bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exercise and conditioned pain modulation have different effects on cuff pressure pain tolerance in humans
Authors: Madsen H.B. , Handberg G. , Graven-Nielsen T. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
Exercise and experimental pain is known to cause an acute decrease of the pain sensitivity. Assessment of pain inhibitory mechanisms is often done by paradigms of exercise and experimental pain in both healthy subjects and pain patients. It is currently unknown whether pain and different types of exercise has similar effects on pain sensitivity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of experimental pain and different types of exercise on deep tissue pain tolerance in healthy subjects.

Methods
On two separate days fifty-four healthy subjects (23 females, 33.8 ± 15.0 years) were assigned in random order to cold pressor tests (ice water at 1–2°C; 120 s duration) for the dominant hand and foot, bicycling exercises (100 W and 200 W; 20 min duration), and isometric contraction exercises (30% and 60% of maximal voluntary contraction, MVC; 180 s duration) of the dominant quadriceps and biceps brachii muscles. Before, immediately after, and 10 min after cold pressor tests and exercises, pressure pain tolerance (PTT) were assessed with computerized cuff-algometry at the non-dominant lower-leg and upper arm. Subjects reaching maximum stimulation intensity at baseline were excluded from the analysis. PTTs were analysed with repeated measures ANOVA and multiple comparisons.

Results
Immediately and 10 min after the cold pressor test in the dominant hand and foot significantly increased PTTs were found at the non-dominant upper arm and lower leg (P < 0.05). Both intensities of dominant biceps brachii isometric contractions produced a significant increase in the PTT at the non-dominant lower leg immediately after and 10 min after contractions (P < 0.05). After the 30% dominant quadriceps isometric contraction the PTT at the non-dominant lower leg was significantly increased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
Cold pressor pain produced a contralateral and extrasegmental increase in deep tissue pain tolerance. Isometric arm exercise produced an extrasegmental increase in pain tolerance, whereas isometric leg contractions produced a contralateral effect. Aerobic exercise had no effect on pain tolerance. Thus, exercise and pain related inhibitory effects were not comparable.

Acknowledgment/disclosures
H.B. Madsen was supported by grants from the philanthropic foundation TrygFonden (7-11-0990), The Danish Rheumatism Association 8R95-A1871), The Research Foundation of the Danish Physiotherapy Association and The Fund for Physiotherapy in Private Practice.
Offset analgesia: A reproducibility study
Authors: Nilsson Matias , Nissen Thomas Dahl , Graversen Carina , Gazerani Parisa , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Brock Christina 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background and aims/objectives
Offset analgesia (OA) is a newly discovered pain-inhibiting mechanism, defined as a disproportionately large decrease in pain perception in response to a decrease in noxious stimulus intensity. Offset analgesia is usually evoked using heat as noxious stimulus (44–47 °C) and a slight decrease (1 °C) in stimulus intensity causes the volunteers to be pain-free for 5–10 s, despite the presence of a constant noxious stimulus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the OA phenomenon is reproducible within the same day and between different days in order to evaluate whether the phenomenon can be used as a prognostic/diagnostic tool or as a potential therapeutic target in pain treatment.

Methods
Eighteen healthy volunteers were presented to painful thermal stimuli on the volar forearm, in three contiguous phases (first phase: 46 °C applied for 5 s; second phase: 47 °C applied for 5 s; third phase: 46 °C applied for 20 s). Continuous sensory ratings obtained with a handheld sliding VAS-scale and continuous 64-channel electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings were obtained throughout the three phases. Volunteers participated on two different days separated by a minimum of 7 days.

Results
Reproducibility was examined for numerous parameters (e.g. peak pain intensity, magnitude of pain-relief, AUC) related to the continuous pain ratings. Two-way ANOVA, ICC, and CV displayed a high degree of reproducibility both within the same day as well as between different days (P-values >0.05 and ICC values >0.6). EEG recordings were decomposed by spectral analysis, to obtain the normalized power in the delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands.

