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Extant odontocetes (toothed whales) exhibit differences in body size and brain mass, biosonar mode, feeding strategies, and diving and habitat adaptations. Strong selective pressures associated with these factors have likely contributed to the morphological diversification of their skull. Here, we used 3D landmark geometric morphometric data from the skulls of 60 out of ~ 72 extant odontocete species and a well-supported phylogenetic tree to test whether size and shape variation are associated with ecological adaptations at an interspecific scale. Odontocete skull morphology exhibited a significant phylogenetic signal, with skull size showing stronger signal than shape. After accounting for phylogeny, significant associations were detected between skull size and biosonar mode, body length, brain and body mass, maximum and minimum prey size, and maximum peak frequency. Brain mass was also strongly correlated with skull shape together with surface temperature and average and minimum prey size. When asymmetric and symmetric components of shape were analysed separately, a significant correlation was detected between sea surface temperature and both symmetric and asymmetric components of skull shape, and between diving ecology and the asymmetric component. Skull shape variation of odontocetes was strongly influenced by evolutionary allometry but most of the associations with ecological variables were not supported after phylogenetic correction. This suggests that ecomorphological feeding adaptations vary more between, rather than within, odontocete families, and functional anatomical patterns across odontocete clades are canalised by size constraints.

The false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)) is a globally distributed delphinid that shows geographical differentiation in its skull morphology. We explored cranial morphological variation in a sample of 85 skulls belonging to a mixed sex population stranded in the Moray Firth, Scotland, in 1927. A three-dimensional digitizer (Microscribe 2GX) was used to record 37 anatomical landmarks on the cranium and 25 on the mandible to investigate size and shape variation and to explore sexual dimorphism using geometric morphometric. Males showed greater overall skull size than females, whereas no sexual dimorphism could be identified in cranial and mandibular shape. Allometric skull changes occurred in parallel for both males and females, supporting the lack of sexual shape dimorphism for this particular sample. Also, fluctuating asymmetry did not differ between crania of males and females. This study confirms the absence of sexual shape dimorphism and the presence of a sexual size dimorphism in this false killer whale population.

Limited spatial separation within small islands suggests that observed population divergence may occur due to habitat differences without interruption to gene flow but strong evidence of this is scarce. The wall lizard Teira dugesii lives in starkly contrasting shingle beach and inland habitats on the island of Madeira. We used a matched pairs sampling design to examine morphological and genomic divergence between four beach and adjacent (

SUMMARYComplementary and integrative medicine provides safe, low-cost, effective treatments for conditions ranging from everyday stress to post-traumatic stress disorder. The evidence for herbs, nutrients and mind–body practices is growing, despite disproportionately small amounts of financial support compared with funding for expensive pharmaceuticals. The unsustainable cost of conventional treatments, the moral imperative to care for millions of uninsured and the impact of COVID-19 compel us to fully explore known and potential benefits of treatments being used by complementary and integrative practitioners.

This chapter describes the physiological mechanisms that underpin the varying effects of different types of breath practices inherent in the yoga tradition and ultimately the role that breathing techniques play in person and public health. Concurrently, the script elucidates how different practices alter psycho-physiological states clarifying why and how they may be employed with specific health populations, how they may enhance and or maintain well-being, and clear guidance regarding precautions and contraindications.

This study advances the chemical research community toward the goal of replacing toxic cadmium-containing quantum dots (QDs) with environmentally benign InP QDs. The InP QD synthesis uniquely combines the previously reported use of InP magic-sized clusters (MSCs) as a single-source precursor for indium and phosphorus to form InP QDs, with zinc incorporation and subsequent ZnS shelling, to form InPZn/ZnS QDs with luminescence properties comparable to those of commonly used cadmium-containing luminescent QDs. The resulting InPZn/ZnS QDs have an emission quantum yield of about 50% across a broad range of emission peak wavelengths and emission peaks averaging 50 nm fwhm. The emission peak wavelength can be easily tuned by varying the Zn/In ratio in the reaction mixture. The strategy of using zinc stearate to tune the emission properties is advantageous as it does not lead to a loss of emission quantum yield or emission peak broadening. Although the initial optical properties of InP and InPZn/ZnS QDs are promising, thermal stability measurements of InPZn QDs show significant degradation in the absence of a shell compared to the CdSe QDs particularly at increased temperature in the presence of oxygen, which is indicative of thermal oxidation. There is no significant difference in the degradation rate of InP QDs made from molecular precursors and from MSCs. Additionally, the emission intensity and quantum yield of InPZn/ZnS QDs when purified and diluted in organic solvents under ambient conditions decrease significantly compared to those of CdSe/ ZnS QDs. This indicates instability of the ZnS shell when prepared by common literature methods. This must be improved to realize high-quality, robust Cd-free QDs with the capability of replacing CdSe QDs in QD technologies.

