Association Between Fear of COVID-19 and Emotional Distress in Nurses With Mediating Role of Socio-Demographic Features.

Objectives: To determine the predictive association between fear of COVID-19 and emotional distress (depression, anxiety, and stress) in frontline and non-frontline nurses. To explore the mediating role of socio-demographic features. Methods: Correlational cross-sectional research design was implied. A total of 500 on-duty male and female, frontline and non-frontline, nurses were included from five major hospitals in Gujrat (Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital, City Hospital, Doctors Hospital, Akram Hospital, and Gujrat Hospital). Fear of COVID-19 scale and the Urdu version of depression, anxiety, and stress scale - 21 (DASS-21) were used to measure variables of interest. Descriptive statistics, structural equation modeling (SEM), linear regression, and t-test were carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21. Result: Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed a significant predictive link between fear of COVID-19 and depression, anxiety, and stress (goodness of model fit; NFI = 0.93, GFI = 0.914, AGFI = 0.93, CFI = 0.936, and IFI = 0.936). Furthermore, a significant mediating effect of certain demographic features was discovered by SEM (CMIN/DF = 1.11, NFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.98, GFI = 0.08, AGFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.029, CFI = 0.99, and IFI = 0.99). Results of linear regression analysis also revealed a momentous predictive association between fear of COVID-19 and emotional distress (R = 0.860). In comparative analysis, the results of t-test explored the statistical significant difference in fear of COVID-19 and emotional distress between frontline (mean = 25.775, 36.147 and SD = 1.75, 2.23) and non-frontline nurses (mean = 21.702, 27.353 and SD = 4.607, 10.212), with t (130) =7.111, 6.92. Conclusion: Managing the mediating effect of demographic characteristics and reducing the fear of COVID-19 can help nurses to overcome emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Further, this will increase the productivity among nurses.

Dynamic Magnetic Resonance Imaging: An Aid To Preoperative-Planning Of Pelvic Organ Prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been commonly used in the assessment of preoperative pelvic organ prolapse to evaluate anatomical defects prior to surgery. This study aimed at evaluating the dynamic MRI reliability in the determination of pelvic organ prolapse and to assess its compliance with the physical examination for preoperative planning of women. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was performed at the radiology department of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from April-October 2019. All women irrespective of age and parity status having obstructed defecation, constipation, organ prolapse, pelvic pain, or stress urinary incontinence undergoing dynamic pelvic MRI were consecutively enrolled. A brief history was obtained followed by a physical examination for pelvic organ prolapse followed by MRI examination. Kappa coefficient was applied to see the agreement of physical examination with MRI finding. RESULTS: A total 38 women were included. A significantly moderate agreement was observed between MRI and physical exam findings with respect to the presence or absence of cystocele (K=0.554, p<0.001), rectocele (K=0.632, p<0.001), and enterocele (K=0.587, p<0.001). However, agreement with respect to the MRI and physical examination findings on uterine descent was non-significant (K=0.130, p 0.421). CONCLUSIONS: MRI examination is an effective diagnostic modality in determination of the pelvic organ prolapse in suspected symptomatic patients. MRI could add value primarily in research areas, taking into account its ability to examine the entire pelvis.

Chronic choline supplementation improves cognitive and motor performance via modulating oxidative and neurochemical status in rats.

Choline, an essential nutrient, accounts for multiple functions in the body and brain. While its beneficial effects on healthy adults are not clear, choline supplementation is important during pregnancy for brain development, in elderly patients for support of cognitive performance and in patients with neurological disorders to reduce memory deficits. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate whether choline administration in healthy adult rats beneficially impacts cognitive and locomotor performance, and associated oxidative and neurochemical outcomes. Two groups, control and choline, received tap water and choline bitartrate, respectively at the dose equivalent to adequate intake for five weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored daily. Behavioral analysis comprising assessment of cognitive performance (by novel object recognition, passive avoidance and Morris Water Maze test) and locomotor performance (by Open field, Kondziela's inverted screen and beam walking test) were performed. Following testing, rats were decapitated and brain samples were collected for estimation of acetylcholine, redox profile and monoamine measurements. The results showed that chronic choline administration significantly improves cognitive and locomotor performance accompanied by a reduction in oxidative stress, enhanced cholinergic neurotransmission and monoamine levels in the brain of healthy adult rats. Hence, chronic choline intake was found to improve behavioral, oxidative and neurochemical outcomes in the normal population, so it can be suggested that choline tablets can be used as a safe and effective supplement for improving the neurological health of normal individuals and that they might also be beneficial in preventing cognitive and motor disorders later in life.

