MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'European Journal of Pain' source. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:10:03 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384234&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111002564%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384234 Tue, 01 Nov 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284945&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111002114%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We are grateful for the interest of Dr. Kroenke in our article () and for expanding the scope of the paper from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) to functional somatic syndromes (). We appreciate the opportunity to respond to some of his profound comments. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284945 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183107&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001947%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183107 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5183107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284928&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100190X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Do individuals with a particular disease or illness differ as we move from the general population to persons who seek primary care to those who are referred to progressively more specialized settings? Although the study by Häuser et al. in this issue focuses on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), this question is salient to most prevalent health care conditions. The conventional wisdom is that as we ascend the gradient of increased specialization, patients will be sicker or more complex, thus warranting access to services which may be more constrained or costly. The degree to which such a “funnel effect” occurs has important implications for how we interpret research findings derived from different clinical settings, whether we differentiate training between primary care and specialty provid... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284928 Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384235&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001911%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this issue of the Journal, Tai-Seale and colleagues explore time spent and prioritization of pain management in US primary care consultations between doctors and older people. Data were obtained by analysis of 385 videotaped consultations in a range of medical practices in two US geographical regions. This is part of a broader study of doctor-elderly patient transactions, and so data are not available on important aspects of pain: for example, pain characteristics, pain psychosocial factors, and patient expectations or pain beliefs are not captured. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384235 Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183108&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001777%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes A great deal of attention has been given lately to illusions of body ownership. Experiments that involve the illusory ownership over an artificial body (), arm () or finger () have revealed much about the physiological underpinnings of these illusions, including which brain areas are involved (see for review). Bodily illusions occur in a range of clinical conditions, including, but not limited to, chronic pain (). For example, people with complex regional pain syndrome of one arm can perceive that their affected arm is bigger than it really is (), and people with back pain can feel that their back is ‘missing’ (). Indeed, the large body of literature in this area has led to a proposal that a network of homeostatic and multisensory brain areas form a ‘cortical body matrix’ – a dyn... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183108 Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5183108 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069890&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001637%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069890 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 21:46:40 +0100 5069890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384253&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001601%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The publisher regrets that there was a spelling error in the title of this book review, and that one author was incorrectly listed as O.A. Sayannwo. The correct spelling is given above. Within the text of the article the word “Kongsgaaard” should be “Kongsgaard” and, “malign” bone pain should be “malignant” bone pain. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384253 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384253 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384249&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001583%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Under-treatment of pain is a worldwide problem. We examine how often pain was addressed and the factors that influence how much time was spent on treating pain.We analyzed 385 videotapes of routine office visits in several primary care practices in the Southwest and Midwest regions of the United States. We coded the visit contents and the time spent on pain and other topics. Logistic regression and survival analyses examined the effects of time constraint, physician’s supportiveness, patient’s health, and demographic concordance. We found that discussion of pain occurred in 48% of visits. A median of 2.3min was spent on addressing pain. The level of pain, physician’s supportiveness, and gender concordance were significantly associated with the odds of having a pain discussi... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384249 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946217&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001352%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946217 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:41:37 +0100 4946217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183125&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100125X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The primary aim of this book is to serve as a comprehensive basic textbook for pain medicine physicians in their preparation for their higher qualification examination. The book also serves as a reference book for other medical specialists and allied health care professionals who need to take care of patients with acute, chronic or cancer pain. It is particularly appealing since it shows pain medicine from an Asian perspective. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183125 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5183125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384244&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001261%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: We could not reject the null hypothesis that there is no difference between the oral morphine and placebo groups assuming an effect size of 15mm on VAS. Therefore it seems that oral morphine at 0.25mg/kg does not give any additional reduction of fear, distress or pain compared with placebo when combined with topical anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing subcutaneous port needle insertion, and would not be expected to be of any advantage for similar procedures such as venipuncture and venous cannulation when topical anesthesia is used. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384244 Fri, 17 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384245&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001170%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: TMD findings associate with pain in several locations. Female gender and presence of impaired health were particularly related to occurrence of multiple pain conditions. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384245 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284936&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001248%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: We found a “funnel” between FMS-persons of the general population and FMS-patients of clinical settings, but not between patients of different levels of care. Patients contacting the health care system did not differ in clinical features. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284936 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384250&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001224%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this paper is to test and correct for systematic differences in reporting of pain severity among older adults by age, gender, ethnic group and socio-economic status using anchoring vignettes. Data from a national survey of community-dwelling older Singaporeans (aged 60years and over) conducted in 2009 was used. Respondents were asked to rate the severity of their own pain as well as that of others described in the vignettes on a five-point scale ranging from none to extreme. An ordered probit model was used to estimate the coefficients of the independent variables (age, gender, ethnic group, education, housing type) on self-reported pain. Reporting heterogeneity in pain severity was then corrected using a Hierarchical Ordered Probit model. The results showed that before co... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384250 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384236&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001194%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study is the first to provide evidence in humans that ER immunoreactivity is detectable on neuronal and glial cells of the STN. The two ER subtypes exhibited different expression patterns, with higher expression levels of ERα than ERβ. The presence of ER-containing cells in the STN suggests that estrogens may directly affect trigeminal neuron excitability in humans. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384236 Mon, 06 Jun 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384252&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000978%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: This study demonstrated significant associations between pain and socio-economic disadvantage. Apart from the direct impact upon the individual, this clearly has wider societal implications in terms of additional health and social care costs for affected people. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384252 Mon, 30 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384251&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001017%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Background: Herpes zoster results from the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which is often accompanied by a prodrome of dermatomal pain. Little is known about the burden of prodromal pain.Objectives: (1) Describe the frequency, severity and duration of prodromal pain; (2) determine the relationship between prodromal pain and the characteristics of herpes zoster at recruitment and the utilization of health care resources.Methods: Between 10/2005 and 07/2006, 251 subjects⩾50years old, seeking care for herpes zoster within 14days of rash onset, were recruited across Canada. Severity and duration of prodromal pain were measured retrospectively using the Initial Zoster Impact Questionnaire. The burden of prodromal pain was obtained by the product of pain severity and dura... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384251 Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384251 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384248&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000954%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Social modelling experiments have illustrated how upward social comparisons (i.e., observing pain tolerant role models) can facilitate tolerance relative to downward social comparison (i.e., observing pain intolerant alternatives). However, because clinical studies suggest that people prefer to make downward social comparisons with less fortunate others when they are threatened or overwhelmed with pain or illness, it seems plausible that upward social comparisons confer fewer benefits when pain is appraised as threatening. To address this issue, we assessed effects of verbally-presented upward and downward social comparison standards on tolerance for cold pressor pain among 124 Australian adults (44 men, 80 women) primed with either more or less threatening orienting information ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384248 Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384248 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384238&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001005%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common impairment which may impact upon quality of life (QoL). Neuropathic pain (NeP) occurs in up to 50% of patients with PN. We hypothesized that disability and impaired quality of life resulting from PN is primarily associated with presence of NeP. Our aim was to determine using prospectively identified PN patients presenting to a tertiary care neuromuscular clinic if presence of NeP (PN+NeP) had greater impact upon QoL than with absence of NeP (PN−NeP). A second aim was to identify if QoL varied based upon etiology of PN. We analyzed neuropathy severity (Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (TCSS)), pain quantity and quality (Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, Brief Pain Inventory (BPI)), QoL and health status measures (EuroQol Instrument 5... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384238 Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284930&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000905%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In present study, in vivo electrophysiological techniques were applied to examine the effects of anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation on mechanical and electrical stimuli-evoked responses in rat spinal cord wide-dynamic-range (WDR) neurons. We found that bilateral ACC electrical stimulation (100Hz, 20V, 20s) had different effects on neuronal responses to brush, pressure and pinch stimuli (10s). The brush-evoked neuronal responses at baseline, post 1min and post 5min were 60.8±15.0, 59.2±15.4 and 60.0±19.3 spikes/10s, respectively (n=10, P>0.05 vs. baseline). The pressure-evoked neuronal responses at baseline, post 1min and post 5min were 77.8±11.9, 38.0±7.8 and 45.8±7.6 spikes/10s, respectively (n=10, P (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284930 Fri, 20 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384246&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001029%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: A group of back pain experts reached a high level of consensus on a statement recommending reporting methods for patient-reported outcomes in future low back pain trials. The statement has the potential to increase interpretability and improve patient care. