Icariin mitigates anxiety-like behaviors induced by hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation via inhibiting of astrocytic activation.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal activation of astrocytes in the amygdala contributes to anxiety after hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation (HSR). Nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)-associated epigenetic reprogramming of astrocytic activation is crucial to anxiety. A bioactive monomer derived from Epimedium icariin (ICA) has been reported to modulate NF-κB signaling and astrocytic activation. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ICA on post-HSR anxiety disorders and its potential mechanism of action. METHODS: We first induced HSR in mice through a bleeding and re-transfusion model and selectively inhibited and activated astrocytes in the amygdala using chemogenetics. Then, ICA (40 mg/kg) was administered by oral gavage once daily for 21 days. Behavioral, electrophysiological, and pathological changes were assessed after HSR using the light-dark transition test, elevated plus maze, recording of local field potential (LFP), and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: Exposure to HSR reduced the duration of the light chamber and attenuated open-arm entries. Moreover, HSR exposure increased the theta oscillation power in the amygdala and upregulated NF-κB p65, H3K27ac, and H3K4me3 expression. Contrarily, chemogenetic inhibition of astrocytes significantly reversed these changes. Chemogenetic inhibition in astrocytes was simulated by ICA, but chemogenetic activation of astrocytes blocked the neuroprotective effects of ICA. CONCLUSION: ICA mitigated anxiety-like behaviors induced by HSR in mice via inhibiting astrocytic activation, which is possibly associated with NF-κB-induced epigenetic reprogramming.

The Impacts of Stigma Against Sexual Minority Men Within and Between Various Socioecological Levels: Breaking the Vicious Cycle in Zambia.

Sexual minority men (SMM) face persistent stigma in Zambia. From a holistic perspective, we aim to explore its impacts within and between multiple socioecological levels, demonstrating how their interactions create a vicious cycle of barriers to the well-being of SMM. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 purposively recruited SMM from Lusaka, Zambia. All interviews were audio-recorded, after written consent, transcribed verbatim, and iteratively coded employing inductive (i.e., data-driven) approaches for thematic analysis using NVivo. Results suggest three key themes: (1) interpersonal socially perpetuated sexual minority stigma (SMS); (2) multidirectional interactions between psychosocial well-being and risk-taking behaviors; and (3) institutionally perpetuated SMS as a barrier to seeking and receiving health care. SMS permeates across all levels of the socioecological model to negatively impact the psychosocial well-being of SMM while acting also as a barrier to accessing HIV prevention and care. Our study necessitates structural public health intervention to decrease stigma and discrimination against SMM in Zambia, in efforts to increase their psychosocial well-being as well as their access to and utilization of HIV care by breaking the vicious cycle of SMS that pervades through the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional levels of the socioecological model.

Relationships among sporophytic and gametophytic traits of 27 subtropical montane moss species.

PREMISE: Moss sporophytes differ strongly in size and biomass partitioning, potentially reflecting reproductive and dispersal strategies. Understanding how sporophyte traits are coordinated is essential for understanding moss functioning and evolution. This study aimed to answer: (1) how the size and proportions of the sporophyte differ between moss species with and without a prominent central strand in the seta, (2) how anatomical and morphological traits of the seta are related, and (3) how sporophytic biomass relates to gametophytic biomass and nutrient concentrations. METHODS: We studied the relationships between seta anatomical and morphological traits, the biomass of seta, capsule, and gametophyte, and carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentrations of 27 subtropical montane moss species. RESULTS: (1) Moss species with a prominent central strand in the seta had larger setae and heavier capsules than those without a prominent strand. (2) With increasing seta length, setae became thicker and more rounded for both groups, while in species with a prominent central strand, the ratio of transport-cell area to epidermal area decreased. (3) In both groups, mosses with greater gametophytic biomass tended to have heavier sporophytes, but nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the gametophyte were unrelated to sporophytic traits. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights that the central strand in the seta may have an important functional role and affect the allometry of moss sporophytes. The coordinated variations in sporophyte morphological and anatomical traits follow basic biomechanical principles of cylinder-like structures, and these traits relate only weakly to the gametophytic nutrient concentrations. Research on moss sporophyte functional traits and their relationships to gametophytes is still in its infancy but could provide important insights into their adaptative strategies.

