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1.
Int J Mol Sci ; 24(11)2023 May 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37298495

ABSTRACT

Colorectal cancers are one of the leading cancers worldwide and are known for their high potential for metastasis and resistance to therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various combination therapies of irinotecan with melatonin, wogonin, and celastrol on drug-sensitive colon cancer cells (LOVO cell line) and doxorubicin-resistant colon cancer stem-like cells (LOVO/DX cell subline). Melatonin is a hormone synthesized in the pineal gland and is responsible for circadian rhythm. Wogonin and celastrol are natural compounds previously used in traditional Chinese medicine. Selected substances have immunomodulatory properties and anti-cancer potential. First, MTT and flow cytometric annexin-V apoptosis assays were performed to determine the cytotoxic effect and the induction of apoptosis. Then, the potential to inhibit cell migration was evaluated using a scratch test, and spheroid growth was measured. The results showed important cytotoxic effects of the drug combinations on both LOVO and LOVO/DX cells. All tested substances caused an increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells in the LOVO cell line and necrotic cells in the LOVO/DX cell subline. The strongest effect on the induction of cancer cell death was observed for the combination of irinotecan with celastrol (1.25 µM) or wogonin (50 µM) and for the combination of melatonin (2000 µM) with celastrol (1.25 µM) or wogonin (50 µM). Statistically significant improvements in the effect of combined therapy were found for the irinotecan (20 µM) and celastrol (1.25 µM) combination and irinotecan (20 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO/DX cells. Minor additive effects of combined therapy were observed in LOVO cells. Inhibition of cell migration was seen in LOVO cells for all tested compounds, while only irinotecan (20 µM) and celastrol (1.25 µM) were able to inhibit LOVO/DX cell migration. Compared with single-drug therapy, a statistically significant inhibitory effect on cell migration was found for combinations of melatonin (2000 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO/DX cells and irinotecan (5 µM) or melatonin (2000 µM) with wogonin (25 µM) in LOVO cells. Our research shows that adding melatonin, wogonin, or celastrol to standard irinotecan therapy may potentiate the anti-cancer effects of irinotecan alone in colon cancer treatment. Celastrol seems to have the greatest supporting therapy effect, especially for the treatment of aggressive types of colon cancer, by targeting cancer stem-like cells.


Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents , Colonic Neoplasms , Melatonin , Humans , Irinotecan/pharmacology , Irinotecan/therapeutic use , Melatonin/pharmacology , Melatonin/therapeutic use , Colonic Neoplasms/pathology , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Apoptosis , Cell Line, Tumor
2.
Mindfulness (N Y) ; 14(5): 1183-1191, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37304658

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The current study explored the mediating role of work interference on family guilt (WIFG) and family interference on work guilt (FIWG) in association with parents' self-compassion and mindful parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic, while controlling for the effects of educational level and marital status. Method: In May 2020, a sample of 398 mothers (26-50 years) participated in the study and completed an online survey that included a sociodemographic form and measures of self-compassion, work-family guilt, and mindful parenting. A parallel multiple mediation model was tested to explore the indirect effect of parents' self-compassion on mindful parenting through WIFG and FIWG. Independent samples t-tests were performed to compare study variables by mothers' working conditions during the pandemic. Results: The mediation analysis indicated that parents' higher levels of self-compassion were indirectly associated with higher levels of mindful parenting through lower levels of WIFG/FIWG. Comparison analyses indicated that mothers who were working in their workplace during the pandemic reported higher levels of WIFG than those working from home; conversely, mothers who were working from home reported higher levels of FIWG than those working in their workplace. Conclusions: These data highlight the importance of research in this field and support the development of intervention community programs for promoting mindful parenting, by developing more adaptive emotional regulation strategies such as self-compassion, which specifically target parents who experience higher levels of guilt associated with work and family conflict. Preregistration: This study is not pre-registered.

