Non-pharmacological Factors Research Articles

Experience with reduced-nicotine cigarettes and whether this decreases smoking and substitution for full-nicotine cigarettes.

Studies suggest that reduced-nicotine cigarettes decrease nicotine intake and dependence. However, questions remain about reduced-nicotine cigarette abuse liability, whether reduced-nicotine cigarette exposure lowers reduced- and full-nicotine cigarette use, and whether reduced-nicotine cigarettes substitute for full-nicotine cigarettes. This randomized, double-blind laboratory study used operant behavioral economics to examine abuse liability of cigarettes with varying nicotine content. Non-treatment-seeking smokers (N = 43) self-administered reduced- (5.2, 2.4, or 1.3 mg/g) and full-nicotine (15.8 mg/g) cigarettes before and after 3 weeks of at-home exposure. Participants were randomized to full-nicotine or one of the reduced-nicotine cigarettes to determine the effect of exposure on abuse liability and substitutability. Abuse liability was assessed in single-commodity sessions, and substitutability was measured in concurrent-commodity sessions. In the self-administration sessions, concurrently available reduced-nicotine cigarettes attenuated full-nicotine cigarette demand and rendered reduced-nicotine cigarettes partial substitutes for full-nicotine cigarettes. Exposure to study cigarettes for 3 weeks marginally reduced demand for reduced- and full-nicotine cigarettes irrespective of nicotine content. Results suggest a limited influence of nicotine content on smoking behavior in established smokers and highlight the role of nonpharmacological factors (e.g., taste/smell) on the maintenance of smoking. These results should be considered in determining whether a nicotine-reduction standard is a feasible path for reducing cigarette demand.

The Association of Antidepressants in Late Pregnancy with Postpartum Hemorrhage: Systematic Review of Controlled Observational Studies.

Introduction: Despite advances in obstetric care, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Prior reviews of studies published through 2016 suggest an association of antidepressant use during late pregnancy and increased risk of PPH. However, a causal link between prenatal antidepressants and PPH remains controversial. Objectives: This systematic literature review aimed to synthesize the empirical evidence on the association of antidepressant exposure in late pregnancy with the risk of PPH, including studies published before and after 2016. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, OVID Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, PsycINFO, and CINAHL from inception to September 9, 2023. Original, peer-reviewed studies (published in English) that reported on the frequency or risk of PPH in women with evidence of antidepressant use during pregnancy and included at least one control group were included. Results: Twenty studies (eight published after 2016) met inclusion criteria, most of which focused on the risks of PPH associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). The main findings from the individual studies were mixed, but the majority documented statistically significant associations of PPH with late prenatal exposure, especially for exposures occurring within 30 days of delivery, compared with unexposed deliveries. Fourteen studies addressed underlying antidepressant indications or their correlates. Few studies focused on prenatal antidepressants and the risk of well-defined severe PPH or on antidepressant dose changes and general PPH risk. None examined competing risks of antidepressant discontinuation on mental health outcomes. Conclusions: Late pregnancy exposure to antidepressants may be a minor risk factor for PPH, but it is unclear to what extent reported associations are causal in nature, as opposed to correlational (effects related to nonpharmacological factors including maternal indication). For patients needing antidepressants during pregnancy, current evidence does not favor routinely discontinuing antidepressants specifically to reduce the risk of PPH.

Assessing the Risk of QT Prolongation in a Psychiatric Inpatient Cohort: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

