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Background. People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary behavior modification may assist in the treatment of CVD, but the optimal dose of nutrition education is unknown. The current aim was to determine if a weekly 1-hour nutrition education program would improve multiple outcomes among PLWH. Methods. Participants (n = 62) were assessed on dietary intake, serum biomarkers, and physical characteristics at baseline and 3 months, and percent change was calculated. Participants were grouped into 3 attendance categories of the classes: none, fair, or good. Analyses of covariance were performed on the outcomes. Results. Calories, protein, fat, saturated fat, carbohydrate, sugar, added sugar, and glycemic load were significantly different (all P values

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, Rice Bran Arabinoxylan Compound (RBAC), on biomarkers in adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A 90-day randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial examined the effect of RBAC on complete blood count, liver enzymes, lipids, oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and growth factors. Twenty-three adults with NAFLD were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (n = 12 RBAC and n = 11 placebo) and consumed 1 gram/day of either compound for 90 days. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 45 and 90 days. No adverse effects were reported. Alkaline phosphatase significantly decreased (−3.1%; SD = 19.9; F[1, 19] = 5.1, p=0.03) in the RBAC group compared to placebo. Percent monocytes (17.9%; SD = 18.3; F[1, 19] = 5.9, p=0.02) and percent eosinophils (30.6%; SD = 30.5; F[1, 19] = 12.3, p<0.01) increased in the RBAC group. IFN-γ (156%; SD = 131.8; F[1, 19] = 4.2, p=0.06) and IL-18 (29.1%; SD = 64; F[1, 19] = 5.3, p=0.03) increased in the RBAC group compared to placebo. Other improvements were noted for platelets, neutrophils, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, γ-glutamyl transferase, and 4-hydroxynonenal. RBAC had beneficial effects on several biomarkers that add to the known immunomodulatory activities of RBAC, which may be promising for people with NAFLD. This trial is registered with NCT02568787.

The risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in people living with HIV (PLWH) can be four times greater and can occur at an earlier age and even without the presence of obesity compared to those without HIV. Therefore, the purpose of this analytical cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between HIV duration and glucose metabolism among PLWH. Eighty-two PLWH were categorized into shorter (≤15 years) or longer HIV duration (≥16 years) and then compared for differences in demographics, physical and clinical characteristics, biomarkers, and dietary intake. Compared to those with shorter HIV duration (n = 34), those with longer HIV duration (n = 48) were on average older (p = 0.02), reported lower consumption of alcohol (p = 0.05), had higher levels of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, p = 0.02), were also more likely to be a woman (p = 0.06), and have higher levels of fasting insulin (p = 0.06). When adjusted for age and body weight, the levels of HOMA-IR and fasting insulin were higher (p = 0.02 and p = 0.04) with longer compared to shorter HIV duration, respectively. Longer exposure to HIV infection is associated with impaired insulin sensitivity. Continuing research aimed at the long-term effects of HIV infection and (antiretroviral therapy) is required.

HIV is a worldwide public health issue affecting millions of individuals, and people living with HIV (PLWH) are often affected by depression. Nonetheless, exercise can prevent and treat depression among PLWH. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercise on depression symptoms in PLWH. Using a prospective single-arm trial, a semi-supervised community-based exercise intervention was offered 3 times/week for 12 weeks to PLWH (n = 52; age: 49 ± 6 years; HIV diagnosis: 19 ± 15 years). Participants were divided into compliant (≥1 exercise session/week) and non-compliant (

Background. People living with HIV (PLWH) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Framingham Risk Score (FRS) predicts a 10-year CVD risk. Its relationships to physical fitness and C-reactive protein (CRP) are not well established. The current aim is to determine the links between FRS, physical fitness, and CRP in PLWH. Methods. Participants (n = 87) were assessed on multiple biomarkers. The FRS was calculated with the respective variables. Other variables that correlated significantly with FRS were entered into a regression equation to determine their relationship to FRS. Results. The FRS for men was more than twice that for women (12.8 vs 6.0, P < .001). Men were more fit than women, but most participants were not fit. Aerobic capacity was predictive of FRS in men, but not in women, and muscular strength was not predictive of FRS. Women had more than double the CRP compared with men (7.9 vs 3.5 mg/L, P < .01), and it was unrelated to FRS. Conclusions. In men, aerobic capacity was significantly predictive of FRS, but muscular strength and CRP were unrelated to FRS in both genders. These results do not conclusively demonstrate that physical fitness and CRP are related to FRS in PLWH.