[Short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures].

Objective To explore the short-term efficacy of digitally-assisted traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction combined with 3D printed splint in the treatment of AO type-A distal radius fractures, and explore the quantification of traditional Chinese medicine manual reduction and personalized improvement of splinting. Methods The clinical data of 50 patients with AO type-A distal radius fractures, who received treatment at the outpatient department of Cangzhou Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital in Hebei Province, were retrospective analyzed. The patient cohort included 22 females and 28 males, with ages ranging from 25 to 75 years old. Among them, 27 cases presented with distal radius fractures on the left side, and 24 cases on the right side. The patients were categorized into two groups: treatment group (n=25) and control group(n=25). There were 13 males and 12 females in the treatment group, with an average age of (56.2±5.5) years old. Treatment approach for this group involved several steps. Initially, Mimics Research software was used to conduct comprehensive analysis of complete CT data from the affected limb, resulting in the creation of a three-dimensional model. Subsequently, 3D models of the bones and skin contours, stored as STL format files, were imported into the Materialise Magics 23.0 software for model processing and repair. This facilitated the simulation of reduction and recording of displacement data, effectively generating a "digital prescription" to guide and quantify traditional Chinese medicine manipulation procedures. Finally, a personalized 3D printed splint was applied for fixation treatment. There were 15 males and 10 females in the control group, with an average age of (53.32±5.28) years old. These patients were treated with manualreduction combined with traditional splinting. The clinical efficacy of the two groups was assessed in terms of fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, Gartland-Werley wrist joint score and X-ray parameters (palminclination angle, ulnar deviation angle, radius height) at 6 weeks post-operatively. Results The treatment group exhibited a shorter duration for achieving clinical healing compared to the control group (P<0.05). Six weeks post-operatively, the treatment group demonstrated higher wrist joint function scores, and a higher proportion of excellent and good outcomes than the control group(P<0.05). The treatment group was superior to the control group in terms of imaging parameters 6 weeks post-operatively (P<0.05). Conclusion By quantifying skin contours through digital simulation prescription reduction, a personalized 3D printed splint is developed to effectively stabilize fractures, enhancing localized fixation while ensuring greater adherence, stability, and comfort. This innovative approach offers personalized treatment for AO type-A distal radius fractures and presents a novel, precise treatment strategy for consideration.

Associations among internalized and perceived stigma, state mindfulness, self-efficacy, and depression symptoms among men who have sex with men in China: A serial mediation model.

Previous research has demonstrated that stigma is strongly related to depressive symptoms among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, data are limited regarding the associations between stigma, state mindfulness, self-efficacy, and depression symptoms. The current study aimed to analyze state mindfulness and self-efficacy as possible mediators between internalized and perceived stigma and depression symptoms. A sample of 2610 Chinese MSM (Mage = 23.99, SD = 6.09, age range: 18-68 years) was recruited from an online survey platform and completed the HIV and Homosexuality Related Stigma Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the short version of Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire, and the Chinese General Self-Efficacy Scale. Results indicated that state mindfulness significantly mediated the linkage between internalized and perceived stigma and depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy significantly mediated the relation between state mindfulness and depression symptoms. Furthermore, internalized and perceived stigma were associated with depression symptoms through a serial mediation of state mindfulness and self-efficacy. This study highlights that state mindfulness and self-efficacy might play important roles in the psychological response of MSM to stigmatization and psychopathology symptoms.

Oxepine-containing pyrazinopyrimidine alkaloids and quinolinone derivatives produced by Aspergillus versicolor AS-212, a deep-sea-derived endozoic fungus.

