TLR7/8 Activation in Immune Cells and Muscle by RNA-Containing Immune Complexes: Role in Inflammation and the Pathogenesis of Myositis.

OBJECTIVE: Activation of endosomal toll-like receptors (TLRs) is one possible driver of inflammation in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). We investigated the potential contribution of TLR7 and TLR8 to IIM pathogenesis. METHODS: Activation of TLR7/8 in healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by immune complexes from patients with IIM and lupus was tested. Autoantibody profiling of patient IgG samples was performed using a 1581-antigen array. TLR7 and/or TLR8 activation by RNA molecules associated with autoantibodies was assessed. Gene expression in human myoblasts and satellite cells following treatment with supernatants from TLR7/8-activated PBMCs was evaluated by NanoString. C57BL/6 mice were dosed intramuscularly with the TLR7/8 agonist R848 and single-cell RNA-sequencing was performed on the muscle to ascertain the cell types responding to TLR7/8 activation and the downstream effects. RESULTS: Overall, 69 patients with IIM were included with representation of dermatomyositis (DM), polymyositis (PM), and inclusion body myositis (IBM) subsets. Immune complexes from patients with IIM, as well as autoantibody-associated RNAs His-tRNA, Y1, Y4 and U1, activated PBMCs to produce IFN-α and IL-6 via TLR7/8. Several canonical (Ro60, Ro52, HIST1H4A) and novel (IL-36RN) autoreactivities correlated highly with TLR7/8 activation. Supernatants from TLR7/8-activated PBMCs had a negative impact on human myoblasts and satellite cells. Endothelial cells were activated by R848 in mouse muscle in vivo, in addition to immune cells such as monocytes and macrophages. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that patients with IIM have autoantibodies in their blood causing TLR7/8 activation, which leads to inflammation in muscles with potential deleterious effects.

Perceptions of the effects of recorded hypnosis and relaxation interventions for cancer survivors with chronic pain.

BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors with chronic pain experience pain relief with hypnosis and relaxation approaches; however, the effects of hypnosis and relaxation audio recording interventions on chronic pain have not yet been described from the perspective of the cancer survivor. The purpose of this study was to better understand cancer survivors' experiences using hypnosis and relaxation interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with 109 cancer survivors experiencing chronic pain were assigned to the hypnosis (n = 55) or relaxation (n = 54) audio recordings. Participants listened to audio recordings daily for four weeks. A structured interview was conducted post-treatment to explore participants' experience in using either the recorded hypnosis or relaxation intervention. Two reviewers independently conducted thematic analysis on all transcripts and then organized findings to identify salient themes. RESULTS: Qualitative interviews were completed by 77 (71 %) of the participants. Cancer survivors who listened to either the hypnosis or relaxation audio recordings described similar effects of the interventions. Four major themes were identified: (1) pain relief, (2) control over pain, (3) improvement in other symptoms, and (4) positive experiences. Central to the participants' experiences, the interventions gave them another tool to manage their pain. CONCLUSION: The unique perspectives of cancer survivors with chronic pain add to our understanding of the effectiveness of hypnosis and relaxation audio recordings in the management of chronic pain. These interventions are described as having both physical and psychological benefits for cancer survivors.

The efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of telehealth-delivered hypnotic cognitive therapy for chronic pain in spinal cord injury: A pilot study with historical controls.