Background Magnesium (Mg) deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of numerous diseases. The therapeutic use of Mg has steadily increased over time. The increased in-hospital use of intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) warrants more extensive investigation regarding the safety of the therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the safety of IV MgSO4 infusion on cardiovascular, liver, kidney, and metabolic markers in adults. Methods Twelve volunteers were randomized to one of two cross-over conditions: (a) IV infusion of MgSO4 in 5% dextrose followed by IV infusion of 5% dextrose 1 week later or (b) IV infusion of 5% dextrose followed by IV infusion of MgSO4 in 5% dextrose 1 week later. An electrocardiogram was recorded continuously during the infusions. Blood was drawn pre- and post-infusion for blood count (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides). Results: Serum Mg increased from pre- to post-infusion in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p < 0.0001). The QRS interval length increased from pre- to post-infusion in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p < 0.04). Additionally, serum glucose concentration increased in the MgSO4 + 5% dextrose group (p = 0.04). These significant findings were modeled with gender and age as covariates. No other significant differences were found. Conclusions The administration of IV infusion of MgSO4 (4 g/100 mL) in 5% dextrose over a 4-hour treatment period poses no significant deleterious effects on cardiovascular, liver, kidney, or metabolic function. Relevance for patients IV infusion of MgSO4 may be used for certain treatment indications without significant concern for systemic or organ toxicity.

Vitamin D and its association with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are currently a topic of investigation. The objective of this study was to explore the association between vitamin D status (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D)) and a cardiometabolic risk score (CMRS) derived from markers of cardiac autonomic nervous system activity, vascular dynamics, and body composition, using an innovative non-invasive technology. We found that individuals who were vitamin D sufficient ((25(OH)D) ≥ 30 ng/ml, n = 51), compared to those who were vitamin D insufficient (

Aim Treatment-resistant depression patients are more likely to suffer from comorbid physical and mental disorders, experience marked and protracted functional impairment, and incur higher health-care costs than non-affected individuals. Magnesium sulfate is a treatment option that may offer great potential for patients with treatment-resistant depression based on prior work in animals and humans. Methods Twelve subjects with mild or moderate treatment-resistant depression were randomized into a double-blind crossover trial to receive an infusion of 4 g of magnesium sulfate in 5% dextrose or placebo infusion of 5% dextrose with a 5-day washout in between the 8-day intervention period. Subjects were assessed before and after the intervention for serum and urine magnesium, lipid panel, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results We found a difference in serum magnesium from day 2 to 8 (pre-infusion) (P < 0.002) and from baseline to day 8 (P < 0.02). No changes were noted on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 24 h post-treatment, but as serum magnesium increased from baseline to day 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 decreased from baseline to day 7 (P = 0.02). Conclusion Magnesium sulfate did not significantly affect depression 24 h post-infusion, but other results were consistent with the literature. The association between changes in serum magnesium and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 supports the idea that magnesium sulfate may be used to address treatment-resistant depression, an ongoing medical challenge.

Background and Aim: The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships among pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mature BDNF and immune functioning during aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) treatment in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s dementia (AD). Materials and Methods: An open-label trial of 12 months was used to execute the study. Thirty-four adults with AD were enrolled and consumed four teaspoons/day of APMC for 12 months. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 12 months follow-up for proBDNF and BDNF and cytokines, growth factors, T-cell and B-cell subsets, and complete blood count to measure immune functioning. All biomarkers were intercorrelated. Results: Several relationships were identified between proBDNF, BDNF, and BDNF/proBDNF ratio and immune function at 12 months, particularly BDNF with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (r=0.55, P=0.03), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (r=0.74, P=0.001), and CD95+CD3+ (%) (r=−0.64, P=0.03) and proBDNF with VEGF (r=0.64, P=0.02), EGF (r=0.86, P

Background and Aim: Given the ongoing problems of hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in the HIV population, the primary objective of the study was to assess the cardiovascular, endothelial function, and immune markers in response to rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC) treatment in a sample of HIV+ adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Study Design: A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of 6 months was used to execute the study. Materials and Methods: Forty-seven subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two study conditions (n=22 RBAC and n=25 placebo) for 6 months with assessments at baseline and 3 and 6 months. A multivariate repeated measures analysis of variance model was used to assess the differences between RBAC and placebo groups in cardiovascular (systolic blood pressure), endothelial function (skin blood flow in response to nitric oxide), and immune (CD4+ cell count) markers from baseline to 6 months. Results: The effect of treatment (RBAC versus placebo) was significant (Wilks’ λ=0.92, F[3, 102]=3.07, P=0.03). The effect of time was significant (Wilks’ λ=0.10, F[2, 103]=474.6, P

