| 1. |
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| 2. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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SoilTemp : A global database of near-surface temperature
- 2020
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 26:11, s. 6616-6629
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current analyses and predictions of spatially explicit patterns and processes in ecology most often rely on climate data interpolated from standardized weather stations. This interpolated climate data represents long-term average thermal conditions at coarse spatial resolutions only. Hence, many climate-forcing factors that operate at fine spatiotemporal resolutions are overlooked. This is particularly important in relation to effects of observation height (e.g. vegetation, snow and soil characteristics) and in habitats varying in their exposure to radiation, moisture and wind (e.g. topography, radiative forcing or cold-air pooling). Since organisms living close to the ground relate more strongly to these microclimatic conditions than to free-air temperatures, microclimatic ground and near-surface data are needed to provide realistic forecasts of the fate of such organisms under anthropogenic climate change, as well as of the functioning of the ecosystems they live in. To fill this critical gap, we highlight a call for temperature time series submissions to SoilTemp, a geospatial database initiative compiling soil and near-surface temperature data from all over the world. Currently, this database contains time series from 7,538 temperature sensors from 51 countries across all key biomes. The database will pave the way toward an improved global understanding of microclimate and bridge the gap between the available climate data and the climate at fine spatiotemporal resolutions relevant to most organisms and ecosystem processes.
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| 3. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Global maps of soil temperature
- 2022
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In: Global Change Biology. - : Wiley. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 28:9, s. 3110-3144
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Research in global change ecology relies heavily on global climatic grids derived from estimates of air temperature in open areas at around 2m above the ground. These climatic grids do not reflect conditions below vegetation canopies and near the ground surface, where critical ecosystem functions occur and most terrestrial species reside. Here, we provide global maps of soil temperature and bioclimatic variables at a 1-km2 resolution for 0–5 and 5–15cm soil depth. These maps were created by calculating the difference (i.e. offset) between in situ soil temperature measurements, based on time series from over 1200 1-km2 pixels (summarized from 8519 unique temperature sensors) across all the world's major terrestrial biomes, and coarse-grained air temperature estimates from ERA5-Land (an atmospheric reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts). We show that mean annual soil temperature differs markedly from the corresponding gridded air temperature, by up to 10°C (mean=3.0±2.1°C), with substantial variation across biomes and seasons. Over the year, soils in cold and/or dry biomes are substantially warmer (+3.6±2.3°C) than gridded air temperature, whereas soils in warm and humid environments are on average slightly cooler (−0.7±2.3°C). The observed substantial and biome-specific offsets emphasize that the projected impacts of climate and climate change on near-surface biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are inaccurately assessed when air rather than soil temperature is used, especially in cold environments. The global soil-related bioclimatic variables provided here are an important step forward for any application in ecology and related disciplines. Nevertheless, we highlight the need to fill remaining geographic gaps by collecting more in situ measurements of microclimate conditions to further enhance the spatiotemporal resolution of global soil temperature products for ecological applications.
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| 4. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Mountain roads shift native and non-native plant species' ranges
- 2017
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In: Ecography. - : Wiley. - 0906-7590 .- 1600-0587. ; 40:3, s. 353-364
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Roads are known to act as corridors for dispersal of plant species. With their variable microclimate, role as corridors for species movement and reoccurring disturbance events, they show several characteristics that might influence range dynamics of both native and non-native species. Previous research on plant species ranges in mountains however seldom included the effects of roads. To study how ranges of native and non-native species differ between roads and adjacent vegetation, we used a global dataset of plant species composition along mountain roads. We compared average elevation and range width of species, and used generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to compile their range optimum and amplitude. We then explored differences between roadside and adjacent plots based on a species' origin (native vs non-native) and nitrogen and temperature affinity. Most non-native species had on average higher elevational ranges and broader amplitudes in roadsides. Higher optima for non-native species were associated with high nitrogen and temperature affinity. While lowland native species showed patterns comparable to those in non-native species, highland native species had significantly lower elevational ranges in roadsides compared to the adjacent vegetation. We conclude that roadsides indeed change the elevational ranges of a variety of species. These changes are not limited to the expansion of non-native species along mountain roads, but also include both upward and downward changes in ranges of native species. Roadsides may thus facilitate upward range shifts, for instance related to climate change, and they could serve as corridors to facilitate migration of alpine species between adjacent high-elevation areas. We recommend including the effects of mountain roads in species distribution models to fine-tune the predictions of range changes in a warming climate.
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| 5. |
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| 6. |
- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
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Nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic low back pain? : The low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium's international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations
- 2024
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In: The Lancet Rheumatology. - : Elsevier. - 2665-9913. ; 6:3, s. e178-e188
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The potential to classify low back pain as being characterised by dominant nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic mechanisms is a clinically relevant issue. Preliminary evidence suggests that these low back pain phenotypes might respond differently to treatments; however, more research must be done before making specific recommendations. Accordingly, the low back pain phenotyping (BACPAP) consortium was established as a group of 36 clinicians and researchers from 13 countries (five continents) and 29 institutions, to apply a modified Nominal Group Technique methodology to develop international and multidisciplinary consensus recommendations to provide guidance for identifying the dominant pain phenotype in patients with low back pain, and potentially adapt pain management strategies. The BACPAP consortium's recommendations are also intended to provide direction for future clinical research by building on the established clinical criteria for neuropathic and nociplastic pain. The BACPAP consortium's consensus recommendations are a necessary early step in the process to determine if personalised pain medicine based on pain phenotypes is feasible for low back pain management. Therefore, these recommendations are not ready to be implemented in clinical practice until additional evidence is generated that is specific to these low back pain phenotypes.
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| 7. |
- Serrat, M., et al.
(author)
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Effectiveness, cost-utility and physiological underpinnings of the FIBROWALK multicomponent therapy in online and outdoor format in individuals with fibromyalgia: Study protocol of a randomized, controlled trial (On&Out study)
- 2022
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In: Frontiers in Physiology. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 1664-042X. ; 13
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: The On & Out study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness, cost-utility and physiological underpinnings of the FIBROWALK multicomponent intervention conducted in two different settings: online (FIBRO-On) or outdoors (FIBRO-Out). Both interventions have proved to be efficacious in the short-term but there is no study assessing their comparative effectiveness nor their long-term effects. For the first time, this study will also evaluate the cost-utility (6-month time-horizon) and the effects on immune-inflammatory biomarkers and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels of both interventions. The objectives of this 6-month, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) are 1) to examine the effectiveness and cost-utility of adding FIBRO-On or FIBRO-Out to Treatment-As-Usual (TAU) for individuals with fibromyalgia (FM); 2) to identify pre-post differences in blood biomarker levels in the three study arms and 3) to analyze the role of process variables as mediators of 6-month follow-up clinical outcomes. Methods and analysis: Participants will be 225 individuals with FM recruited at Vall d'Hebron University Hospital (Barcelona, Spain), randomly allocated to one of the three study arms: TAU vs. TAU + FIBRO-On vs. TAU + FIBRO-Out. A comprehensive assessment to collect functional impairment, pain, fatigue, depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, central sensitization, physical function, sleep quality, perceived cognitive dysfunction, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing, psychological inflexibility in pain and pain knowledge will be conducted pre-intervention, at 6 weeks, post-intervention (12 weeks), and at 6-month follow-up. Changes in immune-inflammatory biomarkers [i.e., IL-6, CXCL8, IL-17A, IL-4, IL-10, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)] and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor will be evaluated in 40 participants in each treatment arm (total n = 120) at pre- and post-treatment. Quality of life and direct and indirect costs will be evaluated at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Linear mixed-effects regression models using restricted maximum likelihood, mediational models and a full economic evaluation applying bootstrapping techniques, acceptability curves and sensitivity analyses will be computed. Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research. The results will be actively disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, social media and various community engagement activities. Trial registration number NCT05377567 ().
