Effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy, stress reduction in hypertension and prehypertension: a systematic review

Aim. To collect and analyze currently available clinical studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for lowering blood pressure in individuals with normal, high normal blood pressure and hypertension.Material and methods. The systematic review was prepared according to the PRISMA algorithm with minor modifications. The search algorithm included articles in Russian and English, indexed in the Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases. The study included studies on the impact of mindfulness interventions on blood pressure levels in individuals aged ≥18 years with an established diagnosis of hypertension, with normal (120-129/80-84 mm Hg) and high normal office blood pressure (130-139/85-89 mm Hg).Results. A total of 4785 publications were identified and included in the study, of which, after a multistage sampling, including screening of articles, 6 studies were included in a qualitative systematic review.Conclusion. Qualitative synthesis of the results of clinical studies revealed that the evidence currently available indicates a possible positive effect of mindfulness interventions on blood pressure levels in individuals with normal, high normal blood pressure and hypertension. However, further studies with larger samples and measurement of more primary and secondary endpoints are required

Mobile applications for anxiety and stress reduction: potential for preventing noncommunicable diseases

The article discusses using mobile applications for smartphones as tools to reduce anxiety and stress. The modern views on pathogenesis of the relationship between stress, anxiety disorders and cardiovascular disease are considered. Based on a review of some representative studies, a methodology for evaluating the characteristics and functions of mobile applications for managing anxiety and stress symptoms is proposed. The applications selected for analysis were tested according to this methodology. There are following key features of the Russianlanguage field of mobile applications for anxiety and stress reduction: a small number of applications, high prevalence of using breathing exercises, meditations and sound therapy, an extremely low disease specificity and focus mainly on helping with general symptoms of anxiety

Assessment of the quality of mobile applications for smoking cessation and its potential for the modification of psychosocial and behavioral risk factors for cardiovascular disease

Aim. To analyze the functionality and characteristics of quit smoking applications available to Russian-speaking users using validated scales for its evaluation.Material and methods. Applications were searched in the App Store and Google Play, and a specialized MARS scale was used to evaluate applications. A total of 598 applications were found, of which 54 applications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study.Results. It was found that 54% of applications use short- and medium-term goals as methods and techniques to increase the likelihood of quitting tobacco, while 31% of applications use various educational materials in order to form a negative attitude towards smoking. In addition, 22% of applications use cognitive and behavioral techniques of cognitive behavioral therapy. A negative moderate correlation was established between the application user rating and MARS score (r=-0,32).Conclusion. The Russian-language anti-smoking mobile applications included in this study demonstrated satisfactory quality on average. A significant number of applications use proven effective cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. At the same time, mobile applications in healthcare has shortcomings, especially in terms of compliance with guidelines, and needs to be further improved

Sensory structures of lungs and airways

The оptimum realization to respiratory function depends on varied sensory feedbacks from ensemble of the sources of the body. Pulmonary sensory receptors are the initiating sites for lung reflexes. The information arriving from lungs and airways information is one of the most important feedbacks that provide the adaptation of the respiratory centre for producing of the pattern optimal in terms of work and force of breathing. In article the review of currently existing data about morphology and functional characteristics of sensitive pulmonary structures is presented: slowly adapting stretch receptors, rapidly adapting receptors, C-fiber receptors and neuroepithelial bodies

Digital tools for improving medication adherence

The article discusses ways to improve medication adherence using electronic devices. Applications for medication monitoring, currently available in the Russianlanguage Internet segment for Android OS devices in the Google Play Store is analyzed. For analysis, the main functional characteristics, determined by representative reviews of applications, and classification are given; selected applications were tested for core functions. The main features of Russian-language segment applications are established: insufficient Russian language support, high application versatility, frequent advertising, and the relative simplicity of most applications. Only a relatively small number of applications have a wide range of specific functions. In addition, research data is provided on the effectiveness of using applications to improve medication adherence and prognosis. A practitioner ability to increase medication adherence is raised with the implementation of functional programs that are consistent with the aims