scholarly journals Characterization and prediction of acute and sustained response to psychedelic psilocybin in a mindfulness group retreat

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lukasz Smigielski ◽  
Michael Kometer ◽  
Milan Scheidegger ◽  
Rainer Krähenmann ◽  
Theo Huber ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Functioning ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Attention Regulation ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Acute Response ◽  
Self Transcendence ◽  
Experiential Quality

Abstract Meditation and psychedelics have played key roles in humankind’s search for self-transcendence and personal change. However, neither their possible synergistic effects, nor related state and trait predictors have been experimentally studied. To elucidate these issues, we administered double-blind the model psychedelic drug psilocybin (315 μg/kg PO) or placebo to meditators (n = 39) during a 5-day mindfulness group retreat. Psilocybin increased meditation depth and incidence of positively experienced self-dissolution along the perception-hallucination continuum, without concomitant anxiety. Openness, optimism, and emotional reappraisal were predictors of the acute response. Compared with placebo, psilocybin enhanced post-intervention mindfulness and produced larger positive changes in psychosocial functioning at a 4-month follow-up, which were corroborated by external ratings, and associated with magnitude of acute self-dissolution experience. Meditation seems to enhance psilocybin’s positive effects while counteracting possible dysphoric responses. These findings highlight the interactions between non-pharmacological and pharmacological factors, and the role of emotion/attention regulation in shaping the experiential quality of psychedelic states, as well as the experience of selflessness as a modulator of behavior and attitudes. A better comprehension of mechanisms underlying most beneficial psychedelic experiences may guide therapeutic interventions across numerous mental conditions in the form of psychedelic-assisted applications.

scholarly journals Irisin and troponin I expression in dialysis patients submitted to remote ischemic preconditioning: a pilot study

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-52
Author(s):  
Flávia de Sousa Gehrke ◽  
Mariana Carvalho Gouveia ◽  
Carla Gabriela Marques Barbosa ◽  
Neif Murad ◽  
Beatriz da Costa Aguiar Alves Reis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapy ◽  
Replacement Therapy ◽  
Ischemic Preconditioning ◽  
Troponin I ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Positive Effects

ABSTRACT Background: Renal replacement therapy continues to be related to high hospitalization rates and poor quality of life. All-cause morbidity and mortality in renal replacement therapy in greater than 20% per year, being 44 times greater when diabetes is present, and over 10 times that of the general population. Regardless of treatment, the 5-year survival is 40%, surpassing many types of cancers. Irisin is a hormone that converts white adipose tissue into beige adipose tissue, aggregating positive effects like fat mass control, glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, prevention of muscle loss, and reduction in systemic inflammation. Objectives: To determine the serum levels of troponin I in hemodialysis patients submitted to remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) associated with irisin expression. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial with patients with chronic kidney disease submitted to hemodialysis for a 6-month period. Troponin I, IL-6, urea, TNF-α, and creatinine levels were determined from blood samples. The expressions of irisin, thioredoxin, Nf-kb, GPX4, selenoprotein and GADPH were also evaluated by RT-PCR. Results: Samples from 14 hypertensive patients were analyzed, 9 (64.3%) of whom were type 2 diabetics, aged 44-64 years, and 50% of each sex. The difference between pre- and post-intervention levels of troponin I was not significant. No differences were verified between the RIPC and control groups, except for IL-6, although a significant correlation was observed between irisin and troponin I. Conclusion: Remote ischemic preconditioning did not modify irisin or troponin I expression, independent of the time of collection.