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Hooftman, Danny A. P., et al.
(author)
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Introgression potential of downy mildew resistance from lettuce to Lactuca serriola and its relevance for plant fitness
- 2007
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In: Basic and Applied Ecology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1439-1791 .- 1618-0089. ; 8:2, s. 135-146
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Hybridization between plant species may cause ecological changes in species, enhancing their potential to become invasive. Increasing evidence suggests that the expanding distribution of Lactuca serriola could (partly) be caused by hybridization with its closest relative, the crop plant L. sativa (lettuce). Fitness advantages in hybrids may result from heterosis and epistasis but single added traits may enhance hybrid fitness as well. Here, we study the potential for introgression of an important crop trait, downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) resistance, into L. serriola hybrids. We monitored the abundance of B. lactucae on wild L. serriola in The Netherlands to test its impact potential. We found that B. lactucae is common in The Netherlands: B. lactucae occurred in 33 of the 35 surveyed populations of L. serriola. Subsequently, under regulated conditions, using two physiotypes of B. lactucae (BL-16 and BL-18), we recorded (i) quantitative conidiophore and (ii) haustoria development in seedlings. Furthermore, we explored its effects on plant fitness. Based on the (non-) occurrence of conidiophores, genomic segments from L. sativa that include Bremia resistance are present and expressing in these hybrids for at least two hybrid generations. However, haustoria density was lower in all hybrids, irrespective of physiotype or siring cultivar. We attributed this to heterosis. Furthermore, all plants shed infected leaves, but we observed no effects of infection on reproductive fitness. We therefore suggest that when L. serriola gains resistance to B. lactucae, the fitness effects are tow. The hypothesis that the gain of B. lactucae resistance is causally related to the recent spread of L. serriola has become less Likely. If hybridization is connected to this at all, it seems through heterosis. We conclude that it is important to study fitness impacts of introgressed traits along with other ecological factors. (c) 2006 Gesellschaft fur Okologie. Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
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| 10. |
- Hurth, A., et al.
(author)
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Assessment of Central Sensitization in Breast Cancer Survivors: Convergent Validity and Use of the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) and Its Short-Form as a Clustering Tool
- 2021
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In: Clinics and Practice. - : MDPI AG. - 2039-7275 .- 2039-7283. ; 11:3, s. 607-618
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) measurement properties in patients having nonspecific, noncancer pain are well-established. However, studies examining the reliability and validity of either the CSI or the Central Sensitization Inventory short-form version (CSI-9) in breast cancer survivors (BCS) are scarce. The purpose was to evaluate convergent validity and internal consistency of the CSI and CSI-9. Additionally, the relevance of a new cluster calculator using the CSI was explored. The cross-sectional multi-center study included 65 BCS and 37 healthy volunteers. Patients filled out multiple questionnaires assessing pain, number of painful areas, anxiety, depression and quality of life. The relevance of a cluster calculator was explored by known-group comparisons and boxplot description. All hypotheses were formulated before data analysis. The majority of hypotheses on the correlations between the CSI or CSI-9 and other health outcomes were confirmed (22 out of 27). The CSI and CSI-9 have excellent (alpha = 0.92) and good (alpha = 0.86) internal consistency, respectively. The CSI cluster calculator might be an interesting tool to use to have a patient's overall condition snapshot. Generally, the study findings support the construct validity and internal consistency of the CSI, which underline the use of this self-reported instrument in BCS. The CSI-9 shows promising results, but should be further evaluated.
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| 11. |
- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
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Central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions: latest discoveries and their potential for precision medicine
- 2021
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In: Lancet Rheumatology. - : Elsevier BV. - 2665-9913. ; 3:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability globally and associated with enormous health-care costs. The discrepancy between the extent of tissue damage and the magnitude of pain, disability, and associated symptoms represents a diagnostic challenge for rheumatology specialists. Central sensitisation, defined as an amplification of neural signalling within the CNS that elicits pain hypersensitivity, has been investigated as a reason for this discrepancy. Features of central sensitisation have been documented in various pain conditions common in rheumatology practice, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, upper extremity tendinopathies, headache, and spinal pain. Within individual pain conditions, there is substantial variation among patients in terms of presence and magnitude of central sensitisation, stressing the importance of individual assessment. Central sensitisation predicts poor treatment outcomes in multiple patient populations. The available evidence supports various pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to reduce central sensitisation and to improve patient outcomes in several conditions commonly seen in rheumatology practice. These data open up new treatment perspectives, with the possibility for precision pain medicine treatment according to pain phenotyping as a logical next step. With this view, studies suggest the possibility of matching non-pharmacological approaches, or medications, or both to the central sensitisation pain
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| 12. |
- Polli, A., et al.
(author)
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Genetic and epigenetic regulation of Catechol-O-methyltransferase in relation to inflammation in chronic fatigue syndrome and Fibromyalgia
- 2022
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In: Journal of Translational Medicine. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1479-5876. ; 20:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been shown to influence clinical pain, descending modulation, and exercise-induced symptom worsening. COMT regulates nociceptive processing and inflammation, key pathophysiological features of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia (CFS/FM). We aimed to determine the interactions between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulating COMT and its influence on inflammatory markers and symptoms in patients with CFS/FM. Methods. A case-control study with repeated-measures design was used to reduce the chance of false positive and increase the power of our findings. Fifty-four participants (28 patients with CFS/FM and 26 controls) were assessed twice within 4 days. The assessment included clinical questionnaires, neurophysiological assessment (pain thresholds, temporal summation, and conditioned pain modulation), and blood withdrawal in order to assess rs4818, rs4633, and rs4680 COMT polymorphisms and perform haplotype estimation, DNA methylation in the COMT gene (both MB-COMT and S-COMT promoters), and cytokine expression (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and TGF-beta). Results. COMT haplotypes were associated with DNA methylation in the S-COMT promoter, TGF-beta expression, and symptoms. However, this was not specific for one condition. Significant between-group differences were found for increased DNA methylation in the MB-COMT promoter and decreased IFN-gamma expression in patients. Discussion Our results are consistent with basic and clinical research, providing interesting insights into genetic-epigenetic regulatory mechanisms. MB-COMT DNA methylation might be an independent factor contributing to the pathophysiology of CFS/FM. Further research on DNA methylation in complex conditions such as CFS/FM is warranted. We recommend future research to employ a repeated-measure design to control for biomarkers variability and within-subject changes.
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| 13. |
- Reis, F. J. J., et al.
