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Li-ying Liu,1,* Xiao-ji Li,2,* Wei Wei,1 Xiao-li Guo,1 Li-hua Zhu,3 Fei-fei Gao,4 Fan-rong Liang,1 Si-yi Yu,1 Jie Yang1 1Acupuncture and Tuina School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of China; 2Natural Harmony Clinic, Auckland City, New Zealand; 3Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou Development District Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China; 4Geriatrics Department, Tianjin Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Tianjin, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Jie Yang; Si-yi YuChengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail jenny_yang_jie@126.com; cdutcmysy@gmail.comPurpose: To investigate the effectiveness of moxibustion at different times of the menstrual cycle for patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).Patients and Methods: Participants were 208 patients allocated to three controlled groups: one pre-menstrual treatment group (Group A), one menstrual-onset treatment group (Group B), and one waiting-list group (Group C). Groups A and B received the same intervention of moxibustion on points SP6 and RN4 but at different times. Group C, the waiting-list group, received no treatment throughout the study. Cox Menstrual Symptom Scale (CMSS) score was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were visual analog scale (VAS) score of pain intensity, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score, and self-rating depression scale (SDS) score. CMSS and VAS scores were obtained at the baseline stage (three cycles), treatment stage (three cycles), and follow-up stage (three cycles), a total of seven evaluations. SAS and SDS scores were obtained on the day of group allocation and the first day of the follow-up stage, a total of two evaluations.Results: Baseline characteristics were comparable across the three groups. Pain duration (CMSS score) was significantly higher in Group C than in the other two groups at each evaluation (P< 0.001). There was also a significant difference in the improvement in pain duration between Group B and Group C (P< 0.001) throughout the trial. There were no significant changes in pain severity (CMSS score) after the 3-month treatment in Group A and Group B (P> 0.05). Secondary outcomes showed that pre-menstrual moxibustion (Group A) was as effective as menstrual-onset moxibustion (Group B) in relieving pain intensity (VAS score) and negative mood (SDS and SAS scores).Conclusion: Moxibustion appears as an effective treatment for PD. Pre-menstrual application is more effective than menstrual-onset application.Trial Registration Chictr.org.cn Identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-14004627.Keywords: primary dysmenorrhea, moxibustion, intervention time, randomized controlled trial, pain relief

Abstract Background Prostate biopsy is a painful procedure. However, over the years, varied opinions exist among urologists about the methods of achieving optimal pain relief for the procedure. The purpose of this study was to compare the tolerability of administration and the efficacy of intra-rectal lidocaine gel with peri-prostatic nerve block for this procedure. Methods From June 2016 to June 2017, 110 patients who met the study criteria were randomized to receive either intra-rectal lidocaine gel (Group 1) or an apical peri-prostatic nerve block (Group 2) for prostate biopsy. Their level of pain perception during the anaesthesia administration and the prostate biopsy was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale. Other biopsy-related complications and patient satisfaction were also evaluated. Grouped data were compared using student t test and Chi-square with p

Abstract Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC)-derived exosome injection on cartilage damage and pain relief in both in vitro and in vivo models of osteoarthritis (OA). Methods The BMSCs were extracted from rat bone marrow of the femur and tibia. Chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β to establish the in vitro model of OA. Chondrocyte proliferation and migration were assessed by CCK-8 and transwell assay, respectively. A rat model of OA was established by injection of sodium iodoacetate. At 6 weeks after the model was established, the knee joint specimens and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats were collected for histologic analyses. For pain assessment, paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were evaluated before model establishment and at 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after model establishment. Results Exosomes can be endocytosed with the chondrocytes in vitro. Exosome treatment significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on the proliferation and migration of chondrocytes. Exosome pre-treatment significantly attenuated IL-1β-induced downregulation of COL2A1 and ACAN and upregulation of MMP13 and ADAMTS5. In the animal study, exosome treatment significantly upregulated COL2A1 protein and downregulated MMP13 protein in the cartilage tissue of the OA rat. At weeks 2, 4, and 6, the PWL value was significantly improved in the exosome-treated OA rats as compared with the untreated OA animals. Moreover, exosome treatment significantly alleviated the upregulation of CGRP and iNOS in the DRG tissue of OA rats. Conclusion BMSC-derived exosomes can effectively promote cartilage repair and extracellular matrix synthesis, as well as alleviate knee pain in the OA rats.

Abstract Background Enhancement involves the use of biomedical technologies to improve human capacities beyond therapeutic purposes. It has been well documented that enhancement is sometimes difficult to distinguish from treatment. As a subtype of enhancement, neuroenhancement aims to improve one’s cognitive or emotional capacities. Main body This article proposes that the notion of neuroenhancement deserves special attention among enhancements in general, because apart from the notion of treatment, it also overlaps with other concepts such as prevention, pain relief, and pleasure seeking. Regarding prevention, patients’ mental endurance can be enhanced when a patient is prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor for the purpose of preventing the relapse of depression following a stressful situation. As for pain relief, psychiatrists use medication to alleviate distress in patients who experience various types of anxiety; the alleviation of distress is equal to psychological pain relief, but is also an enhancement of the patient’s temperamental traits. Regarding pleasure seeking, insidious transition exists between neuroenhancement and pleasure seeking when using psychotropic drugs. It is well known that people use psychostimulants for recreational purposes and to induce overconfidence in one’s performance. The polysemy of psychotropics derives from their effects on human sensibility. Therefore, when using psychotropic agents, psychiatrists should pay close attention to what the agent is used for on each patient in each situation, and explicitly share the continuity and overlap in the purpose of prescribing a medication with the patients to make a better clinical decision. Conclusions The notion of neuroenhancement overlaps not only with the notion of treatment, but also with other concepts of prevention, pain relief, and pleasure seeking. The continuity between those concepts makes the issues concerning the prescription of psychotropic drugs subtler. Psychiatrists should explicitly share the continuity with the patients to make a better clinical decision.

Abstract Background Overwhelmingly, women in Middle Eastern countries experience birth as dehumanising and disrespectful. Women’s stories can be a very powerful way of informing health services about the impact of the care they receive and can promote practice change. The aim of this study is to examine Jordanian women’s experiences and constructions of labour and birth in different settings (home, public and private hospitals in Jordan, and Australian public hospitals), over time and across generations. Method A qualitative interpretive design was used. Data were collected by face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 27 Jordanian women. Of these women, 20 were living in Jordan (12 had given birth in the last five years and eight had birthed over 15 years ago) while seven were living in Australia (with birthing experience in both Jordan and Australia). Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Results Women’s birth experiences differed across settings and generations and were represented in the four themes: ‘Birth at home: a place of comfort and control’; ‘Public Hospital: you should not have to suffer’; ‘Private Hospital: buying control’ and ‘Australian maternity care: a mixed experience’. In each theme, the concepts: Pain, Privacy, the Personal and to a lesser extent, Purity (cleanliness), were present but experienced in different ways depending on the setting (home, public or private hospital) and the country. Conclusions The findings demonstrate how meanings attributed to labour and birth, particularly the experience of pain, are produced in different settings, providing insights into the institutional management and social context of birth in Jordan and other Middle Eastern countries. In the public hospital environment in Jordan, women had no support and were treated disrespectfully. This was in stark contrast to women birthing at home only one generation before. Change is urgently needed to offer humanised birth in the Jordanian maternity system,

Abstract Background Over the last decade, a trend towards high utilisation of primary maternity care was observed in high-income countries. There is limited research with contradictory results regarding frequent attendance (FA) and perinatal outcomes in midwifery care. Therefore, this study examined possible associations between FA in midwifery care and obstetric interventions and perinatal outcomes. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed in a medium-sized midwifery-led care practice in an urban region in the Netherlands. Frequent attenders (FAs) were categorised using the Kotelchuck-Index Revised. Regression analyses were executed to examine the relationship between FAs and perinatal outcomes, stratified by antenatal referral to an obstetrician. Main outcomes of interest were Apgar score ≤ 7 and perinatal death, birth weight, mode of delivery, haemorrhage, place of birth, transfer during labour, and a requirement for pain relief. Results The study included 1015 women, 239 (24%) FAs and 776 (76%) non-FAs, 538 (53%) were not referred and 447 (47%) were referred to an obstetrician. In the non-referred group, FA was significantly associated with a requirement for pain relief (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.24–3.17) and duration of dilatation (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.04–1.38). In the referred group, FA was significantly associated with induction of labour (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.17–2.95), ruptured perineum (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.27–0.95) and episiotomy (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.95). In the non-referred and the referred group, FA was not associated with the other obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Due to small numbers, we could not measure possible associations of FA with an Apgar score ≤ 7 and perinatal death. Conclusion In our study, perinatal outcomes differed by FA and antenatal referral to an obstetrician. In the non-referred group, FA was significantly associated with medical pain relief and duration of dilatation. In the referred group, FA was significantly associated with induction of labour, ruptured perineum, and episiotomy. Further research with a larger study population is needed to look for a possible association between FA and primary adverse birth outcomes such as perinatal mortality.

