The Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Suicide Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

Although mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be effective in treating several psychological difficulties, to date, no review has systematically examined their effectiveness in treating or preventing suicide. The goals of the present study were to (1) evaluate the effectiveness of MBIs in treating suicide and (2) understand how individual characteristics and characteristics of MBIs influence treatment outcomes through a systematic meta-analysis. A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses was conducted in February 2019. A total of 12 publications (13 studies, n = 627) were included. MBIs demonstrated significant moderate effects on suicidal ideation in pre-post studies and small effects in controlled studies. In addition, MBIs demonstrated significant moderate effects in both samples of individuals with histories of depression and histories of suicidal ideation or attempts. Moreover, MBIs led to clinically significant reductions in suicidal ideation and depression. Female participants, older samples, and longer treatments showed greater treatment effects, although these relationships were weak. Results suggest that MBIs may be promising treatments for suicidal ideation; however, more research is needed to establish the effects of these treatments as well as the mechanisms through which MBIs reduce suicide.

Mindfulness-based interventions for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

An increasing number of studies are investigating the efficacy of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for weight loss and obesity-related eating behaviours. However, the results of past reviews are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

To clarify these inconsistencies, we conducted a comprehensive effect-size analysis to evaluate the efficacy of MBIs on weight loss and eating behaviours.

DATA SOURCE

Data sources were identified through a systematic review of studies published in journals or as dissertations in PsychINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Medline and Scopus, ProQuest or OATD from the first available date to March 10, 2017.

REVIEW METHODS

A total of 18 publications (19 studies, n = 1,160) were included.

RESULTS

Mean weight loss for MBIs at post-treatment was 6.8 and 7.5 lb at follow-up. In pre-post comparisons, effect-size estimates suggest that MBIs are moderately effective for weight loss (n = 16; Hedge's g = .42; 95% CI [.26, .59], p < .000001) and largely effective in reducing obesity-related eating behaviours (n = 10; Hedge's g = .70; CI 95% [.36, 1.04], p < .00005). Larger effects on weight loss were found in studies that used a combination of informal and formal meditation practice (n = 6; Hedge's g = .55; CI 95% [.32, .77], p < .00001) compared with formal meditation practice alone (n = 4; Hedge's g = .46; CI [.10, .83], p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that MBIs are effective in reducing weight and improving obesity-related eating behaviours among individuals with overweight and obesity. Further research is needed to examine their efficacy for weight loss maintenance.

Evaluation of breast tumor blood flow with dynamic first-pass 18F-FDG PET/CT: comparison with angiogenesis markers and prognostic factors

The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the relationship between tumor blood flow and glucose metabolism as evaluated by dynamic first-pass (18)F-FDG PET and by proliferation and endothelial pathologic markers in the setting of newly diagnosed breast cancer.

METHODS

Forty patients were prospectively included. Biopsy samples of each tumor were used to assess the Ki67 index of proliferation and immunostaining for CD34 (a panendothelial cell marker) and CD105 (a proliferation-related endothelial cell marker). All patients underwent (18)F-FDG PET/CT at least 1 wk after sample biopsy and before any treatment. A dynamic 2-min acquisition was performed immediately after intravenous injection of a 5 MBq/kg dose of (18)F-FDG; tumor blood flow was then calculated using a single-compartment kinetic model. A static acquisition was performed 90 min after injection for quantification of delayed (18)F-FDG tumor uptake (standardized uptake value maximal index [SUV(max)]), reflecting tumor metabolism.

RESULTS

Pathologic and PET/CT data were available for all patients. The SUV(max) measured on delayed PET images correlated strongly and positively with the expression of Ki67 (r = +0.69; P < 0.0001). In contrast, there was no significant correlation between SUV(max) and endothelial markers (CD34 and CD105). Tumor blood flow correlated positively with the expression of CD34 and CD105 (P = 0.016 and P = 0.007, respectively) and with the expression of Ki67 (P = 0.028). By logistic regression analysis, only expression of Ki67 remained an independent predictor of high (supramedian) SUV(max); CD105 score and histopathologic grade 3 were independently associated with a high (supramedian) tumor blood flow level.

CONCLUSION

Tumor blood flow quantified by dynamic first-pass (18)F-FDG PET/CT is significantly associated with tumor angiogenesis as evaluated by immunohistochemistry in the setting of breast cancer, whereas tumor metabolism appears to be more associated with markers of proliferation. Thus, determination of tumor blood flow and metabolism with a single injection of (18)F-FDG could be an exciting alternative to more complex and less available techniques.

Postoperative pulmonary complications after gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the frequency of, and risks for postoperative pulmonary complications after surgery for non-malignant gynecologic disorders.

METHOD

A retrospective component included medical record data for one year. A prospective component enrolled 300 patients consecutively who were scheduled for gynecologic surgeries.

RESULT

Postoperative pulmonary complications occurred in 1.22% of 328 open abdominal procedures in the retrospective study, and 2.16% of 232 in the prospective study. Pooling the data yielded a frequency estimate of 1.61%. Mean hospital length of stay (pooled data) increased 1.75 days in those with postoperative pulmonary complications. Smoking was the only significant risk factor (relative risk=3.9 using pooled data).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative pulmonary complications after surgery for non-malignant gynecologic disorders are infrequent but increase hospital length of stay. Smokers are at increased risk.

National character does not reflect mean personality trait levels in 49 cultures

Most people hold beliefs about personality characteristics typical of members of their own and others' cultures. These perceptions of national character may be generalizations from personal experience, stereotypes with a "kernel of truth," or inaccurate stereotypes. We obtained national character ratings of 3989 people from 49 cultures and compared them with the average personality scores of culture members assessed by observer ratings and self-reports. National character ratings were reliable but did not converge with assessed traits. Perceptions of national character thus appear to be unfounded stereotypes that may serve the function of maintaining a national identity.

Nucleic acid spot hybridization with nonradioactive labeled probes in screening for human papillomavirus DNA sequences

We examined 161 human tissue samples using the spot hybridization technique with nonradioactive labeled DNA probes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Whole cells were spotted on nitrocellulose filters; DNA of the cells was denatured and fixed to the filter. Then the DNA spots were hybridized to nonradioactive labeled DNA and monitored by a sandwich immunoenzymatic reaction. This technique is simple, sensitive, specific, requires no special equipment, and can be used in clinical settings. HPV DNA was found in 92% of samples in which, on the basis of histologic and colposcopic criteria, its presence was suspected, as well as in 31 samples where it was not suspected.

[Current methods in the diagnosis of Chlamydia infections]

The pathogenicity of Chlamydia species is no longer questioned and most figures indicate that these organisms are the leading cause of sexually transmitted diseases. Diagnosis by direct examination of a stained slide is not acceptable due to inadequate sensitivity. The use of monoclonal antibodies conjugated to ITCF, however, is a good method to detect chlamydial particles. Cultures are made from specimens of heavily infected cells, centrifuged with cells from the McCoy cell line treated with cycloheximide. The inclusions are visualized using immunological techniques (immunofluorescence or staining with a peroxidase-antiperoxidase reaction). By using wells of microplates, this method is less expensive and can also be used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Serology (by MIF or ELISA) is very helpful, especially to investigate complications originating from a lower genital tract infection. Both techniques are useful in routine screening.