3.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36673983

ABSTRACT

The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of supportive coparenting in the relationship between parental psychopathology symptoms and mindful parenting and to explore whether the child's age group moderates the associations in the model. A sample of 462 parents (94.2% mothers) of preschool and school-aged children completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Parental Perceptions of Coparenting Questionnaire, and the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale. A moderated mediation model was estimated to analyze the indirect effect of psychopathology symptoms on mindful parenting through supportive coparenting and the moderating role of the child's age group. Higher levels of parental psychopathology were found to be associated both directly and indirectly (through lower levels of supportive coparenting) with lower levels of mindful parenting, regardless of the child's age group. The results suggest that supportive coparenting is a relevant explanatory mechanism for the relationship between parental psychopathology and mindful parenting.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Mindfulness , Female , Humans , Child, Preschool , Child , Parenting , Mothers , Educational Status
4.
Mindfulness (N Y) ; 14(2): 418-428, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36597485

ABSTRACT

Objectives: There is evidence that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a negative impact on the mental health of pregnant women, such as an increase in the prevalence of depression. Given the negative consequences that depressive symptoms can pose for pregnant women, it is crucial to understand how cognitive processes influence women's depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among this specific vulnerable population. The present study aimed to examine the relationship between pregnant women's dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood and their depressive symptoms, considering the mediating roles of self-compassion and mindful self-care. Method: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Portugal between October 2020 and April 2021. A sample of 244 pregnant women answered a set of questionnaires to assess dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood, depressive symptoms, self-compassion, and mindful self-care. Results: More dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, and this relation was mediated through self-compassion and mindful self-care. Conclusions: These results highlight that self-compassion and mindful self-care are important psychological mechanisms and the importance of considering them in psychological interventions to prevent and/or treat depressive symptoms in pregnant women with dysfunctional attitudes toward motherhood during stressful events such as a pandemic.

5.
Midwifery ; 116: 103521, 2023 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36288676

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore a wide range of factors associated with complete mental health (i.e., positive mental health - the presence of flourishing, and the absence of mental illness - depressive and anxious symptoms) among Portuguese pregnant women, during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Quantitative cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data were collected through an online survey placed on social media websites targeting pregnant Portuguese adult women between October 2020 and April 2021. PARTICIPANTS: The sample comprised 207 pregnant women. RESULTS: A multivariate logistic regression model showed that higher levels of self-compassion and higher engagement in mindful self-care practices increased the likelihood of reporting complete mental health during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Promoting self-compassion and mindful self-care may be particularly important in pregnant women, as these psychological factors appear to contribute to complete mental health during COVID-19 pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The COVID-19 pandemic represented a demanding period for pregnant women. Our findings highlight that targeting the promotion of self-compassion and mindful self-care practices during stressful periods could significantly contribute to their overall mental health.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mindfulness , Pregnancy , Adult , Female , Humans , Mental Health , Cross-Sectional Studies , Pandemics , Pregnant Women , Depression , Anxiety , Stress, Psychological
6.
Mindfulness (N Y) ; 13(12): 3091-3108, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36408119

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Mindful Moment is a self-guided, web-based, mindful, and compassionate parenting training for postpartum mothers who experience parenting stress. We aimed to assess Mindful Moment's feasibility, acceptability, and usability, and to gather preliminary evidence of its effectiveness in reducing parenting stress and outcomes such as mindful parenting, self-compassion, depressive symptoms, anxious symptoms, dispositional mindfulness, mother's perception of infant temperament, and mother-infant bonding. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was a two-arm trial and followed the CONSORT 2010, CONSORT-EHEALTH, and CONSORT-SPI 2018 extension guidelines. A total of 292 Portuguese mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 146) or to the waiting list control group (n = 146) and completed baseline (T1) and postintervention (T2) self-reported assessments. Results: A total of 31 mothers (21.23%) completed the Mindful Moment intervention. Most mothers evaluated the program as good or excellent (90%), considered that Mindful Moment provided them the kind of help they expected or wanted (61%), were satisfied with the help provided by the program (74.6%), would recommend it to a friend in a similar situation (86.4%), and would use it again if needed (81.4%). Regarding the program's preliminary effectiveness, mothers in the intervention group presented a greater decrease in parenting stress, a greater increase in dispositional mindfulness, and a greater decrease in their perception of the difficult temperament of their infants from T1 to T2. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the Mindful Moment's effectiveness and suggests that it is a feasible and acceptable program for postpartum mothers experiencing parenting stress. Further research is needed to confirm these results in a larger RCT. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04892082).

