scholarly journals One of us or one of them? The effects of the model’s and observer’s characteristics on placebo analgesia induced by observational learning

PLoS ONE ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. e0243996
Author(s):  
Elżbieta A. Bajcar ◽  
Karolina Wiercioch-Kuzianik ◽  
Dominika Farley ◽  
Wacław M. Adamczyk ◽  
Ewa Buglewicz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Placebo Effect ◽  
Observational Learning ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Fear Of Pain ◽  
Placebo Analgesia ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Pain Stimuli ◽  
Person Model

Previous studies have proved that observational learning can induce placebo analgesia, but the factors that influence observationally induced placebo analgesia have not yet been extensively examined. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the effect of information about the role that the observed person (model) plays in the experiment on the magnitude of the observationally induced placebo effect. This study also examined the contribution of the observer’s empathy, conformity and fear of pain to the placebo analgesia induced by observational learning. The effects induced in two experimental groups and one control group were compared. Participants in the experimental groups observed a model introduced as either another participant taking part in the study or a coworker of the experimenter. The model rated the intensity of pain induced by electrocutaneous stimuli preceded by color stimuli. One-half of all participants watched a model rating pain stimuli preceded by the color orange as higher than stimuli preceded by the color blue; for the other half, the ratings were the opposite. There was no observation in the control group. Subsequently, all participants received pain stimuli of the same intensity preceded by orange and blue stimuli and rated the intensity of the experienced pain. Placebo analgesia was found in both experimental groups. However, the way the observed model was introduced to participants did not affect the magnitude of placebo analgesia. Thus, the study showed that the role played by the model is not crucial for observationally induced placebo analgesia. The examined observer’s individual characteristics did not predict the magnitude of placebo effect.

Placebo Analgesia Changes on Self-Pain and Empathy for Pain: Influences of Event-Related EEG Oscillations, Heart Rate Variability, and Personality

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vilfredo De Pascalis ◽  
Arianna Vecchio
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Power ◽  
The Other ◽  
Behavioral Inhibition System ◽  
Placebo Analgesia ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Physiological Processes ◽  
Experienced Pain ◽  
Empathy For Pain ◽  
Empathic Ability

Abstract We induced placebo analgesia (PA), a phenomenon explicitly attenuating the self-pain feeling, to assess whether this resulted in reduced empathy pain when witnessing a confederate undergoing such pain experience. We recorded EEG and electrocardiogram during a painful control and PA treatment in healthy adults who rated their experienced pain and empathy for pain. We derived HRV changes and, using wavelet analysis of non-phase-locked event-related EEG oscillations, EEG spectral power differences for self-pain and other-pain conditions. First-hand PA produced a reduction of self-pain and self-unpleasantness, whereas we observed only a slight decrease of other unpleasantness. We derived linear combinations of HRV and EEG band power changes significantly associated with self-pain and empathy for pain changes using PCAs. We found that relative HR-slowing together with decreased midline ϑ-band (4-8 Hz) power directly influenced self-pain reduction and, indirectly, through chained mediating effects of the Behavioral Inhibition System and Fight-Flight-Freezing System traits. In the other-pain condition, we detected a direct influence of the midline β2-band (22-30 Hz) power reduction on the other-pain decline with a positive mediating role of Total Empathic Ability. These findings suggest that PA modulation of first-hand versus other pain relies on functionally different physiological processes involving different personality traits.

Detection and Assessment of Interleukin 6 in Irreversible Pulp Inflamation

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (2) ◽  
pp. 323-327
Author(s):  
Cristian Levente Giuroiu ◽  
Maria Vataman ◽  
Gabriel Melian ◽  
Dragos Bularda ◽  
Ludmila Lozneanu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dental Caries ◽  
Interleukin 6 ◽  
Dental Pulp ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Study Group ◽  
Pulp Tissue ◽  
Immunohistochemical Technique ◽  
Systemic Distribution ◽  
Cell Zone

The study aimed to assess the number, localization and distribution of interleukin 6 (IL-6) positive cells in healthy pulp, acute and chronic pulpitis. The study group included 48 patients aged between 18-72, treated in University of Medicine and Pharmacy Grigore T. Popa Iasi, Romania. The pulpectomy was performed on 42 patients diagnosed with acute and chronic pulpitis. The other 6 patients, without signs of dental caries or periodontal disease, were submitted to extractions of teeth for orthodontic purposes, with pulpectomy performed before extraction. The pulp samples were examined with optic microscope. The detection and assessment of IL-6 were performed using immunohistochemical technique. Data were statistically analysed using non-parametric tests. According to morphopathological criteria, 42.85% were classified as acute pulpitis and 57.14% as chronic pulpitis. The pulp samples in control group were not associated with IL-6 positive cells. The analysis of all samples with acute and chronic pulpitis identified 73.80% samples with IL-6 and 26.20% associated with the absence of IL-6. The highest frequency of IL-6 positive cells was recorded in rich-cell zone of crown dental pulp. The systemic distribution of IL-6 positive cells was mostly diffused without well-defined orientation. IL-6 release in acute and chronic pulpitis is significantly higher comparing with healthy pulp tissue.