Caffeine and Placebo Expectation

2007 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yunfeng Sun ◽  
Yinling Zhang ◽  
Ning He ◽  
Xufeng Liu ◽  
Danmin Miao
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Heart Rate ◽  
Sleep Deprivation ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Cognitive Functions ◽  
Cardiovascular Regulation ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Pressure Tests ◽  
Healthy Males

Abstract. Caffeine placebo expectation seems to improve vigilance and cognitive performance. This study investigated the effect of caffeine and placebo expectation on vigilance and cognitive performance during 28 h sleep deprivation. Ten healthy males volunteered to take part in the double-blind, cross-over study, which required participants to complete five treatment periods of 28 h separated by 1-week wash-out intervals. The treatments were no substance (Control); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 (C200); placebo 200 mg at 00:00 (P200); twice caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and 04:00 (C200-C200); caffeine 200 mg at 00:00 and placebo 200 mg at 04:00 (C200-P200). Participants were told that all capsules were caffeine and given information about the effects of caffeine to increase expectation. Vigilance was assessed by a three-letter cancellation test, cognitive functions by the continuous addition test and Stroop test, and cardiovascular regulation by heart rate and blood pressure. Tests were performed bihourly from 00:00 to 10:00 of the second day. Results indicated that C200-P200 and C200-C200 were more alert (p < .05) than Control and P200. Their cognitive functions were higher (p < .05) than Control and P200. Also, C200-P200 scored higher than C200 in the letter cancellation task (p < .05). No test showed any significant differences between C200-P200 and C200-C200. The results demonstrated that the combination of caffeine 200 mg and placebo 200 mg expectation exerted prolonged positive effects on vigilance and cognitive performance.

Recent Patents on Anti-Cancer Potential of Helenalin

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-142
Author(s):  
Priyanka Kriplani ◽  
Kumar Guarve
Keyword(s):  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Active Constituent ◽  
Scientific Impact ◽  
Isolation Techniques ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Prevention Of Cancer ◽  
Synthetic Derivatives

Background: Arnica montana, containing helenalin as its principal active constituent, is the most widely used plant to treat various ailments. Recent studies indicate that Arnica and helenalin provide significant health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant, cholesterol-lowering, immunomodulatory, and most important, anti-cancer properties. Objective: The objective of the present study is to overview the recent patents of Arnica and its principal constituent helenalin, including new methods of isolation, and their use in the prevention of cancer and other ailments. Methods: Current prose and patents emphasizing the anti-cancer potential of helenalin and Arnica, incorporated as anti-inflammary agents in anti-cancer preparations, have been identified and reviewed with particular emphasis on their scientific impact and novelty. Results: Helenalin has shown its anti-cancer potential to treat multiple types of tumors, both in vitro and in vivo. It has also portrayed synergistic effects when given in combination with other anti- cancer drugs or natural compounds. New purification/isolation techniques are also developing with novel helenalin formulations and its synthetic derivatives have been developed to increase its solubility and bioavailability. Conclusion: The promising anti-cancer potential of helenalin in various preclinical studies may open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus clinical trials validating its tumor suppressing and chemopreventive activities, particularly in conjunction with standard therapies, are immediately required.

scholarly journals Differential Effects of DHA- and EPA-Rich Oils on Sleep in Healthy Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 248
Author(s):  
Michael J. Patan ◽  
David O. Kennedy ◽  
Cathrine Husberg ◽  
Svein Olaf Hustvedt ◽  
Philip C. Calder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Sleep Time ◽  
Sleep Efficiency ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Differential Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Time In Bed ◽  
Oily Fish

Emerging evidence suggests that adequate intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), which include docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), might be associated with better sleep quality. N-3 PUFAs, which must be acquired from dietary sources, are typically consumed at suboptimal levels in Western diets. Therefore, the current placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial, investigated the effects of an oil rich in either DHA or EPA on sleep quality in healthy adults who habitually consumed low amounts of oily fish. Eighty-four participants aged 25–49 years completed the 26-week intervention trial. Compared to placebo, improvements in actigraphy sleep efficiency (p = 0.030) and latency (p = 0.026) were observed following the DHA-rich oil. However, these participants also reported feeling less energetic compared to the placebo (p = 0.041), and less rested (p = 0.017), and there was a trend towards feeling less ready to perform (p = 0.075) than those given EPA-rich oil. A trend towards improved sleep efficiency was identified in the EPA-rich group compared to placebo (p = 0.087), along with a significant decrease in both total time in bed (p = 0.032) and total sleep time (p = 0.019) compared to the DHA-rich oil. No significant effects of either treatment were identified for urinary excretion of the major melatonin metabolite 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. This study was the first to demonstrate some positive effects of dietary supplementation with n-3 PUFAs in healthy adult normal sleepers, and provides novel evidence showing the differential effects of n-3 PUFA supplements rich in either DHA or EPA. Further investigation into the mechanisms underpinning these observations including the effects of n-3 PUFAs on sleep architecture are required.

