Methylmercury plus Ethanol Exposure: How Much Does This Combination Affect Emotionality?

Mercury is a heavy metal found in organic and inorganic forms that represents an important toxicant with impact on human health. Mercury can be released in the environment by natural phenoms (i.e., volcanic eruptions), industrial products, waste, or anthropogenic actions (i.e., mining activity). Evidence has pointed to mercury exposure inducing neurological damages related to emotional disturbance, such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The mechanisms that underlie these emotional disorders remain poorly understood, although an important role of glutamatergic pathways, alterations in HPA axis, and disturbance in activity of monoamines have been suggested. Ethanol (EtOH) is a psychoactive substance consumed worldwide that induces emotional alterations that have been strongly investigated, and shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with mercury. Concomitant mercury and EtOH intoxication occur in several regions of the world, specially by communities that consume seafood and fish as the principal product of nutrition (i.e., Amazon region). Such affront appears to be more deleterious in critical periods of life, such as the prenatal and adolescence period. Thus, this review aimed to discuss the cellular and behavioral changes displayed by the mercury plus EtOH exposure during adolescence, focused on emotional disorders, to answer the question of whether mercury plus EtOH exposure intensifies depression, anxiety, and insomnia observed by the toxicants in isolation.

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CHANGES OF INTESTINAL MICROBIOME IN MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ARE ASSOCIATED WITH IMMUNE SHIFT AND PSYCHOEMOTIONAL DISORDERS

Medical academic journal ◽

10.17816/maj191s151-54 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1S) ◽

pp. 51-54

Author(s):

I N Abdurasulova ◽

A V Matsulevich ◽

E A Tarasova ◽

I V Kudryavtsev ◽

I G Nikiforova ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emotional Disorders ◽

Intestinal Microbiome ◽

Blood Levels ◽

Healthy Individuals ◽

Th Cells ◽

E Coli ◽

Sequencing Method ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

Intestinal Microbiocenosis

Recently, the role of the intestinal microbiota in MS has been actively investigated in connection with its influence the development and activity of immune and nervous systems. It is assumed that immune dysfunction, as well as disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and psycho-emotional functions in patients with MS, may be associated with intestinal microbiocenosis dysbiosis. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the intestinal microbiome in MS patients and to analyze the associations of the bacterial level with various subsets of Th cells in the blood and psycho-emotional disorders. 126 MS patients with disease duration of 12.2 ± 0.9 years and 69 healthy individuals were examined. Intestinal microbiome was determined by the Illumina/Solexa sequencing method. The quantitative content of microbial species was determined by the method of cultivation and real time PCR with specific primers, subsets of Th cells - by flow cytometry. Patients were assessed for anxiety, depression, and asthenia. It was shown that the intestinal microbiome of MS patients was significantly changed compared with healthy individuals: the proportion of Bacteroides, especially of the Prevotellaceae family, was reduced, the proportion of Firmicutes (Bacilli and Clostridia) and Actinobacteria was increased, and the symbiotic species in Enterobacteriaceae family were replaced by opportunistic species. A positive correlation between the level of Bifibobacteria spp. with disease severity and blood levels of DP Th17 CM cells. Enterobacter spp. level correlated with the level of “classical” or Th17/22 CM and DP Th17 EM. Bifidobacteria spp. the level was also associated with the level of depression in patients, the level of Escherichia coli and Prevotella spp. - with anxiety, and the level of atypical E. coli and Sutterella spp. - with asthenia. The data obtained suggest that immune and psycho-emotional disorders in patients with MS can be corrected by normalizing intestinal microbiocenosis.

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Effects of ethanol exposure on the embryo–fetus: experimental considerations, mechanisms, and the role of prostaglandins

Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology ◽

10.1139/y91-082 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 69 (5) ◽

pp. 550-569 ◽

Cited By ~ 28

Author(s):

Graeme N. Smith ◽

John Patrick ◽

Ken R. Sinervo ◽

James F. Brien

Keyword(s):