Background: Anthraquinones are a possible treatment option for oncological patients due to their anti-cancer properties. Cancer patients often exhaust a plethora of resources that ultimately fail to provide fully curative measures. Alternative treatments are subsequently sought in the hope of finding a therapeutic remedy. Po¬tential regimens include aloe-emodin and its related derivatives. This review therefore summarizes the effects of aloe-emodin and other aloe components in light of their anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties. Methods: A systematic search was performed in PubMed for aloe-emodin and cancer in humans. Sixty abstracts of in vitrostudies were selected and reviewed with subsequent screening of the full text. Thirty-eight articles were summarized. Results: Aloe-emodin possesses multiple anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties in a host of human cancer cell lines, with often multiple vital pathways affected by the same molecule. The most notable effects include inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; cycle arrest; induction of cell death; mitochondrial membrane and redox perturbations; and modulation of immune signaling. The effects of aloe-emodin are not ubiquitous across all cell lines but depend on cell type. Conclusions: On the basis of this systematic review, the multiple consistent effects of aloe-emodin in hu¬man-derived cancer cell lines suggest that aloe-emodin is a potential anti-cancer agent that acts on cancer cells in a pleiotropic manner. Relevance for patients: Cancer patients often utilize alternative therapies as a result of suboptimal efficacy of conventional treatments. Aloe-emodin might become a therapeutic option for cancer patients if the basic research is confirmed in clinical trials.

Background and Aim The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationships among pro-brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and mature BDNF and immune functioning during aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) treatment in persons with moderate to severe Alzheimer's dementia (AD). Materials and Methods An open-label trial of 12 months was used to execute the study. Thirty-four adults with AD were enrolled and consumed four teaspoons/day of APMC for 12 months. Subjects were assessed at baseline and 12 months follow-up for proBDNF and BDNF and cytokines, growth factors, T-cell and B-cell subsets, and complete blood count to measure immune functioning. All biomarkers were intercorrelated. Results Several relationships were identified between proBDNF, BDNF, and BDNF/proBDNF ratio and immune function at 12 months, particularly BDNF with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (r=0.55, P=0.03), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (r=0.74, P=0.001), and CD95+CD3+ (%) (r=-0.64, P=0.03) and proBDNF with VEGF (r=0.64, P=0.02), EGF (r=0.86, P

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of a hydrolyzed polysaccharide, rice bran arabinoxylan compound (RBAC), on immune, hepatic, and renal function in HIV + individuals. A six-month randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was utilized to conduct the intervention. Forty-seven HIV + participants on stable antiretroviral therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of the two study conditions (

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. Several studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin D deficiency and gait and cognitive impairments, which are two risk factors for falls in the elderly. There is lack of research about the role of vitamin D in cognitive function in the context of mobility. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D status with the age-related changes in mobility through higher order cognitive function using a dual task physical performance test. Design: Cross-sectional Setting: Community-dwelling older adult population located in Miami, Fl. Participants: Healthy participants over the age of 55 (n=97) who participated in the parent interventional study. Measurements: Participants completed assessments that included serum levels of vitamin D, surveys, and dual task physical performance tests. Spearman’s correlations, independent t-tests, repeated measures ANOVAs and multiple logistic regressions were used to examine the relationship between vitamin D insufficiency (25-hydroxyvitamin D

Background Diabetes-associated microvascular complications such as retinopathy and neuropathy often lead to end-organ and tissue damage. Impaired skin microcirculation often precedes the detection of other advanced diabetic complications. The ANS-1 system contains a redesigned sympathetic skin response (ANS-1 SSR) device that measures sudomotor function, a photoplethysmography sensor, and a blood pressure device to comprehensively assess cardiac autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between the ANS-1 SSR amplitude measured at the: (a) negative electrode (Nitric Oxide [NO] Sweat Peak) with microvascular diseases and associated vascular blood markers and (b) positive electrode (iSweat Peak) with C fiber function. Methods All participants (healthy controls n = 50 and retinopathy patients n = 50) completed the ANS-1 system evaluation and a basic sociodemographic and medical history questionnaire, including a quality of life measure (SF-36). A small sample of blood was drawn to determine levels of homocysteine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen. Symptoms of peripheral foot neuropathy were assessed with a scale from 1 (none) to 10 (the worst). We used Spearman rank correlations, independent samples t-tests, and receiver operating characteristic curves to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the NO Sweat Peak as a potential screening marker of retinopathy. Results The ANS-1 System Cardiometabolic Risk Score and all indicators of quality of life on the SF-36, other than Emotional Role Functioning, were significantly worse in the retinopathy patients. The sudomotor response marker NO Sweat Peak had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 68% (Area Under the Curve = 0.81, p

