C-reactive protein is increased in bipolar disorder across the mood spectrum: a systematic review and meta-analysis

<p><b><i>Background</i></b>: In the UK, government legislation allows the use of prescribed fire in peatlands for land management purposes. The use of fire, however, remains controversial, partly because of a distinct lack of data on the response of key peatland species to fire. <i>Sphagnum</i> species are key components of peatland ecosystems, yet a fundamental knowledge gap in the debate is the response of <i>Sphagnum</i> species to fire.</p> <p><b><i>Aims</i></b>: To determine if a widespread species (<i>Sphagnum capillifolium</i>) has the ability to recover from exposure to high temperatures, analogous to those recorded in managed peatland fires.</p> <p><b><i>Methods</i></b>: Samples of <i>S. capillifolium</i> were exposed to a range of temperature treatments. Recovery was monitored using chlorophyll fluorescence, CO₂ exchange and physical damage and new growth assessed.</p> <p><b><i>Results</i></b>: We found that the degree of recovery of <i>S. capillifolium</i> was related to the temperature treatment, post-treatment environmental conditions and pre-treatment stem moisture content. The slowest recovery was found when samples were heated to 400°C for 30 s.</p> <p><b><i>Conclusions</i></b>: Our results demonstrate that <i>S. capillifolium</i> has the ability to recover following exposure to the temperatures experienced in prescribed fire, provided that at least some living material remains. Our results suggest that prescribed burning in the spring may allow for a quicker recovery than autumnal fires.</p

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for fibromyalgia: A step closer to precision psychiatry?

Mindfulness-based stress reduction for fibromyalgia: A step closer to precision psychiatry

The placebo and nocebo phenomena: their clinical management and impact on treatment outcomes

© 2017 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc. All rights reservedPurpose: This overview focuses on placebo and nocebo effects in clinical trials and routine care. Our goal was to propose strategies to improve outcomes in clinical practice, maximizing placebo effects and reducing nocebo effects, as well as managing these phenomena in clinical trials. Methods: A narrative literature search of PubMed was conducted (January 1980-September 2016). Systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case series that had an emphasis on placebo or nocebo effects in clinical practice were included in the qualitative synthesis. Search terms included: placebo, nocebo, clinical, clinical trial, clinical setting, placebo effect, nocebo effect, adverse effects, and treatment outcomes. This search was augmented by a manual search of the references of the key articles and the related literature. Findings: Placebo and nocebo effects are psychobiological events imputable to the therapeutic context. Placebo is defined as an inert substance that provokes perceived benefits, whereas the term nocebo is used when an inert substance causes perceived harm. Their major mechanisms are expectancy and classical conditioning. Placebo is used in several fields of medicine, as a diagnostic tool or to reduce drug dosage. Placebo/nocebo effects are difficult to disentangle from the natural course of illness or the actual effects of a new drug in a clinical trial. There are known strategies to enhance clinical results by manipulating expectations and conditioning. Implications: Placebo and nocebo effects occur frequently and are clinically significant but are underrecognized in clinical practice. Physicians should be able to recognize these phenomena and master tactics on how to manage these effects to enhance the quality of clinical practice.Dr. Berk is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council Senior Principal Research Fellowship (GNT1059660). All contributors to this manuscript are listed as co-authors. Michael Berk is supported by a NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellowship (1059660). All authors were involved in all aspects of preparing this review paper, including the literature search and writinginfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio