Calcium antagonistic activity of Bacopa monniera on vascular and intestinal smooth muscles of rabbit and guinea-pig

The present study demonstrates the calcium antagonistic activity in ethanol extract of Bacopa monniera. The plant extract inhibited the spontaneous movements of both guinea-pig ileum (IC50 = 24+/-4 microg/ml) and rabbit jejunum (IC50 = 136+/-9 microg/ml). A marked reduction in acetylcholine- and histamine-induced responses (0.0001-10 microM) in the ileum was evident in the presence of extract (260 microg/ml). The acetylcholine (1 microM)-induced contraction in the ileum was also inhibited by the extract (100-700 microg/ml) in a concentration dependent way (IC50 = 285+/-56 microg/ml). All these results indicate a direct action of the extract on smooth muscles. Calcium chloride-induced responses in the rabbit blood vessels and jejunum were attenuated in the presence of plant extract (10-700 microg/ml) implying a direct interference of plant extract with influx of calcium ions in the cells. However, the lack of modification of either noradrenaline- or caffeine-induced contractions in the presence of extract suggests that extract has no detectable effect on mobilization of intracellular calcium. These results indicate that spasmolytic effect of the B. monniera extract in smooth muscles is predominantly due to inhibition of calcium influx via both voltage and receptor operated calcium channels of the cell membrane.

The impact of emotional acknowledgement and self-esteem on resilience to family dysfunction

Introduction

Family dysfunction can test the resilience of adolescents, specifically those from single parent families and those attending schools in more socio-economically challenged areas.

Objectives

To determine what factors are associated with resilience for those from single parent families or attend schools in more socio-economically challenged areas.

Aims

To examine the role of emotional regulation and self-esteem as putative resilience factors in the context of single parents status and socioeconomic disadvantage.

Methods

Secondary school pupils from single and dual parent families aged 13 to 15 answered questionnaires at three time points on: emotional regulation, self-esteem, depression and anxiety. A total of 434 pupils took part at time 1, 574 at time 2, and 467 at time 3. The secondary schools were categorised into more and less disadvantaged schools.

Results

Positive self-esteem [F(1.205) = 54.568, P = 0.000; F(1.157) = 35.582, P = 0.000] and emotional regulation [F(1.205) = 46.925, P = 0.000; F(1.157) = 16.583, P = 0.000] were both associated with resilience against depression in adolescents from single parent families. Positive self-esteem [F(1,75) = 102.629, P = 0.000; F(1.355) = 60.555, P = 0.000] and emotional regulation [F(1.60) = 34.813, P = 0.000; F(1.73) = 36.891, P = 0.000] were both associated with resilience against depression in adolescents attending more socio-economically challenged areas.

Conclusions

This research suggests that adolescent resilience against depression may be promoted by improving self-esteem and emotional regulation. Therefore, future interventions could focus on boosting these resilience factors. Further resilience research could include emotional regulation and self-esteem as protective factors for resilience in adolescent mental health. As these variables have been identified, they can help find more pieces to the complex puzzle of resilience.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Successful implementation of safe practice for adult intravenous push medication in a tertiary care hospital: determination of stability of four intravenous antibiotics in syringes

In 2017, a severe shortage of infusion bags resulted in a paradigm change in medication administration practice from intermittent infusion to intravenous push. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices proposed safe practice guidelines for adult intravenous push medications. A different study showed that ready-to-administer medication prepared in the sterile area of a pharmacy reduces the risk of harm, nurses' time for medication administration and the cost of medications. Based on the recommendation of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, we decided to conduct a pilot study on the implementation of sterile compounding and administration of intravenous push medication in adult patients admitted to the hospital. In the study, the stability of five intravenous push antibiotic syringes was also determined in the syringes.

The impact of the transition from primary school to secondary school on young adolescents

Introduction

Previous research suggests that adult anxiety disorders begin in adolescence and the transition from primary school to secondary school is the first challenge many young adolescents face, which could test their resilience for the first time.

Objectives

To examine students’ anxiety scores before and after their transition, and what protective and risk factors are present during this challenge.

Aims

To determine how the transition can impact anxiety in children, and if protective factors can help decrease the disruption that the transition can cause.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-four pupils completed questionnaires in their last term of primary school and during the first term of secondary school. At time 1: the attachment, school membership, and bullying and victimization measures were compared with pupils’ anxiety scores, along with whether their friends or siblings will be attending the same secondary school as them. These analyses will also be conducted once the pupils start secondary school, at time 2.

Results

Secure attachment was associated with lower anxiety and transition anxiety (F(2.56) = 7.255, P = .002; F(2.52) = 19.245, P = .000; F(2.181) = 10.181, P = .000; F(2.53) = 20.545, P = .000). School membership was associated with lower transition anxiety (F(2.181) = 4.151, P = .017; F(2.181) = 3.632, P = .028). Low victimisation was also associated with low anxiety and transition anxiety (F(2.181) = 14.024, P = .000; F(2.181) = 14.529, P = .000; F(2.181) = 9.381, P = .000).

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that attachment, school membership and victimisation all impact on pupils anxiety before they transition to secondary school. Therefore, schools could work together to increase school membership and decrease victimisation, particularly for pupils who they suspect will struggle with the transition.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.