Cadmium-containing luminescent quantum dots (QD) are increasingly used in display, bioimaging, and energy technologies; however, significant concerns have been raised about their potentially adverse impact on human health and the environment. This study makes use of a broad toolkit of analytical methods to investigate and increase our understanding of the interactions of luminescent cadmium-containing (CdSe) and cadmium-free (ZnSe) QD, with and without a passivating higher bandgap energy ZnS shell, with phospholipid vesicles (liposomes), which model bacterial membranes, and with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an environmentally relevant bacteria. A unique feature of this study is that all QD types have the same surface chemistry, being capped with uncharged poly(ethylene glycol) ligands. This enables focusing the study on the impact of the QD core on liposomes and bacterial cells. The study reveals that QD association with liposome and bacterial cell membranes is imperative for their adverse impact on liposomes and bacterial cells. The QD' concentration-dependent association with liposomes and bacterial cells destabilizes the membranes mechanically, which leads to membrane disruption and lysis in liposomes and to bacterial cell death. The study also shows that cadmium-containing QD exhibit a higher level of membrane disruption in bacterial cells than cadmium-free QD. ZnSe QD have low membrane impact, and coating them with a ZnS shell decreases their membrane disruption activity. In contrast, CdSe QD exhibit a high level of membrane impact, and coating them with a ZnS shell does not decrease, but in fact further increases, their membrane disruption activity. This behavior might be attributed to higher affinity and association of CdSe/ZnS QD with liposomes and bacterial cells and to a contribution of dissolved zinc ions from the ZnS shell to increased membrane disruption activity.

Background Yoga interventions offer promise for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), yet their safety and potential impact on suicidal ideation (SI) have not been well documented. This study evaluated the safety of a randomized controlled dose-finding trial of Iyengar yoga plus coherent breathing for individuals with MDD, as well as the potential effects of the intervention on SI without intent. Methods Participants with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14 and a diagnosis of MDD (using DSM-IV criteria) were randomized to either a low dose group (LDG) or high dose group (HDG) and received a 12-week manualized intervention. The LDG included two 90-min yoga classes plus three 30-min homework sessions weekly. The HDG offered three 90-min classes plus four 30-min homework sessions weekly. Results Thirty-two individuals with MDD were randomized, of which 30 completed the protocol. At screening, SI without intent was endorsed on the BDI-II by 9 participants; after completing the intervention, 8 out of 9 reported resolution of SI. There were 17 adverse events possibly-related and 15 definitely-related to the intervention. The most common protocol-related adverse event was musculoskeletal pain, which resolved over the course of the study. Conclusions The Iyengar yoga plus coherent breathing intervention was associated with the resolution of SI in 8 out of 9 participants, with mild side effects that were primarily musculoskeletal in nature. This preliminary evidence suggests that this intervention may reduce SI without intent and be safe for use in those with MDD.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an intervention of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute on depressive symptoms and to determine optimal intervention yoga dosing for future studies in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Subjects were randomized to the high-dose group (HDG) or low-dose group (LDG) for a 12-week intervention of three or two intervention classes per week, respectively. Eligible subjects were 18–64 years old with MDD, had baseline Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14, and were either on no antidepressant medications or on a stable dose of antidepressants for ≥3 months. The intervention included 90-min classes plus homework. Outcome measures were BDI-II scores and intervention compliance. Results: Fifteen HDG (Mage=38.4±15.1 years) and 15 LDG (Mage=34.7±10.4 years) subjects completed the intervention. BDI-II scores at screening and compliance did not differ between groups (p=0.26). BDI-II scores declined significantly from screening (24.6±1.7) to week 12 (6.0±3.8) for the HDG (–18.6±6.6; p 50% decrease in BDI-II scores; p=0.65) for the HDG (13/15 subjects) and LDG (11/15 subjects) or remission (i.e., number of subjects with BDI-II scores

