Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Christine Soong, Lisa Burry, Maria Greco, Cara Tannenbaum
Summary: Despite recommendations for non-pharmacological approaches as first line treatment for chronic insomnia in adults, sedatives are still commonly prescribed and associated with serious harm, including cognitive deficits, falls, confusion, and mortality. Overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines have increased significantly in the US from 1999 to 2015.
BMJ-BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Judit Majnik, Noemi Csaszar-Nagy, Georgina Bocskei, Tamas Bender, Gyorgy Nagy
Summary: Although significant progress has been made in the pharmacological treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a considerable number of patients still do not achieve treatment goals. Non-pharmacological treatments (NPTs) play a crucial role, especially in difficult-to-treat RA (D2TRA), where pharmacological options are often limited. NPTs seem to have a complex, holistic effect that can complement targeted pharmacotherapies in the treatment of D2TRA.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Marie Ociskova, Jan Prasko, Jakub Vanek, Michaela Holubova, Frantisek Hodny, Klara Latalova, Krystof Kantor, Vlastimil Nesnidal
Summary: The study found that self-stigma is positively correlated with the severity of symptoms in OCD patients, and patients with higher self-stigma may show less significant symptom changes after combined treatment.
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH AND BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Klara Suneson, Jesper Lindahl, Simon Chamli Harsmar, Gustav Soderberg, Daniel Lindqvist
Summary: The treatment of depression is hindered by the lack of distinct symptom profiles with different pathophysiologies. Inflammatory depression is identified as a subtype associated with specific symptoms and biological abnormalities. Future clinical trials should consider inflammatory markers when testing non-pharmacological interventions for this subtype.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Maria Isabel Ramirez-Goerke, Laura Redondo-Florez, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Alexandra Martin-Rodriguez, Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo, Eduardo Navarro-Jimenez, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Anorexia nervosa is a psychiatric disorder characterized by an individual's preoccupation with weight and body structure while denying the severity of low body weight. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as nutritional, physical activity, psychological, psychosocial, and physical therapy interventions, can be used to ameliorate or reduce the symptoms of this condition.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Keisuke Shimizu, Kazuhide Inage, Mitsuo Morita, Ryota Kuroiwa, Hiroto Chikubu, Tadashi Hasegawa, Natsuko Nozaki-Taguchi, Sumihisa Orita, Yasuhiro Shiga, Yawara Eguchi, Kazuhiko Takabatake, Seiji Ohtori
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the treatment effects of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), physical therapy (PT), and neurofeedback training (NFT) on chronic low back pain. The findings showed that early-chronic cases had better treatment outcomes, the NFT group had significantly increased alpha wave intensity after intervention, and the combination of CBT and NFT reduced low back pain.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Mustafa Ali Kassim Kassim, Alexandru Cosmin Pantazi, Wassan Nori, Liliana Ana Tuta, Adriana Luminita Balasa, Cristina Maria Mihai, Larisia Mihai, Corina Elena Frecus, Vasile Valeriu Lupu, Ancuta Lupu, Antonio Andrusca, Andra Maria Iorga, Radu Mihai Litrin, Irina Ion, Elena Ciciu, Sergiu Ioachim Chirila, Tatiana Chisnoiu
Summary: This narrative review summarizes non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in hemodialysis patients, assesses their potential benefits and limitations, and highlights the need for further research. The existing evidence supports the potential benefits of interventions such as acupuncture, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques in managing pain and improving the well-being of hemodialysis patients. However, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness, establish implementation best practices, and assess long-term impact on patient outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anna Ferrulli, Ileana Terruzzi, Pamela Senesi, Massimiliano Succi, Daniele Cannavaro, Livio Luzi
Summary: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are global pandemics, and there is a need for innovative strategies to treat obesity and prevent diabetes. Diet and exercise are important but often insufficient. Pharmacotherapy and non-drug therapies, including non-invasive neurostimulation, have shown promise in obesity treatment.
