Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antonia Wadley, Peter Kamerman, Tamar Pincus, Michael Evangeli, Tapiwa Chinaka, W. D. Francois Venter, Godspower Akpomiemie, Michelle Moorhouse, Romy Parker
Summary: This study examined the relationship between activity levels and HIV stigma in people living with HIV and chronic pain. The results showed that stigma was not associated with the duration and intensity of activity, indicating that the drivers of sustained activity in South African PLWH remain unclear.
Article
Anesthesiology
Monica M. Diaz, John R. Keltner, Alan N. Simmons, Donald Franklin, Raeanne C. Moore, David Clifford, Ann C. Collier, Benjamin B. Gelman, Christina Marra, J. Allen McCutchan, Susan Morgello, Ned Sacktor, Brookie Best, Christine Fennema Notestine, Sara Gianella Weibel, Igor Grant, Thomas D. Marcotte, Florin Vaida, Scott Letendre, Robert Heaton, Ronald J. Ellis
Summary: This study followed 265 people with HIV for 12 years and found that sensory abnormalities and pain were highly correlated at baseline.
Review
Immunology
Tetiana Povshedna, Shayda A. Swann, Sofia L. A. Levy, Amber R. Campbell, Manon Choiniere, Madeleine Durand, Colleen Price, Prubjot Gill, Melanie C. M. Murray, Helene C. F. Cote
Summary: This article fills the research gap by investigating the global prevalence of chronic pain in women with HIV. It highlights the importance of understanding chronic pain in this population, as it affects HIV care, overall health, and aging. Despite being underdiagnosed and undertreated, chronic pain is highly prevalent among women with HIV. A systematic review and meta-analysis found a global prevalence of chronic pain in women with HIV to be 31.2% (95% CI, 24.6%-38.7%). Understanding the etiology, effective treatments, and regular assessments are crucial in clinical practice.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Hao-Jui Weng, Quoc Thao Trang Pham, Chia-Wei Chang, Tsen-Fang Tsai
Summary: Pain and itch are important manifestations of various disorders and share mediators and neural circuitry. Concurrent treatment for pain and itch is significant.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Klaudia Ustianowska, Lukasz Ustianowski, Filip Machaj, Anna Goracy, Jakub Rosik, Bartosz Szostak, Joanna Szostak, Andrzej Pawlik
Summary: Understanding the role of gut microbiome in human physiology has developed rapidly in recent years, particularly in its bidirectional communication with the central nervous system through the gut-brain axis. Disturbances in the gut-brain axis have been associated with gastrointestinal syndromes and can also contribute to the development of various types of pain. Dysbiosis and alteration of the gut microenvironment can lead to the central sensitization of chronic pain and may also trigger the onset of migraine attacks. Understanding the role of gut microbiome in pain pathophysiology can lead to the development of analgesic therapies targeting microorganisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Kirsten N. Redman, Katie E. O'Brien, Francieli S. Ruiz, Dale E. Rae, F. Xavier Gomez-Olive, Malcolm von Schantz, Karine Scheuermaier
Summary: People living with HIV have poorer sleep quality, shorter sleep duration, and earlier sleep phase, which has significant implications for their health and well-being.
JOURNAL OF PINEAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ming-Feng Liao, Jung-Lung Hsu, Hon-Chung Fung, Hung-Chou Kuo, Chun-Che Chu, Hong-Shiu Chang, Rong-Kuo Lyu, Long-Sun Ro
Summary: The correlation between small fiber neuropathy, age, sex, and pain intensity in Fabry's disease patients was studied. Male patients showed increased C-fiber function with age and higher pain intensity between their early 20s and late 40s. Female patients had variable associations between these variables. The findings suggest a mechanism involving the gradual deposition of globotriaosylceramide or globotriaosylsphingosine in small nerve bundles that induce continuous damage and neuropathic pain in young males.
BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Adel Ben-Kraiem, Reine-Solange Sauer, Carla Norwig, Maria Popp, Anna-Lena Bettenhausen, Mariam Sobhy Atalla, Alexander Brack, Robert Blum, Kathrin Doppler, Heike Lydia Rittner
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in tight junction proteins, barrier permeability, and vessel-associated macrophages in diabetic polyneuropathy in rats. Specific tight junction proteins and breakdown of the blood-nerve barrier played a crucial role in maintaining diabetic polyneuropathy, with downregulation of Cldn1 leading to leaks in the barrier. These changes occurred after the onset of hyperalgesia, indicating a role in maintaining pain rather than inducing it.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE-JMM
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Allison D. Desforges, Chance M. Hebert, Allyson L. Spence, Bailey Reid, Hemangini A. Dhaibar, Diana Cruz-Topete, Elyse M. Cornett, Alan David Kaye, Ivan Urits, Omar Viswanath
Summary: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a complex condition that affects sensory functions. Currently, there are no approved preventive agents, but Duloxetine is an effective treatment. Developing prevention and treatment strategies for CIPN is crucial in improving patients' quality of life.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mihaly Balogh, Jelena M. Janjic, Andrew J. Shepherd
Summary: Diabetes is a major cause of neuropathy and neuropathic pain, with current treatment regimens often inadequate. The complex pathophysiology of DPN poses a significant challenge, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic options targeting key cellular and molecular players.
