Article
Clinical Neurology
Danielle Hewitt, Adam Byrne, Jessica Henderson, Alice Newton-Fenner, John Tyson-Carr, Nicholas Fallon, Christopher Brown, Andrej Stancak
Summary: Transcutaneous low-frequency stimulation (LFS) can attenuate somatosensory processing and increase spontaneous cortical oscillations post-treatment. In a study involving 25 healthy volunteers, it was found that LFS led to decreased ipsilateral operculo-insular cortex source activity both during and after stimulation, as well as increased alpha and beta band power during resting state.
CLINICAL NEUROPHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Montse Flores-Garcia, Arianna Rizzo, Maria Zelai Garcon-Poca, Victor Fernandez-Duenas, Jordi Bonaventura
Summary: Chronic pain and depression lead to a significant socioeconomic burden. This review focuses on the role of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) as a hub where pain and emotional processing converge, and discusses the feasibility of using VTA as a therapeutic target. The dopaminergic system and VTA have been extensively studied in mood disorders, but less attention has been given to their involvement in pain and mood-related consequences.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Maria Ironside, Danielle C. C. DeVille, Rayus Tiberius Kuplicki, Kai Ping Burrows, Ryan Smith, Adam R. R. Teed, Martin P. P. Paulus, Sahib S. S. Khalsa
Summary: This study investigated whether individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression show increased fearful reactivity to aversive interoceptive perturbation. The results showed that individuals with comorbid anxiety and depression experienced more fear and pain during breath-hold and cold-pressor challenges compared to those with depression alone. However, there were no differences between the two groups in neutral indices of heartbeat perception or neural indices of interoceptive attention.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Liam J. Peck, Ryan Patel, Paula Diaz, Yolanda M. Wintle, Anthony H. Dickenson, Andrew J. Todd, Margarita Calvo, David L. H. Bennett
Summary: The study looked at the expression of Kv1.6 in sensory neurons and its role in pain sensitivity, comparing two mouse models of constitutive Kv1.6 knock-out achieved by different methods. The results showed unexpected reductions in sensitivity to noxious heat stimuli in both mouse lines, with a more significant hyposensitivity in the gene trap model.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Veterinary Sciences
Robert W. Elwood
Summary: Studies suggest that pain responses in fish and decapod crustaceans go beyond mere nociceptive reflex, involving central processing and the possibility of pain experience, although not proven. The research recommends further consideration and welfare measures for both groups.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Rocco Latorre, Paulina D. Ramirez-Garcia, Alan Hegron, James L. Grace, Jeffri S. Retamal, Priyank Shenoy, Mai Tran, Luigi Aurelio, Bernard Flynn, Daniel P. Poole, Rafael Klein-Cloud, Dane D. Jensen, Thomas P. Davis, Brian L. Schmidt, John F. Quinn, Michael R. Whittaker, Nicholas A. Veldhuis, Nigel W. Bunnett
Summary: Stable star polymer nanostars that release antagonists continuously for 24 hours provide effective and long-lasting relief from chronic pain by disrupting endosomal signaling.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Qianqian Liang, Zhen Qiao, Qiqi Zhou, Dengqi Xue, KeWei Wang, Liming Shao
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of N-indazole-4-aryl piperazine carboxamide analogues as TRPV1 modulators. Compound 28 is identified as a potent and selective TRPV1 agonist, relieving inflammatory and thermal pain by desensitizing the native TRPV1 current in mice. The study also reveals an important hydrogen interaction between Arg557 and the indazole of compound 28.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Nick J. Spencer, Tim Hibberd, Zili Xie, Hongzhen Hu
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in understanding the communication between the gut and the brain. New data suggests that the sensory nerve pathways between the two may have a more significant impact on health and disease than previously assumed. While sensory nerve endings in the skin have been extensively studied, there is a lack of knowledge about most types of visceral afferents, especially those that innervate abdominal organs like the gut. Recent studies have identified nerve endings of spinal afferents in visceral organs, emphasizing their role in pain perception from the gut to the brain. Surprisingly, the majority of these spinal afferent nerve endings in the gut express the TRPV1 ion channel, commonly associated with nociceptive neurons. Furthermore, these nerve endings are activated at low thresholds within the normal physiological range, suggesting a complex nature of visceral nociception. This highlights the need to redefine nociceptors in the gut, which may involve multiple morphological types of spinal afferent nerve endings.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Diana Fonseca-Rodrigues, Armando Almeida, Filipa Pinto-Ribeiro
Summary: In this study, the role of Galanin and its receptors in nociception and chronic pain conditions was systematically reviewed. It was found that Galanin has both a pro-nociceptive and anti-nociceptive effect in a dose-dependent manner, and its anti-nociceptive action is enhanced in chronic pain conditions. These results suggest that Galanin and its receptors may be potential therapeutic targets for pain conditions.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Javier Picanol Parraga, Aida Castellanos
Summary: Chronic pain is not only a symptomatic manifestation but also a pathological condition with profound socioeconomic implications. Non-pharmacological treatments are being considered due to the persistently high prevalence of chronic pain despite medical interventions. However, there are misconceptions and over-simplifications in the cognitive understanding of pain, highlighting the need for a re-evaluation of nociception and pain perception and emphasizing the importance of understanding the complexity of pain.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Diana J. Goode, Derek C. Molliver
