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Objective: Understanding the relevance of religion or spirituality (R/S) in the treatment of mental disorders is central to clinical and academic psychiatry. In this secondary analysis, associations of R/S with depression were investigated with respect to a new second-generation mindfulness-based intervention, the Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) program. Methods: Different aspects of spirituality, spiritual coping, and spiritual engagement were assessed in 81 patients with a diagnosis of mild-to-moderate depression. Treatment effects on R/S postscores and predictor and moderation effects of depression severity and stress change-scores were evaluated at 8 weeks (MBLM vs. CONTROL [drug continuation therapy] vs. TAU [inpatient treatment as usual]) and 6 months (TAU+MBLM vs. TAU). Results: At both time points, significant differences between MBLM versus TAU and CONTROL were found in a range of spiritual outcomes, most of them with a medium-to-large effect size and in favor of MBLM. Baseline interest in spirituality (p = 0.001) and baseline spiritual mind–body practice (p = 0.017) were identified as independent predictors of change in depression severity at 6 months. Moreover, moderation analyses found that patients reporting often/regular spiritual mind–body practice at 6 months did not benefit differently from TAU+MBLM versus TAU (p = 0.437) regarding their change in depression severity and stress, while those reporting no/seldom spiritual mind–body practice at 6 months benefited significantly worse from TAU than from TAU+MBLM (p = 0.002). Conclusions: Participation in the MBLM program resulted in significantly greater increases in spirituality in depressed patients than standard therapy. Interest in spirituality and engagement in spiritual mind–body practices at baseline were positive predictors of clinical outcome in both groups. Patients of any group who regularly performed spiritual mind–body practices benefited equally in terms of antidepressant outcomes, underlining the benefit of these practices within a general therapeutic framework. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03652220 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) 1 receptor ([CRF.sub.1]) activation in the brain is a core pathway orchestrating the stress response. Anatomical data also support the existence of CRF signaling components within the colon. We investigated the colonic response to intraperitoneal (ip) injection of cortagine, a newly developed selective [CRF.sub.1] peptide agonist. Colonic motor function and visceral motor response (VMR) were monitored by using a modified miniaturized pressure transducer catheter in adult conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats and C57Bl/6 mice. Colonic permeability was monitored by the Evans blue method and myenteric neurons activation by Fos immunohistochemistry. Compared with vehicle, cortagine (10 [micro]g/kg ip) significantly decreased the distal colonic transit time by 45% without affecting gastric transit, increased distal and transverse colonic contractility by 35.6 and 66.2%, respectively, and induced a 7.1-fold increase in defecation and watery diarrhea in 50% of rats during the first hour postinjection whereas intracerebroventricular (icy) cortagine (3 [micro]g/rat) had lesser effects. Intraperitoneal (ip) cortagine also increased colonic permeability, activated proximal and distal colonic myenteric neurons, and induced visceral hypersensitivity to a second set of phasic colorectal distention (CRD). The CRF antagonist astressin (10 [micro]g/kg ip) abolished ip cortagine-induced hyperalgesia whereas injected icv it had no effect. In mice, cortagine (30 [micro]g/kg ip) stimulated defecation by 7.8-fold, induced 60% incidence of diarrhea, and increased VMR to CRD. Stresslike colonic alterations induced by ip cortagine in rats and mice through restricted activation of peripheral [CRF.sub.1] receptors support a role for peripheral [CRF.sub.1] signaling as the local arm of the colonic response to stress. [CRF.sub.1] agonist; colonic motility; visceral pain; rat; mice; colonic permeability; astressin; CP-154,526

Garrett Hardin’s seminal 1968 paper describes the tragedy of the commons in terms of common goods being neglected or overused. His theory has been widely adopted. However, it refers only to a special case, when inadequate public goods have to compete with the maximisation of private yield. The real tragedy of the commons is not that it is overused or neglected, nor is it any free-rider and spillover effects it gives rise to, but rather the underlying financial incentives and disincentives that prevent an adequate supply. Consequently, the misalignment between our current monetary system and the global commons has led to the latter’s erosion and partial destruction. Introducing a new monetary and fiscal policy of strategic triangulation can provide an adequate tool to finance our commons. With their ongoing central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives, regulators and central banks can offer a direct monetary mechanism to overcome this tragedy of the commons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Depression is a global key challenge in mental health care. The implementation of effective, low‐risk and cost‐effective interventions to reduce its disease burden is a necessity. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the new Meditation‐Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM) program, a "second‐generation" mindfulness‐based intervention, in depressive outpatients. Methods: Eighty‐one patients with mild to moderate depression were randomized into three groups: intervention group (MBLM), control group (CONTROL), and treatment as usual group (TAU). The primary outcome was the change of depressive symptoms as administered by the Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II) after 4 and 8 weeks. Secondary outcome variables included the Brief Symptom Checklist‐18 and the Perceived Stress Scale‐10. A 6‐month follow‐up was conducted. Results: A greater reduction of depressive symptoms was found in MBLM participants compared to CONTROL (p <.001, ηp2 = 0.11, d = 0.70) and TAU (p<.001,ηp2=0.10,d=0.67 $p\lt.001,{\eta }_{{\rm{p}}}^{2}=0.10,d=0.67$) with a 13.15 points reduction of BDI‐II score versus 1.71 points (CONTROL) and 3.34 points (TAU) after 8 weeks. Between‐group post hoc tests for all secondary outcomes and at follow‐up also yielded significant between‐group differences with medium to large effect sizes in favor of MBLM. Conclusions: Study results showed beneficial effects of MBLM in depressed outpatients. Further high‐quality controlled clinical studies including qualitative research are needed to investigate the specific and unspecific effects of the MBLM program in depression and other medical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2004.07.004 Byline: Stefan Brunnhuber (a)(b), Alexander Fink (c), Jens-Peter Kuhle (c) Abstract: D. Meadows considered in his report 'limits of growth' the financial system as a neutral accounting system and came to a pessimistic view. But the money-system itself creates several side effects and distorts our economic system right from the beginning. The money-system is not neutral. New scenario modelings considering the financial system can come to a positive perspective. Three from six systematically developed scenarios include paths to different kinds of sustainability. From a systemic view, the combination of conventional and complementary solutions can provide a substantial contribution towards a sustainable future. Author Affiliation: (a) University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany (b) University of Budapest, Budapest, Hungary (c) Scenario Management International AG, Klingenderstr. 10-14, 33100 Paderborn, Germany

Events over the past decade revealed a new systems clash: Open Societies versus digital autocracies which are competing to provide better solutions to tackle climate change and pandemics, overcome poverty, and offer reasonable jobs. However, which is doing a better job? The text argues that the current autocratic experiments are flourishing based on the preconditions that they cannot generate independently: Price allocation in free competitive markets; a rigorous debate on facts in an interdisciplinary scientific discourse; free public speech and a free, critical, investigative press; a creative, pluralistic cultural scene; and the building of social capital based on interpersonally generated trust and reciprocal tolerance. These conditions all draw on a human- and person-centred approach and are superior to any attempt to regulate society through a collective, non-democratic top-down process. Autocracies depend on Open Societies and must import relevant information generated only in Open Societies, and thus remain self-limiting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cost analyses and risk assessments in the Anthropocene era need to differ from those of the past. Future developments now are determined by opportunity costs and planetary risks. We provide a first comprehensive systematization that can serve as a template for blended finance and blended securitization in order to finance our global commons. We show that financing our future requires multiple new financial engineering techniques that build upon the experiences of the private sector, but need to be adapted to meet the criteria of force majeure and planetary risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development needs have primarily been financed through private sector financing, conventional public sector funding and philanthropic commitment. These traditional sources are not sufficient in scale and speed to meet the pressing finance needs. The world community is too busy repairing, stabilizing and refunding the given to maintain the stability of the existing system, relying on a mechanical model. Out-of-the-box approaches which blend in with the given tools, providing new financial engineering are required. The introduction of a parallel electronic currency specifically designed to finance global commons and human-centered economy would provide a systemic non-linear and complex approach to create the necessary resources to achieve the UN SDGs and addressing asymmetric shocks (COVID-19, among others), while stabilizing the existing monetary system. The development of cryptocurrencies based on blockchain distributed ledger technologies has prompted leading