A Pilot Study of Functional Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in BPS/IC Patients: Evidence of Central Sensitization.

Bladder pain syndrome/Interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is characterized by increased activity in bladder afferent pathways, recruitment of silent nociceptive neurons, and sensitization of the brain areas responsible for pain amplification. Default mode network (DMN) is a set of regions activated during the resting state, which reflect the brain's intrinsic activity. Conversely, the sensorimotor network (SMN) plays a key role in structural neuroplasticity. This study aimed to evaluate DMN and SMN activity in BPS/IC patients, both with and without bladder noxious stimulus, using functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Six BPS/IC female patients underwent 3 Tesla fMRI brain scanners. Acquisitions consisted of 10-minute blood oxygen level-dependent echo-planar imaging. The first acquisition was with an empty bladder, painless, and the second was with suprapubic pain. Data were processed using the independent component analysis method with the MELODIC tool from the functional brain MRI of the Brain Software Library (FSL). A semi-quantitative analysis was performed afterward. The patients' age was 42.6 ± 5 years, pain intensity was 7 ± 0.7 (0-10), day and night frequency were 9.2 ± 2.2 and 2.8 ± 1.0, and maximal bladder capacity was 260 ± 54 mL. One patient was unable to complete the study. All patients showed a comparable DMN activation in both empty and full bladder states, and all presented high SMN activation whether the bladder was empty or full. The activation of DMN at both bladder states, empty and full, and constant SMN activation without and with pain supports the role of these networks in BPS/IC. Similar findings have been reported in other chronic pain syndromes.

Symptom flares in women with chronic pelvic pain: Questionnaire study within a cohort study (translational research in pelvic pain (TRiPP)).

OBJECTIVE: To quantify the variation, triggers and impact on quality of life of symptom flares in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional questionnaire within the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain clinical cohort study. SETTING: Women with CPP, with subgroups of women with endometriosis (EAP), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (BPS), comorbid endometriosis and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (EABP), and those with pelvic pain without endometriosis or interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (PP). POPULATION OR SAMPLE: A total of 100 participants. METHODS: Descriptive and comparative analysis from flares questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence, characteristics and triggers of short, medium and long symptom flares in CPP. RESULTS: We received 100 responses of 104 questionnaires sent. Seventy-six per cent of women with CPP have ever experienced symptom flares of at least one length (short, medium and/or long). Flares are associated with painful and non-painful symptoms. There is large variation for the frequency, duration, symptoms and triggers for flares. Over 60% of participants reported flares as stopping them from doing things they would usually do, >80% reported thinking about symptoms of flares and >80% reported flares being bothersome. CONCLUSIONS: Flares are prevalent and clinically very important in CPP. More research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and characteristics underlying flares. Clinical practice should include an enquiry into flares with the aim of finding strategies to lessen their burden.

International Collaborative Study Comparing Outcomes of Fenestrated Endovascular Aortic Repair in OCtogenarian vs Non-Octogenarian Patients: The FEVOC study.

OBJECTIVE: With an increasing life expectancy, more octogenarian patients are referred with complex aortic aneurysms (cAAA). The aim of this study was to evaluate short and mid-term outcomes following fenestrated aortic repair (FEVAR) in octogenarians. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies looking at octogenarian-specific outcomes with diverging results. METHODS: Retrospective, multicentre cohort study including consecutive patients undergoing elective FEVAR for cAAAs or type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms between 2007-2022 in eight high-volume centres. Octogenarians vs. non-octogenarians were compared. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 1, 2 and 5-year survival and reintervention rates. RESULTS: A total of 729 patients (median age of 74.8 years [IQR 69.2 - 79.14]) were included, 169 (23%) of which were octogenarians, with 316 (43.3%) patients undergoing juxta/pararenal aneurysm repair. Although octogenarians presented less complex but larger (61 mm vs. 58 mm) aneurysms, the number of fenestrations was similar across groups. No differences in in-hospital mortality (4.1 vs. 3.0%), MAE (16.6% vs 12.2%) or reintervention rates (11.2 vs. 10%) were found. Multivariable logistic regression of in-hospital mortality identified BMI (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.95, P=0.003), chronic heart failure (OR 7.70, 95% CI 1.36-36.15, P=0.003) and GFR<45 ml/min/1.73 m2 (OR 5.25, 95% CI 1.20-22.86, P=0.027) as independent predictors. Median follow-up was 41 months. The 1, 2 and 5-year survival rates were 91.3%, 81.8% and 49.5% in octogenarians vs 90.6%, 86.5% and 68.8% in non-octogenarian patients (Log-rank: =0.001). Freedom from aortic-related death and freedom from reintervention at five-years were similar across groups (log-rank=0.94 and .76, respectively). Age>80 was not an independent predictor of 30-day or long-term mortality on multivariable and Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Elective FEVAR in octogenarians appears to be safe, with similar outcomes as in younger patients. Future studies looking at improved patient selection methods to ensure long-term survival benefits in both octogenarians and younger patients are warranted.

