In Situ Electrophoretic Decorated Cactus-Type Metallic-Phase MoS2 on CaMn2O4 Nanofibers for Binder-Free Next-Generation LIBs.

Ternary manganese-based oxides, such as CaMn2O4 (CMO) nanofibers fabricated via the electrospinning technique, have the potential to offer higher reversible capacity through conversion reactions in comparison to that of carbon-based anodes. However, its poor electrical conductivity hinders its usage in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hence, to mitigate this issue, controlled single-step in situ decoration of highly conducting metallic-phase MoS2@CMO nanofibers has been achieved for the first time via the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) technique and utilized as a binder-free nanocomposite anode for LIBs. Further, the composition of MoS2@CMO nanofibers has also been optimized to attain better electronic and ionic conductivity. The morphological investigation revealed that the flakes of MoS2 nanoflowers are successfully and uniformly decorated over the CMO nanofibers' surface, forming a cactus-type morphology. As a binder-free nanocomposite LIB anode, CMOMS-7 (7 wt % MoS2@CMO) demonstrates a specific capacity of 674 mA h g-1 after 60 cycles at 50 mA g-1 and maintains a capacity of 454 mA h g-1 even after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g-1. Further, the good rate performance (102 mA h g-1 at 5000 mA g-1) of CMOMS-7 can be ascribed to the enhanced electrical conductivity provided by the metallic-phase MoS2. Moreover, the feasibility of CMOMS-7 is thoroughly investigated by using a full Li-ion cell incorporating a binder-free cathode of LiNi0.3Mn0.3Co0.3O2 (NMC). This configuration showcases an impressive energy density of 154 Wh kg-1. Thus, the hierarchical and aligned structure of CMO nanofibers combined with highly conductive MoS2 nanoflowers facilitates charge transportation within the composite electrodes. This synergistic effect significantly enhances the energy density of the conversion-based nanocomposites, making them highly promising anodes for advanced LIBs.

Perceived stigmatization and discrimination of people with mental illness: A survey-based study of the general population in five metropolitan cities in India.

BACKGROUND: India faces a significant gap between the prevalence of mental illness among the population and the availability and effectiveness of mental health care in providing adequate treatment. This discrepancy results in structural stigma toward mental illness which in turn is one of the main reasons for a persistence of the treatment gap, whereas societal factors such as religion, education, and family structures play critical roles. This survey-based study investigates perceived stigma toward mental illness in five metropolitan cities in India and explores the roles of relevant sociodemographic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were collected in five metropolitan cities in India including Chennai (n = 166), Kolkata (n = 158), Hyderabad (n = 139), Lucknow (n = 183), and Mumbai (n = 278). Stratified quota sampling was used to match the general population concerning age, gender, and religion. Further, sociodemographic variables such as educational attainment and strength of religious beliefs were included in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Participants displayed overall high levels of perceived stigma. Multiple linear regression analysis found a significant effect of gender (P < 0.01), with female participants showing higher levels of perceived stigma compared to male counterparts. CONCLUSION: Gender differences in cultural and societal roles and expectations could account for higher levels of perceived stigma among female participants. A higher level of perceived stigma among female participants is attributed to cultural norms and female roles within a family or broader social system. This study underlines that while India as a country in transition, societal and gender rules still impact perceived stigma and discrimination of people with mental illness.

Attitude toward psychiatrists and psychiatric medication: A survey from five metropolitan cities in India.

BACKGROUND: Stigmatization and overall scarcity of psychiatrists and other mental health-care professionals remain a huge public health challenge in low- and middle-income countries, more specifically in India. Most patients seek help from faith healers, and awareness about psychiatrists and treatment methods is often lacking. Our study aims to explore public attitudes toward psychiatrists and psychiatric medication in five Indian metropolitan cities and to identify factors that could influence these attitudes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Explorative surveys in the context of public attitudes toward psychiatrists and psychiatric medication were conducted using five convenience samples from the general population in Chennai (n = 166), Kolkata (n = 158), Hyderabad (n = 139), Lucknow (n = 183), and Mumbai (n = 278). We used a quota sample with respect to age, gender, and religion using the census data from India as a reference. RESULTS: Mean scores indicate that attitudes toward psychiatrists and psychiatric medication are overall negative in urban India. Negative attitudes toward psychiatrists were associated with lower age, lower education, and strong religious beliefs. Negative attitudes toward psychotropic medication were associated with lower age, male gender, lower education, and religion. CONCLUSION: In line with the National Mental Health Policy of India, our results support the perception that stigma is widespread. Innovative public health strategies are needed to improve the image of psychiatrists and psychiatric treatment in society and ultimately fill the treatment gap in mental health.

