Articles
Effectiveness of heartfulness meditation in the management of recurrent aphthous ulcers.
Dental and medical problems – March 28, 2025
Summary
Recurrent oral mucosal ulcers can be excruciating and stressful, often treated with tetracycline. However, heartfulness meditation offers a promising alternative. In a study of 54 patients, those practicing meditation reported significantly reduced pain and quicker healing when combined with tetracycline, showcasing its effectiveness in managing this painful condition.
Abstract
Recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAUs) are the most prevalent form of painful oral mucosal disorder. Conventional treatment for RAUs involves the adminis...
Perceived Impact of Psychedelics on Sexual, Gender, and Intimate Relationship Dynamics: A Mixed-Methods Investigation.
Journal of sex research – March 28, 2025
Summary
Psychedelics have been reported to positively influence sexuality and intimate relationships, with 70% of users noting beneficial effects. Many experienced enhanced attraction and relationship quality, while some reported shifts in gender identity and sexual orientation. These substances appear to promote self-acceptance and deeper connections.
Abstract
Systematic research on the impact of psychedelic use on sexuality and intimacy remains limited. This study investigated reported effects of psyched...
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Harmine alleviates LPS-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting CSF3-mediated MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Respiratory research – March 28, 2025
Summary
Acute lung injury poses serious health risks, but harmine, a natural compound, shows promise in combating this condition. In experiments with mice, harmine reduced inflammation by inhibiting Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating factor (CSF3), effectively blocking the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. These findings suggest harmine could be a safe and effective treatment for inflammatory lung diseases.
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a life-threatening inflammatory lung disease that lacks safe and effective treatment strategies. Harmine, an alkaloid de...
Can we tell where our bodies end and the world begins? Evidence for precise three-dimensional internal body models
bioRxiv – March 28, 2025
Summary
Understanding where our body ends and the world begins is vital for our self-awareness and interactions. A study revealed that people can accurately perceive their body boundaries, usually within millimeters. While palm areas showed high precision, wrist boundaries often led to misjudgments. This suggests our brains blend sensory feedback with detailed body models, influencing how we perceive ourselves.
Abstract
Distinguishing our body from the external world is crucial for our sense of self, environmental interaction, and sensory processing. Yet the accura...
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Pendulums in medical practice.
The Medico-legal journal – March 27, 2025
Summary
Medicine often resembles an art form, influenced by shifting standards of care. The study highlights how practices like ECT and hormone replacement therapy have swung between extremes, impacting patient outcomes. By evaluating these medical pendulums, physicians can better navigate issues like opiate prescribing and addiction, ultimately enhancing pain relief and patient care.
Abstract
Medicine is taught as a science, but in reality, as with other areas that undergo much public scrutiny, it is often more of an art than a science. ...
Exercise Therapies for Fibromyalgia Pain Catastrophizing: A Systematic Review and Comparative Analysis.
The primary care companion for CNS disorders – March 27, 2025
Summary
Engaging in exercise can significantly reduce pain catastrophizing in fibromyalgia patients. A review of various exercise types revealed that while all forms had a moderate impact, yoga stood out as the most effective, combining physical movement with mindfulness. This highlights the importance of holistic approaches in managing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the impact of various exercise modalities on the mitigation of pain catastrophizing in patients with fibromyalgia. Data S...
EEG oscillations reveal neuroplastic changes in pain processing associated with long-term meditation.
Scientific reports – March 27, 2025
Summary
Long-term meditation significantly alters how the brain processes pain. Experienced meditators show reduced EEG pain-related oscillations, indicating a proactive approach to pain management. This suppression occurs shortly after painful stimuli, reflecting enhanced emotional regulation and attention, allowing meditators to better control their pain experience.
Abstract
The experience of pain is a combined product of bottom-up and top-down influences mediated by attentional and emotional factors. Meditation states ...
Family-centered online positive psychological intervention for breast cancer patients and family caregivers: a single-arm pre-post study of feasibility and preliminary effects.
BMC psychology – March 27, 2025
Summary
Breast cancer can profoundly impact patients and their caregivers, but an innovative online positive psychological intervention shows promise. In a study involving 35 patient-caregiver pairs, participants engaged in a four-week program that enhanced resilience, hope, and quality of life. With strong feasibility and positive outcomes, this approach may support those navigating the challenges of cancer treatment.