Mohammad Amin Bahrami,1 Nafiseh Farhadian,1 Mohammad Karimi,2,3 Arash Forouzan,3 Kambiz Masoumi3 1Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran; 2Cardiovascular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; 3Emergency Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IranCorrespondence: Nafiseh Farhadian Tel +985138805140Fax +985138816841Email n.farhadian@um.ac.irIntroduction: In this study, the encapsulation of fentanyl citrate as an opioid drug with hydrophobic nature in the nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) is performed.Methods: For encapsulation of fentanyl citrate drug, hot homogenization method is used. The pharmacokinetics of encapsulated fentanyl citrate for pain relief of rats are investigated. The influence of important variables such as the ratio of liquid lipid to the total amount of lipids, surfactant type and concentration on the particle size is investigated using response surface method.Results: Results show that the optimal NLC size is about 90 nm with PDI value around 0.2 and zeta potential of − 25± 4.01 mV. Characterization analysis of optimal nanostructure shows successful encapsulation of the drug in nanostructure with a spherical morphology of the NLC structure. Results of drug release from commercial fentanyl citrate ampoule and NLC form indicate a control drug release from the NLC within 72 hours in comparison to the commercial ampoule. In vivo studies show that fentanyl citrate-loaded NLC not only has the potential to relieve pain in doses equal to commercial drug but also it can reduce the dose of the drug about 50%.Conclusion: In conclusion, NLC form of fentanyl citrate can increase the efficacy of the drug by appropriate drug distribution in the body and can reduce the risks of overdose.Keywords: fentanyl citrate, nanostructured lipid carrier, drug control release, pain relief, formalin test

The authors presented the highest standards of mandibular teeth anesthesia used in dentistry. Different variants of anesthesia, depending on the group membership of the tooth, the expected duration of the intervention and nosology are presented. The algorithm of anesthesia for mandibular block failure is proposed. Described the indications for the use of periodontal ligament and intraseptal anesthesia methods. Recommendations to the choice of the injection needle and dosage of the anesthetic are given.

Aims: Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is usually considered a better option for pain management compared to conventional analgesia. The beneficial effect of PCA has been assessed in a number of studies; however, the results are inconsistent. The goal of this study was to compare of patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) to conventional epidural analgesia after total hip replacement (THR). Methods: This prospective study was performed at the Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine at a tertiary university hospital. After THR, patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and randomized to one of two groups (PCEA and non-PCEA). Postoperative pain in the PCEA group was treated using a standardized protocol, while the analgesia in the non-PCEA group was based on physician prescription according to the patient's clinical condition. The total consumption of analgesics, patients' satisfaction, pain intensity, and analgesia-related complications were recorded for 24 h after surgery. Results: The final sample consisted of 111 patients (PCEA group, n=55 and non-PCEA group, n=56). The PCEA group had significantly lower total consumption of analgesic mixtures (0.9±0.3 and 1.3±0.4 mL/kg per day, P

Previous research reports suggest greater baseline variability is associated with greater pain relief in those who receive a placebo. However, studies that evidence this association do not control for confounding effects from regression to the mean and natural history. In this report, we analyzed data from two randomized clinical trials (Placebo I and Placebo II, total N = 139) while adjusting for the effects of natural history and regression to the mean via a no treatment group. Results agree between the two placebo groups in each study: both placebo groups showed negligible semi-partial correlations between baseline variability and adjusted response [rsp (CI95%) = 0.22 (0.03, 0.42) and 0 (−0.07, 0.07) for Placebo I and II, respectively]. The no treatment group in Placebo I showed a negative correlation [−0.22 (−0.43, −0.02)], but the no treatment and drug groups in Placebo II's correlations were negligible [−0.02 (−0.08, 0.02) and 0.00 (−0.10, 0.12) for the no treatment and drug groups, respectively]. When modeled as a linear covariate, baseline pain variability accounted for

The reward of pain relief caused by acupuncture has been found to be clinically significant. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying acupuncture-induced reward of pain relief in chronic pain remain unclear and have not been analyzed in suitable preclinical models. Here, we investigated whether acupuncture could potentially induce the reward of pain relief and orexin neuronal signaling in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and exhibit a possible role in electroacupuncture (EA)-induced reward in spared nerve injury (SNI) rats. Therefore, by using conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm, we noticed that EA induced the preference for cues associated with EA-induced pain relief in the early, but not late, phase of chronic pain. These observations were different from the immediate antihyperalgesic effects of EA. c-Fos/orexin double labeling revealed that EA stimulation on 14 days but not on 28 days after SNI modeling activated greater numbers of c-Fos positive orexin neurons in the LH after the CPP test. Moreover, the administration of an orexin-A antagonist in the LH significantly blocked the reward effects of pain relief induced by EA. Furthermore, by using cholera toxin b subunit combined with c-Fos detection, we found that the orexin circuit from the LH to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell was significantly activated after EA induced CPP. Microinjection of the orexin antagonist into the NAc shell substantially attenuated the CPP induced by EA. Intravenous injection of low-dose orexin-A together with EA resulted in significantly greater antihyperalgesia effects and CPP scores. Together, these findings clearly demonstrated that LH orexin signaling could potentially play a critical role in the reward effects of pain relief induced by acupuncture. The observations of the present study extended our understanding of orexin signaling in the LH and its role in EA-induced reward, providing new insights into the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.

Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells is a potential therapeutic strategy for cartilage protection and symptom relief for osteoarthritis (OA). However, controlling chondrogenesis of the implanted cells in the articular cavity remains a challenge. In this study, hydrogels containing different concentrations of icariin were prepared by in situ crosslinking of hyaluronic acid and Poloxamer 407. This injectable and thermoresponsive hydrogel, as a 3D cell culture system, showed good biocompatibility with chondrocytes and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), as well as promoted proliferation and chondrogenesis of BMSCs through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Intra-articular injection of this kind of BMSC-loaded composite hydrogel can significantly prevent cartilage destruction by inducing chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and relieve pain through regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10 and MMP-13) in the OA model. Incorporating BMSCs into this novel icariin-loaded hydrogel indicates a more superior efficacy than the single BMSC injection, which suggests a great potential for its application in OA.

Background: Sterile water injection is rapidly gaining popularity as a method of pain relief in labor. The purpose of this single-blinded randomized controlled study is to investigate the effect of intradermal sterile water injection (ISWI) on labor experiences of women who experience low-back pain during labor. Methods: The sample group of the study was 120 pregnant women with severe low-back pain during labor (30-sterile water, 30-saline solution, 60-control). In the study, the baseline low back pain score (>7) was determined with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in the ISWI group and then 0.1 mL sterile water made to form 4 small blebs 1 over each posterior superior iliac spine and 2 others placed 3 cm below and 1 cm medial to each of the first sites (Michaelis Rhomboid). The VAS scoring were repeated at 10–30–60–90 and 120th minutes after the injections. In the saline solution group, injection of 0.1 mL saline solution was made with the same procedure. Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) were utilized to determine the effect of injections on participants’ labor experiences. Also participants’ satisfaction with the method was evaluated via Intradermal injections assessment form. Results: There was a significant difference between the mean VAS scores in favor of the ISWI group (p < 0.05). Also comparisons indicated significant differences in favor of the ISWI group in terms of both CEQ total mean score and women’s thoughts about injections (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that ISWI was effective in relieving low-back pain during labor and the technique had positive effects on labor experiences.

Surgical castration of piglets is generally recognized as a painful procedure, but there is currently no gold standard for the assessment of pain behavior in piglets. However, pain assessment is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of local anesthetics. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of four local anesthetics in terms of pain relief during and after surgical castration in three sequential study parts. To do so, we filmed 178 piglets before the applied procedures, after injection of the local anesthetic, and up to 24 h after castration (five observation times in total) in an observation arena and compared their behavior before and after castration and between treatments and control groups. The results showed significant differences in the behavior of the piglets before and after castration and between the sham-castrated control group and the control group castrated without anesthesia. The different local anesthesia treatment groups showed diverging differences to the control groups. The most frequently shown pain-associated behaviors of the piglets were changes in tail position and hunched back posture. We observed a reduction but no complete elimination of the expressed pain-associated behaviors after local anesthesia. Several behavioral changes—such as changes in tail position, hunched back posture or tail wagging—persisted until the day after castration. Owing to the limited duration of the effects of the local anesthetics, local anesthesia did not influence long-term pain.

