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An exploratory investigation of human biofield responses to encountering a sacred object. Explore (NY) 2023; 19:689-694. [PMID: 36710104 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT While advances in the Western sciences have increased our understanding of the human biofield, few studies have examined the potential effects of sacred objects on its functioning. DESIGN AND STUDY PARTICIPANTS This exploratory study examined the effects of a sacred object called the Sri Yantra / Durga Stone on the human biofield. Twelve women and five men were studied on three separate occasions using the Bio-Well device, which purportedly measures aspects of the biofield: baseline (the day before exposure to the sacred object), pre-exposure (immediately prior to exposure to the sacred object), and post-exposure (immediately following exposure to the sacred object). A set of a priori hypotheses examined outcome effects on a set of variables, including multiple physiological systems. RESULTS The overall Bio-Well energy state (Bio-Well variables are in units of joules) was significantly changed following exposure to the sacred object (p = 0.001). In addition, the cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, digestive, urinogenital, and immune system readings showed significant changes (p's<0.003) while the nervous and respiratory system assessments were unchanged. Chakra (defined as a center of vital prana) energy was changed following exposure to the stone (p = 0.001), while chakra alignment was not (p = 0.145). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this exploratory study suggest that short-term human exposure to this particular sacred object had significant effects on aspects of the human biofield.
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Association of Lifetime Exposure to Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA) with Liver Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome at Young Adulthood: Findings from the CHAMACOS Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:37001. [PMID: 36856429 PMCID: PMC9976611 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of liver disorders and metabolic syndrome has increased among youth. Glyphosate, the most widely used herbicide worldwide, could contribute to the development of these conditions. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess whether lifetime exposure to glyphosate and its degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), is associated with elevated liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome among young adults. METHODS We conducted a prospective cohort study (n = 480 mother-child dyads) and a nested case-control study (n = 60 cases with elevated liver transaminases and 91 controls) using data from the Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS). We measured glyphosate and AMPA concentrations in urine samples collected during pregnancy and at child ages 5, 14, and 18 y from cases and controls. We calculated glyphosate residue concentrations: [glyphosate + ( 1.5 × AMPA ) ]. We estimated the amount of agricultural-use glyphosate applied within a 1 - km radius of every residence from pregnancy to age 5 y for the full cohort using California Pesticide Use Reporting data. We assessed liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome at 18 y of age. RESULTS Urinary AMPA at age 5 y was associated with elevated transaminases [relative risk (RR) per 2 - fold increase = 1.27 , 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.53] and metabolic syndrome (RR = 2.07 , 95% CI: 1.38, 3.11). Urinary AMPA and glyphosate residues at age 14 y were associated with metabolic syndrome [RR = 1.80 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.93) and RR = 1.88 (95% CI: 1.03, 3.42), respectively]. Overall, a 2-fold increase in urinary AMPA during childhood was associated with a 14% and a 55% increased risk of elevated liver transaminases and metabolic syndrome, respectively. Living near agricultural glyphosate applications during early childhood (birth to 5 y of age) was also associated with metabolic syndrome at age 18 y in the case-control group (RR = 1.53 , 95% CI: 1.16, 2.02). DISCUSSION Childhood exposure to glyphosate and AMPA may increase risk of liver and cardiometabolic disorders in early adulthood, which could lead to more serious diseases later in life. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11721.
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Author Correction: Retrospective analysis of somatic mutations and clonal hematopoiesis in astronauts. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1078. [PMID: 36217020 PMCID: PMC9550764 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Longitudinal Associations of Physical Activity Patterns and the Environment: An 18-Year Follow-Up to the MESA Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10925. [PMID: 36078632 PMCID: PMC9518075 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Cross-sectional association between the neighborhood-built environment and physical activity (PA) has been demonstrated previously, indicating the importance of neighborhood perception characteristics such as walkability, safety, and the connectivity of streets on PA levels. Our study aimed to assess the longitudinal data from participants of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to evaluate the potential relationship between perceived environment and PA patterns. Methods: We analyzed data from a subset of participants (n = 3097) with available PA data who participated in a prospective cohort conducted from 2000 to 2018. The exposure variables were the perceived aspects of the neighborhood environment and the perception of safety, and the outcome was patterns of PA. Patterns were defined as categories reflecting meeting versus not meeting PA guidelines over time. We created the following categories: adopters (individuals who did not meet guidelines at baseline but met guidelines at Exam 6), relapsers (individuals who met guidelines at baseline but did not meet guidelines at Exam 6), maintainers (individuals who met guidelines both at baseline and Exam 6), and insufficiently active (individuals who did not meet guidelines at either baseline or Exam 6). The maintainers' group was considered the reference category. We estimated the relative risk to assess the magnitude effect of the association between environmental perceptions and the outcome. Results: Individuals who reported that lack of parks and playgrounds was "not a problem" in their neighborhood had a 2.3-times higher risk of decreasing their physical activity (i.e., the "relapser" category) compared to maintainers. After full adjustment, perceiving poor sidewalks as "somewhat a serious problem" was associated with a 64% lower risk of becoming an adopter than a maintainer. When compared to those who perceive the neighborhood as "very safe", perception of the neighborhood as "safe" to "not at all safe" (ratings 3, 4, and 5, respectively, on the perceived safety scale) was significantly associated with being classified in the adopter category. Conclusions: As the first longitudinal study of the association of perceived environment and physical activity within the MESA cohort, we conclude that a few aspects are longitudinally associated with being physically active among adults.
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Retrospective analysis of somatic mutations and clonal hematopoiesis in astronauts. Commun Biol 2022; 5:828. [PMID: 35978153 PMCID: PMC9385668 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03777-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
With planned deep space and commercial spaceflights, gaps remain to address health risks in astronauts. Multiple studies have shown associations between clonal expansion of hematopoietic cells with hematopoietic malignancies and cardiometabolic disease. This expansion of clones in the absence of overt hematopoietic disorders is termed clonal hematopoiesis (CH) of indeterminate potential (CHIP). Using deep, error-corrected, targeted DNA sequencing we assayed for somatic mutations in CH-driver genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from de-identified blood samples collected from 14 astronauts who flew Shuttle missions between 1998-2001. We identified 34 nonsynonymous mutations of relatively low variant allele fraction in 17 CH-driver genes, with the most prevalent mutations in TP53 and DNMT3A. The presence of these small clones in the blood of relatively young astronaut cohort warrants further retrospective and prospective investigation of their clinical relevance and potential application in monitoring astronaut's health.
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Spaceflight-Associated Changes of snoRNAs in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and Plasma Exosomes-A Pilot Study. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:886689. [PMID: 35811715 PMCID: PMC9267956 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.886689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to various physiological and psychological stressors that have been associated with adverse health effects. Therefore, there is an unmet need to develop novel diagnostic tools to predict early alterations in astronauts' health. Small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) is a type of short non-coding RNA (60-300 nucleotides) known to guide 2'-O-methylation (Nm) or pseudouridine (ψ) of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), or messenger RNA (mRNA). Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated snoRNAs may be key players in regulating fundamental cellular mechanisms and in the pathogenesis of cancer, heart, and neurological disease. Therefore, we sought to determine whether the spaceflight-induced snoRNA changes in astronaut's peripheral blood (PB) plasma extracellular vesicles (PB-EV) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Using unbiased small RNA sequencing (sRNAseq), we evaluated changes in PB-EV snoRNA content isolated from astronauts (n = 5/group) who underwent median 12-day long Shuttle missions between 1998 and 2001. Using stringent cutoff (fold change > 2 or log2-fold change >1, FDR < 0.05), we detected 21 down-and 9-up-regulated snoRNAs in PB-EVs 3 days after return (R + 3) compared to 10 days before launch (L-10). qPCR validation revealed that SNORA74A was significantly down-regulated at R + 3 compared to L-10. We next determined snoRNA expression levels in astronauts' PBMCs at R + 3 and L-10 (n = 6/group). qPCR analysis further confirmed a significant increase in SNORA19 and SNORA47 in astronauts' PBMCs at R + 3 compared to L-10. Notably, many downregulated snoRNA-guided rRNA modifications, including four Nms and five ψs. Our findings revealed that spaceflight induced changes in PB-EV and PBMCs snoRNA expression, thus suggesting snoRNAs may serve as potential novel biomarkers for monitoring astronauts' health.