Objective A systematic review on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions and comorbid medical conditions. Data sources Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases between July 15, 2015, and September 28, 2016, by combining search terms for SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine or s-adenosyl-l-methionine) with terms for relevant disease states (major depressive disorder, MDD, depression, perinatal depression, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychotic, 22q11.2, substance abuse, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis). Additional studies were identified from prior literature. Ongoing clinical trials were identified through clinical trial registries. Study selection Of the 174 records retrieved, 21 were excluded, as they were not original investigations. An additional 21 records were excluded for falling outside the scope of this review. Of the 132 studies included in this review, 115 were clinical trials and 17 were preclinical studies. Data extraction A wide range of studies was included in this review to capture information that would be of interest to psychiatrists in clinical practice. Results This review of SAMe in the treatment of major depressive disorder found promising but limited evidence of efficacy and safety to support its use as a monotherapy and as an augmentation for other antidepressants. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that SAMe may ameliorate symptoms in certain neurocognitive, substance use, and psychotic disorders and comorbid medical conditions. Conclusions S-adenosylmethionine holds promise as a treatment for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, but the body of evidence has limitations. The encouraging findings support further study of SAMe in both psychiatric and comorbid medical illnesses.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an intervention of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute on depressive symptoms and to determine optimal intervention yoga dosing for future studies in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Subjects were randomized to the high-dose group (HDG) or low-dose group (LDG) for a 12-week intervention of three or two intervention classes per week, respectively. Eligible subjects were 18–64 years old with MDD, had baseline Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14, and were either on no antidepressant medications or on a stable dose of antidepressants for ≥3 months. The intervention included 90-min classes plus homework. Outcome measures were BDI-II scores and intervention compliance. Results: Fifteen HDG (Mage = 38.4 ± 15.1 years) and 15 LDG (Mage = 34.7 ± 10.4 years) subjects completed the intervention. BDI-II scores at screening and compliance did not differ between groups (p = 0.26). BDI-II scores declined significantly from screening (24.6 ± 1.7) to week 12 (6.0 ± 3.8) for the HDG (–18.6 ± 6.6; p 50% decrease in BDI-II scores; p = 0.65) for the HDG (13/15 subjects) and LDG (11/15 subjects) or remission (i.e., number of subjects with BDI-II scores

Objective: To determine if a 12-week yoga intervention (YI) was associated with increased gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels and decreased depressive symptoms in participants with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: Subjects were randomized to a high-dose group (HDG) of three YIs a week and a low-dose group (LDG) of two YIs a week. Thalamic GABA levels were obtained using magnetic resonance spectroscopy at Scan-1 before randomization. After the assigned 12-week intervention, Scan-2 was obtained, immediately followed by a YI and Scan-3. Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) scores were obtained before Scan-1 and Scan-3. Settings/Location: Screenings and interventions occurred at the Boston University Medical Center. Imaging occurred at McLean Hospital. Subjects: Subjects met criteria for MDD. Intervention: Ninety minutes of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute plus homework. Outcome measures: GABA levels and the BDI-II. Results: BDI-II scores improved significantly in both groups. GABA levels from Scan-1 to Scan-3 and from Scan-2 to Scan-3 were significantly increased in the LDG (n = 15) and showed a trend in the total cohort. Post hoc, participants were divided into two groups based on having an increase in GABA levels at Scan-2. Increases in Scan-2 GABA levels were observed in participants whose mean time between their last YI and Scan-2 was 3.93 ± 2.92 standard deviation (SD) days, but not in those whose mean time between their last YI and Scan-2 was 7.83 ± 6.88 SD. Conclusions: This study tentatively supports the hypothesis that one of the mechanisms through which yoga improves mood is by increasing the activity of the GABA system. The observed increase in GABA levels following a YI that was no longer observed 8 days after a YI suggests that the associated increase in GABA after a YI is time limited such that at least one YI a week may be necessary to maintain the elevated GABA levels.