scholarly journals Immunological Effects of an Add-On Physical Exercise Therapy in Depressed Adolescents and Its Interplay with Depression Severity

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6527
Author(s):  
Heidrun Lioba Wunram ◽  
Max Oberste ◽  
Stefanie Hamacher ◽  
Susanne Neufang ◽  
Nils Grote ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Exercise Therapy ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Small Sample Size ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Control Treatment ◽  
Depression Severity ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Tnf Α

Background: Pro-inflammatory cytokines (PICs) have gained attention in the pathophysiology and treatment of depressive disorders. At the same time, the therapeutic effect of physical activity seems to work via immunomodulatory pathways. The interventional study “Mood Vibes” analyzed the influence of exercise on depression severity (primary endpoint) in depressive adolescents; the influence of PICs on the clinical outcome was analyzed as a secondary endpoint. Methods: Clinically diagnosed depressed adolescents (N = 64; 28.1% male; mean age = 15.9; mean BMI = 24.6) were included and participated either in Whole Body Vibration (WBV) (n = 21) or bicycle ergometer training (n = 20) in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU). Patients in the control treatment group received TAU only (n = 23). The PICs (interleukin-6—IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α—TNF-α) were analyzed before intervention, after 6 weeks of training (t1), and 8 weeks post-intervention (t2). The effects of the treatment on depression severity were rated by self-rating “Depression Inventory for Children and Adolescents” (DIKJ). Results: Basal IL-6 decreased in all groups from t0 to t1, but it increased again in WBV and controls at t2. TNF-α diminished in ergometer and controls from baseline to t1. PIC levels showed no correlation with depression severity at baseline. The influence on DIKJ scores over time was significant for IL-6 in the WBV group (p = 0.008). Sex had an impact on TNF-α (p < 0.001), with higher concentrations in male patients. Higher body mass index was associated with higher IL-6 concentrations over all measurement points (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The positive effects of an intensive add-on exercise therapy on adolescent depression seem to be partly influenced by immunomodulation. A small sample size and non-randomized controls are limitations of this study.

Adjunctive Therapy to Manage Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Moderate and Severe Dementia: Randomized Clinical Trial Using an Outpatient Version of Tailored Activity Program

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Alexandra Martini Oliveira ◽  
Marcia Radanovic ◽  
Patricia Cotting Homem de Mello ◽  
Patricia Cardoso Buchain ◽  
Adriana Dias Barbosa Vizzotto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Sleep Disturbances ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Caregiver Training ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Experimental Group

Background: Neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) such as aggression, apathy, agitation, and wandering may occur in up to 90%of dementia cases. International guidelines have suggested that non-pharmacological interventions are as effective as pharmacological treatments, however without the side effects and risks of medications. An occupational therapy method, called Tailored Activity Program (TAP), was developed with the objective to treat NPS in the elderly with dementia and has been shown to be effective. Objective: Evaluate the efficacy of the TAP method (outpatient version) in the treatment of NPS in individuals with dementia and in the burden reduction of their caregivers. Methods: This is a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial for the treatment of NPS in dementia. Outcome measures consisted of assessing the NPS of individuals with dementia, through the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Clinician rating scale (NPI-C), and assessing the burden on their caregivers, using the Zarit Scale. All the participants were evaluated pre-and post-intervention. Results: 54 individuals with dementia and caregivers were allocated to the experimental (n = 28) and control (n = 26) groups. There was improvement of the following NPS in the experimental group: delusions, agitation, aggressiveness, depression, anxiety, euphoria, apathy, disinhibition, irritability, motor disturbance, and aberrant vocalization. No improvement was observed in hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and appetite disorders. The TAP method for outpatient settings was also clinically effective in reducing burden between caregivers of the experimental group. Conclusion: The use of personalized prescribed activities, coupled with the caregiver training, may be a clinically effective approach to reduce NPS and caregiver burden of individuals with dementia.