7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36294295

ABSTRACT

Home gardening has a long history that started when humans became sedentary, being traditionally considered an accessible source of food and medicinal plants to treat common illnesses. With trends towards urbanization and industrialization, particularly in the post-World War II period, the importance of home gardens as important spaces for growing food and medicinal plants reduced and they began to be increasingly seen as decorative and leisure spaces. However, the growing awareness of the negative impacts of agricultural intensification and urbanization for human health, food quality, ecosystem resilience, and biodiversity conservation motivated the emergence of new approaches concerning home gardens. Societies began to question the potential of nearby green infrastructures to human wellbeing, food provisioning, and the conservation of traditional varieties, as well as providers of important services, such as ecological corridors for wild species and carbon sinks. In this context. and to foster adaptive and resilient social-ecological systems, our supported viewpoint intends to be more than an exhaustive set of perceptions, but a reflection of ideas about the important contribution of home gardens to sustainable development. We envision these humble spaces strengthening social and ecological components, by providing a set of diversified and intermingled goods and services for an increasingly urban population.


Subject(s)
Gardens , Plants, Medicinal , Humans , Gardening , Ecosystem , Biodiversity , Urbanization
8.
Int J Mol Sci ; 23(16)2022 Aug 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36012645

ABSTRACT

The goal of this study was to the assess anti-cancer and antioxidant properties of the Ganoderma lucidum fruiting body, and to identify bioactive compounds found in their extracts. Significant antiproliferative activity was observed against MCF-7, MCF-7/DX, LOVO, LOVO/DX, MDA-MB 231, SW 620, and NHDF cell lines. With IC50 values of 25.38 µg/mL and 47.90 µg/mL, respectively, the extract was most effective against MDA-MB 231 and SW 620 cell lines. The bioactive compounds were identified using an ACQUITY UPLC-PDA-MS system. The extracts contained 13 triterpenoids and 28 polyphenols from the flavonols, phenolic acids, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and stilbenes families. Ganoderic acid derivative was found to be the most abundant triterpenoid (162.4 mg/g DW), followed by ganoderic acid B (145.6 mg/g DW). Resveratrol was the most abundant phenolic in the extract (5155.7 mg/100 g DM). The findings could explain why G. lucidum extracts are used in folk medicine.


Subject(s)
Agaricales , Antineoplastic Agents , Ganoderma , Reishi , Triterpenes , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Antioxidants/pharmacology , Humans , Phenols/pharmacology , Phytochemicals , Poland , Polyphenols , Triterpenes/analysis , Triterpenes/pharmacology
9.
Curr Psychol ; : 1-13, 2022 Mar 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35283611

ABSTRACT

Self-compassion is an important psychological skill that may facilitate the adoption of a mindful way of parenting, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the association between these constructs may be explained by several variables, such as maternal psychopathological symptoms, with a well-established interference in parenting. This study aimed to compare mothers who experienced and mothers who did not experience a negative emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on self-compassion, mindful parenting, postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) and postpartum anxious symptoms (PPAS). We also explored whether mothers' self-compassion was associated with mindful parenting and whether this relationship may be mediated by PPDS and PPAS. A sample of 977 Portuguese mothers of infants aged between zero and six months completed an online survey between December 2020 and January 2021, a period of major pandemic-related restrictions. The survey included several self-report questionnaires that assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and COVID-19 information, self-compassion, mindful parenting, PPDS and PPAS. Mothers who reported having felt that the pandemic had a negative emotional impact during their postpartum period (79.5%) presented lower levels of self-compassion and mindful parenting, and higher levels of PPDS and PPAS. Regarding the mediation model, higher levels of self-compassion were related to higher levels of mindful parenting, and this association was mediated by lower levels of PPAS. These results highlight the relevance of mothers' self-compassion for helping them feel less anxious and to adopt a mindful way of parenting in the postpartum period, particularly during the pandemic. Compassion-based interventions may be particularly important in reducing PPAS and promoting mindful parenting and should be available to postpartum mothers, especially during, but also beyond the pandemic.