CONTEXT/OBJECTIVE: In-person hypnotic cognitive therapy (HYP-CT) is a promising treatment for chronic spinal cord injury-related pain. We describe the effects of HYP-CT delivered via Zoom (Z-HYP-CT) and compare the effects to historical controls who received hypnosis, cognitive therapy, or HYP-CT in-person. DESIGN: Open pilot trial of HYP-CT versus historical controls. SETTING: Telehealth study that recruited people with chronic SCI. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with moderate to severe chronic SCI-related pain. INTERVENTIONS: Four weekly sessions of HYP-CT delivered via Zoom. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was average pain intensity on a 0-10 numerical rating scale measured at end of treatment (4 weeks) and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain interference, depression, sleep, pain catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy. RESULTS: 23 individuals with SCI-related pain participated in the open trial and were compared to 21 historical controls. Average age was 54 years, 70% were male, and the majority were White. The participants were 11.6-13.1 years post-SCI and average pain intensity was 4.8-5.4/10. After Z-HYP-CT mixed-effects linear regressions showed that pain intensity was significantly less at 4 weeks (-1.28, P < .0001) and 12 weeks (-1.50, P < .0001) relative to baseline. Pain interference, depression, and pain catastrophizing also decreased significantly at both time points. There were no significant differences between the effects of Z-HYP-CT versus historical controls on any outcome variable. CONCLUSION: HYP-CT delivered via telehealth was associated with reduced pain intensity and other benefits that were comparable to the effect achieved by in-person historical controls. The effects of Z-HYP-CT should be evaluated using a randomized controlled design.

Treatment mechanism and outcome decoupling effects in cognitive therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and behavior therapy for chronic pain.

ABSTRACT: Findings suggest that cognitive therapy (CT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and behavior therapy (BT) for chronic pain produce improvements through changes in putative mechanisms. Evidence supporting this notion is largely based on findings showing significant associations between treatment mechanism variables and outcomes. An alternative view is that treatments may work by reducing or decoupling the impact of changes in mechanism variables on changes in outcomes. We examined the degree to which relationships between previous changes in potential treatment mechanisms and subsequent changes in outcomes changed as treatment progressed and vice versa. Cognitive therapy, MBSR, BT, and treatment as usual (TAU) were compared in people with chronic low back pain (N = 521). Eight individual sessions were administered with weekly assessments of putative treatment mechanisms and outcomes. Lagged analyses revealed mechanism × session number interactions and outcome × session number interactions, such that associations between mechanism and outcome variables were strong and significant in the first third of treatment, but weakened over time and became nonsignificant by the last third of treatment. These effects were similar across treatment conditions but did not emerge among people undergoing TAU. Results suggest that during the course of CT, MBSR, and BT, the links between changes in treatment mechanism variables became decoupled from subsequent changes in outcomes and vice versa. Thus, starting by midtreatment and continuing into late treatment, participants may have learned through participation in the treatments that episodes of maladaptive pain-related thoughts and/or spikes in pain need not have detrimental consequences on their subsequent experience.

Adjunctive use of hypnosis for clinical pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Systematic reviews suggest that stand-alone hypnotic suggestions may improve pain outcomes compared with no treatment, waitlist, or usual care. However, in clinical practice, hypnosis is often provided adjunctively with other interventions, which might have different effects than those reported in previous reviews. This systematic review aimed to summarize the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis in adults with clinical pain. Seven databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Emcare, SCOPUS, CENTRAL, Cochrane) were searched up to January 2024. Randomised controlled trials comparing the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis (hypnosis + primary intervention) with those of the primary intervention alone were included. Meta-analyses (random-effects model) calculated mean differences (MD, [95% confidence intervals]) for pain intensity (0-100). Seventy studies were pooled in meta-analyses (n = 6078). Hypnosis adjunctive to usual care had a small additional analgesic effect (chronic pain: -8.2 [-11.8, -1.9]; medical procedures/surgical pain: -6.9 [-10.4, -3.3]; burn wound care: -8.8 [-13.8, -3.9]). Hypnosis adjunctive to education had a medium additional analgesic effect for chronic pain (-11.5 [-19.7, 3.3]) but not postsurgery pain (-2.0 [-7.8, 3.7]). When paired with psychological interventions, hypnosis slightly increased analgesia in chronic pain only at the three-month follow-up (-2 [-3.7, -0.3]). Hypnosis adjunctive to medicines had a medium additional analgesic effect for chronic pain (-13.2, [-22.5, -3.8]). The overall evidence certainty is very low; therefore, there is still uncertainty about the analgesic effects of adjunctive hypnosis. However, hypnosis adjunct to education may reduce pain intensity for chronic pain. Clarification of proposed therapeutic targets of adjunctive hypnosis to evaluate underlying mechanisms is warranted.