Background: The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) uses moderate or severe pain intensity in the diagnostic criterion for migraine. However, few studies have analyzed pain rating on a visual analog scale to identify the numerical intensity that correlates with migraine., Objective: To evaluate the impact of daily self-rated headache pain among patients with either episodic or chronic migraine. This study specifically aims to evaluate the probability of patients labeling their head pain as a headache vs. migraine based on the pain level reported., Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients with a clinical diagnosis of migraine from July 1, 2014, to July 1, 2019., Results: Data of 114 subjects (57 episodic migraine and 57 chronic migraine) were used for analysis. Patients with episodic migraine on average rated a migraine more severe than a headache (4.1 vs. 6.4; p < 0.001). Patients with chronic migraine on average also rated migraine more severe than a headache (4.3 vs. 6.8; p = 0.0054). Chronic migraine patients transitioned from calling head pain a headache to a migraine significantly later than episodic migraine patients (4.5 vs. 6.8; p < 0.05)., Conclusion: A migraine is perceived as having higher pain intensity than a headache in patients with both episodic and chronic migraine. On average, patients with chronic migraine had a higher pain rating at which they report head pain to be considered a migraine., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background and Objectives: Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating facial pain disorder, often necessitating surgical interventions when medication proves insufficient. Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is an established therapeutic option. Limited studies explored the feasibility of a third SRS procedure. Our study investigates the safety and efficacy of a third SRS procedure for recurrent TN., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis across multiple centers using databases collected prospectively. Pain status was evaluated utilizing the BNI Pain Intensity Scales. The Kaplan-Meier method was employed to estimate the time to recurrence, with group comparisons conducted using log-rank tests. Associations were explored using Chi-square and logistic regression models., Results: Ten institutions contributed with a total of 35 patients. A third SRS revealed sustained effectiveness with a pain control rate of 82.7%. The median time to recurrence was 35.5 months. New sensory dysfunction following the third procedure occurred in 22% of patients who had preserved sensory function after the second procedure. When considering those who developed sensory dysfunction after the second procedure, 40% of the entire cohort was affected. There were no significant differences in pain recurrence intervals among the three procedures. A meta-analysis, combining data from previous studies, showed that 89.6% of patients achieved some degree of pain control after a third SRS, with 27.4% experiencing new sensory dysfunction and a median time to recurrence of 31.6 months., Conclusion: Our study, the largest on the topic, affirms the sustained effectiveness of a third SRS for TN, providing comparable pain relief to initial procedures. Notably, an extended pain-free interval after the third SRS session was observed. Facial sensory dysfunction emerged as the primary side effect. Larger studies are warranted to explore correlations with demographics and treatment parameters for a comprehensive understanding of repeat SRS in managing recurrent TN., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Austria, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) severely affect the quality of life in the aged population. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) alleviates pain and stabilizes vertebrae, but suboptimal bone cement distribution can cause complications. Hence, this study aimed to clarify whether a new technique for PVP, using a curved guide wire, enhances the distribution of bone cement and improves clinical outcomes in patients with OVCF., Methods: Patients with single-segment OVCF underwent PVP or curved guide wire percutaneous vertebroplasty (C-PVP). Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balanced the baseline characteristics. The primary outcomes were the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores. The secondary outcomes included assessments of bone cement distribution, bone cement injection volume, radiological parameters, and general clinical results. Additionally, Complications and adverse events were documented., Results: After PSM analysis, each group comprised 54 patients, which significantly reduced baseline differences. The C-PVP group showed better clinical outcomes compared to the traditional PVP group. One month after surgery, the C-PVP group had significantly lower VAS and ODI scores (p < 0.001). These improvements persisted at six months and the final follow-up. Additionally, bone cement distribution scores were better (p < 0.001), injection volume was higher (p = 0.03), leakage was less frequent (p = 0.02), and adjacent vertebral fractures occurred less frequently (p = 0.04) in the C-PVP group. Radiological parameters and overall clinical outcomes revealed no significant differences between the two groups., Conclusion: The use of curved guide wire in PVP significantly improves bone cement distribution and injection volume, resulting in better clinical efficacy in patients with OVCF., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition characterized by compression of the median nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and hand dysfunction. Both manual therapy and surgical decompression are widely used interventions, but their comparative effectiveness remains uncertain., Methods: A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of manual therapy versus surgery for CTS. Studies were selected based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met the inclusion criteria, focusing on outcomes such as pain intensity, hand function, symptom severity, and quality of life. Data were extracted and analyzed by using standardized tools to assess treatment effects., Results: Five RCTs with a total of 533 participants were included. Manual therapy was more effective for short-term pain relief, with significant improvements at 1 and 3 months compared with surgery. However, at 6 to 12 months, surgical intervention provided greater improvements in hand function and symptom severity. Quality-of-life improvements were similar in both groups. Risk of bias was moderate to low across the studies, with limitations in blinding due to the nature of the interventions., Conclusions: Manual therapy offers effective short-term relief for CTS, making it a viable option for patients with mild to moderate symptoms. Surgery provides more durable, long-term outcomes, particularly for severe cases. The choice of treatment should be individualized, considering patient preferences and symptom severity.

Pain, a complex and debilitating condition, necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies to alleviate suffering and enhance patients' quality of life. Vesicular systems hold the potential to enhance precision of drug localisation and release, prolong the duration of therapeutic action and mitigate adverse events associated with long-term pharmacotherapy. This review critically assesses the current state-of-the-art in vesicle-based formulations (liposomes, polymersomes, ethosomes, and niosomes) for pain management applications. We highlight formulation engineering strategies used to optimise drug pharmacokinetics, present preclinical findings of experimental delivery systems, and discuss the clinical evidence for the benefits of clinically approved formulations. We present the challenges and outlook for future improvements in long-acting anaesthetic and analgesic formulation development., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. on behalf of The International Association for the Study of Pain.)

This commentary provides an update and clarification on the legislative landscape surrounding mulesing in Australia since the publication of the 2023 study, "How Well Does Australian Animal Welfare Policy Reflect Scientific Evidence: A Case Study Approach Based on Lamb Marking". The article explores legislative changes mandating the use of pain relief for mulesing in various states, emphasising Victoria's original role, and highlighting the fragmented state-based legislative approach to animal welfare. It discusses the impact of these legislative changes on industry practices and animal welfare outcomes. The commentary highlights the complexities of policy development in this area, due in part to the diverse and often conflicting interests of stakeholders and the public. It underscores the importance of transparency, stakeholder collaboration, and scientifically informed policymaking to effectively enhance animal welfare standards.

Background: The SENZA-PDN study evaluated high-frequency 10-kHz spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for the treatment of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN). Over 24 months, 10-kHz SCS provided sustained pain relief and improved health-related quality of life. This report presents additional outcomes from the SENZA-PDN study, focusing on diabetes-related pain and quality of life outcomes., Methods: The SENZA-PDN study randomized 216 participants with refractory PDN to receive either conventional medical management (CMM) or 10-kHz SCS plus CMM (10-kHz SCS + CMM), allowing crossover after six months if pain relief was insufficient. Postimplantation assessments at 24 months were completed by 142 participants with a permanent 10-kHz SCS implant, comprising 84 initial and 58 crossover recipients. Measures included the Brief Pain Inventory for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (BPI-DPN), Diabetes-Related Quality of Life (DQOL), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and treatment satisfaction., Results: Over 24 months, 10-kHz SCS treatment significantly reduced pain severity by 66.9% ( P < .001; BPI-DPN) and pain interference with mood and daily activities by 65.8% ( P < .001; BPI-DPN). Significant improvements were also observed in overall DQOL score ( P < .001) and GAF score ( P < .001), and 91.5% of participants reported satisfaction with treatment., Conclusions: High-frequency 10-kHz SCS significantly decreased pain severity and provided additional clinically meaningful improvements in DQOL and overall functioning for patients with PDN. The robust and sustained benefits over 24 months, coupled with high participant satisfaction, highlight that 10-kHz SCS is an efficacious and comprehensive therapy for patients with PDN., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared the following potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: EAP has received consulting fees from Abbott Laboratories, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic Neuromodulation, Nalu Medical, Neuros Medical, Nevro Corp, Presidio Medical, Saluda, and Vertos Medical; research support from Mainstay, Medtronic Neuromodulation, Nalu Medical, Neuros Medical, Nevro Corp, ReNeuron, Saluda, and SPR; and stock options from neuro42 and SynerFuse. TGS has received research support from Nevro Corp. JAS has received research support from Boston Scientific, Nevro Corp, Saluda Medical, and Vertiflex. MJJ is an employee of Nevro Corp. DRE received a fee from Nevro Corp for the preparation of this manuscript in her capacity as an independent medical writer. JLW has received consulting fees from California Institute for Biomedical Research and Eli Lilly and research support from Nevro Corp. SMS has received research support from Nevro Corp. KA has received consulting fees from Biotronik, Medtronic, Nalu Medical, Nevro Corp, and Saluda Medical, as well as research support from Biotronik, IPM Medical Group, Nevro Corp, Saluda Medical, SPR Therapeutics, and Vivex Biologics. MNG has received consulting fees from Abbott Laboratories, Avanos Medical, Avertis Pharmacy, Boston Scientific, Nevro Corp, and Saluda Medical, as well as research support from Abbott Laboratories, Avanos Medical, Boston Scientific, Nalu Medical, Neuros Medical, Nevro Corp, and Saluda Medical. JX has received research support from the Cleveland Clinic Velosano Program, the National Institutes of Health, the Steve and Melody Golding Foundation, and Nevro Corp. CY has received research support from Nevro Corp. AN has received consulting fees from Aurora Spine, Flowonix, and Nevro Corp, as well as research support from Nevro Corp. DGP has received consulting fees from Abbott Laboratories, AIS Healthcare, Allergan, Amgen, Aurora Spine, CornerLoc, Flowonix, Lundbeck, Pajunk Medical, Saluda Medical, Spark Biomedical, and Vertos Medical; research support from Abbott Laboratories, Aurora Spine, Flowonix, Nevro Corp, and Saluda Medical; speakers’ bureau or honoraria from Abbott Laboratories, Allergan, Amgen, CornerLoc, Lundbeck, Saluda Medical, and Vertos Medical; and stock options from CornerLoc. MJC has received research support from Nevro Corp. VG has received research support from Biotronik, Medtronic, Nevro Corp, PainTEQ, SPR Therapeutics, and St. Jude. RHB has received research support from Nevro Corp. NDM has received consulting fees from Averitas, Nevro Corp, and Salix Pharmaceuticals, as well as research support from Boston Scientific and Nevro Corp. DS has received consulting fees from Abbott Laboratories, Boston Scientific, Flowonix, Medtronic, Nevro Corp, Vertiflex, and Vertos Medical, as well as research support from Abbott Laboratories, Biotronik, Nevro Corp, Vertiflex, and Vertos Medical. SPL has received consulting fees from Nevro Corp and research support from Nevro Corp. DJD has received research support from Nevro Corp, as well as funding for serving as principal investigator of a study supported by SPR Therapeutics paid to his institution. KAS has received research support from Nevro Corp. JHG has received consulting fees from Abbott Laboratories, Saluda Medical, and Stratus Medical. PWW has received research support from Nevro Corp. CEA has received consulting fees from AbbVie, Amgen, Biohaven, Clexio Biosciences, Collegium, Eli Lilly, Elsevier, Flowonix, Gene Pharma, Lundbeck, Nevro Corp, Novartis, Pfizer, SK Life Science, Teva Pharmaceutical, and Vertex, as well as research support from AbbVie, Allergan, Amgen, Daiichi Sankyo, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Teva Pharmaceutical, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. CEN has received consulting fees from Exelixis, Neurogastrx, and Nevro Corp, as well as research support from Nevro Corp. RST has received consulting fees from Nevro Corp, Medtronic, and Saluda Medical. DLC is an employee of Nevro Corp. NAM has received consulting fees from Nevro Corp, Relievant Medsystems, Saluda Medical, Sollis Therapeutics, and Vertos Medical, as well as research support from Avanos Medical, Mesoblast, Neuros Medical, and Nevro Corp.