ANTIOXIDANTS & REDOX SIGNALING
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukas Barsch, Robert Werdehausen, Andreas Leffler, Volker Eulenburg
Summary: The study revealed that the metabolite DEG from propacetamol influences both glycine transporter and receptor function, potentially facilitating glycinergic neurotransmission through multiple pathways.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sun Jin Cho, Jin Young Lee, Yujin Jeong, So Yeon Cho, Do-Gyeong Lee, Ji Yeon Choi, Hue Jung Park
Summary: In this study, the effects of milnacipran on mechanical allodynia in cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathic mice were examined. The results showed that milnacipran attenuated mechanical allodynia in mouse models of cisplatin-induced poly-neuropathic pain when administered via IP injection. This effect was confirmed by significant suppression of neuronal ATF3 activation in the DRG.
Article
Immunology
Mihaly Balogh, Jixiang Zhang, Caitlyn M. Gaffney, Neha Kalakuntla, Nicholas T. Nguyen, Ronnie T. Trinh, Clarissa Aguilar, Hoang Vu Pham, Bojana Milutinovic, James M. Nichols, Rajasekaran Mahalingam, Andrew J. Shepherd
Summary: This study demonstrates that colon cancer is associated with latent sensory neuron dysfunction and implicates cytokine/chemokine signaling in this process. These findings may have implications for determining risk factors and treatment responsiveness related to neuropathy in colorectal cancer.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hyun Ho Jung, Chin Su Koh, Minkyung Park, Ji Hyun Kim, Ha-Na Woo, Heuiran Lee, Jin Woo Chang
Summary: The study found that neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury can be modulated bilaterally by deactivating microglial activation after a unilateral injection of rAAV-shGCH1 into the dorsal horn of a STT lesion spinal cord pain model.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Chioma U. U. Odozor, Thomas Kannampallil, Arbi Ben Abdallah, Kristen Roles, Carrie Burk, Benjamin C. C. Warner, Harutyun Alaverdyan, David B. B. Clifford, Jay F. F. Piccirillo, Simon Haroutounian
Summary: This study used an observational cohort design to investigate the occurrence and severity of pain and peripheral neuropathy symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection was independently associated with an increased risk of pain and peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Article
Anesthesiology
Peter R. Kamerman, Jan Vollert
Summary: This study modeled the effects of different pain intensity inclusion thresholds on the magnitude of the regression to the mean effect in clinical trials for chronic pain management. The results showed that higher inclusion thresholds increased the mean pain intensity and magnified the regression to the mean effect. The impact of increasing inclusion thresholds on the regression to the mean effect was influenced by baseline mean pain values, intermeasurement correlations, and sample variance. The study suggests that a threshold of 3/10 provides the best compromise between assay sensitivity and the size of the regression to the mean effect.
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Johanna Roche, Alinda G. Vos, Samanta T. Lalla-Edward, Peter R. Kamerman, WD. Francois Venter, Karine Scheuermaier
Summary: The study found low internal consistency and construct validity of the PSQI and ESS among long-haul truckers in South Africa, explaining only a small portion of the variance. There were differences in internal consistency of the PSQI between night shift workers and non-night shift workers, indicating caution is needed when using the PSQI in this population.
APPLIED ERGONOMICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
P. Kamerman
SAMJ SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Gareth E. Zeiler, Andrea Fuller, Peter Kamerman, Roxanne K. Buck, Friederike Pohlin, Brighton T. Dzikiti
Summary: This study describes the acid-base status in a feline haemorrhage-resuscitation model using the Henderson-Hasselbalch, Stewart, and semi-quantitative methods of analysis. The results indicate that different methods reveal different aspects of acid-base balance in this model.
