Non-pharmacological Therapies Research Articles

Chronic Abdominal Pain in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Remission: A Continuing Challenge for Clinicians.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition that includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. It is characterized by a relapsing and remitting pattern that negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). Current goals of treatment involve symptomatic, biochemical, and endoscopic remission in a treat-to-target approach. Despite effective treatment and remission of IBD, many patients report frequent and isolated abdominal pain. A wide range of etiologies exist, including surgery-related, infections, pelvic conditions, immune-related, and systemic illnesses. Disorders of the gut-brain interaction (DGBI), frequently characterized by abdominal pain, are increasingly recognized in IBD patients, including those with quiescent disease. Various mechanisms are involved and numerous non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies have been proposed. Hereby, we outline the pertinent findings of the literature on management of chronic abdominal pain, focusing on quiescent IBD.

Effects of different exposures to normobaric hypoxia on cognitive performance in healthy young adults.: Normobaric hypoxia and cognitive performance.

Normobaric hypoxia has become an innovative non-pharmacological therapy to treat cognitive dysfunction. Nevertheless, the acute effects of exposure to hypoxia on cognitive performance remain unclear. We aimed to determine the effects of different normobaric hypoxic exposures on cognitive function in healthy young adults. Nineteen participants (13 men and 6 women; 23.7±3.9 years; 172.0±8.4 cm; 69.1±12.2 kg) completed a cross-over randomized control trial with the following doses of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2): a) 21%, b) 15%, c) 13% or d) 11%. During experimental trials, the physiological response (blood oxygen saturation and heart rate) and the following cognitive abilities were evaluated: memory, sustained attention, anticipation, and reaction time. Sustained attention improved under hypoxia at 15% FiO2 (mean difference (MD) 0.024, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.005 to 0.044 s; P=0.018) compared to 11% and 21% FiO2. During 11% and 15% FiO2, participants showed improved anticipation ability compared to normoxia (MD -0.023, 95% CI -0.042 to -0.003 s, P=0.020, and MD -0.009, 95% CI -0.016 to -0.001 s, P=0.022, respectively). However, reaction time was impaired under 11% compared to 21% FiO2 (MD 0.033, 95% CI 0.008 to 0.059 s, P=0.013). Finally, we did not find significant effects of hypoxia on memory (P>0.05). Severe normobaric hypoxic exposure (11% FiO2) produces detrimental effects on reaction time, although anticipation seems to be improved, compared to normoxia. In addition, cognitive processes of attention and anticipation appear to improve with moderate hypoxic exposure (15% FiO2).

Characteristics and Management of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux in The Elderly : A Case Report

Laryngopharyngeal reflux is a condition resulting from the retrograde flow of stomach acid through the distal esophagus into the laryngopharyngeal area. The prevalence of laryngo-pharyngeal reflux in the elderly population remains uncertain. Therefore, the symptoms, findings, and therapy for laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly require further investigation. To analyze the characteristics and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly. A case of laryngopharyngeal reflux in a 70-year-old woman who frequently experiences sudden choking sensations is presented in this report. Other symptoms include hoarseness, a sensation of throat obstruction, and chest burning. We explored literature on laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly through PubMed, PMC, and Google Scholar databases to discuss the case. Laryngopharyngeal reflux in the elderly has a lower reflux symptoms index but a higher reflux finding score. Mental health factors significantly influence laryngopharyngeal reflux incidence in the elderly. Therefore, besides pharmaco-logical therapy, additional non-pharmacological therapies need to be considered to ensure effective laryngopharyngeal reflux treatment. Elderly patients diagnosed with laryngopharyngeal reflux have different presentations and management of the disease compared with younger patients.