10.
Infant Ment Health J ; 42(6): 784-795, 2021 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34741468

ABSTRACT

Postpartum psychopathology has an adverse impact on parenting behaviors and, consequently, on the mother-infant relationship. This study aimed to explore whether the relationship between maternal anxiety and depression symptomatology in the postpartum period and the ability of mothers to adopt a mindful parenting approach is indirect and can be explained by parental reflective functioning. Two hundred ninety five Portuguese mothers of infants aged up to 12 months completed self-report measures assessing anxiety/depression symptoms, mindful parenting, and parental reflective functioning. Mothers who reported clinically significant anxious and/or depressive symptomatology levels (21%) showed lower levels of mindful parenting and of certainty about the mental states as well as higher levels of prementalizing modes of mental states than mothers with normal symptomatology levels. An indirect effect of depressive symptomatology on mindful parenting through the two dimensions of parental reflective functioning and a direct effect of anxious symptomatology on mindful parenting were found. The results suggest that parental reflective functioning is an important explanatory mechanism of the relationship between depressive symptomatology and mindful parenting, as well as that anxious symptomatology is directly associated with mindful parenting. This study suggests that reducing anxious and depressive symptoms in the postpartum period can promote reflective and mindful parenting skills.


La sicopatología posterior al parto tiene un impacto adverso sobre las conductas de crianza y, consecuentemente, sobre la relación madre-infante. Este estudio se propuso explorar si la sintomatología materna de ansiedad/depresión en el período posterior al parto se asocia con la más débil habilidad de la madre para adoptar un acercamiento consciente a la crianza y si esta relación es indirecta y la explica el funcionamiento reflexivo del progenitor. Doscientas noventa y cinco madres portuguesas de infantes de edad hasta los 12 meses completaron medidas de auto reporte para evaluar los síntomas de ansiedad/depresión, la crianza consciente, así como el funcionamiento reflexivo del progenitor. El 21% de las madres reportaron niveles de sintomatología de ansiedad y/o depresión clínicamente significativos. Estas madres mostraron niveles más débiles de una crianza consciente y de certeza acerca de los estados mentales y niveles más fuertes de modos mentales de mentalización previa que las madres con niveles normales de sintomatología. Encontramos un efecto indirecto de sintomatología depresiva sobre la crianza consciente a través de dos dimensiones del funcionamiento reflexivo del progenitor y un efecto directo de sintomatología de ansiedad sobre la crianza consciente. Los resultados sugieren que el funcionamiento reflexivo del progenitor es un mecanismo importante de explicación de la relación entre la sintomatología depresiva y la crianza consciente, como también la sintomatología de la ansiedad está directamente asociada con la crianza consciente. Este estudio sugiere que reducir los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en el período posterior al parto puede promover las habilidades de una crianza reflexiva y consciente.