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Astronauts Plasma-Derived Exosomes Induced Aberrant EZH2-Mediated H3K27me3 Epigenetic Regulation of the Vitamin D Receptor. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:855181. [PMID: 35783863 PMCID: PMC9243458 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.855181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are unique stressors in the spaceflight environment. Exposure to such stressors may be associated with adverse effects on astronauts' health, including increased cancer and cardiovascular disease risks. Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs, i.e., exosomes) play a vital role in intercellular communication and regulate various biological processes contributing to their role in disease pathogenesis. To assess whether spaceflight alters sEVs transcriptome profile, sEVs were isolated from the blood plasma of 3 astronauts at two different time points: 10 days before launch (L-10) and 3 days after return (R+3) from the Shuttle mission. AC16 cells (human cardiomyocyte cell line) were treated with L-10 and R+3 astronauts-derived exosomes for 24 h. Total RNA was isolated and analyzed for gene expression profiling using Affymetrix microarrays. Enrichment analysis was performed using Enrichr. Transcription factor (TF) enrichment analysis using the ENCODE/ChEA Consensus TF database identified gene sets related to the polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) in AC16 cells treated with R+3 compared to cells treated with L-10 astronauts-derived exosomes. Further analysis of the histone modifications using datasets from the Roadmap Epigenomics Project confirmed enrichment in gene sets related to the H3K27me3 repressive mark. Interestingly, analysis of previously published H3K27me3–chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-Seq) ENCODE datasets showed enrichment of H3K27me3 in the VDR promoter. Collectively, our results suggest that astronaut-derived sEVs may epigenetically repress the expression of the VDR in human adult cardiomyocytes by promoting the activation of the PRC2 complex and H3K27me3 levels.
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Current Approaches to Yoga in U.S. Medical Schools: Scoping Review of the Literature. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2022; 28:463-473. [PMID: 35580136 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2021.0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Yoga is described as a system of physical and mental practices originating from India that connects mind, body, and spirit with techniques such as physical exercises, breathing, and meditation to promote health and well-being. Medical students experience an immense amount of stress that unfortunately continues throughout their residency and careers. Yoga represents a tool to reduce stress and support medical student resilience. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the current approaches to yoga in U.S. medical schools. Methods: A scoping literature review was conducted using search terms such as "medical school," "medical student," "medical education," "yoga," "asana," "pranayama," and "mindfulness." The primary aim of the review was to examine if U.S. medical schools offer accessible yoga to medical students and the characteristics of those yoga programs. Results: The search yielded 1313 primary articles. All titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility. Duplicate articles were removed, and 156 articles were reviewed independently by two authors. A total of eight articles met all the criteria. Yoga is offered in medical schools through three main models: recreational, research, and educational. All of the studies indicated various positive effects on medical students from these yoga programs, including in psychological states, perceived stress, and scores on medical knowledge assessments. Conclusions: Yoga aligns well with the objectives of medical education by combining physician resiliency, mindfulness, and education that can ultimately serve patients. Greater opportunities should be created to engage medical students in yoga through the length of their entire undergraduate and graduate medical training.
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Returning Wholeness to Health. Glob Adv Health Med 2022; 11:2164957X221092358. [PMID: 35419212 PMCID: PMC8998361 DOI: 10.1177/2164957x221092358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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Corrigendum: Yoga, Meditation and Mind-Body Health: Increased BDNF, Cortisol Awakening Response, and Altered Inflammatory Marker Expression After a 3-Month Yoga and Meditation Retreat. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:868021. [PMID: 35463930 PMCID: PMC9026149 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.868021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00315.].
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Systemic Inflammation and Cognitive Decrements in Patients With Stage B Heart Failure. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:133-140. [PMID: 34654027 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the role of systemic inflammation in reduced cognitive functioning in patients with early-stage heart failure (HF) while determining associations with other cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS Patients with stage B HF (n = 270; mean [standard deviation] age = 66.1 [10.1] years) were examined cross-sectionally for relationships among cardiovascular disease (CVD) and psychological risk factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. A subsample (n = 83) at high risk for stage C HF (B-type natriuretic peptide levels ≥65 pg/ml) were followed up for 12 months for relationships between CRP levels and cognitive function. RESULTS Baseline smoking (χ2 = 6.33), unmarried (χ2 = 12.0), hypertension (χ2 = 5.72), greater body mass index (d = 0.45), and physical fatigue (d = 0.25) were related to higher CRP levels (p values < .05). Cross-sectionally, CRP levels were negatively related to MoCA scores, beyond CVD (ΔR2 = 0.022, β = -0.170, p < .010) and psychological risk factors (ΔR2 = 0.016, β = 0.145, p < .027), and related to mild cognitive impairment criteria (odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.00-1.81, p = .046). Across 12 months, B-type natriuretic peptide high-risk patients with CRP levels ≥3 mg/L had lower MoCA scores (23.6; 95% CI = 22.4-24.8) than did patients with CRP levels <3 mg/L (25.4; 95% CI = 24.4-26.5; p = .024). CONCLUSIONS Patients with stage B HF and heightened CRP levels had greater cognitive impairment at baseline and follow-up, independent of CVD and potentially psychological risk factors. Low-grade systemic inflammation may be one mechanism involved in cognitive dysfunction at early stages of HF.
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Emerging Role of Exosomal Long Non-coding RNAs in Spaceflight-Associated Risks in Astronauts. Front Genet 2022; 12:812188. [PMID: 35111205 PMCID: PMC8803151 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.812188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
During spaceflight, astronauts are exposed to multiple unique environmental factors, particularly microgravity and ionizing radiation, that can cause a range of harmful health consequences. Over the past decades, increasing evidence demonstrates that the space environment can induce changes in gene expression and RNA processing. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) represent an emerging area of focus in molecular biology as they modulate chromatin structure and function, the transcription of neighboring genes, and affect RNA splicing, stability, and translation. They have been implicated in cancer development and associated with diverse cardiovascular conditions and associated risk factors. However, their role on astronauts' health after spaceflight remains poorly understood. In this perspective article, we provide new insights into the potential role of exosomal lncRNA after spaceflight. We analyzed the transcriptional profile of exosomes isolated from peripheral blood plasma of three astronauts who flew on various Shuttle missions between 1998-2001 by RNA-sequencing. Computational analysis of the transcriptome of these exosomes identified 27 differentially expressed lncRNAs with a Log2 fold change, with molecular, cellular, and clinical implications.