A home-based self-directed EEG neurofeedback intervention for people with chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (the StoPain Trial): description of the intervention.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. OBJECTIVES: The objective is to describe an electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback intervention that will be provided in a randomised controlled trial for people with neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury (SCI): the StoPain Trial. In this trial, participants in the treatment group will implement an EEG neurofeedback system as an analgesic intervention at home, while participants in the control group will continue with the treatments available to them in the community. SETTING: University-based study in Sydney, Australia. METHODS/RESULTS: This manuscript describes the rationale and components of the EEG neurofeedback intervention designed for individuals with SCI neuropathic pain and intended for home-based implementation. Our report is based on the criteria of the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist, and includes why the efficacy of EEG neurofeedback will be investigated, what will be provided, who will administer it, and how, where, when, and how much the EEG neurofeedback intervention will be administered. CONCLUSIONS: This manuscript provides a detailed description of a complex intervention used in a randomised controlled trial. This description will facilitate the subsequent interpretation of the trial results and allow for the replication of the intervention in clinical practice and future trials. SPONSORSHIP: Australian Government Medical Research Future Fund (2020 Rare Cancers Rare Diseases and Unmet Needs Scheme: 2006020).

The Increase in Early Menarche is Associated with the Increase of Chronic Back Pain in Female Adolescents: The HBSC Study 2002-2014.

OBJECTIVE: Research has shown that there has been an increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain in adolescents, especially in female adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to test the hypothesis that the observed increase in the prevalence of early menarche in female adolescents is contributing to the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain over time in this population. METHODS: Cross-sectional data from 251,390 female adolescents from 27 countries/regions were drawn from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children questionnaire-based surveys conducted in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. The Karlson-Holm-Breen method was used to examine the explanatory role of the increase in the prevalence of early menarche on the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain whilst controlling for socioeconomic status, physical activity, body mass index, and psychological symptoms. RESULTS: The increase in the prevalence of early menarche between 2002 and 2014 was associated with the increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain (P<0.001). The percent of chronic back pain prevalence increase accounted for by the increase in early menarche was 2.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in the prevalence of chronic back pain in female adolescents observed over the last decade may be explained, in part, by the decrease in the age of menarche. This finding, coupled with research showing a decline in early menarche worldwide, highlights the need to delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of the association between early menarche and pain ‒ particularly chronic back pain ‒ in female adolescents.

CD11b suppresses TLR7-driven inflammatory signaling to protect against lupus nephritis.

Lupus Nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that affects kidney function. Here, we investigated the role of CD11b, a protein encoded by the ITGAM gene, in the development of LN and its functional activation as a therapeutic strategy. Genetic coding variants of ITGAM significantly increase the risk for SLE and LN by producing a less active CD11b and leading to elevated levels of type I interferon (IFN I). However, a molecular mechanism for how these variants increase LN risk has been unclear. Here, we determined that these variants also significantly associate with elevations in soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), a known biomarker linked to kidney disease, suggesting a novel molecular connection. Pharmacologic activation of CD11b with a novel, clinical-stage agonist ONT01 significantly suppressed suPAR production in myeloid cells and reduced systemic inflammation and kidney damage in multiple experimental models of LN. Importantly, delaying treatment with ONT01 until after disease onset also significantly reduced serum suPAR and inflammatory cytokines, and decreased immune complex deposition in the glomerulus, glomerulonephritis and albuminuria, suggesting that CD11b activation is therapeutic for LN. Genetic activation of CD11b via a gain-of-function CD11b mutation also showed complete protection from LN, whereas genetic deletion of CD11b worsened the disease in mice, providing further evidence of the role of CD11b activation in regulating LN. Finally, transfer of human LN PBMCs generated human LN like disease in mice that was significantly reduced by ONT01. Together, these data provide strong evidence that ONT01 mediated CD11b activation can therapeutically modulate TLR7-driven inflammation and protect against LN. These findings support clinical development of CD11b agonists as novel therapeutics for treating lupus nephritis in human patients.