La psychopathologie postpartum a un impact négatif sur les comportements de parentage et par conséquent sur la relation mère-bébé. Cette étude s'est donnée pour but d'explorer si la symptomatologie anxiété/dépression maternelle durant la période postpartum est liée à une moindre capacité des mères à adopter une approche attentive au parentage et si cette relation est indirecte et expliquée par le fonctionnement parental de réflexion. 295 mères portugaises de bébés âgés de 0 à 12 mois ont rempli des mesures d'auto-évaluations évaluant les symptômes d'anxiété/dépression, le parentage attentif, et le fonctionnement parental de réflexion. 21% des mères ont fait état de niveaux cliniquement élevés de symptomatologie anxieuse et/ou dépressive. Ces mères ont fait preuve de niveaux moins élevés de parentage attentif et de certitude sur les états mentaux et de niveaux plus élevés de mode de pré-mentalisation que les mères avec des niveaux normaux de symptomatologie. Un effet indirect de symptomatologie dépressive sur le parentage attentif à travers deux dimensions de fonctionnement de réflexion maternelle et un effet direct de symptomatologie anxieuse sur le parentage attentif ont été trouvés. Les résultats suggèrent que le fonctionnement de réflexion parentage est un mécanisme important d'explication de la relation entre la symptomatologie dépressive et le parentage attentif. Ils suggèrent également que la symptomatologie anxieuse est directement liée au parentage attentif. Cette étude suggère que la réduction des symptômes anxieux et dépressifs durant la période post-partum peut promouvoir des capacités de parentage de réflexion et d'attention.


Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , Mothers , Female , Humans , Infant , Mother-Child Relations , Parenting , Parents , Postpartum Period
11.
Infant Ment Health J ; 42(5): 621-635, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34407224

ABSTRACT

The current COVID-19 pandemic is a challenging time for postpartum mothers, and associated challenges may have a negative impact on their parenting and, consequently, on mother-infant bonding. This study aimed to longitudinally explore whether mothers' self-compassion was associated with mother-infant bonding and whether this relationship was mediated by mindful parenting and parenting stress. A total of 125 Portuguese mothers of infants aged between 0 and 12 months completed an online survey at two assessment points during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (T1: April-May 2020; T2: June-July 2020). The survey included several questionnaires assessing sociodemographic, clinical, and COVID-19 information; self-compassion; mindful parenting; parenting stress; and mother-infant bonding. Mothers presented significantly higher levels of self-compassion, less impaired mother-infant bonding, and lower levels of depressive symptoms at T2 than T1. Higher levels of self-compassion at T1 predicted less impaired mother-infant bonding at T2, and this relationship was mediated by higher levels of mindful parenting and lower levels of parenting stress (both assessed at T1). These results highlight the relevance of mothers' self-compassion to establishing mother-infant bonding in the postpartum period, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the important role of mindful parenting and parenting stress in determining this relationship.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mothers , Empathy , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Longitudinal Studies , Mother-Child Relations , Pandemics , Parenting , Postpartum Period , SARS-CoV-2
12.
J Clin Psychol ; 77(9): 1997-2010, 2021 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33822369

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Millions of people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has impacted maternal mental health and mother-infant relationships during the postpartum period. OBJECTIVES: To explore how mothers' anxious and depressive symptoms, parenting stress, mindful parenting, and mother-infant bonding vary as a function of the moment of the baby's birth (pre-COVID-19 or post-COVID-19) and to examine the contribution of those variables to mother-infant bonding. METHODS: The sample was recruited online and comprises 567 mothers (18-46 years) with an infant aged between 0 and 12 months old. RESULTS: Approximately 27.5% of the mothers presented clinically significant levels of anxious and depressive symptoms. Mothers who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic presented lower levels of Emotional Awareness of the Child and a more impaired mother-infant bonding than mothers who gave birth before the pandemic started. Approximately 49% of the mother-infant bonding variance was explained by parenting stress and by several dimensions of mindful parenting. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide important insights into the impact of COVID-19 on maternal mental health and parenting.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Mindfulness , Mother-Child Relations/psychology , Mothers/psychology , Pandemics , Parenting/psychology , Postpartum Period/psychology , COVID-19/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Portugal/epidemiology
13.
J Youth Adolesc ; 49(1): 192-211, 2020 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31598809

