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Oncologic breast surgeries carry a risk for persistent postsurgical pain. This study was a randomized pilot and feasibility study of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention compared to treatment as usual among women undergoing surgery for breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Learn More >: Information on prescriptions of oral analgesics for the treatment of pain is beneficial. However, there have been few reports on the prescription status of oral analgesics from a nation-wide, large-scale prescription database in Japan. : The authors analyzed the prescription data of 2,042,302 patients prescribed oral analgesics in 2017. The numbers/proportions of patients prescribed oral analgesics, adherence with approved doses, co-prescription patterns, dose changes, drug adherence, and treatment-discontinuation rates were evaluated. : Loxoprofen was prescribed to 32.5% of the patients, followed by celecoxib, prescribed to 16.0% of patients. Acetaminophen and pregabalin were prescribed to 10.5% and 9.4% of patients, respectively. Many analgesics were prescribed at lower doses than the approved doses. The most frequently used concomitant medication was pregabalin. For duloxetine and pregabalin, high proportions of patients were prescribed these drugs for > 90 days. : Loxoprofen was the most prescribed of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in Japan. The information obtained provides an overview of prescribed oral analgesics in Japan and could be useful for potential research into prescribed oral analgesics in the future.
Learn More >Multivariate analysis of T2-weighted signal, diffusion ADC, and DKI parameters and tractography were used to differentiate chronic non-specific low back pain (CLBP) patients and asymptomatic controls (AC).
Learn More >Mindfulness interventions may be beneficial for patients with chronic pain; however, the effects for acute pain are not understood. The purpose of this study was to pilot test a brief mindfulness intervention for acute pain and stress for patients in an inpatient medical setting.
Learn More >There are no surrogate markers for the development of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in patients with herpes zoster (HZ).
Learn More >The peptidergic system is the most abundant network of ligand-receptor-mediated signaling in humans. However, the physiological roles remain elusive for numerous peptides and more than 100 G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Here we report the pairing of cognate peptides and receptors. Integrating comparative genomics across 313 species and bioinformatics on all protein sequences and structures of human class A GPCRs, we identify universal characteristics that uncover additional potential peptidergic signaling systems. Using three orthogonal biochemical assays, we pair 17 proposed endogenous ligands with five orphan GPCRs that are associated with diseases, including genetic, neoplastic, nervous and reproductive system disorders. We also identify additional peptides for nine receptors with recognized ligands and pathophysiological roles. This integrated computational and multifaceted experimental approach expands the peptide-GPCR network and opens the way for studies to elucidate the roles of these signaling systems in human physiology and disease. VIDEO ABSTRACT.
Learn More >Virtual reality (VR) has demonstrated efficacy for distraction from pain-related thoughts and exposure to feared movements. Little empirical VR research has focused on chronic pain management.
Learn More >Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disabling syndrome characterized by chronic pain associated with fatigue. Its pathogenesis is unknown, but alterations in central sensitization, involving an imbalance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and inflammatory biomarkers, appear to be implicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of attachment-based compassion therapy (ABCT) on levels of BDNF, the inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, and the C-reactive protein (CRP), analysing whether biomarkers play a mediating/moderating role in improvements in FM functional status. Thirty-four female patients with FM participated in a RCT and were assigned to ABCT or relaxation therapy. Blood extractions were conducted at baseline and post-intervention, with self-report assessments of functional status (FIQ) at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow-up. A pro-inflammatory composite was obtained by summing up IL-6, TNF-α and CRP normalized values. Non-parametric tests, analysis of variance and regression models were used to evaluate treatment and mediation/moderation. Compared to relaxation therapy, ABCT showed significant improvements in FIQ and decreases in BDNF, CRP, and pro-inflammatory composite. Changes in BDNF had a mediating role in FIQ. ABCT seems to reduce BDNF and appears to have anti-inflammatory effects in FM patients. Reductions in BDNF could be a mechanism of FM functional status improvement.Clinical Trial Registration: http://ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT02454244. Date: May 27th, 2015.
Learn More >Central Neuropathic Pain (CNP) is a frequent chronic condition in people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Previously, we showed that using laboratory brain-computer interface (BCI) technology for neurofeedback (NFB) training, it was possible to reduce CNP in people with SCI. In this study, we show results of patient self-managed treatment in their homes with a BCI-NFB using a consumer EEG device.
Learn More >This study investigated if repeated buffered acidic saline infusions into the masseter muscles induced muscle pain and mechanical sensitization. Fourteen healthy men participated in this double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled study. Two repeated infusions (day 1 and 3) were given in the masseter muscles with either a buffered acidic saline solution (pH 5.2) or an isotonic saline solution (pH 6) as control. After 10 days of wash-out, the experiment was repeated with the other substance. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT), pain intensity, maximum unassisted mouth opening (MUO), and pain drawings were assessed before, directly following, and after each infusion at 5, 15, and 30 min and on day 4 and 7. Fatigue and pain intensity were assessed after a one-minute chewing test 30 min after infusions and day 4 and 7. Acidic saline induced higher pain intensity than control day 3 up to 5 min after infusions, but did not affect PPT. The chewing test did not evoke higher fatigue during chewing or MUO or after acidic saline infusion compared to control. Repeated acidic saline infusions in the masseter muscles induced a short-lasting muscle pain without mechanical hyperalgesia or functional pain. Hence, this model might not be superior to already existing experimental muscle pain models.
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