Evidence suggests that yoga may be an effective treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies evaluating the "dosing" of yoga treatment and efficacy for MDD are needed. The goal of this study was to assess the effects of an intervention combining Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing in participants with MDD and determine the optimal intervention dose.Thirty-two participants (18 to 65 y of age) diagnosed with MDD were randomized to a high-dose group (HDG) or a low-dose group (LDG) of yoga and coherent breathing for 12 weeks. The HDG (n=15) involved three 90-minute yoga classes and four 30-minute homework sessions per week. The LDG (n=15) involved two 90-minute yoga classes and three 30-minute homework sessions per week. Participants were evaluated at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12 with the following instruments: Positivity Self-Test, Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Exercise-induced Feeling Inventory. Data were analyzed using intent-to-treat methods.Significant improvements in all outcome measures were found for both groups, with acute and cumulative benefits. Although the HDG showed greater improvements on all scales, between-group differences did not reach significance, possibly due to lack of power because of the small sample size. Cumulative yoga minutes were correlated with improvement in outcome measures.This dosing study did not include a non-yoga control.Improvement in psychological symptoms correlated with cumulative yoga practice. Both interventions reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety and increased feelings of positivity. The time commitment for yoga practice needs to be weighed against benefits when designing yoga interventions.

Cadmium-containing luminescent quantum dots (QD) are increasingly used in display, bioimaging, and energy technologies; however, significant concerns have been raised about their potentially adverse impact on human health and the environment. This study makes use of a broad toolkit of analytical methods to investigate and increase our understanding of the interactions of luminescent cadmium-containing (CdSe) and cadmium-free (ZnSe) QD, with and without a passivating higher bandgap energy ZnS shell, with phospholipid vesicles (liposomes), which model bacterial membranes, and with Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, an environmentally relevant bacteria. A unique feature of this study is that all QD types have the same surface chemistry, being capped with uncharged poly(ethylene glycol) ligands. This enables focusing the study on the impact of the QD core on liposomes and bacterial cells. The study reveals that QD association with liposome and bacterial cell membranes is imperative for their adverse impact on liposomes and bacterial cells. The QD’ concentration-dependent association with liposomes and bacterial cells destabilizes the membranes mechanically, which leads to membrane disruption and lysis in liposomes and to bacterial cell death. The study also shows that cadmium-containing QD exhibit a higher level of membrane disruption in bacterial cells than cadmium-free QD. ZnSe QD have low membrane impact, and coating them with a ZnS shell decreases their membrane disruption activity. In contrast, CdSe QD exhibit a high level of membrane impact, and coating them with a ZnS shell does not decrease, but in fact further increases, their membrane disruption activity. This behavior might be attributed to higher affinity and association of CdSe/ZnS QD with liposomes and bacterial cells and to a contribution of dissolved zinc ions from the ZnS shell to increased membrane disruption activity.

As-synthesized malic acid carbon dots are found to possess photoblinking properties that are outstanding and superior compared to those of conventional dyes. Considering their excellent biocompatibility, malic acid carbon dots are suitable for super-resolution fluorescence localization microscopy under a variety of conditions, as we demonstrate in fixed and live trout gill epithelial cells. In addition, during imaging experiments, the so-called “excitation wavelength-dependent” emission was not observed for individual as-made malic acid carbon dots, which motivated us to develop a time-saving and high-throughput separation technique to isolate malic acid carbon dots into fractions of different particle size distributions using C18 reversed-phase silica gel column chromatography. This post-treatment allowed us to determine how particle size distribution influences the optical properties of malic acid carbon dot fractions, that is, optical band gap energies and photoluminescence behaviors.

Antimicrobial silver nanoparticles used in consumer products may be released during fabrication, during product use, or after disposal and may reach terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, prompting concern about their potential to adversely impact the environment (Benn and Westerhoff, Environ. Sci. Technol., 2008, 42, 4133, DOI: 10.1021/es7032718). Although the toxicity of pristine silver nanoparticles is well studied and understood, silver nanoparticles can undergo transformation during release and in engineered and natural environments. The speciation of silver after release must therefore be explored to deepen understanding of the potential impact of these nanoparticles on the environment. Herein, we highlight three articles which use highly sensitive analytical techniques to define, and in some cases map, silver speciation in situ after exposure to organisms of varying size and complexity. First, we highlight research by Leonardo et al. which explores the transformations of silver acted upon by a microalgae species that is a candidate for heavy metal remediation in water. Next, we highlight research by Stegemeier et al. quantifying and mapping the speciation of silver in alfalfa after exposure to several silver sources, including two silver-based nanoparticles. Finally, we discuss work by Wang et al. on silver speciation in human monocyte cells as observed by synchrotron radiation techniques which leads to mechanistic insights on cytotoxicity.

