Hyperalgesia

Researchers are evaluating a new AI-assisted co-pilot system called SEASCAPE to improve pain management during general anesthesia. This system uses machine learning to monitor and control nociception—the nervous system's response to pain—by analyzing real-time physiological data from multiple monitors. The goal is to optimize the dosing of intravenous opioids like remifentanil to reduce both over- and under-dosing, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing opioid-related complications during surgery. The study involves patients scheduled for elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia, where standard analgesia is provided by continuous remifentanil infusion controlled by a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. SEASCAPE integrates this existing model with real-time data from monitors tracking hemodynamics, EEG, neuromuscular relaxation, and analgesia indices to provide personalized dosing recommendations. The project is conducted in three phases: initial data collection from 30 patients, expanded data collection from 100 patients under different anesthetic techniques, and usability assessment involving 20 anesthesiologists using the system in pilot mode. Participants will undergo general anesthesia with standard care while data is collected from multiple devices connected via a digital platform. The system will classify nociception levels and suggest adjustments to opioid dosing without altering usual clinical decisions. Researchers will analyze physiological patterns, anesthetic depth, muscle relaxation, and clinician feedback to assess the system's accuracy and usability. The entire process spans from the start to the end of anesthesia, aiming to refine intraoperative pain control and improve postoperative outcomes.

Researchers are studying how to best monitor sedation and pain response during painless gastrointestinal endoscopy using a new medical device that measures brain activity. This device records two indices, the quantitative consciousness (qCON) and quantitative nociceptive (qNOX), which may reflect sedation depth and pain signals. The study aims to combine these measurements with visual and physiological monitoring to find the optimal sedation level during gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures. This single-center, prospective observational study involves 220 patients, evenly split between gastroscopy and colonoscopy groups. Patients receive anesthesia induction with propofol and sufentanil, monitored by an EEG bispectral index device (Apollo-9000A) to track qCON and qNOX values. The sedation is adjusted to keep patients at a low alertness level with no body movements during the procedures. Clinical signs like cough reflex and vital signs are also recorded. Participants will be observed throughout the procedure with measurements of qCON, qNOX, blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and sedation scores. Adverse events during and up to 24 hours after the procedure will be documented. The main outcome is anesthesia quality during the procedure, with secondary outcomes including changes in monitoring indices and safety measures. The total study period covers the procedure and 24-hour follow-up for complications.

Researchers are evaluating the two-year clinical performance of Class I resin composite dental restorations using a universal adhesive applied with different bonding methods. The study compares three etching strategies: a 15-second etch-and-rinse, a 5-second etch-and-rinse, and a self-etch technique. This randomized, double-blind trial is designed to provide clear evidence on how these methods affect restoration success for adults aged 35 to 50 years. The study includes thirty adult patients who will each receive three restorations, one for each bonding method, following a split-mouth design. The three treatment groups involve applying phosphoric acid etching for either 15 seconds or 5 seconds followed by adhesive application, or applying the universal adhesive directly in self-etch mode. The trial will run from December 2024 to December 2026 with strict protocols approved by an ethics committee to ensure patient safety and study quality. Participants will be monitored over two years with assessments focusing on postoperative tooth sensitivity and the adaptation of the restoration margins. Evaluations include clinical exams and electric pulp testing to check the health of the treated teeth. Patients will provide informed consent and attend regular follow-up visits to track restoration performance and oral health throughout the study period.

Researchers are studying Boswellia serrata, a traditional herbal extract used for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory diseases. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial aims to understand how Boswellia serrata affects pain intensity, peripheral and central sensitization, and pain modulation using a validated human pain model called the Capsaicin Pain Model. The study also evaluates its impact on mood, sleep quality, and psychological well-being through questionnaires. Participants receive either 600 mg of Boswellia serrata extract or a placebo daily for 28 days in two treatment phases separated by a 4-week washout. The Capsaicin Pain Model involves applying capsaicin patches to the skin to induce localized pain and sensitization, allowing researchers to measure changes in pain perception and modulation. Both treatments are given in capsule form, and adherence is supported by electronic reminders. During the study, participants undergo multiple assessments including pain intensity ratings, sensitivity to mechanical and heat stimuli, and conditioned pain modulation tests. Psychological evaluations for depression, anxiety, sleep quality, and well-being are conducted using standardized questionnaires at several time points. Safety is monitored through adverse effect documentation, and the total participation spans over several visits across the treatment and washout periods.

This trial evaluates the effect of two different fluoride varnish formulations on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in young adults diagnosed with this condition. Researchers aim to determine if Clinpro Clear4 (aqueous base, 9,500 ppm NaF) reduces DH more than Duraphat4 (rosin/resin base, 22,600 ppm NaF), and whether these treatments improve oral health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction. The study is a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing these two commercially available varnishes. Participants will receive a single application of either Duraphat4 or Clinpro Clear4 under standardized conditions. For Duraphat4, the tooth surface is cleaned, and a thin film is applied with a cotton applicator; patients keep lip retractors in place for 15 minutes and avoid brushing or hard foods for 4 hours. For Clinpro Clear4, the tooth is cleaned and dried, varnish is applied with a brush to cover the sensitive area, and patients also keep lip retractors for 15 minutes without disturbing the varnish. During the study, participants will complete baseline and follow-up assessments at 7 and 28 days after application. These include measuring dentin hypersensitivity intensity using a visual analogue scale and Schiff scale, evaluating oral health-related quality of life with the OHIP-14 questionnaire, and assessing patient satisfaction using the CSAT survey. The study runs from baseline through 28 days post-treatment with careful monitoring of outcomes and participant experiences.