Antimicrobial Effect of 940 nm Diode Laser based on Photolysis of Hydrogen Peroxide in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2081-2088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alin Alexandru Odor ◽  
Edwin Sever Bechir ◽  
Deborah Violant ◽  
Victoria Badea
Keyword(s):  
Hydrogen Peroxide ◽  
Laser Therapy ◽  
Diode Laser ◽  
Antimicrobial Effect ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Periodontal Bacteria ◽  
Severe Periodontitis ◽  
Before And After

Moderate and severe periodontitis represents a challenge in the non-surgical periodontal therapy. Due to the lack of evidence regarding the antimicrobial effectiveness of 940 nm diode laser in periodontal treatment, this study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) photolysis performed with 940 nm diode laser in the treatment of moderate and severe periodontitis. Twenty-five patients with 100 teeth were selected for this pilot study. The test teeth were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups: Group 1: scaling and root planning (SRP) (control group); and the following experimental groups: Group 2: H2O2; Group 3: 940 nm diode laser therapy; Group 4: 940 nm diode laser therapy and H2O2. Clinical examinations, like probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were performed before and after the treatment. The microbiological evaluation, effectuated before and after the treatment, included nine periodontal bacteria species and investigated by means of real-time PCR assay. The clinical and bacterial differences in the tested groups, was assessed between control group and the other three experimental groups, as well as between the experimental groups. The total bacteria load was reduced for all four studied groups. Group 4 (diode laser + H2O2) showed significant bacterial reduction of the major periodontal bacteria like Pg., Tf., Td., Pi., Pm., Fn (p[0.001) than the other 3 groups (p]0.001). Also the periodontal clinical parameters, like PD, CAL and BOP showed a significant reduction after the photolysis of H2O2 with the 940 nm diode laser (p[0.001). Differences between tested groups showed a significant beneficial results in regard to Group 4.It is suggested that the photoactivation of H2O2 with the 940 nm diode laser can be used successfully in adjunctive to the non-surgical periodontal treatment as a bactericidal tool.

scholarly journals Psycho-Electrophysiological Benefits of Forest Therapies Focused on Qigong and Walking with Elderly Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 3004
Author(s):  
Jiyune Yi ◽  
Seul Gee Kim ◽  
Taegyu Khil ◽  
Minja Shin ◽  
Jin-Hee You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Forest ◽  
Nervous Activity ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Other ◽  
Upper Body ◽  
Sympathetic Nervous Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Beta Band ◽  
Elderly Individuals ◽  
Beneficial Effects

We developed two distinct forest therapy programs (FTPs) and compared their effects on dementia prevention and related health problems for older adults. One was focused on Qigong practice in the forest (QP) and the other involved active walking in the forest (WP). Both FTPs consisted of twelve 2-h sessions over six weeks and were conducted in an urban forest. We obtained data from 25, 18, and 26 participants aged 65 years or above for the QP, WP, and control groups, respectively. Neuropsychological scores via cognition (MoCA), geriatric depression (GDS) and quality of life (EQ-5D), and electrophysiological variables (electroencephalography, bioimpedance, and heart rate variability) were measured. We analyzed the intervention effects with a generalized linear model. Compared to the control group, the WP group showed benefits in terms of neurocognition (increases in the MoCA score, and alpha and beta band power values in the electroencephalogram), sympathetic nervous activity, and bioimpedance in the lower body. On the other hand, the QP group showed alleviated depression and an increased bioimpedance phase angle in the upper body. In conclusion, both active walking and Qigong in the forest were shown to have distinctive neuropsychological and electrophysiological benefits, and both had beneficial effects in terms of preventing dementia and relieving related health problems for elderly individuals.

scholarly journals Antioxidant activity of Lactobacillus plantarum NJAU-01 in an animal model of aging

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingfeng Ge ◽  
Bo Yang ◽  
Rui Liu ◽  
Donglei Jiang ◽  
Hai Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Lactobacillus Plantarum ◽  
Meat Product ◽  
The Other ◽  
Oxidative Stress Marker ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Intragastric Administration ◽  
Aging Effects ◽  
Sterile Saline