Background Anthraquinones are a possible treatment option for oncological patients due to their anti-cancer properties. Cancer patients often exhaust a plethora of resources that ultimately fail to provide fully curative measures. Alternative treatments are subsequently sought in the hope of finding a therapeutic remedy. Po¬tential regimens include aloe-emodin and its related derivatives. This review therefore summarizes the effects of aloe-emodin and other aloe components in light of their anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties. Methods A systematic search was performed in PubMed for aloe-emodin and cancer in humans. Sixty abstracts of in vitrostudies were selected and reviewed with subsequent screening of the full text. Thirty-eight articles were summarized. Results Aloe-emodin possesses multiple anti-proliferative and anti-carcinogenic properties in a host of human cancer cell lines, with often multiple vital pathways affected by the same molecule. The most notable effects include inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion; cycle arrest; induction of cell death; mitochondrial membrane and redox perturbations; and modulation of immune signaling. The effects of aloe-emodin are not ubiquitous across all cell lines but depend on cell type. Conclusions On the basis of this systematic review, the multiple consistent effects of aloe-emodin in hu¬man-derived cancer cell lines suggest that aloe-emodin is a potential anti-cancer agent that acts on cancer cells in a pleiotropic manner. Relevance for patients Cancer patients often utilize alternative therapies as a result of suboptimal efficacy of conventional treatments. Aloe-emodin might become a therapeutic option for cancer patients if the basic research is confirmed in clinical trials.

Purpose: Chronic migraines and headaches are significant public health problems, and their symptomatologies have been positively linked to diet. We explored if individuals suffering from chronic migraines/ headaches who required medication treatment had improvement in symptomatology and subjective ratings of QoL when following an immune-reactive food exclusion diet based on the results of the ImmunoBloodprint test, an IgG-mediated food sensitivity assay. Methods: Thirty-seven subjects, aged 18 and over, took part in the study. Subjects had to eliminate all reactive foods from their diet for 90 days. Migraine intensity and frequency were measured using the MTAQ, and QoL was assessed with the SF-36 survey at base- line and 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. Results: Sub- jects who eliminated IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diet had reductions in migraine symptomatology and had improvements in nearly all indicators of QoL, according to the SF-36, from baseline to 90-day follow-up. Conclusions: Subjects were able to improve their migraine symptoms and QoL in response to eliminating IgG reactive foods from the diet. This test may represent a strategy to help mediate chronic migraine symptomatology without the use of medication.

Purpose: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are genuine health problems that have serious consequences on a patient’s quality of life (QoL). IBS is a functional disorder characterized by chronically recurring symptoms, including abdominal pain or discomfort, altered stool frequency and consistency, and abdominal bloating in the absence of structural or biochemical abnormalities. Studies have indicated that symptoms and disability related to IBS and GI disorders correlate with QoL measures. Additionally, those who respond to therapy have an improvement in QoL. Therefore, we explored an open trial of a food elimination diet guided by the ImmunoBloodprint food sensitivity test and its effect on QoL in patients self-reporting an unresolved GI disorder. Methods: Eighty-four subjects aged 18 and above participated in the study. Subjects eliminated all IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diet for 90 days. QoL was assessed with the Irritable Bowel Syndrome-36 (IBS-36) and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) at baseline and 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. The data were analyzed with linear mixed models. Results: Subjects had statistically significant improvements in all indicators of QoL according to the IBS-36 and SF-36 from baseline to 90- day follow-up. Conclusions: Subjects with unresolved self-reported GI disorders were able to improve all indicators of QoL in response to eliminating IgG- reactive foods from the diet. Given the inconvenience of keeping track of foods and symptoms to eliminate intolerant foods, a food sensitivity test combined with an elimination diet may be an effective method for improving subjective markers of QoL and health.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading killer of Americans, imparts a significant toll on the quality of life of the patient and primary caregiver, and results in inordinate costs in an already overburdened medical system. Prior studies on cholinesterase inhibitors among AD patients have shown minimal amelioration of disease symptoms and/or restoration of lost cognitive functioning. The effect of improved nutrition, particularly with dietary supplements, on cognitive functioning may offer an alternative strategy compared to standard treatment. The present pilot study investigated the effect of an aloe polymannose multinutrient complex (APMC) formula on cognitive and immune functioning over 12 months among adults diagnosed with AD. Subjects participated in an open-label trial and consumed 4 teaspoons per day of the APMC. The ADAS-cog, MMSE, ADCS-ADL, and SIB were administered at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. Cytokines and lymphocyte and monocyte subsets were assessed at baseline and 12 months. The mean ADAS-cog cognition score significantly improved at 9 and 12 months from baseline, and 46% of our sample showed clinically-significant improvement (≥4-point change) from baseline to 12 months. Participants showed significant decreases in tumor necrosis factor-α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and interleukins-2 and-4. CD90+, CD95+CD3+, CD95+CD34+, CD95+CD90+, CD14+CD34+, CD14+CD90+, and CD14+CD95+ decreased significantly, whereas CD14+ significantly increased. Participants tolerated the APMC supplement with few, temporary adverse reactions. Our results showed improvements in both clinical and physiological outcomes for a disease that otherwise has no standard ameliorative remedy.

