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Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy 2024In this study, we re-examined data from a previous randomized controlled trial investigating 'technology supported mindfulness' (TSM)-an 8-week treatment intervention... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
In this study, we re-examined data from a previous randomized controlled trial investigating 'technology supported mindfulness' (TSM)-an 8-week treatment intervention for individuals experiencing OCD. The current analysis involves an examination of the longitudinal relationships between rumination, worry and OCD symptom changes during mindfulness treatment, in comparison to a waitlist control.
METHODS
Participants experiencing OCD (n = 71) were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of (1) TSM or (2) waitlist control. We tested the extent to which rumination (using the Ruminative Response Scale) and worry (using the Penn State Worry Questionnaire) are associated with OCD symptom changes during the acute phase of treatment, concurrently (i.e., within the same longitudinal model).
RESULTS
Generalized linear model (GLM) results indicated a significant time (week 1 vs. week 8) by condition interaction involving decreased rumination in the TSM condition: F(1, 61) = 13.37, p = 0.001, partial η = 0.18 and observed power = 0.94. A second GLM demonstrated decreased worry in the TSM condition: F(1, 69) = 37.34, p = 0.001, partial η = 0.35 and observed power = 0.83. Longitudinal 'latent difference' structural equation analyses demonstrated a cross-lagged association between worry (but not rumination) and OCD symptom changes.
CONCLUSIONS
Individuals in the TSM condition experienced greater reductions in rumination and worry during 8 weeks of TSM treatment compared to the waitlist control, and reduced worry predicted subsequent OCD symptom reduction.
Topics: Humans; Female; Male; Mindfulness; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Rumination, Cognitive; Adult; Treatment Outcome; Anxiety; Middle Aged; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 38948943
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.3018 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2024Belief in psi, which includes psychic phenomena such as extra-sensory perception and post-mortem survival, is widespread yet controversial. According to one of the...
INTRODUCTION
Belief in psi, which includes psychic phenomena such as extra-sensory perception and post-mortem survival, is widespread yet controversial. According to one of the leading and perhaps most tested hypotheses, high belief in psi can be explained by differences in various aspects of cognition, including cognitive styles. Most of this research has been conducted with lay individuals. Here, we tested the hypothesis that academic researchers who investigate psi may exhibit different cognitive styles than lay individuals interested in psi, and are more similar to skeptics.
METHODS
We measured two cognitive styles-actively open-minded thinking (AOT) and the need for closure (NFC)-and assessed differences among four heterogeneous groups regarding belief in psi and involvement in related research. Specifically, our study included academic psi researchers ( = 44), lay individuals who believe in psi ( = 32), academics who are skeptics of psi ( = 35), and lay individuals who are skeptics ( = 33).
RESULTS
We found group differences in AOT ( = 0.003) but not in NFC scores ( = 0.67). tests showed no significant difference in AOT scores between academics who conduct psi research (4.5 ± 0.3) and academic skeptics (4.5 ± 0.3; = 0.91) or lay skeptics (4.5 ± 0.4; = 0.80). The lay psi group had significantly lower AOT scores (4.2 ± 0.4) than the other three groups (s: 0.005-0.04), indicating a decreased willingness to consider a range of evidence when forming an opinion, including evidence that challenges their beliefs. AOT was negatively associated with psi belief in the two skeptic groups combined ( = -0.29, = 0.01), but not in the psi groups ( = -0.03, = 0.78).
DISCUSSION
Our research shows that academics who work with psi differ from lay psi individuals, but not from skeptics, in actively open-minded thinking. In other words, despite their high belief in psi phenomena, psi researchers demonstrate a commitment to sound reasoning about evidence that is no different from that of skeptics.
PubMed: 38947901
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1398121 -
Biomedical Engineering Letters Jul 2024Meditation is renowned for its positive effects on cognitive abilities and stress reduction. It has been reported that the amplitude of electroencephalographic (EEG)...
PURPOSE
Meditation is renowned for its positive effects on cognitive abilities and stress reduction. It has been reported that the amplitude of electroencephalographic (EEG) infra-slow activity (ISA, < 0.1 Hz) is reduced as the stress level decreases. Consequently, we aimed to determine if EEG ISA amplitude decreases as a result of meditation practice across various traditions.
METHODS
To this end, we analyzed an open dataset comprising EEG data acquired during meditation sessions from experienced practitioners in the Vipassana tradition-which integrates elements of focused attention and open monitoring, akin to mindfulness meditation-and in the Himalayan Yoga and Isha Shoonya traditions, which emphasize focused attention and open monitoring, respectively.
RESULTS
A general trend was observed where EEG ISA amplitude tended to decrease in experienced meditators from these traditions compared to novices, particularly significant in the 0.03-0.08 Hz band for Vipassana meditators. Therefore, our analysis focused on this ISA frequency band. Specifically, a notable decrease in EEG ISA amplitude was observed in Vipassana meditators, predominantly in the left-frontal region. This reduction in EEG ISA amplitude was also accompanied by a decrease in phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) between the ISA phase and alpha band (8-12 Hz) amplitude, which implied decreased neural excitability fluctuations.
