Thermal Stability Analysis of PbO/ISO-UP Resin Composites

Composites of isophthalate-based unsaturated polyester (ISO-UP) resin with various concentrations of lead monoxide (PbO) filler were fabricated and investigated for degradation kinetics & thermal stability of the composites. The thermogravimetric data have been treated with Freeman-Caroll & Horowitz-Metzger methods, and results were discussed. The filler concentration effect on thermal stability & degradation kinetics of composites were also discussed. The neat sample was observed to exhibit one-stage degradation, while the filled composites underwent degradation at two stages. Further, with the increased filler content in the composite, the initial degradation temperature values (IDT) were found to decrease from 3370C for the neat polymer to 3040C for 50% filled composite, whereas the presence of filler slows down the degradation process. Among the two classical degradation kinetic theories used, the Freeman-Caroll method yields almost close activation energies from 18.295KJ/mol to 20.029KJ/mol, while the Horowitz-Metzger method yields activation energies from 17.919KJ/mol to 13.198KJ/mol.

Cross-continental collaboration for understanding postpartum major depression with psychotic features

Purpose Assess postpartum depression and psychotic symptoms from three continents. Methods Compare numbers of women with depression and psychotic symptoms, mania with or without psychotic features, or transient non-affective psychosis and medication choice. Results The prevalence of postpartum depression and psychosis and treatment choice differed at each site. Conclusions Best treatment for postpartum depression with psychotic features has not been established yet. Cross-continental collaboration with similar assessments holds promise to develop best practices for these high risk mother-infant dyads

A new molecular risk pathway for postpartum mood disorders: clues from steroid sulfatase-deficient individuals

Postpartum mood disorders develop shortly after childbirth in a significant proportion of women. These conditions are associated with a range of symptoms including abnormally high or low mood, irritability, cognitive disorganisation, disrupted sleep, hallucinations/delusions, and occasionally suicidal or infanticidal ideation; if not treated promptly, they can substantially impact upon the mother’s health, mother-infant bonding, and family dynamics. The biological precipitants of such disorders remain unclear, although large changes in maternal immune and hormonal physiology following childbirth are likely to play a role. Pharmacological therapies for postpartum mood disorders can be effective, but may be associated with side effects, concerns relating to breastfeeding, and teratogenicity risks when used prophylactically. Furthermore, most of the drugs that are used to treat postpartum mood disorders are the same ones that are used to treat mood episodes during non-postpartum periods. A better understanding of the biological factors predisposing to postpartum mood disorders would allow for rational drug development, and the identification of predictive biomarkers to ensure that ‘at risk’ mothers receive earlier and more effective clinical management. We describe new findings relating to the role of the enzyme steroid sulfatase in maternal postpartum behavioural processes, and discuss how these point to a novel molecular risk pathway underlying postpartum mood disorders. Specifically, we suggest that aberrant steroid hormone–dependent regulation of neuronal calcium influx via extracellular matrix proteins and membrane receptors involved in responding to the cell’s microenvironment might be important. Testing of this hypothesis might identify novel therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers

Formation of a stakeholder group of women with a lived experience of Post-partum Psychoses (PP) – Experience from a perinatal psychiatry service in India

Our paper describes the process of creating a stakeholder group for service development and research in Post-partum Psychosis (PP) at a Perinatal Psychiatry Service in India. We involved women who have recovered from PP as `experts by experience’ in identifying areas that need attention from a research and service perspectives. A total of 13 group meetings were conducted, in which 9 group meetings involved women with lived experiences of PP and 4 group meetings were with the family members involved in the care of women during the PP episode. Of the 58 participants, 23 women and two family members expressed their willingness to participate in future stakeholder meetings. Involvement of women with PP and their caregivers as stakeholders in mental health decision-making appears feasible in a LMIC setting and should be encouraged

Cycloserine induced delirium during treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

Objective: To report about delirium related to Cycloserine. Method: Systematic assessment and management of a patient who developed delirium during the course of treatment for MDR-TB. Results: An association was found with the use of Cycloserine and development of delirium. The management of this case is described. Conclusion: Patients with MDR-TB receiving Cycloserine should be closely monitored for neuropsychiatric side effects for early recognition and treatment

Table1_Cross-continental collaboration for understanding postpartum major depression with psychotic features.xlsx

PurposeAssess postpartum depression and psychotic symptoms from three continents.MethodsCompare numbers of women with depression and psychotic symptoms, mania with or without psychotic features, or transient non-affective psychosis and medication choice.ResultsThe prevalence of postpartum depression and psychosis and treatment choice differed at each site.ConclusionsBest treatment for postpartum depression with psychotic features has not been established yet. Cross-continental collaboration with similar assessments holds promise to develop best practices for these high risk mother-infant dyads.</p