Abstract Background Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause serious damage to the human body and may cause various chronic diseases. Studies have found that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have antioxidant and anti-aging effects, and are important resources for the development of microbial antioxidants. This paper was to explore the potential role of an antioxidant strain, Lactobacillus plantarum NJAU-01 screened from traditional dry-cured meat product Jinhua Ham in regulating D-galactose-induced subacute senescence of mice. A total of 48 specific pathogen free Kun Ming mice (SPF KM mice) were randomly allocated into 6 groups: control group with sterile saline injection, aging group with subcutaneously injection of D-galactose, treatments groups with injection of D-galactose and intragastric administration of 107, 108, and 109 CFU/mL L. plantarum NJAU-01, and positive control group with injection of D-galactose and intragastric administration of 1 mg/mL Vitamin C. Results The results showed that the treatment group of L. plantarum NJAU-01 at 109 CFU/mL showed higher total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and the antioxidant enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) than those of the other groups in serum, heart and liver. In contrast, the content of the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA) showed lower levels than the other groups (P < 0.05). The antioxidant capacity was improved with the supplement of the increasing concentration of L. plantarum NJAU-01. Conclusions Thus, this study demonstrates that L. plantarum NJAU-01 can alleviate oxidative stress by increasing the activities of enzymes involved in oxidation resistance and decreasing level of lipid oxidation in mice.

scholarly journals The change of gut microbiota in MDD patients under SSRIs treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Shen ◽  
Xiao Yang ◽  
Gaofei Li ◽  
Jiayu Gao ◽  
Ying Liang
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Maximum Dose ◽  
Antidepressant Treatment ◽  
Intestinal Flora ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depressed Patients ◽  
Metabolic Functions

AbstractThe alterations in the gut microbiota have been reported to be correlated with the development of depression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of intestinal microbiota in depressed patients after antidepressant treatment. We recruited 30 MDD patients (MDD group) and 30 healthy controls (control group). The MDD group received individualized treatment with escitalopram at a maximum dose of 20 mg/day. After depressive symptoms improved to a HAMD scale score > 50%, a fecal sample was collected again and used as the follow-up group. The differences of gut microbiota between patients and controls, the characteristics of gut microbiota under treatment and the potential differences in metabolic functions were thus investigated. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly different within three groups, and the ratio of follow-up group was significantly lower than those of the other two groups. Alpha diversity was significantly higher in MDD group than those of the other groups, and the alpha diversity was not significantly different between control and follow-up groups. The beta diversity of some patients resembled participants in the control group. The metabolic function of gut microbiota after treatment was still different from that of the control group. This study suggests that the intestinal flora of depressed patients has a tendency to return to normal under escitalopram treatment.

scholarly journals Ghrelin and orexin levels in infertile male: evaluation of effects on varicocele pathophysiology, relationship seminal and hormonal parameter

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Üçler Kısa ◽  
M. Murad Başar ◽  
Timuçin Şipal ◽  
Özlem Doğan Ceylan
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Infertile Male ◽  
Seminal Parameters ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Healthy Control ◽  
Regulatory Effects ◽  
Serum Ghrelin ◽  
Infertile Patients ◽  
Group 1

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate serum ghrelin and orexin levels in patients with varicocele and compare these levels with idiopathic infertile male and healthy control cases.MethodsThis study enrolled 24 men with varicocele, 24 males having idiopathic infertility, and 21 fertile men as the control group. Hormonal analyses, ghrelin and orexin levels were measured samples. Semen was analyzed after 3 and 5 days of sexual abstinence.ResultsSerum ghrelin levels were statistically different among the three groups (p=0.015), and it was due to a statistically lower level in group-1 than the level in the control cases (p=0.012). On the other hand, serum orexin levels were lower than healthy subjects in infertile groups with/without varicocele, but there was no difference (p=0.685) among three groups. Serum ghrelin level showed a negative and significant correlation only with sperm motility (r=−0.646, p=0.022), there was no correlation with other parameters. On the other hand, serum orexin levels did not show a significant correlation with seminal parameters.ConclusionBoth new investigated peptides ghrelin and orexin have regulatory effects on testicular function. However, ghrelin has a more obvious and complex effect on spermatogenesis. Impaired seminal parameters, especially motility was associated with increased serum ghrelin levels in infertile patients, especially with varicocele.

scholarly journals Baropodometric technology used to analyze types of weight-bearing during hemiparetic upright position