(author)
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Culture and musculoskeletal pain: strategies, challenges, and future directions to develop culturally sensitive physical therapy care
- 2022
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In: Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1413-3555. ; 26:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Pain experience has a multidimensional nature. Assessment and treatment recom-mendations for pain conditions suggest clinicians use biopsychosocial approaches to treat pain and disability. The current pain research is overwhelmingly skewed towards the study of biologi-cal and psychological factors including interventions, whereas, cultural factors are often ignored.Objective: The aims of this Masterclass is threefold: (1) to discuss cultural influences on pain, (2) to provide strategies for delivering appropriate pain education and exercises in culturally diverse people with chronic pain, and (3) to present challenges and future directions to clinicians and researchers.Discussion: Cultural factors have a relevant influence on the way individuals experience and manage health and illness. Thus, people with different cultural experience perceive, respond, communicate and manage their pain in different ways. In this aspect, the contents of pain education should be presented using different culturally appropriate examples, metaphors, images, and delivery methods that may enhance the impact of the message. Efforts should be made to produce and spread culturally adapted evidence-based materials and resources. In addi-tion, a culturally sensitive approach may help to introduce patients to graded activities, so that they can apply these strategies in culturally acceptable and meaningful ways. Future studies should investigate the effectiveness of culturally-adapted interventions in pain-related out-comes in different pain conditions in patients with different cultural backgrounds.(c) 2022 Associacao Brasileira de Pesquisa e Pos-Graduacao em Fisioterapia. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.
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| 14. |
- Ruiz-Montero, P. J., et al.
(author)
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Fibromyalgia Impact Score in Women with Fibromyalgia Across Southern, Central, and Northern Areas of Europe
- 2019
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In: Pain Physician. - 1533-3159. ; 22:5
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) is the most used questionnaire worldwide to measure the health status of patients with fibromyalgia. The questionnaire has been subjected to several studies to analyze psychometric properties. However, norm scores and cultural differences have not been presented. Objectives: To obtain and present norm scores for the FIQ in patients with fibromyalgia in different cultures, namely Southern, Central, and Northern areas of Europe. Study Design: This observational study consisted of women with fibromyalgia from 4 countries (Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden) classified in 3 areas (Southern, Central, and Northern) in Europe. Setting: Women with fibromyalgia from Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Methods: The impact of fibromyalgia was assessed by the FIQ. A total of 1,478 women with fibromyalgia were asked to fill out the FIQ in the Spanish (n = 531), Dutch and Belgian (n = 629), or Swedish (n = 318) versions. Results: The norm scores and percentiles score of the FIQ are presented. Norm scores differed between European areas (Southern area = 64.8 +/- 15.9; Central area = 60.9 +/- 1 5.7; Northern area = 62.8 +/- 16.7). Perceived physical impairment, overall well-being (all, P < 0.001), FIQ total (P < 0.01), and morning tiredness (P < 0.05) in women with fibromyalgia from the Central area of Europe reported lower impact than Southern and Northern areas. The Northern area of Europe showed the lowest score of job difficulty, anxiety, depression (all, P < 0.001), and pain (P < 0.01), whereas the Southern area of Europe showed the lowest score of work missed subscale (P < 0.001) with regard to the rest of the areas studied. Limitations: The selection of patients was conducted with just women because of the scarce prevalence of fibromyalgia among men. Moreover, sociodemographic status, socioeconomic status, and clinical characteristics were not measured. Similar research should be conducted with adequate representation of populations from other parts of the world. Conclusions: Pairwise comparisons showed significant differences mainly between the Southern area versus Northern and Central areas of Europe. The impact of fibromyalgia showed mainly higher scores in women with fibromyalgia from the Southern area of Europe.
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| 15. |
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| 16. |
- Beyens, L., et al.
(author)
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Are soil biota buffered against climatic extremes? An experimental test on testate amoebae in arctic tundra (Qeqertarsuaq, West Greenland)
- 2009
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In: Polar Biology. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0722-4060 .- 1432-2056. ; 32, s. 453-462
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Climate warming is likely to have pronounced impacts on soil biota in arctic ecosystems. In a warmer climate, heatwaves are more frequent and intense, but it is unclear to what extent soil communities are buffered against this. We studied the effects of an artificially induced heatwave on the structure of testate amoebae communities in dry heath tundra in Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island, West Greenland) during the summer of 2003. While the heatwave was severe enough to induce significant leaf mortality in the aboveground vegetation, overall testate amoebae abundance did not react to the difference in temperature. However, in the heated plots transient shifts in species populations occurred during the exposure, followed by increases in species richness weeks after the heatwave had ended. The most important taxa appearing after the heating period belonged to bacterivorous genera, in agreement with a transient peak in bacterial colony forming units, caused by the heatwave. Lobose testate amoebae resisted the heating and its associated desiccation better than their filose counterparts.
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| 17. |
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| 18. |
- Brenner, P, et al.
(author)
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Excess deaths in treatment-resistant depression
- 2021
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In: Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology. - : SAGE Publications. - 2045-1253 .- 2045-1261. ; 11, s. 20451253211006508-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD) have an increased mortality risk compared with other patients with depression, but it is not known how this translates into absolute numbers of excess deaths. Methods: Swedish national registers were used to identify a cohort of 118,774 antidepressant initiators 18–69 years old with a depression diagnosis. Patients who initiated a third consecutive treatment trial were classified as having TRD. Flexible parametric survival models were used to estimate the mortality risk due to all causes and external causes (suicides and accidents), comparing TRD patients with patients with other depression while adjusting for clinical and sociodemographic covariates and including interactions with TRD, age, and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) for a number of somatic comorbidities. Standardized survival was estimated, as were numbers of excess deaths among TRD patients within each age and comorbidity category. Results: Compared with the mortality risk of other depressed patients, patients with TRD experienced excess deaths in most age and comorbidity categories in the range of 7–16 deaths per 1000 patients during 5 years. Highest numbers for all-cause excess deaths were found among patients 18–29 years old with CCI 1, where 16 [95% confidence interval 5–28] of the expected 37 [25–48] deaths per 1000 patients were excess deaths. The majority of the excess deaths were due to external causes. Conclusion: Patients with TRD experience significant numbers of excess deaths compared with other patients with depression.
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| 19. |
- Daenen, L., et al.
(author)
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Exercise, Not to Exercise, or How to Exercise in Patients With Chronic Pain? Applying Science to Practice
- 2015
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In: Clinical Journal of Pain. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 0749-8047. ; 31:2, s. 108-114
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Exercise is an effective treatment strategy in various chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders, including chronic neck pain, osteoarthritis, headache, fibromyalgia and chronic low back pain. Although exercise can benefit those with chronic pain (CP), some patients (eg, those with fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic whiplash associated disorders) encounter exercise as a pain inducing stimulus and report symptom flares due to exercise. Objectives: This paper focuses on the clinical benefits and detrimental effects of exercise in patients with CP. It summarizes the positive and negative effects of exercise therapy in migraine and tension-type headache and provides an overview of the scientific evidence of dysfunctional endogenous analgesia during exercise in patients with certain types of CP. Further, the paper explains the relationship between exercise and recovery highlighting the need to address recovery strategies as well as exercise regimes in the rehabilitation of these patients. The characteristics, demands and strategies of adequate recovery to compensate stress from exercise and return to homeostatic balance will be described. Results: Exercise is shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic tension-type headache and migraine. Aerobic exercise is the best option in migraine prophylaxis, whereas specific neck and shoulder exercises is a better choice in treating chronic tension-type headache. Besides the consensus that exercise therapy is beneficial in the treatment of CP, the lack of endogenous analgesia in some CP disorders should not be ignored. Clinicians should account for this when treating CP patients. Furthermore, optimizing the balance between exercise and recovery is of crucial merit in order to avoid stress-related detrimental effects and achieve optimal functioning in patients with CP. Conclusion: Exercise therapy has found to be beneficial in CP, but it should be appropriately and individually tailored with emphasis on prevention of symptom flares and applying adequate recovery strategies.
