Key Components of Qigong for People With Multiple Sclerosis: A Survey of Clinicians, Researchers, and Instructors.

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests that Qigong (QG), a mind-body therapy, may help address symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS), but the heterogeneity of QG content and delivery may affect its feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy.

Objective: To survey researchers, clinicians, and QG instructors with experience working with people with MS to identify key components of MS-specific QG guidelines and protocols.

Methods: We conducted an online survey to identify QG forms and movements considered helpful for MS, reasons for selection, characteristics of effective learning environments, and recommended dosage and frequency of practice.

Safety and tolerability of Pau d' Arco ( for primary dysmenorrhea: A single-arm, open-label trial on adults ages 18-45.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of encapsulated in generally healthy women aged 18-45 with primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods: A single arm, open-label trial was conducted in which 1050 mg/day of encapsulated (Pau d'Arco) was administered to twelve healthy women aged 18-45 for eight weeks. The primary outcome was safety and tolerability as measured by standardized adverse events scales and serial collection of laboratory markers to assess general health, prothrombin times, and the presence or absence of anemia.

Participant Perspectives on Community Qigong for People with Multiple Sclerosis.

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor and nonmotor function including physical and cognitive decline, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Qigong is a mind-body self-care practice with the potential to address MS symptoms. Publicly available community qigong classes may provide opportunities for people with MS to access qigong, but little is known about the risks and benefits.

Xanthohumol microbiome and signature in adults with Crohn's disease (the XMaS trial): a protocol for a phase II triple-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

Background: Xanthohumol (XN), a bioactive flavonoid from Humulus lupulus with anti-inflammatory properties, has potential benefits for patients with Crohn's disease (CD), a type of inflammatory bowel disease. We recently completed and published results of a placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial demonstrating the safety and tolerability of 24 mg XN daily for 8 weeks. The present study aims to evaluate the safety and tolerability of the same dose of XN adults with clinically active CD in a placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial.

Meditative practices, stress and sleep among students studying complementary and integrative health: a cross-sectional analysis.

Background: The International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health (INCLD Health) is an ongoing, prospective cohort study assessing the health behaviours and lifestyles of higher education students, including their use of specialty diets and complementary and integrative health (CIH) practices.

Purpose: This cross-sectional analysis of the INCLD Health cohort aims to (1) evaluate the associations between perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with diurnal salivary free cortisol and (2) evaluate the associations of meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance.

Methods: Serial multivariable linear regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle behaviours, were used to assess associations of (1) perceived stress, sleep disturbance, and meditative practices with salivary cortisol, and (2) meditative practices as well as mind-body practices with perceived stress and sleep disturbance.

Community for People with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pragmatic Feasibility Study.

, a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise, has been shown to improve balance and gait in several neurological conditions; however, community-delivered has never been assessed for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). The authors assessed the feasibility of community classes for people with MS and explored outcomes of balance, gait, and quality of life (QOL). Twenty adults with MS were randomly assigned to 10 weeks of community classes or wait-list control.

Protocol for The International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health Study: A Longitudinal Investigation of Complementary and Integrative Health Utilization in Postsecondary Education Students.

The specific aims are: 1) To characterize the health, wellness, and lifestyle of graduate and undergraduate students, and how these characteristics change over time; 2) To evaluate associations between lifestyle factors and gut microbiota populations and diversity; and 3) To evaluate associations between stress and stress management practices with sleep habits, quality of life, and overall health. The International Cohort on Lifestyle Determinants of Health (INCLD Health) longitudinal cohort study is designed to assess health behaviors and lifestyle practices amongst adults studying complementary and integrative health (CIH) and higher-education students more generally after at least one to six years of exposure to CIH education. INCLD Health will adhere to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Buspirone augmentation of fluoxetine in patients with obsessive compulsive disorder.

Twenty patients with obsessive compulsive disorder were treated openly with fluoxetine for 20 weeks. In 10 of the patients, addition of buspirone during the last 8 weeks improved clinical response. The role of augmenting strategies is discussed.

A controlled trial of fluvoxamine in obsessive-compulsive disorder: implications for a serotonergic theory.

Thirty-eight patients with primary obsessive-compulsive disorder participated in a 10-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of the potent, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine was significantly better than placebo on two of three measures of improvement in obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The authors also compared studies of the serotonergic agents fluvoxamine, sertraline, fluoxetine, and clomipramine and found that a greater effect size was associated with less serotonergic specificity and that some ability to affect other neurotransmitter systems may be a necessary but not sufficient requirement for antiobsessional activity.

Open trial of fluoxetine in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A 12-week open trial of fluoxetine in 61 obsessive-compulsive disorder patients significantly improved depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Baseline depression scores were not related to improvement on two obsessive-compulsive scales. The results reinforce the hypothesis of serotonergic abnormalities in obsessive-compulsive disorder.