central banks and other agencies around the world to study the potential application of this approach to directly inject purchasing power without dependence on the banking system. Proposals are now being studied by an international expert group on how this approach can be utilized to finance the huge multi-trillion-dollar annual investment requirements for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, with special emphasis on investments in human resources and environmental protection. A first outline is given in this preview. A full report (The Tao of Finance) of the expert group will be published in late 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a unique moment in human history. It is a unique opportunity to generate the momentum needed for rapid transformation of national and global policies and institutions. We are confronted by challenges of a magnitude and urgency greater than ever before at precisely the moment when humanity faces a global leadership vacuum. These complex, multidimensional, interrelated challenges have already generated unprecedented awareness of fundamental flaws in prevailing ideas, values and institutions; a growing recognition of the need for a radical reordering of values and priorities; a greater willingness to embrace new policies; and a groundswell of public support among the younger generations for new solutions to safeguard their future. Leadership is needed to seize the moment and harness the momentum of the awakened energies to generate a shared vision, aspiration and social preparedness. Catalytic strategies are needed to overcome the inertia of established practices and the resistance of entrenched powers and vested interests. This will require the integration of knowledge about diverse fields, unprecedented cooperation between sectors and nations, and unparalleled coordination between the multitude of multilateral institutions. The transformation should culminate in a global social movement guided by the universal values of human security, human rights, wellbeing for all and harmony with nature. This is a Planetary Moment and a time for global leadership to generate Planetary Momentum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Dietary supplements are very widely used in the general population and there is a growing market for them, which is against the recommendations of the German Society for Nutrition. There is some evidence that dietary supplements are useful additions in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This review is an overview of available practical knowledge regarding the use of supplements in psychiatric treatment. In particular, the review focused on the diagnosis of depression and anxiety in terms of supplement treatment. Methods This is a narrative review of the evidence regarding supplements for treating anxiety and depression. We searched PubMed to 2018. Two reviewers screened the citations and abstracted the data. Phytopharmaceutical attends and animal-based data were excluded. Results There are strong indications regarding the impact of supplements on the selected psychiatric disorders, but at this time, there only a few randomized clinical studies available, so evidence for these findings is quite low. However, it must be noted that there are strong hints for a relationship between vitamin D level and depression. Furthermore, various supplements have got potentially an influence on the characteristics of depression. Discussion This review summarizes the current knowledge about supplements when used for some psychiatric conditions, but the data does not provide compelling evidence in any direction. There are only indications that there is an influence of supplements on psychiatric diseases. In support of this, there is further need for high-quality studies in this field. Reviews on other diagnoses, such as schizophrenia and dementia, will be part of further work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper will review the concept of the "open economic trilemma" between national sovereignty, global integration and democratic politics. It will introduce, as a possible solution, the concept of a parallel dual currency system operating through new monetary channels using distributive ledger technology. Although not apparent at first glance, this additional system could provide a Pareto-superior optimum by integrating spillovers and negative externalities and by fostering political efficacy on a national level. Monetary autonomy, national sovereignty and further global integration could thus become possible. In short, the existing global currency system leaves global economic integration in a suboptimal equilibrium. The current hype surrounding cryptocurrencies provides a preliminary rationale for a dual currency system. Designed in the right manner, a dual currency system could provide the necessary change towards greater wealth while leading to a more sustainable planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite rising expenditure and general enrolment rates on a global level, educational output is stagnating, if not declining. There is increasing empirical evidence that we need a completely different approach to enhancing the learning curve; this holds true for early childhood, primary