Somatosensory assessments in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a cross-sectional study examining pain processing pathways and the role of multiple patient factors.

BACKGROUND: Pain affects the majority of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), where pain experiences may be influenced by multiple patient factors and changes within central pain processing pathways, termed central sensitization. The current study aimed to investigate pain processing pathways in patients with IBD through somatosensory testing and associations with multiple patient factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of adults with IBD. Assessments included: somatosensory tests [i.e. pressure pain thresholds (PPT), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM)], and patient factors (i.e. demographics, comorbidity, sleep quality, psychological, pain severity and interference, and IBD features). Multiple regression analyses explored associations between somatosensory tests and multiple patient factors. RESULTS: Decreased CPM in participants (N = 51) was associated with worse abdominal pain severity and use of biologic therapies (R2 = 0.30, F(5,44) = 5.18, P = 0.001). Increased TS was associated with biologic use (R2 = 0.11, F(1,49) = 6.13, P = 0.017). Decreased PPT at the low back (R2 = 0.29, F(2,48) = 11.21, P < 0.001) and Tibialis anterior (R2 = 0.41, F(2,48) = 18.26, P < 0.001) were associated with female sex and the absence of a stoma. CONCLUSION: Study results demonstrated associations between multiple patient factors and somatosensory tests in patients with IBD. The absence of a stoma and female sex was associated with greater sensitivity to pressure in two remote body regions, suggestive of widespread hyperalgesia. Worse abdominal pain severity and biologic use were associated with decreased pain inhibition, and biologic use was also associated with increased pain facilitation. These findings suggest the presence of altered pain processing and mechanisms of central sensitization in patients with IBD.

Efficacy of the NVX-CoV2373 Covid-19 Vaccine Against the B.1.1.7 Variant

BackgroundCovid-19 vaccines are urgently needed, especially against emerging variants. NVX-CoV2373 is a recombinant severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 rS) nanoparticle vaccine containing trimeric full-length SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein and Matrix-M adjuvant. MethodsA phase 3, randomized, observer-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults 18-84 years old who received two intramuscular 5-{micro}g doses, 21 days apart, of NVX-CoV2373 or placebo (1:1) across 33 sites in the United Kingdom. The primary efficacy endpoint was virologically confirmed symptomatic Covid-19 with onset 7 days after second vaccination in serologically negative participants. ResultsA total of 15,187 participants were randomized, of whom 7569 received NVX-CoV2373 and 7570 received placebo; 27.2% were 65 years or older, 44.7% had comorbidities and 4.2% had baseline serological evidence of SARS-CoV-2. There were 10 cases of Covid-19 among NVX-CoV2373 recipients and 96 cases among placebo recipients, with symptom onset at least 7 days after second vaccination; NVX-CoV2373 was 89.7% (95% confidence interval, 80.2 to 94.6) effective in preventing Covid-19, with no hospitalizations or deaths reported. There were five cases of severe Covid-19, all in the placebo group. Post hoc analysis revealed efficacies of 96.4% (73.8 to 99.5) and 86.3% (71.3 to 93.5) against the prototype strain and B.1.1.7 variant, respectively. Vaccine efficacy was similar across subgroups, including participants with comorbidities and those [≥]65 years old. Reactogenicity was generally mild and transient. The incidence of serious adverse events was low and similar in the two groups. ConclusionA two-dose regimen of NVX-CoV2373 conferred 89.7% protection against a blend of prototype and variant Covid-19, demonstrated high efficacy against the B.1.1.7 variant, and had a reassuring safety profile. (Funded by Novavax, Inc. EudraCT number, 2020-004123-16).