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Reductions in sleep quality and circadian activity rhythmicity predict longitudinal changes in objective and subjective cognitive functioning in women treated for breast cancer. Support Care Cancer 2021; 30:3187-3200. [PMID: 34957532 PMCID: PMC8857013 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine long-term cognitive effects of chemotherapy and identify predictors among women with breast cancer (WBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Sixty-nine WBC scheduled to receive chemotherapy, and 64 matched-controls with no cancer, participated. Objective and subjective cognition, total sleep time, nap time, circadian activity rhythms (CAR), sleep quality, fatigue, and depression were measured pre-chemotherapy (Baseline), end of cycle 4 (Cycle-4), and one-year post-chemotherapy (1-Year). RESULTS WBC showed no change in objective cognitive measures from Baseline to Cycle-4 but significantly improved from both time points to 1-Year. Matched-controls showed an increase in test performance at all time points. WBC had significantly higher self-reported cognitive dysfunction at Cycle-4 and 1-Year compared to baseline and compared to matched-controls. Worse neuropsychological functioning was predicted by less robust CARs (i.e., inconsistent 24 h pattern), worse sleep quality, longer naps, and worse cognitive complaints. Worse subjective cognition was predicted by lower sleep quality and higher fatigue and depressed mood. CONCLUSION Objective testing showed increases in performance scores from pre- and post-chemotherapy to one year later in WBC, but matched-controls showed an increase in test performance from baseline to Cycle-4 and from Cycle-4 to 1-Year, likely due to a practice effect. The fact that WBC showed no practice effects may reflect a form of learning deficit. Compared with the matched-controls, WBC reported significant worsened cognitive function. In WBC, worse objective and subjective cognitive functioning were predicted by worse sleep and sleep-related behaviors (naps and CAR). Interventions that target sleep, circadian rhythms, and fatigue may benefit cognitive function in WBC.
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Abstract
Background Space travel–associated stressors such as microgravity or radiation exposure have been reported in astronauts after short‐ and long‐duration missions aboard the International Space Station. Despite risk mitigation strategies, adverse health effects remain a concern. Thus, there is a need to develop new diagnostic tools to facilitate early detection of physiological stress. Methods and Results We measured the levels of circulating cell‐free mitochondrial DNA in blood plasma of 14 astronauts 10 days before launch, the day of landing, and 3 days after return. Our results revealed a significant increase of cell‐free mitochondrial DNA in the plasma on the day of landing and 3 days after return with vast ~2 to 355‐fold interastronaut variability. In addition, gene expression analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells revealed a significant increase in markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage. Conclusions Our study suggests that cell‐free mitochondrial DNA abundance might be a biomarker of stress or immune response related to microgravity, radiation, and other environmental factors during space flight.
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Global Correlations Between Chronic Inflammation and Violent Incidents: Potential Behavioral Consequences of Inflammatory Illnesses Across Socio-Demographic Levels. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:6677-6691. [PMID: 34675629 PMCID: PMC8520436 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s324367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction This review explores the potential correlation between conditions associated with chronic inflammation and measures of violence across five socioeconomic subgroups. The hypothesis being that since chronic inflammation is associated with increased aggression, an extreme version of which is violence, there should be a correlation between incidents of violence and diseases with one or more inflammatory factors, without an equivalent correlation with the contrast group. An extension of this reasoning would predict a higher correlation among lower socio-demographic index (SDI) populations as a result of fewer resources to prevent either inflammatory disease or violent crime. Methods In order to examine this potential correlation, an analysis was made comparing rates of change in incidence between violence, inflammatory conditions, and a contrast group disease of noninflammatory nature, as determined by Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results In the low socio-demographic index, inflammatory conditions demonstrated 80% correlation with interpersonal violence, middle-low socio-demographic index inflammatory conditions demonstrated 60% correlation with interpersonal violence, middle socio-demographic index inflammatory conditions demonstrated 0% correlation with interpersonal violence, middle-high socio-demographic index inflammatory conditions demonstrated 60% correlation with interpersonal violence, and high socio-demographic index inflammatory conditions demonstrated 40% correlation with interpersonal violence. Discussion The majority of socio-demographic groups showed a significant correlation between rates of change in incidence of violence and inflammatory conditions. This correlation was not found with a similar frequency or strength in diseases not causally linked to inflammation. As predicted in the hypothesis, the highest correlations of inflammatory diseases with violence existed in the lower socio-demographic populations, supporting a link between inflammatory levels and incidences of violence.
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Implications for Systemic Approaches to COVID-19: Effect Sizes of Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Melatonin, Vitamin D3, and Meditation. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:4859-4876. [PMID: 34588793 PMCID: PMC8473718 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s323356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 poses a chronic threat to inflammatory systems, reinforcing the need for efficient anti-inflammatory strategies. The purpose of this review and analysis was to determine the efficacy of various interventions upon the inflammatory markers most affected by COVID-19. The focus was on the markers associated with COVID-19, not the etiology of the virus itself. Methods Based on 27 reviewed papers, information was extracted on the effects of COVID-19 upon inflammatory markers, then the effects of standard treatments (Remdesivir, Tocilizumab) and adjunctive interventions (vitamin D3, melatonin, and meditation) were extracted for those markers. These data were used to approximate effect sizes for the disease or interventions via standardized mean differences (SMD). Results The data that were available indicated that adjunctive interventions affected 68.4% of the inflammatory markers impacted by COVID-19, while standard pharmaceutical medication affected 26.3%. Discussion Nonstandard adjunctive care appeared to have comparable or superior effects in comparison to Remdesivir and Tocilizumab on the inflammatory markers most impacted by COVID-19. Alongside standards of care, melatonin, vitamin D3, and meditation should be considered for treatment of SARS-COV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. ![]()
Point your SmartPhone at the code above. If you have a QR code reader the video abstract will appear. Or use: https://youtu.be/2i2QG5lT0JI
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Religiosity and Suicide: A Large-Scale International and Individual Analysis Considering the Effects of Different Religious Beliefs. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2021; 60:2503-2526. [PMID: 33387189 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-020-01137-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In a cohort of 82,898 participants from 60 countries, this study examined attitudes towards suicide among five religions (Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other non-specific religions), while simultaneously considering two different dimensions of religiosity: subjective religiosity and religious practices. At the national level, religiosity was an important negative predictor variable for suicide rates and an important positive predictor variable for negative attitudes towards suicide. At the individual level, however, attitudes towards suicide were found to vary significantly across the different religions. The findings emphasize the importance of considering religion perspectives and religiosity, along with its practices and subjective dimensions, in prevention and attention programmes to suicidal behaviour.
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Cross-Cultural Analysis of Spiritual Bypass: A Comparison Between Spain and Honduras. Front Psychol 2021; 12:658739. [PMID: 34025522 PMCID: PMC8134675 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.658739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Religion and spirituality (R/S) serve as coping mechanisms for circumstances that threaten people's psychological well-being. However, using R/S inappropriately to deal with difficulties and problems in daily life may include the practice of Spiritual Bypass (SB). SB refers to avoiding addressing emotional problems and trauma, rather than healing and learning from them. On the other hand, coping strategies may be determined by the cultural context. This study aims to describe the presence of SB in individuals who may have experienced stressful situations and to understand the influence of culture on SB by comparing SB in two culturally different groups. The sample consists of a total of 435 people, 262 of Honduran nationality and 173 of Spanish nationality. Both groups are approximately equivalent in age and gender. The degree of SB, stressful events, perception of social support and spiritual well-being are examined, respectively, through the Spiritual Bypass Scale, and specific items and subscales from the Social Readjustment Rating Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Spiritual Wellbeing. The results showed a higher spiritual well-being and use of SB in the Honduran sample as compared to the Spanish sample, but similar social support and stressful events. Furthermore, some of the factors predicting SB were different between the two samples. While age and a greater number of R/S practices were important in both samples, for the Honduran sample the variables that best explained SB were being a Christian, having greater social support, fewer stressful events, and greater attendance at church or temple. For the Spanish sample, however, the variable that best explained SB was studying R/S texts. Therefore, SB must be understood within the culture in which it develops, since in different cultural contexts it appears to relate to differing factors. Thus, SB becomes a possible functional or dysfunctional coping strategy depending on the social context.