ABSTRACT

The acquisition and mastery of emotion regulation is one of the most important developmental tasks of adolescence. Difficulties in regulating emotions are one of the most robust risk factors for the development of difficulties and psychopathology. This study investigates whether a mindful parenting style is associated with adolescent's difficulties in emotion regulation and whether adolescents' self-compassion and psychological inflexibility mediate this association. This study also explores gender and age differences in study variables and the moderating role of adolescents' gender and stage of adolescence in the mediation model. A total of 375 mother-adolescent dyads participated in the study. The adolescents had a mean age of 14.19 years (SD = 1.67; range = 12-19 years) and 59.5% were girls. The mindful parenting dimensions of compassion for the child and nonjudgmental acceptance of parental functioning were indirectly associated with difficulties in emotion regulation through self-compassion, whereas the mindful parenting dimension of listening with full attention was indirectly associated with difficulties in emotion regulation through psychological inflexibility. Some associations were only significant for girls. These findings suggest that mindful parenting is a possible vehicle to foster adaptive emotion regulation in adolescents by facilitating their self-compassion and psychological flexibility.


Subject(s)
Adolescent Behavior/psychology , Emotional Regulation , Empathy , Parent-Child Relations , Parenting/psychology , Adolescent , Female , Humans , Male , Mindfulness , Mothers/psychology , Parents/psychology
14.
Front Psychol ; 10: 635, 2019.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30967822

ABSTRACT

Aims: The aims of the current study are to examine whether parents' work-family conflict, emotional distress (anxiety/depressive symptoms and parenting stress) and mindful parenting vary according to the type of employment (full-time, part-time, and occasional), the type of work schedule (fixed, flexible, and shift), and the number of working hours per week and to explore whether parental emotional distress mediates the association between work-family conflict and mindful parenting dimensions. Methods: A sample of 335 employed parents (86.3% mothers) of children and adolescents between the ages of 1 and 19 years old completed a sociodemographic form and measures of work-family conflict, anxiety/depression symptoms, parenting stress, and mindful parenting. The differences in study variables among types of employment, work schedules and number of weekly working hours were analyzed. A path model was tested through structural equation modeling in AMOS to explore the indirect effect of work-family conflict on mindful parenting dimensions through anxiety, depression and parenting stress. The invariance of the path model across children's age groups (toddlers, preschool and grade school children, and adolescents) and parents' gender was also examined. Results: Parents with a shift work schedule, working full-time and 40 h or more per week, presented significantly higher levels of work-family conflict than those with a fixed or flexible schedule, working part-time and less than 40 h per week, respectively. Parents with a flexible work schedule presented significantly higher levels of self-regulation in parenting and of non-judgmental acceptance of parental functioning than parents with a shift work schedule. Higher levels of work-family conflict were associated with lower levels of mindful parenting dimensions through higher levels of anxiety/depression symptoms and parenting stress. The model was invariant across children's age groups and parents' gender. Discussion: Work-family conflict is associated with poorer parental mental health and with less mindful parenting. Workplaces should implement family-friendly policies (e.g., flexible work arrangements) that help parents successfully balance the competing responsibilities and demands of their work and family roles. These policies could have a critical impact on the mental health of parents and, consequently, on their parental practices.

15.
Adv Clin Exp Med ; 28(4): 431-438, 2019 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30659788

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The development of a new type of wound dressing material that can support skin regeneration is an important challenge to improve treatment of chronic, non-healing wounds. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the impact of flax fabrics from transgenic plants overexpressing phenolic acids and flavonoids (W92) and polyhydroxybutyrate (M48), as well as fabric from non-transgenic plant (Nike) on cultures of human skin cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Flax fabric pieces as well as water extracts from the fabrics were co-cultured with human skin cells: keratinocytes, fibroblasts, dermal microvascular endothelial cells, and with monocytoid cell line (THP1) for 48 h. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed with the sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was estimated with the 2'7 dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) oxidation method. Endothelial cell migration was measured with the scratch assay. The results were compared with the multi-criteria analysis (MCA) procedure. RESULTS: Tested flax fabrics released flavonoids and polyhydroxybutyrate to cell culture media, as it was determined by means of the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Fabrics from transgenic plants W92 and M48 promoted proliferation of keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Water extracts from flax fabric diminished the proliferation of monocytoid cells, decreased oxidative burst in activated THP1 cells and accelerated the velocity of dermal microvascular cell migration. The MCA proved that the sum of beneficial effects estimated in human skin cell cultures was higher (by 47% and by 34% with W92 and M48, respectively) than that of non-transgenic flax fabric (Nike). CONCLUSIONS: The W92 and M48 fabrics should be further studied as candidates for elaboration of new types of bandages, able to improve skin wound healing.