Comparison of different dual-wavelength photobiomodulation protocols application in third molar extractions. A split-mouth randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of PBMT in the soft tissue and bone healing after third molar extraction using the dual-wavelength laser directly into the post-extraction alveoli (PBMT-I), or PBMT with a red laser directly into the alveoli and with an infrared laser externally on the patient's face (PBMT-IE). METHODS: Twenty patients underwent extraction of four third molars were involved in this split-mouth double-blind randomized controlled trial. The Post-extraction alveoli were treated with the following protocols: PBMT-IE: Application of a red laser directly into the alveolus, and infrared laser irradiation transcutaneously and PBMT-I: Application of dual-wavelength laser intraorally. Patients were clinically evaluated 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90 days after the surgical procedure. The analyses in this study were divided into qualitative (centered on the patient's report and on the evaluators' analysis), and quantitative analyses (measurement of the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the face with the objective of measuring post-surgical edema and radiographic analyses for evaluation of the density and structure of the newly formed bone). RESULTS: A progressive improvement was observed in all parameters evaluated in this study, however, this improvement was time dependent, with no distinct effect observed between the PBMT treatments applied. CONCLUSION: The different dual-wavelength PBMT protocols induced a similar postoperative clinical course in third molar extraction surgeries, with a reduced occurrence of complications and a good healing pattern of hard and soft tissues.

Green tea and hyaluronic acid gel enhance fibroblast activation and improves the gingival healing post-third molar extraction.

This study evaluates the effects of a green tea (Camellia sinensis) and hyaluronic acid gel on fibroblast activity and alveolar bone repair following third molar extractions. By examining the gene expression related to cell survival, proliferation, and angiogenesis, the study bridges in vitro findings with clinical outcomes in a split-mouth randomized trial. Human fibroblasts were exposed to the treatment gel, analysing gene expression through RT-qPCR. Twenty participants undergoing bilateral third molar extractions received the test gel on one side and a placebo on the other. Assessments included patient-reported outcomes, professional evaluations, and radiographic analyses at multiple postoperative intervals. The test gel significantly enhanced AKT, CDKs, and VEGF gene expressions, indicating a positive effect on angiogenesis and cell proliferation. Clinically, it resulted in reduced exudate, swelling, and secondary interventions, with radiographs showing improved alveolar bone density after 90 days. The green tea and hyaluronic acid gel significantly improves soft tissue and bone healing post-extraction, offering a promising adjunctive therapy for enhancing postoperative recovery. This gel represents a novel adjuvant treatment option for facilitating improved healing outcomes after third molar extractions, highlighting its potential utility in clinical dental practice.