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Effects of Psychosocial Interventions and Caregiving Stress on Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Family Dementia Caregivers: The UCSD Pleasant Events Program (PEP) Randomized Controlled Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2021; 75:2215-2223. [PMID: 32242215 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined whether biological mechanisms linking dementia caregiving with an increased risk of coronary heart disease can be modified by psychosocial interventions and which caregivers might benefit the most from an intervention. METHODS Spousal dementia caregivers were randomized to 12-week treatment with either a behavioral activation intervention (ie, Pleasant Events Program [PEP]; n = 60), or an active control Information and Support (IS; n = 63) condition. Indicators of caregiving stress were assessed pretreatment and circulating cardiovascular biomarkers were measured pre- and posttreatment. RESULTS There were no significant changes in biomarker levels from pre- to posttreatment both by treatment condition and across all caregivers. Regardless of the treatment condition, exploratory regression analysis revealed that caregivers were more likely to show significant decreases in C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer when their spouse had severe functional impairment; in interleukin (IL)-6 and CRP when they had greater distress due to care recipient's problem behaviors; in tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α when they had higher levels of negative affect; and in IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, and D-dimer when they had higher personal mastery. Within the PEP group, caregivers with higher negative affect and those with higher positive affect were more likely to show a reduction in von Willebrand factor and D-dimer, respectively. Within the IS group, caregivers whose spouse had severe functional impairment were more likely to show a decrease in IL-6. CONCLUSIONS Unlike the average caregiver, caregivers high in burden/distress and resources might benefit from psychosocial interventions to improve cardiovascular risk, although these observations need confirmation.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT The impact of religiosity and spirituality (R/S) on mental health and the importance of incorporating R/S in mental health treatment have been previously explored. However, clarification is needed regarding the effects of R/S in the process of recovery from persistent mental disorders (PMDs). This study identifies how different R/S factors correlate with the stages of recovery, while considering individual psychological well-being and perceived social support. Seventy-five individuals who use Madrid's public services for people with PMD completed questionnaires assessing those factors. We found that during the recovery process, R/S correlated with psychological well-being and perceived social support, and that these variables were associated with the five stages of recovery differently. We further identified the importance of gratitude, compassion, inner peace, and connection with life in the recovery process. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of these R/S variables in particular recovery stages for individuals with PMD.
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Assessing the Accuracy of Medical Intuition: A Subjective and Exploratory Study. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:1130-1135. [PMID: 33107744 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Medical Intuition is a system of expanded perception gained through the human sense of intuition. Medical Intuition focuses on visualization skills and intuitive and innovative scanning to obtain information from the physical body and its energy systems. Medical Intuition is designed to assist health care providers in a cost-effective, targeted approach to a patient's presenting concerns, and is not meant to serve as a diagnosis of illness or disease. Objectives: This exploratory study examined subjective accuracy and rates of acceptance of trained Medical Intuitives. Settings: Sixty-seven adult women and men served as study participants. Procedure: The procedure for each medical intuition session was standardized. Thirty or 60-min sessions were conducted by phone or video. The participant verbally provided their name at the beginning of the session. The Medical Intuitives were instructed not to engage in any conversation with the participant other than telling them the information they were "seeing" during the scanning process. Following the session, each participant completed an anonymous online standardized case report form documenting their assessment of the reading. Results: Findings included a 94% accuracy rate of the Medical Intuitive's ability to locate and evaluate the participant's primary physical issue; 100% accuracy to locate a secondary physical issue (86% of participants responding); 98% accuracy in describing the participant's life events, and 93% accuracy in describing a connection between the life events and health issues. Conclusions: These initial findings suggest that trained Medical Intuitives have strong subjectively reported accuracy rates identifying primary and secondary health issues and that their services are positively evaluated in the context of an individual's concerns regarding their health.
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Modulatory Effects of Triphala and Manjistha Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:1015-1024. [PMID: 32955913 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Triphala (which contains Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica, and Terminalia chebula) and manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), have received increased clinical attention. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of triphala, manjistha, or placebo dietary supplementation on gut microbiota as such studies in humans are lacking. Design: This was a 4-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Setting: This trial was conducted at the University of California Davis, Department of Dermatology. Subjects: A total of 31 healthy human subjects were randomized to 3 groups. Interventions: The 3 groups were instructed to take 2,000 mg of either triphala, manjistha or placebo daily for 4 weeks. Outcome Measures: The impact of treatment on gut microbiota composition was evaluated following a 4-week dietary intervention by profiling fecal communities with 16S rRNA profiling in triphala (n = 9), manjistha (n = 9), or placebo (n = 11) treated subjects that completed the intervention. Results: An average of 336 phylotypes were detected in each sample (range: 161 to 648). The analysis of gut microbiota in placebo control and herb-supplemented participants indicated that responses were highly personalized, and no taxa were uniformly altered by the medicinal herb supplementation protocol. Subjects in both treatment groups displayed a trend toward decreased Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and increased relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila. Both medicinal herb treatments reduced the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, primarily reflecting changes in Alistipes spp. Conclusions: Dietary supplementation with medicinal herbs altered fecal microbial communities. Despite the lack of a clear response signature, a group of bacterial taxa were identified that were more commonly altered in herb-supplemented participants compared to placebo controls. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT03477825.
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Changes in Continuous, Long-Term Heart Rate Variability and Individualized Physiological Responses to Wellness and Vacation Interventions Using a Wearable Sensor. Front Cardiovasc Med 2020; 7:120. [PMID: 32850982 PMCID: PMC7411743 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There are many approaches to maintaining wellness, including taking a simple vacation to attending highly structured wellness retreats, which typically regulate the attendee's personal time and activities. In a healthy English-speaking cohort of 112 women and men (aged 30–80 years), this study examined the effects of participating in either a 6-days intensive wellness retreat based on Ayurvedic medicine principles or unstructured 6-days vacation at the same wellness center setting. Heart rate variability (HRV) was monitored continuously using a wearable ECG sensor patch for up to 7 days prior to, during, and 1-month following participation in the interventions. Additionally, salivary cortisol levels were assessed for all participants at multiple times during the day. Continual HRV monitoring data in the real-world setting was seen to be associated with demographic [HRVALF: βAge = 0.98 (95% CI = 0.96–0.98), false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.001] and physiological characteristics [HRVPLF: β = 0.98 (95% CI = 0.98–1), FDR =0.005] of participants. HRV features were also able to quantify known diurnal variations [HRVLF/HF: βACT:night vs. early−morning = 2.69 (SE = 1.26), FDR < 0.001] along with notable inter- and intraperson heterogeneity in response to intervention. A statistically significant increase in HRVALF [β = 1.48 (SE = 1.1), FDR < 0.001] was observed for all participants during the resort visit. Personalized HRV analysis at an individual level showed a distinct individualized response to intervention, further supporting the utility of using continuous real-world tracking of HRV at an individual level to objectively measure responses to potentially stressful or relaxing settings.
