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Baniel CC, Sabol RA, Nieto R, Scholey J, Witztum A, Chuter R, Pollom E, Gandhi S, Wang K, Mishra KK, Lichter KE, Park C. Green Horizons in Oncology: A Blueprint for Environmentally Sustainable Radiation Therapy Facilities. Semin Radiat Oncol 2024; 34:426-432. [PMID: 39271277 DOI: 10.1016/j.semradonc.2024.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire C Baniel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Rachel A Sabol
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Robert Nieto
- San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, PR
| | - Jessica Scholey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Alon Witztum
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Robert Chuter
- Christie Medical Physics and Engineering, Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Erqi Pollom
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Seema Gandhi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kaiyi Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kavita K Mishra
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA; Osher Center for Integrative Health, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Katie E Lichter
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA.
| | - Catherine Park
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Khalil MH. Neurosustainability. Front Hum Neurosci 2024; 18:1436179. [PMID: 39268220 PMCID: PMC11390526 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2024.1436179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
While the human brain has evolved extraordinary abilities to dominate nature, modern living has paradoxically trapped it in a contemporary "cage" that stifles neuroplasticity. Within this modern environment lurk unseen natural laws with power to sustain the human brain's adaptive capacities - if consciously orchestrated into the environments we design. For too long our contemporary environments have imposed an unyielding static state, while still neglecting the brain's constant adaptive nature as it evolves to dominate the natural world with increasing sophistication. The theory introduced in this article aims to go back in nature without having to go back in time, introducing and expounding Neurosustainability as a novel paradigm seeing beyond the contemporary confines to architect environments and brains in parallel. Its integrated neuro-evidenced framework proposes four enrichment scopes-spatial, natural, aesthetic, and social-each holding multifaceted attributes promising to sustain regions like the hippocampus, cortex and amygdala. Neurosustainability aims to liberate the quintessential essence of nature to sustain and enhance neuroplastic processes through a cycle that begins with design and extends through epigenetic changes. This paradigm shift aims to foster cognitive health and wellness by addressing issues like stress, depression, anxiety and cognitive decline common in the contemporary era thereby offering a path toward a more neurosustainable era aiming to nurture the evolution of the human brain now and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hesham Khalil
- Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and History of Art, School of Arts and Humanities, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Qaiser H, Uzair M, Arshad M, Zafar A, Bashir S. Evaluating the Potential of Green Light Exposure on Nociception-A Mini Review. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2024; 23:675-679. [PMID: 37221686 DOI: 10.2174/1871527322666230522105931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The capacity of animals to react to unpleasant stimuli that might endanger their integrity is known as nociception. Pharmacological treatments do not show satisfactory results in response to nociception. In the recent era, light therapy emerged as a potential non-pharmacological approach for treating various diseases, including seasonal affective disorders, migraine, pain, and others. Evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception involves studying its effects on different types of pain and pain-related conditions and determining the optimal exposure methods. This review provides the beneficial effects of green light on the reduction in the frequency of pain. The green light exposure on nociception changes the activity of pain-related genes and proteins in cells. This review could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms by which green light modulates pain. Overall, evaluating the potential of green light exposure on nociception requires a multidisciplinary approach and should consider the safety, efficacy, optimal dose, and duration of green light exposure and the type of pain. However, few studies have been reported so far; therefore, light therapy for treating migraines require more studies on animal models to provide precise results of light effects on nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hammad Qaiser
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Uzair
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Basic & Applied Sciences, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anessa Zafar
- CMH Kharian Medical College, Kharian Cantonment, Kharian Cantt Kharian, Gujrat, Pakistan
| | - Shahid Bashir
- Neuroscience Center, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