Conclusion
The present model displayed high reproducibility, making it suitable for further studies using OA. This may provide a unique approach to study basic pain and pharmacological intervention in healthy volunteers as well as in patients with dysfunctional pain inhibition. Continuous EEG recordings enable objective evaluation of dynamic changes in brainwave activity during OA, and can possibly be used as an objective biomarker to assess the underlying mechanisms of OA.
Visualization of painful process in peripheral tissue using positron emission tomography and [11C]-D-deprenyl
Authors: Aarnio Mikko , Appel Lieuwe , Fredrikson Mats , Gordh Torsten , Wolf Olof , Linnman Clas 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
An objective correlate of ongoing painful process in peripheral tissue would represent a progress in the analysis of pain. The aim of this study was to investigate if the extent of the injury and inflammation in musculoskeletal injuries can be visualized, quantified and followed over time using positron emission tomography (PET) with the radioligand [11C]-D-deprenyl.

Methods
Eight otherwise healthy patients with unilateral ankle sprain were PET-imaged acutely and followed up twice, first a month and then up to over one year after injury.

Results
Acutely [11C]-D-deprenyl uptake was significantly increased by a factor 10.7 (range 2.9–37.3) in the injury sites as compared to the intact ankle. During healing [11C]-D-deprenyl uptake was reduced, but not normalized until after 11 months.

Conclusions
Patients experiencing persistent pain showed prolonged [11C]-D-deprenyl uptake in the injury sites. Thus, PET can be used to visualize, quantify and follow painful processes in peripheral tissue.
Genetic variation in opioid receptor genes and sensitivity to experimental pain in male and female healthy volunteers
Authors: Olesen A.E. , Droney J. , Sato H. , Ross J.R. , Staahl C. , Andresen T. , Branford R. , Riley J. , Drewes A.M. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
Pain is a common problem which significantly impacts on quality of life. Clinical pain is complicated to study due to numerous confounding variables. Normal volunteer models use standardised painful stimuli with resulting reduced phenotype variability. Current studies suggest an association between genetic variability and pain sensitivity.

Methods
Data from 50 healthy volunteers in three studies of multi-modal, multi-tissue experimental pain stimulation were included. Skin heat, muscle cuff pressure and visceral pressure were analysed. Genetic variants in the genes coding for the mu, delta and kappa opioid receptors (OPRM, OPRD and OPRK) were studied using multivariate regression modelling to investigate association with pain sensitivity.

Results
Reproducibility of baseline data for skin heat, muscle cuff pressure and visceral pressure between studies was confirmed (Cronbach’s α > 0.8). Gender differences in pain sensitivity were seen. Females were more sensitive to skin heat and muscle pressure (P =0.006 and 0.02 respectively). Genetic associations were also found. OPRK was associated with both skin heat pain (P =0.009) and muscle cuff pain (P =0.003). Visceral pressure pain was not associated with either gender or genotype.

Conclusion
Genetic variations in the kappa opioid receptor appear to mediate different pain modalities. Gender remains an independent predictor of pain sensitivity.
Chronic thoracic pain in children after cardiac surgery
Authors: Kristensen Anders Due , Lauridsen Mette Høj , Hjortdal Vibeke E. , Jensen Troels S. , Nikolajsen Lone 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Chronic pain after surgical procedures in children has gained limited attention. Chronic thoracic pain after cardiac surgery is common, and has a significant impact on daily life in adults. The study aim was to investigate the prevalence and etiology of chronic pain after cardiac surgery via sternotomy in children.

Methods
The study included a prospective clinical examination with quantitative sensory testing 3 months after surgery, and a retrospective survey of children, who underwent cardiac surgery 10-60 months earlier. Children were to be at least 4 years old at the time of completing the questionnaire. They were asked to recall the intensity of the post-operative pain. The questionnaire assessed pain descriptors, situations or activities that could worsen pain, and analgesic consumption. Faces pain scales (0–10) was used to rate the pain intensity.