Underlying Mechanism ◽

Ethanol Exposure ◽

Abnormal Development ◽

Prenatal Ethanol Exposure ◽

Critical Periods ◽

Acute Ethanol ◽

Tremendous Amount ◽

Near Term ◽

Primary Focus

The purpose of this review is to critically examine the effects of ethanol on the embryo–fetus. There has been a tremendous amount of human epidemiological and experimental animal research on the characterization of the anomalies produced by chronic prenatal ethanol exposure and the identification of critical periods of vulnerability and critical amounts of ethanol necessary to produce fetal effects and (or) abnormal development. Few studies have examined the underlying mechanism(s) of the action of ethanol, and even fewer studies have examined the effects of single-dose ethanol exposure on the embryo–fetus. In this review, the current state of knowledge of the effects of chronic use of ethanol on the embryo–fetus is summarized. The primary focus of the review is on the embryonic–fetal effects of acute ethanol exposure, with particular emphasis on the ethanol-induced suppression of fetal breathing movements, as this effect appears to be a very sensitive index of acute exposure of the near-term fetus to ethanol. Factors to be considered in the selection of experimental animals to investigate the mechanism of action of ethanol and to study the acute effects of ethanol are discussed. Postulated mechanisms of action of ethanol on the embryo–fetus are evaluated with a focus on the role of prostaglandins. Finally, future directions in this field of research are proposed.Key words: alcohol, ethanol, embryo, fetus, prostaglandins.

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Moderating Role of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in the Relationship Between Tinnitus and Hearing Loss Among Patients

Pakistan Journal of Psychological Research ◽

10.33824/pjpr.2019.34.4.41 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

pp. 753-772

Author(s):

Ammar Ahmed ◽

Muhammad Aqeel ◽

Tanvir Akhtar ◽

Sammeen Salim ◽

Bashir Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Psychological Problems ◽

Anxiety And Depression ◽

Adaptation Level ◽

Depression Anxiety Stress Scale ◽

Neuropsychological Theory ◽

Anxiety Depression ◽

The Relationship ◽

Moderating Role

Adaptation level theory of tinnitus and neuropsychological theory of tinnitus are extensively used frameworks for understanding emotional and psychological distress among tinnitus sufferers. Objective of the present study was to investigate potential associations between hearing loss, tinnitus, anxiety, depression, and stress. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (Newman, Jacobson, & Spitzer, 1996) and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995)scales were administered to a sample of 110 tinnitus outpatients recruited from Audiology departments of Lahore and Rawalpindi hospitals. Results revealed tinnitus was positively linked with psychological problems. Additionally, it was established that tinnitus is a positive significant predictor for anxiety, stress and depression. The moderation models related to the interactions between psychological problems and hearing loss were negative significant predictors for tinnitus symptoms. Moreover, the comparative analysis between gender differences revealed a significant diversity in the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Results also elucidated that patients at initial stages of hearing loss were more prone towards reporting tinnitus symptoms along with emerging psychological problems.

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Soil Chemical Pollution and Aggressive Pathologies

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.18.8.6515 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (8) ◽

pp. 2278-2282

Author(s):

Stelian Ioan Morariu ◽

Letitia Doina Duceac ◽

Alina Costina Luca ◽

Florina Popescu ◽

Liliana Pavel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Care Professionals ◽

Scientific Progress ◽

Volcanic Eruptions ◽

Chemical Pollution ◽

Optimal Parameters ◽

Chemical Pollutants ◽

Wide Range ◽

Health Physician ◽

Solid Liquid

Maintaining the soil in optimal parameters is vital for mankind, given its essential role in providing the alimentary base, as well as its extremely slow formation and regeneration (hundreds or thousands of years). The direct and indirect pollution of the soil and especially its chemical pollution represent a corollary of other types of pollution, given that it is produced by solid, liquid and gaseous residues. It may be involved in a wide range of diseases (respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, renal, haematological, osteoarticular, neurological) of allergic, infectious, degenerative or neoplastic nature, from infancy to the old age. Although there are natural causes of soil pollution (e.g. volcanic eruptions), most pollutants come from human activities, which are the most incriminated in its pollution, degradation and erosion at an accelerated pace. The growing concern of all nations for the adoption of measures to limit the chemical pollution of the soil is partially found so far in viable and effective solutions intended to combat soil contamination and degradation and ensure its restoration. Chemical industrialization leads to technical and scientific progress, but at the same time it can develop related pathologies, which means that the role of the occupational health physician is essential in ensuring prophylaxis and the early detection of occupational diseases. Besides that, the role of the pediatrician is equally precious for the detection of specific diseases caused by chemical pollutants to children, because they will develop into adults with pathological stigma.The chemical pollution of the soil is a major challenge for ecologists, given that it is an important risk factor for many types of afflictions. It requires maximum attention from civil society, health care professionals and government institutions. The specialist in occupational medicine, as well as the pediatrician bear an essential responsibility in both, prevention and treatment.