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Hesam Shariati F, Steffens A, Adhami S. Designing environments that contribute to a reduction in the progression of Parkinson's disease; a literature review. Health Place 2023; 83:103105. [PMID: 37703785 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD), a prevalent neurological disorder, causes physical difficulties like stiffness and impaired walking and affects patients' emotional well-being. Regular exercise and exposure to enriched environments are crucial to managing these symptoms. This review aims to extract evidence from studies regarding built environments' impact on reducing the progression of PD. Keywords from 2005 to 2022 were used in five databases, including PubMed, Clarivate Web of Science, UGA Library, and Google Scholar. Many studies emphasized physiotherapy and training for physical enhancement, often utilizing virtual games and smart devices. Others highlighted the advantages of non-slip flooring and accessible outdoor spaces, with some based on universal design principles. Few studies considered the emotional impact of built environments, showing a considerable gap in the studies simultaneously evaluating psychological and physical perspectives of Parkinson-friendly environments. There needs to be more consistency when considering these aspects of planning. Our findings suggest future research modeling enriched environments and tracking their impact on patients via Virtual Reality to find a comprehensive guideline for the most effective PD management environments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Steffens
- College of Environment and Design, University of Georgia, Athens, United States
| | - Sadaf Adhami
- Department of Architecture and Design, Polytechnic University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Rohaj A, Bulaj G. Digital Therapeutics (DTx) Expand Multimodal Treatment Options for Chronic Low Back Pain: The Nexus of Precision Medicine, Patient Education, and Public Health. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1469. [PMID: 37239755 PMCID: PMC10218553 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, software as a medical device) provide personalized treatments for chronic diseases and expand precision medicine beyond pharmacogenomics-based pharmacotherapies. In this perspective article, we describe how DTx for chronic low back pain (CLBP) can be integrated with pharmaceutical drugs (e.g., NSAIDs, opioids), physical therapy (PT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and patient empowerment. An example of an FDA-authorized DTx for CLBP is RelieVRx, a prescription virtual reality (VR) app that reduces pain severity as an adjunct treatment for moderate to severe low back pain. RelieVRx is an immersive VR system that delivers at-home pain management modalities, including relaxation, self-awareness, pain distraction, guided breathing, and patient education. The mechanism of action of DTx is aligned with recommendations from the American College of Physicians to use non-pharmacological modalities as the first-line therapy for CLBP. Herein, we discuss how DTx can provide multimodal therapy options integrating conventional treatments with exposome-responsive, just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI). Given the flexibility of software-based therapies to accommodate diverse digital content, we also suggest that music-induced analgesia can increase the clinical effectiveness of digital interventions for chronic pain. DTx offers opportunities to simultaneously address the chronic pain crisis and opioid epidemic while supporting patients and healthcare providers to improve therapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarushi Rohaj
- The Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Afrashtehfar KI, Jurado CA, Al-Sammarraie A, Saeed MH. Consequences of COVID-19 and Its Variants: Understanding the Physical, Oral, and Psychological Impact. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3099. [PMID: 36833792 PMCID: PMC9967910 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The highly infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which affects the lives of people worldwide in a variety of unprecedented ways [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin I. Afrashtehfar
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Clinical Sciences Department, Ajman College of Dentistry, Ajman City P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carlos A. Jurado
- Department of Prosthodontics, The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Amaweya Al-Sammarraie
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Clinical Sciences Department, Ajman College of Dentistry, Ajman City P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| | - Musab H. Saeed
- Division of Restorative Dental Sciences, Clinical Sciences Department, Ajman College of Dentistry, Ajman City P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