Coccydynia, also termed chronic pain in the tailbone, is a complex condition with limited treatment options for refractory cases. This case series introduces a novel approach for treating refractory coccydynia using cryoablation of the sacrococcygeal nerves under combined ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance. Two female patients, suffering from chronic pain for over six months and unresponsive to conservative interventions, underwent cryoablation. Both patients reported significant pain relief, with more than 50% reduction in their numeric rating scale scores, and no major complications were observed during or after the procedure. Furthermore, we propose a clinical treatment algorithm to assist in selecting appropriate interventions for refractory coccydynia, based on the anatomical source of the pain. The findings suggest that cryoablation may be a valuable option for patients with persistent coccygeal pain; however, larger prospective studies are required to confirm its efficacy and long-term safety.

Background Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is a degenerative condition that affects a significant portion of the adult population, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 55. Conventional treatments, including analgesics, physiotherapy, and bracing, often lead to a high recurrence rate. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a promising alternative, offering regenerative benefits that may enhance tissue healing. This study evaluates the effectiveness of PRP injections compared to traditional conservative therapies in alleviating pain and improving function in individuals with chronic lateral epicondylitis. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted at Father Muller Medical College Hospital from April 2018 to August 2019. A total of 44 patients aged 18-60 years with chronic lateral epicondylitis were randomly assigned to two groups: PRP (n = 22) and conservative treatment (n = 22). The conservative group received a combination of physiotherapy, analgesics, and a counterforce brace. The primary outcome was measured using the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score, assessed at baseline, four weeks, eight weeks, three months, and six months. The PRTEE score includes pain and function subscales. Data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods, and significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Both groups significantly improved pain and function during the first eight weeks. However, the PRP group demonstrated superior long-term outcomes. At three and six months, the PRP group had significantly lower pain scores (26.00 ± 3.55 and 19.55 ± 3.33, respectively, p < 0.001) compared to the conservative group (32.23 ± 3.75 and 33.64 ± 3.63). Similarly, the PRP group showed better functional improvement at six months (PRTEE function subscale: 20.00 ± 3.19 in PRP vs. 30.73 ± 4.11 in conservative, p < 0.001). No complications were reported in either group. Conclusions PRP injections provide superior long-term pain relief and functional recovery compared to conservative management in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis. While conservative treatments are effective in the short term, PRP offers a more durable solution with no reported complications. These findings support the use of PRP as a viable alternative for the long-term management of lateral epicondylitis., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. The Institutional Ethics Committee of Father Muller Medical College Hospital issued approval FMMCIEC/CCM/200/2018. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, H M et al.)

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common painful condition and is responsible for different physical disorders. Despite alternative therapies, patients still suffer from persistent pain. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has provided much evidence of pain reduction, but results have not been examined deeply in CLBP symptoms., Objective: The analgesic effect of rTMS in non-specific CLBP patients was evaluated by the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analysis in resting-state fMRI., Material and Methods: In this experimental study, fifteen non-specific CLBP participants (46.87±10.89 years) received 20 Hz rTMS over the motor cortex. The pain intensity and brain functional scan were obtained during pre and post-stimulation for all participants. The ALFF maps of the brain in two scan sessions were identified and the percentage of pain reduction (PPR%) was determined using paired t-test. Also, correlation analysis was used to find a relationship between ALFFs and pain intensity., Results: Pain intensity was significantly reduced after induced-rTMS in non-specific CLBP (36.22%±13.28, P <0.05). Positive correlation was found between ALFF in the insula (INS) and pain intensity (r pre-rTMS =0.59, r post-rTMS =0.58) while ALFF in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and pain intensity had negatively correlated (r pre-rTMS =-0.54, r post-rTMS =-0.56) ( P <0.05). ALFF increased in mPFC while INS, thalamus (THA), and supplementary motor area (SMA) showed decremental ALFF followed by rTMS., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that ALFF in INS, THA, mPFC, and SMA is associated with CLBP symptoms and analgesic effects of rTMS. ALFF potentially seems to be a proper objective neuroimaging parameter to link spontaneous brain activity with pain intensity in non-specific CLBP patients., Competing Interests: None, (Copyright: © Journal of Biomedical Physics and Engineering.)

Pain caused by lumbar disc herniation (LDH) severely compromises patients' quality of life. The combination of steroid and local anesthetics is routinely employed in clinics to alleviate LDH-induced pain. However, the approach only mediates transient efficacy and requires repeated and invasive lumbar epidural injections. Here a paravertebrally-injected multifunctional hydrogel that can efficiently co-load and controlled release glucocorticoid betamethasone and anesthetics ropivacaine for sustained anti-inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-removal and pain relief in LDH is presented. Betamethasone is conjugated to hyaluronic acid (HA) via ROS-responsive crosslinker to form amphiphilic polymer that self-assemble into particles with ropivacaine loaded into the core. Solution of drug-loaded particles and thermo-sensitive polymer rapidly forms therapeutic hydrogel in situ upon injection next to the herniated disc, thus avoiding invasive epidural injection. In a rat model of LDH, multifunctional hydrogel maintains the local drug concentration 72 times longer than free drugs and more effectively inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and pain-related molecules including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2 ). Therapeutic hydrogel suppresses the LDH-induced pain in rats for 12 days while the equivalent dose of free drugs is only effective for 3 days. This platform is also applicable to ameliorate pain caused by other spine-related diseases., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Objective: This review aims to synthesize and critically evaluate the existing literature on kratom use and its possible association with induction of psychotic and manic symptoms, in order to identify potential areas for future research that would improve our understanding of the risks of kratom consumption., Methods: An electronic search was performed using five major databases: including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PsycINFO. keywords such as kratom, Mitragyna speciosa, mania, psychosis, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, case report, and case series. The retrieved articles on initial search were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria for this study, and then data synthesis was performed to analyze relevant information from the included studies., Results: Six prior papers were found using (1 case series and 5 case reports). These included 10 cases, involving kratom use association with mania and psychosis. The ages of patients ranged from 28 to 55 years mean age was 38, and (SD 13.74), the majority were males (8 out of 11). Patients had durations of kratom use ranging from 2 wk to 15 years. Significant association was found between kratom use and the worsening of psychotic and manic symptoms in individuals with psychiatric conditions., Conclusions: Our research highlights the possibility of worsening preexisting psychiatric conditions in the context of kratom use. This study emphasizes the need for clinical evaluation of patients for kratom use. Additional research is required to gain a deeper understanding of the potential mental health implications of kratom use, especially among vulnerable populations.