Four new oxepine-containing pyrazinopyrimidine alkaloids, versicoxepines A - D (1-4), two quinolinone alkaloid analogs including 3-hydroxy-6-methoxy-4-phenylquinolin-2(1H)-one (5) and 3-methoxy-6-hydroxy-4-phenylquinolin-2(1H)-one (6) which were new naturally occurring compounds, together with two known compounds (7 and 8) were isolated from Aspergillus versicolor AS-212, an endozoic fungus isolated from the deep-sea coral Hemicorallium cf. imperiale, which was collected from the Magellan Seamounts in the Western Pacific Ocean. Their structures were determined by extensive analysis of the spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic data as well as by chiral HPLC analysis, ECD calculation, and DP4+ probability prediction. Structurally, versicoxepines B and C (2 and 3) represent the first example of a new oxepine-containing pyrazinopyrimidine alkaloid whose cyclic dipeptide moiety is composed of the same type of amino acid (Val or Ile). Compound 5 displayed antibacterial activity against aquatic pathogens, Vibrio harveyi and V. alginolyticus, with MICs of 8 µg/mL.

Five new verrucosidin derivatives from Penicillium polonicum, a deep-sea cold-seep sediment isolated fungus.

Five new verrucosidin derivatives, poloncosidins G-K (1-5), were isolated from the deep sea cold-seep sediment-derived fungus Penicillium polonicum CS-252. Their planar structures were elucidated by discreet analysis of the NMR spectroscopic and HRESIMS spectrometric data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1-5 were deduced from the combination of the modified Mosher's method and quantum chemical calculations of their ECD and NMR (with DP4+ probability analysis) data. The antimicrobial activities against several human- and aquatic-pathogenic bacteria of all the isolated compounds were evaluated and the structure-bioactivity relationship was briefly discussed.

Traditional Chinese acupoint massage, acupuncture, and moxibustion for people with diabetic gastroparesis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese acupoint therapy has been used for thousands of years on gastrointestinal diseases. In this work, we evaluated the efficiency and safety of traditional Chinese acupoint therapies versus standard therapies, nursing or recovery treatments in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis.e expect that traditional Chinese medicine acupoint therapy can be noticed by more people, so as to provide more high-quality clinical evidence. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials were included in this meta-analysis. The treatment groups received traditional Chinese acupoint therapy, while the control groups received standard therapies, nursing, or recovery treatments. The relative risk and weighted mean difference with 95% confidence interval for the total effective rate, gastrin level, gastric-emptying time, fasting blood glucose level, 2-hour blood glucose level, and glycosylated hemoglobin level were evaluated using RevMan 5.3 software. Bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS: A total of 59 articles were included in the analysis. In comparison with the control groups, the acupoint therapy groups showed higher total effective rates (P < .00001), enhanced gastric-emptying rates (P < .00001), and reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels. CONCLUSION: In comparison with Western medicine or conventional care, traditional Chinese acupoint therapies showed a significant advantage in the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. However, considering the low quality and high risk of the included studies, more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.

FveARF2 negatively regulates fruit ripening and quality in strawberry.

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are transcription factors that play important roles in plants. ARF2 is a member of the ARF family and participates in many plant growth and developmental processes. However, the role of ARF2 in strawberry fruit quality remains unclear. In this study, FveARF2 was isolated from the woodland strawberry 'Ruegen' using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which showed that FveARF2 expression levels were higher in the stem than in other organs of the 'Ruegen' strawberry. Moreover, FaARF2 was higher in the white fruit stage of cultivated strawberry fruit than in other stage. Subcellular localization analysis showed that FveARF2 is located in the nucleus, while transcriptional activation assays showed that FveARF2 inhibited transcription in yeast. Silencing FveARF2 in cultivated strawberry fruit revealed earlier coloration and higher soluble solid, sugar, and anthocyanin content in the transgenic fruit than in the control fruit, overexpression of FveARF2 in strawberry fruit delayed ripening and lower soluble solid, sugar, and anthocyanin content compared to the control fruit. Gene expression analysis indicated that the transcription levels of the fruit ripening genes FaSUT1, FaOMT, and FaCHS increased in FveARF2-RNAi fruit and decreased in FveARF2-OE fruit, when compared with the control. Furthermore, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and GUS activity experiments showed that FveARF2 can directly bind to the AuxRE (TGTCTC) element in the FaSUT1, FaOMT, and FaCHS promoters in vitro and in vivo. Potassium ion supplementation improved the quality of strawberry fruit, while silencing FveARF2 increased potassium ion content in transgenic fruit. The Y1H and GUS activity experiments also confirmed that FveARF2 could directly bind to the promoter of FveKT12, a potassium transporter gene, and inhibited its expression. Taken together, we found that FveARF2 can negatively regulate strawberry fruit ripening and quality, which provides new insight for further study of the molecular mechanism of strawberry fruit ripening.

