<p>The article explores the wars and conflicts present in South Asia. It focuses on the programs and processes in negotiating peace and cooperation among countries in South Asia. It discusses the different treaties of Nepal and other South Asian countries. It concludes that the universal concern for peace and cooperation is stifled by the security sensitivities of the states in South Asia. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2006-09-27)</p>
Recent evidence has established that consumption of High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity is associated with deficits in hippocampus-dependent memory/learning and mood states. Nevertheless the link between obesity and emotional disorders still remains to be elucidated. This issue is of particular interest during adolescence, which is important period for shaping learning/memory and mood regulation that can be sensitive to the detrimental effects of HFD. Our present study is focused to investigate behavioral and metabolic influences of short-term HFD intake in adolescent C57BL/6 mice. HFD caused weight gain, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and depression-like behavior as early as after 3 weeks which was clearly proved by a decrease in number of groomings in the open field test (OFT) and an increase in immobility time in the tail suspension test (TST). In the 4th week HFD induced obese model was fully developed and above behavioral symptoms were more dominant (decrease in number of crossings and groomings and increase in immobility time in both FST and TST). At the end of 6th week hippocampal analysis revealed the differences in morphology (reduced Nissl positive neurons and decreased the 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor expression), neuronal survival (increased cleaved caspase-3 expression), synaptic plasticity (down regulation of <i>p</i>-CREB and BDNF), and inflammatory responses (increase in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease in expression of anti-inflammatory cyokines) in HFD mice. Our results demonstrate that, high-fat feeding of adolescent mice could provoke “depression-like” behavior as early as 3 weeks and modulate structure, neuron survival and neuroinflammation in hippocampus as early as 6 weeks proving that adolescent age is much prone to adverse effects of HFD, which causes obesity, behavioral differences, memory and learning deficiencies.
Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body explains the practice of chi gung (qigong), the 3000-year-old self-healing exercise system from China. Originally published in 1993, this book has become a classic that has inspired tens of thousands of Westerners to learn to activate their chi—life-force energy—to improve their health, reduce stress and reverse the effects of aging. This fully revised edition has more than 100 pages of new material, including Longevity Breathing methods; how cross-training in chi gung can enhance other exercises such as yoga, golf and weight training; and nei gung techniques for advanced practitioners. Chi gung exercises utilize a system of energy channels in the body that are similar to an electrical circuit. Frantzis' thorough knowledge of energy arts and the Chinese language allow him to peel away the secrecy and metaphors. He presents this 300-page edition in easy to understand terms to suit beginners, with enough meaty detail and depth for the advanced martial artist, healer or meditator. Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body includes a comprehensive guide to chi gung theory and a systematic lesson plan with more than 100 illustrations. These low-impact exercises are suitable for almost any age or fitness level. They provide the foundation for learning any other chi practice, such as tai chi, martial arts, meditation or TAO Yoga. Frantzis explains not only how these inner aerobics are done, but why. Going beyond mere body movement, he teaches from the inside out, linking the biomechanics and anatomy of the physical body with the subtleties of chi. This book provides practical methods to help people become balanced, relaxed and joyful. Frantzis trained for more than a decade in China, became a Taoist Lineage Master—quite a rare occurrence—and came back to the West to teach. “My hope is that chi gung and tai chi can become mainstream exercises in the West,” says Frantzis. “We have a major health crisis looming; practicing chi gung or tai chi is one of the most effective ways people can reclaim control of their health and well-being.”
Abstract Although public speaking anxiety (PSA) is the most commonly experienced type of anxiety, the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on PSA is not firmly established. To shed light on this relationship, the present study proposes a model examining the mediating effect of self-esteem in explaining this link. The data for the present study were collected from 227 executives pursuing a 2-year management education program. Public speaking being an essential part of this program, the participants voluntarily completed the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Personal Report of Public Speaking Anxiety. Based on a quantitative approach, the study demonstrates that the effect of mindfulness-based interventions on public speaking anxiety could be better understood by taking into account the mediating variable—self-esteem. The study concludes by discussing conceptual contributions, limitations and future research avenues.