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| 20. |
- De Baets, L., et al.
(author)
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The interplay between symptoms of insomnia and pain in people with osteoarthritis: A narrative review of the current evidence
- 2023
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In: Sleep Medicine Reviews. - 1087-0792. ; 70
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide and clinical pain is the major symptom of OA. This clinical OA-related pain is firmly associated with symptoms of insomnia, which are reported in up to 81% of people with OA. Since understanding the association between both symptoms is critical for their appropriate management, this narrative review synthesizes the existing evidence in people with OA on i) the mechanisms underlying the association between insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain, and ii) the effectiveness of conservative non-pharmacological treatments on insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain. The evidence available identifies depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing and pain self-efficacy as mechanisms partially explaining the cross-sectional association between insomnia symptoms and pain in people with OA. Furthermore, in comparison to treatments without a specific insomnia intervention, the ones including an insomnia intervention appear more effective for improving insomnia symptoms, but not for reducing clinical OA-related pain. However, at a withinperson level, treatment-related positive effects on insomnia symptoms are associated with a longterm pain reduction. Future longitudinal prospective studies offering fundamental insights into neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms explaining the association between insomnia symptoms and clinical OA-related pain will enable the development of effective treatments targeting both symptoms.
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| 21. |
- de Zoete, R. M. J., et al.
(author)
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Differential Structural Brain Changes Between Responders and Nonresponders After Physical Exercise Therapy for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain
- 2023
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In: Clinical Journal of Pain. - 0749-8047. ; 39:6, s. 270-277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives:Physical exercise therapy is effective for some people with chronic nonspecific neck pain but not for others. Differences in exercise-induced pain-modulatory responses are likely driven by brain changes. We investigated structural brain differences at baseline and changes after an exercise intervention. The primary aim was to investigate changes in structural brain characteristics after physical exercise therapy for people with chronic nonspecific neck pain. The secondary aims were to investigate (1) baseline differences in structural brain characteristics between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy, and (2) differential brain changes after exercise therapy between responders and nonresponders. Materials and Methods:This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study. Twenty-four participants (18 females, mean age 39.7 y) with chronic nonspecific neck pain were included. Responders were selected as those with >= 20% improvement in Neck Disability Index. Structural magnetic resonance imaging was obtained before and after an 8-week physical exercise intervention delivered by a physiotherapist. Freesurfer cluster-wise analyses were performed and supplemented with an analysis of pain-specific brain regions of interest. Results:Various changes in grey matter volume and thickness were found after the intervention, for example, frontal cortex volume decreased (cluster-weighted P value = 0.0002, 95% CI: 0.0000-0.0004). We found numerous differences between responders and nonresponders, most notably, after the exercise intervention bilateral insular volume decreased in responders, but increased in nonresponders (cluster-weighted P value <= 0.0002). Discussion:The brain changes found in this study may underpin clinically observed differential effects between responders and nonresponders to exercise therapy for people with chronic neck pain. Identification of these changes is an important step toward personalized treatment approaches.
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| 22. |
- Escriche-Escuder, A., et al.
(author)
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Pain neuroscience education in persistent painful tendinopathies: A scoping review from the Tendon PNE Network
- 2023
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In: Physical Therapy in Sport. - 1466-853X. ; 63, s. 38-49
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: to conduct and report a scoping review of the available evidence of the effects and content of pain neuroscience education for patients with persistent painful tendinopathies.Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, and grey literature databases were searched from database inception to May 2022. Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, non-controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, case series, case studies including people with persistent painful tendinopathy aged & GE;18 years, a pain education intervention, and in English were included. Studies were excluded if they were crosssectional studies, reviews, editorials, abstracts, or full-text not available or if included heterogeneous study cohorts, patients with tendon rupture, or patients with systemic diseases.Results: five studies (n = 164) were included. Pain neuroscience education entailed face-to-face discussion sessions or educational materials including videos, brochures, paper drawings, and review questions. All studies used pain neuroscience education in conjunction with other interventions, obtaining significant benefits in outcomes related to pain, physical performance, or self-reported function, among others.Conclusions: The application of pain neuroscience education in conjunction with other interventions seemed to improve several outcomes. However, considering the current knowledge about tendon pain and the scarcity of well-designed trials studying pain neuroscience education in tendinopathy, additional research is needed.
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| 23. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Neuropathic Pain Associated or Not with a Nociplastic Condition
- 2023
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In: Biomedicines. - 2227-9059. ; 11:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) has been traditionally classified as primarily a neuropathic condition with or without pain. Precision medicine refers to an evidence-based method of grouping patients based on their susceptibility to biology, prognosis of a particular disease, or in their response to a specific treatment, and tailoring specific treatments accordingly. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a grading system for classifying patients into nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. This position paper presents data supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with specific CTS related-pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic or mixed-type phenotypes. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a neuropathic condition but can also be comorbid with a nociplastic pain condition. The presence of extra-median symptoms and the development of facilitated pain processing seem to be signs suggesting that specific CTS cases can be classified as the nociplastic pain phenotype. The clinical responses of therapeutic approaches for the management of CTS are inconclusive. Accordingly, the ability to identify the predominant pain phenotype in patients with CTS could likely be problematic for producing efficient treatment outcomes. In fact, the presence of a nociplastic or mixed-type pain phenotype would explain the lack of clinical effect of treatment interventions targeting the carpal tunnel area selectively. We propose a clinical decision tree by using the 2021 IASP classification criteria for identifying the predominant pain phenotype in people with CTS-related pain, albeit CTS being a priori a neuropathic pain condition. The identification of a nociplastic-associated condition requires a more nuanced multimodal treatment approach to achieve better treatment outcomes.
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| 24. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Nociceptive Condition Comorbid with Neuropathic or Nociplastic Pain
- 2023
-
In: Life. - : MDPI AG. - 2075-1729. ; 13:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Myofascial pain syndrome is featured by the presence of myofascial trigger points (TrPs). Whether TrPs are primary or secondary phenomena or if they relate to central or peripheral nervous system disorders is controversial. Referred pain, a cardinal sign of TrPs, is a central phenomenon driven by peripheral input. In 2021, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) proposed a clinical criteria and grading system for classifying patients with pain on nociceptive, neuropathic, or nociplastic phenotypes. Myofascial TrP pain has been traditionally categorized as a nociceptive phenotype; however, increasing evidence supports that this condition could be present in patients with predominantly nociplastic pain, particularly when it is associated with an underlying medical condition. The clinical response of some therapeutic approaches for managing TrPs remains unclear. Accordingly, the ability to classify myofascial TrP pain into one of these phenotypes would likely be critical for producing more successful clinical treatment outcomes by a precision medicine approach. This consensus paper presents evidence supporting the possibility of subgrouping individuals with myofascial TrP pain into nociceptive, nociplastic, or mixed-type phenotype. It is concluded that myofascial pain caused by TrPs is primarily a nociceptive pain condition, is unlikely to be classified as neuropathic or nociplastic, but can be present in patients with predominantly neuropathic or nociplastic pain. In the latter cases, management of the predominant central pain problem should be a major treatment goal, but the peripheral drive from TrPs should not be ignored, since TrP treatment has been shown to reduce sensitization-associated symptomatology in nociplastic pain conditions, e.g., fibromyalgia.