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Meditation and Yoga Practices as Potential Adjunctive Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19: A Brief Overview of Key Subjects. J Altern Complement Med 2020; 26:547-556. [PMID: 32579021 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2020.0177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Editor's Note: As an acute condition quickly associated with multiple chronic susceptibilities, COVID-19 has rekindled interest in, and controversy about, the potential role of the host in disease processes. While hundreds of millions of research dollars have been funneled into drug and vaccine solutions that target the external agent, integrative practitioners tuned to enhancing immunity faced a familiar mostly unfunded task. First, go to school on the virus. Then draw from the global array of natural therapies and practices with host-enhancing or anti-viral capabilities to suggest integrative treatment strategies. The near null-set of conventional treatment options propels this investigation. In this paper, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California-San Diego, Chopra Library for Integrative Studies, and Harvard University share one such exploration. Their conclusion, that "certain meditation, yoga asana (postures), and pranayama (breathing) practices may possibly be effective adjunctive means of treating and/or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection" underscores the importance of this rekindling. At JACM, we are pleased to have the opportunity to publish this work. We hope that it might help diminish in medicine and health the polarization that, like so much in the broader culture, seems to be an obstacle to healing. -John Weeks, Editor-in-Chief, JACM.
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Nondual Awareness and the Whole Person. Glob Adv Health Med 2020; 9:2164956120914600. [PMID: 32499967 PMCID: PMC7243377 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120914600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrative Health aims to treat the whole person and to do so within the context of whole systems and practices. We raise questions as to what constitutes the whole person and what must be taken into account to support the creation of optimal well-being. We propose that in order to fully account for the whole person, the transcendent aspects of human awareness, the development of which is the goal of many meditative traditions, must be taken into account. “Nondual awareness” is a term increasingly used in the literature to describe a state of awareness that is characterized by the experience of nonseparation, compassion, and love. Well-being in this state does not depend on anything being experienced per se, but it is rather an innate attribute of living in nonduality. For these reasons, nondual awareness can be considered foundational to the realization of the whole person and achieving the state of optimal well-being.
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Greater Well-Being in More Physically Active Cancer Patients Who Are Enrolled in Supportive Care Services. Integr Cancer Ther 2020; 19:1534735420921439. [PMID: 32456467 PMCID: PMC7265567 DOI: 10.1177/1534735420921439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancers are one of the leading causes of mortality
worldwide. Cancer patients are increasingly seeking integrative care clinics to
promote their health and well-being during and after treatment.
Aim: To examine relationships between physical activity (PA)
and quality of life (QoL) in a sample of cancer patients enrolling in
integrative care in a supportive care clinic. Also, to explore circulating
inflammatory biomarkers and heart rate variability (HRV) in relationship to PA
and QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional design of adult patients who
sought care in the InspireHealth clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Patients with complete PA data (n = 118) answered psychosocial questionnaires,
provided blood samples, and received HRV recordings before enrollment. Patients
were stratified into “less” versus “more” active groups according to PA
guidelines (150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous PA or an
equivalent combination). Results: Breast (33.1%) and prostate
(10.2%) cancers were the most prevalent primary diagnoses. Patients engaging in
more PA reported better physical (U = 1265.5,
P = .013), functional (U = 1306.5,
P = .024), and general QoL (U = 1341,
P = .039), less fatigue (U = 1268,
P = .014), fewer physical cancer-related symptoms
(U = 2.338, P = .021), and less general
distress (U = 2.061, P = .021). Between PA
groups, type of primary cancer diagnosis differed (χ2 = 41.79,
P = .014), while stages of cancer did not (χ2 =
3.95, P = .412). Fewer patients reported depressed mood within
the more active group (χ2 = 6.131, P = .047). More
active patients were also less likely to have ever used tobacco (χ2 =
7.41, P = .025) and used fewer nutritional supplements
(χ2 = 39.74, P ≤ .001). An inflammatory
biomarker index was negatively correlated with vigorous PA
(rs = −0.215, P = .022).
Multivariable linear regression (R2 = 0.71) revealed
that age (β = 0.22; P = .001), fatigue (β = −0.43;
P ≤ .001), anxiety (β = −0.14; P = .048),
and social support (β = 0.38; P = .001) were significant
correlates of QoL.
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Glyphosate Excretion is Associated With Steatohepatitis and Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:741-743. [PMID: 30954713 PMCID: PMC6776714 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.03.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries.1 Patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are considered to be at a higher risk of fibrosis progression and development to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Examining the mediating role of perceived stress in the relationship between mindfulness and quality of life and mental health: testing the mindfulness stress buffering model. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2020; 33:311-325. [DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2020.1723006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Depressive symptoms in asymptomatic stage B heart failure with Type II diabetic mellitus. Clin Cardiol 2019; 42:637-643. [PMID: 31017303 PMCID: PMC6553353 DOI: 10.1002/clc.23187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of concomitant Type II diabetic mellitus (T2DM) and depressive symptoms adversely affects individuals with symptomatic heart failure (HF). HYPOTHESIS In presymptomatic stage B HF, this study hypothesized the presence of greater inflammation and depressive symptoms in T2DM as compared to non-T2DM Stage B patients. METHODS This cross-sectional study examined clinical parameters, inflammatory biomarkers, and depressive symptoms in 349 T2DM and non-T2DM men with asymptomatic stage B HF (mean age 66.4 years ±10.1; range 30-91). RESULTS Fewer diabetic HF patients had left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (P < .05) although more had LV diastolic dysfunction (P < .001). A higher percentage of T2DM HF patients were taking ACE-inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, statins, and diuretics (P values < .05). T2DM HF patients had higher circulating levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < .01), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < .01), and soluble ST2 (sST2) (P < .01) and reported more somatic/affective depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory II) (P < .05) but not cognitive/affective depressive symptoms (P = .20). Among all patients, in a multiple regression analysis predicting presence of somatic/affective depressive symptoms, sST2 (P = .026), IL-6 (P = .010), B-type natriuretic peptide (P = .016), and sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [P < .001]) were significant predictors (overall model F = 15.39, P < .001, adjusted R2 = .207). CONCLUSIONS Somatic/affective but not cognitive/affective depressive symptoms are elevated in asymptomatic HF patients with T2DM patients. Linkages with elevated inflammatory and cardiac relevant biomarkers suggest shared pathophysiological mechanisms among T2DM HF patients with somatic depression, and these conditions are responsive to routine interventions, including behavioral. Copyright © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Psychosocial Effects of a Holistic Ayurvedic Approach to Well-being in Health and Wellness Courses. Glob Adv Health Med 2019; 8:2164956119843814. [PMID: 31069162 PMCID: PMC6492358 DOI: 10.1177/2164956119843814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As individuals are increasingly attending health and wellness courses outside
of the conventional medical system, there is a need to obtain objective data
on the effects of those programs on well-being. Methods In total, 154 men and women (mean age 54.7 years; range 25–83) participated
in 3 different holistic wellness programs based on Ayurvedic Medicine
principles (Seduction of Spirit, Journey into Healing, and Perfect Health)
or a vacation control group. Psychosocial outcomes included spirituality
(Delaney Spirituality Scale), mindful awareness (Mindful Attention Awareness
Scale), psychological flexibility (Acceptance and Action Questionnaire),
mood (Center for Epidemiology Studies-Depression), and anxiety
(Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System Anxiety Scale). Results Participants in the Seduction of Spirit (P < .004),
Journey into Healing (P < .05), and Perfect Health
(P < .004) courses showed significant increases in
spirituality as compared to vacation controls. Participants in Seduction of
Spirit (P < .007) also showed significant increases in
mindfulness as compared to vacation controls. Participants in the Seduction
of Spirit (P < .001) and Journey into Healing
(P < .05) courses showed significant decreases in
depressed mood as compared to those in the Perfect Health and vacation
control groups. All study participants showed similar increases in
psychological flexibility (P < .01) and decreases in
anxiety (P < .01). Conclusion Participation in wellness courses that incorporate a mind–body–spirit
approach to health improves multiple domains of psychosocial well-being,
which persists even after course participation.
