Yunnan Baiyao Might Mitigate Periodontitis Bone Destruction by Inhibiting Autophagy and Promoting Osteoblast Differentiation in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro.

Background and Objective: Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that eventually destroys tooth-supporting tissue. Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine compound with haemostatic and anti-inflammatory properties has shown therapeutic potential in several diseases. Our previous study revealed that YNBY suppressed osteoclast differentiation in periodontitis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influences of YNBY on osteoblasts and explore its potential mechanisms. Materials and Methods: A rat periodontitis model was established by ligation of maxillary second molars. After the end of modelling, histopathological observation by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Masson trichrome staining, detection of bone resorption by Micro-CT scanning, detection of osteoclasts by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) by immunohistochemistry. Lipopolysaccharides was used to irritate MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells and ex vivo calvarial organ as an in vitro model of inflammation. CCK-8 assay was performed to examine the toxicity of YNBY to MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells. Osteogenesis was assessed with alizarin red staining, immunofluorescence staining, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining. Transmission electron microscopy, fluorescent double staining, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were employed to detect autophagy. Results: Histological and micro-CT analyses revealed that YNBY gavage reduced bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis and upregulated osteogenic proteins in vivo. YNBY attenuated the production of autophagy-related proteins in periodontitis rats. Additionally, YNBY promoted osteogenesis by inhibiting inflammation-induced autophagy in vitro. Furthermore, YNBY suppressed LPS-mediated bone resorption and promoted the production of osteoblast-related proteins in inflamed calvarial tissues ex vivo. Conclusion: This study demonstrated, through in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo experiments, that YNBY promoted osteoblast differentiation by suppressing autophagy, which markedly alleviated bone destruction caused by periodontitis.

Yunnan Baiyao Inhibits Periodontitis by Suppressing the Autophagic Flux.

BACKGROUND: Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies have suggested that YNBY plays a significant role in inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and autophagy, which are essential processes in inflammation and bone resorption associated with periodontitis. However, the precise relationship between autophagy and the mechanism by which YNBY inhibits osteoclastogenesis remains unexplored.The primary objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of YNBY on the process of osteoclastogenesis and its potential in preventing inflammatory bone loss. METHODS: The animals were subjected to sacrifice at intervals of 2, 4, and 6 weeks postintervention whilst under deep anaesthesia, and specimens were subsequently collected. The specimens were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, in addition to tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and subsequently imaged employing a digital scanner. The confirmation of osteoclast (OC) differentiation and autophagic flux was achieved through various techniques, including western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TRAP staining, pit formation assay, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The microcomputed tomography images provided evidence of the effective inhibition of alveolar bone absorption at 2, 4, and 6 weeks following YNBY treatment. Additionally, the histomorphometric evaluations of tissue segments stained with HE and TRAP, which involved measuring the distance between the alveolar bone crest (ABC) and cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and quantifying TRAP-positive OCs, yielded comparable results to those obtained through computed tomography analysis. YNBY treatment resulted in a decrease in the CEJ-ABC distance and inhibition of OC differentiation. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that the autophagy modulators rapamycin (RAP) and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) significantly affected OC differentiation and function. YNBY attenuated the impact of RAP on the differentiation of OCs, autophagy-related factor activation, and bone resorption. CONCLUSIONS: We hypothesise that YNBY suppresses the differentiation of OC and bone resorption by blocking autophagy. This study reveals that targeting autophagy might be a new alternative treatment methodology for periodontitis treatment.

Perceived social support mediates the relationships of dispositional mindfulness to job burnout and posttraumatic stress disorder among chinese firefighters.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the ways in which dispositional mindfulness is related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and job burnout among firefighters by considering the role of perceived social support. METHOD: A total of 409 Chinese firefighters completed the PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey, the Perceived Social Support Scale, and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling indicated that our model fit the data well (χ² = 87.16, df = 27, p < .001, χ²/df = 3.23, comparative fit index = 0.97, Tucker-Lewis Index = 0.95, root mean square error of approximation [90% confidence interval] = 0.07 [0.06, 0.09]) and revealed that perceived social support partially mediated the relationship between dispositional mindfulness, PTSD, and job burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Dispositional mindfulness had direct and indirect negative associations with PTSD symptoms and job burnout, and this relationship was mediated by perceived social support among firefighters. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Posttraumatic Growth in Aid Workers: The Role of Self-Acceptance and Rumination.

