Edinburgh Napier University

About: Edinburgh Napier University is a education organization based out in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 2665 authors who have published 6859 publications receiving 175272 citations.

Anxiety and depression in the Republic of Ireland during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland resulted in a nationwide quarantine on March 27th , 2020 This study represents the first assessment of rates of anxiety and depression in the general population of Ireland during the pandemic AIMS: Our first aim was to estimate the probable prevalence rates of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and depression, and to identify sociodemographic risk factors associated with screening positive for GAD or depression Our second aim was to determine if COVID-19 related anxiety was highest amongst those in society at greatest risk of morality from COVID-19 METHOD: Self-report data was collected from a nationally representative Irish sample (N = 1,041) online between March 31st and April 5th ;the first week of the nationwide quarantine measures Recognised cut-off scores on the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 were used to estimate rates of GAD and depression Correlates of screening positive for GAD or depression were assessed using logistic regression analysis RESULTS: GAD (20 0%), depression (22 8%), and GAD or depression (27 7%) were common Screening positive for GAD or depression was associated with younger age, female sex, loss of income due to COVID-19, COVID-19 infection, and higher perceived risk of COVID-19 infection Citizens aged 65 and older had significantly higher levels of COVID-19 related anxiety than adults aged 18-34 CONCLUSIONS: Initial results from this multi-wave study monitoring changes in population anxiety and depression throughout the pandemic indicate that GAD and depression were common experiences in the population during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

Calcium and ROS-mediated activation of transcription factors and TNF-α cytokine gene expression in macrophages exposed to ultrafine particles

Abstract: Ultrafine (Uf) particles are a component of particulate air pollution suggested to be responsible for the health effects associated with elevations of this pollutant. We have previously suggested that Uf particles, through the induction of oxidative stress, may induce inflammation in the lung, thus exacerbating preexisting illness in susceptible individuals. Alveolar macrophages are considered to play a key role in particlemediated inflammation and lung disease. The effect of Uf particles on rat alveolar macrophages and human blood monocytes was investigated with reference to the roles of calcium and reactive oxygen species (ROS). TNF-alpha protein release, intracellular calcium concentration, TNF-alpha mRNA expression, and transcription factor activation were studied as end points after treatment of rat alveolar macrophages or peripheral blood monocytes. The calcium channel blocker verapamil, the intracellular calcium chelator BAPTA-AM, the calmodulin inhibitor W-7, and the antioxidants Trolox and Nacystelin (NAL) were included in combination with Uf particles. Verapamil reduced intracellular calcium concentration in rat alveolar macrophages on stimulation with Uf particles. This effect was also apparent with transcription factor AP-1 activation. All antagonists and antioxidants reduced Uf-stimulated nuclear localization of the p50 and p65 subunits of NF-kappaB in human monocytes. Verapamil, BAPTA-AM, and NAL reduced Uf-stimulated TNF-alpha protein release, whereas only verapamil reduced Uf-stimulated mRNA expression in rat alveolar macrophages. In human monocytes, verapamil, Trolox, BAPTA-AM, and W-7 reduced Uf-stimulated TNF-alpha protein release. These findings suggest that Uf particles may exert proinflammatory effects by modulating intracellular calcium concentrations, activation of transcription factors, and cytokine production through a ROS-mediated mechanism.