Anethum graveolens seeds aqueous extract stimulates whole brain 5-hydroxytryptamine metabolism and reduces feeding behavior and body weight in obese rats.

The percentage of overweight and obese person has increased markedly since several decays. Obesity is associated with increased risked factor for many diseases such as, diabetes, heart complications, arthritis and certain types of cancer. Feeding behavior is in controlled by a major interaction between central nervous system and many organs of the body. The role of serotonin (5-HT) in feeding behavior is well recognized. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of Anethum graveolens seeds aqueous extract (AGAE) on food intake, body weight and serotonin metabolism in over weight rats. Five weeks oral administration of AGAE shows significant decrease in body weight, food intake and significant increase in whole brain 5-HT, 5-HIAA and tryptophan level in brain and plasma of experimental animals. Increased level of 5-HT induced satiety and suppressed food intake and result is the reduction in body weight.

Anxiolytic and hyperlocomotive effects of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa L. seeds in rats.

Use of the herbal drugs increasing all over the world due to its minimum side effect. Nigella sativa black seeds used in folk medicine for the promotion of good health and for the treatment of many diseases .The present study is designed to investigate the neurochemical and behavioral effect of aqueous extract of Nigella sativa L. seeds in rats. Neurochemical studies were performed for DA and DOPAC levels in whole rats' brain. Locomotive behavior was observed in novel environment and familiar environment. Elevated plus maze and light dark behavioral modules were used to monitor anxiety in rats. The oral administration of AENS for six weeks increased time spent in open arm of elevated plus maze and light compartment in light dark box. Increased locomotors activity in novel environment (open field) was noticed suggesting that increased in DA level may be related to increased locomotive activity in rats.

Enhancement and inhibition of apomorphine-induced sensitization in rats exposed to immobilization stress: relationship with adaptation to stress.

Stress increases vulnerability to addiction while drugs of abuse impair coping responses and pre-dispose to depression. Pre-clinical research shows that stress exposure augments locomotor sensitization effects of drugs of abuse and impairs behavioral tolerance to repeated stress. The present study investigates relationship between behavioral tolerance to repeated immobilization stress and apomorphine-induced sensitization. Apomorphine was injected either before exposure or after the termination of immobilization, daily for 5 days, to monitor drug-induced behavioral sensitization and tolerance in immobilization stress-induced anorexia. We find that apomorphine-induced sensitization is enhanced and tolerance to repeated immobilization is impaired if the drug is administered before exposure to stress episode. Conversely, apomorphine-induced sensitization is inhibited and adaptation to stress is facilitated if the drug is administered after the termination of stress episode. It shows that apomorphine, if experienced during stress, produces greater sensitization and impairs stress tolerance. Conversely, sensitization effects of apomorphine are blocked and tolerance to stress is facilitated in animals receiving drug after the termination of stress episode. It is suggested that additive effects of stress and apomorphine on mesocorticolimbic dopamine neurotransmission and 5-HT-1A influences on dopamine neurotransmission may have a role in the modulation of apomorphine sensitization and tolerance to repeated immobilization stress. The results may help develop potential pharmacotherapies when substance abuse/dependence disorder and depression occur together.

Alteration in plasma corticosterone levels following long term oral administration of lead produces depression like symptoms in rats.

Lead toxicity is known to induce a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioral dysfunctions that may result in adverse effects on several organs, including the central nervous system. Long-term exposure to low levels of lead (Pb(2+)) has been shown to produce behavioral deficits in rodents and humans by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These deficits are thought to be associated with altered brain monoamine neurotransmission and due to changes in glucocorticoids levels. This study was designed to investigate the effects of Pb(2+)exposure on growth rate, locomotor activity, anxiety, depression, plasma corticosterone and brain serotonin (5-HT) levels in rats. Rats were exposed to lead in drinking water (500 ppm; lead acetate) for 5 weeks. The assessment of depression was done using the forced swimming test (FST). Estimation of brain 5-HT was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Plasma corticosterone was determined by spectrofluorimetric method. The present study showed that long term exposure to Pb(2+) significantly decreased the food intake followed by the decrease in growth rate in Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to control group. No significant changes in open field activity were observed following Pb(2+)exposure while significant increase in anxiogenic effect was observed. Increased plasma corticosterone and decreased 5-HT levels were exhibited by Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to controls. A significant increase in depressive like symptoms was exhibited by Pb(2+)exposed rats as compared to control rats. The results are discussed in the context of Pb(2+) inducing a stress-like response in rats leading to changes in plasma corticosterone and brain 5-HT levels via altering tryptophan pyrrolase activity.

