram to treat depression among the SSRIs and other antidepressants agents. Survey also showed that escitalopram has better efficacy and lesser adverse effects.
Investigating the Roles of Gut Microbiome in the Progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-04) Godswill, EE; Abiodun, OF; Ogboji, CM; Janet, OO; Anthonia., B., O; Kaura, S; Olunwa, AC; Obidike, G.
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), pose global health burdens due to their incurable and degenerative nature. Emerging evidence highlights the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and the central nervous system (CNS), revealing novel mechanisms of ND pathogenesis and progression. This review integrates current literature, correlation analyses, and inferential statistics to elucidate the impact of gut microbiome dysbiosis on NDs and identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The gut-brain axis (GBA), a bidirectional communication network between the gut and the brain, modulates neurological function and disease outcomes. Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between gut microbiome perturbations and ND parameters, implying a causal role for gut dysbiosis in ND pathogenesis. Inferential statistics revealed distinct microbial profiles between ND cohorts and healthy controls, indicating a shared gut dysbiosis across diverse NDs. Studies investigating microbial taxa, metabolites, and signaling pathways have provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying gut microbiome-mediated effects on neurodegeneration. Elucidating the reciprocal interactions between the gut microbiome and the host physiology is essential for deciphering the GBA’s role in NDs. Despite advances, knowledge gaps remain. Longitudinal studies are required to monitor gut microbiome dynamics over ND progression. Mechanistic studies are needed to establish how gut microbiome composition affects disease. Methodological standardization for gut microbiome assessment is imperative for rigorous research. Future endeavors should aim to translate findings into clinical applications to exploit microbiome-based interventions for enhanced neurological outcomes in NDs.
Interpreting Freudian Concept of Mind and Unconscious at the Time of Fall of Positivism
(Ms. M. B. Mondal, 2024-05) Gonçalves-Mendes, MT; Aversi-Ferreira, TA.
This comment aims to bring Psychoanalysis as the precursor of a new vision about mental processes and the mind as a whole and allies this discovery to the change in the scientific thinking at the time of the beginning of Psychoanalysis, exemplified by the evolutions of quantum and relativistic physics, in counterpoint to the positivism in vogue, i.e., Freud showed a non-positivist thinking elaborating the Psychoanalysis. For this reason, it contextualizes the theories in relation to the brain and to the brain functions at the time of Freud, that sought in each brain region the correspondent for specific functions, exemplified mainly by Gall's phrenology. Although regional correspondents to the function of language have been found, such as Wernicke's and Broca's areas, it has not been possible to date to find specific locations for complex emotions and the behavior, even with Luria's attempts. The possible analysis of a mind that goes beyond the morpho-physiological limits of the brain was Freud's great contribution to the evolution of a scientific thinking regarding mental disorders. Finally, in this text, we intend to place Psychoanalysis as a non-positivist precursor of mind studies.

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