ABSTRACT: Objective: The risk for aid workers to develop posttraumatic mental problems highlights the importance of reducing the harm of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and promoting the benefits of posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the negative relationship between mindfulness and PTSS, and the positive relationship between mindfulness and PTG, and further explored the mediating roles of self-acceptance, intrusive rumination, and deliberate rumination. Methods: Aid workers from the Red Cross Organization (N = 298) were recruited in the study. They completed a series of questionnaires assessing mindfulness, self-acceptance, rumination, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and PTG. Results: Results showed that mindfulness was significantly and negatively associated with PTSD through positively predicting self-acceptance and negatively predicting intrusive rumination. Mindfulness was significantly and positively associated with PTG, although the mediating effect did not exist because the path between self-acceptance and deliberate rumination was impassable. Conclusion: The mechanisms between mindfulness, PTSD, and PTG were further explored. Limitations and implications for trauma intervention and future research were discussed.

Who Can Get More Benefits? Effects of Mindfulness Training in Long-Term and Short-Term Male Prisoners.

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of a 6-week mindfulness training program on mental health, anxiety, depression, aggression, sleep quality, mood states, total mood disturbance, and perceived stress among male Chinese prisoners, and to explore whether the intervention effects differed in long-term and short-term prisoners. Eighty-three male prisoners completed the study, including 39 in the mindfulness training group and 44 in the waitlist control group. Results showed that, compared with the waitlist control group, mindfulness training group showed a significant improvement in mindfulness level (p < .0l), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90; p < .00l), aggression (p < .05), sleep quality (p < .05), and total mood disturbance (p < .0l). Moreover, compared with the short-term prisoners, mindfulness training was more effective on the long-term prisoners in mindfulness level (p < .05), SCL-90 (p < .001), anxiety (p < .05), depression (p < .05), aggression (p < .05), total mood disturbance (p < .0l), and perceived stress (p < .0l). Given the study's innovation, we discussed its significance and limitations.

Dispositional mindfulness mediates the relations between neuroticism and posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in Chinese adolescents after a tornado.

Previous studies have shown that neuroticism is associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. This study investigated dispositional mindfulness as one pathway in which neuroticism is related to PTSD and depression symptoms among Chinese adolescents who have experienced trauma by considering the role of dispositional mindfulness. Participants were 443 Chinese adolescents who had experienced a severe tornado a year prior to this study. The results showed that our model fitted the data well (χ2/df = 2.113, comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.981, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.969, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) (90% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.061 [0.047, 0.080]) and revealed that dispositional mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between neuroticism and PTSD and depression symptoms. The clinical implications and limitations of our research and recommendations for future research are discussed in this article.

How does mindfulness modulate daily stress response: evidences from ambulatory assessment.

OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness has been found to be associated with less adverse stress response. However, little is known about how mindfulness modulates stress response in the real daily life. The current study investigated the relation between daily stress and negative emotions, and explored a mediational link via perceived loss of control, and moderation by dispositional mindfulness, to better understand this association. DESIGN: A total of 95 college students were recruited to complete a questionnaire and to report on their stress, perceived loss of control and negative emotions in daily life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) was used to assess dispositional mindfulness. Stress, perceived loss of control and negative emotions were assessed by ambulatory assessment. RESULTS: Stress was positively related with negative emotions at within-person level. Perceived loss of control mediated the relationship between stress and negative emotions. Furthermore, participants with higher levels of dispositional mindfulness showed an attenuated association between stress and anger, and also attenuated associations between perceived loss of control, and anger and fatigue at within-person level. CONCLUSION: These findings point to perceived loss of control as an important key factor in daily stress effects. Dispositional mindfulness appears to have beneficial effects in that it attenuates the impact of daily stressors on individuals' wellbeing. Clinical implications and limitations are discussed.

The effect of mindfulness training on mental health in long-term Chinese male prisoners.

Previous studies suggest that prisoners are more likely to suffer from psychological problems, especially long-term ones. This, in turn, can cause severe behavioral problems such as self-harm and suicide. Previous research demonstrates that mindfulness-based intervention statistically contributes to improved emotional health in general terms. However, little is known about what specific aspects of mental health are improved. The purpose of the present study is to examine the effects of a 6-week mindfulness training program to the mental health of long-term male Chinese prisoners who were imprisoned for serious criminal behaviors and their prison sentences remain at least 10 years. Forty long-term male prisoners completed the entire study, with 19 in the mindfulness training group and 21 in the waitlist control group. Both groups completed self-report inventories before and after the 6-week intervention. Results show that the training group had significant improvement in mindfulness level (p < .0l), score of SCL-90 (p < .001) and perceived stress (p < .05) compared to the waitlist control group. With respect to the results, we discuss the significance and limitations of this study. Overall, the study provides evidence that mindfulness-based intervention can enhance the mindfulness level and mental health of long-term male prisoners.

