Serum Anti-oligodendrocyte Autoantibodies in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis Detected by a Tissue-Based Immunofluorescence Assay

Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most prevalent inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is characterized by damaged to myelin sheaths and oligodendrocytes. Because MS patients have variable clinical courses and disease severities, it is important to identify biomarkers that predict disease activity and severity. In this study, we assessed the frequencies of serum autoantibodies against mature oligodendrocytes in MS patients using a tissue-based immunofluorescence assay (IFA) to determine whether anti-oligodendrocyte antibodies are associated with the clinical features of MS patients and whether they might be a biomarker to assess CNS tissue damage in MS patients. We assessed the binding of serum autoantibodies to mouse oligodendrocytes expressing Nogo-A, a reliable mature oligodendrocyte marker, by IFA with mouse brain and sera from 147 MS patients, comprising 103 relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), 22 secondary progressive MS (SPMS), and 22 primary progressive MS (PPMS) patients, 38 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients, 23 other inflammatory neurological disorder (OIND) patients, and 39 healthy controls (HCs). Western blotting (WB) was performed using extracted mouse cerebellum proteins and IgG from anti-oligodendrocyte antibody-positive MS patients. Tissue-based IFA showed that anti-oligodendrocyte antibodies were positive in 3/22 (13.6%) PPMS and 1/22 (4.5%) SPMS patients but not in RRMS, NMOSD, and OIND patients or HCs. WB demonstrated the target CNS proteins recognized by serum anti-oligodendrocyte antibodies were approximately 110 kDa and/or 150 kDa. Compared with anti-oligodendrocyte antibody-negative MS patients, MS patients with anti-oligodendrocyte antibodies were significantly older at the time of serum sampling, scored significantly higher on the Expanded Disability Status Scale and the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score, and had a higher frequency of mental disturbance. Although the clinical significance of anti-oligodendrocyte antibodies is still unclear because of their low frequency, anti-oligodendrocyte autoantibodies are potential biomarkers for monitoring the disease pathology and progression in MS.

Human development in Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration as an expression of reaching psychic maturity

In my article, I analyze how Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory of positive disintegration can help with understanding the phenomenon of psychic maturity. From the perspective of this conception, the development of a human being is inherently connecting with going towards your ideal, which can't be achieved without mental disturbance and sometimes even psychic breakdown. The loosening of rigid psychic structures should be linking with self-education. This process leads toward the birth of a new person that internalized her hierarchy of values and goals. This hierarchy can't be changed. The theory inscribes the development of the given individual into five key levels that have different inner properties. I shortly analyzed theory and its main components, and after that, I showed how we should understand mental maturity in the light of Kazimierz Dąbrowski's theory.

The fantasy of ugliness in Alexander McQueen collections (1992-2009)

Alexander McQueen (1969-2010) changed the fashion industry and history forever with his innovations and runaway shows that verged on performance art. His talent for tailoring matched the strong narrative and originality of his garments. Some of them were destined for commercial consumption and catered to the masses, but most of them were works of art grown from a vivid yet macabre imagination. He refused the common grounds of fashion to focus on themes usually ignored, such as fetishism, violence, death and mental disturbance. Therefore, he aimed to transcend the usual and reach for the sublime as he created a fantasy world out of his own tormented mind. His Romantic and Gothic inspired work mirrored the anxieties of our times, and raised fashion to an art form on its own, thus prompting a reflection on the affiliation between fashion, visual arts and literature.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF NIDANAS OF ASRIGDARA IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF THE DISEASE

Woman's health is point of concern for her family, society and culture because any physical or mental disturbance can disturb her normal menstrual cycle. Asrigdara is the common gynecological problem from menarche to menopause affecting her day to day activities. It is one of the Raktadoshaja Vikara manifesting as excessive menstrual bleeding or intermenstrual bleeding different from the features of normal menstrual blood. On the basis of its symptomatology, it can be compared with abnormal uterine bleeding. It is a debilitating disorder affecting the physical and psychological health of women which finally results in hysterectomy if not treated properly. Nidana is the main causative factor in initiating the Samprapti of the disease. In Samprapti of Asrigdara, various etiological factors such as Lavana, Amla and Katu Rasa, Guru, Vidahi and Snigdha Annapana, Dadhi, Sukta, Mastu etc leads to vitiation of Vata Pitta Dosha and Rakta Dhatu resulting in Asrigdara Vyadhi. In the present study an effort was made to analyse Nidanas in the pathogenesis of the disease on the basis of involvement of Doshas and Dhatus. In Ayurveda classics, Nidana Parivarjan is mentioned as the first line of treatment for any disease. Understanding the Nidanas of Asrigdara plays a major role in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of the disease.

Gayet Wernicke encephalopathy after cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy

Commonly related to abuse of alcohol or hyperemesis gravidarum, Gayet wernicke encephalopathy is neurological disorder due to a deficiency of thiamine. The diagnosis is based on a triade made of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and mental disturbance. MRI imaging confirms the diagnosis.