NUTRITION METABOLISM AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Lopes, Fatima Roque, Sandra Morgado, Cristina Dinis, Maria Teresa Herdeiro, Manuel Morgado
Summary: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major chronic disease globally, and behavior changes play a crucial role in disease prevention and management. It is essential to educate diabetic patients on the importance of adapting their lifestyle to the disease, with health professionals playing a key role in monitoring and supporting these changes. Adherence to treatment in diabetes is influenced by various factors, including socio-economic aspects, health literacy, and side effects of medication. This narrative review aims to highlight the significance of behavioral sciences in diabetes treatment and address barriers to behavior changes for optimal control of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Kah Hui Yap, Shahrul Azmin, Jemaima Che Hamzah, Norfazilah Ahmad, Bart van de Warrenburg, Norlinah Mohamed Ibrahim
Summary: Spinocerebellar ataxias are a rare genetic subgroup within degenerative ataxias, lacking an evidence-based review on management. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of SCA present challenges and require further investigation.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Neurosciences
Emir Licina, Aleksandra Radojicic, Marta Jeremic, Aleksandra Tomic, Milija Mijajlovic
Summary: Headache disorders have a significant impact on global health, leading to a decline in quality of life. While there are numerous pharmacological treatments available, some patients may experience adverse effects or insufficient efficacy, necessitating the exploration of alternative treatment strategies. This review briefly explains and evaluates established and emerging non-pharmacological approaches for headache management, with a focus on nutraceuticals and diet, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, relaxation techniques, autogenic training, and neuromodulation. Psychological interventions deserve special attention as they enhance patient self-efficacy and provide strategies for managing chronic pain. Future research should aim to optimize these therapies, identify patient-specific factors influencing their effectiveness, and integrate them into comprehensive headache management strategies.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yingru Chen, Jie Yuan, Xueli Lei, Yan Cheng, Xijin Wei
Summary: This meta-analysis found that non-pharmacological treatment can effectively reduce blood pressure, body weight, and blood glucose in obese hypertensive patients, control the release of inflammatory factors, and improve vascular endothelium to some extent.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vicente Javier Clemente-Suarez, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, Domingo Jesus Ramos-Campo, Ana Isabel Beltran-Velasco, Ismael Martinez-Guardado, Eduardo Navarro Jimenez, Laura Redondo-Florez, Rodrigo Yanez-Sepulveda, Jose Francisco Tornero-Aguilera
Summary: Asthma is a common allergic disease, and its etiology is likely a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Non-pharmacological interventions such as physical exercise, physiotherapy, and nutritional strategies have been found to help reduce asthma symptoms. Psychological interventions are also important for alleviating emotional problems associated with asthma.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Ho-yin Lee, Suk-yu Yau
Summary: A high-caloric diet and lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and diabetes, increasing the risk of hippocampal neurodegeneration and cognitive deficits. Caloric restriction and physical exercise are crucial non-pharmacological interventions to prevent the development of hippocampal neurodegeneration in obese and diabetic individuals, while exercise-induced exerkines from peripheral organs have beneficial effects on brain health. This review highlights how chronic inflammation in adipose tissue may contribute to neuroinflammation and hippocampal impairment, potentially leading to cognitive deficits in obese and diabetic conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yadeta Alemayehu, Henock Asfaw, Million Girma
Summary: This study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders. The results showed that previous suicide attempts, medication side effects, moderate to high self-stigma, and poor quality of life were significantly associated with treatment non-adherence among patients with depressive disorders. Appropriate interventions should be developed to promote adherence in this patient group and address the associated factors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph Lunyera, Bruce Kirenga, John W. Stanifer, Samuel Kasozi, Thys van der Molen, Wenceslaus Katagira, Moses R. Kamya, Robert Kalyesubula
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bruce J. Kirenga, Corina de Jong, Winceslaus Katagira, Samuel Kasozi, Levicatus Mugenyi, Marike Boezen, Thys van der Molen, Moses R. Kamya
Article
Respiratory System
Konstantinos Kostikas, David Price, Florian S. Gutzwiller, Bethan Jones, Emil Loefroth, Andreas Clemens, Robert Fogel, Rupert Jones, Hui Cao
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2020)
Correction
Respiratory System
K. Kostikas, D. Price, F. S. Gutzwiller
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2020)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Winceslaus Katagira, Mark W. Orme, Amy Jones, Richard Kasiita, Rupert Jones, Andy Barton, Ruhme B. Miah, Adrian Manise, Jesse A. Matheson, Robert C. Free, Michael C. Steiner, Bruce J. Kirenga, Sally J. Singh
Summary: This study aims to assess the impact of a 6-week PR programme on maximal exercise capacity and other outcomes among adults in Uganda living with PTBLD. The trial is a randomised waiting-list controlled trial with blinded outcome measures, comparing PR versus usual care for patients with PTBLD.
Article
Respiratory System
Winceslaus Katagira, Amy Jones, Mark W. Orme, Zainab K. Yusuf, Pauline Ndagire, Jaliah Nanyonga, Richard Kasiita, Josephine N. Kasolo, Ruhme B. Miah, Michael C. Steiner, Rupert Jones, Andy Barton, Bruce Kirenga, Sally J. Singh
Summary: In Uganda, patients with CRD commonly experience breathlessness as a major issue impacting their ability to work. There is high interest in participating in PR, with a preference for hospital-based programs. However, HCWs face challenges in referring patients due to a lack of information, highlighting the need for training and streamlining of the referral process.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rupert Jones, Andrew Davis, Brooklyn Stanley, Steven Julious, Dermot Ryan, David J. Jackson, David M. G. Halpin, Katherine Hickman, Hilary Pinnock, Jennifer K. Quint, Kamlesh Khunti, Liam G. Heaney, Phillip Oliver, Salman Siddiqui, Ian Pavord, David H. M. Jones, Michael Hyland, Lewis Ritchie, Pam Young, Tony Megaw, Steve Davis, Samantha Walker, Stephen Holgate, Sue Beecroft, Anu Kemppinen, Francis Appiagyei, Emma-Jane Roberts, Megan Preston, Antony Hardjojo, Victoria Carter, Marije van Melle, David Price
Summary: This study identifies factors and symptom features predicting long COVID in a broad primary care population, including both test-confirmed and the previously missed group of COVID-19 patients. Risk predictors of long COVID include age >= 40 years, female sex, frailty, visit to A&E, and hospital admission for COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms such as aches and pain, appetite loss, confusion and disorientation, diarrhea, and persistent dry cough were found to be more common in long COVID patients.