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384246 Thu, 19 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384241&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100098X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our findings suggest that paeoniflorin is the key antinociceptive component in SKT that increases noradrenaline release and activates α2-adrenoceptors to modulate spinal nociceptive transmission in diabetic neuropathy. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384241 Thu, 19 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384241 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384247&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000991%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: In a large population of CLBP patients, 31% fulfilled the criteria for at least one current psychiatric disorder when measured with a diagnostic interview. The diagnoses included a wide range of psychiatric disorders, with the most common being somatoform disorders (18%) and anxiety disorders (12%). The results imply that screening CLBP patients for psychiatric comorbidity in secondary care is important since psychopathology may have serious consequences for prognosis, outcome and health care utilization. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384247 Wed, 18 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384247 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384242&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000929%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Current treatments of neuropathic pain arising from conditions such as nerve injury/compression are only partially effective, and limited in their use by side-effects. p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is involved in the regulation and synthesis of inflammatory mediators, and is the target for a novel class of cytokine-suppressive anti-inflammatory drugs. p38 inhibitors may reduce neuronal sensitisation in preclinical models of neuropathic pain, particularly where there is a substantial inflammatory component. An exploratory, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-period, cross-over trial was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dilmapimod (SB-681323), a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, on neuropathic pain symptoms and signs. Fifty patients with nerve trauma, r... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384242 Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384240&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000930%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pain is thought to interfere with training-induced plasticity of corticomotor pathways. Although this implies direct interference with plastic processes, it may be explained by compromised performance in the training task during pain. Repeated finger movements can induce plasticity and change the amplitude/direction of acceleration of finger movement evoked by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). We hypothesized that if pain interferes with plasticity, acceleration of finger movement would not change when the training task was painful, despite control of training task performance. TMS was applied over the optimal scalp site to evoked index finger abduction movements in nine participants. Participants then trained finger adduction with feedback of finger acceleration for three... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384240 Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384239&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000966%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Despite concerted efforts from pharmacologic research into neuropathic pain, many patients fail to achieve sufficient pain relief with medication alone. For this reason, increasing interest centres on neurostimulation techniques. We assessed whether transcutaneous spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) modulates conduction in ascending nociceptive spinal pathways. We measured changes induced by anodal and cathodal tsDCS over the thoracic spinal cord on face- and foot-laser evoked potentials (LEPs) and foot-cold pressor test responses in 20 healthy subjects. Whereas anodal tsDCS reduced the amplitude of the N1 and N2 components of foot-LEPs (P (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384239 Mon, 16 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384239 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284931&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000875%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We investigated the potential of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2)-induced pancreatitis to promote abdominal hyperalgesia, as well as to depolarize sensory fibres in vitro using a grease-gap technique. Pancreatitis was induced by the injection of sPLA2 from Crotalus durissus terrificus (sPLA2 Cdt, 300μgkg−1) venom into the common bile duct of rats. Pancreatic inflammatory signs, serum amylase levels and abdominal hyperalgesia were evaluated in rats treated or not with SR140333, a tachykinin NK1 receptor antagonist. Injection of sPLA2 Cdt caused pancreatic oedema formation and increased pancreatic neutrophil infiltration and serum amylase at 4h, which returned to normality by 24h, except for the neutrophil infiltration, which was still increased at this time point. Animals inj... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284931 Fri, 13 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183123&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000887%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pain and the conscious mind (or the self) are experienced in our body. Both are intimately linked to the subjective quality of conscious experience. Here, we used virtual reality technology and visuo-tactile conflicts in healthy subjects to test whether experimentally induced changes of bodily self-consciousness (self-location; self-identification) lead to changes in pain perception. We found that visuo-tactile stroking of a virtual body but not of a control object led to increased pressure pain thresholds and self-location. This increase was not modulated by the synchrony of stroking as predicted based on earlier work. This differed for self-identification where we found as predicted that synchrony of stroking increased self-identification with the virtual body (but not a contro... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183123 Thu, 12 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5183123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384243&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000917%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an established therapy for chronic neuropathic pain, still 30% of patients do not respond adequately to trial stimulation. These so called “non-responders” do not receive a permanent implantation for pain relief.The induction and maintenance of central sensitization plays a pivotal role in (chronic) neuropathic pain and is thought to be the resultant of the activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the dorsal horn. Blocking the NMDA receptor through the use of the non-competitive blocker ketamine has shown to attenuate neuropathic pain, although the undesirable side effects limit its use. The present study was performed to examine whether the combination of SCS with an individually determined sub-effective dose of intr... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384243 Thu, 12 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5384237&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000942%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study also demonstrates the value of HSV-1 derived vectors to manipulate, in a sustained and directed manner, pain modulatory pathways in the brain, which is important in the study of supraspinal pain control circuits. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5384237 Thu, 12 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5384237 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284934&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000899%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We studied the associations of widespread pain with other pain and functional measures among patients with chronic epicondylitis.A total of 190 patients (66% females) participated in the study; with a mean age 43.7, mean duration of symptoms 48weeks, chronic lateral (n=160) and medial (n=30) epicondylitis. We analysed clinical status, grip strength and cubital pain thresholds and interviewed pain and disability, leisure time physical activity, strenuous hobby activities for arms, duration of symptoms, other systemic and upper extremity disorders, arm operations, and work ability. The location of pain was analysed using a whole-body pain drawing, categorized into three groups; the highest of which was classified as widespread pain.A total of 85 patients (45%) reported widespread p... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284934 Thu, 12 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069904&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002995%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examined differences between Asians and non-Hispanic Whites (Whites) in pain sensitivity, and its relationship to mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR). In 30 Whites (50% female) and 30 Asians (50% female), experimental pain sensitivity was assessed with a hand cold pressor task, yielding measures of pain threshold, tolerance, intensity, and unpleasantness. Mean arterial pressure and HR measurements taken at rest and in response to speech stress were assessed. Perceived stress, anxiety, perfectionism, parental criticism, parental expectations and depressive symptoms were also measured. The results indicated that for the cold pain test, Asians demonstrated significantly lower pain threshold and tolerance levels than Whites. Although no ethnic differences were seen for ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069904 Tue, 10 May 2011 23:00:00 +0100 5069904 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284940&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000644%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This article presents significant reliability of scales useful within dependency centers. They can be used to identify these risk factors for drop-out and relapse, respectively, when initiating the withdrawal process. Taking these risk factors into consideration could improve the outcome of the withdrawal process by preventing drop-out and relapse. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284940 Fri, 06 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284939&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100067X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: End-of-life opioid administration to primary comfort care patients in the DR differs fundamentally from NICU or PICU handling of dying patients. Once patients are admitted to an intensive care unit, practice and attitudes towards end-of-life opioid administration are similar in NICUs and PICUs. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284939 Mon, 02 May 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830497&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111001054%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830497 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4830497 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284938&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100084X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although women report feeling more pain than men their pain is often under-valued as compared to men’s pain. We argue that such biases are not universal, being either enhanced or suppressed by context-related variables pertaining to the situation, the patient and the perceiver. Consequently, we aimed at understanding the effects of pain duration, patient’s distress and the judge’s sex on sex-related biases in pain judgements. Two-hundred and five nursing students (44.9% male) participated in a between-subjects design, 2 (pain duration)×2 (patient’s distress)×2 (patient’s sex)×2 (participant’s sex). Participants read a vignette depicting a man/woman going into an Emergency Room complaining of low-back pain, that he/she had had for 3days/years, with/without signs of ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284938 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284935&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000863%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Experimental evidence suggests impairment of inhibitory intracortical circuits in migraine, while not much is known about activity of facilitatory intracortical circuits. In the present work we evaluated the effects of high frequency-repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (hf-rTMS) on the activity of facilitatory circuits of motor cortex in 18 patients affected by migraine with aura and 18 healthy subjects. Trains of 10 stimuli were applied to the motor cortex at 5-Hz frequency with recording of the EMG traces from the contralateral abductor pollicis brevis muscle (APB). Two intensities of stimulation (110% and 130% of resting motor threshold) were used in order to explore whether motor cortex excitability was differently modulated. Twelve patients underwent hf-rTMS both be... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284935 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284932&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000851%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, lidocaine patches seem to have differential effects on sensory modalities in healthy skin. A degeneration of epidermal nerve fibers has previously been demonstrated for patches containing the TRPV1-agonist capsaicin and our findings suggest that this effect might also be relevant for lidocaine patches. These data warrant further studies on molecular mechanisms mediating a relief of neuropathic pain by topical lidocaine. