PMID: 

Aging (Albany NY). 2019 Nov 26 ;11. Epub 2019 Nov 26. PMID: 31772142

Abstract Title: 

Astaxanthin protects against osteoarthritis via Nrf2: a guardian of cartilage homeostasis.

Abstract: 

SCOPE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive disease characterized by cartilage degradation. Astaxanthin (Ast), a natural compound with remarkable antioxidant activity and multiple medical applications due to its activation of Nrf2 signaling, has been studied for application to various degenerative diseases. Currently, however, little is known about its efficacy in treating OA. This study reports the effects of Ast on cartilage homeostasis in OA progression.RESULTS: Ast attenuated ECM degradation of OA chondrocytes through the Nrf2 signaling, and ameliorated the IL-1β-induced inflammatory response and ECM degradation via blockade of MAPK signaling. Additionally, Ast alleviated TNF-α-induced ECM degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling, suppressed TBHP-induced oxidative stress, and subsequently reduced chondrocyte apoptosis.results were finally corroboratedby demonstrating that Ast attenuates the severity of cartilage destruction in a mouse model of OA.CONCLUSIONS: Ast could protect against osteoarthritis via the Nrf2 signaling, suggesting Ast might be a potential therapeutic supplement for OA treatment.METHODS: IL-1β, TNF-α, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) were used to impair cartilage homeostasis. Modulating effects of Ast on the Nrf2 signaling pathway, and damage-associated events including extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, inflammation, oxidative stress, chondrocyte apoptosis, andcartilage degradation were examined.

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PMID: 

Front Neurosci. 2019 ;13:1074. Epub 2019 Oct 10. PMID: 31649501

Abstract Title: 

Brief Mindfulness Meditation Improves Emotion Processing.

Abstract: 

Mindfulness-based interventions have previously been shown to have positive effects on psychological well-being. However, the time commitment, teacher shortage, and high cost of classic mindfulness interventions may have hindered efforts to spread the associated benefits to individuals in developing countries. Brief mindfulness meditation (BMM) has recently received attention as a way to disseminate the benefits of mindfulness-based interventions. Most existing BMM methods are adaptations of the classic approach. Few studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of BMM. We developed a 15-min BMM named JW2016, which is based on the core concepts of mindfulness, Anapanasati (breath meditation of Buddhist Vipassana), our practical experience, and the results of scientific reports on meditation. We investigated the effects of this BMM on mood and emotion processing in an effort to create an effective, convenient, safe, and standardized BMM method that could benefit individuals with limited time or money to devote to meditation. Forty-six healthy participants (aged 18-25 years) were randomly allocated to the BMM group (= 23) or the emotional regulation education (ERE) control group (= 23). Forty-two of the study participants cooperated fully in all measurements and interventions (one time daily for seven consecutive days). Mood was measured with the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale (CES-D) and the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI). Emotion processing was evaluated by assessing performance on an emotion intensity task, an emotional memory task, and an emotional dot-probe task. After intervention, the BMM group, but not the ERE group, showed a significant decreases in emotional intensity in response to positive as well as negative emotional stimuli, response time for emotional memory, and duration of attention bias toward negative emotional stimuli. Negative effects on mood state were found in the ERE group but not in the BMM group. This study demonstrated that BMM may improve aspects of emotion processing such as emotion intensity, emotional memory, and emotional attention bias. JW2016 BMM may be an effective, convenient, safe and standardized way to help practitioners remain focused and peaceful without any negative effect on emotion.

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PMID: 

J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2019 Oct ;23(4):708-712. Epub 2019 Feb 5. PMID: 31733751

Abstract Title: 

The effects of yoga practice on balance, strength, coordination and flexibility in healthy children aged 10-12 years.