Attenuation of restraint induced behavioral deficits by buspirone and propranolol in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of buspirone and propranolol on restraint stress-induced behavioral deficits in a learned helplessness model. DESIGN: Experimental study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The experiment was performed in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi and completed during a period of three months (3 June 2004 to 17 August 2004). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on 36 male albino Wistar rats. Animals injected with saline, buspirone (0.2 mg/kg) and propranolol (1 mg/kg) for 2 weeks were exposed to an episode of 2 hours restraint stress. Cumulative food intake and body weight changes were monitored over a period of 24 hours. Exploratory activity in the lit area of light dark box was monitored 24 hours after the termination of restraint period. RESULTS: Single (2 hours) restraint stress decreased 24 hours cumulative food intake and growth rate. Exploratory activity in the lit compartment of a light-dark box also decreased. Prior administration of buspirone as well as propranolol attenuated restraint-induced deficits of food intake and growth rate. Administration of buspirone and propranolol increased lit area exploration in unrestrained animals and attenuated restraint-induced deficits of exploration. CONCLUSION: The results show that anorexiogenic and anxiogenic effects of restraint stress were smaller in animals injected with buspirone or propranolol. Buspirone and propranolol could attenuate stress-induced behavioral deficits.

Is anorexia in thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis related to an altered brain serotonin concentration?

Anorexia or loss of appetite, one of the most typical symptoms observed in experimental and human cirrhosis, has been proposed to be associated with altered brain serotonin (5-HT) metabolism. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, brain 5-HT, its precursor tryptophan (TRP) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindole-acetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in brains of rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver cirrhosis. Thioacetamide at a dose of 500 mg/l in drinking water was administered for 6 weeks and during this period food intake was carefully measured in order to monitor the loss of appetite or decrease in food intake observed in cirrhosis. Concentrations of brain TRP, 5-HT and 5-HIAA were measured by HPLC with electrochemical detection. In TAA-treated rats, concentrations of 5-HT, TRP and 5-HIAA were increased in brain (44%, 33% and 36% of controls, p < 0.01). In plasma and liver of cirrhotic rats, TRP levels were increased (195% and 43%; p < 0.01). Plasma glucose and albumin levels were decreased (50%; p < 0.01 and 31%). Food intake, growth rate and locomotor activity of TAA-treated rats also decreased (73%, 22% and 73% of controls; p < 0.01). The results of this study show that brain 5-HT concentration in rats is increased in TAA-treated rats and it may, therefore, play an important role in the pathogenesis of anorexia associated with TAA-induced cirrhosis.

Serotonin and serotonin 1-A receptors in the failure of ethanol-treated rats to adapt to a repeated stress schedule.

OBJECTIVE: The effects of repeated-restraint stress on brain 5-hydroxytryptamine; serotonin (5-HT) metabolism and functional responses to a selective 5-HT-1A agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), are compared in water- and ethanol-treated rats. METHOD: Locally bred male water- or ethanol-treated rats restrained 2 hours per day for 6 days were killed, and whole brains were collected for the neurochemical analysis by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-EC). In a separate experiment 8-OH-DPAT was injected in water- and ethanol-treated rats to compare elicited hyperactivity syndrome (a postsynaptic response) and effectiveness of the drug in reducing brain 5-HT synthesis (a presynaptic response). RESULTS: A single episode of 2-hour restraint stress decreased 24-hour cumulative food intake in both water- and ethanol-treated rats. Following repeated restraint stress of 2 hours per day for 5 days, the decreases were present in ethanol- but not water-treated rats. The sixth episode of 2-hour restraint stress did not alter brain tryptophan 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) concentrations in water-treated repeatedly restrained rats but decreased tryptophan and increased 5-HT concentration in ethanol-treated rats. Ethanol-treated unrestrained and ethanol-treated repeatedly restrained rats exhibited higher levels of tryptophan 5-HT and 5-HIAA than their respective water-treated controls. Injecting 8-OH-DPAT at a dose of 0.25 mg/kg elicited comparable hyperactivity syndrome in water- and ethanol-treated rats but decreased 5-HT synthesis more in ethanol-treated than in water-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows that ethanol administration for 2 to 3 weeks, although it increases brain 5-HT metabolism, impairs adaptation by increasing the effectiveness of negative feedback control over 5-HT synthesis.