CONCLUSION
Our findings suggest that not only does EEG ISA amplitude decrease in experienced meditators from traditions that incorporate both focused attention and open monitoring, but this decrease may also signify a diminished influence of neural excitability fluctuations attributed to ISA.
PubMed: 38946818
DOI: 10.1007/s13534-024-00377-0 -
International Journal of Occupational... Jun 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and new technologies have heightened workplace pressures. Effective response and essential organizational changes require business...
. The COVID-19 pandemic, remote work and new technologies have heightened workplace pressures. Effective response and essential organizational changes require business leaders to be more adaptable, with managers' presence playing a pivotal role in successful implementation. The study assesses a brief mindfulness-based emotional regulation for managers (MBERM) intervention, to reduce workplace stress and enhance managerial well-being. . An 8-week non-randomized controlled trial was conducted with a waiting list control group and an intervention group. Pre-post differences were measured by Student's test or Wilcoxon test, and effect size calculated using the Hedge's formula. The sample included 23 managers (17 men and six women) with average age 50 years. The study assessed anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychological flexibility, perceived self-efficacy, general work-related well-being, perceived stress and mindfulness. . Statistically significant changes were observed in the intervention group in depression, anxiety, work-related acceptance and action, general self-efficacy, exhaustion, alienation, stress and non-reactivity. The control group showed no statistically significant changes in any of the variables. . The MBERM intervention could improve the emotional and work-related well-being of managers and reduce stress levels and burnout. Further study of this intervention is needed to promote adherence and ensure a long-term improvement.
PubMed: 38946201
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2024.2358676 -
Psychology & Health Jun 2024Early career professionals (ECPs) are a critical target for physical activity (PA) promotion. Affect contributes to an established PA intention-behaviour gap and is...
UNLABELLED
Early career professionals (ECPs) are a critical target for physical activity (PA) promotion. Affect contributes to an established PA intention-behaviour gap and is pertinent among ECPs.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a web-based intervention and explore the effects on secondary outcomes (moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), emotion regulation, multi-process action control constructs).
METHODS
Adults aged 25-44 who were employed at least part-time in a desk-based job and not meeting PA guidelines (<150 min MVPA) were recruited and randomized into a 6-week online intervention integrating acceptance and commitment principles and affect regulation strategies, or a control group.
RESULTS
Forty adults were recruited and randomized to the web-based intervention ( = 21) and waitlist control ( = 19). The recruitment rate was 29%, retention was 75%, engagement was 68%, and satisfaction was high in both quantitative and qualitative assessment. Participants allocated to the intervention improved MVPA (η=0.30), emotion regulation (η =0.49), behavioural regulation (η=0.53), affective attitude (η=0.23), identity (η=0.24), and constructs of mindfulness (η=0.44), and valued living (η=0.20).
CONCLUSIONS
Primary outcomes concerning feasibility were adequate and secondary outcomes improved, suggesting a full-scale randomized controlled trial is feasible with minor modifications. A large-scale study is warranted to establish intervention effectiveness.
PubMed: 38946146
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2024.2372658 -
Experimental & Molecular Medicine Jul 2024The development of chemoresistance is a major challenge in the treatment of several types of cancers in clinical settings. Stemness and chemoresistance are the chief... (Review)
Review
The development of chemoresistance is a major challenge in the treatment of several types of cancers in clinical settings. Stemness and chemoresistance are the chief causes of poor clinical outcomes. In this context, we hypothesized that understanding the signaling pathways responsible for chemoresistance in cancers is crucial for the development of novel targeted therapies to overcome drug resistance. Among the aberrantly activated pathways, the PI3K-Akt/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is clinically implicated in malignancies such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Aberrant dysregulation of phospholipase D (PLD) has been implicated in several malignancies, and oncogenic activation of this pathway facilitates tumor proliferation, stemness, and chemoresistance. Crosstalk involving the PLD and Wnt/β-catenin pathways promotes the progression of CRC and GBM and reduces the sensitivity of cancer cells to standard therapies. Notably, both pathways are tightly regulated and connected at multiple levels by upstream and downstream effectors. Thus, gaining deeper insights into the interactions between these pathways would help researchers discover unique therapeutic targets for the management of drug-resistant cancers. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which PLD signaling stimulates stemness and chemoresistance in CRC and GBM. Thus, the current review aims to address the importance of PLD as a central player coordinating cross-talk between the PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and proposes the possibility of targeting these pathways to improve cancer therapy and overcome drug resistance.
PubMed: 38945955
DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01260-9 -
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation... Aug 2024Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition associated with a range of persistent symptoms including headaches, cognitive dysfunction, mental fatigue, insomnia,... (Review)
Review
Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Treating Headaches, Cognitive Dysfunction, Mental Fatigue, Insomnia, and Mood Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Comprehensive Review.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition associated with a range of persistent symptoms including headaches, cognitive dysfunction, mental fatigue, insomnia, and mood disorders. Conventional treatments for TBI-related symptoms can be insufficient, leading to interest in complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) approaches. This comprehensive article examines the existing literature on CIM modalities, including mind-body interventions, acupuncture/acupressure, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, biofeedback, yoga, and tai chi in the context of managing secondary complications following TBI. The article highlights potential benefits and limitations of CIM modalities, while acknowledging the need for further research to better establish efficacy and safety in this specific population.