Treatment-resistant depression patients are more likely to suffer from comorbid physical and mental disorders, experience marked and protracted functional impairment, and incur higher health-care costs than non-affected individuals. Magnesium sulfate is a treatment option that may offer great potential for patients with treatment-resistant depression based on prior work in animals and humans.Twelve subjects with mild or moderate treatment-resistant depression were randomized into a double-blind crossover trial to receive an infusion of 4 g of magnesium sulfate in 5% dextrose or placebo infusion of 5% dextrose with a 5-day washout in between the 8-day intervention period. Subjects were assessed before and after the intervention for serum and urine magnesium, lipid panel, the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.We found a difference in serum magnesium from day 2 to 8 (pre-infusion) (P 0.002) and from baseline to day 8 (P 0.02). No changes were noted on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression or the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 24 h post-treatment, but as serum magnesium increased from baseline to day 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 decreased from baseline to day 7 (P = 0.02).Magnesium sulfate did not significantly affect depression 24 h post-infusion, but other results were consistent with the literature. The association between changes in serum magnesium and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 supports the idea that magnesium sulfate may be used to address treatment-resistant depression, an ongoing medical challenge.

Background: The recognized importance of psychological and behavioral factors in human performance highlights the need for devising new techniques that positively affect perceptions to achieve better outcomes. New software called Reframe Technology imbedded in an iPod has been developed to achieve such a goal. Methods: Nineteen subjects with at least one issue to perceptually resolve used the Reframe Technology following proper protocols. Changes in resolving personal issues and mood were evaluated using the: (1) Positive States of Mind Scale, (2) Hassles and Uplifts Scale, and (3) Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results: The score on the Positive States of Mind Scale significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 14 (p=0.003) and Day 30 (p=0.001) and also from Day 14 to Day 30 (p=0.03). Significant decreases were also noted from Day 0 in the Hassles scores at each weekly time point, i.e., from Day 0 to Day 7 (p=0.02), from Day 0 to Day 14 (p = 0.001), from Day 0 to Day 21 (p=0.003), and from Day 0 to Day 30 (p=0.001). Changes on the Uplifts scores were non-significant. A highly significant decrease occurred in the intensity of the reframed issues (M difference=3, SD=1.9, p

Interest in alternative medical treatments, including acupuncture, is increasing. Alternative treatments must be subjected to the same objective standards as all medical treatments. A non-blinded pilot study of the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of acupuncture (ACUPX) for the symptoms of (PD) was performed. Twenty PD patients (mean age, 68 years; disease duration, 8.5 years; Hoehn and Yahr [HY] stage, 2.2; Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale score [UPDRS], 38.7) each received acupuncture treatments by a licensed acupuncturist. All patients were treated with two acupuncture treatment sessions per week. The first seven patients received 10 treatments and the last 13 patients 16 treatments. Patients were evaluated before and after ACUPX with the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP); UPDRS; HY; Schwab and England (SE); Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); quantitative motor tests, including timed evaluations of arm pronation supination movements, finger dexterity, finger movements between two fixed measured points, and the stand-walk-sit test; and a patient questionnaire designed for the study. Following ACUPX, there were no significant changes in the UPDRS, HY, SE, BAI, BDI, quantitative motor tests, total SIP or the two SIP Dimension scores. Analysis of the 12 SIP categories not corrected for multiple comparisons revealed a post-ACUPX improvement in the sleep and rest category only (P = 0.03). On the patient questionnaire, 85% of patients reported subjective improvement of individual symptoms including tremor, walking, handwriting, slowness, pain, sleep, depression, and anxiety. There were no adverse effects. ACUPX therapy is safe and well tolerated in PD patients. A range of PD and behavioral scales failed to show improvement following ACUPX other than sleep benefit, although patients reported other discrete symptomatic improvements. A broad battery of tests in PD patients suggested that ACUPX resulted in improvement of sleep and rest only. This finding needs to be verified using more in-depth and controlled evaluation of ACUPX for PD-related sleep disturbance.