Belief in Living a Meaningful Life and Adjustment to Chronic Pain.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain is a global health concern and often interferes with multiple aspects of individuals' lives (e.g., physical activities), diminishing one's ability to engage in activities that promote meaning in life. However, it is not well understood how believing that one can live a meaningful life despite pain may contribute to improved function among individuals with chronic pain. The aim of the current study was to better understand the role that belief in living a meaningful life despite pain may have in adjustment to chronic pain. METHODS: Participants (N = 164) were individuals with chronic pain who completed baseline data from two closely related randomized clinical trials. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine the hypotheses that one's belief in living a meaningful life despite pain will be associated with function (pain interference and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety) and that the belief in living a meaningful life despite pain would moderate the associations between pain intensity and function. RESULTS: Belief in living a meaningful life despite pain was significantly associated with less pain interference and less severe symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, supporting the potential role of this variable in adaptive adjustment to chronic pain. However, one's belief in living a meaningful life despite pain did not moderate the associations between pain intensity and function. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide important theoretical and clinical information about how believing that one can live a meaningful life despite pain may serve as an important process for adjustment to chronic pain.

Mean of Daily Versus Single Week Recall-Based Pain Quality Assessments in Neuropathic Pain Trials: Implications for Assay Sensitivity.

Patients with neuropathic pain often present with variable pain and nonpainful sensory qualities that could serve as outcomes in randomized clinical trials (RCTs). This study aimed to investigate the within-participant variability in the severity of these sensory qualities and whether the means of 7 daily pain quality assessments provide better assay sensitivity (ie, more sensitivity to treatment effects) than single-week recall-based assessments. This secondary analysis used data from an RCT of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (N = 142). Participants rated the severity of painful and nonpainful sensory qualities using 0 to 10 numeric rating scales daily for 1 week (24-hour recall) and 1 time at the end of each week (week recall) at trial baseline and endpoint (after 6 weeks of treatment). For pain quality assay sensitivity analyses, the 2 types of measures were used to 1) define the study sample (ie, how many participants met minimum baseline pain quality severity) and 2) calculate the observed effect sizes (ie, between-group differences in mean pain qualities) using analysis of covariances. The projected sample sizes required to detect the observed effect sizes in future clinical trials for hot/burning pain and cramping were substantially smaller using the daily mean outcome compared with week recall (ie, hot/burning pain: 153 vs 388, cramping: 121 vs 349), and only marginally larger for sharp/shooting pain (22 participants) with the daily mean outcome. Compared with single-week recall-based assessments of pain qualities, the mean of daily assessments may improve RCT assay sensitivity when used to define entry criteria and assess outcomes. PERSPECTIVES: This study suggests that means of daily pain quality assessments may improve assay sensitivity when used to define entry criteria and assess outcomes in clinical trials. This work may inform design of future clinical trials evaluating the intensity of different pain qualities.

Influence of Di-n-butyl Phosphoric Acid on Cerium Redox and Speciation in Tri-n-butyl Phosphate.