Results
Ten children were examined three months after surgery. One child reported ongoing pain. Brush allodynia and pinprick hyperalgesia were present in 4 and 6 children respectively. Hypoesthesia to cold (20 °C) was present in 3 children, and cold allodynia was present in one child in the scar area. The average pressure pain threshold was 71.1 kPa (range 34.3–121 kPa).
One hundred and seventy one questionnaires were sent out, and 121 (70.8%) were eligible for analysis. Mean age at the time of surgery was 4.7 years and mean age at questionnaire completion was 8.4. Worst pain intensity in the week after surgery was 5.6 (mean). Any pain “during the recent week” was reported by 26 children, 12 children reported pain intensity ≥4. Two children (1.17%) reported pain intensity ≥4 at the time of questionnaire completion. Pain was evoked by local pressure in 23 (19.0%), and physical activity in 15 (12.4%) children. Itch and pressing were the most frequent pain descriptors chosen by 25 (20.7%) and 20 (16.5%) children, respectively. One child used paracetamol once a week.

Conclusions
The prevalence of chronic pain following cardiac surgery via median sternotomy in children is low. The pain may have a neuropathic component, but appears to be mild and does not significantly affect daily activities.
Is health related quality of life related to the pattern of chronic pain?
Authors: Jonsdottir Thorbjörg , Jonsdottir Helga , Gunnarsdottir Sigridur 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background/aims
When studying chronic pain in the general population, other factors besides prevalence may be equally important to establish the scope of the problem. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important indicator for how chronic pain influences and interferes with the individual’s daily life. The relationships between different characteristics in the nature of pain and HRQoL have been investigated, showing number of pain locations and pain severity to be important. However, little is known about the relationship between pattern of chronic pain (constant/intermittent) and impact on HRQoL. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between the pattern of chronic pain and impact on the individual’s HRQoL in a large nationwide population based sample.

Methods
A postal questionnaire on pain and HRQoL (SF-36), including information letter was sent to a sample of 4500 individuals, aged 20–70 years, randomly drawn from the Icelandic National Registry.

Results
Of 4500 questionnaires mailed 1586 were returned and completed (35.2%)
Majority of respondents were women (56.5%) and the majority were married or cohabitating (73.7%). The total sample mean age was 46.2 years (women 45.3, men 47.3) and respondents were significantly older than non-respondents.
The total prevalence of pain ≥3 months was 47.5% with mean duration of 9.3 years (SD = 9.96). One third (31.9%) of participants with pain ≥3 months reported constant pain and 21.4% daily intermittent. The rest reported frequent pain (27.8%) and periodical pain (18.9%).
There was a significant relationship between the pattern of pain and both physical and mental components of HRQoL. Participants experiencing constant pain had the lowest scores on both scales.