Abstract
Breast cancer patients and their family caregivers would experience positive changes after diagnosed. We aimed to construct an online positive psyc...
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NONENDOSCOPIC DETECTION OF BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS IN PATIENTS WITHOUT GERD SYMPTOMS
medRxiv – March 26, 2025
Summary
Surprisingly, nearly 40% of esophageal adenocarcinoma cases arise in patients without GERD symptoms. This study explored a noninvasive method for detecting Barrett’s Esophagus in these individuals. Results showed effective identification of at-risk patients, highlighting a promising approach to improve early screening and prevention strategies.
Abstract
Background Screening efforts for Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) predominantly focus on performing upper endoscopy (EGD) on patients with gastroesophageal...
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Exploring the Role of Psychedelic Experiences on Wellbeing and Symptoms of Disordered Eating
Psychoactives – March 26, 2025
Summary
Recent insights reveal that psychedelic experiences may significantly benefit individuals with eating disorders. Interviews with eight adults showed unanimous reports of reduced symptoms, with many experiencing lasting improvements. Participants described these experiences as transformative, highlighting emotional healing and cognitive shifts that could inform future therapeutic approaches.
Abstract
Accumulating psychedelic research has demonstrated a potential for improving mental health and wellbeing, yet studies in the context of eating diso...
Existing evidence for the use of psychedelics in patients with cancer and other serious illness: A narrative review.
Journal of psychosocial oncology – March 26, 2025
Summary
Patients facing cancer and serious illnesses often struggle with heightened anxiety and depression. Recent research highlights the potential of psychedelic-assisted therapy to alleviate these mood disorders. In studies, psilocybin and MDMA significantly reduced anxiety and depression without serious side effects, offering hope in oncology care.
Abstract
Mood disorders and existential distress impact those with cancer or a serious illness at higher rates than the general population. There have been ...
Impact of an interdisciplinary approach to the management of refractory dyspnoea on patient quality of life by a non-palliative respiratory care team: a pilot study.
Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases – March 26, 2025
Summary
Chronic respiratory disease often leaves patients struggling with debilitating breathlessness, yet traditional treatments fall short. A recent pilot study shows that a multidisciplinary team—including a physician, psychologist, and others—successfully enhanced the quality of life for patients suffering from refractory dyspnoea through tailored non-pharmacological interventions.
Abstract
Refractory dyspnoea is a common symptom of chronic respiratory disease, often poorly recognized by healthcare professionals. Pharmacological treatm...
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Motivation and retrospective appraisal of psychedelic study participation: a qualitative study in healthy volunteers.
Psychopharmacology – March 26, 2025
Summary
Healthy volunteers are increasingly drawn to participate in psychedelic trials, motivated by personal growth and the allure of substances like psilocybin, Dimethyltryptamine, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and mescaline. Participants reported positive appraisals linked to supportive relationships with researchers and immersive environments. Most felt their experiences surpassed expectations and expressed a desire for future sessions in nature with friends, highlighting the importance of setting and interpersonal connections in enhancing the psychedelic experience.
Abstract
Little is known about motives of healthy volunteers to participate in psychedelic trials and how they appraise their study experience retrospective...
Neural sensitivity to the heartbeat is modulated by spontaneous fluctuations in subjective arousal during wakeful rest
bioRxiv – March 26, 2025
Summary
Our sensitivity to our own heartbeat can change based on our emotional state. In a study, participants reported their feelings while their brain activity was monitored. Results showed that lower subjective arousal heightened brain responses to heartbeats, especially in those with higher anxiety. This suggests a unique link between emotions and bodily awareness.
Abstract
Spontaneous thoughts, occupying much of one’s awake time in daily time, are often colored by emotional qualities. While spontaneous thoughts have b...
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Intravenous psilocybin induces dose-dependent changes in functional network organization in rat cortex.
Translational psychiatry – March 25, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin, known for altering consciousness, significantly impacts brain network dynamics. In a study with rats, varying doses revealed that psilocybin disrupts theta-gamma coupling while enhancing connectivity and network density in specific brain regions. These findings highlight how psilocybin may reshape brain organization during altered states.
Abstract
Psilocybin produces an altered state of consciousness in humans and is associated with complex spatiotemporal changes in cortical networks. Given t...