Catheter Ablation for Ventricular Tachycardias: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Catheter ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) in patients with systolic heart failure remains a critical yet challenging area of non-pharmacological therapy. Despite positive outcomes in atrial fibrillation, evidence for the efficacy of VT ablation in reducing cardiac mortality is inconclusive due to the absence of standardized ablation strategies. The primary challenges include difficulties in identifying suitable ablation targets and their deep locations within myocardial tissue. Current techniques, such as voltage mapping, provide valuable insights; however, they are limited by the presence of numerous bystander areas and the occurrence of incomplete transmural scarring. Recent advancements in functional substrate mapping have focused on identifying critical isthmuses without requiring hemodynamic stabilization during VT, thereby shifting the emphasis to the analysis of potentials during baseline rhythm. While methods like isochronal late activation mapping have improved target identification, they primarily address conduction abnormalities without adequately considering repolarization heterogeneity. This review highlights emerging technologies that utilize unipolar potentials to assess repolarization heterogeneities and identify VT isthmuses. Furthermore, novel ablation sources such as pulsed-field ablation, bipolar ablation, and ultra-low temperature cryoablation are being explored to create deeper and more durable lesions, addressing the limitations of traditional radiofrequency ablation. These advancements aim to reduce VT recurrence and improve overall treatment efficacy. Ultimately, understanding these innovative strategies is expected to optimize procedural outcomes and significantly enhance the management of patients with scar-related VT.

Study to Evaluate the Comparative Efficacy of Medhya Rasayana (Pharmacological) Versus Nonpharmacological Interventions in Management of Gadget Addiction in Children: Protocol for Parallel, Triple-Arm, Randomized Clinical Trial.

Gadget addiction is a common behavioral problem among children. It is known to hamper social and academic life as well as adversely affect the lives of children. Ayurveda offers many therapeutic modalities and Ayurvedic medicines that can be used in the management of gadget addiction in children. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of nonpharmacological therapies and the pharmaceutical intervention Medhya Rasayana in treating childhood gadget addiction. This study aims to provide a detailed description of the study methodology that will be used to compare the efficacy of nonpharmacological versus pharmaceutical interventions in the treatment of children's gadget addiction. A randomized, parallel, triple-arm interventional study will be conducted on diagnosed participants of gadget addiction with an age group of 6- to 16-year-old children, which will be selected and equally distributed in 2 groups. Group P will be given Medhya Rasayana (pharmacological intervention), group N will be nonpharmacological Ayurveda intervention, and group C (cognitive behavioral therapy) will be an external group. The Study duration is 180 days with assessment at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint Appropriate statistical techniques, such as ANOVA and regression analysis, will be used to examine the data and evaluate the efficacy of the 3 groups' interventions. We will perform subgroup analysis according to initial addiction severity, gender, and age. Primary outcome measures include a reduction in gadget addiction and changes in the psychosocial well-being of participants. Standardized questionnaires and instruments will be used to collect data. In December 2023, the randomized controlled study got underway. Since participants may begin at any time, our goal is for everyone to be finished by December 2024. This research will provide crucial new information about the relative effectiveness of Ayurveda nonpharmacological therapies and Medhya Rasayana in treating children's gadget addiction. The results will guide evidence-based treatments aimed at reducing the negative impact of excessive gadget use on this susceptible population's psychosocial development. In the end, the findings are meant to help policy makers and medical professionals create sensible plans to deal with the rising issue of childhood gadget addiction. PRR1-10.2196/51833.

A review of migraine treatment methods: a comparative analysis of therapeutic approaches

Migraine, a complex neurological disorder, affects a significant portion of the population and presents both medical and societal challenges. The aim of this paper is to provide a detailed review and analysis of available therapeutic methods for patients suffering from migraines, considering both pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies. The approaches presented include acute treatment with triptans and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as well as preventive therapies, such as beta-blockers and antiepileptic drugs. The section on non-pharmacological therapies focuses on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), biofeedback, and lifestyle recommendations, including diet and sleep hygiene. A review of the literature indicates that integrating pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches can significantly improve treatment effectiveness and the quality of life for patients with migraines.

Exercise in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Focus on Individualized Exercise Approach

Exercise is a vital component of health and is commonly utilized as a non-pharmacologic therapy for many disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). However, exercise intolerance is a key feature of POTS and other autonomic disorders and, therefore, presents a major barrier for many patients. Despite exercise being uniformly recommended as a therapeutic intervention, a majority of patients with POTS, especially those with severe orthostatic intolerance and fatigue, are unable to complete or sustain rigorous exercise programs or successfully integrate them into their daily routine. In this narrative review, we discuss the current literature on exercise and POTS and our clinical experience with a home-based exercise approach developed at the Dysautonomia Clinic. We conclude that individualized exercise programs that are delivered remotely by a certified physical therapist may be convenient, easily accessible, and safe for patients with POTS, especially those with severe symptoms who may be home- or bedbound. Future randomized controlled studies are needed to quantify and characterize the benefits of home-based exercise programs delivered remotely compared to standard therapy.