The effects of simulated radiolytic degradation of tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) on the chemical speciation of cerium were studied by spectrophotometry and electrochemistry of TBP solutions containing increasing amounts of di-n-butyl phosphoric acid (HDBP), a common degradation product of TBP. Tetravalent cerium was found to exchange coordinated nitrate for the dibutyl phosphate anion, forming dinuclear complexes of the formula (CeOCe)(NO3)(6-d)(DBP)d·3TBP (d = 0-3). Compared to Ce(IV), Ce(III) was complexed less strongly by HDBP in TBP, but HDBP displaced both nitrate and TBP to form the series of mononuclear complexes Ce(NO3)(3-d)(HDBP·DBP)d·(3-d)TBP (d = 0-3). Dibutyl phosphate coordination caused large negative shifts in the Ce(IV/III) reduction potential in TBP, indicating a strong stabilization of the tetravalent state. Electrochemical investigation of the reduction of Ce(IV) in TBP revealed it to be a two-electron process in accordance with the dinuclear nature of the organic-phase Ce(IV) complexes. The diffusion coefficients of the d = 0 dinuclear Ce(IV)-nitrate-TBP complex and mononuclear Ce(III)-nitrate-TBP complex in TBP equilibrated with 7 M HNO3 were determined to be (1.16 ± 0.06) × 10-7 cm2/s and (1.9 ± 0.4) × 10-7 cm2/s, respectively, which also is consistent with the larger molecular volume of the dinuclear Ce(IV) complexes.

Responsiveness and clinically important differences of the PROMIS short form-depression 8a, anxiety 8a, and PASS-20 in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Introduction: Depression and anxiety are the most commonly reported mental health conditions. The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Short Form v1.0-Depression 8a (PROMIS-D-8a), Anxiety 8a (PROMIS-Anx8a), and Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 (PASS-20) measures were designed to assess depression, general anxiety, and pain-related anxiety, respectively. Objectives: To examine the responsiveness and estimate the clinically important differences (CIDs) of the Thai version of these measures in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: The study sample comprised 144 participants with CLBP. Responsiveness was evaluated by calculating the change scores, effect sizes (ESs), standardized response means (SRMs), area under the curve (AUC), and correlations between the change scores and associated Global Perceived Effect (GPE). We also estimated CIDs by the difference in mean change score between improved and unchanged groups and standard error of measurement (SEM) for each measure. Results: Statistically significant differences in the mean change scores, ESs, and SRMs supported the responsiveness of all measures. The AUCs achieved acceptable discriminatory ability (0.71-0.72) for moderate improvement but not for any improvement (0.65-0.68). The correlations between GPE and change scores on all measures were low (r ranging 0.28-0.33). The estimated CIDs for the PROMIS-D-8a, PROMIS-Anx8a, and PASS-20 were 3.64, 4.20, and 8.80, respectively. Conclusion: The PROMIS-D-8a, PROMIS-Anx8a, and PASS-20 measures were sensitive for detecting clinical changes over time in individuals with CLBP. The CID values can be used as reference points for assessing meaningful improvements in the domains assessed by these scales in clinical and research practice.

Vulnerability Factors, Adjustment, and Opioid Misuse in Chronic Noncancer Pain Individuals.

Several person variables predate injury or pain onset that increase the probability of maladjustment to pain and opioid misuse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of 2 diathesis variables (impulsiveness and anxiety sensitivity [AS]) in the adjustment of individuals with chronic noncancer pain and opioid misuse. The sample comprised 187 individuals with chronic noncancer pain. The hypothetical model was tested using correlation and structural equation modeling analyses. The results show a significant association between impulsiveness and AS and all the maladjustment variables, and between impulsiveness and AS and opioid misuse and craving. However, although the correlation analysis showed a significant association between adjustment to pain and opioid misuse, the structural equation modeling analysis showed a nonsignificant association between them (as latent variables). The findings support the hypothesis that both impulsiveness and AS are vulnerability factors for maladaptive adjustment to chronic pain and opioid misuse. PERSPECTIVE: This article adds to the empirical literature by including AS and impulsiveness as antecedent variables in a model of dual vulnerability to chronic pain maladjustment and opioid misuse. The findings suggest the potential utility of assessing both factors in individuals in the first stages of chronic pain.

Digitizing translucent object appearance by validating computed optical properties.