Impact of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Pragmatic Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: First carpometacarpal (CMC1) joint osteoarthritis (OA) is typically understood as part of the disease entity of hand OA. However, CMC1 joint OA often occurs in isolation or is a primary source of symptoms. The aim of the current study was to explore the experiences of New Zealanders with CMC1 joint OA to better understand the unique impact of this condition, ascertain outcomes of importance, and identify treatment targets. METHODS: In this pragmatic qualitative study, patients who either reported a history suggestive of CMC1 joint OA or had been diagnosed by a physician were recruited from health and community settings in 2 centers on the South Island of New Zealand. Thirty participants (11 men and 19 women, mean ± SD age 65.4 ± 11.36 years) took part in individual face-to-face interviews and kept diaries. The interviews were audio recorded, and along with the diaries, transcribed. Data were analyzed by thematic analysis using a primarily inductive approach. The Health Impact Model was employed to help with interpretation of the results. RESULTS: Five interrelated levels of health impact were identified: symptom status, functional limitations, restrictions in social activities and roles, negative thoughts and feelings, and an altered sense of self. Constant pain and pain at night were key symptoms that were associated with impact at the other levels. CONCLUSION: Constant pain, pain at night, functional capacity, medication burden, emotional impact, and sense of self are important outcomes and treatment targets in people with CMC1 joint OA.

Digital technologies in the COVID-19 responses in sub-Saharan Africa: policies, problems and promises.

The gains made five years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development will be lost if the threats presented by the COVID-19 pandemic are not countered in a timely manner. The threat is worse in sub Saharan Africa where poverty and poor health and limited access to services present challenges to even the most robust of health systems on the continent. In light of the requisite public-private collaboration and multi-sectoral approach, digital technologies offer opportunities to support the COVID-19 responses. This commentary reviews the policy environment and the challenges presented by digital illiteracy, poor infrastructure, the high cost of installing ICT infrastructure, the volatile political environment and limited electricity supply as well as the opportunities that digital technologies provide to ensure that people and communities are still able to access goods and services. It highlights how digital technologies are being used by the governments, parliaments, judiciaries, schools, health service providers, transport authorities and marketers to reach their targeted audiences. The commentary concludes with recommendations on possible interventions that emphasize the need to address infrastructural limitations, promote public private partnerships and tackle the digital divide in all its dimensions, including from a gender and rural/urban perspective.

Yoga for the management of pain and sleep in rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the feasibility of a relaxation-based yoga intervention for rheumatoid arthritis, designed and reported in accordance with Delphi recommendations for yoga interventions for musculoskeletal conditions. METHODS: Participants were recruited from a hospital database, and randomized to either eight weekly 75-min yoga classes or a usual care control. Feasibility was determined by recruitment rates, retention, protocol adherence, participant satisfaction and adverse events. Secondary physical and psychosocial outcomes were assessed using self-reported questionnaires at baseline (week 0), week 9 (primary time point) and week 12 (follow-up). RESULTS: Over a 3-month period, 26 participants with mild pain, mild to moderate functional disability and moderate disease activity were recruited into the study (25% recruitment rate). Retention rates were 100% for yoga participants and 92% for usual care participants at both weeks 9 and 12. Protocol adherence and participant satisfaction were high. Yoga participants attended a median of seven classes; additionally, seven of the yoga participants (54%) reported continuing yoga at home during the follow-up period. No serious adverse events were related to the study. Secondary outcomes showed no group effects of yoga compared with usual care. CONCLUSIONS: A relaxation-based yoga programme was found to be feasible and safe for participants with rheumatoid arthritis-related pain and functional disability. Adverse events were minor, and not unexpected from an intervention including physical components. This pilot provides a framework for larger intervention studies, and supports further exploration of yoga as a complex intervention to assist with the management of rheumatoid arthritis.

An integrative Tai Chi program for patients with breast cancer undergoing cancer therapy: study protocol for a randomized controlled feasibility study / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Breast cancer patients experience various side effects during cancer therapy, often resulting in reduced quality of life and poor adherence to treatment. A limited range of proven interventions has been developed to target such side effects. While Tai Chi offers benefits for the health and well-being of breast cancer survivors, the effectiveness of Tai Chi across the treatment continuum has not been evaluated. Improved patient education and support has been suggested as a priority for breast cancer care. This pilot study assesses the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness of "an integrative Tai Chi" (ANITA) program for breast cancer patients undergoing cancer therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS/DESIGN</b>This is a single-centre, two-arm feasibility RCT. Twenty-four patients with breast cancer who have undergone surgical treatment will be recruited from the Dunedin Hospital (New Zealand) over a 12-month period (from August 2017 to July 2018). Subject to informed consent, patients will be randomized to receive standard cancer treatment alone or standard cancer treatment plus the ANITA program, consisting of peer support, health education, and Tai Chi Ruler exercise. The program runs alongside the patient's adjuvant cancer therapy, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, antibody treatment, and/or antihormonal therapy. Analysis in this study will focus on process evaluation of participant recruitment, retention, treatment fidelity, acceptability of the program, and occurrence of adverse events. Clinical outcomes (i.e., fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety and depression and quality of life) will be assessed at baseline, and at 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-randomization.</p><p><b>DISCUSSION</b>Outcomes from this study will inform the feasibility and methodology for a future fully-powered RCT.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with the identifier ACTRN12617000975392.</p>

Physiotherapists' use of advice and exercise for the management of chronic low back pain: a national survey.