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Elevated Resting and Postprandial Digestive Proteolytic Activity in Peripheral Blood of Individuals With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus, With Uncontrolled Cleavage of Insulin Receptors. J Am Coll Nutr 2019; 38:485-492. [PMID: 30964398 DOI: 10.1080/07315724.2018.1545611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine resting and postprandial peripheral protease activity in healthy controls and individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and pre-T2DM. Methods: Individuals with T2DM or pre-T2DM and healthy controls (mean age 55.8 years) were studied before and for a span of 300 minutes following a single high-calorie McDonald's breakfast. Metalloproteases-2/-9 (MMP-2/-9), elastase, and trypsin activities were assessed in whole blood before and following the meal using a novel high-precision electrophoretic platform. Also assessed were circulating levels of inflammatory biomarkers and insulin receptor density on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in relationship to protease activity. Results: Premeal MMP-2/-9 and elastase activity levels in T2DM and in pre-T2DM participants were significantly elevated as compared to controls. The T2DM group showed a significant increase in elastase activity 15 minutes after the meal; elastase activity continued to increase to the 30-minute time point (p < 0.01). In control participants, MMP-2/-9, elastase, and trypsin were significantly increased at 15 minutes after the meal (p < 0.05) and returned to premeal values within a period of approximately 30 to 60 minutes post meal. PBMCs incubated for 1 hour with plasma from T2DM and pre-T2DM participants had significantly lower levels of insulin receptor density compared to those incubated with plasma from control participants (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that individuals with T2DM and pre-T2DM have higher resting systemic protease activity than nonsymptomatic controls. A single high-calorie/high-carbohydrate meal results in further elevations of protease activity in the systemic circulation of T2DM and pre-T2DM, as well as in healthy controls. The protease activity in turn can lead to a downregulation of insulin receptor density, potentially supporting a state of insulin resistance.
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Guided Imagery Improves Mood, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: An Exploratory Efficacy Trial of Healing Light Guided Imagery. J Evid Based Integr Med 2019; 23:2515690X17748744. [PMID: 29405761 PMCID: PMC5871039 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x17748744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a disabling and progressive neurological disease that has significant negative effects on health-related quality of life. This exploratory efficacy study examined the effects of Healing Light Guided Imagery (HLGI), a novel variant of guided imagery, compared with a wait-list control in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Changes in the Beck Depression Inventory, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life instrument (physical and mental components) were compared between groups. Patients who completed HLGI (N = 9) showed significant reductions in depressed mood (P < .05) and fatigue (P < .01) and showed significant gains in physical (P = .01) and mental (P < .01) quality of life compared with journaling (N = 8). Our results suggest that HLGI can improve self-reported physical and mental well-being in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Further research is needed to study the effectiveness of this therapy, as well as its mind-body mechanisms of action.
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16S rRNA gene profiling and genome reconstruction reveal community metabolic interactions and prebiotic potential of medicinal herbs used in neurodegenerative disease and as nootropics. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213869. [PMID: 30889210 PMCID: PMC6424447 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The prebiotic potential of nervine herbal medicines has been scarcely studied. We therefore used anaerobic human fecal cultivation to investigate whether medicinal herbs commonly used as treatment in neurological health and disease in Ayurveda and other traditional systems of medicine modulate gut microbiota. Profiling of fecal cultures supplemented with either Kapikacchu, Gotu Kola, Bacopa/Brahmi, Shankhapushpi, Boswellia/Frankincense, Jatamansi, Bhringaraj, Guduchi, Ashwagandha or Shatavari by 16S rRNA sequencing revealed profound changes in diverse taxa. Principal coordinate analysis highlights that each herb drives the formation of unique microbial communities predicted to display unique metabolic potential. The relative abundance of approximately one-third of the 243 enumerated species was altered by all herbs. Additional species were impacted in an herb-specific manner. In this study, we combine genome reconstruction of sugar utilization and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) pathways encoded in the genomes of 216 profiled taxa with monosaccharide composition analysis of each medicinal herb by quantitative mass spectrometry to enhance the interpretation of resulting microbial communities and discern potential drivers of microbiota restructuring. Collectively, our results indicate that gut microbiota engage in both protein and glycan catabolism, providing amino acid and sugar substrates that are consumed by fermentative species. We identified taxa that are efficient amino acid fermenters and those capable of both amino acid and sugar fermentation. Herb-induced microbial communities are predicted to alter the relative abundance of taxa encoding SCFA (butyrate and propionate) pathways. Co-occurrence network analyses identified a large number of taxa pairs in medicinal herb cultures. Some of these pairs displayed related culture growth relationships in replicate cultures highlighting potential functional interactions among medicinal herb-induced taxa.
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Refining caregiver vulnerability for clinical practice: determinants of self-rated health in spousal dementia caregivers. BMC Geriatr 2019; 19:18. [PMID: 30669980 PMCID: PMC6343283 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-019-1033-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Caregivers of a family member with a chronic disability or illness such as dementia are at increased risk for chronic disease. There are many factors that contribute to dementia caregiver vulnerability and these factors can be challenging to assess in clinical settings. Self-rated health (SRH) is an independent measure of survival and physical health in the elderly. As an inclusive measure of health, SRH has been proposed as a reliable way to assess a patient's general health in primary care. Therefore, we sought to identify determinants of poor/fair SRH versus categories of at least good SRH in informal caregivers. METHODS In a cross-sectional study, we examined 134 elderly (≥55 years) providing in-home care for a spouse with dementia who rated their own health with a single-item question: "In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair or poor?". In a multivariable model, we compared caregivers with poor/fair SRH to those with good, very good, or excellent SRH on demographics, health characteristics (health behaviors, physical health indicators, psychosocial factors) and caregiving-specific stress (a composite index/total of four caregiving-specific stressors: years of caregiving, dementia severity, care recipient functional impairment and perceived caregiver burden). RESULTS Compared with caregivers who rated their own health as either good (31.3%), very good (38.8%) or excellent (14.2%), caregivers with poor/fair SRH (15.7%) were more likely to have lower physical function and total greater caregiving-specific stress. More years of caregiving, severe dementia and care recipient functional impairment, but not perceived caregiver burden, were also more likely among caregivers with poor/fair SRH. Additionally, high negative affect and low positive affect were more likely in caregivers with poor/fair vs. good or excellent and very good or excellent SRH, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Caregivers with poor/fair SRH were characterized by higher levels of medical comorbidity, low physical function, high negative, but low positive affect and longer duration of caregiving, as well as more severe dementia and greater functional impairment of the care recipient. These findings suggest that caregivers need to be more closely evaluated and targeted for preventive interventions in clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT02317523 .