VCO AND ALOE VERA TO CURE DIAPER RASH IN BABIES 0-2 YEARS OLD

Background: Diaper rash is dermatitis due to irritation in the form of skin manifestations caused by various things. In Indonesia, as many as 22 million toddlers in Indonesia, around 1/3 of the number of these babies experience diaper rash. Treatment of diaper rash can be done with non-pharmacological therapy, namely by using Aloe vera because it has a therapeutic effect as an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial and has safety in dealing with diaper rash because it contains alpha-bisabolol. Another alternative that can be used to prevent or treat diaper rash is coconut oil (coconut oil) for skin health and anti-microbial. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of VCO and Aloe vera in accelerating the healing of diaper rash in infants 0-2 years. Research Methods: Type of quantitative research with a quasi-experimental approach and a pretest-posttest design. The population in this study were infants aged 0-2 years who had diaper rash. Research Results: Based on the results of the Mann-Whitney test, the p-value of the Mann-Whitney test was obtained, respectively above 0.05 (p>0.05), namely 0.658; 0.593; and 0.483. This insignificant difference can also be interpreted that Aloe vera and VCO have relatively similar effectiveness in healing diaper rash inflammation. Conclusion Aloe vera and VCO have the same effectiveness in healing inflammatory diaper rash.

Fatigue and Sleep-related Impairment as Predictors of the Effect of Nonpharmacological Therapies for Active duty Service Members With Chronic Pain: A Secondary Analysis of a Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial.

First-line treatments for chronic pain include selected complementary and integrative health therapies, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, yoga, and massage; and standard rehabilitative care, including physical and occupational therapies. This study aimed to uncover critical factors that contribute to pain impact and the effectiveness of complementary and integrative health therapies and standard rehabilitative care among people with chronic pain, with a focus on the role of sleep-related impairment. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a pragmatic randomized clinical trial of 280 U.S. active duty service members with chronic pain. Our study's multiple mediation analysis examined the indirect effect of complementary and integrative health therapies on pain impact through fatigue (β = - 0.43; 95% CI, -0.99 to -0.07). When stratified by sleep-related impairment, participants with T scores above the median of 62 demonstrated a significant negative indirect effect of complementary and integrative health therapies through fatigue (β = - 0.80; 95% CI, -2.31 to -0.14). This negative indirect effect was not significant for participants with sleep-related impairment T scores below the median (β = - 0.64; 95% CI, -1.48 to 0.07). These findings suggest that complementary and integrative health therapies are particularly effective in reducing pain impact for individuals with higher levels of sleep-related impairment, and that the effect of complementary and integrative health therapies is supported primarily by reducing fatigue.

Investigating Biomarkers and Molecular Mechanisms in COPD: Perspectives from In-vivo Models

Purpose: This review examines COPD pathogenesis, biomarkers, and treatment. COPD, a progressive respiratory illness that blocks airflow, causes high morbidity and death. The complicated pathophysiology of COPD involves genetic predisposition, environmental variables (particularly tobacco smoke), and inflammatory pathways. COPD diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring depend on biomarkers in clinical and preclinical investigations. COPD care should include pharmaceutical and non-pharmacological therapies to improve symptoms, lung function, and outcomes. Materials and Method: This review examines COPD pathogenesis, cytokines, and risk factors. This review article discusses how immune system signalling molecules called cytokines contribute to COPD's persistent inflammation. Smoking and environmental contaminants are also examined as COPD risk factors. The analysis also covers biomarkers needed to diagnose and track the condition. Results: The review paper on COPD highlights the critical role of cytokines in the disease's pathophysiology, emphasizing their contribution to chronic inflammation. Various cytokines, particularly interleukins, are implicated in driving the inflammatory processes within the airways and lungs, resulting in tissue damage and airflow limitation, which are hallmark features of COPD. The paper also identifies smoking and exposure to environmental pollutants as major risk factors for the development of COPD. Conclusion: This review illuminates COPD's complex pathogenesis, highlighting cytokines' involvement in chronic inflammation. To create targeted therapeutics, cytokine-mediated pathways must be understood. The review emphasizes biomarkers' use in preclinical and clinical investigations to diagnose and monitor COPD and provide disease progression insights.