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Reversible tuning of membrane sterol levels by cyclodextrin in a dialysis setting.
Biophysical journal – March 25, 2025
Summary
Researchers have developed a method to adjust sterol levels in liposomes, enhancing the study of membrane proteins. By using methyl-β-cyclodextrin in a controlled environment, they effectively manage cholesterol transfer. This reversible tuning improves membrane properties, paving the way for better insights into protein behavior and function.
Abstract
Large unilamellar vesicles are popular membrane models for studying the impact of lipids and bilayer properties on the structure and function of tr...
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Comparing Antidepressant Effects of Psilocybin-Assisted Psychotherapy in Individuals That Were Unmedicated at Initial Screening Versus Individuals Discontinuing Medications for Study Participation: Comparaison des effets antidépresseurs de la psychothérapie assistée par la psilocybine (PAP) chez les personnes non médicamentées à la sélection initiale et les personnes ayant arrêté les médicaments pour participer à l'étude.
Canadian journal of psychiatry. Revue canadienne de psychiatrie – March 25, 2025
Summary
A single dose of psilocybin combined with psychotherapy shows promise for individuals with treatment-resistant depression, regardless of whether they were on antidepressants or not. Both groups experienced significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, highlighting psilocybin's potential in treating mood disorders effectively.
Abstract
ObjectiveTo compare changes in depression, anxiety, and suicidality symptoms after a single 25 mg oral dose of psilocybin between treatment-resista...
The neuroscience of compassion: a scoping review of the literature on the neuroscience of compassion and compassion-related therapies.
Irish journal of psychological medicine – March 25, 2025
Summary
Compassion not only drives us to help others but also boosts our own mental health. For healthcare personnel, constant compassion can lead to burnout, known as compassion fatigue. This review reveals that compassion-focused meditation can induce positive brain changes, enhancing empathy and resilience, ultimately benefiting both caregivers and patients.
Abstract
Compassion is the emotion that motivates people to relieve the physical, emotional, or mental pains of others. Engaging in compassionate behaviour ...
Light-Reactive Norharmane Derivatization of Lipid Isomers by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry.
Analytical chemistry – March 25, 2025
Summary
A groundbreaking technique enhances our ability to analyze complex lipid structures, crucial for understanding biological systems. By using light-reactive properties of unsaturated lipids in mass spectrometry, researchers successfully identified specific lipid isomers. This method not only improves resolution but also allows for detailed imaging in tissues and cell cultures.
Abstract
The lipidome, encompassing the comprehensive lipid fingerprint of a biological system, includes thousands of unique isomeric and isobaric lipid spe...
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Predicting gene regulatory network interactions with high certainty using the Linear Profile Likelihood - LiPLike
bioRxiv – March 24, 2025
Summary
Gene regulatory networks are crucial for understanding how genes interact, yet many predictions are often inaccurate. A new method enhances prediction accuracy by focusing only on unique interactions needed to explain data, reducing false positives. This approach offers a reliable way to identify significant gene relationships, boosting confidence in findings.
Abstract
Gene regulatory network inference typically revolves around the use of expression data to predict the most likely underlying network, and these pre...
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Systematic revelation and meditation on the significance of long exons using representative eukaryotic genomes.
BMC genomics – March 24, 2025
Summary
Long exons, particularly the last ones in genes, play a crucial role in gene structure across various species. Analyzing seven reference genomes, researchers found these exons often have lower GC content and fewer splicing motifs in the 3’UTR. This suggests they may hold significant regulatory roles, influenced by natural selection.
Abstract
Long exons/introns are not evenly distributed in the genome, but the biological significance of this phenomenon remains elusive. Exon properties we...
Neuroscience: Breathe in, fear out.
Current biology : CB – March 24, 2025
Summary
Research reveals that controlled breathing can significantly reduce anxiety. By studying mice, scientists identified a neural pathway connecting the neocortex to the brainstem, which regulates breath and emotional responses. This discovery highlights the potential of mindful breathing techniques in promoting emotional well-being.
Abstract
Slowly paced breathing underlies mind-body practices like yoga and meditation. Neuroscience is beginning to unravel the mechanisms underlying breat...
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Mixed-Methods Study of Use and Attitudes About Psychedelics for Therapeutic Purposes Among Low-Income U.S. Veterans Nationally.