QT prolongation is a potential serious adverse drug reaction, and assessing the risk of QT-prolonging drugs is routinely included in psychotropic medication reviews. However, the actual clinical benefits of such assessments are unknown. We investigate whether QT prolongation (QTc value > 480 ms) manifests in psychiatric inpatients at risk of QT prolongation as identified by assessing drug regimens. Secondly, we test the predictive value of well-known risk factors for QT prolongation. The median patient age was 49 years (IQR 34-64) for patients treated with a median of nine drugs (IQR 6-12) and a median QT-prolonging drug sum of three daily defined dosages (IQR 1.88-4.76). We extracted 290 ECGs for patients where pharmacist-led-medication reviews (PMRs) identified an increased risk of QT prolongation and 190 ECGs for patients with no such risk, identifying 33 cases of verified QT prolongation equally distributed between groups. Unadjusted regression analysis revealed that advanced age (OR 3.27 CI 95% 1.60-6.84) and cardiovascular comorbidity (OR 3.53 CI 95% 1.71-7.29) were associated with manifest QT prolongation, while the QT-prolonging drug load was not. We reviewed electronic health records (EHRs) of 799 psychiatric inpatients exposed to PMRs made from 1 September 2016 to 31 December 2018 in Region Zealand Denmark. Patients at risk of QT prolongation as identified by drug reviews rarely manifests with actual QT prolongation. Non-pharmacological risk factors seem to be better predictors for identifying patients with QT prolongation.

Exploring the Interconnection between Metabolic Dysfunction and Gut Microbiome Dysbiosis in Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent joint disorder and the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 500 million people worldwide, or about 7% of the global population. Its pathogenesis involves a complex interplay between metabolic dysfunction and gut microbiome (GM) alterations. This review explores the relationship between metabolic disorders-such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia-and OA, highlighting their shared risk factors, including aging, sedentary lifestyle, and dietary habits. We further explore the role of GM dysbiosis in OA, elucidating how systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysregulation driven by metabolic dysfunction and altered microbial metabolites contribute to OA progression. Additionally, the concept of "leaky gut syndrome" is discussed, illustrating how compromised gut barrier function exacerbates systemic and local joint inflammation. Therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic dysfunction and GM composition, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors, and microbiota-targeted therapies, are reviewed for their potential to mitigate OA progression. Future research directions emphasize the importance of identifying novel biomarkers for OA risk and treatment response, adopting personalized treatment approaches, and integrating multiomics data to enhance our understanding of the metabolic-GM-OA connection and advance precision medicine in OA management.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological predictors of the LSD experience in healthy participants

The pharmacodynamic effects of lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) are diverse and different in different individuals. Effects of other psychoactive substances have been shown to be critically influenced by non-pharmacological factors such as personality traits and mood states. The aim of this study was to determine pharmacological and psychological predictors of the LSD effects in healthy human subjects. This analysis is based on nine double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over studies with a total of 213 healthy subjects receiving between 25–200 µg LSD. The influence of sex, age, dose, body weight, pharmacogenetic, drug experience, personality, setting, and mood before drug intake on the peak autonomic and total subjective responses to LSD was investigated using multiple linear mixed effects models and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression. Results were adjusted for LSD dose and corrected for multiple testing. LSD dose emerged as the most influential predictor, exhibiting a positive correlation with most response variables. Pre-drug mental states such as “Well-Being”, “Emotional Excitability”, and “Anxiety” were also important predictor for a range of subjective effects but also heart rate and body temperature. The trait “Openness to Experiences” was positively correlated with elevated ratings in “Oceanic Boundlessness” and mystical-type effects. Previous experiences with hallucinogens have been negatively associated with the overall altered state of consciousness and particularly with “Anxious Ego Dissolution”. Acute anxiety negatively correlated with the genetically determined functionality of the Cytochrome 2D6 enzyme. In summary, besides the amount of drug consumed, non-pharmacological factors such as personal traits and current mood also significantly predicted the subjective drug experience. Sex and body weight were not significant factors in influencing the drug experience.