BACKGROUND: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) who also use crack cocaine may have stressful, chaotic lives and typically do not engage in standard medical care that addresses a multitude of extenuating life circumstances. Yoga/meditation (YM) improves quality of life (QOL) and biomarkers of stress, but the effect of this intervention is almost unknown in PLWH, particularly those who use crack cocaine. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study sought to compare the feasibility and acceptability of 60-minute, twice-per-week sessions of YM for 2 months with those of no-contact control and to evaluate the effects of the intervention on QOL (according to the Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], and Impact of Events Scale [IES]) and salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) among PLWH who use crack cocaine. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned to YM or no-contact control and were assessed at baseline, 2 months after the intervention, and 4 months' follow-up. RESULTS: The YM program was acceptable and feasible, with high overall attendance (89%) and individual participation in yoga sessions (83%). YM participants showed modest improvements on QOL. The PSS total score and the IES intrusion score improved significantly 2 months after the intervention, but cortisol and DHEA-S did not change. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a high level of feasibility and acceptability and modest effects on measures of QOL among PLWH who use crack cocaine. The results suggest utility of YM as a simple, safe, and inexpensive format to improve QOL in a population that has many medical difficulties and extenuating stressors.
BACKGROUND: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) who also use crack cocaine may have stressful, chaotic lives and typically do not engage in standard medical care that addresses a multitude of extenuating life circumstances. Yoga/meditation (YM) improves quality of life (QOL) and biomarkers of stress, but the effect of this intervention is almost unknown in PLWH, particularly those who use crack cocaine. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study sought to compare the feasibility and acceptability of 60-minute, twice-per-week sessions of YM for 2 months with those of no-contact control and to evaluate the effects of the intervention on QOL (according to the Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], and Impact of Events Scale [IES]) and salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) among PLWH who use crack cocaine. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned to YM or no-contact control and were assessed at baseline, 2 months after the intervention, and 4 months' follow-up. RESULTS: The YM program was acceptable and feasible, with high overall attendance (89%) and individual participation in yoga sessions (83%). YM participants showed modest improvements on QOL. The PSS total score and the IES intrusion score improved significantly 2 months after the intervention, but cortisol and DHEA-S did not change. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a high level of feasibility and acceptability and modest effects on measures of QOL among PLWH who use crack cocaine. The results suggest utility of YM as a simple, safe, and inexpensive format to improve QOL in a population that has many medical difficulties and extenuating stressors.
BACKGROUND: Persons living with HIV (PLWH) who also use crack cocaine may have stressful, chaotic lives and typically do not engage in standard medical care that addresses a multitude of extenuating life circumstances. Yoga/meditation (YM) improves quality of life (QOL) and biomarkers of stress, but the effect of this intervention is almost unknown in PLWH, particularly those who use crack cocaine. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study sought to compare the feasibility and acceptability of 60-minute, twice-per-week sessions of YM for 2 months with those of no-contact control and to evaluate the effects of the intervention on QOL (according to the Short Form-36, Perceived Stress Scale [PSS], and Impact of Events Scale [IES]) and salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) among PLWH who use crack cocaine. DESIGN: Participants were randomly assigned to YM or no-contact control and were assessed at baseline, 2 months after the intervention, and 4 months' follow-up. RESULTS: The YM program was acceptable and feasible, with high overall attendance (89%) and individual participation in yoga sessions (83%). YM participants showed modest improvements on QOL. The PSS total score and the IES intrusion score improved significantly 2 months after the intervention, but cortisol and DHEA-S did not change. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed a high level of feasibility and acceptability and modest effects on measures of QOL among PLWH who use crack cocaine. The results suggest utility of YM as a simple, safe, and inexpensive format to improve QOL in a population that has many medical difficulties and extenuating stressors.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the pro-apoptotic and anti-tumorigenic properties of Thapring - a Traditional Tibetan Medicine - in hepatoma cells and in a transgenic mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma.MATERIAL AND METHODS: The pro-apoptotic action and growth inhibition property of Thapring were assessed in Huh7, HepG2 and A549 cell lines using flow cytometry and MTT assay, respectively. Confocal microscopy for colocalization of cytochrome c and mitochondria was done using dsRed mitotracker in Huh7 cells. The activation of p38 MAP kinase and p53 pathway was evaluated by Western blotting. Serological studies for liver function, vascular endothelial growth factor and superoxide dismutase were assessed in the serum of X15-myc transgenic mice. Immuno-histochemical studies for Bcl2 and p21(Waf1) expression were also carried out in the liver section of the above mice.