Tocotrienols and Cancer: From the State of the Art to Promising Novel Patents

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabrizio Fontana ◽  
Michela Raimondi ◽  
Monica Marzagalli ◽  
Roberta M. Moretti ◽  
Marina Montagnani Marelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Prevention ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Synergistic Effects ◽  
The State ◽  
Therapeutic Interventions ◽  
Multiple Tumor ◽  
Anti Cancer ◽  
Important Health

Background: Tocotrienols (TTs) are vitamin E derivatives naturally occurring in several plants and vegetable oils. Like Tocopherols (TPs), they comprise four isoforms, α, β, γ and δ, but unlike TPs, they present an unsaturated isoprenoid chain. Recent studies indicate that TTs provide important health benefits, including neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, cholesterol lowering and immunomodulatory effects. Moreover, they have been found to possess unique anti-cancer properties.Objective:The purpose of this review is to present an overview of the state of the art of TTs role in cancer prevention and treatment, as well as to describe recent patents proposing new methods for TTs isolation, chemical modification and use in cancer prevention and/or therapy.Methods:Recent literature and patents focusing on TTs anti-cancer applications have been identified and reviewed, with special regard to their scientific impact and novelty.Results:TTs have demonstrated significant anti-cancer activity in multiple tumor types, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, they have shown synergistic effects when given in combination with standard anti-cancer agents or other anti-tumor natural compounds. Finally, new purification processes and transgenic sources have been designed in order to improve TTs production, and novel TTs formulations and synthetic derivatives have been developed to enhance their solubility and bioavailability.Conclusion:The promising anti-cancer effects shown by TTs in several preclinical studies may open new opportunities for therapeutic interventions in different tumors. Thus, clinical trials aimed at confirming TTs chemopreventive and tumor-suppressing activity, particularly in combination with standard therapies, are urgently needed.

Unexpected Reduction in Migraine and Psychogenic Headaches Following rTMS Treatment for Major Depression: A Report of Two Cases

CNS Spectrums ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 921-925 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. O'Reardon ◽  
Jeisson F. Fontecha ◽  
Mario A. Cristancho ◽  
Suzanne Newman
Keyword(s):  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ◽  
Common Side Effect ◽  
Double Blind Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Diagnostic And Statistical Manual ◽  
Headache Pain ◽  
Psychogenic Headaches ◽  
Maintenance Intervention

ABSTRACTOur objective is to report a coincident reduction in headache pain in patients treated with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for major depressive disorder (MDD). Two patients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition diagnosis of MDD, non-responsive to prior antidepressant treatment who were enrolled in a sham-controlled, double-blind study of rTMS for MDD. After the study, it was revealed that both were in the active-treatment arm. Both patients suffered from near daily headaches and kept logs of headache frequency and severity before, during, and after the study. Headache pain was significantly reduced under double-blind conditions with rTMS treatment, but returned to baseline following cessation of rTMS treatment. Ultimately, when receiving rTMS post-study as a maintenance intervention for MDD (~2 rTMS sessions/week), the positive effects on headache amelioration were sustained. Headache pain is frequently comorbid with mood disorders and has been reported as the most common side effect with rTMS. In these subjects, rTMS was, in fact, associated with relief of depressive symptoms and preexisting headache pain. This indicates that rTMS may be beneficial for both disorders in some patients.

Bioabsorbable dressing impregnated with betamethasone and ciprofloxacin after endoscopic sinus surgery: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

2021 ◽  
pp. 014556132110624
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Wierzchowska ◽  
Paulina Kalińczak-Górna ◽  
Błażej Grześkowiak ◽  
Kamil Radajewski ◽  
Jakub Burduk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Endoscopic Sinus Surgery ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Nasal Packing ◽  
Sinus Surgery ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Nasal Surgery ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Nasal Blockage ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Mucosal Edema

Background In addition to its hemostatic and stabilization role, biodegradable nasal packing can be used as a carrier for drugs after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The aim of this study was to compare the influence of biodegradable synthetic polyurethane foam (NasoPore) soaked with ciprofloxacin, or betamethasone, or both to the same foam soaked with saline after FESS. Methods 120 adults with chronic rhinosinusitis, with and without polyps, directed for bilateral full-house FESS were enrolled for the study. The patients were randomized and blinded into 3 groups, depending on the type of postoperative procedure applied. Thus, NasoPore soaked with antibiotic was provided to the first group; in the second group, the steroid was used; and the combination of both, in the third group. In each case, the aforementioned procedure was administered on one side of the nose, while NasoPore was soaked in saline on the other, at the end of the surgery, respectively. The patients were requested to complete a questionnaire during their postoperative visits at 2, 10, 30, 90, and 180 days, scoring the level of complaints on the VAS scale, separately for each side. The evaluation of the healing process was performed at each visit using rigid endoscopy and subsequently rated on numerical scales. Results Decreased mucosal edema and secretion; reduced Lund-Kennedy score; and favorable influences on facial pressure, nasal blockage, and smell were most evidently seen in the group receiving the antibioticsteroid combination. Conclusions The application of biodegradable nasal packing with betamethasone and ciprofloxacin in sino-nasal surgery has positive effects not only on the healing process but also impacts patient’s comfort. To optimize it, however, further research is needed.

scholarly journals Neuromodulation for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Buhagiar ◽  
Melinda Fitzgerald ◽  
Jason Bell ◽  
Fiona Allanson ◽  
Carmela Pestell
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
The Brain

Background: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) results from an external force to the head or body causing neurophysiological changes within the brain. The number and severity of symptoms can vary, with some individuals experiencing rapid recovery, and others having persistent symptoms for months to years, impacting their quality of life. Current rehabilitation is limited in its ability to treat persistent symptoms and novel approaches are being sought to improve outcomes following mTBI. Neuromodulation is one technique used to encourage adaptive neuroplasticity within the brain.Objective: To systematically review the literature on the efficacy of neuromodulation in the mTBI population.Method: A systematic review was conducted using Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and EBM Review. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and the Synthesis Without Meta-analysis reporting guidelines were used and a narrative review of the selected studies was completed. Fourteen articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria which were published in English, investigating an adult sample and using a pre- and post-intervention design. Studies were excluded if they included non-mild TBI severities, pediatric or older adult populations.Results: Thirteen of fourteen studies reported positive reductions in mTBI symptomatology following neuromodulation. Specifically, improvements were reported in post-concussion symptom ratings, headaches, dizziness, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, general disability, cognition, return to work and quality of life. Normalization of working memory activation patterns, vestibular field potentials, hemodynamics of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and excessive delta wave activity were also seen. The studies reviewed had several methodological limitations including small, heterogenous samples and varied intervention protocols, limiting generalisability. Further research is required to understand the context in which neuromodulation may be beneficial.Conclusions: While these positive effects are observed, limitations included unequal representation of neuromodulation modalities in the literature, and lack of literature describing the efficacy of neuromodulation on the development or duration of persistent mTBI symptoms. Better clarity regarding neuromodulation efficacy could have a significant impact on mTBI patients, researchers, clinicians, and policy makers, facilitating a more productive post-mTBI population. Despite the limitations, the literature indicates that neuromodulation warrants further investigation. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020161279.

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