Severe acute kidney injury due to oxalate crystal induced severe interstitial nephritis: A case report

BACKGROUND Acute kidney injury (AKI) due to interstitial nephritis is a known condition primarily attributed to various medications. While medication-induced interstitial nephritis is common, occurrences due to non-pharmacological factors are rare. This report presents a case of severe AKI triggered by intratubular oxalate crystal deposition, leading to interstitial nephritis. The aim is to outline the case and its management, emphasizing the significance of recognizing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis. CASE SUMMARY A 71-year-old female presented with stroke-like symptoms, including weakness, speech difficulties, and cognitive impairment. Chronic hypertension had been managed with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) for over two decades. Upon admission, severe hypokalemia and AKI were noted, prompting discontinuation of HCTZ and initiation of prednisolone for acute interstitial nephritis. Further investigations, including kidney biopsy, confirmed severe acute interstitial nephritis with oxalate crystal deposits as the underlying cause. Despite treatment, initial renal function showed minimal improvement. However, with prednisolone therapy and supportive measures, her condition gradually improved, highlighting the importance of comprehensive management. CONCLUSION This case underscores the importance of a thorough diagnostic approach in identifying and addressing uncommon causes of interstitial nephritis. The occurrence of interstitial nephritis due to oxalate crystal deposition, especially without typical risk factors, emphasizes the need for vigilance in clinical practice.

Pooled analysis of routine safety parameters observed in healthy participants at baseline and following placebo administration in early phase clinical studies.

Phase I trials inform on the initial safety profile of a new molecule and impact whether further development is pursued or not. Understanding the effect of non-pharmacological factors on the variability of routine safety parameters could improve decision making in these early clinical trials, helping to separate signals related to the new molecule from background "noise." To understand the impact of non-pharmacological factors on routine safety parameters, we evaluated pooled safety data from over 1000 healthy participants treated with placebo in phase I trials between 2009 and 2018. The phase I participants were predominantly men, less than or equal to 50 years, White, and non-Hispanic; and approximately an equal proportion had body mass index in the normal and overweight/obese range. Following administration of placebo, vital signs, electrocardiogram, and laboratory parameters remained near predose baseline values. Large changes from baseline were observed for many safety parameters, but these occurred in a relatively small number of participants. At least one adverse event (AE) occurred in 49.7% of participants receiving placebo in single ascending dose (SAD) studies and in 72.4% of participants receiving placebo in multiple ascending dose (MAD) studies, with headache being the most commonly reported AE (18.7% in SAD and 28.3% in MAD studies). Overall, these analyses are consistent with non-pharmacological factors having a small impact on routine safety parameters in a phase I trial. The provided supplemental data may be used to contextualize the magnitude and frequency of abnormal safety values and AEs observed in phase I trials.

Correlates and trajectories of relapses in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis

Background and aimsIn people with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (pwRRMS), data from studies on non-pharmacological factors which may influence relapse risk, other than age, are inconsistent. There is a reduced risk of relapses with increasing age, but little is known about other trajectories in real-world MS care.MethodsWe studied longitudinal questionnaire data from 3885 pwRRMS, covering smoking, comorbidities, disease-modifying therapy (DMT), and patient-reported outcome measures, as well as relapses during the past year. We undertook Rasch analysis, group-based trajectory modelling, and multilevel negative binomial regression.ResultsThe regression cohort of 6285 data sets from pwRRMS over time showed that being a current smoker was associated with 43.9% greater relapse risk; having 3 or more comorbidities increased risk and increasing age reduced risk. Those diagnosed within the last 2 years showed two distinct trajectories, both reducing in relapse frequency but 25.8% started with a higher rate and took 4 years to reduce to the rate of the second group. In the cohort with at least three data points completed, there were three groups: 73.7% followed a low stable relapse rate, 21.6% started from a higher rate and decreased, and 4.7% had an increasing then decreasing pattern. These different trajectory groups showed significant differences in fatigue, neuropathic pain, disability, health status, quality of life, self-efficacy, and DMT use.ConclusionsThese results provide additional evidence for supporting pwRRMS to stop smoking and underline the importance of timely DMT decisions and treatment initiation soon after diagnosis with RRMS.

Anaesthesia in Veterinary Oncology: The Effects of Surgery, Volatile and Intravenous Anaesthetics on the Immune System and Tumour Spread.

