Thimerosal is an organic mercury compound that is used as a preservative in vaccines and pharmaceutical products. Recent studies have shown a TH2-skewing effect of mercury, although the underlying mechanisms have not been identified. In this study, we investigated whether thimerosal can exercise a TH2-promoting effect through modulation of functions of dendritic cells (DC). Thimerosal, in a concentration-dependent manner, inhibited the secretion of LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12p70 from human monocyte-derived DC. However, the secretion of IL-10 from DC was not affected. These thimerosal-exposed DC induced increased TH2 (IL-5 and IL-13) and decreased TH1 (IFN-gamma) cytokine secretion from the T cells in the absence of additional thimerosal added to the coculture. Thimerosal exposure of DC led to the depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH), and addition of exogenous GSH to DC abolished the TH2-promoting effect of thimerosal-treated DC, restoring secretion of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-12p70 by DC and IFN-gamma secretion by T cells. These data suggest that modulation of TH2 responses by mercury and thimerosal, in particular, is through depletion of GSH in DC.

This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between emotional intelligence, personality variables (Big V personality traits, self-esteem, self-efficacy, optimism and proactive personality) and career adaptability of students. Data were coded on CMA software version 3.0. Product–moment correlation coefficient (r) was considered as the effect size measure for this study. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s regression test along with Orwin’s fail-safe N, but no significant publication bias was detected. From the results of 54 studies, it was found that all variables of the study had meta-analytic correlation with career adaptability of students. For heterogeneity, subgroup analysis was conducted, and significant differences were found.

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The present study explored a relationship between protean career orientation (PCO) and career outcomes (i.e., subjective and objective career success) on millennial IT professionals. A model proposing that the effect of PCO on career outcomes is mediated by career decision self-efficacy was assessed. Data were collected from 1,000 respondents, out of which 685 questionnaires were considered for analysis purpose. Of all the respondents, 470 (68.6%) respondents were male and 215 (31.4%) were female. All the respondents were within the age group of 25–40 years (completed age as of 2019). From the total respondents, 40.4% (277) were BTech, 25.8% (177) were MCA, 17.7% (121) were MBAs and 16.1% (110) respondents were from other educational background. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using AMOS for verification of the questionnaire. Hayes process model, type-4 in SPSS 21, was used for testing the mediation. The findings of the study revealed that protean individuals experienced higher levels of subjective and objective career success (on salary). Mediation effect was supported for subjective career success.