Topics: Humans; Brain Injuries, Traumatic; Mood Disorders; Complementary Therapies; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders; Integrative Medicine; Headache; Cognitive Dysfunction; Mental Fatigue
PubMed: 38945657
DOI: 10.1016/j.pmr.2024.02.013 -
Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ Jul 2024Physical activity and mindfulness techniques, such as exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama, are known to have positive effects on health and well-being. However, limited... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparative Analysis of the Effects of Exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability and Electroencephalogram Activity: Unveiling Physiological and Cognitive Insights.
Physical activity and mindfulness techniques, such as exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama, are known to have positive effects on health and well-being. However, limited research has directly compared their impact on physiological and psychological parameters. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama on Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) activity, shedding light on their contributions to overall health and mental well-being. The study was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bhopal, India, from 2018 to 2022. A prospective interventional design was employed over two months, involving 20 participants with normal BMI and no respiratory or cardiac conditions. Exclusion criteria included lung or cardiac diseases, smoking history, dyspnoea during physical activity, pedal edema, and high blood pressure. The Kapalbhati Pranayama intervention was supervised and limited to 5 minutes. HRV was assessed using the HRV Brain Tap Neuralchek Machine before, during, and after Kapalbhati. For exercise, a mild-intensity cycling protocol was performed on healthy volunteers aged 20 to 50. HRV was recorded before, during, and after exercise. The EEG analysis revealed notable changes in brain wave patterns. At baseline, participants exhibited higher levels of delta, theta, and alpha waves, indicating a state of relaxation and calmness. During exercise, there was a significant increase in beta waves and a decrease in delta, theta, and alpha waves, reflecting heightened brain activity and alertness. After Kapalbhati, beta wave levels remained elevated, while delta and theta wave suppression was more pronounced, suggesting a stimulating effect on the brain similar to exercise. The changes in beta and gamma EEG waves could be attributed to factors such as exercise intensity, duration, frequency, and the release of endorphins during both exercise and Kapalbhati. The HRV analysis demonstrated distinct responses to exercise and Kapalbhati. Exercise led to a significant reduction in HRV parameters, characterized by increased heart rate and decreased time-domain HRV measures, aligning with the typical sympathetic nervous system dominance during physical activity. In contrast, Kapalbhati's impact on HRV parameters was milder, with minor changes in heart rate and subtle alterations in time-domain HRV measures. The high LF/HF ratio during Kapalbhati suggested a potential stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. More comprehensive research is required to confirm these findings and understand the long-term effects of Kapalbhati on HRV and cardiovascular health. This study contributes to the understanding of how exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama affect both cognitive and cardiovascular aspects of health. It highlights that both interventions increase brain activity and alertness, but Kapalbhati may have a more potent effect. Exercise significantly reduces HRV parameters, indicating sympathetic nervous system dominance, while Kapalbhati has milder HRV effects. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is essential to confirm and expand on these findings, providing insights into optimizing cognitive function and cardiovascular health through tailored approaches of exercise and Kapalbhati Pranayama.
Topics: Humans; Heart Rate; Electroencephalography; Adult; Male; Exercise; Female; Prospective Studies; Middle Aged; India; Young Adult; Mindfulness; Yoga; Cognition
PubMed: 38944738
DOI: No ID Found -
The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery :... Jun 2024Ankle arthrodesis is an effective surgical intervention for end-stage arthritis or severe ankle joint deformity. Both internal (IF) and external fixation (EF) techniques... (Review)
Review
Ankle arthrodesis is an effective surgical intervention for end-stage arthritis or severe ankle joint deformity. Both internal (IF) and external fixation (EF) techniques are valid options, but there is controversy regarding the most effective technique. This study compares the safety and efficacy of EF and IF fixation techniques for ankle arthrodesis. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines. A literature search of electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), was performed to identify all studies directly comparing the two techniques. Both fixed and random effects models of analysis were used depending on heterogeneity. Odds of union in the EF and IF groups were comparable (OR=0.60, CI 0.36-1.02, p=0.06) however, EF was associated with greater odds of deep hardware infections (OR=3.67, 1.97-6.83, p <0.05) and amputations (OR=3.17, CI 1.06-9.54, p =0.04). Odds of revision surgery and superficial wound complications were similar between groups. EF techniques had significantly longer operation times (MD=31.23, CI-25.11-37.34, p <0.05) and intraoperative blood loss (MD=46.31, CI-24.93-67.69, p <0.05). No significant difference was noted in pain and functionality scores. IF and EF techniques have reasonable union rates with similar postoperative outcomes. However, IF patients are more likely to achieve primary union and less likely to have deep infections, being mindful that EF techniques were usually indicated for more complex cases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
PubMed: 38944233
DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2024.05.010 -
The Lancet. Rheumatology Jun 2024
PubMed: 38944052
DOI: 10.1016/S2665-9913(24)00166-8