Purpose: Pelvic and sacral bone metastases cause significant morbidity. The primary aim of the study is to thoroughly evaluate the increase in functional capacity resulting from combined RF ablation and cementoplasty surgery applied to malignant bone metastases of the pelvic bones., Methods: Twenty patients who underwent RF ablation and cementoplasty for malign pelvic bone and sacrum metastases between January 2014 and December 2021 were retrospectively identified. The inclusion criteria were having a life expectancy of more than 1 month, being > 18 years old, and having at least 1 month of follow-up. The Visual Anlogue Scale (VAS) pain, Karnofsky Performance Status (KP), and Musculoskelatal Tumor Society (MSTS) scores were calculated., Results: VAS pain values decreased, and KP values increased postoperatively (p = 0.006 and p = 0,013). There was no statistically significant increase in MSTS (p > 0.05). The correlation relationships between lesion filling ratio and VAS pain, KP, and MSTS scores were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Cement leakage was observed in 5 patients (25.0%), and no symptoms related to this leakage were observed., Conclusion: The pelvic region, given its close proximity to blood vessels, nerves, and joint areas, along with the distinct challenges associated with its surgery, requires separate evaluation. In studies evaluating applications in the isolated pelvic ring region, as in our study, functional gains have been most comprehensively assessed in this study, demonstrating that the procedure results in significant functional improvements., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag France SAS, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: This systematic review aims to determine the effectiveness of dorsal root ganglion stimulation (DRGS) in chronic pain management., Methods: In 2023, a comprehensive systematic review was undertaken utilizing various electronic databases, employing MeSH terms and free search terms tailored to the study's aims. This review included primary research such as cohorts, case-control studies, and clinical trials, all focusing on the efficacy of DRGS in treating various chronic pain conditions. Nonhuman or animal studies were omitted from the selection process. A review of study quality was conducted, followed by a meticulous analysis of the findings to synthesize the evidence. This review represents the most current research, with updates extending to 2024. A total of 400 articles were reviewed. Twenty-nine articles were included in our review after meticulous screening., Results: Twenty-nine articles published in the last five years meeting selection criteria were identified, encompassing patients with various diagnoses warranting the use of DRGS beyond complex regional pain syndrome. Additionally, the analysis includes different outcome measurement tools, emphasizing improvements in pain management, functionality, and quality of life. Finally, common complications such as surgical site infections and issues with electrodes are highlighted., Conclusions: This systematic review affirms the effectiveness of DRGS therapy in managing diverse chronic pain conditions, highlighting improvements in quality of life, functionality, and mood states, making it a viable alternative for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Many of the current treatments for chronic neuropathic pain have variable effectiveness and known side effects. Given the prevalence of this type of intractable pain (3-17% of general population), additional therapeutic non-invasive approaches are desired. Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) delivered at 0.5Hz provides an effective pain relief without side effects. The objective of this randomized, controlled, multi-site clinical trial was to compare long-term safety and efficacy of mPNS in patients with chronic, intractable, post-traumatic or post-surgical neuropathic pain to comprehensive Conventional Medical Management (CMM)., Methods: A total of 65 patients with post-traumatic, post-surgical neuropathy were treated within a multicenter, randomized, clinical trial comparing the safety and effectiveness of mPNS + CMM to CMM alone. Patients were randomized 1:1 and followed through 90 days. The primary endpoint is a proportion of responders, 50% or greater reduction in pain at Day 90. The secondary endpoints included the European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level (EQ-5D-3L) and Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC)., Results: At 3 months, 71% of subjects were considered responders (>50% pain relief) in the mPNS + CMM group vs 13% of subjects in the CMM group. The mPNS + CMM group had a mean reduction in VAS scores at Day 90 of 3.8 points (>50% reduction), while CMM showed less than a 1-point (0.7 point) mean reduction or ~10% reduction (p < 0.0001). The EQ-5D-3L score increased in the mPNS + CMM study group, whereas the CMM group showed no improvement in EQ-5D-3L at Day 90. PGIC responder rates were 80.6% and 4.3% at Day 90 for mPNS + CMM and CMM groups, respectively., Conclusion: mPNS + CMM was superior to CMM in a randomized prospective study when used for treatment of post-traumatic, post-surgical neuropathy. Due to the lack of other effective non-invasive treatments for neuropathic pain, mPNS should be considered much earlier in the treatment algorithm., Competing Interests: LK serves on advisory boards for Biotronik, Gimer, Neuralace, PainTEQ, and Presidio and has research agreements with Neuros, Nevro, FUS Mobile, Saluda, and Nalu. KA is a consultant for Nevro, Saluda, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, and Presidio. JR is a consultant for Neuralace Medical. Dr. Li serves as a consultant for Abbott, Avanos, Averitas Pharm, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Nalu Medical, Nevro, PainTEQ, Saluda Medical, SPR Therapeutics, Vertos Medical, and is on the Speaker’s Bureau for Scilex Pharm, and has Stock Options in Nalu Medical. He has received research support from Avanos, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, SGX Medical, Nalu Medical, PainTEQ, Saluda Medical, and SPR Therapeutics. MB is a consultant for Neuralace Medical and Boston Scientific. He Chairs the Advisory Board for Neuralace Medical. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work., (© 2024 Kapural et al.)

Background: Adequate pain relief during childbirth is a very important issue for women and healthcare providers. This study investigates the effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes of two analgesic methods during labor: water immersion and epidural analgesia., Methods: In this retrospective observational cohort study at a first-level hospital, in Spain, from 2009 to 2019, 1134 women, low-risk singleton and at term pregnancy, were selected. Among them, 567 women used water immersion; 567 women used epidural analgesia for pain control. Maternal outcomes included mode of birth and perineum condition. Neonatal outcomes included 5 min Apgar score, umbilical cord arterial pH, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admissions. Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests, together with their effect sizes (Cramer's V , odds ratio, and Cohen's d ) were used to test the main hypotheses., Results: Spontaneous vaginal birth was almost 17 times more likely in the water immersion group (OR = 16.866 [6.540, 43.480], p < 0.001), whereas the odds of having a cesarean birth were almost 40 times higher in the epidural group (OR = 39.346 [3.610, 429.120], p < 0.001). The odds of having an intact perineum were more than two times higher for the water immersion group (OR = 2.606 [1.290, 5.250], p = 0.007), whereas having an episiotomy was more than eight times more likely for the epidural group (OR = 8.307 [2.800, 24.610], p < 0.001). Newborns in the water immersion group showed a better 5 min Apgar score and umbilical cord arterial pH and lower rates in admissions at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit., Conclusions: Women choosing water immersion as an analgesic method were no more likely to experience adverse outcomes and presented better results than women choosing epidural analgesia.

Purpose of this study is to evaluate patient characteristics, treatments and outcomes in bone metastasis radiotherapy practice. Patients for whom radiotherapy for bone metastasis was planned at 26 institutions in Japan between December 2020 and March 2021 were consecutively registered in this prospective, observational study. Study measures included patient characteristics, pain relief, skeletal-related events (SREs), overall survival and incidence of radiation-related adverse events. Pain was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. Irradiated dose was analyzed by the biologically effective dose (BED) assuming α/β = 10. Overall, 232 patients were registered; 224 patients and 302 lesions were fully analyzed. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status was 0/1/2/3/4 in 23%/38%/22%/13%/4%; 59% of patients had spinal metastases and 84% had painful lesions (NRS ≥ 2). BED was <20 Gy (in 27%), 20-30 Gy (24%), 30-40 Gy (36%) and ≥ 40 Gy (13%); 9% of patients were treated by stereotactic body radiotherapy. Grade 3 adverse events occurred in 4% and no grade 4-5 toxicity was reported. Pain relief was achieved in 52% at 2 months. BED is not related to pain relief. The cumulative incidence of SREs was 6.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1-9.9) at 6 months; no factors were significantly associated with SREs. With spinal lesions, 18% of patients were not ambulatory at baseline and 50% of evaluable patients in this group could walk at 2 months. The 6-month overall survival rate was 70.2% (95% CI 64.2-76.9%). In conclusion, we report real-world details of radiotherapy in bone metastasis., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Radiation Research Society and Japanese Society for Radiation Oncology.)