Therapeutic Controlled Release Strategies for Human Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a progressive, irreversible debilitating whole joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite the availability of various options (non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatments and therapy, orthobiologics, and surgical interventions), none of them can definitively cure osteoarthritis in patients. Strategies based on the controlled release of therapeutic compounds via biocompatible materials may provide powerful tools to enhance the spatiotemporal delivery, expression, and activities of the candidate agents as a means to durably manage the pathological progression of osteoarthritis in the affected joints upon convenient intra-articular (injectable) delivery while reducing their clearance, dissemination, or side effects. The goal of this review is to describe the current knowledge and advancements of controlled release to treat osteoarthritis, from basic principles to applications in vivo using therapeutic recombinant molecules and drugs and more innovatively gene sequences, providing a degree of confidence to manage the disease in patients in a close future.

An update on the pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression.

Extensive research has been conducted on postpartum depression (PPD) over the past century, and yet no definitive answer regarding its etiopathogenesis, risk factors, genetic predilection, and treatment has been found. The few preclinical and clinical studies propose that maternal brain adaptations to the endocrinological, immunological, and behavioral changes and external sociodemographic risk factors in the perinatal period make women more vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Irrespective of the cause, a dilemma exists regarding the type of help to provide postpartum mothers. With very few treatment options at our disposal, deciding between psychotherapy, pharmacological, and non-pharmacological therapy on a case-by-case basis is unproductive because in developing countries infrastructure is limited and the availability of medications, especially for psychiatric illnesses, is still evolving. Hence, regardless of psychotherapy, antidepressants remain the first line of treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs); sertraline has the best efficacy and safety profile in breastfeeding women. As endocrine factors play a significant role in etiopathogenesis, hormonal therapy with oxytocin has been shown to be efficacious, and studies investigating the role of testosterone in treating PPD are also under way. In 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first and only drug for the sole purpose of treating PPD, brexanolone. Zuranolone, a drug recently approved by the FDA, has a similar mechanism of action to brexanolone. For breastfeeding mothers reluctant to use pharmacotherapy, somatic therapy has been studied, including bright light therapy, vagal nerve stimulation, and newer noninvasive interventions. This article encompasses a short note on PPD, including its etiopathogenesis and clinical characteristics, and recapitulates the various available and evolving pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies.

Multisensory healing: transformative service encounters in nonpharmacological therapies for cancer patients’ well-being

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of nonpharmacological therapies on cancer patients’ daily illness management and long-term well-being. It focuses on the design and effects of immersive multisensory workshops, including therapies such as yoga, music therapy and visual imagery. By examining individuals’ experiences before, during and after the service experience, the study aims to provide comprehensive insights into the transformative effects of these immersive multisensorial experiences from the individuals’ perspectives. Design/methodology/approach From November 2021 to March 2023, the authors conducted 13 interviews and 3 focus groups (10 participants in total) among cancer patients. Thematic analysis of recorded interviews and focus groups revealed recurring patterns, key themes and meaningful insights from participants’ narratives. Findings The findings provide insights into individuals’ journey of service experiences among cancer patients from a user perspective. By framing the results within the service encounters model, individuals’ journey of this immersive multisensory experience is studied in three different periods: the pre-core, the core and the post-core service encounter. The pre-core service encounter includes activities such as information gathering to answer concerns and setting expectations, with the therapy. The core service encounter encompasses the immersive environmental experience, which includes multisensory integration and activity immersion, body-mind reconnection, as well as engaging interactive experiences with service providers, other patients and internal engagement. The post-core service encounter reflects the cognitive, psychological, behavioral and spiritual outcomes of the service. Originality/value This paper sheds light on the design of immersive multisensory workshops as nonpharmacological therapy. Adopting a user-focused approach using the service encounters framework helps clarify various aspects of this therapy and its effects on patients’ reconnection with their bodies and well-being. This research offers valuable insights for designing effective multisensory therapeutic environments for chronic patients to improve the quality of health-care services.

Perceived health and working life in caregivers from nursing homes that used or did not use nighttime personalized non-pharmacological therapies to address residents’ behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia

Dementia is frequent in nursing home (NH), affecting between 40 and 50 % of the residents and is associated in 90 % of the cases with behavioral and psychological symptoms (BPSD) which are detrimental to caregivers’ working life and perceived health. We compared perceived health and working life between NHs that used or did not use nighttime personalized non-pharmacological therapies (PNPT) to address BPSD. This anonymous survey included 96 caregivers from 25 NHs which used (n = 69) or not (n = 27) nighttime PNPT. Perceived health, nursing and medical care, quality of care and internal motivation were significantly higher, stress symptoms and workload were significantly lower and there was a tendency to enhanced satisfaction with work in caregivers from NHs which used nighttime PNPT. Our present data open a new window on the benefits of PNPT.