Does compassion itself benefit the healing process or does the activation of neurophysiological processes, from which the experience of compassion arises, trigger a cascade of physical and psychological changes that support health and well-being? Exploration of the neurological substrates of compassion reveals multiple healing pathways that can be activated by mind-body processes. Furthermore, these pathways affect physical health, emotion regulation, and how we perceive and relate to other people. Physiological states affect the capacity for empathy, compassion and understanding. A state of calm alertness based on sympatho-vagal balance may support these high-level prosocial functions. Evidence suggests that polyvagal-informed mind-body practices, particularly Voluntarily Regulated Breathing Practices (VRBPs), efficiently induce such physiological states and that these same states can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, while improving cardiovascular function, respiratory efficiency, and physical health. Mind-body practices, such as Coherent or Resonant Breathing can balance, strengthen, and increase the adaptive flexibility of stress response systems, potentially counteracting the detrimental effects of excess stress, neglect, and trauma on emotion regulation, physical health, and the ability to experience love and compassion. Research is needed to support integration of mind-body practices into healthcare systems. The methods for studying mind-body techniques may be further refined by considering the target symptoms, population being studied, specific parameters of each practice, and method of teaching subjects. The current state of global health calls for treatments that can be delivered to large populations by small numbers of healthcare providers under conditions where resources are limited. Slow gentle Coherent or Resonant Breathing and related mind-body practices are low cost, low risk, easily taught, rapidly effective, scalable, non-stigmatizing, and sustainable. At the convergence of neurophysiological research with contemplative and other mind-body practices, we marvel at the possibilities for relieving emotional and physical suffering as well as improving how we relate to one another.

Herbal medicines supported by evidence of safety and efficacy in the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, cognitive enhancement, mental focus, and sexual function are useful as monotherapies, multiherb combinations, and as adjuncts to prescription psychotropics. Relevant mechanisms of action and clinical guidelines for herbs in common use can assist clinicians who want to enhance treatment outcomes by integrating phytomedicinals into their treatment regimens. Research is needed to strengthen the evidence base and to expand the range of disorders that can be treated with herbal extracts. Studies of herbal genomic effects may lead to more targeted and effective treatments.

Although anxiety is not always the most obvious symptom in complex cases, it must be recognized and addressed. The following four cases represent unrecognized atypical presentations of anxiety disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who did not respond well to conventional psychotropic medications. In these cases, affective, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms significantly improved with integrative treatments combining medicinal herbs, nootropics, other complementary approaches, and in some cases prescription psychotropic medications. When stress-related physical symptoms, such as dystonias, become the focus of treatment, the anxiety underlying the physical condition may escape notice. Patients who do not respond well to conventional medications or who have drug sensitivities are often mislabeled as “treatment-resistant.” The urgent need for behavioral control of patients with developmental disorders, learning disabilities, and communication impairments often leads to the overuse of sedating major tranquilizers that miss the real target symptoms and exacerbate underlying cognitive and coordination dysfunctions. The treatment of anxiety, depression, and mild cognitive impairment in elderly patients with mild herbal formulas can significantly improve quality of life. Patients who do not respond adequately to prescription psychotropics and those who are sensitive to medication side effects are a large subgroup of people who benefit most from integrative and complementary approaches.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in psychiatry or integrative psychiatry covers a wide range of biological, psychological and mind-body treatments that enhance standard medical practices and patient outcomes. While CAM approaches are popular amongst patients in their practice as well as in self-report because of their ease of use, health professionals have received limited education in these interventions and often are unaware of their patients' use of CAM treatments.This overview highlights evidence-based CAM treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) including dietary interventions, phytomedicines, mind-body practices and neurofeedback.While conventional treatments are the mainstays for ADHD, there are a large number of available treatments that can be used to enhance treatment response.With improved education and further scientific and clinical research, validated integrative treatments will provide more effective, lower risk and lower cost care for patients with ADHD.

A systematic review on S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions and comorbid medical conditions.Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Google Scholar databases between July 15, 2015, and September 28, 2016, by combining search terms for SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine or s-adenosyl-l-methionine) with terms for relevant disease states (major depressive disorder, MDD, depression, perinatal depression, human immunodeficiency virus, HIV, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, anxiety, schizophrenia, psychotic, 22q11.2, substance abuse, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, or cirrhosis). Additional studies were identified from prior literature. Ongoing clinical trials were identified through clinical trial registries.Of the 174 records retrieved, 21 were excluded, as they were not original investigations. An additional 21 records were excluded for falling outside the scope of this review. Of the 132 studies included in this review, 115 were clinical trials and 17 were preclinical studies.A wide range of studies was included in this review to capture information that would be of interest to psychiatrists in clinical practice.This review of SAMe in the treatment of major depressive disorder found promising but limited evidence of efficacy and safety to support its use as a monotherapy and as an augmentation for other antidepressants. Additionally, preliminary evidence suggests that SAMe may ameliorate symptoms in certain neurocognitive, substance use, and psychotic disorders and comorbid medical conditions.S-adenosylmethionine holds promise as a treatment for multiple neuropsychiatric conditions, but the body of evidence has limitations. The encouraging findings support further study of SAMe in both psychiatric and comorbid medical illnesses.