Efficacy of analgesia promoted by lidocaine and articaine in third molar extraction surgery. A split-mouth, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of 4% articaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000), and 2% lidocaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000) in third molar extraction surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients who underwent surgeries to extract upper and lower third molars were included in this split-mouth, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. The groups in this study were divided according to the anesthetic solution used to provide local anesthesia during extraction of upper and lower third molars: (1) 4% articaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000); (2) 2% lidocaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000). The time to the beginning and end of the sensation of analgesia, pain sensation according to the VAS scale, and number of anesthetic tubes necessary for supplementation were analyzed. RESULTS: It was found that the onset time for analgesia was shorter on the side anesthetized with articaine compared to the side anesthetized with lidocaine (122.1 ± 52.90 s vs. 144.5 ± 68.85 s) (p < 0.05). In addition, the number of tubes used for anesthetic supplementation was also reduced on the articaine side compared to the lidocaine side (0.26 ± 0.48 vs. 0.50 ± 0.75) (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the anesthetic solutions in the other evaluated parameters. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the use of 4% articaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000) reduced the time of onset of analgesia and the necessity for anesthetic supplementation in third molar extraction surgeries compared to the use of 2% lidocaine associated with epinephrine (1:100,000).

Validation of a low-cost continuous renal replacement therapy dialysate fluid controller for experimental purposes.

BACKGROUND: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) support is crucial for critically ill patients and it is underexplored in specific situations. Experimental CRRT offers a means to gain insights into these scenarios, but the prohibitive cost of CRRT machines limits their accessibility. This study aimed to develop and validate a low-cost and precise dialysate controller for experimental CRRT. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate a commendable level of precision in affluent flow control, with a robust correlation (R2 = 0.99) for continuous flow and a strong correlation (R2 = 0.95) for intermittent flow. Additionally, we observed acceptable agreement with a bias = 3.4 mL (upper limit 95% = 43.9 mL and lower limit 95% = - 37 mL) for continuous flow and bias = - 20.9 mL (upper limit 95% = 54 mL and lower limit 95% = - 95.7 mL) for intermittent flow, in this way, offering a precise CRRT dose for the subjects. Furthermore, we achieved excellent precision in the cumulative ultrafiltration net (UFnet), with a bias = - 2.8 mL (upper limit 95% = 6.5 mL and lower limit 95% = - 12 mL). These results remained consistent even at low affluent flow rates of 8, 12, and 20 mL/min, which are compatible with CRRT doses of 25-30 mL/kg for medium-sized animals. Moreover, the acceptable precision of our findings persisted when the dialysate controller was subjected to high filter dialysate chamber pressure for an extended duration, up to 797 min. CONCLUSIONS: The low-cost dialysate controller developed and tested in this study offers a precise means of regulating CRRT in experimental settings. Its affordability and accuracy render it a valuable instrument for studying CRRT support in unconventional clinical scenarios, particularly in middle-income countries' experimental ICU laboratories.

Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: clinical features and treatment with ceftazidime/avibactam and ceftolozane/tazobactam in a tertiary care university hospital center in Portugal - A cross-sectional and retrospective observational study.

Introduction: Extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDR-PA) is a growing concern due to its increasing incidence, limited therapeutic options, limited data on the optimal treatment, and high mortality rates. The study aimed to characterize the population, the outcome and the microbiological characteristics of XDR-PA identified in a Portuguese university hospital center. Methods: All XDR-PA isolates between January 2019 and December 2021 were identified. XDR-PA was defined as resistance to piperacillin-tazobactam, third and fourth generation cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. A retrospective analysis of the medical records was performed. Results: One hundred seventy-eight individual episodes among 130 patients with XDR-PA detection were identified. The most common sources of infection were respiratory (32%) and urinary tracts (30%), although skin and soft tissue infections (18%) and primary bacteremia (14%) were also prevalent. Colonization was admitted in 64 cases. Several patients had risk factors for complicated infections, most notably immunosuppression, structural lung abnormalities, major surgery, hemodialysis or foreign intravascular or urinary devices. XDR-PA identification was more frequent in male patients with an average age of 64.3 ± 17.5 years. One non-susceptibility to colistin was reported. Only 12.4% were susceptible to aztreonam. Ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) was susceptible in 71.5% of the tested isolates. Ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T) was susceptible in 77.5% of the tested isolates. Antibiotic regimens with XDR-PA coverage were reserved for patients with declared infection, except to cystic fibrosis. The most frequently administered antibiotics were colistin (41 cases), CZA (39 cases), and C/T (16 cases). When combination therapy was used, CZA plus colistin was preferred. The global mortality rate among infected patients was 35.1%, significantly higher in those with hematologic malignancy (50.0%, p < 0.05), followed by the ones with bacteremia (44.4%, p < 0.05) and those medicated with colistin (39.0%, p < 0.05), especially the ones with respiratory infections (60.0%). Among patients treated with CZA or C/T, the mortality rate seemed to be lower. Discussion: XDR-PA infections can be severe and difficult to treat, with a high mortality rate. Even though colistin seems to be a viable option, it is likely less safe and efficient than CZA and C/T. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of the clinical infection characteristics and treatment of XDR-PA in Portugal.