Throughout the course of oncological disease, the majority of patients require surgical, anaesthetic and analgesic intervention. However, during the perioperative period, anaesthetic agents and techniques, surgical tissue trauma, adjuvant drugs for local pain and inflammation and other non-pharmacological factors, such as blood transfusions, hydration, temperature and nutrition, may influence the prognosis of the disease. These factors significantly impact the oncologic patient's immune response, which is the primary barrier to tumour progress, promoting a window of vulnerability for its dissemination and recurrence. More research is required to ascertain which anaesthetics and techniques have immunoprotective and anti-tumour effects, which will contribute to developing novel anaesthetic strategies in veterinary medicine.

Accelerated Aging and the Life Course of Individuals Born Preterm.

Individuals born preterm have shorter lifespans and elevated rates of chronic illness that contribute to mortality risk when compared to individuals born at term. Emerging evidence suggests that individuals born preterm or of low birthweight also exhibit physiologic and cellular biomarkers of accelerated aging. It is unclear whether, and to what extent, accelerated aging contributes to a higher risk of chronic illness and mortality among individuals born preterm. Here, we review accelerated aging phenotypes in adults born preterm and biological pathways that appear to contribute to accelerated aging. We highlight biomarkers of accelerated aging and various resiliency factors, including both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic factors, that might buffer the propensity for accelerated aging among individuals born preterm.

Role of standard HLA mismatch in modifying associations between non-pharmacologic risk factors and solid organ malignancy after kidney transplantation

BackgroundHuman leukocyte antigen mismatch(es) (HLA-mm) between donors and recipients has not been extensively studied either as a risk factor for solid organ malignancy (SOM) or as a modifier of associations between nonpharmacologic risk factors and SOM in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). MethodsIn a secondary analysis from a previous study, 166,256 adult KTRs in 2000–2018 who survived the first 12 months post-transplant free of graft loss or malignancy were classified into 0, 1–3, and 4–6 standard HLA-mm cohorts. Multivariable cause-specific Cox regressions analyzed the risks of SOM and all-cause mortality (ac-mortality) in 5 years following the first KT year. Comparisons of associations between SOM and risk factors in HLA mismatch cohorts were made by estimating the ratios of adjusted hazard ratios. ResultsCompared with 0 HLA-mm, 1–3 HLA-mm was not associated, and 4–6 HLA-mm was equivocally associated with increased risk of SOM [hazard ratio, (HR) = 1.05, 95%, confidence interval (CI) = 0.94–1.17 and HR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.00–1.34, respectively]. Both 1–3 HLA-mm and 4–6 HLA-mm were associated with increased risk of ac-mortality compared with 0 HLA mm [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.12, 95%, Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.08–1.18) and (HR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.09–1.22), respectively]. KTR's history of pre-transplant cancer, age 50–64, and >/=65 years were associated with increased risks of SOM and ac-mortality in all HLA mismatch cohorts. Pre-transplant dialysis >2 years, diabetes as the primary renal disease, and expanded or standard criteria deceased donor transplantation were risk factors for SOM in the 0 and 1–3 HLA-mm cohorts and of ac-mortality in all HLA-mm cohorts. KTRs male sex or history of previous kidney transplant was a risk factor for SOM in the 1–3 and 4–6 HLA-mm cohorts and of ac-mortality in all HLA-mm cohorts. ConclusionDirect association between SOM and the degree of HLA mismatching is equivocal and limited to the 4–6 HLA-mm stratum; however, the degree of HLA mismatching has significant modifying effects on the associations between specific nonpharmacologic risk factors and SOM in KTRs.