Quantitative assessment of lumbar spine bone marrow in patients with different severity of CKD by IDEAL-IQ magnetic resonance sequence.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a significant negative impact on bone health. Bone marrow is an essential component of bone, mainly composed of trabecular bone and fat. The IDEAL-IQ sequence of MRI allows indirect quantification of trabecular bone mass by R2* and direct quantification of bone marrow fat content by FF map, respectively. Objective: Our objective was to explore the association of CKD severity with bone marrow using IDEAL-IQ and whether mineral and bone metabolism markers alter this association. Method: We recruited 68 CKD patients in this cross-sectional research (15 with CKD stages 3-4, 26 with stage 5, and 27 with stage 5d). All patients underwent lumbar spine IDEAL-IQ, BMD, and several bone metabolism markers (iPTH, 25-(OH)-VitD, calcium and phosphorus). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the association of CKD severity with MRI measurements (R2* and FF). Results: More severe CKD was associated with a higher R2* value [CKD 5d versus 3-4: 30.077 s-1 (95% CI: 12.937, 47.217), P for trend < 0.001], and this association was attenuated when iPTH was introduced [CKD 5d versus 3-4: 19.660 s-1 (95% CI: 0.205, 39.114), P for trend = 0.042]. Furthermore, iPTH had an association with R2* value [iPTH (pg/mL): 0.033 s-1 (95% CI: 0.001, 0.064), P = 0.041]. Besides, FF was mainly affected by age and BMI, but not CKD. Conclusions: The bone marrow R2* value measured by IDEAL-IQ sequence is associated with CKD severity and iPTH. The R2* of IDEAL-IQ has the potential to reflect lumbar bone changes in patients with CKD.

Effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy against suicidal ideation in patients with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) can effectively prevent relapse of major depression, but there is currently insufficient evidence for efficacy against suicidal ideation during depressive episodes. We thus conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MBCT to treatment as usual (TAU) for suppression of suicidal ideation in patients with current depression. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wan Fang databases for RCTs published in English or Chinese between January 1, 2000, and August 30, 2021. Pooled data were compared between MBCT and TAU groups using a random-effects model. FINDINGS: Seven RCTs with a total of 479 participants were included. Suicidal ideation and general depression scores were significantly improved following MBCT compared to TAU [Suicidal Ideation: standard mean difference (SMD) = -0.33, 95 % CI, -0.56 to -0.10; Depression: SMD = -0.96, 95%CI, -1.54 to -0.38]. INTERPRETATION: Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy is an effective intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in depressed patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered at PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (CRD42021285016).

Randomized trial estimating effects of hypnosis versus progressive muscle relaxation on medical students' test anxiety and attentional bias.

BACKGROUND: Test anxiety is prevalent among medical students and leads to impaired academic performance. Test-related attentional bias has been identified as an important maintaining factor in test-anxious individuals. AIM: To evaluate whether hypnosis and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) could modify medical college students' test anxiety and attentional bias. METHODS: A total of 598 medical students were screened. The participants were divided into higher and lower test anxiety groups according to their scores on the test anxiety scale (TAS). Ninety medical college students with high TAS score were randomly assigned to a hypnosis or PMR group. Another 45 students with low TAS score were included, forming a baseline control group. The intervention was conducted weekly for 6 wk, and each session lasted approximately 30 min. The total intervention time and the number of intervention sessions for the hypnosis and PMR groups were equal. Data were collected at the pretest, posttest, and 2-mo follow-up. RESULTS: Hypnosis group participants had a significantly lower TAS score at posttest (t = -21.827, P < 0.001) and at follow-up (t = -14.824, P < 0.001), compared to that at pretest. PMR group participants also had a significantly lower TAS score at posttest (t = -10.777, P < 0.001) and at follow-up (t = -7.444, P < 0.001), compared to that at pretest. At the posttest level, the hypnosis group had a significantly lower TAS score than the PMR group (t = -3.664, P < 0.001). At the follow-up level, the hypnosis group also had a significantly lower TAS score than the PMR group (t = -2.943, P = 0.004). Clinically significant improvement was found in both the hypnosis and PMR groups (hypnosis = 64.0%; PMR = 62.22%). Hypnosis was more effective than PMR in reducing test anxiety among medical college students. Hypnosis could modify attentional bias toward threatening stimuli, but PMR could not. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that attentional bias plays an important role in test anxiety treatment.

