Pub Date : 2019-06-04DOI: 10.24946/IJPLS.20.18.00.00.040605
S. Chetcuti, Enya Sammut, Melissa Sammut, J. Calleja-Agius
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) is well-known for its role in pregnancy and lactation. However, its role extends beyond the reproductive system. In fact, the role of OXT in neuropsychiatric disorders has long been studied. OXT is largely associated with social behavior and stress reduction, and so it is to no surprise that it is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Many studies have investigated how abnormalities in the OXT system give rise to symptoms and socio-cognitive deficits many patients with neuropsychiatric disorders exhibit. Understanding the patho-physiology of these disorders enables the development of more efficacious therapeutic agents which target the abnormalities and give rise to less adverse effects. In this review we summarize the literature available to date about the role of OXT in schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), addiction to drugs of abuse and anorexia nervosa (AN). Although these disorders are very Sept.arate and different entities, they all have something common in their pathology; they are associated with deranged OXT systems. Although many studies have been conducted to determine the exact role of OXT in these disorders and how OXT can be used to treat these disorders, research is still in its infancy. Further research is required to be able to standardize OXT as a therapeutic agent, determine its effects and safety, both in short-term and long-term use.
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Pub Date : 2018-12-21DOI: 10.24946/IJPLS.20.18.00.00.211201
Maria Athanasekou
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the function and multifaceted role of the midwife in Greek culture as portrayed in art. Traditionally, midwifery has been recognized as a female occupation in every civilization and is one of the most ancient sciences or arts. Diachronically, the midwife has always been present during labour in order to help and support the pregnant woman. Midwifery is deeply linked to the very mystery of life and its advent to the world and has always been a well-respected profession. Most ancient Greek writers speak highly of midwives and Socrates himself proudly states that he is the son of a midwife. During Byzantine times the image of the midwife continues to gain respect and recognition. Her position is greatly estimated as deduced by the presence of midwives in Byzantine icons of the nativity of Christ. Through various works of art, this paper focuses on the image and social position of the midwife in Greek art, as well as her much appreciated profession.
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Pub Date : 2017-07-11DOI: 10.24946/IJPLS.20.17.0101.110703
G. Batson
The human embryo creates a body without a brain. Just how it does this, remains mysterious. While advances in science and technology afford scientists a privileged view of developmental changes in vivo, the embryo’s dynamic growth patterns remain ill-defined. As Embryologists aligned with Goethean Science and Anthroposophy, another perspective has evolved: Phenomenological Embryosophy. Basic to this discourse is the concept that all biological organization and development is intelligent and meta-physical throughout the developmental timeline. Somatic education (Somatics) shares this holistic concept. Somatics is a living philosophy as well as an empirical approach to understanding the lived and living body through conscious movement practice. Throughout the 20 Century, Somatics spawned multiple movement practices, pathways to an embodied understanding of human potential and relational depth. Developmental movement has been critical to this study. In this article, the author draws from her personal engagement with Somatics, highlighting parallels between embryosophical theory and somatic practice. To illustrate key relationships, the author describes elements of her personal practice-based research called human origami. Human origami is an improvisational exploration of bodily folding. The inspiration came from French phenomenologist Gilles Deleuze who wrote extensively on the aesthetics of folding. Beyond the particulars of Deleuzian Phenomenology, human origami offers a means of re-enacting one’s biological history through mindful movement practice. Here, elements from one practice session are described: the embryonic phase of gastrulation (the formation of the primitive streak and consolidation of the axial midline). The practice is informed and affirmed by trans-disciplinary studies in dance phenomenology, fractal biology and embodied cognitive science. Human origami ultimately aims to obliterate artificial 2 International Journal of Prenatal & Life Sciences, www.journalprenatalife.com divisions between theory and practice in underscoring the impact of prenatal processes on lifelong health and wellbeing.
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