Non-genetic, non-pharmacologic risk factors for osteoporosis: an umbrella review of observational studies

Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology ISSN 1470-3947 (print) | ISSN 1479-6848 (online)

The correlation beteen lifestyle and risk of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia

IntroductionPatients suffering from schizophrenia have a higher risk of premature death. An unhealthy lifestyle contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, suicides among them. In addition to the use of selected therapy with a restriction metabolic risk has become important to influence non-pharmacological factors such as proper diet, introducing the principles of a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fiber, the DASH diet, the Mediterranean diet may become beneficial in terms of lowering parameters metabolic, cardiovascular and immune related to premature mortality in schizophrenia.Patients suffering from schizophrenia have a higher risk of premature death. An unhealthy lifestyle contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, suicides among them. In addition to the use of selected therapy with a restriction metabolic risk has become important to influence non-pharmacological factors such as proper diet, introducing the principles of a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fiber, the DASH diet, the Mediterranean diet may become beneficial in terms of lowering parameters metabolic, cardiovascular and immune related to premature mortality in schizophrenia.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of the lifestyle on the metabolic parameters in schizophreniaMethodsIn our study, we assessed the influence of diet, nutritional knowledge and lifestyle on parameters of metabolic syndrome (cholesterol, triglicerydes, glucose) in patients with schizophrenia.ResultsIn the results we have found positive co-relations between unhealthy diet and lifestyle and lack of knowledge on proper nutrition and increased parameters of metabolic syndrome. Groups BMI (Std. Dev) Cholesterol HDL mg/dl Triglicerides mg/dl Insuline resistaneceInsuline uU/mlStudy group30,58(4,44)45,63(7,34)177,32(108,76)4,68(4,64)19.77(17,35)Control Group26,00(3,39)54,32(14,07)111,47(57,48)2,1(!,21)9,01(4,97)ConclusionsDietary intervention may become one of the therapeutic goals in schizophrenia.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Study of Association of Hypoglycemic Episodes to Various Potential Risk Factors among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Patients

Aim: Hypoglycemia is a major barrier to achieving proper glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. This study aims to document the incidence of hypoglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and assess its association with potential risk factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the Medicine outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India. A total of 174 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus were interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire- Stanford Hypoglycemia Questionnaire. Patients with hormone-secreting disorders or pregnant women were excluded. Another questionnaire recorded various potential risk factors. Statistical test for proportions was used to assess the association between incidence of hypoglycemia and the risk factors. Results: Majority (92.5%) had a positive history of hypoglycemic events. A significant association was established between frequency of hypoglycemia, and duration of disease, BMI, sedentary lifestyle and insulin usage. Regularity of food intake, drug compliance and alcohol consumption were not significant factors. Conclusion: Increased incidence of hypoglycemia was significantly associated with pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors including insulin therapy, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and chronicity of the disease. This knowledge shall help medical practitioners to strategize individualized care and maintain glycemic control in diabetic patients.

Non-pharmacological factors for hypertension management: a systematic review of international guidelines.

Lifestyle modifications are one of the cornerstones of hypertension prevention and treatment. We aimed to systematically review hypertension guidelines on their recommendations on non-pharmacological factors including lifestyle interventions, to highlight strength of evidence, similarities, and differences. This systematic review was registered with the international Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42021288815). Publications in MEDLINE and EMBASE databases over 10 years since January 2010 to June 2020 were identified. We also included the search from websites of organizations responsible for guidelines development. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts to identify relevant guidelines. Two reviewers independently assessed rigour of guideline development using the AGREE II instrument, and one reviewer extracted recommendations. Of the identified guidelines, 10 showed good rigour of development (AGREE II ≥ 60%) and were included in the systematic review. The guidelines were consistent in most recommendations (reduced salt intake, weight, dietary patterns, increased physical activity and smoking cessation, and limiting alcohol intake). Some areas of disagreement were identified, regarding recommendations on novel psychological and environmental factors such as stress or air pollution, alcohol intake thresholds, meat, coffee and tea consumption and refined sugars. Current guidelines agree on the importance of lifestyle in the treatment and prevention of hypertension. Consensus on smoking cessation, limited salt intake, increased physical activity support their integration in management of hypertensive patients and in public health measurements in general population as preventative measurements. Further research into the role of environmental and psychological factors may help clarify future recommendations.