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Selectively Interfering With Intrusive but Not Voluntary Memories of a Trauma Film: Accounting for the Role of Associative Memory

Clinical Psychological Science ◽

10.1177/2167702621998315 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 216770262199831

Author(s):

Alex Lau-Zhu ◽

Richard N. Henson ◽

Emily A. Holmes

Keyword(s):

Emotional Disorders ◽

Traumatic Event ◽

Emotional Memory ◽

Control Procedure ◽

Witness Testimony ◽

Intrusive Memories ◽

Therapeutic Benefits ◽

Selective Interference ◽

Intrusive Memory

Intrusive memories of a traumatic event can be reduced by a subsequent interference procedure, seemingly sparing voluntary memory for that event. This selective-interference effect has potential therapeutic benefits (e.g., for emotional disorders) and legal importance (e.g., for witness testimony). However, the measurements of intrusive memory and voluntary memory typically differ in the role of associations between a cue and the emotional memory “hotspots.” To test this, we asked participants to watch a traumatic film followed by either an interference procedure (reminder plus Tetris) or control procedure (reminder only). Measurement of intrusions (using a laboratory task) and voluntary memory (recognition for film stills) were crossed with the presence or absence of associative cues. The reminder-plus-Tetris group exhibited fewer intrusions despite comparable recognition memory, replicating the results of prior studies. Note that this selective interference did not appear to depend on associative cues. This involuntary versus voluntary memory dissociation for emotional material further supports separate-trace memory theories and has applied advantages.

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Sexual Violence and Mental Health: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Self-Compassion Using a Feminist Lens

Violence Against Women ◽

10.1177/10778012211012097 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107780122110120

Author(s):

Paige McAllister ◽

Amber Vennum

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Sexual Violence ◽

Cultural Narratives ◽

Self Blame ◽

Mediating Role ◽

Undergraduate Women ◽

Self Compassion ◽

Feminist Theories ◽

Anxiety Depression

Feminist theories describe how women who experience sexual violence often internalize cultural narratives which can lead to self-blame and disconnection. Self-compassion has the potential to provide a buffer against these negative outcomes. This study explored self-compassion as a mediator of the association between experiencing sexual violence and negative mental health outcomes. The sample consisted of 368 undergraduate women. A path analysis revealed that experiencing sexual violence prior to the beginning of the semester was positively associated with self-criticism, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms at the end of the semester directly and indirectly through self-compassion mid-semester. Clinical and research implications are also discussed.

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Cognitive behaviour therapy meets psychopharmacotherapy

The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist ◽

10.1017/s1754470x10000127 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 117-131

Author(s):

David Veale ◽

Anna Stout

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Side Effects ◽

Emotional Disorders ◽

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy ◽

Behaviour Therapy ◽

Cognitive Behaviour ◽

Underlying Disorder

AbstractThis article provides an overview of the role of psychopharmacotherapy in common emotional disorders for cognitive behaviour therapists. We consider some of the philosophical difference between CBT and medication, when medication might interfere with CBT, when it may enhance outcome and when it might be safely discontinued. We highlight how to differentiate side-effects and symptoms of discontinuation of antidepressants from that of the underlying disorder. The scope of this article is confined to common emotional disorders and does not discuss the interaction of CBT with medication in, e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or dementia.

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Jewish Women's Psychological Well-Being: The Role of Attachment, Separation, and Jewish Identity

Psychology of Women Quarterly ◽

10.1111/j.1471-6402.2005.00182.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 197-206 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Julie L. Goldberg ◽

Karen M. O'Brien

Keyword(s):

Jewish Identity ◽

Psychological Functioning ◽

Well Being ◽

Therapeutic Interventions ◽

Jewish Women ◽

Late Adolescent ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Separation From Parents ◽

Anxiety Depression

The purpose of this study was to examine the contributions of attachment, separation, and Jewish identity to psychological well-being in a sample of 115 late adolescent Jewish women. Results from multiple regression analyses demonstrated that attachment to parents, separation from parents, and Jewish identity collectively accounted for variance in psychological distress, as measured by anxiety, depression, self-esteem problems, and interpersonal problems. Thus, late adolescent Jewish women's psychological functioning may be fostered by therapeutic interventions addressing their relationships with parents and Jewish identity.

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