Background Declining cognitive function is relatively common and increasingly prevalent. Studies have shown that different nutrients (e.g., Ginkgo biloba and vitamin E) appear to be effective at improving memory and concentration, while less is known about their effect on immunity. Methods This study investigated the effect of Ginkgo Synergy® plus Choline (n = 33) and OPC Synergy® plus Catalyn® (n = 31) versus placebo (n = 33) in a 6-month, randomized, double-blind trial on cognitive and immune functioning among English-speaking, non-smoking, healthy older adults. The Stroop Color and Word Test, Trail Making Test A and B, Controlled Oral Word Association, Hopkins Verbal Learning, Mini-Mental State Exam, and Digit Symbol were administered at baseline and 3 and 6 months follow-up to assess cognitive functioning. Cytokines and growth factors were measured at baseline and 6 months to assess inflammation and immune functioning. Data were analyzed with linear mixed modeling. Results No serious adverse events were noted in this study. According to time on the Trail Making Test-B, the Ginkgo Synergy® plus Choline arm showed improvement from baseline to 3 months follow-up (mean difference = 24.2; SE = 6.4; 95% CI: 8.6, 39.7; p = 0.01). On the Controlled Oral Word Association Trial-S, the scores significantly increased for the Ginkgo Synergy® plus Choline arm from baseline to 6 months follow-up (mean difference = 2.1; SE = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.2, 3.9; p

Depression, the most common type of mental illness, is the second leading cause of disability and is increasing among Americans. The effect of improved nutrition, particularly with dietary supplements, on depression may provide an alternative to standard medical treatment. Some studies have shown that certain nutrients (e.g., inositol and S-adenosyl methionine) are effective at improving depressed mood, although the results are not unequivocal. The current study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of a vitamin B complex nutritional supplement (Max Stress B) for improving depressive and anxiety symptoms according to the Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories (BDI and BAI) in 60 adults diagnosed with major depression or other forms of depressive disorders. Secondary outcomes included quality of life according to the SF-36. Participants were assessed at baseline and 30- and 60-day followups. Max Stress B showed significant and more continuous improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to placebo. Additionally, Max Stress B showed significant improvement on the mental health scale of the SF-36 compared to placebo. Thus, we showed modest utility of Max Stress B to improve mood symptoms and mental health quality of life in adults with depression.

John E Lewis1, Stacey L Tannenbaum1, Jinrun Gao3, Angelica B Melillo1, Evan G Long1, Yaima Alonso2, Janet Konefal1, Judi M Woolger2, Susanna Leonard1, Prabjot K Singh1, Lawrence Chen1, Eduard Tiozzo1 1Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 2Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, 3State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL, USA Background and purpose: The Electro Sensor Complex (ESC) is software that combines three devices using bioelectrical impedance, galvanic skin response, and spectrophotometry: (1) ES-BC (Electro Sensor-Body Composition; LD Technology, Miami, FL) to assess body composition, (2) EIS-GS (Electro Interstitial Scan-Galvanic Skin; LD Technology) to predict autonomic nervous system activity, and (3) ES Oxi (Electro Sensor Oxi; LD Technology) to assess cardiac output. The objective of this study was to compare each to a standardized assessment: ES-BC to dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), EIS-GS to heart rate variability, and ES Oxi to BioZ Dx Diagnostic System (BioZ Dx; SonoSite Inc, Bothell, WA). Patients and methods: The study was conducted in two waves. Fifty subjects were assessed for body composition and autonomic nervous system activity. Fifty-one subjects were assessed for cardiac output. Results: We found adequate relative and absolute agreement between ES-BC and DXA for fat mass (r = 0.97, P < 0.001) with ES-BC overestimating fat mass by 0.1 kg and for body fat percentage (r = 0.92, P < 0.001) with overestimation of fat percentage by 0.4%. For autonomic nervous system activity, we found marginal relative agreement between EIS-GS and heart rate variability by using EIS-GS as the predictor in a linear regression equation (adjusted R2 = 0.56, P = 0.03). For cardiac output, adequate relative and absolute agreement was found between ES Oxi and BioZ Dx at baseline (r = 0.60, P < 0.001), after the first exercise stage (r = 0.79, P < 0.001), and after the second exercise stage (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). Absolute agreement was found at baseline and after both bouts of exercise; ES Oxi overestimated baseline and stage 1 exercise cardiac output by 0.3 L/minute and 0.1 L/minute, respectively, but exactly estimated stage 2 exercise cardiac output. Conclusion: ES-BC and ES Oxi accurately assessed body composition and cardiac output compared to standardized instruments, whereas EIS-GS showed marginal predictive ability for autonomic nervous system activity. The ESC software managing the three devices would be useful to help detect complications related to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease and to noninvasively and rapidly manage treatment follow-up. Keywords: fat mass, autonomic nervous system activity, Electro Sensor Complex, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, heart rate variability, and bioimpedance cardiography