The glymphatic system: implications for drugs for central nervous system diseases.

In the past decade, evidence for a fluid clearance pathway in the central nervous system known as the glymphatic system has grown. According to the glymphatic system concept, cerebrospinal fluid flows directionally through the brain and non-selectively clears the interstitium of metabolic waste. Importantly, the glymphatic system may be modulated by particular drugs such as anaesthetics, as well as by non-pharmacological factors such as sleep, and its dysfunction has been implicated in central nervous system disorders such as Alzheimer disease. Although the glymphatic system is best described in rodents, reports using multiple neuroimaging modalities indicate that a similar transport system exists in the human brain. Here, we overview the evidence for the glymphatic system and its role in disease and discuss opportunities to harness the glymphatic system therapeutically; for example, by improving the effectiveness of intrathecally delivered drugs.

Antidepressant effects of a psychedelic experience in a large prospective naturalistic sample.

Background:Over the last two decades, a number of studies have highlighted the potential of psychedelic therapy. However, questions remain to what extend these results translate to naturalistic samples, and how contextual factors and the acute psychedelic experience relate to improvements in affective symptoms following psychedelic experiences outside labs/clinics. The present study sought to address this knowledge gap.Aim:Here, we aimed to investigate changes in anxiety and depression scores before versus after psychedelic experiences in naturalistic contexts, and how various pharmacological, extrapharmacological and experience factors related to outcomes.Method:Individuals who planned to undergo a psychedelic experience were enrolled in this online survey study. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and 2 and 4 weeks post-psychedelic experience, with self-rated Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS-SR-16) as the primary outcome. To facilitate clinical translation, only participants with depressive symptoms at baseline were included. Sample sizes for the four time points were N = 302, N = 182, N = 155 and N = 109, respectively.Results:Relative to baseline, reductions in depressive symptoms were observed at 2 and 4 weeks. A medicinal motive, previous psychedelic use, drug dose and the type of acute psychedelic experience (i.e. specifically, having an emotional breakthrough) were all significantly associated with changes in self-rated QIDS-SR-16.Conclusion:These results lend support to therapeutic potential of psychedelics and highlight the influence of pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors in determining response. Mindful of a potential sample and attrition bias, further controlled and observational longitudinal studies are needed to test the replicability of these findings.

The influence of ceremonial settings on mystical and challenging experiences occasioned by ayahuasca: A survey among ritualistic and religious ayahuasca users.

Recent studies have recognized the importance of non-pharmacological factors such as setting to induce or promote mystical experiences or challenging experiences among ayahuasca users. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the setting in which ayahuasca is consumed and the intensity of mystical and challenging experiences considering three ayahuasca using traditions (União do Vegetal, Santo Daime and neo-shamanic groups). A cross-sectional analysis was performed on survey data collected online from 2,751 participants. The Setting Questionnaire for the Ayahuasca Experience (SQAE) was used to evaluate six dimensions of the setting characteristics. The Mystical Experience Questionnaire (MEQ) and the Challenging Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) were used to quantify the psychedelic experience. Ratings on every SQAE setting dimension were negatively correlated with ratings of the CEQ (r values between 0.21 and 0.36) for all ayahuasca using traditions. Regression analysis revealed that ratings on four SQAE dimensions (Social, Comfort, Infrastructure and Decoration) explained 41% of the variance in CEQ ratings. Associations between SQAE and MEQ ratings were relatively weak and confined to the dimensions Leadership and Comfort, explaining 14% of the variance in MEQ ratings. Ratings of Social context were higher among members of União do Vegetal compared to Santo Daime and neo-shamanic members. Ratings of Infrastructure, Comfort and Decoration were more consistently correlated with MEQ in the neoshamanic tradition compared to the other traditions. This study shows that the setting is an important moderator of a challenging experience under ayahuasca. Maximizing the quality of the setting in which ayahuasca is taken will reduce the chance of a challenging experience while contributing positively to a mystical experience. The present findings can be considered when designing rituals and the (social) environment of ayahuasca ceremonies, and indicate that the SQAE questionnaire can be employed to monitor the influence of ceremonial settings on the ayahuasca experience.