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The Effects of Grounding (Earthing) on Bodyworkers' Pain and Overall Quality of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Explore (NY) 2018; 15:181-190. [PMID: 30448083 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well known that massage therapists routinely develop a number of health problems related to their profession. PURPOSE To determine the effects of grounding on massage therapists' quality of life and pain. Grounding, refers to being in direct body contact with the ground, such as walking barefoot on humid soil or on grass. SETTING The Chopra Center for Well-Being in Carlsbad, California, USA. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen massage therapists (mean age 42.8 years). RESEARCH DESIGN AND INTERVENTION A stepped wedge cluster design was incorporated into a 6-week double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) procedure with massage therapists assigned randomly into one of two cohorts. Therapists were not grounded for the first week, were grounded while working on clients and at home while sleeping for the next four weeks, and then ungrounded for the last week. OUTCOME MEASURES Prior to, during, and immediately following the intervention, participants completed standardized questionnaires reporting on pain, physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue/tiredness, sleep disturbance and number of hours of sleep, number of clients worked on per working day, energy, and emotional and mental stress. RESULTS As a group, therapists experienced significant increases in physical function and energy and significant decreases in fatigue, depressed mood, tiredness and pain while grounded as compared to not being grounded. At one-month following the study, physical function was also increased and depressed mood and fatigue were decreased. CONCLUSIONS We observed consistent beneficial effects of grounding in domains highly relevant to massage therapists, namely pain, physical function, and mood. These findings, combined with prior results from this trial indicating improvements in inflammatory biomarkers, blood viscosity and heart rate variability (HRV), suggest that grounding is beneficial to massage therapists in multiple domains relevant to their occupation, supporting overall health and quality of life.
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Effects of Turmeric and Curcumin Dietary Supplementation on Human Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. J Evid Based Integr Med 2018; 23:2515690X18790725. [PMID: 30088420 PMCID: PMC6083746 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x18790725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Curcuma longa (common name: turmeric) and one of its biologically
active constituents, curcumin, have received increased clinical attention. Insufficient
data exist on the effects of curcumin and turmeric on the gut microbiota and such
studies in humans are lacking. Methods. Turmeric tablets with extract of piperine (Bioperine) (n = 6), curcumin with Bioperine
tablets (n = 5), or placebo tablets (n = 3) were provided to healthy human subjects and
subsequent changes in the gut microbiota were determined by 16S rDNA sequencing. Results. The number of taxa detected ranged from 172 to 325 bacterial species. The placebo group
displayed an overall reduction in species by 15%, whereas turmeric-treated subjects
displayed a modest 7% increase in observed species posttreatment. Subjects taking
curcumin displayed an average increase of 69% in detected species. The gut microbiota
response to treatment was highly personalized, thus leading to responders and
nonresponders displaying response concordance. These “responsive” subjects defined a
signature involving uniform increases in most Clostridium spp.,
Bacteroides spp., Citrobacter spp.,
Cronobacter spp., Enterobacter spp.,
Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp.,
Parabacteroides spp., and Pseudomonas spp. Common to
these subjects was the reduced relative abundance of several Blautia
spp. and most Ruminococcus spp. Conclusions. All participants’ microbiota displayed significant variation over time and
individualized response to treatment. Among the responsive participants, both turmeric
and curcumin altered the gut microbiota in a highly similar manner, suggesting that
curcumin may drive the majority of observed changes observed in turmeric-treated
subjects.
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The Effects of Stress and Meditation on the Immune System, Human Microbiota, and Epigenetics. Adv Mind Body Med 2018; 31:10-25. [PMID: 29306937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Context • Globally, more than 25% of individuals are affected by anxiety and depression disorders. Meditation is gaining popularity in clinical settings and its treatment efficacy is being studied for a wide array of psychological and physiological ailments. An exploration of stress physiology is an essential precursor to delineation of the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of meditation practices. Objective • The review outlines a model of interconnected physiological processes that might support the continued inclusion and expansion of meditation in the treatment of diverse medical conditions and to investigate the role that gut microbiota may play in realizing well-being through meditation. Design • The authors conducted a scientific literature database search with the goal of reviewing the link between stress management techniques and human microbiota. Their goal was also to identify the extent of underlying epigenetic reactions in these processes. The review was completed in approximately 2 y. Databases searched included Medline via PubMed and Ovid, PsycINFO via Ovid, Spinet, ProQuest Central, SAGE Research Methods Online, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, Science Direct, Springer Link, and Wiley Online Library. Keywords searched included, but were not limited to, stress, meditation, mindfulness, immune system, HPA axis, sympathetic nervous system, parasympathetic nervous system, microbiota, microbiome, gut-barrier function, leaky gut, vagus nerve, psychoneuroimmunology, epigenetic, and NF-κB. Setting • The study took place at New York University (New York, NY, USA), the University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA, USA), and the Chopra Foundation (Carlsbad, CA, USA). Results • Psychological stress typically triggers a fight-or-flight response, prompting corticotropin-releasing hormone and catecholamine production in various parts of the body, which ultimately disturbs the microbiota. In the absence of stress, a healthy microbiota produces short-chain fatty acids that exert anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. During stress, an altered gut microbial population affects the regulation of neurotransmitters mediated by the microbiome and gut barrier function. Meditation helps regulate the stress response, thereby suppressing chronic inflammation states and maintaining a healthy gut-barrier function. Conclusions • The current research team recommends the integration of meditation into conventional health care and wellness models. Concurrently, studies to explore the effects of meditation on human microbiota are warranted.
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Glyphosate Levels in Older Adults-Reply. JAMA 2018; 319:1385. [PMID: 29614176 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest. JAMA 2018; 319:1385-1386. [PMID: 29614174 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2018.2950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prebiotic potential of herbal medicines has been scarcely studied. METHODS The authors therefore used anaerobic human fecal cultivation to investigate whether three herbal medicines commonly used in gastrointestinal health and disease in Ayurveda alter the growth and abundance of specific bacterial species. RESULTS Profiling of cultures supplemented with Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ulmus rubra, or triphala formulation by 16S rDNA sequencing revealed profound changes in diverse taxa in human gut microbiota. Principal coordinate analysis highlights that each herbal medicine drives the formation of unique microbial communities. The relative abundance of approximately one-third of the 299 species profiled was altered by all 3 medicines, whereas additional species displayed herb-specific alterations. Herb supplementation increased the abundance of many bacteria known to promote human health, including Bifidobacterium spp., Lactobacillus spp., and Bacteroides spp. Herb supplementation resulted in the reduced relative abundance of many species, including potential pathogens such as Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Herbal medicines induced blooms of butyrate- and propionate-producing species. U. rubra and triphala significantly increased the relative abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, whereas G. glabra induced the largest increase in propionate-producing species. To achieve greater insight into the mechanisms through which herbal medicines alter microbial communities, the authors assessed the shifts in abundance of glycosyl hydrolase families induced by each herbal medicine. Herb supplementation, particularly G. glabra, significantly increased the representation and potential expression of several glycosyl hydrolase families. DISCUSSION These studies are novel in highlighting the significant prebiotic potential of medicinal herbs and suggest that the health benefits of these herbs are due, at least in part, to their ability to modulate the gut microbiota in a manner predicted to improve colonic epithelium function, reduce inflammation, and protect from opportunistic infection. Forthcoming studies in human clinical trials will test the concordance of the results generated in vitro and the predictions made by genome analyses.
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Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a major and costly public health concern, and its prognosis is grim-with high hospitalization and mortality rates. HF affects millions of individuals across the world, and this condition is expected to become "the epidemic" of the twenty-first century (Jessup et al., 2016). It is well documented that individuals with HF experience disproportionately high rates of depression and that those who are depressed have worse clinical outcomes than their nondepressed counterparts. The purpose of this chapter is to introduce the reader to the study of depression in HF, and how psychoneuroimmunologic principles have been applied to further elucidate mechanisms (i.e., neurohormonal and cytokine activation) linking these comorbid disorders.