Bone metastases (BM) are a common complication in advanced cancer patients, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality due to their ability to cause pain, fractures, and spinal cord compression. Radiation therapy (RT) is vital in managing these complications by targeting metastatic lesions to ease pain, improve mobility, and reduce the risk of skeletal-related events such as fractures. Evidence supports the effectiveness of RT in pain relief, showing its ability to provide significant palliation and lessen the need for opioid painkillers, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life (QoL) for patients with BM. However, optimizing RT outcomes involves considerations such as the choice of radiation technique, dose fractionation schedules, and the integration of supportive care measures to mitigate treatment-related side effects like fatigue and skin reactions. These factors highlight the importance of personalized treatment planning tailored to individual patient needs and tumor characteristics. This mini-review aims to provide comprehensive insights into the multifaceted impacts of RT on pain management and QoL enhancement in BM patients, with implications for refining clinical practices and advancing patient care through the synthesis of findings from various studies., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence regarding whether pain reduction in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) following conservative interventions is related to corresponding improvements in balance control., Methods: Randomized controlled trials were identified from 5 databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO). Two reviewers independently screened and identified relevant studies that investigated the effects of nonsurgical or nonpharmacological CNSLBP treatments on both pain intensity and balance control. Meta-regression analyses were performed to establish the associations between post-treatment changes in these 2 variables., Results: 31 studies involving 1280 participants with CNSLBP were included. Moderate-quality evidence suggested that pain reduction was associated with and explained 34-45 % of decreases in body sway, as measured by center-of-pressure (CoP) area and CoP velocity with eyes open. However, no significant association was observed between pain reduction and CoP area or velocity in anteroposterior/mediolateral directions. Similarly, there was no significant association between pain reduction and CoP distance or radius. Low-quality evidence indicated that pain relief explained a 15 % improvement in one-leg stance with eyes open but not in the eyes-closed condition. Additionally, very low-quality evidence suggested that pain relief explained a 44 % decrease in the static anteroposterior stability index with eyes closed but not in the eyes-open, mediolateral, or overall conditions. Furthermore, low-quality evidence indicated that reduced pain was associated with and accounted for 25-43 % of the improved composite and posteromedial scores of the star-excursion balance test, rather than the anterior and posterolateral scores., Conclusion: Depending on the type of balance assessment, pain relief following conservative interventions may slightly to moderately enhance balance control in individuals with CNSLBP. Clinicians should pay close attention to the balance control in patients with CNSLBP, particularly among older adults., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V.)

Patients undergoing lower-limb orthopedic surgery may experience multiple postoperative complications. Although peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) is a promising non-pharmacological approach that has been used in lower-limb postoperative recovery, the clinical efficacy of PNS remains inconclusive. This study systematically searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the treatment effects of PNSs in patients who underwent lower-limb orthopedic surgery up to September 29, 2023. Two investigators independently identified studies, extracted data, and conducted meta-analyses with Review Manager 5.4. The outcomes were pain relief (measured by reductions in pain intensity and analgesic consumption) and functional improvements (range of motion [ROM] and length of hospitalization [LOH]). A total of 633 patients including 321 in the experimental groups and 312 in the control groups from eight RCTs were included. PNS showed no significant effect on pain intensity, while analgesic consumption was marginally significantly reduced in the experimental group. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed regarding functional improvements in ROM or LOH after the intervention. Although PNS had no significant effect on pain relief or functional improvements, the intervention exhibited a marginally significant reduction in analgesic consumption. Future trials should be conducted with larger sample sizes, longer follow-up periods, and more varied stimulation parameters., (© 2024 The Author(s). PsyCh Journal published by Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.)

Background Neuropathic pain results from nervous system damage, and trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a chronic disorder affecting the trigeminal nerve. TN causes sudden, severe, recurring facial pain that can be highly disabling. Treatment usually involves medications like carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, gabapentin, or baclofen to manage nerve pain. If medications are ineffective, surgical interventions like microvascular decompression or gamma knife radiosurgery may be explored for symptom relief. Aim and objectives This study aims to assess the demographic characteristics and clinical features of patients with TN treated at a private institution. The objective was to assess key demographic factors, including age, gender, and the affected trigeminal nerve divisions, with a focus on identifying the most frequently involved nerve divisions in TN cases. Methodology This five-year retrospective study (January 2019-April 2023) in the Oral Medicine and Radiology Department analyzed 483 TN cases, including 300 patients with confirmed primary TN and complete records. Dental Information Archive System (DIAS) data covered demographics, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). LFTs monitor the long-term effects of medications like carbamazepine. Statistical analysis employed descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results Of 7,500 outpatients in the Oral Medicine Department, 483 were diagnosed with TN, and 300 met the diagnostic criteria for inclusion in a five-year study (January 2019-April 2023). The average age was 60 years for men and 58.5 years for women. TN primarily affected the right side in 158 patients (56%), while the left side was involved in 114 (43%) of the cases (p = 0.04) and most commonly involved the maxillary nerve (V2) in 159 patients (53%) and the mandibular nerve (V3) in 141 patients (47%), with a slight female predominance (p = 0.02). One hundred thirty-five patients (45%) used carbamazepine alone, while 84 were treated with carbamazepine and gabapentin, and 81 were treated with carbamazepine and baclofen. The combination of carbamazepine and gabapentin was the most effective, achieving pain control in 123 patients (75%) compared to 94 patients (70%) with carbamazepine alone and 119 patients (72%) with carbamazepine and baclofen (p = 0.06). VAS scores showed better pain relief with carbamazepine and gabapentin (VAS: 3.8 ± 1.0), carbamazepine alone (mean VAS: 4.5 ± 1.2) and carbamazepine with baclofen (mean VAS: 4.2 ± 1.1). In long-term management, 45 patients (15%) discontinued due to side effects, while 105 patients (35%) continued on carbamazepine alone, 90 patients (30%) on carbamazepine with gabapentin, and 60 patients (20%) on carbamazepine with baclofen (p = 0.04). LFTs were performed on 240 patients (80%), while 60 patients (20%) did not undergo LFTs. Conclusions This study underscores the treatment of TN, with anticonvulsants as the primary therapy and alternative options available for refractory cases. However, limitations like small sample size and lack of long-term follow-up affect the findings' generalizability. The results highlight the importance of treatment plans and the potential advantages of combination therapies in clinical practice., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Human Ethical Committee issued approval IHEC/SDC/OMED-2105/23/144. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Murugesan et al.)

Background: Headaches are a prevalent health issue affecting diverse populations worldwide, driving a growing interest in complementary therapies like reflexology. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the potential of plantar reflexology as a complementary approach for managing headaches., Methods: Employing a systematic approach, databases were scoured for studies on plantar reflexology's efficacy in headache management. From 23 initial contenders, three studies meeting the inclusion criteria, two randomized controlled trials and a pilot study, were examined for treatment efficacy and quality., Results: Our review highlights three primary studies, collectively indicating a significant enhancement in treatment efficacy within the plantar reflexology groups when compared to control groups. These findings suggest that plantar reflexology exhibits potential as an effective complementary therapy for managing headaches. However, in light of these promising results, a more cautious approach is advisable. There is a pressing need for more rigorous and high-quality research to substantiate these outcomes in real-world contexts and applications., Conclusion: Plantar reflexology emerges as an option within the field of headache management. While its efficacy is promising, the specific mechanisms behind its action require further investigation. Positioned among a range of treatment modalities, plantar reflexology distinguishes itself as a safe and non-invasive alternative. This review underscores the necessity for additional research, encouraging the scientific community to delve into this intriguing avenue for headache relief and expand our comprehension of its potential advantages., Competing Interests: CONFLICT OF INTEREST NOTIFICATION: The authors are doctoral students, clinicians, who have no financial relationships with organizations that might have an interest in the work presented in the last 3 years and have no other relationships or activities that might influence the work presented., (Copyright© The Author(s) 2024. Published by the Massage Therapy Foundation.)

This study examines the efficacy and safety of condoliase chemonucleolysis (CC) in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and highlights emerging alternatives like chondroitin sulfate ABC endolyase. Research indicates that condoliase, an enzyme used to degrade glycosaminoglycans in the nucleus pulposus, provides effective and prompt relief of leg pain, with significant reductions observed within a day of treatment. Studies reveal that a lower pretreatment straight leg raising (SLR) angle may predict early symptom relief, and condoliase is generally effective at doses up to 1.25 U, balancing efficacy and safety. Despite promising results, concerns about long-term safety, including disc height reduction and imaging changes, persist. Additionally, chondroitin sulfate ABC endolyase shows potential as a safer and more effective alternative, though further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and assess long-term outcomes. Future investigations should address current limitations, such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, to better understand the long-term benefits and risks of these treatments., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is often an option of last resort for patients with post-laminectomy syndrome or an alternative option for patients with complex regional pain syndrome, chronic nonsurgical low back pain, or painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy when conservative management has failed. Although SCS is a helpful option, it is not without complications that can frequently lead to explantation of the SCS device and dissatisfaction with the treatment. Furthermore, as with any technology, SCS has potential issues that may lead to patient frustration and ultimately result in patient noncompliance and lack of follow-up visits., Objectives: The goals of this study are to explore the magnitude of and reasons for patient loss to follow-up after SCS device implantation., Study Design: A cross-sectional phone survey., Setting: A tertiary-care academic hospital., Methods: A cross-sectional phone survey was performed on 49 patients who were deemed lost to follow-up when they did not return to the clinic one month after being implanted with permanent SCS devices at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Patients were administered an institutional review board-approved questionnaire exploring their reasons for not returning to the clinic., Results: Over a 5-year period, 257 patients underwent full implantation of an SCS device. Of the 49 patients lost to follow-up, 24 were able to be contacted, and they completed the questionnaire. Twenty of the patients continued to use the SCS device but were lost to follow-up for the following reasons: 58% (14/24) due to improvement of pain, 13% (3/24) due to minimal improvement in pain control, 4% (1/24) due to other urgent health conditions, and 8% (2/24) due to patient noncompliance and missing follow-up appointments (4/24). Four patients discontinued using the SCS device after an average of 1.5 years +/- one year, 12% (3/24) due to inadequate pain control and 4% (1/24) due to inability to recharge the device (1/24). Of these patients, 2 of the 4 contacted their SCS representatives for help with troubleshooting prior to discontinuation. None of the patients was explanted., Limitations: The main limitation of this study was the incompletion rate, which was 51.0% (25 out of 49 patients)., Conclusions: This paper, the first cross-sectional study of loss to follow-up among patients who are implanted with SCS devices, identifies that up to 19% of patients are quickly lost to follow-up after implantation. Only half of the patients in this study could be reached, with most successfully using their device for meaningful pain control, but a substantial number of patients likely required additional device optimization for pain relief.