What is in the pipeline for new treatments for bladder pain syndrome/ interstitial cystitis?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite available treatments, many bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) patients continue to have poor quality of life. Thus, there is an urge for new therapies. Our manuscript aims to review papers about BPS/IC treatments published in the last 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS: During this period, several treatments were tested, most of them new and others combining treatments already used. Pentosan polysulfate, interleukin 1 antagonist, low energy shock wave, physical therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, clorpactin, dimethyl sulfoxide and hyaluronic acid plus botulinum toxin-A showed positive results. ASP3652 and lidocaine-releasing intravesical systems failed to prove their efficacy. SUMMARY: Validation of these studies is arduous due to the broad spectre of BPS/IC phenotypes, small number of patients enrolled, distinct outcome measures and short-term follow-up. It is also important to highlight that some authors combined therapies, and others split central and peripheric phenotypes before treatment. Therefore, soon, phenotyping and combining therapies with a step-by-step approach will be needed in BPS/IC treatment.

The effects of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism and inflammatory markers in sedentary adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the magnitude of the effect of combined exercise training on glucose metabolism markers, adipokines, and inflammatory cytokines in non-diabetic sedentary adults. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library electronic databases and reference lists of included studies were explored for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that included physically inactive adults and provided combined training interventions (aerobic plus resistance exercise). Effects on fasting glucose and insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in exercise vs control groups were analyzed using random effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Randomized Trials 2.0 (RoB 2) was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 24 RCTs were included in the quantitative analysis. Combined exercise training significantly decrease fasting glucose (standardized mean difference, SMD: - 0.474, 95% CI [- 0.829, - 0.120], p = 0.009, 35 study arms), fasting insulin (SMD: - 1.024, 95% CI [- 1.502, - 0.545], p < 0.001, 27 study arms), HOMA-IR (SMD: - 0.946, 95% CI [- 1.450, - 0.442], p < 0.001, 23 study arms), TNF-α (SMD: - 0.972, 95% CI [- 1.361, - 0.582], p < 0.001, 10 study arms), and CRP (SMD: - 0.507, 95% CI [- 0.818, - 0.196], p = 0.001, 14 study arms). No significant effects were observed for HbA1c, adiponectin, leptin, and IL-6 levels. Random effects meta-regression models by age, sex, and intervention length were not able to explain any of the variation in the effect size of HOMA-IR. Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that combined exercise training improves some glucose metabolism markers and inflammatory parameters in sedentary adults without diabetes.

Factors associated with carbon dioxide transfer in an experimental model of severe acute kidney injury and hypoventilation during high bicarbonate continuous renal replacement therapy and oxygenation membrane support / Fatores associados à transferência de dióxido de carbono em um modelo experimental de lesão renal aguda grave e hipoventilação durante terapia de substituição renal contínua com alto teor de bicarbonato e suporte com membrana de oxigenação