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| 25. |
- Fernandez-de-las-Penas, C., et al.
(author)
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Sensitization symptoms are associated with psychological and cognitive variables in COVID-19 survivors exhibiting post-COVID pain
- 2023
-
In: Pain Practice. - : Wiley. - 1530-7085 .- 1533-2500. ; 23:1, s. 23-31
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective To investigate the association between demographic, clinical, psychological, cognitive, and health-related variables and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors exhibiting "de novo" post-COVID pain. Methods Seventy-seven (n = 77) COVID-19 survivors with "de novo" post-COVID pain completed demographic (age, height, and weight), clinical (duration and intensity of the pain), psychological (depressive/anxiety levels and sleep quality), cognitive (catastrophizing and kinesiophobia levels), and health-related quality of life variables as well as the CSI. A multivariable correlation analysis was conducted to determine the association between variables, and a stepwise multiple linear regression model was performed to identify CSI predictors. Results Patients were assessed a mean of 6.0 (SD 0.8) months after hospital discharge. Twenty-six (33.7%) individuals showed indications of sensitization-associated symptoms (CSI score >= 40 points). The CSI score was positively associated with pain intensity (r: 0.371), anxiety (r: 0.784), depressive (r: 0.709), catastrophizing (r: 0.620), and kinesiophobia (r: 0.359) levels (all, p < 0.001). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 60.2% of CSI was explained by anxiety levels and pain intensity. Conclusion This study found that psychological and cognitive variables were associated with the CSI score in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with "de novo" post-COVID pain. Anxiety levels and the intensity of pain symptoms were independently associated with CSI score suggesting a significant overlap with psychological construct. The "de novo" post-COVID pain association with CSI may indicate changes in the pain processing important for managing the pain.
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| 26. |
- Fernández-de-las-Peñas, César, et al.
(author)
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Serological Biomarkers at Hospital Admission and Hospitalization Treatments Are Not Related to Sensitization-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Post-COVID Pain
- 2023
-
In: Pathogens. - 2076-0817. ; 12:10
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Current evidence suggests that a group of patients who had survived coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) and developed post-COVID pain can exhibit altered nociceptive processing. The role of serological biomarkers and hospitalization treatments in post-COVID pain is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of serological biomarkers and treatments received during hospitalization with sensitization-associated symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. One hundred and eighty-three (n = 183) patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in one urban hospital of Madrid (Spain) during the first wave of the pandemic were assessed in a face-to-face interview 9.4 (SD 3.4) months after hospitalization. Levels of 19 serological biomarkers, hospitalization data, and treatments during hospitalization were obtained from hospital records. Sensitization-associated symptoms (Central Sensitization Inventory, CSI), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), pain catastrophism (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and anxiety/depressive level (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) were assessed. The prevalence of post-COVID pain was 40.9% (n = 75). Twenty-nine (38.6%) patients had sensitization-associated symptoms. Overall, no differences in hospitalization data and serological biomarkers were identified according to the presence of sensitization-associated symptoms. The analysis revealed that patients with sensitization-associated symptoms exhibited higher lymphocyte count and lower urea levels than those without sensitization-associated symptoms, but differences were small. Pain catastrophism and depressive levels, but not fatigue, dyspnea, brain fog, anxiety levels, or poor sleep, were higher in individuals with sensitization-associated symptoms. In conclusion, this study revealed that sensitization-associated post-COVID pain symptoms are not associated with serological biomarkers at hospital admission and hospitalization treatments received.
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| 27. |
- Graae, Bente J, et al.
(author)
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On the use of weather data in ecological studies along altitudinal and latitudinal gradients
- 2012
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In: Oikos. - : Wiley. - 0030-1299 .- 1600-0706. ; 121:1, s. 3-19
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Global warming has created a need for studies along climatic gradients to assess the effects of temperature on ecological processes. Altitudinal and latitudinal gradients are often used as such, usually in combination with air temperature data from the closest weather station recorded at 1.52 m above the ground. However, many ecological processes occur in, at, or right above the soil surface. To evaluate how representative the commonly used weather station data are for the microclimate relevant for soil surface biota, we compared weather station temperatures for an altitudinal (500900 m a.s.l.) and a latitudinal gradient (4968 degrees N) with data obtained by temperature sensors placed right below the soil surface at five sites along these gradients. The mean annual temperatures obtained from weather stations and adjusted using a lapse rate of -5.5 degrees C km-1 were between 3.8 degrees C lower and 1.6 degrees C higher than those recorded by the temperature sensors at the soil surface, depending on the position along the gradients. The monthly mean temperatures were up to 10 degrees C warmer or 5 degrees C colder at the soil surface. The within-site variation in accumulated temperature was as high as would be expected from a 300 m change in altitude or from a 4 degrees change in latitude or a climate change scenario corresponding to warming of 1.63.8 degrees C. Thus, these differences introduced by the decoupling are significant from a climate change perspective, and the results demonstrate the need for incorporating microclimatic variation when conducting studies along altitudinal or latitudinal gradients. We emphasize the need for using relevant temperature data in climate impact studies and further call for more studies describing the soil surface microclimate, which is crucial for much of the biota.
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| 28. |
- Haesen, Stef, et al.
(author)
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ForestClim : Bioclimatic variables for microclimate temperatures of European forests
- 2023
-
In: Global Change Biology. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1354-1013 .- 1365-2486. ; 29:11, s. 2886-2892
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Microclimate research gained renewed interest over the last decade and its importance for many ecological processes is increasingly being recognized. Consequently, the call for high-resolution microclimatic temperature grids across broad spatial extents is becoming more pressing to improve ecological models. Here, we provide a new set of open-access bioclimatic variables for microclimate temperatures of European forests at 25 x 25 m2 resolution.
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| 29. |
- Hendrix, J., et al.
(author)
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The interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in health and disease: Potential role of autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms
- 2020
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In: Antioxidants. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-3921. ; 9:11, s. 1-25
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Oxidative stress can be induced by various stimuli and altered in certain conditions, including exercise and pain. Although many studies have investigated oxidative stress in relation to either exercise or pain, the literature presents conflicting results. Therefore, this review critically discusses existing literature about this topic, aiming to provide a clear overview of known interactions between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain in healthy people as well as in people with chronic pain, and to highlight possible confounding factors to keep in mind when reflecting on these interactions. In addition, autonomic regulation and epigenetic mechanisms are proposed as potential mechanisms of action underlying the interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain. This review highlights that the relation between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain is poorly understood and not straightforward, as it is dependent on the characteristics of exercise, but also on which population is investigated. To be able to compare studies on this topic, strict guidelines should be developed to limit the effect of several confounding factors. This way, the true interplay between oxidative stress, exercise, and pain, and the underlying mechanisms of action can be revealed and validated via independent studies. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
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| 30. |
- Hostens, Lore, et al.