Targeting thalamic circuits rescues motor and mood deficits in PD mice.

Although bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity are the hallmark motor defects in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), patients also experience motor learning impairments and non-motor symptoms such as depression1. The neural circuit basis for these different symptoms of PD are not well understood. Although current treatments are effective for locomotion deficits in PD2,3, therapeutic strategies targeting motor learning deficits and non-motor symptoms are lacking4-6. Here we found that distinct parafascicular (PF) thalamic subpopulations project to caudate putamen (CPu), subthalamic nucleus (STN) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Whereas PF→CPu and PF→STN circuits are critical for locomotion and motor learning, respectively, inhibition of the PF→NAc circuit induced a depression-like state. Whereas chemogenetically manipulating CPu-projecting PF neurons led to a long-term restoration of locomotion, optogenetic long-term potentiation (LTP) at PF→STN synapses restored motor learning behaviour in an acute mouse model of PD. Furthermore, activation of NAc-projecting PF neurons rescued depression-like phenotypes. Further, we identified nicotinic acetylcholine receptors capable of modulating PF circuits to rescue different PD phenotypes. Thus, targeting PF thalamic circuits may be an effective strategy for treating motor and non-motor deficits in PD.

Mindfulness, psychological distress, and somatic symptoms among women engaged in sex work in China.

Women engaged in sex work (WSW) in China encounter numerous disadvantages (e.g., exposure to violence) and have substantial risk for psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Intervention literature has attended to mindfulness, which is a protective factor for psychological outcomes, and its influences can further improve physical health. However, mindfulness has not been well studied in WSW. We aimed to examine the association among mindfulness, psychological distress, and somatic symptoms among Chinese WSW. Data were collected from 410 WSW in Guangxi, China, using an anonymous, self-administered survey evaluating demographics, mindfulness, psychological distress (i.e., depression, loneliness, and perceived stress), and somatic symptoms (i.e., pain, cardiopulmonary, and gastrointestinal/fatigue symptoms). Structural equation modeling was utilized for data analyses. Mindfulness was negatively associated with psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Psychological distress was positively associated with somatic symptoms. Psychological distress mediated the association between mindfulness and somatic symptoms. Mindfulness appears to be a protective factor for psychological distress among WSW, and such an effect is further influential to their somatic symptoms. Our findings add to the growing literature on mindfulness, suggesting that mindfulness-based interventions could be beneficial for WSW. Future research should explore other cognitive factors underlying the psychosomatic mechanism of mindfulness.

Boosting the antioxidant potential of pasta by a premature stop mutation in wheat keto-acythiolase-2.

Phenolics are a class of chemical compounds possessing antioxidant activity, which are mainly located in the wheat (Triticum aestivum) bran. Different approaches have been used in food industry to increase the availability of phenolics. Compared to these methods, however, genetic improvement of the wheat antioxidant potential, is a cost-effective, easier and safer approach. Here, we showed a single premature stop mutation in the keto-acythiolase-2 (kat-2b) gene, which significantly improved the antioxidant potential of pasta by a 60 ± 16% increase in its antioxidant potential by increasing the accumulation of ferulic acid. These changes are likely determined by the increased transcription (46% higher) and activity (120% higher) of the phenylalanine lyase genes observed in the mutated line compared to the control. Even if more studies will need to be done, overall, this study suggested that the kat-2b mutant could represent an excellent genetic resource to improve wheat's antioxidant and health-promoting potential.