The effect of administration of green coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn Viridis Variety) water on reducing dysmenorrhea primary for teenage women in class X at State High School 1 Deli Tua Year 2024

Primary Dysmenorrhea is menstrual pain that occurs in teenagers, which is usually not associated with other diseases. According to WHO, in 2018 the incidence of primary dysmenorrhoea was very high in the world. On average, more than 50% of women in each country experience primary dysmenorrhoea. One way to treat primary dysmenorrhoea is non-pharmacological therapy, namely using green coconut water. Green coconut water contains calcium and magnesium which can reduce muscle tension. Vitamin C, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, relieves menstrual pain by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme which plays a role in the process of forming prostaglandins. This study aims to determine the effect of giving green coconut water on reducing primary dysmenorrhoea in adolescent girls. The research will be carried out at SMA Negeri 1 Deli Tua starting in April-May 2024. The research design uses a quasi-experiment method with one group pretest -posttest design. The sample in this study consisted of 22 respondents who were given green coconut water using a purposive sampling technique. The primary data used in this research was an observation sheet on the primary dysmenorrhoea pain scale before and after being given green coconut water as a research instrument. Based on the results of bivariate analysis using the Chi Square test, it shows that the p-value is 0.000. So it can be concluded that p <0.005, which means there is an effect of giving green coconut water on reducing primary dysmenorrhoea in young women.

Effectiveness of Finger Hand Relaxation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation Techniques on Anxiety in Pre-Operative Sectio Caesarea Patients

Background: Anxiety is a common thing that occurs in patients who will undergo surgery. The anxiety that occurs in preoperative patients can be felt from the time they are scheduled for surgery until the time of surgery arrives. Anxiety management can be done using pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy. Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyze the effectiveness of finger grip relaxation techniques and progressive muscle relaxation on anxiety in pre-caesarean section surgery patients in the Kediri Regency Regional General Hospital. Method: This study used a Quasy-experiment With Pretest Posttest to determine the effect of finger grip and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. The sample selection in this study used a purposive sampling technique and a total of 56 patients were obtained who were divided into 2 groups, namely the finger grip intervention group and the progressive muscle intervention group. The pretest and posttest data for each group were then analyzed using the Wilcoxon Test to determine the effect and the Mann-Whitney Test to compare the posttest results of the 2 groups. Results: The results of the study showed that the Wilcoxon test in both intervention groups obtained a p-value < α (0.05), which means that before and after the intervention, both progressive muscle relaxation and finger grip relaxation had an influence on the anxiety level of pre-caesarean section patients. For the results of the Mann-Whitney test, the p-value was 0.063 or p-value > α (0.05), which means there was no significant difference between changes in anxiety whether those given progressive muscle relaxation intervention or finger grip relaxation. Conclusion: Finger grip relaxation techniques and progressive muscle relaxation techniques are both effective in reducing anxiety levels in pre-caesarean section surgery patients. So this non- pharmacological therapy can be an option for patients in dealing with anxiety problems before caesarean section surgery.

The Application of Dhikr Spiritual Therapy to Reduce Signs of Risk of Violent Behavior in the Mawar Room at dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat Hospital

The risk of violent behavior is a condition when an individual will endanger the safety of himself, others, family, community, because of his aggressive behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy is a therapy that can help reduce signs and symptoms of the risk of violent behavior because when patients listen to reading the Al-Qur’an it can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and divert attention from fear, anxiety and tension. This study aims to apply how to apply spiritual dhikr killing treatment therapy in patients at risk of violent behavior. The method employed is through a case study research design using 5 nursing processes. The patients accept the implementation of nursing strategies to cotrol violent behavior using physical, drug, verbal and spiritual means. Interventions for clients with a risk of violent behavior are adjusted to violent behavior implementation strategies (SP) and then receive additional non-pharmacological therapy in the form of spiritual dhikr therapy at each meeting. Spiritual dhikr therapy is carried out for 10 consscutive days, each meeting consisting of 5 sessions with reading tahlil, tasbih, tahmid, takbir, istighfar. Each session reads the dhikr sentence 33 times wtithin 5 minutes. Before giving dhikr, spiritual therapy there were 9 signs of violent behavior, whereas after giving therapy for 10 days there was a decrease to 2 signs of violent behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy can reduce signs and symptoms of violent behavior because dhikr can purify the heart and soul, be grateful for what Allah has given, make the body healthy, and prevent oneself from the dangers of lust. Nursing strategies (controlling violent behavior physically, drugs, verbally and spiritually and spiritual dhikr intervention can effectively reduce signs of violent behavior. This can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and distraction of fear, anxiety.