Background:Given the relationship between chronic disease and poor nutritional habits, using strategies to address the crisis of poor health in the U.S. is necessary. We explored if overweight people wanting to lose weight could benefit from having the Immuno Bloodprint, a proprietary IgG-mediated food sensitivity test to determine which foods to eliminate from the diet. IgG-mediated antibodies are thought to be causal in some food hypersensitivity and thus related to overweight status. Objective:This study assessed the effect of an IgG-mediated food sensitivity test in combination with a food elimination diet on body composition and secondary outcomes in people who wanted to lose weight and/or were overweight. Methods: A total of 120 subjects aged 18 and over took part in the study. Subjects had to eliminate all reactive foods from their diet for 90 days. Body composition, blood pressure and pulse, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and 30-, 60-, and 90-day follow-up. Results: Subjects who eliminated IgG-mediated reactive foods from their diet had reductions in weight, body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, resting diastolic blood pressure and had improvements in all indicators of quality of life according to the SF-36 from baseline to 90-day follow-up. Conclusions and Context:Subjects were able to improve their body composition and quality of life in response to eliminating IgG reactive foods from the diet. This test may represent a strategy to counteract the severe U.S. obesity epidemic. Abbreviations:Body mass index (BMI), Immunoglobulin E (IgE), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Waist/hip ratio (WHR).

Training in the neurolinguistic programming techniques of shifting perceptual position, visual-kinesthetic dissociation, timelines, and change-history, all based on experiential cognitive processing of remembered events, leads to an increased awareness of behavioral contingencies and a more sensitive recognition of environmental cues which could serve to lower trait anxiety and increase the sense of internal control. This study reports on within-person and between-group changes in trait anxiety and locus of control as measured on the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Wallston, Wallston, and DeVallis' Multiple Health Locus of Control immediately following a 21-day residential training in neurolinguistic programming. Significant within-person decreases in trait-anxiety scores and increases in internal locus of control scores were observed as predicted. Chance and powerful others locus of control scores were unchanged. Significant differences were noted on trait anxiety and locus of control scores between European and U.S. participants, although change scores were similar for the two groups. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that this training may lower trait-anxiety scores and increase internal locus of control scores. A matched control group was not available, and follow-up was unfortunately not possible.

Neurolinguistic programming training is based on principles that should enable the trainee to be more “present”-oriented, inner-directed, flexible, self-aware, and responsive to others, that is, more self-actualized. This study reports within-person changes on self-actualization measures of the Personal Orientation Inventory following a 21-day residential training in neurolinguistic programming. Significant positive mean changes were found for 18 master practitioners on nine of the 12 scales and for 36 practitioners on 10 of the 12 scales. Findings are consistent with the hypothesis that training increases individual self-actualization scores.