Abstract: 

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of yoga practice on balance, strength, coordination, and flexibility in healthy children aged 10-12 years.STUDY DESIGN: Quasi-experimental, nonrandomized.BACKGROUND: Research on the effects of yoga in children has focused on the benefits seen in non-healthy children or on the effects on hand grip strength and motor performance. The studies on the effects of yoga on balance, strength, coordination, and flexibility have been limited.METHODS AND MEASURES: A convenience sample of 26 children, aged 10-12 years was obtained. The children participated in 40 min yoga sessions, led by a registered yoga teacher, 1-3 times per week for 8 weeks. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, second edition (BOT-2), the sit and reach test, and the 90/90 hamstring flexibility test were administered at baseline and at the end of the 8 weeks. Descriptivestatistics were calculated for all measurements. A Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test normality. A Wilcoxin signed-rank test was used to analyze pre- and post-test measurements for all variables.RESULTS: There was a statistically significant within-subject difference from pre-test to post-test for balance (p = 0.026), sit and reach (p = 0.000), popliteal angle right (p = 0.005), and popliteal angle left (p = 0.018). There were no statistically significant differences in strength and bilateral coordination from pre-to post-test measurements.CONCLUSIONS: Yoga may be a beneficial form of exercise in the school-based setting for improving balance and flexibility in healthy children.

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PMID: 

Health Promot Perspect. 2019 ;9(4):314-318. Epub 2019 Oct 24. PMID: 31777712

Abstract Title: 

Acute exercise and mindfulness meditation on learning and memory: randomized controlled intervention.

Abstract: 

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the potential combined effects of acute exercise and mindfulness mediation on episodic memory.All data collection occurred in the authors' laboratory (January to May of 2019). In this three-arm, within-subject design, participants (N=20; M=21.6 years) completed three counterbalanced laboratory visits, including Exercise Only, Exercise + Meditation and Control. Learning and memory were assessed from a word-list task. A one-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was computed for two memory outcomes, including the learning outcome (average performance across the 6 trials) and the long-term memory recall (10-minute delay).The exercise conditions had a greater learning effect when compared to the Control visit, M= 0.68 (95% CI: 0.10, 1.25), P = 0.02. The Exercise + Memory visit had better longterm memory when compared to Exercise Only, M= 0.95 (95% CI: 0.07, 1.83), P = 0.03.The present experiment provides suggestive evidence that acute exercise may enhance learning and, when coupling acute exercise prior to encoding with meditation during early consolidation, long-term memory may be enhanced.

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PMID: 

Adv Mind Body Med. 2019 Spring;33(2):4-11. PMID: 31476135

Abstract Title: 

Healing of Graves' Disease Thorough Lifestyle Changes: A Case Report.

Abstract: 

Background: Graves' disease is known as a chronic and incurable disease. The typical treatment is symptom-based and consists of medications, radioiodine, or surgery. These last two treatments are routinely offered to the 50% of patients that do not respond to drug therapy. Here we report the case of a patient who was able to normalize her thyroid hormones as well as her autoimmune markers in 6 months with the exclusive implementation of lifestyle interventions.Summary: A 34-year-old Dutch, Caucasian female diagnosed with Graves' disease since 2014 implemented lifestyle modifications, which included dietary change to an ancestral type of diet, oral health interventions, practice of kundalini yoga, avoidance of environmental toxicants (by only eating organic food, drinking filtered water, and using natural products to clean her house or for her personal hygiene) and supportive supplements when necessary. The patient did not take any antithyroid drugs or beta-blockers during this period nor any other type of medication that could have had immunosuppressant effects. After 6 months of engaging in these lifestyle interventions, her thyroid analysis normalized and no anti-thyrotropin receptor antibodies were negative.Conclusion: This case report demonstrates that Graves' disease can effectively be put into lasting remission without conventional medical interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle as a first line intervention for all patients but especially in the particular case of patients suffering from Graves' disease.