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Huntsman JL, Bulaj G. Health education via "empowerment" digital marketing of consumer products and services: Promoting therapeutic benefits of self-care for depression and chronic pain. Front Public Health 2023; 10:949518. [PMID: 36703812 PMCID: PMC9871258 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.949518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing health care costs and high economic burden exemplify the impact of chronic diseases on public health. Multifaceted approaches to treating chronic diseases include pharmaceutical drugs, digital therapeutics, and lifestyle medicine. Chronic diseases are largely preventable, and health promotion yields positive outcomes. However, despite positive return on investment (ROI) and cost-to-benefit ratio (CBR) for health promotion (median ROI 2.2, median CBR 14.4), commercial marketing of healthy lifestyles and self-care is limited. The objective of this perspective article is to discuss how digital marketing of consumer goods and services that support therapeutic self-care can also bridge public health and for-profit interests. We describe how "empowerment" marketing campaigns can provide evidence-based associations between products/services and self-care benefits for people living with chronic pain and depression. Such a "health education as marketing" strategy is illustrated by educational ads describing how contact with nature, music, and yoga can improve chronic pain and reduce depressive symptoms. Creating associations between health-related benefits of these activities with products (outdoor and yoga apparel, audio equipment) and services (music streaming services, music mobile apps, eco-tourism, yoga studios) that support them expand their value proposition, thus incentivizing profit-driven companies to engage in public health campaigns. Long-term success of companies that incorporate evidence-based health education as marketing and branding strategies will depend on following ethical considerations and advertising guidelines defined by consumer protection regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In conclusion, integration of health education about self-care and commercial marketing can support health care outcomes and disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- OMNI Self-care, LLC, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,L. S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States,*Correspondence: Grzegorz Bulaj ✉
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Biophilic Experience-Based Residential Hybrid Framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148512. [PMID: 35886362 PMCID: PMC9320315 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
There has been increasing academic interest in biophilic design in response to recent environmental and climate change issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic. However, discussions of the utilization of digital technology in providing universal access to nature, and opportunities to experience more diverse nature, are lacking. This study aimed to compare and analyze major theoretical systems for biophilic experiences in a residential environment, and to propose a hybrid framework that combines physical and digital design techniques for comparison and analysis. This paper discusses framework application strategies in line with scales of residential environments. Based on a systematic literature review, this study integrated and derived key elements of biophilic experience for a better quality of life in a modern residential environment and proposed a hybrid framework and strategy based on this. As a result, a hybrid framework of 15 integrated factors for three biophilic experiences was derived, and various strengths and potential opportunities were identified in terms of application depending on the scales. At the unit scale, it was found that the well-being and health of residents improved; at the building scale, the potential for sustainability was highlighted; at the complex scale, there was a contribution to higher residential competitiveness in multi-dimensional aspects. In particular, the biophilic experience-based hybrid framework in this study provided insights into addressing the weaknesses and threats discussed in the existing biophilic design.
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Giravi HY, Biskupiak Z, Tyler LS, Bulaj G. Adjunct Digital Interventions Improve Opioid-Based Pain Management: Impact of Virtual Reality and Mobile Applications on Patient-Centered Pharmacy Care. Front Digit Health 2022; 4:884047. [PMID: 35770137 PMCID: PMC9234128 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2022.884047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Digital therapeutics (DTx, mobile medical apps, software as a medical device) are rapidly emerging as clinically effective treatments for diverse chronic diseases. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently authorized a prescription virtual reality (VR) app for treatment of moderate to severe low back pain. The FDA has also approved an adjunct digital therapy in conjunction with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, further illustrating opportunities to integrate digital therapeutics with pharmacotherapies. There are ongoing needs to disseminate knowledge about advances in digital interventions among health care professionals, policymakers, and the public at large. This mini-review summarizes accumulating clinical evidence of digital interventions delivered via virtual reality and mobile apps to improve opioid-based analgesia. We identified relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Embase and PubMed databases which reported pain scores with a validated pain scale (e.g., visual analog scales, graphic rating scale, numeric rating scale) and use of a digital intervention in conjunction with opiates. Among identified RCTs, the majority of studies reported improved pain scores in the digital intervention group, as compared to “treatment as usual” group. Our work suggests that VR and mobile apps can be used as adjunct digital therapies for pain management. We discuss these findings in the context of how digital health technologies can transform patient-centered pharmacy care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayam Y. Giravi