A Study of Relationship Between Social Alienation and Psychiatric Disorders among the University Students

Alienation is a state of mind in which an individual feels lonely and has a low level of attachment with her society, fails to get control over the environment and gradually becomes isolated and helpless. Psychiatric disorders refer to what a person feels, thinks and act that lead her towards the mental disturbance or spoil his areas of functioning. The present study investigated the relationship between social alienation and psychiatric disorders among university students. 600 students were selected as a sample from different departments of a university. A scale for alienation developed by Guerrero and Castillo (1966) and a scale for psychiatric disorders developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) were used to collect the data. The collected data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation. Results showed that certain level of social alienation and psychiatric disorders exist among students, and there was a positive association between social alienation and psychiatric disorders.

Case Report: Magic Mushroom (Psilocybe Cubensis) Intoxication

A B S T R A C TIntroduction Psilocybe mushroom, or widely known as the magic mushroom is avariety of mushroom commonly consumed because of hallucinogenic traits it causestoward its consumer. This hallucinogenic effect is caused by Psilocybin, ahallucinogenic substance often found within Psilocybe mushroom. This substanceaffects mental state of the consumer and has similar effect to those of LSD andMescaline. Aside from its effect to cause mental disturbance, consumption of thismushroom may cause acute renal injury which leads to a fatal and life-threateningsituation.Case presentation: A case of Psilocybe intoxication had been reported in a22 years old male with a confirmed history of consuming Psilocybe mushroom. Patientfirst came with a symptom of disorientation and restlessness. Patient also often shookhis head off, laughed out, screamed, and continuously making bizarre movements.Psychiatric examination confirmed a sign of auditory hallucination, unstable mood,and stereotypical behavior experienced by the patient. Conclusion: An approach isneeded in the form of a physical examination and support that supports a promptand precise diagnosis, as well as comprehensive management that focuses on thedirect management of life-threatening symptoms and symptomatic treatment, takinginto account the signs and symptoms of life-threatening nephrotoxicity

“Look At It Carefully Now”: Athenian Tragedy And The “Talking Cure”

It is often suggested that the Greek tragedians present clinically credible pictures of mental disturbance. For instance, some modern interpreters have compared the process by which Cadmus brings Agave back to sanity in Euripides’ Bacchae with modern psychotherapy. But a reading of medical writers’ views on the psychological dimension of medicine offers little evidence for believing that these scenes reflect the practices of late fifth-century Athenian doctors, for whom verbal cures are associated with older traditions of non-rational thought, and thus are scorned in favor of more “scientific cures” based on diet or medication. This paper will argue that Athenian tragedians, working from older traditions that advocated verbal cures for some mental ailments, do understand the potential psychological effects that their work can have on audiences, since tragedy requires psychological interaction with its audience in order to be effective. From a close reading of select scenes in Euripidean tragedy, this paper suggests that the experiences of the characters who experience suffering in Euripides’ Heracles and Bacchae are analogues of the experiences undergone by the spectators of tragedy at large. Parallels are made between the way that Agave and Heracles are both talked back to sanity by looking upon what has happened, and the way that tragedians make their audiences observe lamentations and meditations that follow the central tragic act, to help them return from the intense emotion provoked, perhaps, by the violence they have seen.

Perceptions of Mental Health Conditions in Criminal Cases: A Survey Study Involving Swedish Lay Judges

Perceptions of mental health conditions influence how individuals with psychiatric diagnoses are treated within the community, in the legal system, and at different institutions. We examined perceptions of mental health conditions among lay judges ( N = 643), working at district and appellate courts throughout Sweden. Participants read a web-based survey including a crime vignette in which the person charged with a crime was described as having schizophrenia ( n = 186), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with psychopathic traits ( n = 219), or intellectual disability ( n = 238). Participants’ perceptions of schizophrenia were largely in line with Swedish legislation regarding the medicolegal concept of severe mental disturbance (SMD). Findings were more varied for the other two conditions, however. Perceptions of individuals with ASPD with psychopathic traits were not consistent with the Swedish SMD legislation. The results highlight the complexity of legislation addressing mental illness and criminality.

THE NARRATOR’S VOICE OF FREEDOM IN RALPH ELLISON’S INVISIBLE MAN: A STUDY OF POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE

<p>The purpose of this research is to<strong> </strong>describe<strong> </strong>the position of Black people as the folk who get discrimination in America and explain the Narrator’s voice as the Black people in conveying the equality between Black and White people in America that is represented in<em> Invisible Man</em> novel. This research uses qualitative research. The researcher needs postcolonial literature by Lois Tyson to get evidences the effects and goals of the author in creating a story. The analysis reveals that Black people include subordinate people, oppressed minority group, and lower class that always suppressed and exploited by superior people who have power. Black people try to fight against superior to show their feeling of freedom for getting the same position and equality as White by conveying their voice through protest. The conclusion shows that inferiority makes Black people who have lower position in society get oppression that cause physical and mental disturbance from superior and the Narrator tries to struggle and get confession of Black people from the domination of White in order to survive their existence in society by conveying the voice with non-violence way through speech, action and music.</p>