Dispositional mindfulness mediates the relationships of parental attachment to posttraumatic stress disorder and academic burnout in adolescents following the Yancheng tornado.

Background: Previous studies have shown that parental attachment is associated with low severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and low academic burnout in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. Objective: The present study investigated the ways in which parental attachment is related to PTSD symptoms and academic burnout in Chinese traumatized adolescents by considering the role of dispositional mindfulness. Method: A total of 443 Chinese adolescents who had experienced a severe tornado one year prior to this study completed measures of parental attachment, dispositional mindfulness, PTSD and academic burnout. Results: The results showed that our model fitted the data well [χ2/df = 2.968, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, RMSEA (90% CI) = 0.067 (0.052-0.082)] and revealed that dispositional mindfulness partially mediates the relationship between parental attachment, PTSD severity and academic burnout. Conclusions: The findings suggested that dispositional mindfulness and parental attachment may be two critical resources in dealing with traumatization and academic burnout.

Antecedentes: Estudios previos han demostrado que el apego parental se asocia con una baja gravedad del trastorno de estrés postraumático (TEPT) y bajo burnout académico en individuos que han experimentado eventos traumáticos. Objetivo: El presente estudio investigó las formas en que el apego parental se relaciona con los síntomas de TEPT y el burnout académico en adolescentes chinos traumatizados al considerar el rol del mindfulness disposicional. Método: Un total de 443 adolescentes chinos que habían experimentado un tornado severo 1 año antes de este estudio completaron medidas de apego parental, mindfulness disposicional, trastorno de estrés postraumático y burnout académico. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que nuestro modelo se ajustaba bien a los datos [χ2/df = 2.968, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, RMSEA (90% IC) = 0.067 (0.052­0.082)] y reveló que el mindfulness disposicional media parcialmente la relación entre el apego parental, la gravedad del TEPT y el burnout académico. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos sugirieron que el mindfulness disposicional y el apego parental pueden ser dos recursos críticos para lidiar con la traumatización y el burnout académico.

Longitudinal cross-lagged relationships between mindfulness, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and posttraumatic growth in adolescents following the Yancheng tornado in China.

Treatment of posttraumatic stress symptoms and facilitation of posttraumatic growth are two encouraging areas of research, yet little is understood about the relationships between trait mindfulness, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and posttraumatic growth. Previous work suggests the linkages among these variables, but most studies have been conducted in adult samples. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal cross-lagged relationships between mindfulness, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and posttraumatic growth among adolescent survivors of the 2016 Jiangsu tornado in China. Data was collected at two secondary schools located in Yancheng city, where the severe catastrophic damage occurred during the tornado. The sample included 247 adolescent survivors (59.5% girls) aged 12-14 years who were directly affected by the tornado. Participants self-reported their trait mindfulness, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and posttraumatic growth at two time points: 6-month (T1) and 9-month post-tornado (T2; attrition rate 17.4%). Cross-lagged structural equation modelling analyses were conducted. Results showed that posttraumatic stress symptoms at T1 significantly predicted reduced trait mindfulness at T2 but not posttraumatic growth; trait mindfulness at T1 did not significantly predict posttraumatic stress symptoms nor posttraumatic growth at T2; and posttraumatic growth at T1 did not predict trait mindfulness nor posttraumatic stress symptoms at T2. These findings suggested that posttraumatic stress symptoms may negatively influence the development of trait mindfulness in disaster-affected adolescents in China, and that posttraumatic growth may have unique implications for this young population which was not associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms or trait mindfulness.

Mindfulness, posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and social functioning impairment in Chinese adolescents following a tornado: Mediation of posttraumatic cognitive change.

Previous studies have shown that mindfulness is associated with less negative traumatic outcomes in people who experienced traumatic events. The present study investigated how mindfulness is related to posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD) symptoms, depression and social functioning impairment in Chinese traumatized adolescents by considering the role of posttraumatic cognitive change (PCC). A total of 247 Chinese adolescents, who had experienced a severe tornado six months prior to this study, were recruited to complete a series of questionnaires. Results showed that the proposed model fitted the data very well (χ2 = 16.200, df = 8, χ2/df = 2.025, GFI = 0.983, CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.976, RMSEA = 0.063). Further analyses revealed that PCC mediated the relation between dispositional mindfulness and all negative posttraumatic outcomes (including PTSD symptoms, depression and social functioning impairment). Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research were discussed.