Journal of psychoactive drugs – March 24, 2025
Summary
Among low-income U.S. veterans, 5.6% have used psychedelics for mental health therapy, with 23.2% supporting their legalization. Those facing behavioral health issues showed greater openness to these hallucinogens, highlighting potential therapeutic benefits. Attitudes varied, reflecting both hope and caution about risks and effectiveness.
Abstract
There is great public and clinical interest in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes. However, there has been little national study of p...
Classic Psychedelics for the Treatment of Depression: Potential Benefits and Challenges.
Drugs – March 24, 2025
Summary
Recent studies highlight the promise of classic psychedelics like psilocybin and ayahuasca in treating treatment-resistant depression. These substances may offer new hope for patients, showing positive effects in alleviating symptoms. However, challenges in research methods and regulatory hurdles remain significant.
Abstract
There has been a recent resurgence in research on psychedelics as therapeutic agents for psychiatric conditions. This leading article outlines the ...
Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Exercises for Limb Function Rehabilitation after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
medRxiv – March 24, 2025
Summary
Traditional Chinese Exercises can significantly enhance recovery for stroke survivors. This review analyzed six types of these exercises and found they improve limb function, balance, and daily activities. By integrating TCEs into rehabilitation, stroke patients may experience better physical outcomes and improved quality of life.
Abstract
Background As a form of exercise, Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs) have shown unique advantages in the stroke population. TCEs have been indica...
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Totum-448, a polyphenol-rich plant extract, decreases hepatic steatosis and inflammation in diet-induced MASLD mice
bioRxiv – March 24, 2025
Summary
Obesity-related liver disease is on the rise, highlighting the need for effective treatments. A study found that Totum-448, a plant extract rich in polyphenols, significantly reduced liver fat and inflammation in mice with diet-induced metabolic issues. This suggests it could be a promising nutritional strategy for improving liver health in affected individuals.
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of obesity-driven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) urges the development of new therapeut...
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Thinking's bad rap: the uses and Misuses of Zen Buddhist meditation in psychoanalytic therapy.
American journal of psychoanalysis – March 24, 2025
Summary
Zen Buddhism offers unique insights for therapy, particularly through Dōgen’s radical non-dualistic and all-inclusive perspective. This study explores how shikantaza, or "just sitting," can enrich psychoanalytic encounters. It highlights both the clinical uses and misuses of contemplative practices, emphasizing the importance of understanding their underlying principles for effective therapy.
Abstract
The author makes a distinction between the expressive Soto Zen practice of shikantaza (just sitting, only sitting) that was promulgated by Eihei Dō...
Preliminary pharmacokinetic and psychophysical investigations after controlled oral and inhalative consumption of hexahydrocannabinol (HHC).
Scientific reports – March 24, 2025
Summary
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) shows promise in forensic toxicology due to its legal status and psychoactive effects. This study explored its pharmacokinetics and psychophysical impact after oral and inhalative use. Results revealed that HHC’s effects are similar to THC, with administration route and individual factors significantly influencing outcomes.
Abstract
The semi-synthetic cannabinoid hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) has become a highly discussed topic in forensic toxicology since 2022 due to its legal ava...
Find your rhythm and regulate: Breath-synced vibration feedback during breath-focused mindfulness reduces respiration variability in trauma-exposed adults.
Journal of anxiety disorders – March 23, 2025
Summary
Breath-focused mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, yet trauma-exposed adults often struggle with it due to dissociation. A new approach using vibration feedback during meditation showed promise, significantly decreasing respiration variability—a key physiological marker of stress regulation—while enhancing emotional control. This innovative method may improve well-being for those facing trauma.
Abstract
Stress and anxiety are associated with increased autonomic arousal, including altered respiration. Breath-focused mindfulness meditation can reduce...
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Structural basis for psilocybin biosynthesis.
Nature communications – March 22, 2025
Summary
Psilocybin holds promise for treating various psychiatric conditions. By studying specific enzymes involved in its production, researchers revealed how these proteins function and interact. The findings not only clarify psilocybin's biosynthesis but also highlight the antidepressant effects of its intermediates, paving the way for innovative therapies.
Abstract
Psilocybin shows significant therapeutic potential for psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy in addressing various psychiatric conditions. The biosynth...