This pilot study shows (1) similarities among adults in the patterns of organization of the past, present, and future based upon individual imagery and spatial representation of their personal perspective of their lives and (2) a relationship between perceived health and future-orientation, i.e., how far into their future a person imagines self still to be alive. The data support the concept of a personal spatial representation of past, present, and future (a timeline) and sets the foundation for the development of psychological interventions based on this representation for 50 participants (23 men and 27 women). When asked to visualize their personal timelines, subjects indicated a general pattern of their future spatially located to the right and in front of themselves; their past was generally located to the left or behind. The distance into the future seen by participants initially ( M ± SE) were 8 ± 2.3 yr., 16 ± 2.8 yr., and 27 ± 5.5 yr. for the self-reported health status of “poor”, “good”, and “excellent”, respectively ( p

ContextAuricular acupuncture is widely used to treat cocaine addiction in the United States and Europe. However, evidence from controlled studies regarding this treatment's effectiveness has been inconsistent.ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture as a treatment for cocaine addiction.DesignRandomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial conducted from November 1996 to April 1999.SettingSix community-based clinics in the United States: 3 hospital-affiliated clinics and 3 methadone maintenance programs.PatientsSix hundred twenty cocaine-dependent adult patients (mean age, 38.8 years; 69.2% men); 412 used cocaine only and 208 used both opiates and cocaine and were receiving methadone maintenance.InterventionPatients were randomly assigned to receive auricular acupuncture (n = 222), a needle-insertion control condition (n = 203), or a relaxation control condition (n = 195). Treatments were offered 5 times weekly for 8 weeks. Concurrent drug counseling was also offered to patients in all conditions.Main Outcome MeasuresCocaine use during treatment and at the 3- and 6-month postrandomization follow-up based on urine toxicology screens; retention in treatment.ResultsIntent-to-treat analysis of urine samples showed a significant overall reduction in cocaine use (odds ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.74; P = .002) but no differences by treatment condition (P = .90 for acupuncture vs both control conditions). There were also no differences between the conditions in treatment retention (44%-46% for the full 8 weeks). Counseling sessions in all 3 conditions were poorly attended.ConclusionsWithin the clinical context of this study, acupuncture was not more effective than a needle insertion or relaxation control in reducing cocaine use. Our study does not support the use of acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment for cocaine addiction or in contexts in which patients receive only minimal concurrent psychosocial treatment. Research will be needed to examine acupuncture's contribution to addiction treatment when provided in an ancillary role.

The Liebowitz Social Phobia Scale measured the effect of training on social anxiety responses of 28 adults prior to and following a 21-day residential training, and at 6 mo. follow-up. Significant reductions posttraining and at follow-up were evident in the mean self-reported global scale scores on fear and avoidance behavior in social situations. The item scores, aggregated to reflect the situational domains of formal and informal speaking, being observed by others, and assertion, showed significant and continuing reduction from posttraining through follow-up. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that this training may be associated with reduced responses to social anxiety, but as there was no formal control group, pretest scores from another study were used. Interpretation is limited.

There are several varieties of treatment facilities and modalities for dealing with substance abuse. In this study, the addition of acupuncture treatments to the usual care program at an existing county-based substance abuse treatment clinic was tested. Men and women who voluntarily attended the clinic or who were remanded by the court to attend were randomized to receive usual care, usual care plus frequent urine testing, or usual care plus frequent urine testing and acupuncture treatments. Clients who received acupuncture treatments in addition to the usual care and frequent urine testing became clean (as measured by negative urine tests) in 57% of the time required for the frequent urine testing group. Difficulties experienced included low counselor compliance with the protocol and a high drop-out rate, indicating that further research is necessary; however, this study demonstrates that acupuncture can be a feasible and effective addition to existing drug treatment programs.

A number of studies have reported on the inhibitory effects of organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) on the enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) among agricultural workers. With the increasing use of OPs, surveys of blood ChE activity on exposed workers may help to identify workers at greatest risk and to provide insight into the use history--e.g., mixing, loading, application, and harvesting--that might lead to a hazardous situation. Although it does appear that measurements of ChE activity are valuable in worker surveillance programs, it is difficult to interpret findings from various studies since they are dependent on the method of assay and the emphasis is usually placed on statistical tests (i.e., p values) that depend on the number of subjects studied. In the present paper a method is presented to compare ChE values reported in several studies utilizing various methods and units of measurement, and to assess the impact of OP exposure as a percentage of subjects with ChE values depressed below normal limits.

In a 1981 survey of 1811 Florida citrus fieldworkers, 25 pesticide related poisoning incidents involving 29 fieldworkers were reported. Suspected poisonings were categorized into possible and confirmed poisonings, and from these reports it was possible to project an estimated 438 possible poisonings, and 73 confirmed poisonings among all citrus fieldworkers. Confirmed pesticide poisonings were developed into an incidence rate of 34 poisonings per 10,000 permanent and semi‐permanent fieldworkers. The number of possible and confirmed poisonings, for all fieldworkers, was then developed into an incidence rate of 160 poisonings per 10,000 fieldworkers.