education, secondary education and higher education. Most existing educational programs do not tap into the full creative potential of our minds and our brains and often lead to suboptimal outcomes both for the individual and for society as a whole. Findings in clinical psychology, neurobiology and social psychology are not sufficiently considered when setting up appropriate educational programs. It is not the cognitive part of the curriculum that makes a difference, but rather the non-cognitive features (including stress management, impulse control, self-regulation, emotional attachment etc.) that improve creativity. A 'six-pack' of features, including exercise, nutrition, social contact, mindfulness-based practices, sleeping well, and multi-sensory learning, is introduced as part of a 'creativity response'. They are simple, affordable, evidence-based and efficient strategies that can be implemented promptly without additional costs, increasing our learning curve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an 8-week meditation program (focused meditation) in patients with chronic low-back pain.Design: A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 68 patients (55 years;75% female) with chronic low-back pain who scored >40mm on a 100mm Visual-Analogue-Scale. Subjects were allocated to an 8-week meditation program (focused meditation) with weekly 75min classes or to a self-care exercise program with a wait-list offer for meditation. Both groups were instructed to practice at home. Outcomes were assessed baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the change in mean back pain at rest after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included function, pain-related bothersomeness, perceived stress, quality-of-life (QOL), and psychological outcomes.Results: Twelve (meditation) and 4 (exercise) patients were lost to follow-up. The primary outcome, pain at rest after 8 weeks, was reduced from 59.3±13.9mm to 40.8±21.8mm with meditation vs. 52.9±11.8mm to 37.3±18.2mm with exercise (adjusted group difference: -1.4 (95%CI:11.6;8.8;p=n.s.) Perceived stress was significantly more reduced with meditation (p=0.011). No significant treatment effects were found for other secondary outcomes as pain-related bothersomeness, function, quality-of-life and psychological scores, although the meditation group consistently showed non-significant better improvements compared to the exercise group.Conclusions: Focused meditation and self-care exercise lead to comparable, symptomatic improvements in patients with chronic low back pain. Future studies should include longer-term follow-ups and develop guided meditation programs to support compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper tries to find an answer to the question of how to finance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that the world has just decided to implement. I argue that besides the existing wealth of proposals, mainly along the lines of better governance and co-financing strategies, we need a complementary approach: parallel Quantitative Easing (QE) for SDGs only. Reverse pricing effects, drying out shadow economies and the impact of such a QE-SDG on the current liquidity trap and the debt trap are explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Distress is an increasing public health problem. We aimed to investigate the effects of an Iyengar yoga program on perceived stress and psychological outcomes in distressed women and evaluated a potential dose-effect relationship. Seventy-two female distressed subjects were included into a 3-armed randomized controlled trial and allocated to yoga group 1 (n = 24) with twelve 90 min sessions over 3 months, yoga group 2 (n = 24) with 24 sessions over 3 months, or a waiting list control group (n = 24). The primary outcome was stress perception, measured by Cohen Stress Scale; secondary outcomes included state trait anxiety, depression, psychological and physical quality of life (QOL), profile of Mood States, well being, and bodily complaints. After three months, women in the yoga groups showed significant improvements in perceived stress (P = 0.003), state trait anxiety (P = 0.021 and P = 0.003), depression (P = 0.008), psychological QOL (P = 0.012), mood states being (P = 0.007), and bodily complaints well(P = 0.012) when compared to controls. Both yoga programs were similarly effective for these outcomes; however, compliance was better in the group with fewer sessions (yoga group 1). Dose effects were seen only in the analysis of group-independent effects for back pain, anxiety, and depression. These findings suggest that Iyengar yoga effectively reduces distress and improves related psychological and physical outcomes. Furthermore, attending twice-weekly yoga classes was not superior to once-weekly classes, as a result of limited compliance in the twice-weekly group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) 1 receptor (CRF1) activation in the brain is a core pathway orchestrating the stress response. Anatomical data also support the existence of CRF signaling components within the colon. We investigated the colonic response to intraperitoneal (ip) injection of cortagine, a newly developed selective CRF1 peptide agonist. Colonic motor function and visceral motor