Subject(s)
Biotechnology , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Flax/genetics , Plant Preparations/pharmacology , Plants, Genetically Modified , Cell Movement , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Genetic Engineering/methods , Humans , Skin
16.
Front Psychol ; 9: 2004, 2018.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30416465

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to explore whether parents' mindful parenting skills were associated with adolescents' emotional eating through adolescents' levels of self-compassion and body shame. The sample included 572 dyads composed of a mother or a father and his/her child (12-18 years old), with normal weight (BMI = 5-85th percentile) or with overweight/obesity with or without nutritional treatment (BMI ≥ 85th percentile) according to the WHO Child Growth Standards. Parents completed self-report measures of mindful parenting (Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting Scale), and adolescents completed measures of self-compassion (Self-Compassion Scale-Short Form), body shame (Experience of Shame Scale), and emotional eating (Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire). Two path models, one with the total score for mindful parenting and the other with its dimensions, were tested in AMOS. Mindful parenting, specifically the dimension of compassion for the child, was indirectly associated with emotional eating through adolescents' self-compassion (point estimate = -0.27, p = 0.03, CI 95% [-0.61, -0.06]) and through self-compassion and body shame sequentially (point estimate = -0.19, p = 0.03, CI 95% [-0.37, -0.05]). The path model was invariant across weight groups but not across adolescents' sex (the indirect effects were significant among girls only). This study provides a novel comprehensive model of how mindful parenting, especially the dimension of compassion for the child, can be associated with adolescents' emotional eating behaviors by suggesting a potential sequence of mechanisms that may explain this association. This study suggests the beneficial effect of both mindful parenting and adolescents' self-compassion skills for adolescent girls struggling with feelings of body shame and emotional eating behaviors.

17.
J Adolesc ; 68: 22-31, 2018 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30014953

ABSTRACT

The current study aims to investigate whether mindful parenting and adolescents' dispositional mindfulness differ as a function of maternal anxiety and depressive symptoms and to explore the moderating role of these symptoms on the relationship between mindful parenting and adolescents' dispositional mindfulness. A sample of 685 mother-adolescent dyads was collected in Portuguese public schools. Mothers completed self-reported measures of mindful parenting and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and adolescents (aged 10-18 years) completed a measure of dispositional mindfulness. Mothers with clinically significant symptomatology levels reported lower levels of mindful parenting than those with normal symptomatology. Almost all mindful parenting dimensions were significantly associated with adolescents' mindfulness, but only under lower or moderate levels of anxiety and depression symptomatology. These findings suggest that parental factors play a key role in adolescents' mindfulness skills and underline the detrimental effect of maternal psychopathology on mindful parenting and on its link with adolescents' mindfulness.


Subject(s)
Mindfulness , Mother-Child Relations/psychology , Mothers/psychology , Parenting/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Anxiety/psychology , Child , Depression/psychology , Female , Humans , Male , Self Report
18.
J Youth Adolesc ; 47(8): 1771-1788, 2018 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29392524

ABSTRACT

There is some evidence that mindful parenting, a parenting approach that involves the practice of bringing mindful awareness to the parent-child relationship, is associated with several positive psychosocial outcomes in adolescents. However, only a few studies have investigated the mechanisms that may underlie that association. This study explores whether the link between mindful parenting and adolescents' well-being is mediated by adolescents' attachment representations, self-compassion and mindfulness skills. The sample comprised 563 parent-child dyads (95.6% mothers). Adolescents (61.5% girls) had a mean age of 14.26 years (SD = 1.66, range = 12-20). Parents completed a measure of mindful parenting, and adolescents completed measures of attachment representations, self-compassion, mindfulness, and well-being. Mindful parenting was indirectly associated with adolescents' self-compassion and mindfulness through a more secure perception of the relationship with the parents, and was indirectly associated with adolescents' well-being through perceived attachment security, self-compassion and mindfulness. The path model was invariant across stages of adolescence but some relations in the model varied across gender. Self-compassion and mindfulness seem to develop within a parent-child relationship characterized by affection, self-regulation, and mindful awareness. These two resources, along with mindful parenting and positive representations of the parent-child relationship, are associated with adolescents' well-being.