Conclusions
The results of this study show that both physical and mental components of HRQoL among individuals experiencing chronic pain are significantly related to the pattern of pain. Constant and daily pain is associated with poorer HRQoL than intermittent or periodical pain.
Splashing from drop impact into a deep pool: multiplicity of jets and the failure of conventional scaling
Authors: Zhang L. V. , Toole J. , Fezzaa K. , Deegan R. D. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe report high-speed optical and X-ray observations of jets formed during the impact of a drop with a deep pool of the same liquid. We show that a scaling that relies entirely on liquid properties, as is conventionally employed, is insufficient to determine the threshold for splashing. In order to determine if the gas properties could account for this deficit, we conducted experiments with different surrounding gases. We find that the splashing threshold depends on the gas’s dynamic viscosity, but not its density. We argue that these results are consistent with a thickening of the ejecta caused by the bubble trapped on impact between the drop and the pool. We also show that drop impact can generate a third jet, distinct from the lamella and the ejecta, that produces secondary droplets of an intermediate size.
A rare case of spontaneous thyroid cyst haemorrhage
Authors: Chan C C , Awobem A , Binns C , Jassar P 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:We report a case of hypopharyngeal swelling secondary to a spontaneous thyroid cyst haemorrhage. Haemorrhage is a known complication of thyroid cysts, and usually presents as external swelling and localised pain.Case report:A 93-year-old woman developed hypopharyngeal swelling, dysphagia and odynophagia. A computed tomography scan was consistent with thyroid cyst haemorrhage. The patient was treated with needle aspiration and intravenous steroid injections, with full recovery at thyroid clinic review.Conclusion:To our best knowledge, there has been no previous report of a hypopharyngeal swelling occurring secondary to spontaneous thyroid cyst haemorrhage. Our case is unusual because of the risk of airway compromise at the level of the hypopharynx, secondary to thyroid cyst haemorrhage.
Decentralising the Active Welfare State: The Relevance of Intergovernmental Structures in Italy and Spain
Authors: LÓPEZ-SANTANA MARIELY , MOYER ROSSELLA 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article contributes to the literatures on the governance of activation and the territorial structure of the welfare state by drawing attention to the institutional designs of active welfare states and the architectures of decentralisation, as well as to their manifestations and implications. With the end of capturing dissimilar intergovernmental models of activation, this paper develops a framework of ‘centre–regional’ relations, which we apply to the cases of Italy and Spain – two countries that have devolved active labour market policy powers to their regions but have organised power-sharing structures very differently. The findings suggest that when it comes to active welfare states, horizontal arrangements are linked to salient institutional variations across the territory. By contrast, hierarchical structures, which are characterised by a dominant role of central level governments, are linked to higher levels of cohesion. These findings are relevant as they expose the manifestations and implications of distinct decentralisation models on activation regimes, welfare states, as well as on welfare clients.
Development of fear and guilt in young children: Stability over time and relations with psychopathology
Authors: Baker Erika , Baibazarova Eugenia , Ktistaki Georgia , Shelton Katherine H. , van Goozen Stephanie H. M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractExtremes in fearful temperament have long been associated with later psychopathology and risk pathways. Whereas fearful children are inhibited and anxious and avoid novel events, fearless individuals are disinhibited and more likely to engage in aggressive behavior. However, very few studies have examined fear in infants from a multimethod and prospective longitudinal perspective. This study had the following objectives: to examine behavioral, maternal reported, and physiological indices of fearful temperament in infancy, together with their relations and stability over time; and to establish whether early indices of fear predict fear later in toddlerhood. We also examined the association between behavioral and physiological measures of fear and guilt and whether fear in infancy predicts guilt in toddlers. Finally, we investigated infant risk factors for later psychopathology. We recorded skin conductance level (SCL) and heart rate (HR) and observed children's responses during a Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery fear paradigm across the first 3 years of life and during a guilt induction procedure at age 3 (N= 70). The results indicate that different measures of infant fear were associated across time. Observed fearlessness in infancy predicted observed fearlessness and low levels of SCL arousal to fear and guilt in toddlers. Low levels of HR and SCL to fear in infancy predicted low levels of physiological arousal to the same situation and to guilt 2 years later. Fear and guilt were significantly associated across measures. Finally, toddlers with clinically significant internalizing problems at age 3 were already notably more fearful in Year 1 as reflected by their significantly higher HR levels. The results indicated that assessments of children in infancy are predictive of how these children react 2 years later and therefore lend support to the idea that the emotional thermostat is set in the first 3 years of life. They also showed, for the first time, that infant fear is a predictor of guilt, which is an emotion that develops later. The implications of these findings for our understanding of developmental psychopathology are discussed.