response (VMR) were monitored by using a modified miniaturized pressure transducer catheter in adult conscious male Sprague-Dawley rats and C57B1/6 mice. Colonic permeability was monitored by the Evans blue method and myenteric neurons activation by Fos immunohistochemistry. Compared with vehicle, cortagine (10 μg/kg ip) significantly decreased the distal colonic transit time by 45% without affecting gastric transit, increased distal and transverse colonic contractility by 35.6 and 66.2%, respectively, and induced a 7.1-fold increase in defecation and watery diarrhea in 50% of rats during the first hour postinjection whereas intracerebroventricular (icv) cortagine (3 μg/rat) had lesser effects. Intraperitoneal (ip) cortagine also increased colonic permeability, activated proximal and distal colonic myenteric neurons, and induced visceral hypersensitivity to a second set of phasic colorectal distention (CRD). The CRF antagonist astressin (10 μg/kg ip) abolished ip cortagine-induced hyperalgesia whereas injected icy it had no effect. In mice, cortagine (30 μg/kg ip) stimulated defecation by 7.8-fold, induced 60% incidence of diarrhea, and increased VMR to CRD. Stresslike colonic alterations induced by ip cortagine in rats and mice through restricted activation of peripheral CRF1 receptors support a role for peripheral CRF1 signaling as the local arm of the colonic response to stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are clinically unspecific and can be found in numerous disorders. Within the framework of psychotherapeutically treatable illnesses, the classical obsessive-compulsive neurosis can be distinguished from early anancastia in the case of borderline personality disorder. The text refers to some aspects of the obsessive-compulsive disorder within these earlier disorders. At least five characteristics can be discussed: In the course of this, the varying functions of obsessive-compulsive symptoms for the inner-psychological organization become clear and specifically show that on a low structural level, symptoms do not appear to be primarily pathological but are a part of a "quasi-physiological" and ego-sustaining mechanism. What remains open to discussion in the end is, whether there may be an important substratum for the basis of a historiographical biology as called repeatedly for from psychosomatic theory repeatedly. In addition to this, the awareness of both forms is an important requirement for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The facial affective behavior of traumatized patients and of a healthy control group was compared., Sampling and Methods: Data of 15 videotaped clinical interviews of traumatized inpatients and of 15 healthy women (absence of mental/psychiatric disorder according to ICD-10) were ascertained. The affective facial expression of both groups was coded with the Emotional Facial Acting Coding System. Afterwards, the mimic analysis was correlated with gazing behavior and the emotional experience. The patients reported their traumatic experiences and the healthy women their main complaints., Results: The traumatized patients showed neither a reduction of overall facial expressions nor a reduced frequency of facial affects in comparison to the healthy control group. The control group, however, showed significantly more 'genuine joy'. The traumatized patients showed significantly more anger., Conclusions: The traumatized patients did not show a significant reduction of overall facial expression. A more detailed analysis showed that on the one hand, stabilizing elements of relationships, such as genuine joy, appear significantly less on the face of traumatized patients as compared with the healthy women. On the other hand, the expression of anger was brought into the relationship significantly more often by the traumatized patients during face-to-face interaction (clinical interview). This indicates the importance of distance regulation interaction patterns of traumatized patients., (Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

In clinical practice, it is often difficult to establish a positive relationship with patients suffering from psychogenic pain disorder. The present study addresses this maladaptive relationship pattern that is characterized by a mixture of disappointment and rejection. Facial expressions of emotions of 21 female patients in psychodynamic interviews were analyzed and compared to a control group of 11 healthy subjects. The assumption of a maladaptive relationship pattern is supported by an increase in negative facial expressions, especially contempt, on the side of the patients and the interviewer. These negative emotions indicate a disorder of self- and relationship regulation and are negatively correlated with the level of structural personality organization (as measured by the operationalized psychodynamic diagnostic). They also correlate with the emotional experience of shame and fear and are negatively correlated with the experience of joy. The results demonstrate how maladaptive relationship patterns are implemented at the level of involuntary emotional behavior. They can help to understand and improve the emotional quality of therapeutic relationships., (Copyright (c) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.)