- University of Utah College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Hayam Y. Giravi
| | - Zack Biskupiak
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Linda S. Tyler
- Department of Pharmacotherapy, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Grzegorz Bulaj
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
- Grzegorz Bulaj
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Magnavita N. Headache in the Workplace: Analysis of Factors Influencing Headaches in Terms of Productivity and Health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063712. [PMID: 35329399 PMCID: PMC8953285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Headache is a very common condition that can have a significant impact on work. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of headaches and their impact on a sample of 1076 workers from 18 small companies operating in different sectors. The workers who volunteered to participate were asked to fill in the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and answer questions designed to assess stressful and traumatic factors potentially associated with headaches. The volunteers subsequently underwent a medical examination and tests for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Out of the 1044 workers who completed the questionnaire (participation rate = 97%), 509 (48.8%) reported suffering from headaches. In a multivariate logistic regression model, female gender, recent bereavement, intrusive leadership, and sleep problems were significantly associated with headaches. In univariate logistic regression models, headache intensity was associated with an increased risk of anxiety (OR 1.10; CI95% 1.09; 1.12) and depression (OR 1.09; CI95% 1.08; 1.11). Headache impact was also associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.02; CI95% 1.00, 1.04), obesity (OR 1.02, CI95% 1.01; 1.03), and reduced HDL cholesterol (OR 1.03; CI95% 1.01; 1.04). The impact of headache calls for intervention in the workplace not only to promote a prompt diagnosis of the different forms of headaches but also to improve work organization, leadership style, and the quality of sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Magnavita
- Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo F. Vito 1, 00168 Roma, Italy;
- Department of Science of Woman, Child and Public Health, A. Gemelli Foundation IRCCS, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Roma, Italy
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Saçmacı H, Tanik N, İnan LE. Current Perspectives on the Impact of Chronic Migraine on Sleep Quality: A Literature Review. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:1783-1800. [PMID: 36225323 PMCID: PMC9549806 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s335949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent studies have shown that sleep problems occur in migraineurs and poor sleep causes chronification, but the mechanisms by which chronic migraine affects sleep quality are still unknown. This review aims to analyze commonly reported sleep disturbances in chronic migraine (CM) and determine the effect of CM on sleep quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a comprehensive review of all published articles on CM and sleep quality from inception to March 2022 in the literature. Clinical trials, observational studies, and case series (≥20 cases) were included. Two reviewers and a supervisor reviewed the titles and abstracts of all search results with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. PubMed search for randomized controlled trials and open studies on CM and sleep quality reported in English between 1983 and 2022 was conducted using the keywords including chronic migraine, sleep, insomnia, sleep quality, polysomnography, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. RESULTS A total of 535 potentially relevant articles were found. A total of 455 articles and reviews, meta-analyses published in any language other than English, with other exclusion criteria, were excluded from the review. In the remaining articles, 36 clinical studies, reviewing sleep quality and its association with migraine, were identified and reviewed. Evidence from this review shows that poor sleep and migraine chronicity are intertwined with other accompanying comorbidities and dysregulation of circadian rhythm that innovative treatments promise to bring relief to both poor sleep as well as migraine. CONCLUSION Sleep disorders are common in CM and the association between migraine chronification and sleep quality is bidirectional. Comorbid conditions with accompanying frequent attacks in migraine may impair sleep quality. While the maladaptive pain process worsens sleep, poor sleep quality also negatively affects migraine pain. Sleep disturbance, which is affected by worsening migraine attacks, causes deterioration in the quality of life, loss of workforce, and economic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmet Saçmacı
- Department of Neurology, Yozgat Bozok University, School of Medicine, Yozgat, 66100, Turkey
| | - Nermin Tanik
- Department of Neurology, Yozgat Bozok University, School of Medicine, Yozgat, 66100, Turkey
| | - Levent Ertuğrul İnan
- Department of Neurology, Ministry of Health Ankara Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, 06230, Turkey
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