RESULTS: Treatment with Thapring inhibited proliferation and accumulation of hepatoma cells in G1 phase. There was increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria and decreased Bcl2 levels - the key markers of apoptotic cell death. Besides activation of p38 MAP kinase and increased p53 expression were also observed. Oral administration of Thapring in transgenic mice lowered serum VEGF levels and conferred hepatoprotection as evident from normal serum ALT levels. Further, immunohistochemical analysis of the liver samples revealed reduced expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 and over-expression of cell cycle regulator p21(Waf1).
CONCLUSIONS: The ability of Thapring to impose growth arrest and trigger pro-apoptotic death in cell culture as well as ameliorative effects in vivo provides scientific basis for its usefulness as traditional medicine and its clinical application in adjunct/combination therapy along with other known anticancer drugs.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease with a broad spectrum of liver injury. Oxidant stress is believed to be the pathogenesis of NAFLD as the "second hit". Hydrogen peroxide is widely used as an oxidant reagent to induce the oxidant injury of cells and larval zebrafish. Recently, cichoric acid is being studied extensively for its obesity attenuating, hepatic steatosis reduction and anti-oxidant effects. In this study, to identify whether CRA could protect the H2O2 induced oxidant injury via anti-oxidant impact by using L02 and HepG2 hepatocytes as in vitro and larval zebrafish as in vivo injury models, and evaluated the protective and anti-oxidant effects of CRA by pretreated it on both in vitro and in vivo models. CRA was found to reduce the production of ROS and MDA, activate the anti-oxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-px, and pathways Keap1-Nrf2 and HO-1. These results demonstrated that CRA might protect the liver injury by its anti-oxidant effect, which could be a potential therapeutic agent of NAFLD.
<p>The article attempts to study Bhutan's foreign policy. The author argues that to understand Bhutanese foreign policy is a difficult task, an example being the Bhutanese state forcibly evicting Bhutanese of Nepali origin even though all Bhutanese share much in terms of traditional, spiritual, and cultural heritage. Also the Bhutanese government is often guided by the advice of the government of India. Bhutan is a monarchial state which is guided by the Council of Ecclesiastic affairs (Dratshang Lheshong) formed in 1984. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2006-10-24)</p>
<p>The article discusses the diplomatic ties between the two countries of Nepal and India. This article focuses on reconsidering Nepal-India bilateral relations in the modern era, when Nepal follows a multi-party democratic system. It sheds light on treaties between the two countries and recommends a need to revitalize the relationship. (Rajeev Ranjan Singh 2007-02-23)</p>
BACKGROUND: Yoga practice has been effectively prescribed in conjunction with other medical and yogic procedures in the management of severe psychosomatic diseases, including cancer, bronchial asthma, colitis, peptic and ulcer. It improves strength and flexibility, and may help control physiological variables such as blood pressure, lipids, respiration, heart rate, and metabolic rate to improve overall exercise capacity.AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Yogic Practice on anxiety/depression associated with obesity.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from the Department of Physiology, C.S.M. Medical University (erstwhile KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. A total of 272 subjects were divided into two groups: 1) group of 205 subjects (with yogic practice) and 2) a control group of 67 subjects (with aerobic exercise). Assessment of anxiety and depression were done by Hamilton Rating Scale.
RESULT: This study supports yoga as an effective tool with no diet restriction to improve anxiety and depression symptoms as well as obesity in obese subjects
CONCLUSION: Incorporating yogic asana in the treatment protocol of patients suffering from anxiety and depression may prove beneficial in the long run.