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 583-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidiane Teles de Menezes ◽  
Paulo Henrique Ferreira de Araujo Barbosa ◽  
Abraão Souza Costa ◽  
Anderson Castro Mundim ◽  
Gabrielly Craveiro Ramos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Center Of Pressure ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Upright Position ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Coordination System ◽  
Support Area ◽  
Arch Index

INTRODUCTION: Although baropodometric analysis has been published since the 1990s, only now it is found a considerable number of studies showing different uses in the rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To amplify the use of this technology, this research aimed to analyze baropodometric records during upright position of subjects with hemiparesis, describing a way to define weight-bearing profiles in this population. METHOD: 20 healthy subjects were matched by gender and age with 12 subjects with chronic spastic hemiparesis. This control group was formed to establish the limits of symmetry during weight-bearing distribution in the hemiparesis group. Next, hemiparesis group was submitted to procedures to measure baropodometric records used to provide variables related to the weight-bearing distribution, the arch index and the displacements in the center of pressure (CoP). Data were used to compare differences among kinds of weight-bearing distribution (symmetric, asymmetric toward non-paretic or paretic foot) and coordination system for CoP displacements. RESULTS: Hemiparesis group was compounded by eight symmetrics, eight asymmetrics toward non-paretic foot and four asymmetric toward paretic foot. Significant differences in the weight-bearing distributions between non-predominantly and predominantly used foot did not promote differences in the other baropodometric records (peak and mean of pressure, and support area). Mainly in the asymmetry toward non-paretic foot it was observed significant modifications of the baropodometric records. CONCLUSION: Baropodometric technology can be used to analyze weight-bearing distribution during upright position of subjects with hemiparesis, detecting different kinds of weight-bearing profiles useful to therapeutic programs and researches involving subjects with this disability.

EEG and Behavioral Changes following Neurofeedback Treatment in Learning Disabled Children

2003 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Fernández ◽  
W. Herrera ◽  
T. Harmony ◽  
L Díaz-Comas ◽  
E. Santiago ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Threshold Value ◽  
Learning Disabled ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Relative Power ◽  
Normal Children ◽  
Absolute Power ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Socioeconomical Status ◽  
Experimental Group

Neurofeedback (NFB) is an operant conditioning procedure, by which the subject learns to control his/her EEG activity. On one hand, Learning Disabled (LD) children have higher values of theta EEG absolute and relative power than normal children, and on the other hand, it has been shown that minimum alpha absolute power is necessary for adequate performance. Ten LD children were selected with higher than normal ratios of theta to alpha absolute power (theta/alpha). The Test Of Variables of Attention (TOVA) was applied. Children were divided into two groups in order to maintain similar IQ values, TOVA values, socioeconomical status, and gender for each group. In the experimental group, NFB was applied in the region with highest ratio, triggering a sound each time the ratio fell below a threshold value. Noncontingent reinforcement was given to the other group. Twenty half-hour sessions were applied, at a rate of 2 per week. At the end of the 20 sessions, TOVA, WISC and EEG were obtained. There was significant improvement in WISC performance in the experimental group that was not observed in the control group. EEG absolute power decreased in delta, theta, alpha and beta bands in the experimental group. Control children only showed a decrease in relative power in the delta band. All changes observed in the experimental group and not observed in the control group indicate better cognitive performance and the presence of greater EEG maturation in the experimental group, which suggests that changes were due not only to development but also to NFB treatment.

scholarly journals The Repercussion of Ai Chi on Aged People’s Balance

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 247-256
Author(s):  
Pablo Javier Olabe Sánchez ◽  
Andrés Martínez-Almagro Andreo
Keyword(s):  
Fall Prevention ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
The Other ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aged People ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Risk Of Fall ◽  
And Control ◽  
Positive Effect

To practice strength and balance activities are shown as useful tools to fall prevention by diverse metanalysis. On the other side, aquatic environment offers interesting properties for a therapeutic reeducation, being the Ai Chi one of its applications. Aim: To evaluate the repercussion of an Ai Chi programme on aged people’s balance. Method: A randomized controlled trial was developed comparing two groups formed by aged people with risk of fall according to the Timed Up & Go test. Intervention Group (IG) followed twelve Ai Chi sessions combined with their thermal programme; and Control Group (CG) just followed the thermal programme. Both groups spent two weeks in the Balneario of Archena (Murcia, Spain). Results: Both groups improve their balance; however, only the IG reached the non-risk of fall from the Timed Up & Go test. Conclusions: The combination of Ai Chi sessions and a thermal programme had a positive effect on aged people’s balance, showing a therapeutic and clinical relevance.

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