Effects of mindfulness-based interventions on symptoms and interoception in trauma-related disorders and exposure to traumatic events: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Interoception is defined as the sense of the internal state of the body. Dysfunctions in interoception are found in several mental disorders, including trauma-related conditions. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to influence interoceptive processes. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have investigated whether MBIs impact symptoms and interoception in patients with trauma-related disorders. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize these data. We included RCTs with an MBI arm which enrolled adult patients with trauma related-disorders or exposure to a traumatic experience, and addressed changes in interoception and trauma-related symptoms. A random-effects multivariate meta-analytic model was performed to quantify group differences in score change from baseline to follow-up. Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and eleven in the meta-analysis. Overall, MBIs showed small to moderate positive effects on both interoception and symptoms. Despite a high heterogeneity in results, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the findings. We conclude that the efficacy of MBIs on trauma-related symptoms and interoception is supported by randomised evidence. However, further research is needed to understand whether changes in interoception might underpin the effectiveness of MBIs in trauma-related disorders.

Short-term effects of cervical manipulation on edge light pupil cycle time: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Edge light pupil cycle time (ELPCT) is one of the eye's light reflexes. Studies have shown ELPCT to be a measurable constant, unaffected by visual acuity, refractive error, eye color, pupil size, or sex. Control of this reflex occurs through the autonomic nervous system. Various authors suggest that spinal manipulative techniques can produce distant effects mediated in part by alterations in autonomic tone after intervention. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a C1-2 high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation on ELPCT. DESIGN: A single-group, randomized pilot study without a control group. METHODS: Thirteen men (mean age 24.2 years) without a history of eye disease or central or autonomic nervous system pathologic conditions had their ELPCT measured before and after manipulation. The manipulation comprised a high-velocity, low-amplitude rotatory thrust, localized to the C1-2 joint on the left (n = 6) or right (n = 7) eye, determined randomly. RESULTS: ELPCT measures demonstrated a significant difference for both eyes before and after manipulation (P = .002; the right eye, P = .027; the left eye, P = .046). CONCLUSION: This suggests that ELPCT, which is mediated through the autonomic nervous system, can be directly influenced by high-velocity manipulation to the upper cervical spine.

Copying for fun and profit.

We have found our office copier an indispensible aid to the department's work production. Our savings in both time and production costs more than offset the copier's limitations. This article highlights only a few of the ways we utilize our copier. Further experimentation by others, we believe, should uncover even more advantages to these machines.

Molding and casting using three basic materials.

This paper presents the basic properties of and techniques for using molding and casting materials. Sources are listed at the end of the article; detailed recipes and information are available upon request from the manufacturer and/or supplier.

Lumbar puncture in infants.

Lumbar puncture is indicated in any infant with symptoms suggestive of meningitis (seizures, intractable vomiting and unexplained fever) and in the evaluation of neonatal intracranial bleeding. The infant must be held firmly in the lateral decubitus or sitting position. Under sterile conditions, a 22- to 25-gauge needle is inserted into the L3-4 interspace. The most important complication is unrecognized compromise of respiratory status.

The trochlea. A study of the anatomy and physiology.

Trochleas obtained from fresh surgical specimens, autopsy material, and cadavers were studied by means of dissection, light microscopy, and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission). A bursa-like structure that has not previously been described lines the inner surface of the cartilagenous trochlea. A fibrillar, vascular sheath surrounds the intratrochlear superior oblique tendon. This portion of the superior oblique tendon consists of discrete fibers with few, interfibrillar connections. Each superior oblique tendon fiber is thought to move through the trochlea by means of a sliding action with the central fibers undergoing the maximum excursion.

Relieving parental anxiety a booklet for parents of an infant in NICU.

The transfer of a sick newborn infant to a Newborn Intensive Care Unit evokes an acute emotional crisis for the parents. In order to help the family master this crisis, the authors have developed a parent booklet entitled, "A Sign of Hope." This pamphlet introduces the parents to Newborn Intensive Care even before the transfer of the baby to the regional hospital. By merely changing a few words, telephone numbers, and maps, this brochure can be adapted for use at most Level II or III Newborn Special Care Units.

Conception and construction of a teaching simulator (umbilical vessel catheterization).

Difficult medical procedures, such as umbilical vessel catheterization, are more easily and safely taught with a simulator than with the actual patient. The need, conception, design, and construction of such a simulator is presented in the hope that others may recognize its value and be encouraged to design their own teaching simulators for their particular needs.