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the factors influencing carbon dioxide transfer in a system that integrates an oxygenation membrane in series with high-bicarbonate continuous veno-venous hemodialysis in hypercapnic animals. Methods In an experimental setting, we induced severe acute kidney injury and hypercapnia in five female Landrace pigs. Subsequently, we initiated high (40mEq/L) bicarbonate continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with an oxygenation membrane in series to maintain a pH above 7.25. At intervals of 1 hour, 6 hours, and 12 hours following the initiation of continuous veno-venous hemodialysis, we performed standardized sweep gas flow titration to quantify carbon dioxide transfer. We evaluated factors associated with carbon dioxide transfer through the membrane lung with a mixed linear model. Results A total of 20 sweep gas flow titration procedures were conducted, yielding 84 measurements of carbon dioxide transfer. Multivariate analysis revealed associations among the following (coefficients ± standard errors): core temperature (+7.8 ± 1.6 °C, p < 0.001), premembrane partial pressure of carbon dioxide (+0.2 ± 0.1/mmHg, p < 0.001), hemoglobin level (+3.5 ± 0.6/g/dL, p < 0.001), sweep gas flow (+6.2 ± 0.2/L/minute, p < 0.001), and arterial oxygen saturation (-0.5 ± 0.2%, p = 0.019). Among these variables, and within the physiological ranges evaluated, sweep gas flow was the primary modifiable factor influencing the efficacy of low-blood-flow carbon dioxide removal. Conclusion Sweep gas flow is the main carbon dioxide removal-related variable during continuous veno-venous hemodialysis with a high bicarbonate level coupled with an oxygenator. Other carbon dioxide transfer modulating variables included the hemoglobin level, arterial oxygen saturation, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and core temperature. These results should be interpreted as exploratory to inform other well-designed experimental or clinical studies.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar os fatores que influenciam a transferência de dióxido de carbono em um sistema que integra uma membrana de oxigenação em série com terapia de substituição renal contínua com alto teor de bicarbonato em animais hipercápnicos. Métodos Em um ambiente experimental, induzimos lesão renal aguda grave e hipercapnia em cinco porcos Landrace fêmeas. Em seguida, iniciamos terapia de substituição renal contínua com alto teor de bicarbonato (40mEq/L) com uma membrana de oxigenação em série para manter o pH acima de 7,25. Em intervalos de 1 hora, 6 horas e 12 horas após o início da terapia de substituição renal contínua, realizamos uma titulação padronizada do fluxo de gás de varredura para quantificar a transferência de dióxido de carbono. Avaliamos os fatores associados à transferência de dióxido de carbono através da membrana pulmonar com um modelo linear misto. Resultados Realizamos 20 procedimentos de titulação do fluxo de gás de varredura, produzindo 84 medições de transferência de dióxido de carbono. A análise multivariada revelou associações entre os seguintes itens (coeficientes ± erros padrão): temperatura central (+7,8 ± 1,6 °C, p < 0,001), pressão parcial pré-membrana de dióxido de carbono (+0,2 ± 0,1mmHg, p < 0,001), nível de hemoglobina (+3,5 ± 0,6g/dL, p < 0,001), fluxo de gás de varredura (+6,2 ± 0,2L/minuto, p < 0,001) e saturação de oxigênio (-0,5% ± 0,2%, p = 0,019). Entre essas variáveis, e dentro das faixas fisiológicas avaliadas, o fluxo do gás de varredura foi o principal fator modificável que influenciou a eficácia da remoção de dióxido de carbono de baixo fluxo sanguíneo. Conclusão O fluxo do gás de varredura é a principal variável relacionada à remoção de dióxido de carbono durante a terapia de substituição renal contínua com um alto nível de bicarbonato acoplado a um oxigenador. Outras variáveis moduladoras da transferência de dióxido de carbono incluíram o nível de hemoglobina, a saturação de oxigênio, a pressão parcial de dióxido de carbono e a temperatura central. Esses resultados devem ser interpretados como exploratórios para informar outros estudos experimentais ou clínicos bem planejados.

Intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy: a phase IV cohort study / Traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas: um estudo de coorte de fase IV

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe, with a larger number of patients in a real-world scenario following routine implementation, intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilational tracheostomy and the possible risks and complications of the procedure not identified in clinical trials. Methods: This was a phase IV cohort study of patients admitted to three intensive care units of a quaternary academic hospital who underwent intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in Brazil from September 2017 to December 2021. Results: There were 4,810 intensive care unit admissions during the study period; 2,084 patients received mechanical ventilation, and 287 underwent tracheostomy, 227 of which were performed at bedside by the intensive care team. The main reason for intensive care unit admission was trauma, and for perform a tracheostomy it was a neurological impairment or an inability to protect the airways. The median time from intubation to tracheostomy was 14 days. Intensive care residents performed 76% of the procedures. At least one complication occurred in 29.5% of the procedures, the most common being hemodynamic instability and extubation during the procedure, with only 3 serious complications. The intensive care unit mortality was 29.1%, and the hospital mortality was 43.6%. Conclusion: Intensivist-led ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy is feasible out of a clinical trial context with outcomes and complications comparable to those in the literature. Intensivists can acquire this competence during their training but should be aware of potential complications to enhance procedural safety.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever, com um número maior de pacientes em um cenário do mundo real após a implementação rotineira, a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas e os possíveis riscos e complicações do procedimento não identificados em estudos clínicos. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo de coorte de fase IV de pacientes internados em três unidades de terapia intensiva de um hospital acadêmico quaternário que foram submetidos a traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas no Brasil de setembro de 2017 a dezembro de 2021. Resultados: Entre as 4.810 admissões na unidade de terapia intensiva durante o período do estudo, 2.084 pacientes receberam ventilação mecânica, e 287 foram submetidos a traqueostomia, 227 das quais foram realizadas à beira do leito pela equipe de terapia intensiva. O principal motivo para a admissão na unidade de terapia intensiva foi trauma, e para a realização de uma traqueostomia foi comprometimento neurológico ou incapacidade de proteger as vias aéreas. O tempo médio entre a intubação e a traqueostomia foi de 14 dias. Residentes de terapia intensiva realizaram 76% dos procedimentos. Ao menos uma complicação ocorreu em 29,5% dos procedimentos, sendo instabilidade hemodinâmica e extubação durante o procedimento as complicações mais comuns, com apenas três complicações graves. A mortalidade na unidade de terapia intensiva foi de 29,1%, e a mortalidade hospitalar foi de 43,6%. Conclusão: A traqueostomia percutânea guiada por ultrassom conduzida por intensivistas é viável fora do contexto de um estudo clínico com resultados e complicações comparáveis aos da literatura. Os intensivistas podem adquirir essa competência durante seu treinamento, mas devem estar cientes das possíveis complicações para aumentar a segurança do procedimento.

The Benefits and Harms of Pharmacological Treatment for Postradiation Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review by the European Association of Urology Chronic Pelvic Pain Panel with Recommendations for Clinical Practice.

Context: Radiotherapy of the pelvis is a widely used method for the treatment of malignancies, and local complications including pain following pelvic radiation therapy are acknowledged complications. Objective: The primary objective is to assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of pharmacological therapies on postradiation pelvic pain. Evidence acquisition: A systematic review of the use of different pharmacological treatments in the management of post-radiation pelvic pain was conducted (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42021249026). Comprehensive searches of EMBASE, Medline, and Cochrane library were performed for publications between January 1980 and April 2021. The primary outcomes were improvement in pain and adverse events following treatment. The secondary outcomes included quality of life, bowel function, and urinary function. Evidence synthesis: After screening 1514 abstracts, four randomised controlled trials were identified, enrolling 355 patients with bladder and anorectal subtypes of postradiotherapy chronic pelvic pain (CPP). A narrative synthesis was performed as heterogeneity of included studies precluded a meta-analysis. A single study reported a significant reduction in pain after 6 mo in patients with bladder pain syndrome treated with hyaluronic acid or hyperbaric oxygen. Anorectal pain was reported to be reduced by the application of 4% formalin, but the use of hyperbaric oxygen in postradiotherapy anorectal pain remains controversial. Adverse event reporting was generally poor. Studies looking at medications used routinely in guidelines for neuropathic pain, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline, and duloxetine, were absent or of poor quality when it came to postradiation pelvic pain. Conclusions: Beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen or formalin on pain, quality of life, and functional symptoms were seen in patients with certain CPP subtypes, but the current evidence level is too weak to allow recommendations about the use of any pharmacological treatment for postradiation pelvic pain. Patient summary: Different pharmacological treatments are used to treat pain after radiotherapy, but current studies are of insufficient quality to determine whether these should be recommended and many chronic pelvic pain subtypes are not covered. Further research is needed.