Summary: This study identifies a mechanism for regulating mitochondrial function by Epac2 in DRG sensory neurons, contributing to acute inflammatory hyperalgesia in male mice. Systemic administration of the cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor celecoxib can suppress Pdha1 phosphorylation in male DRG, thereby alleviating PGE2-induced heat hyperalgesia.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Nair C. F. Castro, Izabelle S. Silva, Sabrina C. Cartagenes, Luanna M. P. Fernandes, Paula C. Ribera, Mayara A. Barros, Rui D. Prediger, Eneas A. Fontes-Junior, Cristiane S. F. Maia
Summary: This study evaluated the long-lasting neurobehavioral and nociceptive consequences in adult rats and mice exposed to morphine during pregnancy and lactation periods. The results showed that both male and female rats exhibited anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, while mice displayed alterations in nociceptive responses. These findings suggest that intrauterine and lactation exposure to morphine can have long-lasting effects on psychological and pain responses in adulthood.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shereen Morsi, Valeria Pittala, Mohammad Alqudah, Mohamed Haider, Khaled Greish
Summary: The study revealed that AgNPs have inhibitory effects on pain response and show dose-dependent behavior in animal models. The findings indicate that AgNPs can significantly increase the paw withdrawal threshold in animals with CCI.
Article
Plant Sciences
Juliet Nnenda Olayinka, Raymond Iduojemu Ozolua, Abigail Mebu Akhigbemen
Summary: The aqueous leaf extract of Blighia sapida contains bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, saponins, tannins, and quercetin. It exhibited analgesic properties in mice, specifically inhibiting acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking pain in the inflammatory phase. The analgesic activity of the extract is mediated by peripheral mechanisms rather than central mechanisms.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Plant Sciences
Mariana R. M. Cavalcanti, Fabiolla R. S. Passos, Brenda Souza Monteiro, Sathiyabama R. Gandhi, Luana Heimfarth, Bruno S. Lima, Yuri M. Nascimento, Marcelo Cavalcante Duarte, Adriano A. S. Araujo, Irwin R. A. Menezes, Henrique D. M. Coutinho, Gokhan Zengin, Ramazan Ceylan, Abdurrahman Aktumsek, Lucindo J. Quintans-Junior, Jullyana S. S. Quintans
Summary: The study evaluated the pharmacological effects of the methanolic extract of S. bilgeriana in rodent nociception models, showing its potential to alleviate inflammation and pain without noticeable side effects.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Ophthalmology
Gabriela Dieckmann, David Borsook, Eric Moulton
Summary: Dry eye (DE) and neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) have similarities but also distinct differences, leading to potential confusion in clinical practice. Understanding the complex neurobiological mechanisms underlying pain perception is crucial for more precise therapeutic interventions.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Edina Szabo, Stephen Green, Keerthana Deepti Karunakaran, Christine B. Sieberg, Igor Elman, Rami Burstein, David Borsook
Summary: Migraine is a complex disorder influenced by multiple factors, and understanding its underlying traits and current states is crucial. Although there is currently no framework that fully meets these criteria, recent studies suggest that migraine can be seen as a dysfunctional brain state-trait interaction. Recognizing this concept can contribute to improving patient care through precision medicine approaches.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nicholas J. Pondelis, Eric A. Moulton
Summary: Understanding the mechanisms of eye pain is crucial for the treatment of neuropathic eye conditions.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Donald B. Giddon, Ira B. Lamster
Summary: Although DDS and DMD degrees have no differences in standards, accreditation, or licensure requirements, they are subjectively seen as different, unlike DO and MD degrees which have objective and subjective differences. The objective of updating dental graduates' degrees is to award the DMD degree and recognize the contributions of DDS graduates.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anne Margarette S. Maallo, Basil Duvernoy, Hakan Olausson, Sarah McIntyre
Summary: This article discusses the challenges in touch neuroscience research and compares it to vision science. The lack of naturalistic stimuli, especially in social touch research, has hindered progress. However, new methods and recent successes offer hope for overcoming these obstacles.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Edina Szabo, Inge Timmers, David Borsook, Laura E. Simons, Christine B. Sieberg
Summary: This study found significant differences in brain functional connectivity between adolescent patients with EAP and healthy controls. These changes were associated with pain intensity, state anxiety, and fear of pain.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Christine B. Sieberg, Claire E. Lunde, Cindy Wong, Juliana Manganella, Angela R. Starkweather, Navil Sethna, Mallory A. Perry-Eaddy
Summary: This prospective study aimed to identify sensory, psychological, and demographic factors that may increase the risk of chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) after spinal fusion surgery for children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The results showed that 56% of patients reported pain post-surgery, and they were more sensitive to mechanical detection and pressure pain on the back. Pre-surgery helplessness positively correlated with preoperative pain, and age was negatively correlated with post-surgical catastrophizing total score.