Researchers are evaluating how different methods of pain control affect children's pain perception during local anesthesia injections. The study focuses on healthy children aged 5 to 9 years undergoing simple restorative dental procedures. It compares the use of the Buzzy device in two ways: vibration mode without a cold pack and cold pack without vibration, against the standard topical anesthetic gel. The goal is to see which method better reduces pain and anxiety during the needle insertion. The study includes three groups: one receiving topical anesthetic gel applied to numb the injection site, another using vibration from the Buzzy device placed outside the mouth during needle insertion, and a third using the cold pack from the Buzzy device without vibration. All treatments are applied before and during the injection. Participants are randomly assigned to one of these groups to compare their pain responses. During the procedure, pain perception is measured using the SEM scale while the needle is inserted. Immediately after, pain is also assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Parents provide consent for participation, and children with cooperative behavior are included. The study collects data on pain levels and behavior to evaluate how each method influences pain relief in children during dental anesthesia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a complex chronic pain condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, sleep problems, and psychological symptoms such as depression and anxiety. It involves changes in brain and nerve chemical signals related to pain control. This research aims to evaluate how electroacupuncture, alone or combined with diet changes, affects the overall experience of pain in FM patients using multiple assessment tools. Participants will receive electroacupuncture treatments targeting specific acupoints. Some will also have the option to follow a special anti-inflammatory diet and take dietary supplements including vitamin B complex, magnesium, zinc, and others. The study will track changes in pain and biological markers at various points: baseline, after 6 and 12 treatment sessions, and six months after treatment ends. Throughout the study, patients will undergo assessments including measurement of Mu-positive B cells (a potential pain biomarker), pressure pain thresholds using an algometer at different body sites, symptom severity scales, quality of life questionnaires, and depression screening. These evaluations occur at baseline, during treatment, and at follow-ups up to six months after completing electroacupuncture. The study aims to provide a comprehensive view of pain and its changes in FM patients receiving this treatment.

Researchers are studying how exercise-induced hypoalgesia, which is a reduced sensitivity to pain after exercise, differs when resistance training is applied to the lower limbs compared to the upper limbs. This randomized controlled trial involves healthy adults aged 18 to 64 years and aims to compare pain pressure thresholds in specific muscle groups after different exercise interventions. The study also includes a control group to observe differences without exercise intervention. Participants are divided into three groups: one group performs lower limb resistance training using leg extensions, another performs upper limb resistance training with brachial biceps curls, and a control group remains seated without exercise. Both exercise groups complete 3 sets of 5 repetitions at a resistance level determined by their 5-repetition maximum (5RM), following a 5-minute warm-up on a cycle ergometer. The 5RM is assessed 72 hours before the intervention. During the study, pain pressure thresholds on the dominant quadriceps and brachial biceps are measured before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the exercise or rest period. Participants also complete questionnaires assessing physical activity, fatigue, and perceived exertion. The research aims to observe local and distant pain sensitivity changes based on the area of resistance training, with all testing conducted under controlled conditions.

Researchers are investigating hyperalgesia, or increased sensitivity to pain, in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery. This study aims to understand the current state and factors influencing hyperalgesia after surgery, and to evaluate how combining the drug flurbiprofen axidate with noise-cancelling earphone music during surgery may affect postoperative pain levels. The study randomly assigns patients to one of three groups: flurbiprofen axidate combined with noise-cancelling headphones playing music, flurbiprofen axidate combined with noise-cancelling headphones without music, or flurbiprofen axidate alone via drip. The drug is given 30 minutes before anesthesia, and in the headphone groups, noise-cancelling headphones are applied after anesthesia induction and worn throughout the surgery. Participants will be assessed before surgery and on the first and second days after surgery for mechanical pain threshold on the healthy arm and surgical area. Pain levels are measured using a numerical rating scale, and use of additional analgesics and patient-controlled analgesia pumps are tracked within two days after surgery. Researchers also monitor intraoperative medication use and adverse reactions like nausea or hypotension. The total duration of participation spans surgery day and two days post-surgery for outcome evaluation.

Researchers are investigating the characteristics of neuropathic pain and its connection to central sensitization in people diagnosed with subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), a condition involving shoulder pain lasting at least three months. This observational study will enroll 82 adults aged 19 years or older from a physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic. The study aims to understand how different pain descriptors, especially hyperalgesia, relate to neuropathic pain and central sensitization in SAPS patients. Participants will complete several validated questionnaires evaluating pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), neuropathic pain features with painDETECT, central sensitization with the Central Sensitization Inventory, and shoulder function through the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). A physical examination will measure the shoulder's range of motion using a goniometer. No imaging or invasive procedures will be performed during the study. Throughout the study, researchers will assess the presence of specific pain descriptors related to neuropathic pain and central sensitization patterns. They will analyze hyperalgesia at a single baseline assessment alongside other measures such as pain intensity, neuropathic pain, central sensitization, shoulder function, and range of motion. This information aims to improve understanding of pain mechanisms and support better clinical management for individuals with SAPS.