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284932 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284937&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000668%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: To assess the analgesic efficacy of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist S(+)-ketamine on fibromyalgia pain, the authors performed a randomized double blind, active placebo-controlled trial. Twenty-four fibromyalgia patients were randomized to receive a 30-min intravenous infusion with S(+)-ketamine (total dose 0.5mg/kg, n=12) or the active placebo, midazolam (5mg, n=12). Visual Analogue Pain Scores (VAS) and ketamine plasma samples were obtained for 2.5-h following termination of treatment; pain scores derived from the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) were collected weekly during an 8-week follow-up. Fifteen min after termination of infusion the number of patients showing a reduction in pain scores >50% was 8 vs. 3 (P (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284937 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284933&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000656%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pain is a common and debilitating accompaniment of neuropathy that occurs as a complication of diabetes. In the current study, we examined the effect of continuous release of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), achieved by gene transfer of glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) to dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in vivo using a non-replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vector (vG) in a rat model of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Subcutaneous inoculation of vG reduced mechanical hyperalgesia, thermal hyperalgesia and cold allodynia in rats with PDN. Continuous release of GABA from vector transduced cells in vivo prevented the increase in the voltage-gated sodium channel isoform 1.7 (NaV1.7) protein that is characteristic of PDN. In vitro, infection of primary DRG neurons with vG pr... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284933 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946233&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000607%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The origin of this book was an International Research Symposium on “Somato-Visceral Interactions and Autonomic Mechanisms of Manual Therapy” held 2008 in Fort Worth, Texas. This symposium was funded by the NIH and foundations and societies involved in manual therapy. According to the preface this symposium was considered a landmark event for manual treatment and therapy, because it brought together clinicians and scientists from osteopathic medicine, chiropractic, massage therapy, and physical therapy, as well as basic scientists. The symposium discussed the state of the knowledge of the effects of somatic stimulation and movements on visceral and autonomic function at all levels of the neuraxis. In the fall of 2010 the book appeared which contains on 325 pages 15 well-elaborated chapt... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946233 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4946233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830513&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000619%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We thank for their valuable comments on our study (). Indeed chronic post traumatic headache (CPTHA) did not receive the deserved attention in the literature and we hope that our study is the first of many others to come. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830513 Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4830513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284941&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000632%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objective of this study was to investigate the association between psychological factors and complex regional pain syndrome type 1 (CRPS1). A prospective multicenter cohort study was performed involving the emergency room of three hospitals, and patients age 18years or older, with a single fracture, were included in the study. At baseline (T0), participants completed a questionnaire covering demographic, psychological (Symptom Checklist-90), and medical variables. At plaster removal (T1) and at T2, the participants completed a questionnaire addressing symptoms of CRPS1. Psychological factors that were analysed were agoraphobia, depression, somatization, insufficiency, (interpersonal) sensitivity, insomnia, and life events. In total, 596 consecutive patients were included in the study, ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284941 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830498&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000620%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Neuropathic pain (NP) encompasses a large variety of conditions associated with a lesion or disease of the peripheral or central somatosensory system and remains particularly difficult to treat. Recent meta-analyses have indicated that on the average, about one third more patients with NP respond to active drugs compared to placebo treatment, and in many trials no superiority of the test compound above placebo was demonstrated (). Although several reasons may be proposed to account for such findings, including a large placebo response or the fact that the current drugs do not act on the relevant pathophysiological targets, it is also possible that trials failed to identify responder populations because they did not take into account the heterogeneity of NP symptoms and signs that are presu... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830498 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4830498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697930&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100070X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697930 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 23:00:00 +0100 4697930 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284942&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000589%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: MOT appears to be beneficial for children with chronic pain. A short intensive intervention (comprising of a total of 2.5-h) can lead to substantial improvements even for severely affected children. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284942 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284929&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000590%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The current review deals with interoceptive conditioning as a viable mechanism maintaining fear of pain: The available literature suggests that interoceptive – i.e., internal bodily – sensations may become predictors of pain and will subsequently elicit fear of pain.After a short overview of interoceptive (fear) conditioning and its role in the maintenance of panic disorder, the existing literature on conditioning in the field of pain and fear of pain is reviewed. Next, the authors propose an interoceptive fear conditioning model of fear of pain, suggesting that bodily sensations can function as predictors of pain and as conditioned stimuli become endowed with the capacity to elicit an (anticipatory) fear response.The review concludes with a number of theoretical and clinical... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284929 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284929 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284943&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000565%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The ability to detect facial expressions of pain is crucial in eliciting prosocial behaviors towards the individual experiencing pain. Previous studies have shown that the sufferers’ gender can affect the observers’ explicit judgment of the pain face, thus suggesting its possible influence on pain decoding. The present study investigates whether the sufferer’s gender affects the observer’s reflexive or implicit detection of facial expression of pain. More specifically, we used implicit measures to test whether observers detect pained expression more quickly or accurately on male or female faces. In three experimental studies, we devised a set of stimuli using computer-generated faces. In Experiment 1, prototypical female and male avatars with different facial expressions ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284943 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5284944&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000577%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Low back pain in the population is characterized as very dynamic which challenges epidemiological studies highly. Long-term information on the course of back pain is needed to define severe subgroups. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5284944 Wed, 23 Mar 2011 04:00:00 +0100 5284944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830512&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000541%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes We read with great interest the results from quantitative sensory analyses in patients with chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTHA) (). It is noteworthy that this study is indeed the first study which evaluates the sensory processing in this group of patients. However, we have several comments and questions that we would like clarified. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830512 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4830512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183112&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000553%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Stress exacerbates both experimental and clinical pain, most well-characterized in irritable bowel and fibromyalgia syndromes. Since it has been hypothesized that cytokines play an etiopathogenic role in fibromyalgia and other chronic widespread pain conditions, we investigated the relationship between stress and cytokines in a model of stress-induced chronic somatic pain. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the impact of stress on the hyperalgesia-induced by endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and the role of two pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis α (TNFα). Fourteen days after exposure to a 4-day protocol of unpredictable sound stress, the ability of systemic LPS (100μg/kg, i.p) to elicit cytokine-mediated mechanical hyperalgesi... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183112 Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183122&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000267%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study the role of executive functioning abilities (inhibition, task switching and working memory) in the effectiveness of distraction is investigated. We hypothesized that the effectiveness of distraction in terms of pain reduction would be larger in participants with better executive functioning abilities. Ninety-one undergraduate students first performed executive functioning tasks, and subsequently participated in a cold pressor task (CPT). Participants were randomly assigned to (1) a distraction group, in which an attention-demanding tone-detection task was performed during the CPT, or (2) a control group, in which no distraction task was performed. Participants in the distraction group reported significantly less pain during the CPT, but the pain experience was not influenced ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183122 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183122 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183120&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100053X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, use of COCs exerts only subtle differences on the course of perimenstrual migraine in menstruating women with migraine. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183120 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183120 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183113&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000358%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Activation of the prefrontal cortex occurs during acute and chronic pain and models of experimental hyperalgesia. The present study was carried out to determine possible miRNA changes in the prefrontal cortex, after inflammatory pain induced by facial carrageenan injection in mice. miRNA microarray analyses showed significantly increased levels of miR-155 and miR-223 in the prefrontal cortex of carrageenan-injected mice. The changes were verified by real-time RT-PCR, and shown to occur bilaterally. The potential targets of the two miRNAs were predicted, and changes in two of the miRNA targets, c/ebp Beta and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) verified by real-time RT-PCR. Significantly downregulated c/ebp Beta but upregulated GCSF, accompanied by increased immunolabelin... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183113 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183121&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000346%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, coadministration of choline and aspirin holds promise for development as a safe analgesic drug combination for inflammatory pain, with a higher potency and longer duration than either aspirin or choline alone. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183121 Wed, 09 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183115&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000322%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate supraspinal modulation of human lower limb reflex receptive fields (RRFs) on the plantar side of the foot during cognitive tasks either distracting the subjects or actively directing their attention to the electrical stimuli directed to the sole of the foot.Methods: Twelve healthy volunteers participated. Nociceptive withdrawal reflexes (NWRs) were recorded in the ankle flexor tibialis anterior. The RRF was acquired by randomized activation of ten stimulation sites on the sole of the foot. The RRF was assessed during baseline, distraction, and attention in randomized order. Distraction was induced by the Stroop test, while attention was induced by requiring the subjects to localize the site of the stimulation and thereby... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183115 Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069894&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110003083%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: We have studied scalding-type burn injury-induced activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in the spinal dorsal horn, which is a recognised marker for spinal nociceptive processing. At 5min after severe scalding injury to mouse hind-paw, a substantial number of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) immunopositive neurons were found in the ipsilateral dorsal horn. At 1h post-injury, the number of pERK1/2-labelled neurons remained substantially the same. However, at 3h post-injury, a further increase in the number of labelled neurons was found on the ipsilateral side, while a remarkable increase in the number of labelled neurons on the contralateral side resulted in there being no significant difference between the extent of the labelling on both sides. By 6h post... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069894 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069894 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593613&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000528%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593613 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4593613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593612&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110003071%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This year another interesting book with the title “Cancer Pain – From Molecules to Suffering” has been published from IASP press. Despite great efforts and achievements regarding innovative analgesics, supportive procedures, improvements in stundents’ education and training and so forth, the overriding goal of qualitatively and quantitatively satisfactory care of patients with cancer pain has not yet been attained. Thus, it is very much appreciated, that under the patronage of the IASP, this book has been published based on the presentations of a research meeting. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593612 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4593612 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593597&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000383%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593597 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4593597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183109&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000334%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The current evidence suggests four factors that relate to outcome as predictors/mediators, but there is no evidence for effect moderators. Future studies of mediation and moderation should be designed with ‘a priori’ hypotheses and adequate statistical power. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183109 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183110&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000279%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Available literature shows promising results for the pain-relieving effect of spinal cord stimulation in painful diabetic polyneuropathy. The outcome of a randomized clinical trial is needed before spinal cord stimulation can be considered to be integrated in the standardized treatment algorithm. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183110 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183110 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183118&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000280%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Vibro-tactile stimulation effectively recruited analgesic mechanisms not only in NC but also in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, including FM. Distraction did not seem to contribute to this analgesic effect. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183118 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183117&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000292%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of the present study was to describe the occurrence of signs and symptoms in CRPS I patients meeting the IASP (Orlando) criteria, assess the occurrence of signs and symptoms in relation to disease duration and compare these to historical data based on a different diagnostic criteria set.Six hundred and ninety-two ambulatory patients meeting the IASP criteria for CRPS I referred to the outpatient clinics of five participating centers were included in this cross-sectional study.Characteristics were recorded in a standardized fashion and categorized according to the factor structure proposed by Bruehl/Harden. Subgroups were classified according to the duration of complaints and compared to historical data as described by Veldman et al. The Chi-square test corrected for multi... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183117 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183124&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000309%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: These findings suggest that changes in barometric pressure were the reason for the observed initiation and/or exacerbation of the various oral pains observed in the emergency room setting. This association has been considered to be rare, with most reports suggesting this phenomenon primarily affects divers and aircraft personnel. Our data suggests otherwise, by providing clear evidence that atmospheric pressure changes commonly influences painful oral conditions. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183124 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183124 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183116&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000310%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: In Fabry disease, no linear relationship exists between pain and small nerve fibre function. With older age and more severe disease pain may abate as nerve fibre function further deteriorates. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183116 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697945&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000255%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Science of Pain is a novel addition to the scientific literature in the field of Pain. It appeared in its first edition 2009; edited by two world-renowned pain scientists, the Editor-in-Chief of the journal PAIN, Allan Basbaum, and the President-Elect of the Canadian Pain Society, Catherine Bushnell. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697945 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4697945 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183114&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000243%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: In anaesthetised rats, systematic electrophysiological recordings from dorsal horn neurones in spinal segments Th13–L5 were made to obtain information about the spinal nociceptive processing from the lumbar thoracolumbar fascia. Six to fourteen percent of the neurones in the spinal segments Th13–L2 had nociceptive input from the thoracolumbar fascia in naïve animals, no neurones responsive to input from the lumbar fascia were found in segments L3–L5. The segmental location of the receptive fields in the fascia was shifted 2–4 segments caudally relative to the spinal segment recorded from. Most neurones were convergent in that they received additional input from other deep somatic tissues in the low back (87%) and from the skin in the abdominal wall or the proximal leg (5... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183114 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183111&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000231%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The prevalence and burden of pain has long been reported as problematic. Comprehensive pain education in undergraduate programmes is essential for developing knowledgeable, skilled and effective healthcare professionals. This cross-sectional survey describes the nature, content and learning strategies for pain curricula in undergraduate healthcare programmes in major universities in the United Kingdom (UK). Document analysis also highlighted gaps in pain-related standards from professional regulators and a higher education quality assurance body. The sample consisted of 19 higher education institutions delivering 108 programmes across dentistry, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physiotherapy and veterinary science.Seventy-four (68.5%) questionnaires w... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183111 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069891&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000036%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This review supports the influence of some cFs on pain response. However, the results remain inconclusive which may be, in part, related to the heterogeneity of the studies. Contextual factors need further investigation for a better understanding of the magnitude of their effect on pain response. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069891 Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069901&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000218%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Symptoms associated with FM strongly correlate with early disability retirement. Lifestyle problems associated with high symptom load need prompt management to avoid increased risk of mortality. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069901 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069895&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100022X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Phantom phenomena are frequent following amputation, but how this often painful experience is modified or triggered by spontaneous events or sensations often puzzles amputees and clinicians alike. We explored triggers of phantom phenomena in a heterogeneous sample of 264 upper and lower limb adult amputees with phantom sensations. Participants completed a structured questionnaire to determine the prevalence and nature of the triggers of phantom phenomena. The four categories of triggers identified include: (a) a quarter of participants experiencing psychological, emotional or autonomic triggers; (b) half experiencing behavioral triggers, “forgetting” the limb’s absence and attempting to use the phantom; (c) one-fifth experiencing weather-induced triggers; and (d) one-third ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069895 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069895 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069893&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000188%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Trigeminal neuropathic pain is due to lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system. Dynamic mechanical allodynia is a widespread symptom of neuropathic pain for which mechanisms are still poorly understood. Recent studies demonstrate that forebrain neurons, including neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) are important for the perception of acute and chronic pain. Using the phosphorylation of the extracellular-signal regulated kinase (pERK-1/2) as an anatomical marker of neuronal activation, the present study investigated how dynamic mechanical allodynia is processed in the rat ventral mPFC (prelimbic and infralimbic cortex) after chronic constriction injury to the infraorbital nerve (IoN-CCI). Two weeks after unilateral IoN-CCI, rats showed a dramatic bilateral trigeminal... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069893 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069893 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5183119&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011100019X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Chronic pain is a hallmark of osteoarthritis (OA), yet little is known about its properties and representation in the brain. Here we use fMRI combined with psychophysics to study knee pain in fourteen OA patients and nine healthy controls. Mechanical painful pressure stimuli were applied to the knee in both groups and ratings of evoked pain and related brain activity examined. We observe that psychophysical properties and brain activation patterns of evoked pain are essentially the same between OA patients and healthy subjects, and between worse and better OA knees. In OA patients, stimulus-related brain activity could be distinguished from brain activity associated with spontaneous pain. The former activated brain regions commonly observed for acute painful stimuli in healthy su... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5183119 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5183119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069896&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000048%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Many neuropathic pain conditions are characterized by abnormal responses to noxious or innocuous mechanical stimulation, including wind-up pain. Whereas previous brain imaging studies have explored the cerebral correlates of hyperalgesia and allodynia, no studies are available on mechanical-induced wind-up pain in neuropathic pain patients. We therefore used positron emission tomography (PET) to investigate the cerebral response pattern of mechanical wind-up pain in a homogenous group of 10 neuropathic pain patients with long-standing postherniotomy pain in the groin area. Patients were scanned in the following conditions: (1) rest; (2) wind-up pain, induced by 2Hz von Frey stimulation in the painful area; (3) non-painful 2Hz von Frey stimulation in the homologous contralateral a... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069896 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069896 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069892&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000206%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Despite using prescribed pain medications, patients with neuropathic pain continue to experience moderate to severe pain. There is a growing recognition of a potent peripheral opioid analgesia in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The goal of this study was to characterize the temporal and spatial expression of mu opioid receptor (mOR) mRNA and protein in primary afferent neurons in a rat L5 spinal nerve ligation model of persistent neuropathic pain. Bilateral L4 and L5 dorsal root ganglia (DRGs), L4 and L5 spinal cord segments, and hind paw plantar skins were collected on days 0 (naïve), 3, 7, 14, and 35 post-spinal nerve ligation or post-sham surgery. We found that expression of mOR mRNA and protein in primary afferent neurons changed dynamically and site-specificall... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069892 Thu, 10 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069892 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069899&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000024%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Experimental animal pain models involving peripheral nerve lesions have expanded the understanding of the pathological changes caused by nerve damage. However models for the pathogenesis of chronic pain patients lacking obvious nerve injuries have not been developed to the same extent. Guided by clinical observations, we focused on the initiating noxious event, the context when applying nociceptive stimulation targeting long-lasting pain elicited by muscle insult. The administration of a nociceptive agent (6% hypertonic saline: HS; 5-time repeated-injection: HS5) after pretreatment with an immuno-inflammatory agent (lipopolysaccharide: LPS, 2μg/kg) into one gastrocnemius muscle produced markedly long-persisting biphasic sustained mechanical hypersensitivity on the plantar surfac... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069899 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069898&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110003046%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Repetitive proton/PGE2-induced excitation of muscle tissue led to a more prolonged perception of pain and more wide-spread activation in pain-related brain areas in FMS, especially in the left (ipsilateral) insula, whereas acute protons/PGE2-induced pain processing was similar in the two groups. These data provide further evidence for enhanced central pain processing in FMS patients. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069898 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069898 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4406429&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380111000073%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4406429 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:04:12 +0100 4406429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946218&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000265X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our results suggest that the chronic model of OA influenced the sleep patterns in both sexes. However, males appeared to be more affected. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946218 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069897&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110003058%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to be involved in the pathophysiology of complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). Since the mitochondrial respiratory chain is a major source of ROS, we hypothesized that mitochondria play a role in the pathophysiology of CRPS I. The hypothesis was tested by studying mitochondrial energy metabolism in muscle tissue from amputated limbs of CRPS I patients. We observed that mitochondria obtained from CRPS I muscle tissue displayed reduced mitochondrial ATP production and substrate oxidation rates in comparison to control muscle tissue. Moreover, we observed reactive oxygen species evoked damage to mitochondrial proteins and reduced MnSOD levels. It remains to be established if the mitochondrial dysfunction that is apparent at the end-s... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069897 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946221&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002685%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study used functional connectivity analysis to examine the impact of AD on the integrated functioning of brain regions mediating the sensory, emotional, and cognitive aspects of pain. Fourteen patients with AD and 15 controls attended two experimental sessions. In an initial psychophysical testing session, a random staircase procedure was used to assess sensitivity to noxious mechanical pressure applied to the thumbnail. In a subsequent brain imaging session, fMRI data were collected as participants received noxious or innocuous thumbnail pressure, delivered at intensities corresponding with previously identified subjective pain thresholds. Two approaches to functional connectivity analysis were utilised. A seed-based correlation method was first used to identify regions showing signi... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946221 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069903&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000306X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study involved 320 cancer patients from four Northern European countries. Patients with breakthrough pain were questioned about the characteristics of their pain, the current management of their pain, and the acceptability/utility of alternative routes of administration.The median number of episodes was 3/day. Forty-four percent patients reported incident-type pain, 39% spontaneous-type pain, and 17% a combination of these pains. The median duration was 60min, and the median time to peak intensity was 15min. Three percent patients reported “mild” pain, 37% “moderate” pain, and 60% “severe” pain. Ninety percent patients stated that the pain interfered with their daily activities.All patients were using opioids as rescue medication (mainly oral morphine/oxycodone), whilst 28... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069903 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069900&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110003009%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or malfunctioning of the nervous system. It is fairly common and more resistant to treatment than other types of pain. Since nitecapone, an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT), has decreased neuropathic symptoms in diabetic rats, we studied its effects in another model of neuropathic pain, the spinal nerve ligation (SNL) model. Spinal nerves L5–6 were ligated in male Wistar rats under anaesthesia to produce the SNL model of neuropathic pain. Nitecapone (30mg/kg, i.p.) or vehicle was administered once daily starting either 1h before or 2days after surgery and continued for 14–19days. Threshold for mechanical allodynia was measured with the digital von Frey test and responses to cold stimuli with the acetone test, before surger... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069900 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069900 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946229&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002764%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The current study interviewed patients with chronic pain to: (1) identify the most common words used by patients in the samples to describe the “quality” of their pain (i.e. sharp, dull) and (2) evaluate the validity of existing pain quality measures. Two-hundred and thirteen individuals with pain associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS) were asked to describe their pain. Consistent with previous research that has shown that patients with different types of pain problems describe their pain using different pain quality descriptors, there was variability in the frequency of pain descriptors used by the study participants. For example, patients with SCI and below injury level pain used “burning” more often than patients with SCI and shoulder, arm,... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946229 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946229 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946219&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002818%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) reacts to nociceptive stimulation during sleep, but whether this reaction is contingent to cortical arousal, and whether one of the autonomic arms (sympathetic/parasympathetic) predominates over the other remains unknown. We assessed ANS reactivity to nociceptive stimulation during all sleep stages through heart rate variability, and correlated the results with the presence of cortical arousal measured in concomitant 32-channel EEG. Fourteen healthy volunteers underwent whole-night polysomnography during which nociceptive laser stimuli were applied over the hand. RR intervals (RR) and spectral analysis by wavelet transform were performed to assess parasympathetic (HFWV) and sympathetic (LFWV and LFWV/HFWV ratio) reactivity. During all sleep stag... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946219 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4406445&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002752%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In many countries, patients who experience chronic moderate to severe pain from cancer or non-cancer origins often do not have access to prescription of opioid analgesics that, according to the World Health Organization, are essential medicines for adequate relief of this level of pain (). This situation has been mainly ascribed to overregulation of opioids as controlled substances (). (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4406445 Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4406445 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069902&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002983%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes The objectively assessed level of physical activity did not differ between the four groups. A further analysis tested the association between pain intensity levels and self-reported and objectively assessed daily life activity levels in avoiders and persisters. In persisters, a higher level of self-reported activities in daily life was related to increased pain. The objectively assessed activity level was not associated with pain intensity. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069902 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 5069902 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946231&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002831%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Emotions and attention have been shown to influence the perception of pain and several psychophysiological studies have suggested an implication of descending modulatory mechanisms to explain these effects. However, the specificity of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the emotional and attentional modulation of pain still remains unclear. In order to differentiate the supra-spinal and spinal mechanisms involved in emotional and attentional modulation of pain, we measured pain perception (self-ratings) and the RIII reflex in healthy volunteers during the presentation of pleasant, unpleasant and neutral pictures, as well as during a baseline condition with no visual distractor (Experiment 1). In a second experiment, we manipulated the emotional arousal induced by pleasan... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946231 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946227&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002806%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Minimal access surgery for the repair of esophageal atresia or congenital diaphragmatic hernia is not associated with less cumulative opioid doses. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946227 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946220&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002843%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Although sleep deprivation is known to heighten pain sensitivity, the mechanisms by which sleep modifies nociception are largely unknown. Few studies of sleep–pain interactions have utilized quantitative sensory testing models that implicate specific underlying physiologic mechanisms. One possibility, which is beginning to receive attention, is that differences in sleep may alter the analgesic effects of distraction. We utilized the heat-capsaicin nociceptive model to examine whether self-reported habitual sleep duration is associated with distraction analgesia, the degree of secondary hyperalgesia and skin flare, markers implicating both central and peripheral processes that heighten pain. Twenty-eight healthy participants completed three experimental sessions in a randomized ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946220 Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4946220 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372923&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002879%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372923 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0100 4372923 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946230&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000282X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Our results support the findings linking back pain to job strain. Moreover, the relationship between back pain and job strain is much stronger if job strain includes both psychological and physical demands. Results of this study suggest that workplace interventions that aim to reduce job strain may help prevent back pain and may alleviate the personal, social, and economic burden attributable to back pain. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946230 Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946226&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002776%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: This study indicates that the anticonvulsant levetiracetam has no clinically relevant effect on painful polyneuropathy. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946226 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946226 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946232&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000279X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: The rather high pain prevalence suggests pain among children may be a potential public health issue. Further studies are required to investigate the characteristics and correlational attributes of children suffering most frequently from pain and children from families with low socioeconomic status. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946232 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946223&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002788%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Manual occupational class in both genders and semi-professional occupations in men, unhealthy behaviours and previous pain both in the neck and the lower back predicted sciatica, while physical and psychosocial working conditions had no independent effect. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946223 Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946228&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002739%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Sex differences in pain perception have been reported in an expanding literature based on adult samples in epidemiological as well as laboratory studies. Especially with respect to the latter, studies with children and adolescents do not consistently show that females report higher pain ratings and display lower pain tolerance than males. The first aim of the presented studies is to comparably examine sex differences in children and adolescents based on experimental and questionnaire approach indices of pain perception. The second aim is to examine the contribution of three prominent psychosocial factors (gender-role expectations, coping with pain, and pain self-efficacy) to these sex differences. In Study 1, a total of 118 children and adolescents from grades 5 to 9 were tested ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946228 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372925&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002740%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Two major entities in the field of musculoskeletal pain are comprised of myofascial pain syndromes and the Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Localized pain and trigger points are hallmarks of myofascial pain whereas widespread pain and tender points are included in the ACR-diagnostic criteria for FMS (). (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372925 Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4372925 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946225&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002715%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, EA-induced physiological profiles were surveyed under a sub-minimal alveolar concentration (sub-MAC) of two different anesthetics in a previously proposed minimal stress model. First, to select an adequate concentration, compliance with EA and tail-flick stimulation was evaluated under various concentrations of halothane and isoflurane. Second, using the chosen concentrations, low- (4-Hz) and high-frequency (100-Hz) EA were conducted on the right hind limb. The EA effects of the two gases were compared by tail-flick latency (TFL), hemodynamic variables, and individual variations in analgesic sensitivity. The optimal concentrations for halothane and isoflurane were 0.5% and 0.75%, respectively. TFLs were stable under these anesthetic levels, but rats under 0.75% isoflurane ha... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946225 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946222&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002727%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of acute trapezius pain, induced by delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), on habitual trapezius activity. Long-term (5h) surface electromyographic (sEMG) activity was recorded bilaterally from the clavicular, descending, transverse, and ascending trapezius on two consecutive weekdays in eleven female subjects (mean age 22years, range 20–24years). Body and arm posture were recorded by inclinometers. Immediately after the first long-term recording, the subjects performed eccentric depression exercise of the left shoulder to induce DOMS. From day 1 to day 2, pressure pain threshold (PPT) decreased and pain scores on visual analog scale (VAS) increased for the left upper trapezius (P (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946222 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946222 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946224&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002703%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Somatostatin (SST) in spinal cord has been linked with the inhibition of nociceptive neurotransmission in several experimental paradigms. The SST2 receptor (SSTR2) is the main SST receptor subtype in the superficial dorsal horn (DH) and is activated, besides to the naïve peptide, by the SST synthetic analogue octreotide (OCT). In the present work, we have studied the central effects of SSTR2 activation on capsaicin (CAP)-induced glutamate release in mouse DH.In neurons of the lamina II of DH, CAP (2μM) induced a strong increase of mEPSC frequency that was significantly reduced (70%) by OCT. SSTR2 involvement was assessed by using the specific antagonist CYN 154806. No differences were observed between frequency increase in CAP alone vs. CAP in the presence of CYN 154806+OCT. Th... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946224 Thu, 25 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4946224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830510&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002600%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Attachment theory has been proposed as a framework for understanding the development of chronic pain, with evidence supporting the overrepresentation of insecure attachment styles in chronic pain populations and links between insecure attachment and factors known to impact one’s ability to cope with pain. The present study sought to extend two earlier studies exploring the relationships between adult attachment and communication of an acute pain experience, in anticipation of providing insight into individual differences in vulnerability in development of chronic pain. It was hypothesised that: (a) fearful attachment would be associated with perceptions of the pain as less intense, and (b) anxious attachment would be associated with lower pain thresholds. A convenience sample o... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830510 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830506&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002442%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Eighteen patients with peripheral neuropathic pain (PNeP) and seven patients with central post-stroke pain (CPSP) all suffering from dynamic mechanical allodynia (DMA) in a limb were studied. From recent research it is reasonable to suggest that A-beta fibres constitute the peripheral substrate for DMA in patients with PNeP. The pathophysiological basis for DMA in patients with CPSP is unknown. It is clinically observed that some patients with neuropathic pain report variable intensity of DMA and volunteer that the phenomenon at times is only an unpleasant, i.e., dysesthetic sensation. The pathophysiological basis for dynamic mechanical dysesthesia (DMD) has never been addressed. Based on the aforementioned clinical observations we aimed at investigating if DMA is the hyperbole o... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830506 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830503&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002636%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The paired-type homeodomain transcription factor Prrxl1 (also known as Drg11) is a key regulator of the differentiation and survival of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and spinal nociceptive neurons in pre- and perinatal stages. Prrxl1−/− mice exhibit abnormalities in DRG-spinal projections, defects in superficial dorsal horn structure and neurochemistry, and reduced nociceptive behaviour in several pain tests. Although a low expression of Prrxl1 persists in dorsal root ganglia beyond embryonic development, no data exist on its role in adult life. In this paper we evaluate whether DRG expression of Prrxl1 is affected both in inflammatory and neuropathic models of pain in adult mice. Ipsilateral versus contralateral relative expression of Prrxl1 in the DRG was compared in control an... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830503 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830503 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372924&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002697%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Chronic visceral pain is extremely debilitating and often resistant to pharmacological and surgical treatments (). Therefore, the Holy Grail for its treatment would be a non-invasive procedure that alleviates visceral pain without side effects. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372924 Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4372924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830502&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002624%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: It has been reported that the whisker pad (WP) area, which is innervated by the second branch of the trigeminal nerve, shows allodynia/hyperalgesia following transection of the mental nerve (MN: the third branch of the trigeminal nerve). However, the mechanisms of this extra-territorial pain induction still remain unclear. Glia and cytokines are known to facilitate perception of noxious input, raising a possibility that these non-neuronal elements are involved in the induction and spread of allodynia/hyperalgesia at non-injured skin territory. One day after MN transection, tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia developed on the ipsilateral WP area, which is in the non-injured skin territory. The tactile allodynia/hyperalgesia lasted for more than 56days. In response to MN transection, as... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830502 Fri, 19 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830511&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002648%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Pain Management Programmes (PMPs) are a multi-disciplinary approach to the management of chronic low back pain (CLBP). Notwithstanding evidence of effectiveness, successful take-up of programmes requires acceptability to patients. We used a discrete choice experiment to investigate patient preferences for alternative PMPs for managing CLBP in primary care. Specifically, we estimated the probability of uptake of alternative configurations of PMPs. Potential attributes and associated levels influencing take-up were identified through a systematic literature review, survey of current PMPs, expert consultation, and focus groups. Five attributes were included: content; provider; schedule; group size; and travel time to clinic. Four hundred and fourteen questionnaires were mailed to pa... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830511 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830507&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002612%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Background: The aetiology of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is unknown. Recent evidence suggests that there may be autoantibodies directed against peripheral nerves, but it is unclear whether such autoantibodies are merely biomarkers or whether they cause or contribute to the underlying pathology. The transfer of disease after injection of a patient’s serum or IgG fraction into mice (‘passive transfer’) is the classic way to demonstrate a functional role of autoantibodies.Aims: Based on previous preliminary results, we wished to investigate whether the transfer of IgG antibodies affected mouse behaviour or produced signs of CRPS.Methods: We injected purified serum-IgG from 12 patients and 12 controls into groups of 6–10 mice (∼17mg/mouse intraperitoneally) on 2 c... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830507 Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830508&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002399%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Intermittent IV dolasetron was safe and efficacious for the reduction of pain intensity associated with FM at 3months. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830508 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4830508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697940&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002338%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Morphine is the first choice of treatment of severe post-operative pain, despite the occurrence of often discomforting (post-operative nausea or vomiting (PONV)) and sometimes dangerous (sedation, respiratory depression) side effects. Literature data indicate that morphine’s active metabolite, morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G), is a powerful analgesic with a possibly more favourable side-effect profile.In this multi-centre randomised controlled clinical trial patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were randomised to M6G or morphine treatment. Treatment started 30–60min prior to the end of surgery and was continued postoperatively, after patients were titrated to comfort, via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for 24–48h. Pain intensity, nausea, vomiting and sedation scores ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697940 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4697940 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152518&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002430%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes An opioid mechanism of a drug’s action is often concluded from the reversal of its anti-nociceptive effects following concomitant or subsequent administration of naloxone in behavioural experiments. At a first glance this approach appears straight forward and it has often been accepted by the reviewers of scholarly journals () though our journal recently has rejected papers based on this rationale. This commentary shall explain why this approach may be misleading. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152518 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4152518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152517&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002478%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152517 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4152517 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830505&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002429%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Endogenous analgesia (EA) can be examined experimentally using a conditioned pain modulation (CPM) paradigm. While noxious conditioning stimulation intensities (CSIs) are mainly used, it has not been fully investigated in the same experimental design whether the experienced conditioning pain level affects CPM responses. The principal goal of the present study was to characterize CPM induction and magnitudes evoked by various conditioning pain levels. Furthermore, we explored associations between conditioning pain reports and CPM responses across various CSIs. Thirty healthy, young, right-handed males were tested with a parallel CPM paradigm. Three different CSIs (hand water-immersion) induced mild, moderate and intense pain levels, rated 12.41±7.85, 31.57±9.56 and 58.1±11.43, ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830505 Thu, 28 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830509&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002417%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Preliminary evidence suggests that parental catastrophizing about their child’s pain may be important in understanding both parental responses to their child’s pain and the child’s pain experience. However, little is known about potential differences between mothers and fathers. There were three aims of the present study addressing this lack of knowledge: (i) to investigate the three-factor structure of the German version of the Parental Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS-P) () in mothers and fathers of children with chronic pain, (ii) to explore differences between mothers and fathers in parental catastrophizing, (iii) to investigate the contribution of parental catastrophizing on the child’s chronic pain problem and pain-related parent behavior.In a sample of 128 mothers a... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830509 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830509 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830499&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002375%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Spinal pain is very common and has considerable consequences for the individual (e.g. loss of employment, disability) as well as increased health care costs. It is now widely accepted that biological, psychological and social factors impact on spinal pain outcomes. The majority of research on social factors has been employment related, with little attention to the influence of informal social support (e.g. families, friends, social groups). The aim of this review is to investigate whether informal social support is associated with the occurrence and prognosis of spinal pain. Prognosis was considered in a broad sense within the biopsychosocial model inclusive of factors such as pain, function, general and psychological health. A systematic search of eight databases was conducted t... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830499 Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830504&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002363%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Nitric-oxide donor glyceryl-trinitrate (GTN) modulates cerebral and spinal regions that are involved in migraine and pain processing. We hypothesized that in migraineurs, the susceptibility to develop a migraine attack after GTN administration should parallel with an high sensitivity to GTN-induced change in the pain processing at spinal level.We used the temporal summation threshold (TST) of the lower limb nociceptive withdrawal reflex (NWR) and the related pain sensation to study in parallel the time-course of the effect of the GTN administration on the pain processing at spinal level in migraine and healthy subjects. Twenty-eight (21 F; 7M; mean age 34.2±8.2) migraine and 15 (11 F; 4M; mean age 35.9±8.9) healthy subjects were recruited in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830504 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830504 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830501&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002405%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: The vast majority of human peripheral nerve injuries occur in the upper limb, whereas the most animal studies have been conducted using the hindlimb models of neuropathic pain, involving damages of the sciatic or lumbar spinal nerve(s). We attempted to develop a rat forelimb model of peripheral neuropathy by partial injury of the median and ulnar nerves. The halves of each nerve were transected by microscissors at about 5mm proximal from the elbow joint and behavioral signs of neuropathic pain, such as mechanical and cold allodynia, and heat hyperalgesia, were monitored up to 126days following nerve injury. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by measuring the forepaw withdrawal threshold to von Frey filaments, and cold allodynia was evaluated by measuring the time spent in lifting ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830501 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4830500&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002387%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Previous studies showed that triptans and other 5-HT1B/1D-receptor agonists attenuate hyper-responsiveness to mechanical stimulation of the face in a rat model of trigeminal neuropathic pain, probably by activating 5-HT1B/1D-receptors on primary afferent nociceptive fibers. We now tested whether blockade of post-synaptic receptors for the excitatory amino acid glutamate released by these fibers would increase this action. We thus evaluated whether (±)1-hydroxy-3-aminopyrrolidine-2-one (HA-966), an antagonist at the glycine/d-serine site of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptors, would potentiate the anti-allodynic action of dihydroergotamine and zolmitriptan in rats with chronic constriction injury to the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION). Complementary studies were performed with oth... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4830500 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4830500 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697937&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002107%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, our findings highlight the importance of context information in pain studies and contribute to our knowledge about pain processing and behaviour. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697937 Sun, 17 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697939&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002314%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Background: Central pain (CP) is a common symptom in MS. Multiple theories are present about the mechanism of CP. Previous studies suggested that lesion of the spinothalamic tract is a necessary condition for development of CP. No previous study has in detail evaluated the association between the specific site of demyelinations and the presence of CP in MS.Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the location of plaques in MS patients with CP including a group of MS patients without pain as a reference group.Methods: All patients underwent a bedside sensory examination and MRI of the brain and spinal cord. MR imaging was acquired on an 1.5Tesla MR equipment. A trained neuroradiologist, blinded to pain status, evaluated the MRI.Results: Thirteen MS patients with CP and 10 MS patient... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697939 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697939 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697935&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002351%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Evaluating potentially analgesic effects of drugs and various treatments is critically dependent on valid animal models of pain. Since primary somatosensory (SI) cortex is likely to play an important role in processing sensory aspects of pain, we here assess whether monitoring SI cortex nociceptive C fibre evoked potentials can provide useful information about central changes related to hyperalgesia in rats. Recordings of tactile and CO2-laser C fibre evoked potentials (LCEPs) in forelimb and hind limb SI cortex were made 20–24h after UV-B irradiation of the heel at a dose that produced behavioural signs of hyperalgesia.LCEPs from irradiated skin increased significantly in duration but showed no significant change in magnitude, measured as area under curve (AUC). By contrast, L... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697935 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697941&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000234X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: The main finding in this simulator study was that codeine does not impair driving-related abilities over and above what is associated with chronic pain per se. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697941 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697941 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697943&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002089%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: There is evidence in humans and animals that neonatal and early infant pain and stress may sensitize excitatory pain pathways. Possibly such experiences may result in long-term diminished activation of phasic endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms. We studied stress-induced activation of endogenous pain inhibitory mechanisms in school-aged children (10–16years) who had suffered moderate (N= =12) or severe (N=10) burn injuries in infancy (6–24months of age) and 20 controls. Before and after the stress phase, pain threshold and pain tolerance (heat, pressure, ischemic pain) were assessed. Stress was successfully induced in all children as reflected by increases in heart rate, blood pressure and perceived stress. In the controls, there was evidence for stress-induced hypoalgesia ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697943 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697943 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697938&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002119%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study the influence of stroking velocity and brushing force on dynamic mechanical allodynia was examined in 16 patients with peripheral neuropathy. Brush-evoked allodynia was induced by lightly stroking 60mm of the skin twice with a 16mm wide brush while varying stroking velocity (10, 20, 30mm/s) and brushing force (10, 20, 40g). Intensity and duration of brush-evoked allodynia was recorded using a computerized visual analogue scale. The total brush-evoked pain intensity, including painful aftersensation was calculated as the area under the curve. Significantly increased total brush-evoked pain intensity was demonstrated with lower stroking velocity (P (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697938 Sun, 10 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697938 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697944&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002260%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, we found that several psychosocial factors predicted MSP and that MSP predicted several psychosocial factors. The results suggest a cumulative process in which adverse psychosocial factors and MSP influence each other. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697944 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697944 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697936&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002077%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, normative values of parameters related to pressure, heat and cold pain stimuli were determined. Reference values have to be stratified by body region, gender and age. The determination of these reference values will now allow the clinical application of the tests for detecting abnormal pain reactions in individual patients. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697936 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697936 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372934&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002090%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study evaluated how these disorders contribute to FS, by assessing effects of local active vs placebo treatment of muscle/joint pain sources on FS symptoms.Female patients with (1) FS+myofascial pain syndromes from trigger points (n=68), or (2) FS+joint pain (n=56) underwent evaluation of myofascial/joint symptoms [number/intensity of pain episodes, pressure pain thresholds at trigger/joint site, paracetamol consumption] and FS symptoms [pain intensity, pressure pain thresholds at tender points, pressure and electrical pain thresholds in skin, subcutis and muscle in a non-painful site]. Patients of both protocols were randomly assigned to two groups [34 each for (1); 28 each for (2)] to receive active or placebo local TrP or joint treatment [injection/hydroelectrophoresis] on days 1 a... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372934 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4372934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697931&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002016%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In this study, we examined the possible spinal mechanisms underlying colonic hypersensitivity (CHS) using a non-inflammatory rat model of IBS induced by rectal enemas of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid. We hypothesized that spinal plasticity could be responsible for CHS and that ASIC channels, which are known to support pain-elicited currents in the spinal cord, could contribute to central sensitization in our model of IBS. First, in order to determine if visceral pain relies on changes in spinal activity, we analyzed Fos expression in the spinal cord of rats treated with butyrate following a challenge with repetitive noxious colorectal distension. We found that Fos immunoreactivity was increased in thoracic T10–11–12, lumbar L1–2–6 and sacral S1 spinal segments. In control rats... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697931 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697942&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002053%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study tests the idea that if depressed mood and catastrophizing are separate entities then when one is absent the other should still contribute to poor outcome, and, when both are present there should be an additional adverse effect.To this end, a prospective design, with a built-in replication from two clinical samples of patients with sub-acute pain (one from Sweden, N=373; one from Australasia, N=259), was employed. Participants were classified as to having high/low scores on measures of depression and catastrophizing. Subsequently, these classifications were studied in relation to outcome variables cross-sectionally and at follow-up.Results showed a small to moderate correlation between catastrophizing and depression and that there are individuals with one, but not the other probl... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697942 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697942 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3984182&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002065%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dr. Kumazawa was born in 1932, and earned his doctoral degree from Nagoya University, Japan, in 1963. He started his carrier as neurophysiologist at Nagoya University, then continued at Zurich University. Starting in 1966 he performed research as an IBRO-UNESCO international exchange researcher at the University of Milan and the University of Siena. His pain research was started when he visited Prof. E.R. Perl at the University of Utah 1970. From that time until his retirement in 1996 from Nagoya University, where he received a professorship in 1982, he devoted his research life to the study of the response characteristics of polymodal receptors and their influences on autonomic functions. He stimulated students, coworkers and colleagues through his insightful questions, and discussed prob... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3984182 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:21:30 +0100 3984182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3984181&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002144%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3984181 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 05:21:30 +0100 3984181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697933&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000203X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Musculoskeletal pain deteriorates quality of life by disrupting daily activities and is a considerable economic burden to many countries because of the large number of patients. Little is known about the peripheral neural mechanisms of muscular nociception in the aged, although structural and functional changes in the muscle are apparent as a function of age. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activities of aged muscle nociceptors systematically to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli, and to compare with the data from young animals. Activities of single C-fibers were recorded from in vitro preparations of extensor digitorum longus muscle–nerve excised from hind legs of aged rats (125–133weeks). Mechanical threshold measured by a ramp mechanical stimulus ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697933 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697934&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002041%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes In conclusion, median nerve injury-induced microglia activation in the CN modulated development of behavioral hypersensitivity. High-concentration lidocaine was effective in decreasing microglia activation in the CN and in attenuating neuropathic pain sensations at the early stage following nerve injury, when microglia had not yet been activated. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697934 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697934 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593599&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS109038011000176X%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease, associated, in 50–80% of patients, with persistent pain. While the type of pain that affects these patients is being more documented, the mechanisms underlying this pathology are still poorly understood and animal models of such chronic pain associated with MS are required. The aim of our study was to characterize the sensory abnormalities and in particular the clinical signs linked to persistent pain in two models of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the rat. This behavioural characterization tested several sensory modalities such as mechanical and thermal (heat/cold) hyperalgesia or allodynia and explored some of these modalities on two different extremities: the hindpaws and the tail. Our st... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593599 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593599 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152532&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001722%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Dear Editor We read with interest the comments of Michaux et al. on our recommendation document. The considerations in choosing the term ‘conditioned pain modulation’ included the need to describe the wide phenomenon of changes that occur in pain perception (i.e. the ‘test stimulus’) in response to various manipulations (‘conditioning stimuli’). ‘Test stimuli’ can either decrease or increase, and ‘conditioning stimuli’ can be painful, nonpainful, or even non-somatosensory. We, therefore, elected to neither to use Heterotopic Noxious Conditioning Stimulation (HNCS), because, as also indicated by Michaux et al., it relates to just one part of this process, nor the term counter-irritation, which implies specifically a reduction in intensity of ‘test stimulus’ (i.e. �... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152532 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4152532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4697932&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002028%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Oxaliplatin is a key drug for colorectal cancer, but it causes acute peripheral neuropathy (triggered by cold) and chronic neuropathy (sensory and motor neuropathy) in patients. Neurotropin, a non-protein extract from the inflamed rabbit skin inoculated with vaccinia virus, has been used to treat various chronic pains. In the present study, we investigated the effect of neurotropin on the oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy in rats.Repeated administration of oxaliplatin caused cold hyperalgesia from Day 5 to Day 29 and mechanical allodynia from Day 15 to Day 47. Repeated administration of neurotropin relieved the oxaliplatin-induced mechanical allodynia but not cold hyperalgesia, and inhibited the oxaliplatin-induced axonal degeneration in rat sciatic nerve. Neurotropin also inhibited... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4697932 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 23:00:00 +0100 4697932 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593610&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001977%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Breakthrough pain and psychological distress were confirmed as key variables of a future classification system. Candidate variables were: sleep, opioid dose, pain mechanism, use of non-opioids, pain localisation, cancer diagnosis, location of metastases, and addiction. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593610 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372933&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001989%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Our results support preliminary findings showing that modulation of right SII with rTMS is associated with a significant analgesic effect and that this effect is correlated with an increase in excitatory neurotransmitter levels such as glutamate and NAA. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372933 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4372933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593603&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001990%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) has been used to treat patients with neuropathic pain resistant to other therapeutic approaches; however, the mechanisms of pain control by MCS are still not clearly understood. We have demonstrated that MCS increases the nociceptive threshold of naive conscious rats, with opioid participation. In the present study, the effect of transdural MCS on neuropathic pain in rats subjected to chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve was investigated. In addition, the pattern of neuronal activation, evaluated by Fos and Zif268 immunolabel, was performed in the spinal cord and brain sites associated with the modulation of persistent pain. MCS reversed the mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia induced by peripheral neuropathy. After stimulation, Fos im... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593603 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593603 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593601&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110002004%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: There is evidence of altered central processing to visceral stimulation, and both peripheral and central mechanisms seem involved. Central neuronal reorganisation may contribute to our understanding of the gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with diabetic autonomic neuropathy and this may guide development and evaluation of new treatment modalities. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593601 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593607&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001916%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: It was previously shown that morphine more potently reduces the affective as compared to the sensory component of nociception, and this effect is independent of morphine’s rewarding properties. Here we investigated whether this finding can be generalized to other classes of anti-nociceptive drugs. The effect of oxycodone (0–10mg/kg, i.p.), tramadol (0–10mg/kg, i.p.), ibuprofen (0–300mg/kg, i.p.) and pregabalin (0–31.6mg/kg, i.p.) on negative affect and mechanical hypersensitivity accompanying carrageenan-induced (0.5% intraplantar) inflammatory nociception was assessed using conditioned place aversion (CPA) and Randall Selitto paw pressure test, respectively. The rewarding effect of these drugs was assessed using conditioned place preference (CPP). All four anti-nocicep... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593607 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593608&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001734%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes This study examines the changes in self-perception during resolution of an acutely painful neck injury sustained in a motor vehicle accident. We tested predictions from self-discrepancy theory and a model of self-pain enmeshment. Measures of discrepancy between the current (actual) self and both the ideal and feared-for self were predicted to remain stable over a 21-day recovery period whereas a measure of enmeshment was predicted to decrease as pain resolved. We also examined the relationship between daily ratings of achievement in several domains and participants perceived ideal performance. Sixty patients with possible acute neck injury recruited within 1month after a motor vehicle accident gave consent and data were obtained from 42 participants. Standard questionnaire measures of pain... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593608 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593600&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001928%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Neuropathic pain is a chronic pain state resulting from peripheral nerve injury, characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia. We have reported that mice with genetic impairment of IL-1 signaling display attenuated neuropathic pain behavior and ectopic neuronal activity. In order to substantiate the role of IL-1 in neuropathic pain, WT mice were implanted subcutaneously with osmotic micropumps containing either IL-1ra or vehicle. Two days following the implantation, two models of neuropathic pain were used; partial nerve injury (spinal nerve transection, SNT), or complete nerve cut (spinal neuroma model). Mechanosensitivity was assessed seven consecutive days following SNT, and on day 7 recordings of spontaneous ectopic activity were performed. In the spinal nerve neuroma model, a... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593600 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3892470&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001795%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3892470 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:08:41 +0100 3892470 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593609&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001746%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusions: Several factors increased risk of poor outcome in back pain patients, notably high pain and unemployment. These risks in combination with high prevalence of risk factors in this population distinguish factors that can help identify targets or sub-groups for intervention. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593609 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593609 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593606&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001758%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Abstract: Previous reports have demonstrated greater antinociception following administration of a buprenorphine/naloxone combination compared to buprenorphine alone among healthy volunteers. The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether buprenorphine antinociception could be enhanced with the addition of ultra-low dose naltrexone, using a range of dose ratios. A repeated-measures, double-blind, cross-over trial was undertaken with 10 healthy participants. The effects of each buprenorphine:naltrexone ratio (100:1, 133:1, 166:1, and 200:1) on cold pressor tolerance time and respiration were compared to the effects of buprenorphine only. The 166:1 ratio was associated with significantly greater tolerance time to cold pressor pain than buprenorphine alone. Minimal respiratory ... European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593606 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4593611&cid=s_35548_5_f&fid=35548&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.europeanjournalpain.com%2Farticle%2FPIIS1090380110001709%2Fabstract%3Frss%3Dyes Conclusion: Sensory changes and persistent pain are common following cosmetic breast augmentation and may have a negative impact on daily activities and satisfaction after surgery. Findings suggest that neuropathic pain should be considered in these patients. Preoperative information about the risk of developing sensory changes and chronic pain after breast augmentation is important. (Source: European Journal of Pain) European Journal of Pain journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4593611 Fri, 20 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100 4593611