The optical properties available for an object are most often fragmented and insufficient for photorealistic rendering of the object. We propose a procedure for digitizing a translucent object with sufficient information for predictive rendering of its appearance. Based on object material descriptions, we compute optical properties and validate or adjust this object appearance model based on comparison of simulation with spectrophotometric measurements of the bidirectional scattering-surface reflectance distribution function (BSSRDF). To ease this type of comparison, we provide an efficient simulation tool that computes the BSSRDF for a particular light-view configuration. Even with just a few configurations, the localized lighting in BSSRDF measurements is useful for assessing the appropriateness of computed or otherwise acquired optical properties. To validate an object appearance model in a more common lighting environment, we render the appearance of the obtained digital twin and assess the photorealism of our renderings through pixel-by-pixel comparison with photographs of the physical object.

Initial Development and Validation of Physical Therapy-Patient Education Questionnaire (PT-PEQ).

BACKGROUND: Patient education can increase patient engagement and positive outcomes with physical therapy treatment. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of a physical therapy patient education questionnaire. METHODS: Candidate items were developed and evaluated by an expert panel for content validity. The resulting items were administered to 350 patients in physical therapy treatment, and the reliability and validity of the scale's subscales were evaluated. RESULTS: The final version of the questionnaire consists of 36 items that assess six education domains for patients receiving physical therapy: 1) assessment and information provision (10 items), 2) hygiene and safety (9 items), 3) patient empowerment (8 items), 4) emergency and infection control (3 items), 5) adverse event prevention (4 items), and 6) identity confirmation (2 items). The internal consistency of the subscales ranged from 0.69 to 0.92, and support for the six-domain structure of the items was supported via factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire was successfully developed and evidenced good psychometric properties for the assessment of the perceived importance of six physical therapy education domains. Research is needed to evaluate potential gaps between patients' perceived education needs and therapist education activities during physical therapy treatment.

Measuring Pain-related Behavioral Inhibition and Behavioral Activation System Responses: Further Validity Evidence for the Pain Responses Scale.

OBJECTIVES: The Pain Responses Scale and its Short Form (PRS-SF) were recently developed to assess the affective, behavioral, and cognitive responses to pain based on the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and behavioral activation system (BAS) model of chronic pain. The purpose of this study was to provide additional tests of the psychometric properties of the PRS-SF in a new sample of individuals with chronic pain. METHODS: A sample of Spanish adults (N = 190) with chronic non-cancer pain completed a translated version of the PRS-SF and a battery of questionnaires measuring validity criteria hypothesized the be associated with BIS and BAS activation, including measures of sensitivity to punishment, sensitivity to reward, pain intensity, pain interference, catastrophizing, and pain acceptance. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis supported a 4-factor structure for the PRS-SF assessing despondent, escape, approach, and relaxation responses (S-B χ 2 [5] = 1.49, Comparative Fit Index = 0.99, Non-Normed Fit Index = 0.99, root-mean-square error of approximation = 0.051, Akaike Information Criterion = 4113.66), with marginal internal consistency for 1 scale (relaxation) and adequate to good internal consistency for the others. The pattern of associations found between the PRS-SF Scale scores and the validity criterion supports the validity of the instrument. CONCLUSION: The results provide additional support for the validity of the 4 PRS-SF Scale scores, and the reliability of 3 of the scales. If these findings are replicated in future research, investigators may wish to administer more items from the original Relaxation Scale when assessing this domain to ensure adequate reliability for this scale. The other items from the PRS-SF assessing despondent, escape, and approach responses appear to provide at least adequate reliability. When used in this way, the PRS-SF may be used to measure BIS and BAS responses to pain to: (1) provide further tests of the BIS-BAS model of chronic pain and/or (2) understand the potential mediating effects of BIS and BAS responses on the effects of psychological pain treatments to help determine which specific responses are most responsible for the benefits of treatment, and, therefore, which responses should be specifically targeted to enhance treatment response.

