Only vulnerable adults show change in chronic low-grade inflammation after contemplative mental training: evidence from a randomized clinical trial.

Growing evidence suggests that chronic low-grade inflammation can be reduced through mindfulness-based mental training interventions. However, these results are inconsistent and based on patient populations with heterogeneous conditions. Similar research in healthy adults is lacking. Moreover, common intervention protocols involve varying combinations of different contemplative practices, such that it remains unclear which types of training most effectively influence biomarkers of inflammation. The present study investigated the effect of three distinct 3-month training modules cultivating a) interoception and present-moment focus (Presence), b) socio-affective skills (Affect), or c) socio-cognitive skills (Perspective) on the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (IL-6) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in 298 healthy adults. We observed no group-level effect of training on either biomarker, but trend-level interactions of training type and participant sex. In additionally exploring the influence of participants' baseline inflammation, a selective training effect emerged: Following the Presence module, participants with relatively higher inflammatory load showed stronger reduction in IL-6 on average, and in hs-CRP if they were male. Mindfulness- and attention-based mental practice thus appears most effective when targeting chronic low-grade inflammation in healthy adults, particularly in men. Overall, our data point to a floor effect in the reduction of inflammatory markers through contemplative mental training, suggesting that mental training may be less effective in improving basal biological health outcomes in healthy, low-stressed adults than in vulnerable populations

Investigating the effect of intra-operative infiltration with local anaesthesia on the development of chronic postoperative pain after inguinal hernia repair. A randomized placebo controlled triple blinded and group sequential study design [NCT00484731]

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most frequently performed procedures in Switzerland (15'000/year). The most common complication postoperatively is development of chronic pain in up to 30% of all patients irrespective of the operative technique.</p> <p>Methods/Design</p> <p>264 patients scheduled for an inguinal hernia repair using one of three procedures (Lichtenstein, Barwell and TEP = total extraperitoneal hernioplasty) are being randomly allocated intra-operatively into two groups. Group I patients receive a local injection of 20 ml Carbostesin^®0.25% at the end of the operation according to a standardised procedure. Group II patients get a 20 ml placebo (0.9% Saline) injection. We use pre-filled identically looking syringes for blinded injection, i.e. the patient, the surgeon and the examinator who performs the postoperative clinical follow-ups remain unaware of group allocation. The primary outcome of the study is the occurrence of developing chronic pain (defined as persistent pain at 3 months FU) measured by VAS and Pain Matcher^®device (Cefar Medical AB, Lund, Sweden).</p> <p>The study started on July 2006. In addition to a sample size re-evaluation three interim analyses are planned after 120, 180 and 240 patients had finished their 3-months follow-up to allow for early study termination.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Using a group sequential study design the minimum number of patients are enrolled to reach a valid conclusion before the end of the study.</p> <p>To limit subjectivity, both a VAS and the Pain Matcher^®device are used for the evaluation of pain. This allows us also to compare these two methods and further assess the use of Pain Matcher^®in clinical routine.</p> <p>The occurrence of chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair has been in focus of several clinical studies but the reduction of it has been rarely investigated. We hope to significantly reduce the occurrence of this complication with our investigated intervention.</p> <p>Trial Registration</p> <p>Our trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. The trial registration number is: [NCT00484731].</p

Mutual Clutter Suppression Techniques for FM Sonars

The article presents methods that help in the elimination of mutual clutter as well as the consequences of two FM sounding signal sonars operating in the same body of water and frequency band. An in-depth analysis of mutual clutter was carried out. The effects of sounding signal differentiation were determined, as was the Doppler effect on mutual clutter suppression. One of the methods analysed is of particular interest in a situation in which collaborating sonars are operating in opposite frequency modulation directions. This method is effective for both linear and hyperbolic frequency modulations. A formula was derived, identifying exactly how much quantities of clutter may be lessened. The work included comprehensive computer simulations and measurements as well as tests in real-life conditions

Mutual Clutter Suppression Techniques for FM Sonars

The article presents methods that help in the elimination of mutual clutter as well as the consequences of two FM sounding signal sonars operating in the same body of water and frequency band. An in-depth analysis of mutual clutter was carried out. The effects of sounding signal differentiation were determined, as was the Doppler effect on mutual clutter suppression. One of the methods analysed is of particular interest in a situation in which collaborating sonars are operating in opposite frequency modulation directions. This method is effective for both linear and hyperbolic frequency modulations. A formula was derived, identifying exactly how much quantities of clutter may be lessened. The work included comprehensive computer simulations and measurements as well as tests in real-life conditions

Multibeam sonar with hexagonal array

The paper presents a multi-beam digital sonar that was designed for monitoring and fish stock assessment in in/and waters. The sonar can also be used as a bottom profiler in lakes, rivers and shallow sea areas. The hexagonal piezoelectric transducer array co-operates with a commutator set. The 32 -channel digital beamformer creates 30 narrow receiving beams in every 60o sector of simultaneous observation. The six sectors cover the whole 360o angle range of the sonar. The beamformer digital signal processing is based on second order sampling of echo signals and the phase-shifting principle of beam deflection. The sonar block diagram, beamformer algorithms, as well as transducers designs are discussed

Modernization of ASW sonar SQS-56 at Gdansk University of Technology

The fast development of electronic technology and digital signal processing methods makes electronic devices, including sonar systems ones, obsolete very quickly. On the other hand the ships mechanical components including mechanical parts of sonars are operational for a few dozens of years. It makes good opportunity to modernize these devices by using modern electronic devices and new digital signal processing methods with application of existing antenna and mechanical systems. The paper presents the modernization of ASW sonar SQS-56 on the Polish frigate ORP “Kościusko”. The aim of modernization, the new parameters of the sonar and block diagram after modernization are presented

COVID-19–related personal product shortages are associated with psychological distress in people living with gastrointestinal disorders: A cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: The mental health response to the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic–related product shortages in those living with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders has received little attention. We aimed to explore the association between the pandemic‐related product shortages and psychological distress in people with GI disorders. METHODS: This online cross‐sectional survey was nested within an ongoing, international, prospective study of well‐being in people with GI disorders. The study was advertised in multiple countries in May‐September 2020 via patient organizations and social media. The primary outcome measure was distress, evaluated by the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. We utilized linear regressions, adjusting for covariates and testing individual moderation effects. KEY RESULTS: Overall, 831 people completed the survey from 27 countries, of whom 82% were female (mean age = 49 years). The most common disorders included inflammatory bowel disease (n = 322), celiac disease (n = 273), and irritable bowel syndrome (n = 260). Significant problems accessing food were reported by 19.8%, non‐medical therapies by 16%, toilet paper by 10.8%, and essential medication by 8.9% of the sample (>5% pain medication). There was a positive association between toilet paper and pain medication shortages and distress, and a negative association between food shortages and distress. Significant moderation effects were identified for COVID‐19 prevalence and toilet paper and food shortages, and between COVID‐19 fear and pain medication shortages. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: The study documented a significant relationship between product shortages and psychological distress, which were associated with COVID‐19 prevalence and fear. Strategies addressing COVID‐19 fear could potentially modify the relationship between shortages and distress