(author)
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The drivers of dark diversity in the Scandinavian mountains are metric-dependent
- 2023
-
In: Journal of Vegetation Science. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 1100-9233 .- 1654-1103. ; 34:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Question: Dark diversity refers to the set of species that are not observed in an area but could potentially occur based on suitable local environmental conditions. In this paper, we applied both niche-based and co-occurrence-based methods to estimate the dark diversity of vascular plant species in the subarctic mountains. We then aimed to unravel the drivers explaining (a) why some locations were missing relatively more suitable species than others, and (b) why certain plant species were more often absent from suitable locations than others.Location: The Scandinavian mountains around Abisko, northern Sweden.Methods: We calculated the dark diversity in 107 plots spread out across four mountain trails using four different methods: two co-occurrence-based (Beals’ index and the hypergeometric method) and two niche-based (the climatic niche model and climatic niche model followed by species-specific threshold). We then applied multiple Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Models and General Linear Models to determine which habitat characteristics and species traits contributed the most to dark diversity.Results: The study showed a notable divergence in the predicted drivers of dark diversity depending on the method used. Nevertheless, we can conclude that plot-level dark diversity was generally 17% higher in areas at low elevations and 31% higher in areas with a low species richness.Conclusion: Our findings call for caution when interpreting statistical findings of dark-diversity estimates. Even so, all analyses point toward an important role for natural processes such as competitive dominance as the main driver of the spatial patterns found in dark diversity in the northern Scandes.
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| 31. |
- Kemppinen, Julia, et al.
(author)
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Microclimate, an important part of ecology and biogeography
- 2024
-
In: GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY. - 1466-822X .- 1466-8238. ; 33:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Brief introduction: What are microclimates and why are they important?Microclimate science has developed into a global discipline. Microclimate science is increasingly used to understand and mitigate climate and biodiversity shifts. Here, we provide an overview of the current status of microclimate ecology and biogeography in terrestrial ecosystems, and where this field is heading next.Microclimate investigations in ecology and biogeographyWe highlight the latest research on interactions between microclimates and organisms, including how microclimates influence individuals, and through them populations, communities and entire ecosystems and their processes. We also briefly discuss recent research on how organisms shape microclimates from the tropics to the poles.Microclimate applications in ecosystem managementMicroclimates are also important in ecosystem management under climate change. We showcase new research in microclimate management with examples from biodiversity conservation, forestry and urban ecology. We discuss the importance of microrefugia in conservation and how to promote microclimate heterogeneity.Methods for microclimate scienceWe showcase the recent advances in data acquisition, such as novel field sensors and remote sensing methods. We discuss microclimate modelling, mapping and data processing, including accessibility of modelling tools, advantages of mechanistic and statistical modelling and solutions for computational challenges that have pushed the state-of-the-art of the field.What's next?We identify major knowledge gaps that need to be filled for further advancing microclimate investigations, applications and methods. These gaps include spatiotemporal scaling of microclimate data, mismatches between macroclimate and microclimate in predicting responses of organisms to climate change, and the need for more evidence on the outcomes of microclimate management.
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| 32. |
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| 33. |
- Kosek, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Reply to Cohen
- 2022
-
In: Pain. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1872-6623 .- 0304-3959. ; 163:4
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)
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| 34. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Alien Roadside Species More Easily Invade Alpine than Lowland Plant Communities in a Subarctic Mountain Ecosystem
- 2014
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In: PLOS ONE. - San Francisco : Public Library of Science. - 1932-6203. ; 9:2, s. e89664-
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Effects of roads on plant communities are not well known in cold-climate mountain ecosystems, where road building and development are expected to increase in future decades. Knowledge of the sensitivity of mountain plant communities to disturbance by roads is however important for future conservation purposes. We investigate the effects of roads on species richness and composition, including the plant strategies that are most affected, along three elevational gradients in a subarctic mountain ecosystem. We also examine whether mountain roads promote the introduction and invasion of alien plant species from the lowlands to the alpine zone. Observations of plant community composition were made together with abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors in 60 T-shaped transects. Alpine plant communities reacted differently to road disturbances than their lowland counterparts. On high elevations, the roadside species composition was more similar to that of the local natural communities. Less competitive and ruderal species were present at high compared with lower elevation roadsides. While the effects of roads thus seem to be mitigated in the alpine environment for plant species in general, mountain plant communities are more invasible than lowland communities. More precisely, relatively more alien species present in the roadside were found to invade into the surrounding natural community at high compared to low elevations. We conclude that effects of roads and introduction of alien species in lowlands cannot simply be extrapolated to the alpine and subarctic environment.
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| 35. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Comparing temperature data sources for use in species distribution models : From in-situ logging to remote sensing
- 2019
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In: Global Ecology and Biogeography. - : Wiley. - 1466-822X .- 1466-8238. ; 28:11, s. 1578-1596
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aim Although species distribution models (SDMs) traditionally link species occurrences to free-air temperature data at coarse spatio-temporal resolution, the distribution of organisms might instead be driven by temperatures more proximal to their habitats. Several solutions are currently available, such as downscaled or interpolated coarse-grained free-air temperatures, satellite-measured land surface temperatures (LST) or in-situ-measured soil temperatures. A comprehensive comparison of temperature data sources and their performance in SDMs is, however, currently lacking. Location Northern Scandinavia. Time period 1970-2017. Major taxa studied Higher plants. Methods We evaluated different sources of temperature data (WorldClim, CHELSA, MODIS, E-OBS, topoclimate and soil temperature from miniature data loggers), differing in spatial resolution (from 1 '' to 0.1 degrees), measurement focus (free-air, ground-surface or soil temperature) and temporal extent (year-long versus long-term averages), and used them to fit SDMs for 50 plant species with different growth forms in a high-latitudinal mountain region. Results Differences between these temperature data sources originating from measurement focus and temporal extent overshadow the effects of temporal climatic differences and spatio-temporal resolution, with elevational lapse rates ranging from -0.6 degrees C per 100 m for long-term free-air temperature data to -0.2 degrees C per 100 m for in-situ soil temperatures. Most importantly, we found that the performance of the temperature data in SDMs depended on the growth forms of species. The use of in-situ soil temperatures improved the explanatory power of our SDMs (R-2 on average +16%), especially for forbs and graminoids (R-2 +24 and +21% on average, respectively) compared with the other data sources. Main conclusions We suggest that future studies using SDMs should use the temperature dataset that best reflects the ecology of the species, rather than automatically using coarse-grained data from WorldClim or CHELSA.
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| 36. |
- Lembrechts, Jonas J., et al.
(author)
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Trade-off between competition and facilitation defines gap colonization in mountains
- 2015
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In: AoB Plants. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2041-2851. ; 7
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recent experimental observations show that gap colonization in small-stature (e.g. grassland and dwarf shrubs) vegetation strongly depends on the abiotic conditions within them. At the same time, within-gap variation in biotic interactions such as competition and facilitation, caused by distance to the gap edge, would affect colonizer performance, but a theoretical framework to explore such patterns is missing. Here, we model how competition, facilitation and environmental conditions together determine the small-scale patterns of gap colonization along a cold gradient in mountains, by simulating colonizer survival in gaps of various sizes. Our model adds another dimension to the known effects of biotic interactions along a stress gradient by focussing on the trade-off between competition and facilitation in the within-gap environment. We show that this trade-off defines a peak in colonizer survival at a specific distance from the gap edge, which progressively shifts closer to the edge as the environment gets colder, ultimately leaving a large fraction of gaps unsuitable for colonization in facilitation-dominated systems. This is reinforced when vegetation size and temperature amelioration are manipulated simultaneously with temperature in order to simulate an elevational gradient more realistically. Interestingly, all other conditions being equal, the magnitude of the realized survival peak was always lower in large than in small gaps, making large gaps harder to colonize. The model is relevant to predict effects of non-native plant invasions and climate warming on colonization processes in mountains.