VETERINARY ANAESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fiona B. Tamburini, Dylan Maghini, Ovokeraye H. Oduaran, Ryan Brewster, Michaella R. Hulley, Venesa Sahibdeen, Shane A. Norris, Stephen Tollman, Kathleen Kahn, Ryan G. Wagner, Alisha N. Wade, Floidy Wafawanaka, F. Xavier Gomez-Olive, Rhian Twine, Zane Lombard, Scott Hazelhurst, Ami S. Bhatt
Summary: In this study, researchers analyzed the gut microbiome of individuals living in rural and urban areas of South Africa using short- and long-read DNA sequencing. They found transitional composition, high inter-individual diversity, and many undescribed taxa. This study highlights the importance of understanding the gut microbiota in different populations for a comprehensive understanding of health and disease.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Aime Lumaka, Nadia Carstens, Koenraad Devriendt, Amanda Krause, Benard Kulohoma, Judit Kumuthini, Gerrye Mubungu, John Mukisa, Melissa Nel, Timothy O. Olanrewaju, Zane Lombard, Guida Landoure
Summary: The rich and diverse genomics of African populations is significantly underrepresented in databases, making it challenging to interpret Next Generation Sequencing data for Africans. By increasing data sharing, educating participants, and funding, we can generate more representative African genomic data to address health disparities and improve diagnostic capabilities for rare diseases in African populations.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
David Twesigomwe, Britt Drogemoller, Galen E. B. Wright, Clement Adebamowo, Godfred Agongo, Palwende R. Boua, Mogomotsi Matshaba, Maria Paximadis, Michele Ramsay, Gustave Simo, Martin C. Simuunza, Caroline T. Tiemessen, Zane Lombard, Scott Hazelhurst
Summary: This study investigates the distribution of CYP2D6 star alleles and predicted drug metabolizer phenotypes in multiple sub-Saharan African populations. The results show varying frequencies of known alleles and phenotypes across different African ethnolinguistic groups, and identify 27 novel star alleles. This research highlights the importance of studying key pharmacogenes in the African context to better understand population-specific allele frequencies.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Zane Lombard, Guida Landoure
Summary: Funding for a major genomics programme in Africa will run out this year, highlighting the importance of seizing the opportunity to address global health-related genomics inequality by leveraging the success of this initiative.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Antonia Wadley, Peter Kamerman, Tamar Pincus, Michael Evangeli, Tapiwa Chinaka, W. D. Francois Venter, Godspower Akpomiemie, Michelle Moorhouse, Romy Parker
Summary: This study examined the relationship between activity levels and HIV stigma in people living with HIV and chronic pain. The results showed that stigma was not associated with the duration and intensity of activity, indicating that the drivers of sustained activity in South African PLWH remain unclear.
Article
Anesthesiology
Peter R. Kamerman
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of chronic pain in HIV-infected and uninfected individuals in South Africa. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the prevalence of chronic pain between the two groups, both approximately 20%.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Emma K. Wiener, James Buchanan, Amanda Krause, Zane Lombard
Summary: This study evaluates the effectiveness of a limited genetic testing strategy and compares it to the potential outcomes if exome sequencing was available. Results show that most patients presenting to medical genetics clinics in South Africa have developmental delay, and limited testing options significantly restrict diagnostic yield when clinical features are not distinct.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peter Kamerman
Summary: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the rescheduling of gabapentinoids in England in April 2019 resulted in changes in prescribing behavior by general practitioners. The findings showed that there were no significant changes in the number of prescriptions or average dose for gabapentin and pregabalin after the rescheduling.
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Fiona Baine-Savanhu, Shelley Macaulay, Nadja Louw, Alanna Bollweg, Kaitlyn Flynn, Mhlekazi Molatoli, Patracia Nevondwe, Heather Seymour, Nadia Carstens, Amanda Krause, Zane Lombard
Summary: This systematic review aims to comprehensively describe the current understanding of the genetic factors contributing to developmental disorders and intellectual disabilities (DD/ID) in African populations. The review highlights the significant knowledge gaps and lack of ethnic diversity in studies on the genetic etiology of DD/ID, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Social
Andrew K. May, Stephan H. Wessels, Shane A. Norris, Linda M. Richter, Zane Lombard, Michael M. Pitman
Summary: Sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) is a personality trait related to being more receptive to the environment. This study examined potential predictors of adult SPS levels among 858 individuals and found that early gestational age and prenatal maternal stress were significantly associated with higher SPS scores. These results tentatively support the hypothesis that prenatal adversity may contribute to heightened sensitivity.
JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN PERSONALITY
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Cameron Reardon, Antonia Wadley, Romy Parker
Summary: The study investigated the efficacy of a multimodal pain intervention in rural South African males living with HIV/AIDS. The poor attendance at the intervention and follow-up sessions resulted in unreliable results. Contextual factors such as internal migration and employment issues were identified as influencing healthcare utilization for MLWHA in rural settings.
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE & FAMILY MEDICINE
(2023)