Subject(s)
Child Welfare/psychology , Mindfulness , Parent-Child Relations , Parenting/psychology , Parents/psychology , Adolescent , Adolescent Development , Empathy , Female , Humans , Male , Mothers/psychology
19.
Body Image ; 20: 49-57, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27936409

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine (a) whether mindfulness skills were associated with higher quality of life through lower body shame for treatment-seeking children/adolescents with overweight and obesity and (b) whether this indirect effect was moderated by children/adolescents' age and gender. The sample included 153 children/adolescents with overweight/obesity followed in individual nutrition consultations. Participants completed self-report measures of mindfulness, body shame, and quality of life. Moderated mediation analyses showed that higher levels of mindfulness were associated with better perceived quality of life through lower body shame, but only among girls. For boys, higher levels of body shame did not translate into a poorer perception of quality of life, and the indirect effect of mindfulness on quality of life via lower body shame was not significant. These results suggest that body shame is an important mechanism to explain why mindfulness may help girls with overweight/obesity perceive a better quality of life.


Subject(s)
Body Image/psychology , Mindfulness , Overweight/psychology , Pediatric Obesity/psychology , Quality of Life/psychology , Shame , Adolescent , Body Mass Index , Child , Female , Humans , Male , Patient Acceptance of Health Care , Sex Factors
20.
Acta Pol Pharm ; 74(2): 642-652, 2017 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29624270

ABSTRACT

Previously it was documented that transgenic flax plants, which contained an increased level of polyphenolic compounds, significantly improved healing of skin wounds lesions. In order to recognize mechanisms of beneficial action of transgenic flax fabrics on wound healing, in the present study the impact of flax fabric pieces/cuts from three types of transgenic flax on normal human dermal fibroblasts primary culture (NHDF) was investigated. NHDF cell cultures were exposed for 48 h to specific area of flax fabric cuts, made from M50, B 14 and M50+B14 (intertwined fibers of M and B), or parallely, extracts from fibers of the tested flax materials to cell culture medium. Cultures were inspected for cell viability, proliferation, cell cycle changes and for their resistance to oxidative stress (consecutive addition of H2,O2, to harvested cell cultures). None of the tested flax fabrics were cytotoxic to fibroblast cultures and also did not increase significantly a frequency of apoptotic cells in cultures. In the comet assay, the tested flax fabrics revealed significant protective effect on DNA damage ciused by addition of H202 to the cultures at the end of incubation time. Fabrics from transgenic flax significantly enhanced fibroblasts proliferation in vitro estimated with the SRB test. Flow cytometric analysis revealed higher frequency of cells in the S phase, in the presence of transgenic flax fabrics. Fabrics from B14 and M50+B14 flax are the most potent activators of NHDF cells in applied in vityo tests, hence they could be recommended for elaboration of new type bandage, able to improve skin wound healing.


Subject(s)
Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Fibroblasts/drug effects , Flax/genetics , Plant Preparations/pharmacology , Plants, Genetically Modified/genetics , Textiles , Wound Healing/drug effects , Animals , Apoptosis/drug effects , BALB 3T3 Cells , Cell Survival/drug effects , DNA Damage/drug effects , Fibroblasts/metabolism , Fibroblasts/pathology , Flax/enzymology , Flax/growth & development , Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic , Gene Expression Regulation, Plant , Humans , Hydrogen Peroxide/toxicity , Mice , Oxidative Stress/drug effects , Plant Preparations/toxicity , Plants, Genetically Modified/enzymology , Plants, Genetically Modified/growth & development , S Phase/drug effects , Time Factors
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