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| 37. |
- Lenoir, D., et al.
(author)
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Event-Related Potentials Following Cutaneous Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders
- 2022
-
In: Pain Physician. - 1533-3159. ; 25:3
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Whiplash injuries typically occur from a motor vehicle collision and lead to chronic whiplash-associated disorders (CWAD) in 20% to 50% of cases. Changes in neurotransmission, metabolism, and networks seem to play a role in the pathogenic mechanism of CWAD. Objectives: To further elucidate the functional brain alterations, a neurophysiological study was performed to investigate the somatosensory processing of CWAD patients by comparing the event-related potentials (ERPs) resulting from electrical nociceptive stimulation between patients suffering from CWAD and healthy controls (HC). Study Design: Case-control study. Setting: University Hospital in Ghent. Methods: In this case-control study (CWAD patients/HC: 50/50), ankle and wrist electrical pain thresholds (EPT), and amplitude and latency of the event-related potentials (ERPs) resulting from 20 electrical stimuli were investigated. Correlations between the ERP characteristics, EPT, self-reported pain, disability, pain catastrophizing, and self-reported symptoms of central sensitization were investigated. Results: Only the latency of the P3 component after left wrist stimulation (t = -2.283; P = 0.023) differed between both groups. In CWAD patients, the ankle EPT correlated with the amplitude of the corresponding P1 (rho s = 0.293; P = 0.044) and P3 (rho s = 0.306; P = 0.033), as well as with the amplitude of the P3 to left wrist stimulation (rho s = 0.343; P = 0.017). Self-reported symptoms of CS correlated with right wrist P3 amplitude (rho s = 0.308; P = 0.030) and latency (rho s = -0.341; P = 0.015), and the worst pain reported during the past week was correlated with left wrist P1 latency (rho s = 0.319; P = 0.029). Limitations: Although the inclusion criteria stated that CWAD patients had to report a moderate-to-severe pain-related disability, 8 of the included CWAD patients (that scored above this threshold in the inclusion questionnaire), scored below the required cutoff at baseline. Conclusions: The CWAD patients did not show signs of hypersensitivity, but their ERP characteristics were related to the intensity of the applied stimulus, self-reported symptoms of CS, and the worst pain reported during the past week.
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| 38. |
- Liew, B. X. W., et al.
(author)
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Distress and Sensitization as Main Mediators of Severity in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Structural Equation Model
- 2022
-
In: Biomedicines. - : MDPI AG. - 2227-9059. ; 10:5
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We aimed to explore a path model identified using a structural equation model (SEM) which best explains the multivariate contributions of sensitization, sensitivity, and emotional variables to clinical severity in women with FMS. Pain features, the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), painDETECT, S-LANSS, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the Pain Vigilance and Awareness Questionnaire (PVAQ), the 11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-11), and pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were collected from 113 women with FMS. Four latent variables were created: severity (clinical pain features), sensitivity (PPTs), sensitization (S-LANSS, CSI, painDETECT), and distress (HADS-A, HADS-D, PCS, PVAQ, TSK-11). Data fit for the measurement model were considered excellent (RMSEA = 0.043, CFI = 0.966, SRMR = 0.067, and NNFI = 0.960). Distress had a significant relationship with the mediators of sleep (beta = 0.452, p = 0.031) and sensitization (beta = 0.618, p = 0.001). The only mediator with a significant effect (beta = 1.113, p < 0.001) on severity was sensitization. A significant indirect effect of sensitization (beta = 0.687, p = 0.001) that explained the relationship between distress and severity was also identified. The proposed model suggests that distress and sensitization, together with poor sleep, have a complex mediating effect on severity in women with FMS. The identified path model can be leveraged in clinical trials investigating treatment approaches for FMS.
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| 39. |
- Munneke, Wouter, et al.
(author)
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Comparing physical therapy students' attitudes and beliefs regarding chronic low back pain and knee osteoarthritis: an international multi-institutional comparison between 2013 and 2020 academic years
- 2024
-
In: BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY. - 1413-3555 .- 1809-9246. ; 28:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In 2013, physical therapy students demonstrated low guideline -adherent recommendations regarding chronic low back pain (CLBP) for spinal pathology, activity, and work. Objectives: To assess the differences in physical therapy students' attitudes, beliefs, and adherence to guideline recommendations regarding CLBP and knee osteoarthritis between 2013 and 2020. Methods: In 2013 and 2020, second and fourth -year physical therapy students were recruited from 6 Belgian and 2 Dutch institutions. Attitudes and beliefs regarding CLBP and knee OA were evaluated using the Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT), the Health Care Providers' Pain and Impairment Relationship Scale (HC -PAIRS), and a questionnaire regarding therapeutic exercise and knee osteoarthritis. A clinical vignette was used to measure guideline -adherent recommendations regarding spinal pathology, activity, and work. Results: In 2013, 927 second -year and 695 fourth -year students; in 2020, 695 second -year and 489 fourth -year students; were recruited to participate in the study. Compared to 2013, students had less biomedical and stronger biopsychosocial attitudes and beliefs regarding CLBP, more guideline -adherent recommendations for activity, and more biopsychosocial beliefs regarding the benefits of exercise for patients with knee osteoarthritis in both the second and fourth year. Only fourth -year students in 2020 scored significantly better on HC -PAIRS and guideline -adherent recommendation relating to spinal pathology. No differences were found regarding work recommendations. Conclusions: Between 2013 and 2020, physical therapy students made a positive shift towards a more biopsychosocial approach to CLBP and knee osteoarthritis management. Guideline -adherent recommendations for CLBP concerning activity improved, however, concerning work and spinal pathology, it remained low.
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| 40. |
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| 41. |
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| 42. |
- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
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Central sensitisation in chronic pain conditions : latest discoveries and their potential for precision medicine
- 2021
-
In: The Lancet Rheumatology. - : Elsevier. - 2665-9913. ; 3:5, s. E383-E392
-
Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Chronic pain is a leading cause of disability globally and associated with enormous health-care costs. The discrepancy between the extent of tissue damage and the magnitude of pain, disability, and associated symptoms represents a diagnostic challenge for rheumatology specialists. Central sensitisation, defined as an amplification of neural signalling within the CNS that elicits pain hypersensitivity, has been investigated as a reason for this discrepancy. Features of central sensitisation have been documented in various pain conditions common in rheumatology practice, including fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, upper extremity tendinopathies, headache, and spinal pain. Within individual pain conditions, there is substantial variation among patients in terms of presence and magnitude of central sensitisation, stressing the importance of individual assessment. Central sensitisation predicts poor treatment outcomes in multiple patient populations. The available evidence supports various pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies to reduce central sensitisation and to improve patient outcomes in several conditions commonly seen in rheumatology practice. These data open up new treatment perspectives, with the possibility for precision pain medicine treatment according to pain phenotyping as a logical next step. With this view, studies suggest the possibility of matching non-pharmacological approaches, or medications, or both to the central sensitisation pain
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| 43. |
- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
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Nociplastic Pain Criteria or Recognition of Central Sensitization? Pain Phenotyping in the Past, Present and Future
- 2021
-
In: Journal of Clinical Medicine. - : MDPI AG. - 2077-0383. ; 10:15
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Recently, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) released clinical criteria and a grading system for nociplastic pain affecting the musculoskeletal system. These criteria replaced the 2014 clinical criteria for predominant central sensitization (CS) pain and accounted for clinicians' need to identify (early) and correctly classify patients having chronic pain according to the pain phenotype. Still, clinicians and researchers can become confused by the multitude of terms and the variety of clinical criteria available. Therefore, this paper aims at (1) providing an overview of what preceded the IASP criteria for nociplastic pain ('the past'); (2) explaining the new IASP criteria for nociplastic pain in comparison with the 2014 clinical criteria for predominant CS pain ('the present'); and (3) highlighting key areas for future implementation and research work in this area ('the future'). It is explained that the 2021 IASP clinical criteria for nociplastic pain are in line with the 2014 clinical criteria for predominant CS pain but are more robust, comprehensive, better developed and hold more potential. Therefore, the 2021 IASP clinical criteria for nociplastic pain are important steps towards precision pain medicine, yet studies examining the clinimetric and psychometric properties of the criteria are urgently needed.