The objective of the study was to establish the specific use of advice and exercise by physiotherapists, for the management of chronic low back pain (LBP). A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 600 members of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists. Open and closed questions were used to obtain information on treatments provided to chronic LBP patients. Respondents' treatment goals were also investigated, along with the typical methods used to assess treatment outcome. Four hundred and nineteen of the sample returned the questionnaire; 280/419 (67%) indicated that they currently treated LBP of which 76% (n=214) were senior grade therapists. Advice and exercise, respectively, were the treatments most frequently used for chronic LBP: advice was most commonly delivered as part of an exercise programme, with strengthening (including core stability) the most frequently used exercise type. Supervision of exercise and follow-up advice were underutilised with respect to the recommendations of relevant clinical guidelines. Pain relief was an important treatment goal. Emphasis on exercise programme supervision, incorporating reassurance that its safe to stay active and 'hurt does not mean harm', must be more effectively disseminated and promoted in practice. The influence of follow-up advice on exercise adherence warrants further investigation.

Chronic low back pain: non-clinical factors impacting on management by Irish doctors.

INTRODUCTION: General practitioners and consultants in the Republic of Ireland manage patients with chronic low back pain (LBP), but little is known about the non-clinical factors that impact on their management. AIM: To establish the non-clinical factors that impact on the management of chronic LBP by a cohort of general practitioners and consultants. METHODS: Using a multiple case study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners (n = 7) and consultants (n = 7). Interviews were transcribed and analysed qualitatively. RESULTS: Two main themes emerged: policy factors (the health care system, the medico-legal system), and patient factors (need for reassurance, lack of patient adherence). CONCLUSIONS: These factors operate at national and local levels. Nationally, they underscore the lack of resources, and the impact of the medico-legal system. Local issues include changing practice by reassuring patients using evidence-based biopsychosocial strategies to maximise patient care and reduce healthcare costs.

Low-Level Laser Therapy Facilitates Superficial Wound Healing in Humans: A Triple-Blind, Sham-Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been promoted for its beneficial effects on tissue healing and pain relief. However, according to the results of in vivo studies, the effectiveness of this modality varies. Our purpose was to assess the putative effects of LLLT on healing using an experimental wound model. DESIGN AND SETTING: We used a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled design with 2 within-subjects factors (wound and time) and 1 between-subjects factor (group). Data were collected in the laboratory setting. SUBJECTS: Twenty-two healthy subjects (age = 21 +/- 1 years, height = 175.6 +/- 9.8 cm, mass = 76.2 +/- 14.2 kg). MEASUREMENTS: Two standardized 1.27-cm(2) abrasions were induced on the anterior forearm. After wound cleaning, standardized digital photos were recorded. Each subject then received LLLT (8 J/cm(2); treatment time = 2 minutes, 5 seconds; pulse rate = 700 Hz) to 1 of the 2 randomly chosen wounds from either a laser or a sham 46-diode cluster head. Subjects reported back to the laboratory on days 2 to 10 to be photographed and receive LLLT and on day 20 to be photographed. Data were analyzed for wound contraction (area), color changes (chromatic red), and luminance. RESULTS: A group x wound x time interaction was detected for area measurements. At days 6, 8, and 10, follow-up testing revealed that the laser group had smaller wounds than the sham group for both the treated and the untreated wounds (P < .05). No group x wound x time differences were detected for chromatic red or luminance. CONCLUSIONS: The LLLT resulted in enhanced healing as measured by wound contraction. The untreated wounds in subjects treated with LLLT contracted more than the wounds in the sham group, so LLLT may produce an indirect healing effect on surrounding tissues. These data indicate that LLLT is an effective modality to facilitate wound contraction of partial-thickness wounds.