Objectives: Lumbar spine surgery is a common procedure for treating disabling spine-related pain. In recent decades, both the number and cost of spine surgeries have increased despite technological advances and modification in surgical technique. For those patients that have continued uncontrolled back and/or lower extremity pain following lumbar spine surgery, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a viable treatment option. However, the impact of lumbar spine surgical history remains largely unstudied. Specifically, the current study considers the impact of number of prior lumbar spine surgeries on pain relief outcomes following SCS implantation., Materials and Methods: We queried the electronic medical record of five separate pain practices for all patients who have undergone a SCS implant between January 1, 2017, and March 1, 2020. Inclusion criteria consisted of any patients with an SCS implant who underwent a prior lumbar spine surgery. The primary outcome was the mean calculated percentage pain relief in patients based on number of prior lumbar spine surgeries., Results: There was a total of 1974 total SCS implant cases identified across five separate pain clinics. There was no difference in mean calculated pain relief in patients with one prior spine surgery versus those with two or more prior spine surgeries (28.2% vs. 25.8%, adjusted β-coefficient -3.1, 95% CI -8.9 to 2.7, p = 0.290). Similarly, when analyzing number of spine surgeries as a continuous variable, there was no association between number of spine surgeries and calculated pain relief (adjusted β-coefficient -1.5, 95% CI -4.0 to 1.1, p = 0.257). Additionally, after patients were stratified based on waveform, there was no association between number of prior lumbar spine surgeries (analyzed both as a categorical and continuous variable) and calculated percentage pain relief., Conclusions: This multicentered retrospective study found that there was no significant difference in pain scores in individuals who received SCS following one or more lumbar spine surgeries. Additionally, the waveform of the SCS device had no statistically significant impact on post-operative pain scores following one or more lumbar spine surgeries., (© 2024 World Institute of Pain.)

Introduction: Pain management is crucial for improving patients' quality of care. Persistent pain has been linked to higher depression, anxiety, and work-related difficulties. This study aimed to enhance the time to pain relief in the emergency department through triage nurse-initiated analgesia. It evaluated the impact of nurse-led analgesia on patient satisfaction compared to standard pain management at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital and Kidus Paulos Specialized Hospital. Additionally, it compared the time to analgesia between the two hospitals and assessed the effect of nurse-led analgesia on reducing the length of stay for patients with pain., Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the study included an intervention group and a control group. Data was collected using an open data kit, and after ensuring data completeness, it was exported to SPSS and Excel for analysis. To assess the effectiveness of the intervention, the time to analgesia was compared between the intervention and control groups using an independent samples t -test. This statistical test allowed for a comparison of the mean time to analgesia between the two groups.Patient satisfaction scores were also compared between the intervention and control groups using the Mann-Whitney U test. Kaplan-Meier curves were employed to compare the time to analgesia between the intervention and control groups within both settings. A point bi-serial correlation analysis was performed to examine the association between the length of stay and the intervention of nurse-led analgesia in both hospital settings., Result and Discussion: The study enrolled 179 participants, with a median age of 34 years (range: 9-80) and 67% female. The most common events leading to pain were medical conditions (21%), followed by trauma/quarrel/war, fall accidents, and underlying diseases (15%, 13%, and 13%, respectively). There was a significant correlation between the degree of pain on arrival and time to analgesia. Additionally, a significant correlation ( p < 0.01) was found between time to analgesia and patient satisfaction., Conclusion and Recommendation: Implementing a nurse-led analgesia protocol in the emergency department is crucial for reducing time to analgesia and improving patient satisfaction. It is recommended to scale up this approach to other healthcare facilities by incorporating it into the nursing practice guidelines of the country., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest that could potentially bias or influence the outcome of this study. Funding for the project was provided by the Zoll Foundation and the Health Professionals Education Partnership Initiative (HEPI) Ethiopia, but these funding sources had no involvement in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or the decision to publish the findings. The authors have adhered to ethical guidelines and scientific integrity throughout the research process, ensuring transparency and objectivity in reporting the results., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of African Federation for Emergency Medicine.)

Background: Oral ulcerative mucositis (OUM) is common in patients with cancer, particularly in those undergoing chemoradiation therapy. The effective management of OUM is crucial for continuous cancer care and patient well-being. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the causes, leading to clinical trials toward novel treatments. This review focuses on the contemporary therapeutic landscape, and provides the latest insights into the mechanisms of mucosal healing and pain., Highlights: Management strategies for OUM in patients with cancer include maintaining good oral hygiene, reducing mucosal irritation against radiation, and using various topical analgesic treatments, including herbal medicines. However, the current management practices have limitations that necessitate the development of more efficacious and novel treatments. Molecular research on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the oral mucosa is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of wound healing and pain in patients with OUM. Targeting TRPV3 and TRPV4 can enhance wound healing through re-epithelialization. The suppression of TRPV1, TRPA1, and TRPV4 may be effective in alleviating OUM-induced pain., Conclusion: Research advancements have improved our understanding and potentially led to novel treatments that offer symptomatic relief. This progress highlights the importance of collaborations between clinical researchers and scientists in the development of innovative therapies., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Study Question: Is virtual reality (VR) an effective non-pharmacological tool to reduce procedural pain during hysterosalpingography (HSG)?, Summary Answer: An HSG with VR does not reduce procedural pain scores compared to an HSG without VR., What Is Known Already: An HSG is often experienced as painful and uncomfortable. VR has been proven successful to reduce acute procedural pain during a variety of medical procedures and interventions., Study Design, Size, Duration: We performed a two-centre open-label randomized controlled trial between January 2021 and October 2022., Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Women scheduled for HSG as part of their infertility work-up were screened for participation. After informed consent, women were randomized between HSG with or without VR. Due to the nature of the intervention, the study was not blinded. VR was administered by a head-mounted device displaying nature movies and/or relaxation exercises. The primary endpoint was procedural pain measured using VAS (scale 0.0-10.0 cm). Procedural pain was divided into overall pain score and peak pain score during the procedure. It was measured immediately after HSG. Secondary endpoints included patient satisfaction, VR preferences, and adverse effects of VR., Main Results and the Role of Chance: We included a total of 134 women, 69 to the intervention group (HSG with VR) and 65 to the control group (HSG without VR). The mean VAS for peak pain was 6.80 cm (SD 2.25) in the intervention group versus 6.60 cm (SD 2.40) in the control group (mean difference 0.28 (95% CI -0.57, 1.12), P = 0.52). The mean VAS for overall pain was 5.00 cm (SD 2.10) in the intervention group versus 4.90 cm (SD 2.13) in the control group (mean difference 0.06 (95% CI -0.71, 0.84), P = 0.88). The expectation that VR would be a good distraction from pain during HSG was correlated with both overall and peak pain scores. When correcting for this expectation, we found that women in the intervention group reported significantly higher scores, both in peak (adjusted MD 0.58 (95% CI -0.81, 1.97), P = 0.021) and overall (adjusted MD 0.43 (95% CI -0.84, 1.71), P = 0.013) pain, compared to the control group. There were no differences in the prevalence of symptoms that were considered as adverse effects of VR., Limitations, Reasons for Caution: The study was not blinded. Reasons for declining participation in the study were anxiety or wanting full control during HSG, which might have created selection bias. The distraction score possibly indicates that the level of VR immersiveness was not optimal due to the lack of sound and/or the type of VR applications. Future studies should investigate whether more immersive or interactive VR applications could decrease procedural pain scores during HSG., Wider Implications of the Findings: Since VR does not reduce procedural pain, this additional tool should not be used during HSG., Study Funding/competing Interest(s): There was no external funding for this study. KR and AvH report receiving a travel grant from Merck outside the scope of this study. BM is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) investigator grant (GNT1176437) and BM reports consultancy for Merck, Organon, and Norgine and travel and research funding from Merck. BM holds stock for ObsEva. CL reports receiving research grants from Merck, and Ferring. KD and VM report receiving travel and speaker's fees from Guerbet and research grants from Guerbet. VM also reports research grants from Merck and Ferring. The remaining authors have nothing to declare., Trial Registration Number: The trial is registered prospectively in the Netherlands Trial Register (trialregister.nl registration number NL9203, currently accessible on trialsearch.who.int)., Trial Registration Date: 16-01-2021., Date of First Patient’s Enrolment: The first participant was enrolled on 19 January 2021., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) targeting the iliohypogastric and ilioinguinal (IH/IL) nerves is a recognized treatment for lower abdominal neuropathic pain. Despite its effectiveness, RFA typically offers only a temporary reprieve, necessitating repeated procedures. RFA procedures of the IH/IL nerves have been well described but often result in patient non-compliance and commonly necessitate the use of increased sedation. This case report details an RFA technique as a novel therapeutic technique for managing neuropathic pain associated with IH and IL pain. The technique described was conducted on a patient with complex pain and profound hyperalgesia with remarkable patient compliance and, more importantly, with reduced sedation. This case report delves into the progressive interventions employed by this novel technique in a patient being treated for IH/IL neuralgia. This case report describes increased patient compliance and potentially increased safety profile associated with this innovative RFA technique in comparison to traditional RFA and steroid injection. The patient, whose pain was unresponsive to standard treatments, was thoroughly assessed and underwent multiple failed interventions requiring sedation before the novel RFA technique was considered. We describe the patient's progression through various treatments, illustrating the benefits of this novel RFA method over the established ones. The discussion highlights the advantages of the new technique in terms of its effectiveness and the duration of its pain relief, offering valuable insights into the pain management field. This case contributes to the growing array of therapeutic strategies in pain medicine, potentially enhancing patient outcomes for those with IH/IL neuropathic pain., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Krogman et al.)