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Abstract
While the intention of Integrative Medicine (IM) is whole person medicine, it has for the most part remained driven by individual modalities. Like the practice of IM itself, IM research too has been driven primarily by studies on individual modalities. There are significant challenges to moving research on whole systems medicine forward, with funding being at the top of the list. Historically, NIH has not been receptive to supporting research on whole systems, preferring instead to support studies that are more individual modality driven so that mechanisms can be identified. Purely mechanistic research, however, assumes unidirectional causality and linear responses yet clinical responses to whole systems approaches are more often multidirectional and dynamically unpredictable. The concept of emergence is applicable here. Whole systems approaches suggest that by incorporating therapies into holistic treatment programs we not only treat symptoms but accomplish more by activating the body's inherent self-organizing healing mechanisms and treat the root cause of illnesses as well as associated symptoms. Given that interest in integrative therapies with the general public and medical community is steadily increasing, there is need for more research that explores intact whole systems approaches to elucidate the relevant system-wide effects and dynamic interactions related to these practices.
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Change in Sense of Nondual Awareness and Spiritual Awakening in Response to a Multidimensional Well-Being Program. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 24:343-351. [PMID: 29216441 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2017.0160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the effects of a comprehensive mind-body program on sense of nondual awareness and spiritual awakening. DESIGN AND INTERVENTION The study compared the effects of participation in an intensive 6-day Ayurveda-based mind-body program that addressed physical, emotional, and spiritual domains as compared with a control condition. SETTING Resort setting. SUBJECTS Participants were 69 healthy women and men (mean age 53.9 years; range 32-86). OUTCOME MEASURE The primary outcome was the Nondual Embodiment Thematic Inventory (NETI). RESULTS A significant group by time interaction (p = 0.029) indicated that after the intervention, participants in the mind-body program showed a significant increase in NETI scores (p < 0.03), which was sustained 1 month later (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION Findings suggest that an intensive program providing holistic instruction and experience in mind-body practices can lead to a significant and sustained shift in perception of self-awareness, one that is likely favorable to well-being.
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Long-term caregiving is associated with impaired cardiovagal baroreflex. J Psychosom Res 2017; 103:29-33. [PMID: 29167045 PMCID: PMC5726529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Caregiving stress is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Inability to adequately regulate blood pressure is a possible underlying mechanism explaining this risk. We examined the relationship between length of caregiving and cardiovagal baroreflex sensitivity (cBRS) to better understand the link between caregiving and CVD risk. METHODS A total of 146 elderly individuals (≥55years) participated in this study, of whom 96 were providing in-home care to a spouse with dementia and 50 were healthy controls married to a non-demented spouse (i.e., non-caregivers). Among the caregivers, 56 were short-term caregivers (caring<4years) and 40 were long-term caregivers (caring≥4years). A multiple linear regression model, with contrast codes comparing short and long-term caregivers with non-caregivers was used to understand relationships between chronic caregiving and cBRS. RESULTS After controlling for relevant demographic and health characteristics, mean±SE log transformed cBRS for non-caregivers was 0.971±0.029. Relative to non-caregivers, the long-term caregivers had significantly impaired cBRS (0.860±0.033; p=0.013). However, mean cBRS for short-term caregivers did not significant differ from non-caregivers (0.911±0.028; p=0.144). CONCLUSION These results suggest that long-term caregiving stress is associated with an impaired cBRS. Accumulation of stress from years of caregiving could result in worse cBRS function, which could be a mechanistic explanation for the correlation between caregiving stress and the increased risk of CVD.
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Excretion of the Herbicide Glyphosate in Older Adults Between 1993 and 2016. JAMA 2017; 318:1610-1611. [PMID: 29067413 PMCID: PMC5818803 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2017.11726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Effects of Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, a Multicomponent Breath-Based Yogic Practice ( Pranayama), on Perceived Stress and General Well-Being. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2017; 22:788-797. [PMID: 29228793 PMCID: PMC5871312 DOI: 10.1177/2156587217730934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced disorders such as anxiety represent the leading causes of adult disability worldwide. Previous studies indicate that yoga and other contemplative practices such as pranayama, or controlled yogic breathing techniques, may be effective in the treatment of mood disorders and stress. In this study, 142 individuals (mean age = 43 years; SD = 13.90) participated in a 3-day retreat program during which they learned Shambhavi Mahamudra kriya, which is a yogic practice that includes both deep breathing and meditation techniques. Participants were instructed to practice the kriya each day for 21 minutes. After 6 weeks of daily practice, participants reported subjectively lower levels of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and higher levels of general well-being (General Well-Being Scale) compared to baseline. These results support the notion that Shambhavi Mahamudra kriya may represent a natural treatment for stress reduction.
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Effects of Singing Bowl Sound Meditation on Mood, Tension, and Well-being: An Observational Study. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med 2017; 22:401-406. [PMID: 27694559 PMCID: PMC5871151 DOI: 10.1177/2156587216668109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Poor mood and elevated anxiety are linked to increased incidence of disease. This study examined the effects of sound meditation, specifically Tibetan singing bowl meditation, on mood, anxiety, pain, and spiritual well-being. Sixty-two women and men (mean age 49.7 years) participated. As compared with pre-meditation, following the sound meditation participants reported significantly less tension, anger, fatigue, and depressed mood (all Ps <.001). Additionally, participants who were previously naïve to this type of meditation experienced a significantly greater reduction in tension compared with participants experienced in this meditation ( P < .001). Feeling of spiritual well-being significantly increased across all participants ( P < .001). Tibetan singing bowl meditation may be a feasible low-cost low technology intervention for reducing feelings of tension, anxiety, and depression, and increasing spiritual well-being. This meditation type may be especially useful in decreasing tension in individuals who have not previously practiced this form of meditation.
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Yoga, Meditation and Mind-Body Health: Increased BDNF, Cortisol Awakening Response, and Altered Inflammatory Marker Expression after a 3-Month Yoga and Meditation Retreat. Front Hum Neurosci 2017; 11:315. [PMID: 28694775 PMCID: PMC5483482 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2017.00315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Thirty-eight individuals (mean age: 34.8 years old) participating in a 3-month yoga and meditation retreat were assessed before and after the intervention for psychometric measures, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), circadian salivary cortisol levels, and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Participation in the retreat was found to be associated with decreases in self-reported anxiety and depression as well as increases in mindfulness. As hypothesized, increases in the plasma levels of BDNF and increases in the magnitude of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) were also observed. The normalized change in BDNF levels was inversely correlated with BSI-18 anxiety scores at both the pre-retreat (r = 0.40, p < 0.05) and post-retreat (r = 0.52, p < 0.005) such that those with greater anxiety scores tended to exhibit smaller pre- to post-retreat increases in plasma BDNF levels. In line with a hypothesized decrease in inflammatory processes resulting from the yoga and meditation practices, we found that the plasma level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-10 was increased and the pro-inflammatory cytokine Interleukin-12 was reduced after the retreat. Contrary to our initial hypotheses, plasma levels of other pro-inflammatory cytokines, including Interferon Gamma (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Interleukin-8 (IL-8) were increased after the retreat. Given evidence from previous studies of the positive effects of meditative practices on mental fitness, autonomic homeostasis and inflammatory status, we hypothesize that these findings are related to the meditative practices throughout the retreat; however, some of the observed changes may also be related to other aspects of the retreat such as physical exercise-related components of the yoga practice and diet. We hypothesize that the patterns of change observed here reflect mind-body integration and well-being. The increased BDNF levels observed is a potential mediator between meditative practices and brain health, the increased CAR is likely a reflection of increased dynamic physiological arousal, and the relationship of the dual enhancement of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine changes to healthy immunologic functioning is discussed.
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Inpatients' Preferences, Beliefs, and Stated Willingness to Pay for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments. J Altern Complement Med 2017; 23:259-263. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2016.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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