The prospective, 24-week assessment of cost-efficacy of and compliance to antidepressant medications in a rural setting (PACECAR) study.

BACKGROUND: Anxiety and depression are common mental health disorders that are responsible for considerable societal burden. There are no data on cost-efficacy and medication compliance related to the treatment of these disorders in rural India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consenting adults (n = 455) diagnosed with generalized anxiety or (unipolar) depressive disorders in Suttur village, Karnataka, were treated with open-label fluoxetine (20-60 mg/day), sertraline (50-150 mg/day), escitalopram (10-20 mg/day), desvenlafaxine (50-150 mg/day), duloxetine (30-90 mg/day), amitriptyline (75-150 mg/day), or clomipramine (75-150 mg/day) in a structured, monotherapy dosing plan. The study was nonrandomized and otherwise naturalistic. Patients were followed up every 4 weeks for 24 weeks. Study discontinuation was defined as medication noncompliance for 3 or more days or withdrawal due to treatment nonresponse. RESULTS: There was substantial discontinuation (34.5%) in the first 4 weeks; 55.4% had discontinued by 12 weeks. Subsequently, only 11.2% discontinued treatment. Only 33.4% of the subjects tolerated the treatment, responded to it, and remained compliant for 24 weeks. Such successful completion was highest for escitalopram and desvenlafaxine (46%-47%) and lowest for clomipramine and amitriptyline (10%-14%). Adverse events were the most common reason for noncompliance with clomipramine and amitriptyline (45%-46%); the experience of sufficient improvement was the most common reason for noncompliance with the remaining drugs (28%-49%). Whereas the average cost of efficacious treatment for a continuous period of 24 weeks was lowest for fluoxetine, an examination of the cost-efficacy tradeoff suggested maximum advantage for escitalopram, sertraline, and desvenlafaxine. The cost-efficacy profile for amitriptyline and clomipramine was poor. CONCLUSIONS: Reasons for noncompliance vary by drug class and need to be considered when prescribing antidepressant drugs. Escitalopram, sertraline, and desvenlafaxine perhaps have the most favorable 24-week cost-efficacy profile; tricyclics are poorly tolerated. Rural subjects need to be educated that treatment must be continued even after improvement is established.

Sexual disorders among elderly: An epidemiological study in south Indian rural population.

BACKGROUND: Realizing a dearth of data on this topic, especially in the Indian context, an epidemiological study was conducted in a south Indian rural population to identify the sexual activity patterns and sexual problems among the population above 60 years of age. OBJECTIVES: (1) Assessment of sexual activity patterns among individuals above 60 years. (2) Assessment of the prevalence of sexual disorders among individuals above 60 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 259 participants, which included both males and females above 60 years of age. Subjects who were sexually active and fulfilled the study criteria were administered Arizona Sexual Experience Scale as a screening tool, for the presence of sexual problems. Those who were found to have sexual problems were interviewed further using appropriate questionnaires. RESULTS: Only 27.4% of the individuals above 60 years were sexually active, and it progressively dropped as age advanced and none were sexually active after 75 years of age. Among the sexually active males, erectile dysfunction (ED) was prevalent in 43.5%, premature ejaculation in 10.9%, hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSSD) in 0.77% and anorgasmia in 0.38% of the subjects. Among females, arousal disorder was prevalent in 28%, HSSD in 16%, anorgasmia in 20% and dyspareunia in 8% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: The study gives us an insight into the sexual problems of the elderly and brings home the point that sexual problems are very much common among both men and women in the older population. Among elderly males, ED is the most common sexual disorder whereas in elderly females, arousal disorder is the most prevalent female sexual dysfunction, implicating biology plays an important role in men, whereas psychology plays an important role in women sexual functioning.

An epidemiological study of sexual disorders in south Indian rural population.

BACKGROUND: Sexuality is an important aspect of the personality of an individual and influences psychological, physical and social well-being of both men and women. It is a paradox, that in the country where 'kamasutra' (by Vatsyayana) took birth, there is a lack of research publications and sexuality related literature; hence the current study was conducted, to estimate the prevalence and association of sexual disorders with various socio-demographic variables, in the selected rural population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subjects who were sexually active and fulfilled the study criteria were administered Arizona Sexual Experience Scale as screening tool for the presence of sexual problems. Those who were found to be having sexual problems were interviewed further using appropriate questionnaires. RESULTS: 21.15% of the male subjects were diagnosed to have one (or more) sexual disorder. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction was found to be 15.77%, male hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) 2.56%; premature ejaculation was found to be prevalent in 8.76% of the male subjects. Around 14% of the female subjects were diagnosed to have female sexual disorders. Prevalence of female arousal dysfunction was found to be 6.65%, female HSDD 8.87%, female anorgasmia 5.67%, female dyspareunia 2.34% and female sexual aversion disorder was found to be prevalent in 0.37% of the female subjects. CONCLUSION: This study concluded that one in five males and one in seven females were suffering from one (or more) sexual disorder. Improving the training of undergraduate medical and nursing students in sexuality related issues, increasing trained individuals in sexual medicine by starting new courses, providing sex education to the general population using media and merging sexual health care with primary care, are likely to play a significant role in addressing the increasing sexual health morbidity.