Background: Endometriosis is known to be a common chronic disease that often affects the quality of life of patients. Especially for deep endometriosis (DE), the most challenging form of the disease, surgery remains an important component of treatment. However, long-term outcomes after surgery are poorly studied. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the postoperative clinical course of women with DE who underwent surgery, particularly with regard to pain relief, fertility, and re-operations. Methods: Thus, women who underwent surgical treatment for DE between 2005 and 2015 were included in this retrospective questionnaire-based analysis. Results: A total of 87.0% of the patients who underwent surgery for pain reported a postoperative relief of their complaints. Moreover, 44.6% even stated that they were free of pain at the time of the questionnaire. Patients who underwent surgery for infertility and tried to become pregnant postoperatively gave birth to a child in 45.9% of cases. Approximately one-third of the patients had to undergo another surgery because of endometriosis-related symptoms. The main reasons for re-operation were pain and infertility. The median time to re-operation was 2.1 years. Conclusions: In this extraordinarily long follow-up with a remarkable response rate, we show that surgical treatment of DE leads to pain relief and improved fertility in most cases. However, the risk of recurrence and the need for re-operation remains remarkable.

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating condition characterized by severe facial pain. Various surgical interventions are employed to manage this condition, including microvascular decompression (MVD), percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy (PRR), glycerol rhizotomy, percutaneous balloon compression (PBC), and stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS). This review synthesizes the outcomes of these interventions to provide an understanding of their efficacy and associated risks. MVD, known for its high initial relief rates, shows substantial long-term effectiveness, with recurrence rates varying based on patient demographics and comorbidities. GKRS offers significant pain relief with a favorable adverse event profile; however, recurrence rates increase over time, necessitating repeat procedures for sustained efficacy. PBC demonstrates high initial success, but pain recurrence is common, especially in patients with atypical TN. PRR provides immediate relief with a manageable recurrence rate and is particularly suitable for elderly patients and those with comorbidities. Glycerol rhizotomy, a cost-effective procedure, yields comparable outcomes to other interventions but requires careful patient selection. This review highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches based on individual patient profiles, emphasizing the need for precise diagnostic criteria and careful patient selection to optimize outcomes. Long-term follow-up and the potential for repeat interventions are critical considerations in managing TN surgically., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, McBenedict et al.)

Objective: This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for pain relief in patients with painful spinal bone metastases (SBMs) and to identify key factors contributing to treatment outcomes., Methods: The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of adult patients who underwent SBRT for painful solid tumor SBMs between March 2012 and January 2023. During this period, SBRT was performed adhering to the International Spine Radiosurgery Consortium guidelines and international consensus recommendations for target volume delineation. To be included, patients needed to experience persistent pain directly associated with SBMs, warranting regular opioid treatment. Positive pain relief post-SBRT was defined by three criteria: 1) a decrease in the severity of pain; 2) reduction in opioid dosage; and 3) concurrent improvement in daily activities. The revised Tokuhashi score and Spine Instability Neoplastic Score were used to identify crucial factors influencing treatment outcomes., Results: This study included 377 patients, covering 576 lesions across 759 vertebrae. Of these, 332 lesions showed significant pain relief within 3 months following SBRT. Lower pain relief rates were observed in patients with a revised Tokuhashi score of 0-8 or in patients with diabetes mellitus. In contrast, higher relief rates were linked to treating a single painful SBM in 1 SBRT course, and greater contouring of the involved sectors according to International Spine Radiosurgery Consortium guidelines and international consensus recommendations. The highest pain relief rate was observed in patients with prostate cancer (73.8%), whereas the lowest rate was observed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (36.4%). The presence of pre-SBRT vertebral fractures, the dosage and fraction of SBRT, and the use of concurrent systemic cancer therapies or antiresorptive agents, including bisphosphonates and denosumab, did not notably influence the pain relief efficacy of SBRT. Comprehensive medical records 6 months after SBRT treatment were available for only 362 lesions. The overall rate of pain relief observed was 32.6%., Conclusions: SBRT is an effective treatment approach for managing painful SBMs, achieving a pain relief rate of 57.6% within 3 months and maintaining a rate of 32.6% at 6 months after treatment. The transition to osteoblastic lesions may potentially improve the stability of SBMs, indicated by lower Spine Instability Neoplastic Score, which in turn could extend pain relief management.

Background: Chronic pain significantly impacts quality of life and poses substantial public health challenges. Buprenorphine, a synthetic analog of thebaine, is recognized for its potential in managing moderate to severe chronic pain with fewer side effects and a lower incidence of tolerance compared to traditional opioids., Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of buprenorphine transdermal patches in patients with moderate and severe chronic pain, with a focus on pain relief sustainability and tolerance development., Methods: This retrospective observational study involved 246 patients prescribed buprenorphine transdermal patches. We evaluated changes in pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), assessed opioid tolerance based on FDA guidelines for morphine-equivalent doses, and measured patient-reported outcomes through the Patients' Global Impression of Change (PGIC). Any adverse events were also recorded., Results: Over the 36-month period, there was a significant reduction in NRS scores for both moderate and severe pain patients, demonstrating buprenorphine's sustained analgesic effect. Tolerance measurement indicated that no patients required increases in morphine-equivalent doses that would meet or exceed the FDA's threshold for opioid tolerance (60 mg/day of morphine or equivalent). Additionally, patient satisfaction was high, with the PGIC reflecting significant improvements in pain management and overall wellbeing. The side effects were minimal, with skin reactions and nausea being the most commonly reported but manageable adverse events., Conclusion: The study findings validate the long-term use of buprenorphine transdermal patches as an effective and safe option for chronic pain management, maintaining efficacy without significant tolerance development. These results support the continued and expanded use of buprenorphine in clinical settings, emphasizing its role in reducing the burdens of chronic pain and opioid-related side effects. Further research is encouraged to refine pain management protocols and explore buprenorphine's full potential in diverse patient populations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The author(s) declared that they were an editorial board member of Frontiers, at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision., (Copyright © 2024 Papa, Salzano, Di Dato, Desiderio, Buonavolontà, Mango, Saracco, Tammaro, Luongo and Maione.)

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effect of the location of electrode attachment in transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain relief in patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures. [Participants and Methods] This study included 59 patients with lumbar vertebral body fractures, who were randomly assigned to receive transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region, lower limbs, or upper limbs, or no treatment, over a 4-week period. Pain, activities of daily living, and pain catastrophizing were assessed. [Results] Compared with the control group, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to the lumbar region or lower limbs significantly reduced pain levels in the first 2 weeks. Although, activities of daily living and pain catastrophizing improved over time, no significant differences were observed between the groups. [Conclusion] Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation provides pain relief to patients during the early stages of lumbar vertebral body fractures. However, it had no effect on the activities of daily living, pain catastrophizing, or long-term pain-relief. For lumbar vertebral body fracture pain relief, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrodes should be attached to the lumbar region or lower limbs., Competing Interests: None., (2024©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc.)

Abstract This article (Correspondence) is in response to the recently published article on the role of Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block for cardiac procedures by Zhang et al. in “BMC Anesthesiology”. I greatly appreciate the authors for publishing this study in which Pecto-intercostal Fascial Block, a novel technique for providing pain relief in open cardiac surgical procedures was evaluated. I wish to present my reflections on this article as well as to add a few more points on this topic.