Background Menopausal women are challenged by the adverse effects of estrogen loss on energy, mood, cognitive function, and memory. These stresses are compounded by increased risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. Known to have neuroprotective, cardio-protective, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic effects, Rhodiola rosea extracts have also been shown to improve energy, mood, cognitive function and memory. Purpose We propose that R. rosea be investigated for use as a potential selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) in the prevention and treatment of menopause-related fatigue, stress, depression, cognitive decline, memory impairment, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Method This paper briefly reviews the relationship between estrogen decline and menopause-related health risks, the molecular mechanisms underlying estrogenic effects on health, and the evidence indicating beneficial effects of R. rosea extracts on these mechanisms and health risks. Mechanisms include non-genomic and genomic effects, for example: activation of intra-cellular signal transduction pathways by binding to estrogen receptors, ERα-mediated activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase with increased nitric oxide release; and anti-inflammatory effects, counteracting TNFα by inhibiting nuclear factor-Kappa-B (NF- K B) and protection of osteoblasts from hydrogen peroxide. A clinical case illustrating treatment of a menopausal woman with R. rosea is presented. Risks, benefits, gaps in knowledge, and future directions are discussed. Conclusion Numerous lines of evidence indicate that R. rosea should be investigated as a potential selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) to prevent, delay or mitigate menopause-related cognitive, psychological, cardiovascular and osteoporotic conditions.

Background This study evaluated the effects of the Breath-Body-Mind Workshop (BBMW) (breathing, movement, and meditation) on psychological and physical symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods Twenty-nine IBD patients from the Jill Roberts IBD Center were randomized to BBMW or an educational seminar. Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory 18, IBD Questionnaire, Perceived Disability Scale, Perceived Stress Questionnaire, Digestive Disease Acceptance Questionnaire, Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, fecal calprotectin, C-reactive protein, and physiological measures were obtained at baseline and weeks 6 and 26. Results The BBMW group significantly improved between baseline and week 6 on Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (P = 0.02), Beck Anxiety Inventory (P = 0.02), and IBD Questionnaire (P = 0.01) and between baseline and week 26 on Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (P = 0.04), Beck Anxiety Inventory (P = 0.03), Beck Depression Inventory (P = 0.01), IBD Questionnaire (P = 0.01), Perceived Disability Scale (P = 0.001), and Perceived Stress Questionnaire (P = 0.01) by paired t tests. No significant changes occurred in the educational seminar group at week 6 or 26. By week 26, median C-reactive protein values decreased significantly in the BBMW group (P = 0.01 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test) versus no significant change in the educational seminar group. Conclusions In patients with IBD, participation in the BBMW was associated with significant improvements in psychological and physical symptoms, quality of life, and C-reactive protein. Mind-body interventions, such as BBMW, which emphasize Voluntarily Regulated Breathing Practices, may have significant long-lasting benefits for IBD symptoms, anxiety, depression, quality of life, and inflammation. BBMW, a promising adjunctive treatment for IBD, warrants further study.

This chapter explores the process of teachings and practices of yoga facilitate empowered thinking, skillful action, self-compassion, and the sense of inter-connection needed to manage angry feelings in a healthy way. The foundational skill for anger management therapy is awareness and Pratyahara is the yogic practice of withdrawing the sense from the outside world and directing attention inwards. There are four pranayamas for anger management, they are falling out breath, heavy bucket swings, sama-vritti, full yogic breathing. There are also four classes of poses can be useful for anger management, either as a person is noticing escalation, or as part of a stress management regime. They are standing poses, forward folds, inversions, restorative yoga. Teaching clients first to notice their breath and then control it is an essential tool to anger and stress management. Restorative yoga is a fully developed style of yoga focused on relaxation, and is an essential practice for stress and anger management.