Phase angle values and ultra-processed food consumption are associated with changes in oxidative stress in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Changes in dietary habits including increased intake of refined sugars and fats and decreased intake of fiber have been suggested as potential risk factors for the development of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Bioelectrical impedance analysis-derived phase angle (PhA) has been gaining attention in the clinical evaluation of nutritional status. In this study, we for the first time investigated the relationship of PhA and ultra-processed food intake with oxidative stress, body composition and biochemical parameters in adult patients with IBD. METHODS: Body composition and PhA were evaluated through electrical bioimpedance. Nitrite (Nox), myeloperoxidase (MPO), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in both groups. Food consumption was obtained by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). RESULTS: In comparison with the control group, the IBD group had increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of Nox (19.95 ± 1.4 vs. 35.43 ± 7.7 µM), MDA (0.70 ± 0.31 vs. 4.56 ± 0.62 nmol/L), and GSH (9.35 ± 0.38 vs. 10.74 ± 0.51 mg NPSH/µL plasma). PhA was positively correlated with GSH (R2:0.22; p:0.02) and SOD (R2:0.25; p:0.01). IBD patients ingested higher amounts of ultra-processed foods (IBD:17.04 ± 2.76 vs. Control:24.88 ± 2.30%). However, IBD patients had better consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods (IBD:79.06 ± 3.07 vs. Control:67.83 ± 2.32%). We found a positive correlation between ultra-processed food consumption and MDA (R2 0.43; p:0.01). CONCLUSIONS: PhA may be a practical and effective measure in clinical follow-up of IBD patients, being associated with bilirubin levels and antioxidant enzymes. Also, we recommend evaluating consumption of ultra-processed foods, since this was related with increasing oxidative stress markers in clinical follow-up of IBD patients.

Clinical profiling of specific diagnostic subgroups of women with chronic pelvic pain.

Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is a common condition affecting up to 26.6% of women, with many suffering for several years before diagnosis and/or treatment. Its clinical presentation is varied and there are frequently comorbid conditions both within and outside the pelvis. We aim to explore whether specific subgroups of women with CPP report different clinical symptoms and differing impact of pain on their quality of life (QoL). Methods: The study is part of the Translational Research in Pelvic Pain (TRiPP) project which is a cross-sectional observational cohort study. The study includes 769 female participants of reproductive age who completed an extensive set of questions derived from standardised WERF EPHect questionnaires. Within this population we defined a control group (reporting no pelvic pain, no bladder pain syndrome, and no endometriosis diagnosis, N = 230) and four pain groups: endometriosis-associated pain (EAP, N = 237), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (BPS, N = 72), comorbid endometriosis-associated pain and BPS (EABP, N = 120), and pelvic pain only (PP, N = 127). Results: Clinical profiles of women with CPP (13-50 years old) show variability of clinical symptoms. The EAP and EABP groups scored higher than the PP group (p < 0.001) on the pain intensity scales for non-cyclical pelvic pain and higher than both the BPS and PP groups (p < 0.001) on the dysmenorrhoea scale. The EABP group also had significantly higher scores for dyspareunia (p < 0.001), even though more than 50% of sexually active participants in each pain group reported interrupting and/or avoiding sexual intercourse due to pain in the last 12 months. Scores for the QoL questionnaire (SF-36) reveal that CPP patients had significantly lower QoL across all SF-36 subscales (p < 0.001). Significant effects were also observed between the pain groups for pain interference with their work (p < 0.001) and daily lives (p < 0.001), with the EABP suffering more compared to the EAP and PP groups (p < 0.001). Discussion: Our results demonstrate the negative impact that chronic pain has on CPP patients' QoL and reveal an increased negative impact of pain on the comorbid EABP group. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of dyspareunia in women with CPP. Overall, our results demonstrate the need for further exploration of interventions targeting QoL more broadly and suggest that novel approaches to classifying women with CPP are needed.