Self-administered acupressure and exercise for patients with osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis is a prevalent degenerative joint disease and seriously affects the athletic abilities of middle-aged and elderly patients. Acupressure is a traditional non-pharmacological intervention that promotes blood circulation and muscle activity. Self-administrated acupressure and exercise can be potential management for knee osteoarthritis. DESIGN: It is a randomized and controlled trial for knee osteoarthritis self-treatment. SETTINGS: Cangzhou Hospital. INTERVENTIONS: 221 patients with knee osteoarthritis were recruited and randomly divided into 4 groups: control group (n = 55), exercise group (n = 56), acupressure group (n = 55) and exercise & acupressure group (n = 55). In the first eight weeks, corresponding training courses were provided to different groups of patients. The patients were asked to carry out their own corresponding interventions for 16 weeks. The patient's condition was evaluated in the sixteenth week. MAIN MEASURES: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities global scores of knee osteoarthritis patients were assessed at the 8th and 16th week of our trial. RESULTS: Self-administered acupressure and exercise significantly decreased visual analogue scale (3.75 ± 1.89 versus 2.93 ± 1.73, p < 0.05), pain (7.6 ± 2.8 versus 4.8 ± 2.7, p < 0.05), stiffness (3.75 ± 1.89 versus 2.93 ± 1.73, p < 0.05) at the 16th week (p < 0.05) in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to other intervention. The combination of acupressure and exercise also improved the range of motion (114.4 ± 11.5 versus 120.4 ± 11.9, p < 0.05) and walk speed (1.48 ± 0.48 versus 1.76 ± 0.50, p < 0.05) of osteoarthritis patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Self-administrated exercise and acupressure alleviate the arthritic symptoms (swelling, pain, joint dysfunction and joint deformities) and improve the joint functions, supporting its potential use in the clinical management for osteoarthritis.

Mindfulness-based therapy versus cognitive behavioral therapy for people with anxiety symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of random controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) have both been shown to be effective treatment approaches for anxiety. The purpose of this paper was to directly investigate the ability of MBIs and CBT to improve anxiety symptoms (primary outcome), as well as depression symptoms and sleep quality (second outcome). METHODS: We searched the following electronic databases from 1st December, 2019 to 14th January 2021: English databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Elsevier, Springer Link, Wiley Online Library, ClinicalTrails, and Embase, and Chinese database including CNKI, WANFANG, and CQVIP. The eligibility criteria included the following: (I) patients with anxiety disorders or symptoms of anxiety; and those with physical or mental disorders with comorbid anxiety symptoms; (II) randomized controlled trial (RCT) design; (III) the treatment group received MBIs; (IV) the control group received CBT; and (V) the treatment outcomes were anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. RESULTS: In total, 4,095 abstracts were reviewed. Of these, the full-texts of 45 articles were read in detail; and 11 RCTs were finally included in the analysis. Upon completion of MBIs and CBT group sessions, the study outcomes (mean anxiety, depression, and sleep quality scores) revealed no difference between MBIs and CBT with regards to anxiety, depression, and sleep quality post-intervention. Subgroup analysis was also performed, and the results indicated that MBIs may provide a small advantage for people with anxiety symptoms compared to CBT [standard mean difference (SMD): -0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.66 to -0.06], while the CBT group demonstrated a small comparative advantage for anxiety in the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) and Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN) scales, as well as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in the types of MBIs (LSAS: SMD: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.63; SPIN: SMD: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.92; MBSR: SMD: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.74). DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference between MBIs and CBT in terms of the treatment outcomes of anxiety, depression, and sleep quality. MBIs could be used as an alternative intervention to CBT for anxiety symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This meta-analysis was conducted in line with the PRISMA guideline and was registered at PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/ (CRD42021219822).

Attitudes toward a mindfulness-based intervention from African American women living with HIV: A qualitative study.