Yogic breathing is a unique method for balancing the autonomic nervous system and influencing psychologic and stress-related disorders. Part I of this series presented a neurophysiologic theory of the effects of Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY). Part II will review clinical studies, our own clinical observations, and guidelines for the safe and effective use of yoga breath techniques in a wide range of clinical conditions. Although more clinical studies are needed to document the benefits of programs that combine pranayama (yogic breathing) asanas (yoga postures), and meditation, there is sufficient evidence to consider Sudarshan Kriya Yoga to be a beneficial, low-risk, low-cost adjunct to the treatment of stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, stress-related medical illnesses, substance abuse, and rehabilitation of criminal offenders. SKY has been used as a public health intervention to alleviate PTSD in survivors of mass disasters. Yoga techniques enhance well-being, mood, attention, mental focus, and stress tolerance. Proper training by a skilled teacher and a 30-minute practice every day will maximize the benefits. Health care providers play a crucial role in encouraging patients to maintain their yoga practices.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased tremendously over the past 10 years. As a result of the increase physicians must understand both the factual information about CAM practices and the psychologic reasons patients seek out such treatments. A particular concern is the use of CAM by patients without the knowledge of their physicians, which may lead to complications resulting from interactions, or adverse effects from treatments of which the physician is unaware. This paper reviews research concerning the use of CAM by patients, explores some of the psychodynamic factors in CAM use, and suggests means of integrating that use into the patient's therapy. Specific information about herbal and other alternative products is provided.

In recent years, mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation have become increasingly popular in western society. The current chapter discusses how such practices may contribute to psychological and physiological aspects of wellbeing. Supporting research evidence and neurophysiological theories that may explain these effects will be reviewed. Practical applications of mind-body therapies with a focus on breathing practices for stress reduction and recovery from mass disasters will be presented.

The choice of nutrients for review is based on clinical evidence of efficacy in neuropsychiatric disorders and biochemical effects that are neuroprotective or reparative. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and metabolites have been shown to augment antidepressants, improve symptoms in anxiety disorders, depression, neurodegenerative diseases, brain injury, ADHD, and schizophrenia, and to reduce medication side effects. Detection and correction of vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be essential for recovery. Generally low in adverse effects when taken in therapeutic doses, nutrients can be combined for greater benefits. Further studies are warranted to validate these promising treatments.

Neurophysiological studies may explain how breathing techniques normalize stress response, emotion regulation, and autonomic and neuroendocrine system function. Breath practices have been shown to reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, insomnia, post-traumatic stress disorder, mass disasters, depression, and attention deficit disorder. Technology-assisted breathing interventions facilitate therapeutic breathing by using either static cues such as a breath pacer or real-time feedback based on physiological parameters such as heart rate variability. The empirical literature indicates that technology-assisted breathing can be beneficial in mental health treatment, though it may not be appropriate for all individuals. Initial in-person training and evaluation can improve results.

Serotonin abnormalities have been reported in the brain of suicide victims. Evidence of a serotonin deficiency in suicide attempters is less consistent. We hypothesized that a serotonin deficiency may be present in suicide attempters whose attempt behavior more closely approximates completed suicide.Sixty-seven (67) drug-free depressed inpatients (46 suicide attempters, 21 nonattempters) underwent research clinical assessments and a lumbar puncture. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) monoamine metabolites were assayed. Degree of medical damage and intent of the most recent suicide attempt were rated.CSF amine metabolites did not differentiate suicide attempters as a group from nonattempters. However, reduced serotonergic activity, as indicated by lower levels of CSF-5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) was associated with a history of planned suicide attempts and with suicide attempts that resulted in greater medical damage. Other monoamine metabolites did not correlate with seriousness of suicidal behavior, except for low CSF homovanillic acid and higher medical damage. No correlation was found with violent method.Planned and more medically damaging suicide attempts appear to be associated specifically with low serotonergic activity and, therefore, resemble completed suicide both behaviorally and biochemically. It remains to be determined whether low levels of CSF 5-HIAA can predict greater medical damage in future suicide attempts.

Multi-Component Yoga Breath Program for Vietnam Veteran Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial It is appropriate to acknowledge that despite treatment, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) continually debilitates many Vietnam veterans. Although therapies have been developed, remission is hard to obtain with either pharmacotherapy or psychotherapy. Evidence has suggested that some forms of yoga may reduce sympathetic overactivity and increase parasympathetic activity, thereby improving stress resilience.