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PMID: 

Front Psychiatry. 2019 ;10:793. Epub 2019 Nov 11. PMID: 31780963

Abstract Title: 

Kundalini Yoga Meditation Versus the Relaxation Response Meditation for Treating Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract: 

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often a life-long disorder with high psychosocial impairment. Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs) are the only FDA approved drugs, and approximately 50% of patients are non-responders when using a criterion of 25% to 35% improvement with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). About 30% are non-responders to combined first-line therapies (SRIs and exposure and response prevention). Previous research (one open, one randomized clinical trial) has demonstrated that Kundalini Yoga (KY) meditation can lead to an improvement in symptoms of obsessive-compulsive severity. We expand here with a larger trial.This trial compared two parallel run groups [KY vs. Relaxation Response meditation (RR)]. Patients were randomly allocated based on gender and Y-BOCS scores. They were told two different (unnamed) types of meditation would be compared, and informed if one showed greater benefits, the groups would merge for 12 months using the more effective intervention. Raters were blind in Phase One (0-4.5 months) to patient assignments, but not in Phase Two.Primary outcome variable, clinician-administered Y-BOCS. Secondary scales: Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (clinician-administered), Profile of Mood Scales, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Clinical Global Impression, Short Form 36 Health Survey.Phase One: Baseline Y-BOCS scores: KY mean = 26.46 (SD 5.124; N = 24), RR mean = 26.79 (SD = 4.578; N = 24). An intent-to-treat analysis with the last observation carried forward for dropouts showed statistically greater improvement with KY compared to RR on the Y-BOCS, and statistically greater improvement on five of six secondary measures. For completers, the Y-BOCS showed 40.4% improvement for KY (N = 16), 17.9% for RR (N = 11); 31.3% in KY were judged to be in remission compared to 9.1% in RR. KY completers showed greater improvement on five of six secondary measures. At the end of Phase Two (12 months), patients, drawn from the initial groups, who elected to receive KY continued to show improvement in their Y-BOCS scores.KY shows promise as an add-on option for OCD patients unresponsive to first line therapies. Future studies will establish KY's relative efficacy compared to Exposure and Response Prevention and/or medications, and the most effective treatment schedule.www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01833442.

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PMID: 

Psychol Addict Behav. 2019 Nov 21. Epub 2019 Nov 21. PMID: 31750699

Abstract Title: 

The effects of mindfulness-based yogic breathing on craving, affect, and smoking behavior.

Abstract: 

Breathing practices are often incorporated into treatments for tobacco dependence, but there is little direct research testing the efficacy of breathing practices. This study examined the effects of a mindfulness-based yogic breathing (MB) intervention versus active treatment (cognitive strategy [CS]) and no-treatment (NT) control groups on craving, affect, withdrawal, and smoking behavior. Smokers (= 60; 50% female; 83% African American) were randomized to receive 20 min of MB, CS, or NT. Participants completed self-report measures before and after the manipulation and then took part in a 50-min smoking choice procedure. Afterward, participants were advised to use the techniques they learned and self-monitor smoking for 24 hr. They received 3 reminder text messages and returned to the lab the following day. MB and CS were more effective than NT in decreasing craving to smoke and perceived nicotine withdrawal. MB, but not CS, was more effective than NT in reducing negative affect. MB reduced the risk of smoking by more than twofold relative to both CS and NT during the smoking choice procedure. Participants in the MB condition smoked fewer cigarettes than those in the CS and NT conditions in the 24 hr following the manipulation. There were no differential effects of the manipulations on state mindfulness or positive affect. Mindful yogic breathing appears to be particularly effective in alleviating the acute negative effects of smoking abstinence and decreasing smoking behavior. Mindful breathing techniques are safe, simple, and cost-effective strategies that deserve additional research attention, especially among underserved populations of smokers. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

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PMID: 

Wound Repair Regen. 2019 Nov 27. Epub 2019 Nov 27. PMID: 31777128

Abstract Title: 

Validity of thermography for measuring burn wound healing potential.