INTRODUCTION: Mindfulness-based interventions train participants to pay attention to their own emotions in the current moment without judging themselves. This study aims to assess the attitudes toward a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention among African American women living with HIV. METHODS: We collected qualitative data from three focus group discussions with 18 African American women living with HIV who were purposely recruited from the Palmetto Health-USC Immunology Center in South Carolina, United States. The participants discussed how they coped with stress, and then were given a presentation on mindfulness-based stress reduction and a sample mindfulness-based stress reduction mini workshop with follow-up discussion about their thoughts and opinions on the information presented to them. RESULTS: Participants said that mindfulness could be a useful technique and they were interested in participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program. Their main concerns included physical ability to perform some of the mindfulness techniques (e.g. yoga) and logistic barriers, such as schedule constraints. They also provided some suggestions to further tailor the mindfulness-based stress reduction, such as modifying yoga, using familiar terms, and combining both in-person and online components. These results suggest that African American women living with HIV showed strong interest in mindfulness-based stress reduction and a high level of willingness to participate in mindfulness-based stress reduction, but the existing mindfulness-based stress reduction program needs to be tailored to address challenges and barriers these women may face for attendance and completion. CONCLUSION: The next step is to further test the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy through a pilot study for African American women living with HIV to practice a tailored mindfulness-based stress reduction for this group.

Potential of the tumor­derived extracellular vesicles carrying the miR­125b­5p target TNFAIP3 in reducing the sensitivity of diffuse large B cell lymphoma to rituximab.

Diffuse large B­cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common and aggressive form of non­Hodgkin's lymphoma. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from cancer cells are known to modify the tumor microenvironment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of miR­125b­3p carried by EVs in DLBCL in vitro and in vivo. TNFAIP3 expression in patient lesions was measured and the upstream miR that regulates TNFAIP3 was predicted using the starBase database. EVs were isolated from DLBCL cells and identified. DLBCL cells were transfected with pcDNA to overexpress TNFAIP3 or inhibit miR­125b­5p expression, incubated with EVs, and treated with rituximab to compare cell growth and TNFAIP3/CD20 expression. DLBCL model mice were administered EVs, conditioned medium, and rituximab to observe changes in tumor size, volume, and weight. TNFAIP3 was downregulated in patients with DLBCL and its levels further decreased in patients with drug­resistant DLBCL. Overexpression of TNFAIP3 in DLBCL cells enhanced the inhibitory effect of rituximab and increased CD20 expression. miR­125b­5p targeted TNFAIP3. Inhibition of miR­125b­5p enhanced the inhibitory effect of rituximab in DLBCL cells. The EV­carried miR­125b­5p reduced the sensitivity of DLBCL cells to rituximab, which was averted by overexpression of TNFAIP3. EVs reduced the sensitivity of DLBCL model mice to rituximab via the miR­125b­5p/TNFAIP3 axis. The study findings indicate that the tumor­derived EVs carrying miR­125b­5p can enter DLBCL cells and target TNFAIP3, thus reducing the sensitivity of DLBCL to rituximab, which may provide a novel therapeutic approach for DLBCL.

Mindfulness-based interventions for social anxiety disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various psychiatric disorders are treated with mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs), although the efficacy of MBIs in patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) is unclear. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the efficacy of MBIs on SAD symptoms. Systematic searches were performed in various databases, and 11 eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 5 single-arm trials were identified. The between-groups analysis of the 11 RCTs showed that Hedges' g = 0.00, while the within-group analysis showed a large pre-post effect size (g = 1.20).MBIs were superior to the no-treatment comparator (g = 0.89), equivalent to specific active treatment (g = -0.19), and less effective than evidence-based treatment (i.e., cognitive behavioral therapies) (g = -0.29).MBIs significantly alleviated depressive symptoms and improved mindfulness, quality of life, and self-compassion. Meta-regression analysis showed a dose-response relationship between the alleviation of SAD symptoms and the duration of the MBIs (ß = 0.659). Follow-up analysis showed that the effects of MBIs on SAD persisted for 12 months (g = 0.231). An analysis of the 5 single-arm trials found that MBIs had a medium effect in alleviating SAD symptoms (g = 0.48). Future research is needed regarding the design of large RCTs of MBIs on SAD patients.