Measuring pain intensity in older patients: a comparison of five scales.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pain is common in older individuals. In order to understand and treat pain in this group, reliable and valid measures are needed. This study aimed to evaluate: (1) the validity, utility, incorrect response rates and preference rates of 5 pain rating scales in older individuals; and (2) the associations between age, education level, and cognitive function and both (a) incorrect response and (b) preference rates. METHODS: Two hundred and one orthopedic clinic outpatients ≥ 65 years old were asked to rate their current pain, and least, average, and worst pain intensity in the past week using 5 scales: Verbal Numerical Rating Scale (VNRS), Faces Pain Scale - Revised (FPS-R), Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants were also asked to indicate scale preference. We computed the associations between each measure and a factor score representing the shared variance among the scales, the incorrect response and scale preference rates, and the associations between incorrect response and preference rates and age, education level, and cognitive function. The incorrect responses included being unable to respond, providing more than one response, responses outside a range, providing range answers rather than fixed answers, and responses indicating 'least > average,' 'least > worst,' and 'average > worst'. RESULTS: The findings support validity of all 5 scales in older individuals who are able to use all measures. The VNRS had the lowest (2%) and the VAS had the highest (6%) incorrect response rates. The NRS was the most (35%) and the VAS was the least (5%) preferred. Age was associated with the incorrect response rates of the VRS and VAS, such that older individuals were less likely to use these scales correctly. Education level was associated with the incorrect response rates of the FPS-R, NRS and VAS, such that those with less education were less likely to use these measures correctly. Cognitive function was not significantly associated with incorrect response rates. Age, education level and cognitive function were not significantly associated with scale preference. CONCLUSIONS: Although all five scales are valid, the VNRS evidences the best overall utility in this sample of older individuals with pain. The NRS or FPS-R would be fine alternatives if it is not practical or feasible to use the VNRS.

The Role of Electroencephalogram-Assessed Bandwidth Power in Response to Hypnotic Analgesia.

Research supports the efficacy of therapeutic hypnosis for reducing acute and chronic pain. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying these effects. This paper provides a review of the evidence regarding the role that electroencephalogram-assessed bandwidth power has in identifying who might benefit the most from hypnotic analgesia and how these effects occur. Findings are discussed in terms of the slow wave hypothesis, which posits that brain activity in slower bandwidths (e.g., theta and alpha) can facilitate hypnosis responsivity. Although the extant research is limited by small sample sizes, the findings from this research are generally consistent with the slow wave hypothesis. More research, including and especially studies with larger sample sizes, is needed to confirm these preliminary positive findings.

An evaluation of the behavioural inhibition system and behavioural activation system (BIS-BAS) model of pain in athletes.

This study examined coping and pain responses using a behavioural inhibition (BIS) - behavioural activation (BAS) framework in 489 student athletes (M(age) = 20, SD = 4; 69% female). Two samples of athletes (226 pain-free athletes and 232 athletes with current pain) completed surveys assessing BIS- and BAS-related cognitions, emotions, and behaviours. Distinct groupings of BAS-related variables were identified in both samples, evidenced by significant positive correlations within BAS-related variables (positive affect, pain openness, approach thoughts and behaviours). Most BIS-related variables (depression, anxiety, harm beliefs, pain catastrophizing and avoidance behaviours) were also correlated in the sample of athletes with pain; however, this was not observed in pain-free athletes. In athletes with pain, BIS-related variables were significantly associated with pain variables, with this association stronger than that found for BAS-related variables. Regression analyses highlighted the pivotal role of pain catastrophizing as a predictor of pain unpleasantness and intensity. Findings shed light on the factors shaping athletes' coping, pain perception and decisions as to whether to pause or push through. Future investigations to explore these dynamics in more depth may aid in the development of targeted interventions that enhance athletes' ability to cope and to manage pain more effectively.