Role of nonpharmacological concussion management in children: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Concussion is a global public health problem that affects many children worldwide. Most patients present with postconcussion syndrome and normal brain imaging find- ings. Despite the high incidence of concussion in children, published research on nonpharmacological management is lacking and much more often concerns pharmacological interventions. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the role of nonpharmacological interventions in managing concussion based on randomized controlled trials. The PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane data- bases were extensively searched for articles published between January 2013 and July 2023. A modified patient intervention, comparison, and outcome framework was used to construct the search strategy and eligibility criteria. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias-2 tool. A total of 16 studies conducted between January 2013 and July 2023 were analyzed. Three studies were conducted in an acute care setting (<24-hour postinjury) involving rest, computer time, and doing nothing, while the other 13 studies were conducted in a chronic care setting (>24-hour postinjury) and included aerobic exercise, collaborative care intervention, cervical spine rehabilitation, education by physiotherapists, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy protocol, family intervention therapy, virtual reality, traditional occupational therapy, virtual rehabilitation, oculomotor control exercises, vestibular rehabilitation, coordination exercises, and balance exercises. This systematic review highlights the importance of nonpharmacological therapy in pediatric concussion cases. Active rehabilitation may yield promising outcomes. Another interesting approach may be useful in pediatric concussion management. How- ever, this systematic review shows a lack of high-quality literature supporting nonpharmacological pediatric con- cussion treatments.

Analysis of the Application of Murottal Al-Quran to the Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Hallucinations

Schizophrenia is a serious mental health problem where one of the symptoms is hallucinations. Signs and symptoms of hallucinations include feeling more comfortable with their situation, the client is seen laughing and talking to himself or expressing things that are not actually real, so pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy management is needed. One of them is by providing Murottal Al-Qur'an therapy. The aim of this research is to explain nursing care and determine the analysis of Al-Quran murottal therapy on reducing the signs and symptoms of auditory hallucinations experienced by patients. This research design uses descriptive research with a case study method. Therapy is given for 7 days for 15 minutes by listening to the chanting of holy verses from the Koran, one of which is Surah Ar-Rahman and Surah Al-Jinn. The results of the research were a decrease in the signs and symptoms of hallucinations in clients and the ability to control their hallucinations by carrying out positive activities, conversing with people around them and murottalizing the Koran. Providing Al-Quran murottal therapy can reduce the client's signs and symptoms of hallucinations, namely daydreaming, isolating himself, smiling, talking to himself, lack of eye contact and hearing voices that are not real.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation mitigates gouty inflammation by reducing neutrophil infiltration in BALB/c mice

Gouty inflammation, caused by uric acid crystal deposition, primarily affects tissues around the toe joints and triggers potent inflammatory responses. Current treatments focus on alleviating inflammation and pain using pharmaceutical agents, which can lead to side effects and complications. This has generated interest in non-pharmacological interventions, such as non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). In this study, we explored the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) in a mouse model of acute gout. Gouty inflammation was induced by injecting monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the ankle joints of BALB/c mice. The effects of taVNS on the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the ankle joint tissue were assessed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR), western blotting, histological assessments (H&E staining), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The role of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) was also evaluated by signal blocking. Our findings revealed that MSU significantly elevated gout-associated inflammatory cascades and mediators in the ankle joint. Notably, taVNS at 200 µA and 25 Hz effectively reduced these inflammatory responses, decreasing neutrophil infiltration and chemoattraction within the tissue. taVNS showed significant anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing neutrophil activity, offering a novel therapeutic approach for gout beyond conventional pharmacological methods. Additionally, taVNS holds potential for managing various chronic joint diseases. These results highlight taVNS as a promising non-pharmacological therapy for chronic inflammation.