Objective: We evaluated the comparative effectiveness of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) versus an active control condition (ACC) for depression relapse prevention, depressive symptom reduction, and improvement in life satisfaction. Method: Ninety-two participants in remission from major depressive disorder with residual depressive symptoms were randomized to either an 8-week MBCT or a validated ACC that is structurally equivalent to MBCT and controls for nonspecific effects (e.g., interaction with a facilitator, perceived social support, treatment outcome expectations). Both interventions were delivered according to their published manuals. Results: Intention-to-treat analyses indicated no differences between MBCT and ACC in depression relapse rates or time to relapse over a 60-week follow-up. Both groups experienced significant and equal reductions in depressive symptoms and improvements in life satisfaction. A significant quadratic interaction (Group × Time) indicated that the pattern of depressive symptom reduction differed between groups. The ACC experienced immediate symptom reduction postintervention and then a gradual increase over the 60-week follow-up. The MBCT group experienced a gradual linear symptom reduction. The pattern for life satisfaction was identical but only marginally significant. Conclusions: MBCT did not differ from an ACC on rates of depression relapse, symptom reduction, or life satisfaction, suggesting that MBCT is no more effective for preventing depression relapse and reducing depressive symptoms than the active components of the ACC. Differences in trajectory of depressive symptom improvement suggest that the intervention-specific skills acquired may be associated with differential rates of therapeutic benefit. This study demonstrates the importance of comparing psychotherapeutic interventions to active control conditions.
<p>This is a review by Dhruba Kumar of Narayan Khadka, <em>Foreign Aid and Foreign Policy: Major Powers and Nepal</em>.</p>
<p>This is a review by Nirmal Kumar Bhattarai of Predita Pohle, <em>Useful Plants of Manang District: A Contribution to the Ethnobotany of the Nepal-Himalaya</em>.</p>
BACKGROUND: Various complementary or alternative medicines (including breathing exercises and yoga/pranayama) have been tried as an attractive option to pharmacotherapy in childhood asthma.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of breathing exercise and yoga/pranayama as add on therapy to the "pharmacologically recommended treatment" of childhood asthma.
METHODS: We searched the published literature through the major databases: Medline via Ovid, PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase, and Google Scholar till June 2018. Randomized trials comparing breathing exercises and yoga/ pranayama versus control or as part of a composite intervention versus control were included. The primary outcome measures were quality of life and change in asthma symptoms. Secondary outcomes were: decrease in medication use, number of exacerbations, change in lung function and immunological parameters, school absenteeism, and adverse events.
RESULTS: A total of 10 trials (466 children, 6-14 years age) were included. The severity of asthma varied among the trials. The data for primary outcome measures could not be pooled, there were mixed results for both primary and secondary outcomes. No significant benefit was obtained in acute asthma, and the lung function tests [except PEFR % at 4-6 weeks, PEF absolute at 3 months, and FVC absolute at 3 months] in chronic asthma. One trial compared breathing exercise versus yoga, and found no difference. Adverse events were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS: Breathing exercise and yoga/ pranayama may have some additive role in the treatment of childhood asthma. However, at present it cannot be recommended as a standard of care due to insufficient data.
<br><b>Introduction:</b> Physical activity is known to improve self-esteem of children. Low self-esteem causes distraction of attention which leads to decline in performance in attentional tasks. The performance of a child at school depends on multiple factors, a major factor being attention. Hence, the present study was designed to see (i) the effect 4½ months of yoga practice had on children's (a) performance in attentional tasks, (b) self-esteem and (ii) the correlation between yoga performance and (a) academic performance, (b) behavior with peers, (c) behavior with teachers, (d) punctuality, (e) participation in extra-curricular activities. <b>Methods:</b> Participants were 116 children with group mean age ± standard deviation; 10.2 ± 0.6 years. We assessed them for (i) self-esteem using Indian Adaptation of Battle's Self Esteem Inventory for Children and (ii) performance in attentional tasks using two different tests, i.e., six letter cancellation test (SLCT) and digit letter substitution test (DLST) and (iii) the teacher's rating scale which analyzed the teacher's assessment of the children's academic performance, behavior with peers, behavior with teachers, punctuality, yoga practice, and participation in extracurricular activities on an analog scale, before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed with PASW (SPSS Statistics 24) using the <i>t</i>-test for paired data. <b>Results:</b> There was a significant improvement in the scores of (i) SLCT (<i>P</i> < 0.001), (ii) DLST (<i>P</i> < 0.001), (iii) social self-esteem (<i>P</i> < 0.01), (iv) academic self-esteem (<i>P</i> < 0.001), and (v) total self-esteem (<i>P</i> < 0.001) after 60 min/day of yoga practice for 4½ months. Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between yoga performance and the behavior with teachers (<i>r</i> = 0.221 and <i>P</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> Yoga practice is beneficial for school children as it improves attention, concentration, memory, motor speed, and self-esteem (social, academic and total). In addition, improved yoga performance improves behavior with teachers, thus improving discipline in school.<br>
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