Abstract: 

Accurate assessment of burn wound depth and the associated healing potential is vital in determining the need for surgical treatment in burns. Infrared thermography measures the temperature of the burn wound non-invasively, thereby providing indirect information on its blood flow. Previous research demonstrated that a small, low-priced, hand-held thermal imager has an excellent reliability, but a moderate validity for measuring burn wound healing potential. A new and more sensitive version of this convenient device has become available. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of thermography for measuring burn wound healing potential, compared to Laser Doppler Imaging (LDI) as a reference standard. Thermal images and LDI scans were obtained from burn wounds between 2 and 5 days post-burn. Temperature differences between burned and non-burned skin (ΔT) were calculated. To evaluate validity, ΔT values were compared to the healing potential categories assessed by LDI. Two receiver operating characteristic curves were created and two ΔT cut-off values were calculated to illustrate the ability to discriminate between burn wounds that heal in a time period of less than 14 days, between 14 and 21 days, and more than 21 days. Between June and October 2018, 43 burn wounds in 32 patients were measured. ΔT cut-off values of 0.6°C (sensitivity 68%, specificity95%) and -2.3°C (sensitivity 30%, specificity 95%) were calculated to discriminate between burn wounds that heal21 days, respectively. This study shows a good validity of the feasible thermal imager for the assessment of burn wound healing potential. Therefore, we consider it a promising technique to be used for triage in local hospitals and general practices, and as a valuable addition to clinical evaluationin burn centers. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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PMID: 

Lasers Med Sci. 2019 Nov 15. Epub 2019 Nov 15. PMID: 31729609

Abstract Title: 

Physical exercise and low-level laser therapy on the nociception and leukocyte migration of Wistar rats submitted to a model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: 

Rheumatoid arthritis denotes hyperplasia and intense inflammatory process. Treatment involves exercise protocols and use of resources such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to modulate the inflammatory process and maintain physical capacity. The objective was to investigate whether treatment with LLLT and exercise modulates the inflammatory process and peripheral functionality. Sample is composed of 128 male rats, separated into three groups, control, treated and untreated, in the acute and chronic period of the disease with 64 animals in each group, divided into 8 subgroups with n = 8. The animals were immunized with injection at the base of the tail and 7 days after intra-articular injection with complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) for lesion groups, and saline solution for the controls. Joint disability was evaluated by PET (paw elevation time) and joint edema and treated with LLLT and/or resisted stair climbing exercise. Normality Shapiro-Wilk test, ANOVA mixed for the functional analyses, and ANOVA one-way for the variables of cellular differentiation, with Bonferroni post hoc, p = 5% were used. For the evaluations of joint disability and nociception, there was a significant difference between the evaluations, the groups, and the interaction groups-evaluations. The treated groups showed recovery of functionality; it is still verified that laser therapy increased the nociceptive threshold of the chronic inflammatory period, and the exercise reflected in significant functional improvement and modulation of the inflammatory process both in the acute and chronic periods. LLLT, resistance exercise, or a combination of treatments had a positive effect on the modulation of the inflammatory process, reducing the migration of leukocytes, in addition to helping the return of peripheral functionality by reducing joint disability in a model of rheumatoid arthritis induced by CFA in rats.

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PMID: 

Dent Med Probl. 2019 Jul-Sep;56(3):317-321. PMID: 31577077

Abstract Title: 

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) – a promising treatment option: A report of two cases.

Abstract: 

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is a chronic, ulcerative condition of the oral mucosa that affects 10-25% of the population. The etiopathogenesis of the disease is not fully understood, although a polygenic mode of inheritance and immunological dysregulation have been suggested in several studies. The contribution of numerous predisposing factors, such as a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid, trauma, emotional stress, endocrine disturbances, or allergy, have also been considered. So far, no causative treatment for RAS has been developed; instead, topical and systemic drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation, and to lengthen the period of remission. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive and atraumatic therapeutic method that involves the local application of a high-density, monochromatic, narrow-band light source. With the use of the appropriate power and wavelength, the therapy brings anti-inflammatory and analgesic results, and wound healing is promoted. Several reports on the beneficial effects of LLLT in RAS have been presented recently. This report describes 2 cases of adult patients with RAS treated with LLLT to relieve pain and promote the healing of the ulcers. The clinical presentations with the signs and symptoms are discussed and illustrated, along with the treatment algorithms and outcomes.

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