scholarly journals Affective Touch Reduces Electrically Induced Itch Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Larissa L. Meijer ◽  
Zoë A. Schielen ◽  
Kim Y. van Ree ◽  
H. Chris Dijkerman
Keyword(s):  
Past Research ◽  
Ventral Side ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Neural Processing ◽  
Affective Touch ◽  
Touch Condition ◽  
Subject Design ◽  
New Treatments

Introduction: Itch is a common symptom in dermatologic and other diseases and can have a severe impact on quality of life and mental health. As a proportion of patients with itch-symptoms is resistant to commonly used anti-histamine treatments, development of new treatments is desirable. Past research on pain, itch and affective touch (i.e. slow, gentle stroking of the skin activating C-tactile fibers) revealed an inhibitory relationship between affective touch and pain and between pain and itch. Given the overlap in neural processing between these three sensory submodalities, a possible interaction between affective touch and itch might be expected. This study investigated whether there is a relationship between itch and affective touch, and if so, whether affective touch inhibits itch.Methodology: Itch was electrically induced with the use of electrodes that were placed at the ventral side of the wrist of 61 participants. A within-subject design was conducted with two conditions. An experimental -affective touch- condition (stroking the forearm with a soft brush at 3 cm/s) and a control -non-affective touch- condition (stroking the forearm with a soft brush at 18 cm/s). Touch was applied on the dorsal side of the forearm, the same arm as were the electrodes were placed. For each condition itch was induced for 20 min, with every 2 min a VAS-scale measurement of the level of experienced itch.Results: Both types of touch reduced the experienced itch compared to baseline (p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.67). However, affective touch had an additional significant relieving effect compared to non-affective touch (p = 0.03, partial η2= 0.08). The alleviation of itch started after 2 min of stroking and continued to increase up till 6 min, where after the relieving effect stabilized but still persisted.Conclusion: This finding suggest that affective touch, as with acute pain, has a relieving effect on electrically induced itch.

Effect of new dietary supplement on sperm quality

2012 ◽  
Vol 153 (45) ◽  
pp. 1787-1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mária Horváth ◽  
Endre Czeizel
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effect ◽  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Dietary Supplement ◽  
Male Fertility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Usa ◽  
New Treatments

Introduction: There is a decline in male fertility thus new treatments are needed. Aims: To test the efficacy of a new dietary supplement developed in the USA and registered as a curing drug in Hungary (OGYI). Methods: In a clinical trial 100 men with low sperm quality (spermium count 5–20 M/ml, good motility 10–40%, and adverse shape 30–50%) were examined. Results: Sperm parameters were measured before and after a 3-month treatment and after another 3-month without treatment. This dietary supplement statistically and clinically significantly improved sperm count and motility. In 74 cases this dietary supplement demonstrated a beneficial effect on sperm quality (more than 10% increase in sperm count, or quality of motility, or shape); in 16 cases the improvement exceeded 30%. No adverse effect could be accounted for this treatment. Conclusions: This new dietary supplement may contribute to the treatment of male infertility. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1787–1792.

scholarly journals Gravity determines the direction of nerve roots sedimentation in the lumbar spinal canal

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun Yang ◽  
Zhiyun Feng ◽  
Nian Chen ◽  
Zhenhua Hong ◽  
Yongyu Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lumbar Spine ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Spinal Canal ◽  
Ventral Side ◽  
Lateral Position ◽  
Dorsal Side ◽  
Mr Images ◽  
Nerve Roots ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dural Sac

Abstract Objectives To investigate the role of gravity in the sedimentation of lumbar spine nerve roots using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of various body positions. Methods A total of 56 patients, who suffered from back pain and underwent conventional supine lumbar spine MR imaging, were selected from sanmen hospital database. All the patients were called back to our hospital to perform MR imaging in prone position or lateral position. Furthermore, the sedimentation sign (SedSign) was determined based on the suspension of the nerve roots in the dural sac on cross-sectional MR images, and 31 cases were rated as positive and another 25 cases were negative. Results The mean age of negative SedSign group was significantly younger than that of positive SedSign group (51.7 ± 8.7 vs 68.4 ± 10.5, P < 0.05). The constitutions of clinical diagnosis were significantly different between patients with a positive SedSign and those with a negative SedSign (P < 0.001). Overall, nerve roots of the vast majority of patients (48/56, 85.7%) subsided to the ventral side of the dural sac on the prone MR images, although that of 8 (14.3%) patients remain stay in the dorsal side of dural sac. Nerve roots of only one patient with negative SedSign did not settle to the ventral dural sac, while this phenomenon occurred in 7 patients in positive SedSign group (4% vs 22.6%, P < 0.001). In addition, the nerve roots of all the five patients subsided to the left side of dural sac on lateral position MR images. Conclusions The nerve roots sedimentation followed the direction of gravity. Positive SedSign may be a MR sign of lumbar pathology involved the spinal canal.