Evaluation of the natural medical-table hydrocarbonate mineral water application effectiveness in rehabilitation therapy of patients with urolithiasis

Background. Urolithiasis can be considered as a socially significant disease not only because it affects mostly people of working age, but also because it often turns into a chronic form, leading to an increase in the level of disability. This dictates the need to search for effective methods of treatment and prevention of disease recurrence, among which an important role is given to the use of non-pharmacological treatment methods balneological therapeutic factors.
 Aim. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the natural low-mineralized mineral water Tarkhanskaya-3 use in the rehabilitation therapy of urolithiasis in working-age patients.
 Material and methods. The study program involved 33 patients with urolithiasis. The patients of the main group (22 people), who did not have concomitant somatic acute or chronic pathology, took mineral water for 28 days 6 times a day, at home under the supervision of a polyclinic doctor and a nurse , at the rate of 4 ml/kg, degassed, heated to 2226 C. The control group (11 people) did not receive mineral water as a non-pharmacological therapy. The history of the disease, changes in the general analysis of urine and well-being (quality of life according to the Wisconsin questionnaire) were studied. The significance of differences was considered according to the generally accepted values of the Student's criterion and 2.
 Results. Comparative assessment of complaints and quality of life showed an improvement in the condition of patients who took mineral water: discomfort during urination disappeared, the number of patients with a positive costovertebral angle tenderness decreased, while no changes were recorded in the control group. In patients of the main group, a tendency towards a decrease in the level of uric acid from 326 to 256 mol/L (t=0.96; p 0.05) was revealed. Reliable data were obtained on the effect of mineral water intake on inorganic urinary sediment a decrease in the level of crystalluria (oxalaturia) in 70% of cases (2=3.9, p=0.048). Spontaneous discharge of salt crystals was registered in 2/3 of patients, an increase in daily urine output in all patients who took mineral water. The assessment of the quality of life of the main group patients showed a significant improvement in the state of health according to the scale impact on health (t=2.13; p 0.05). Evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters did not reveal a significant effect on the electrolyte metabolism and concentration function of the kidneys.
 Conclusion. The intake of Tarkhanskaya-3 mineral water for the purpose of secondary prevention in the rehabilitation therapy of urolithiasis has a positive effect on the course of the disease.

Nonpharmacologic Factors Affecting Milk Production in Pump-Dependent Mothers of Critically Ill Infants: State of the Science.

Improved health outcomes for critically ill infants including neurodevelopmental, immunological, and cost benefits are dependent upon the dose and duration of mother's own milk feedings. However, mothers of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) must express their milk (pump-dependent) and often struggle with milk production. To examine the state of the science on nonpharmacologic modifiable expression factors that may influence milk production in pump-dependent mothers of critically ill infants admitted to the NICU. PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL databases from 2005 to 2020. Guided by the lactation conceptual model, the authors searched for peer-reviewed studies with terms related to milk volume, pump dependency, critically ill infants, and modifiable factors, which may influence milk volume and assessed 46 eligible studies. Data were extracted by 3 reviewers with a systematic staged review approach. Evidence from 26 articles found expressed milk volume may be influenced by multiple potentially modifiable factors. Simultaneous expression with a hospital-grade electric pump at least 5 times per day beginning 3 to 6 hours after delivery, and adding complementary techniques including hand expression, hands-on-pumping, music, breast massage, warm compresses, skin-to-skin care, and the mother expressing near her infant may promote increased milk volume. Healthcare providers should assist pump-dependent mothers with early initiation and frequent milk removal with a hospital-grade breast pump. Further research is needed to explore optimal frequency of expressions, dose and timing of skin-to-skin care, and other targeted strategies to improve expressed milk volume.