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| 44. |
- Nijs, Jo, et al.
(author)
-
Nutritional intervention in chronic pain: an innovative way of targeting central nervous system sensitization?
- 2020
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In: Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets. - : Informa UK Limited. - 1472-8222 .- 1744-7631. ; 24:8, s. 793-803
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction Few treatment programs for chronic pain nowadays take a dietary pattern or adipose status into account. Areas covered An important role of neuroinflammation in chronic pain is now well established, at least in part due to increased central nervous system glial activation. Based on preclinical studies, it is postulated that the interaction between nutrition and central sensitization is mediated via bidirectional gut-brain interactions. This model of diet-induced neuroinflammation and consequent central sensitization generates a rationale for developing innovative treatments for patients with chronic pain. Methods: An umbrella approach to cover the authors' expert opinion within an evidence-based viewpoint. Expert opinion A low-saturated fat and low-added sugar dietary pattern potentially decreases oxidative stress, preventing Toll-like receptor activation and subsequent glial activation. A low-saturated fat and low-added sugar diet might also prevent afferent vagal nerve fibers sensing the pro-inflammatory mediators that come along with a high-(saturated) fat or energy-dense dietary pattern, thereby preventing them to signal peripheral inflammatory status to the brain. In addition, the gut microbiota produces polyamines, which hold the capacity to excite N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, an essential component of the central nervous system sensitization. Hence, a diet reducing polyamine production by the gut microbiota requires exploration as a therapeutic target for cancer-related and non-cancer chronic pain.
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| 45. |
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| 46. |
- Nowakowska, Sylwia, et al.
(author)
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Configuring Electronic States in an Atomically Precise Array of Quantum Boxes
- 2016
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In: Small. - : Wiley-VCH Verlagsgesellschaft. - 1613-6810 .- 1613-6829. ; 12:28, s. 3757-3763
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A 2D array of electronically coupled quantum boxes is fabricated by means of on-surface self-assembly assuring ultimate precision of each box. The quantum states embedded in the boxes are configured by adsorbates, whose occupancy is controlled with atomic precision. The electronic interbox coupling can be maintained or significantly reduced by proper arrangement of empty and filled boxes.
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| 47. |
- Oostendorp, R. A. B., et al.
(author)
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Clinical Characteristics and Patient-Reported Outcomes of Primary Care Physiotherapy in Patients with Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Longitudinal Observational Study
- 2020
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In: Patient Preference and Adherence. - 1177-889X. ; 14, s. 1733-1750
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Whiplash-associated disorders (WADS) constitute a state of health characterized by a wide diversity of symptoms as a result of impairments of functions, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) seem appropriate when describing and evaluating the health status of patients with WAD. Aim: To measure the use of PROMs and PROs as quality indicators in clinical reasoning, and to analyze and evaluate pre- and post-treatment 'pain intensity' and 'functioning', and for 'perceived improvement' in patients with WAD in primary care physiotherapy practice by year of referral, with the phase after accident and prognostic health profile embedded in the clinical reasoning process. Materials and Methods: Data were collected over a period of 10 years. Pain intensity, functioning, and perceived improvement were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-P), the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Global Perceived Effect scale (GPE). Pre- and post-treatment mean differences were tested for statistical significance and compared to minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Effect sizes were expressed as Cohen's d. Multivariable regression analysis was performed to explore independent associations of year of referral, phase after the accident, and the patient's prognostic health profile with post-treatment pain intensity and functioning. Results: A consecutive sample of 523 patients was included. Pre- and post-treatment mean differences on VAS-P and NDI were statistically significant (P<0.000) and clinically relevant, with `large' effect sizes for pain intensity and functioning. MCIDs were achieved by 80% for VAS-P and for 60% for NDI. Year of referral and phase after the accident were independently associated with worse post-treatment functioning. About half of the patients (n=241 [46.1%1) perceived themselves as improved. Conclusion: The PROMs and PROs pain intensity, functioning and perceived improvement were integrated as quality indicators in the physiotherapy clinical reasoning process for patients with WAD. Significant differences in pain intensity and functioning were found but were unrelated to year of referral, phase after whiplash-related injury or prognostic health profile. The MCID VAS-P scores did not differ depending on experienced pain.
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- Tatta, J., et al.
(author)
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The Critical Role of Nutrition Care to Improve Pain Management: A Global Call to Action for Physical Therapist Practice
- 2022
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In: Physical Therapy. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0031-9023 .- 1538-6724. ; 102:4
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Physical therapists have unique education in the comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment and treatment of chronic pain and its mechanisms. Recently, physical therapists have raised awareness regarding the impact of nutrition on promoting health and managing noncommunicable diseases. Robust evidence supports the implementation of nutrition in physical therapist education and practice. Of particular interest for the physical therapist are investigations that use dietary interventions for the treatment of chronic pain. Yet physical therapists have received little guidance regarding their role in nutrition care for pain management and may pass on opportunities to counsel their patients on the connection between nutrition and pain. Therefore, a clinical paradigm shift and unified voice within the profession is called on to encourage physical therapists to develop tailored multimodal lifestyle interventions that include nutrition care for the management of chronic pain. This Perspective describes evidence supporting the implementation of nutrition care in physical therapist practice, supports the role of nutritional pain management for physical therapists, and encourages the use of nutrition care for primary, secondary, tertiary, prevention, health promotion, and wellness related to chronic pain. To achieve these aims, this Perspective offers suggestions for how physical therapists can (1) enhance clinical decision making; (2) expand professional, jurisdictional, and personal scope of practice; (3) evolve entry-level education; and (4) stimulate new investigations in nutrition care and pain science research. In doing so, physical therapists can assert their role throughout the pain management continuum, champion innovative research initiatives, and enhance public health by reducing the impact of chronic pain. Impact The nutrition care process for pain management is defined as the basic duty to provide adequate and appropriate nutrition education and counseling to people living with pain. Including the nutrition care process as part of a multimodal approach to pain management provides an opportunity for physical therapists to assert their role throughout the pain management continuum. This includes championing innovative research initiatives and enhancing public health by reducing the impact of chronic pain for over 50 million Americans.
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