scholarly journals Glatiramer Acetate Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis-Associated Fatigue—Beneficial Effects on Self-Assessment Scales But Not on Molecular Markers

Biomolecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 393
Author(s):  
Oliver Neuhaus ◽  
Wolfgang Köhler ◽  
Florian Then Bergh ◽  
Wolfgang Kristoferitsch ◽  
Jürgen Faiss ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Glatiramer Acetate ◽  
Neurotrophic Factors ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Mrna Levels ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Beneficial Effects

Although fatigue is a common symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS), its pathomechanisms are incompletely understood. Glatiramer acetate (GA), an immunomodulatory agent approved for treatment of relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), possesses unique mechanisms of action and has been shown to exhibit beneficial effects on MS fatigue. The objective of this study was to correlate clinical, neuropsychological, and immunological parameters in RRMS patients with fatigue before and during treatment with GA. In a prospective, open-label, multicenter trial, 30 patients with RRMS and fatigue were treated with GA for 12 months. Inclusion criterion was the presence of fatigue as one of the most frequent and disabling symptoms. Before and during treatment, fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the MS-FSS, and the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS). In addition, fatigue and quality of life were assessed using the Visual Analog Scales (VAS). Laboratory assessments included screening of 188 parameters using real-time PCR microarrays followed by further analysis of several cytokines, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors. Fatigue self-assessments were completed in 25 patients. After 12 months of treatment with GA, 13 of these patients improved in all three scales (with the most prominent effects on the MFIS), whereas 5 patients had deteriorated. The remaining 7 patients exhibited inconsistent effects within the three scales. Fatigue and overall quality of life had improved, as assessed via VAS. Laboratory assessments revealed heterogeneous mRNA levels of cytokines, chemokines, and neurotrophic factors. In conclusion, we were not able to correlate clinical and molecular effects of GA in patients with RRMS and fatigue.

scholarly journals Preferences of Canadian Patients and Physicians for Treatment of HR+/HER2− Advanced Breast Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 491-508
Author(s):  
Daniel Stellato ◽  
Marroon Thabane ◽  
Caitlin Eichten ◽  
Thomas E. Delea
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Patient Advocacy Group ◽  
Treatment Alternatives ◽  
E Mail

(1) Background: Past research suggests that patients with advanced breast cancer prefer treatments with improved clinical outcomes and lower risk of side effects. Evidence on preferences of Canadian patients and physicians for treatments for advanced breast cancer is limited. (2) Methods: Patients’ and physicians’ preferences for treatments for HR+/HER2−, pre-/peri-menopausal advanced breast cancer were assessed by an online discrete choice experiment (DCE). Treatment alternatives were characterized by seven attributes regarding dosing, efficacy, and toxicities, with levels corresponding to those for ribociclib plus a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor (NSAI), NSAI, and tamoxifen. For patients, impacts of advanced breast cancer on quality of life (QOL) and ability to work/perform activities of daily living also were assessed. Patients were recruited by a Canadian breast cancer patient advocacy group through email and social media. Physicians were recruited by email. (3) Results: Among 118 patients starting the survey, 23 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (19%). Among 271 physicians who were sent the e-mail invitation, 21 completed ≥ 1 DCE question (8%). For both patients and physicians, the increased probability of remaining alive and without cancer progression over 2 years was the most important attribute. A treatment with attributes consistent with ribociclib plus NSAI was chosen by patients and physicians in 70% and 88% of the time, respectively. A substantial proportion of patients reported worrying about future diagnostic tests and their cancer getting worse; (4) Conclusions: Canadian patients and physicians are generally concordant in preference for advanced breast cancer treatments, preferring ribociclib plus NSAI to other options.

scholarly journals On Examining the Quality of Spanish Translation in Telephone Surveys: A Novel Test-Retest Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 691-705
Author(s):  
Robert P Agans ◽  
Quirina M Vallejos ◽  
Thad S Benefield
Keyword(s):  
Past Research ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Spanish Translation ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Single Item ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
Survey Questions ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Past research has shown that commonly reported cultural group disparities in health-related indices may be attributable to culturally mediated differences in the interpretation of translated survey questions and response scales. This problem may be exacerbated when administering single-item survey questions, which typically lack the reliability seen in multi-item scales. We adapt the test-retest approach for single-item survey questions that have been translated from English into Spanish and demonstrate how to use this approach as a quick and efficient pilot test before fielding a major survey. Three retest conditions were implemented (English-Spanish, Spanish-English, and English-English) on a convenience sample (n = 109) of Latinos and non-Latinos where translated items were compared against an English-English condition that served as our control. Several items were flagged for investigation using this approach. Discussion centers on the utility of this approach for evaluating the Spanish translation of single-item questions in population-based surveys.

scholarly journals Pathophysiology and Treatment of Pruritus in Elderly

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 174
Author(s):  
Bo Young Chung ◽  
Ji Young Um ◽  
Jin Cheol Kim ◽  
Seok Young Kang ◽  
Chun Wook Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Unknown Origin ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Multiple Factors ◽  
Signaling Mechanisms ◽  
Novel Drugs ◽  
Neuropathic Pruritus ◽  
Chronic Pruritus