Soluble carbohydrates in legume seeds
Authors: Obendorf Ralph L. , Górecki Ryszard J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMature dry legume seeds may contain up to 30 different soluble carbohydrates. Sucrose is a major component of the total soluble carbohydrates; others include the raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs; raffinose, stachyose, verbascose) that are mono-, di- and tri-α-galactosyl derivatives of sucrose. Other galactosides may include α-galactosyl derivatives of the cyclitolsmyo-inositol (galactinol, digalactosylmyo-inositol and trigalactosylmyo-inositol),d-pinitol (galactopinitol A, digalactosyl pinitol A (ciceritol) and trigalactosyl pinitol A; and galactopinitol B; higher galactosyl oligomers of galactopintiol B have rarely been detected),d-chiro-inositol (fagopyritol B1, fagopyritol B2 and fagopyritol B3) andd-ononitol (galactosyld-ononitol and digalactosyld-ononitol). Small amounts ofmyo-inositol,d-pinitol andd-chiro-inositol may also be present. Raffinose, stachyose and verbascose increase late in seed maturation, with 70% of RFOs accumulating after maximum seed dry weight is attained. RFOs are mostly degraded during germination. Sucrose,myo-inositol,d-pinitol andd-chiro-inositol are synthesized in maternal tissues of some legumes and are transported to and unloaded by seed coats into the apoplastic space surrounding developing seed embryos. Free cyclitols may be 60% of total soluble carbohydrates in leaves and 20% in seed coat cup exudates. Increasing the supply of free cyclitols may increase the accumulation of their respective α-galactosides in mature seeds. Seeds with reduced RFO accumulation, but with normal to elevated concentrations of galactosyl cyclitols (including fagopyritols), have normal field emergence and are also tolerant to imbibitional chilling under laboratory conditions. Molecular structures, biosynthetic pathways, accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in response to seed-expressed mutations and the physiological role of galactosides are reviewed.
Clinical characteristics and causes of chest pain in 380 children referred to a paediatric cardiology unit
Authors: Sert Ahmet , Aypar Ebru , Odabas Dursun , Gokcen Cem 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundChest pain is a common presenting complaint to paediatrics, paediatric cardiology, and paediatric emergency departments. In this study, we prospectively evaluated clinical characteristics and causes of chest pain in children referred to our paediatric cardiology unit.MethodsA total of 380 children were included. Associated symptoms and past and family histories were evaluated. All patients underwent physical examination. The following studies were performed: complete blood count in all patients; fasting lipid profiles in overweight and obese children and children with a family history of premature cardiovascular disease; and electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram in all patients. If necessary, 24-hour electrocardiogram monitoring or exercise stress tests were performed. Patients with a history of positive psychological findings were evaluated by a child psychiatrist.ResultsThe most common causes of chest pain were musculoskeletal disorders (37.1%), idiopathic chest pain (29.2%), and miscellaneous disorders, for example precordial catch syndrome (15%), respectively. Only 1 of 380 (0.3%) patients had chest pain due to a cardiac disorder. Electrocardiograms were abnormal in 4 of 380 (1.1%) patients. A total of 9 of 380 patients (2.3%) had dyslipidaemia.ConclusionsAlthough a paediatric cardiology referral may provide reassurance to the primary care and emergency department physicians, our results show that cardiac aetiologies for paediatric chest pain are very rare. We think that many patients in our study were adequately evaluated only by careful history, and physical examination. Therefore, we suggest that it may not be necessary to use echocardiogram in the routine evaluation of children with chest pain.
EMS Response to an Airliner Crash
Authors: Dasgupta Shuvra , French Simone , Williams-Johnson Jean , Hutson Rhonda , Hart Nicole , Wong Mark , Williams Eric , Espinosa Kurdell , Maycock Celeste , Edwards Romayne , McCartney Trevor , Cawich Shamir , Crandon Ivor 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis report of an aircraft crash at a major airport in Kingston, Jamaica examines the response of the local Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Factors that impacted the response are discussed, and the need for more disaster simulation exercises is highlighted. The objective of this case report was to document the response of EMS personnel to the crash of American Airlines Flight 331, and to utilize the information to examine and improve the present protocol.While multiple errors can occur during a mass-casualty event, these can be reduced by frequent simulation exercises during which various personnel practice and learn designated roles. Efficient triage, proper communication, and knowledge of the roles are important in ensuring the best possible outcome. While the triage system and response of the EMS personnel were effective for this magnitude of catastrophe, more work is needed in order to meet predetermined standards. Ways in which this can be overcome include: (1) hosting more disaster simulation exercises; (2) encouraging more involvement with first responders; and (3) strengthening the links in the local EMS system. Vigorous public education must be instituted and maintained.Dasgupta S, French S, Williams-Johnson J, Hutson R, Hart N, Wong M, Williams E, Espinosa K, Maycock C, Edwards R, McCartney T, Cawich S, Crandon I. EMS response to an airliner crash.Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(3):1-4.