Implications on hypnotherapy: Neuroplasticity, epigenetics and pain.

We provide a brief review about the significance of hypnosis with respect to applications and physiological processes in hypnotherapy. Our review concludes that hypnosis is a promising method to manage acute and chronic pain. In addition, we discuss indications pointing toward the view that hypnosis can induce changes in neuroplasticity possibly involving epigenetic mechanisms.

A multilocus, temperature stress-related gene expression profile assay in Acropora millepora, a dominant reef-building coral.

We report an accurate multiplex reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assay, capable of reproducing gene expression profiles from 16 target genes [12 genes of interest (GOIs) and four reference genes (RGs)] in Acropora millepora, a common reef-building model coral species. The 12 GOIs have known or putative roles in the coral bleaching response, yet the method is not restricted to this particular assay and gene set. The procedure is based on the Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, CA, USA) GenomeLab™ GeXP Genetic Analysis System and bridges the gap between quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) expression analysis of a single or a small number of genes and microarray gene expression surveys of thousands of genes. Despite large variation among biological replicates, the majority of GOIs were up-regulated (up to 4000%) in most colonies during a laboratory-based thermal stress experiment. Two genes, Nf-kß2 and MnSod, were consistently up-regulated in all colonies tested, and we therefore propose these as candidate markers useful for population-level evaluations of thermal stress. Our assay provides an important new tool for coral bleaching studies; because of the lower cost, labour and amount of cDNA required compared with singleplex qPCR, population-level studies with large biological replication are feasible.

Psychosocial issues in the cancer patient.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: To identify psychosocial issues affecting patients with a diagnosis of a spinal column or cord tumor. METHODS: Using the keywords "cancer communication," "psychosocial care," "cancer patient," and "spine cancer patient," a review of the English literature was performed on Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo, a database of the psychology and psychiatry literature in the United States. The relevant articles were reviewed; in addition, relevant references from selected articles were searched. The Spine Oncology Study Group, an international panel of spine oncology surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, identified 2 key questions to be addressed in the course of the systematic review of the literature. Pertinent manuscripts were rated as being of high, moderate, low, or very low quality. Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation evidence-based review system, the 2 key questions were answered using literature review and expert opinion. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: 1. Who are the allied health care professionals necessary for the comprehensive care of the spine tumor patient? 2. Does compassionate communication (in giving life altering information) affect outcome? What tools can be used in communication with the spine tumor patient? RESULTS: Systematic review of the 3 databases yielded 228 articles pertaining to the psychosocial care of spine tumor patients; systematic review yielded 326 articles addressing communication in cancer patients. Systematic search of the Medline, EMBASE, and PsycInfo databases failed to identify any articles that specifically addressed the 2 questions of interest in the spine tumor patient population. The literature search identified low and very low quality evidence; 2 randomized controlled studies were identified. Although neither specifically pertained to the spine tumor patient population, these articles were reviewed and graded as low-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: A multidisciplinary group of allied health care professionals is a necessary prerequisite for the effective psychosocial care of the spine tumor patient. Compassionate communication, in the form of group sessions, telephone support groups, or internet based groups, can alleviate the psychosocial discomfort experienced by spine tumor patients.