PRAGMATIC AND OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Respiratory System
Akila R. Jayamaha, Amy Jones, Winceslaus Katagira, Bhushan Girase, Zainab K. Yusuf, Ilaria Pina, Laura J. Wilde, Azamat Akylbekov, Pip Divall, Sally J. Singh, Mark W. Orme
Summary: This study systematically reviewed the levels of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep among adults living with chronic respiratory disease (CRD) in low-and middle-income countries (LMIC). The results showed that adults with CRD in LMIC have low levels of physical activity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor sleep quality.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joan Tusabe, Herbert Muyinda, Joanita Nangendo, Doris Kwesiga, Sherifah Nabikande, Michael Muhoozi, Winnie Agwang, Tom Okello, Elizeus Rutebemberwa
Summary: Although there is a high level of awareness about voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among boda-boda riders, the uptake rate is still low. Factors associated with VMMC uptake include higher education level, concern about leaving work, and the belief that VMMC does not diminish sexual performance. Facilitators of VMMC uptake include health education and awareness creation, improved penile hygiene, and reduced chances of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Barriers to uptake include fear of pain and compulsory HIV testing, healing duration, financial loss during the healing period, fear of sexual misbehavior after circumcision, interruption of God's creation, and fear of loss of male fertility.
HIV AIDS-RESEARCH AND PALLIATIVE CARE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark W. Orme, Phoebe H. I. Lloyd-Evans, Akila R. Jayamaha, Winceslaus Katagira, Bruce Kirenga, Ilaria Pina, Andrew P. Kingsnorth, Ben Maylor, Sally J. Singh, Alex Rowlands
Summary: Albert Einstein's theory of relativity applies to the perception of intensity in physical activity (PA). Absolute and relative intensity markers have different utilities, with absolute intensity being more suitable for PA guideline adherence and relative intensity for personalized exercise prescription. This study proposes a method of synchronizing accelerometry with the incremental shuttle walking test to describe the intensity of free-living PA in absolute and relative terms, which can help classify exercise capacity and relative intensity in a chronic respiratory disease population and facilitate individually tailored interventions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Peter Jackson, Roma Padalkar, Winceslaus Katagira, Kevin Mortimer, Natalie A. Rykiel, Nicole M. Robertson, Suzanne L. Pollard, Patricia Alupo, William Checkley, Bruce Kirenga, Trishul Siddharthan
Summary: This study successfully developed a 73-item ILD exposure questionnaire for sub-Saharan Africa, which was validated and ranked by experts. African pulmonary experts valued region-specific items and considered some items from existing ILD questionnaires as unimportant.
Article
Respiratory System
Ilaria Pina, Pauline Ndagire, Winceslaus Katagira, Lorna Latimer, Jakub Zatloukal, Bruce Kirenga, Sally J. Singh, Mark W. Orme
Summary: During pulmonary rehabilitation, personalized walking exercise training is provided to patients. However, the measurement of physical activity has been limited and can be challenging to translate into clinically meaningful units. This technical note provides an example of how to develop personalized activity intensity thresholds, using performance on walking tests, to evaluate adherence to exercise prescription.
CHRONIC RESPIRATORY DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Konstantinos Kostikas, Chin Kook Rhee, John R. Hurst, Piergiuseppe Agostoni, Hui Cao, Robert Fogel, Rupert Jones, Janwillem W. H. Kocks, Karen Mezzi, Simon Wan Yau Ming, Ronan Ryan, David B. Price
PRAGMATIC AND OBSERVATIONAL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rebecca Nantanda, Shamim Buteme, Sanne van Kampen, Lucy Cartwright, Jill Pooler, Andy Barton, Lynne Callaghan, Jean Mirembe, Grace Ndeezi, James K. Tumwine, Bruce Kirenga, Rupert Jones
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2019)
Article
Respiratory System
Bruce Kirenga, Winters Muttamba, Alex Kayongo, Christopher Nsereko, Trishul Siddharthan, John Lusiba, Levicatus Mugenyi, Rosemary K. Byanyima, William Worodria, Fred Nakwagala, Rebecca Nantanda, Ivan Kimuli, Winceslaus Katagira, Bernard Sentalo Bagaya, Emmanuel Nasinghe, Hellen Aanyu-Tukamuhebwa, Beatrice Amuge, Rogers Sekibira, Esther Buregyeya, Noah Kiwanuka, Moses Muwanga, Samuel Kalungi, Moses Lutaakome Joloba, David Patrick Kateete, Baterana Byarugaba, Moses R. Kamya, Henry Mwebesa, William Bazeyo
BMJ OPEN RESPIRATORY RESEARCH
(2020)