PAIN MANAGEMENT NURSING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Clinical Neurology
Vahid Rakhshan, Donald B. Giddon, Milica Prostran, Leonard Khiroug, Matteo Martini
PAIN RESEARCH & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Scott A. Holmes, Joud Mar'i, Jordan Lemme, Anne Margarette Maallo, Alyssa Lebel, Laura Simons, Michael J. O'Brien, David Zurakowski, Rami Burnstein, David Borsook
Summary: A mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) causes changes in blood flow and white matter in the brain, suggesting a physiological basis for chronic symptoms. Post-traumatic headache (PTH) often persists beyond the acute period and it is unclear if inflammation contributes to its clinical trajectory.
Article
Neurosciences
Nicholas Reyes, Jaxon J. Huang, Anjalee Choudhury, Nicholas Pondelis, Elyana V. Locatelli, Elizabeth R. Felix, Pradip M. Pattany, Anat Galor, Eric A. Moulton
Summary: The study aimed to examine the effect of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) on the neural mechanisms underlying pain and photophobia in individuals with chronic ocular pain. The results showed that BoNT-A injections decreased brain activation in response to light stimuli, leading to a reduction in ocular pain and light sensitivity symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Mattias Savallampi, Anne M. S. Maallo, Sumaiya Shaikh, Francis McGlone, Frederique J. Bariguian-Revel, Hakan Olausson, Rebecca Boehme
Summary: Unmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors (C-tactile, CT) in the human skin play a crucial role in transmitting hedonic aspects of touch. Our previous research demonstrated that CT-targeted brush stroking by a robot can reduce experimental mechanical pain. In order to enhance the ecological validity of the stimulation, we developed standardized human-human touch gestures for signaling attention and calming, where the attention gesture is perceived as neutral and the calming gesture is perceived as pleasant. The fMRI study conducted in this research showed that the calming touch gesture led to stronger activation in the periaqueductal gray matter and reduced pain compared to the tapping touch gesture.
Letter
Anesthesiology
Eric A. Moulton, Anat Galor, Joseph B. Ciolino, Deborah S. Jacobs
Article
Clinical Neurology
Scott Holmes, Nicholas Reyes, Jaxon J. Huang, Anat Galor, Pradip M. Pattany, Elizabeth R. Felix, Eric A. Moulton
Summary: The study investigates the factors and mechanisms related to ocular pain symptoms and suggests the involvement of the central nervous system. The findings provide insights into potential directions for pain treatment services in future research.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Eric Moulton, Anjalee Choudhury, Divy Mehra, Elizabeth Felix, Anat Galor
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Ophthalmology
Leyla Yavuz Saricay, Eric Moulton, Efren Gonzalez, Anne B. Fulton
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Edna C. Cieslik, Markus Ullsperger, Martin Gell, Simon B. Eickhoff, Robert Langner
Summary: Previous studies on error processing have primarily focused on the posterior medial frontal cortex, but the role of other brain regions has been underestimated. This study used activation likelihood estimation meta-analyses to explore brain activity related to committing errors and responding successfully in interference tasks. It was found that the salience network and the temporoparietal junction were commonly involved in both correct and incorrect responses, indicating their general involvement in coping with situations that require increased cognitive control. Error-specific convergence was observed in the dorsal posterior cingulate cortex, posterior thalamus, and left superior frontal gyrus, while successful responding showed stronger convergence in the dorsal attention network and lateral prefrontal regions. Underrecruitment of these regions in error trials may reflect failures in activating the appropriate stimulus-response contingencies necessary for successful response execution.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2024)