Pruritus is a relatively common symptom that anyone can experience at any point in their life and is more common in the elderly. Pruritus in elderly can be defined as chronic pruritus in a person over 65 years old. The pathophysiology of pruritus in elderly is still unclear, and the quality of life is reduced. Generally, itch can be clinically classified into six types: Itch caused by systemic diseases, itch caused by skin diseases, neuropathic pruritus, psychogenic pruritus, pruritus with multiple factors, and from unknown causes. Senile pruritus can be defined as a chronic pruritus of unknown origin in elderly people. Various neuronal mediators, signaling mechanisms at neuronal terminals, central and peripheral neurotransmission pathways, and neuronal sensitizations are included in the processes causing itch. A variety of therapies are used and several novel drugs are being developed to relieve itch, including systemic and topical treatments.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in Patients with Nasal Obstruction after Septoplasty: A Single Institution Prospective Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Dąbrowska-Bień ◽  
Henryk Skarżyński ◽  
Sebastian Filip Górski ◽  
Piotr Henryk Skarżyński
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Nasal Obstruction ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Single Institution ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Symptom Evaluation ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Introduction Nasal obstruction is a common symptom in otorhinolaryngological practice. It can impact significantly on the quality of life of the individual. Objective The primary goal of the present study was to evaluate quality of life after septoplasty in adults with nasal obstruction. A secondary goal was to assess the effectiveness of septoplasty. Methods This was a single institution prospective observational study. Patients had experienced septal deviation and symptomatic nasal obstruction with no benefit from medical treatment. There were 51 patients who completed the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE-POL) scale as well as theVisual Analogue Scale (VAS) before undergoing septoplasty, 3 months later, and finally 7 months after surgery. Patients evaluated changes in their nasal obstruction and changes in their quality of life using the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S). Results There was a significant improvement in nasal obstruction after septoplasty. Before septoplasty, the mean score on NOSE was 60.3 ± 20.4; 3 months after surgery, it was 32.9 ± 16.8; and 7 months after surgery it was 39.6 ± 33.2. The VAS results also proved a significant enhancement in nasal obstruction after septoplasty. Patients reported an improvement in nasal obstruction as well as a positive change in quality of life, confirming the effectiveness of septoplasty. Conclusions In patients with deformed septum, septoplasty contributes to high satisfaction of the patient and a compelling improvement in disease-specific quality of life. The NOSE-POL questionnaire is a useful tool for measuring the outcomes of this procedure.

Treatment Given Near the End of Life in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (7) ◽  
pp. 536-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna A. Zaghloul ◽  
Jose R. Murillo
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
End Of Life ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer ◽  
Castration Resistant ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Impact On Survival ◽  
New Treatments

Chemotherapy treatment options are limited for patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The purpose of this study is to report treatment use and adverse effects (AEs) within the last three months of life in patients with CRPC. Of the 88 patients identified, 32% received treatment within 3 months of death, and documented AEs occurred in 25% of patients. Of those, neutropenia (18.3%), nausea/vomiting (18.3%), and febrile neutropenia (13.6%) were the most frequent. Results of this study show high treatment utility towards the end-of-life in patients with CRPC, with one fourth of patients experiencing AEs. Attention to health-related quality of life becomes increasingly important as new treatments appear to have small impact on survival, and AEs of those treatments may significantly impact patient quality of life.

Effect of Sucrose on Cisplatin-induced Fatigue-like Behavior in Mice: Comparison With Fructose and Glucose

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 95-102
Author(s):  
KAZUMI YOSHIZAWA ◽  
RUKA KURONO ◽  
HARUKA SATO ◽  
ERIKA ISHIJIMA ◽  
HARUKA NASU ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Common Symptom ◽  
Antitumor Effects ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Running Activity ◽  
Glucose Intake

Background/Aim: Fatigue is the most common symptom in patients with cancer undergoing radiation therapy or cancer chemotherapy. However, cancer-related fatigue remains undertreated and poorly understood. Materials and Methods: Mice were administered a single dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) or saline (as a control) and then treated with sucrose, fructose, glucose (each at 500 or 5,000 mg/kg, orally), or saline (control) daily for 4 days. cisplatin-induced fatigue-like behavior was investigated by assessment of running activity on a treadmill. The influence of glucose intake on tumor growth was also examined in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC)-bearing mice. Results: Administration of sucrose and glucose improved cisplatin-induced fatigue-like behavior in mice, whereas administration of fructose showed only slight antifatigue effects. Although glucose-fed mice showed increased tumor growth, this was balanced out by the powerful cytotoxicity of cisplatin. Conclusion: Sucrose, and especially glucose, may improve patient quality of life during treatment with anticancer agents by preventing fatigue without interfering with the antitumor effects of cisplatin.

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