Suttur study: An epidemiological study of psychiatric disorders in south Indian rural population.

BACKGROUND: Based on review of literature World Health Organization (WHO) Global Burden of Disease Study has estimated that psychiatric disorders are among the most burdensome, around the globe and has suggested general population surveys for future research. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and study their association with various socioeconomic variables. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an exploratory study where a door-to-door survey of the entire population residing in a South Indian village was done (n = 3033). Mini international neuropsychiatric interview kid (MINI) or MINI plus were administered to all the subjects according to the age group. RESULTS: It was found that 24.40% of the subjects were suffering from one or more diagnosable psychiatric disorder. Prevalence of depressive disorders was found to be 14.82% and of anxiety disorders was 4%. Alcohol dependence syndrome was diagnosed in 3.95% of the population. Prevalence of dementia in subjects above 60 years was found to be 10%. CONCLUSION: Our study is among the very few epidemiological studies with respect to methodological design which does not use screening questionnaires and evaluates each subject with detailed administration of MINI. It concluded that one among four were suffering from a psychiatric disorder. Improving the training of undergraduate medical and nursing students is likely to play a significant role in addressing the increasing psychiatric morbidities.

Advances in the understanding and behavioural management of sexual dysfunctions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sexual medicine is a branch often neglected by professionals from different specialties associated with it. However, research in this field has picked up in recent years, owing to recently renewed interest in upholding the sexual rights of the population in general and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups in particular. The recently released Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, by the American Psychiatric Association in May 2013 has stirred up the supporters and critics (of Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition) alike. RECENT FINDINGS: Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, has updated diagnostic criteria for some of the sexual disorders to improve understanding and diagnostic validity. Certain sexual dysfunctions have been regrouped and sexual response cycle-based classification has been partially withdrawn. Research in the area of behavioral management of sexual dysfunctions has given some novel concepts, particularly for women. SUMMARY: Although improvements in behavioral management (of sexual dysfunctions) and classification/diagnostic criteria in Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition, is a step forward in the field of sexual medicine, we need to further improve our understanding in many of the lacunae, still bearing on the field of sexual medicine, lest we may fall at the first hurdle.

Sexual disorders in Asians: a review.

Sex is an integral part of the basic needs of an individual. However, Asian populations have had a conservative attitude towards discussing and expressing their sexual concerns to the clinician. Consequently, very limited research on sexuality-related issues has been done on these populations. Many of the biological and socio-cultural factors are different for Asians and Asian migrants to the West, when compared to the native Western population, and this requires dedicated research. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition) has made the classification of sexual dysfunctions gender-specific and has introduced the concepts of 'gender dysphoria' and 'paraphilic disorders' (distinct from paraphilias); it has removed subtypes based on sexual orientation. These changes will have a definite impact on our understanding of sexual dysfunctions and related disorders in the Asian populations.

A case report of pornography addiction with dhat syndrome.

A case of pornography addiction with dhat syndrome was diagnosed applying the existing criteria for substance dependence in International Classification for Diseases-10 and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision. There is a lack of clear-cut criteria for identifying and defining such behavioural addictions and also lack of medical documents on pornography addiction. An applied strategy in lines with any substance addiction is used, and we found it helped our patient to gradually deaddict and then completely quit watching pornography. This is one of the few cases being reported scientifically, and we hope more work will be carried out in this ever increasing pornography addiction problem.

Impact of Mahatma Gandhi's concepts on mental health: Reflections.

Mahatma Gandhi can be looked upon as one of the greatest visionaries born. His life tells us about the varied emotions he went through as a boy and young adult during difficult times, and the experiments he did to cope up with these problems. It was his perseverance and dedication to an unrelenting pursuit of his goal that finally led to his transformation. His concepts like nonviolence, satyagraha, brahmcharya and the concepts related to 'Truth' and 'God' can give psychological strength and mental resilience to any individual trying to cope up with the demands of life.