Can electroencephalography (EEG) identify the different dimensions of pain in fibromyalgia? A pilot study.

Background: Electroencephalography (EEG) is a promising tool for identifying the physiological biomarkers of fibromyalgia (FM). Evidence suggests differences in power band and density between individuals with FM and healthy controls. EEG changes appear to be associated with pain intensity; however, their relationship with the quality of pain has not been examined.

Neurochemical mechanisms underlying serotonergic modulation of neuroplasticity in humans.

Background: Studies in animals and humans have shown that cortical neuroplasticity can be modulated by increasing serotonin levels by administering selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). However, little is known about the mechanistic background, especially the contribution of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, which depend on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.

Objective: We aimed to explore the relevance of drivers of plasticity (glutamate- and GABA-dependent processes) for the effects of serotonin enhancement on tDCS-induced plasticity in healthy humans.

Optimizing the Effect of tDCS on Motor Sequence Learning in the Elderly.

One of the most visible effects of aging, even in healthy, normal aging, is a decline in motor performance. The range of strategies applicable to counteract this deterioration has increased. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that can promote neuroplasticity, has recently gained attention.

NMDA receptor-related mechanisms of dopaminergic modulation of tDCS-induced neuroplasticity.

Dopamine is a key neuromodulator of neuroplasticity and an important neuronal substrate of learning, and memory formation, which critically involves glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Dopamine modulates NMDA receptor activity via dopamine D1 and D2 receptor subtypes. It is hypothesized that dopamine focuses on long-term potentiation (LTP)-like plasticity, i.

Dosage-Dependent Impact of Acute Serotonin Enhancement on Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Effects.

Background: The serotonergic system has an important impact on basic physiological and higher brain functions. Acute and chronic enhancement of serotonin levels via selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor administration impacts neuroplasticity in humans, as shown by its effects on cortical excitability alterations induced by non-invasive brain stimulation, including transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). Nevertheless, the interaction between serotonin activation and neuroplasticity is not fully understood, particularly considering dose-dependent effects.

Could cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation modulate the power spectral density of alpha-band in migrainous occipital lobe?

Objective: To identify the correlation between cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and the power spectral density (PSD) of alpha-band on the occipital lobe of migraineurs.

Methods: Firstly, a cross-sectional study was performed to compare the PSD of alpha-band in the occipital cortex of 25 migraineurs versus 10 healthy volunteers in resting state and during repetitive light stimuli (RLS). Secondly, the patients participated in 12 sessions of cathodal (n = 11) or sham tDCS (n = 10) over the primary visual cortex (V1) to investigate the alpha-band PSD.

Ca2+ channel dynamics explain the nonlinear neuroplasticity induction by cathodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the primary motor cortex.

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) induces polarity-dependent neuroplasticity: with conventional protocols, anodal tDCS results in excitability enhancement while cathodal stimulation reduces excitability. However, partially non-linear responses are observed with increased stimulation intensity and/or duration. Cathodal tDCS with 2 mA for 20 min reverses the excitability-diminishing plasticity induced by stimulation with 1 mA into excitation, while cathodal tDCS with 3 mA again results in excitability diminution.

Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (ctDCS) Impairs Balance Control in Healthy Individuals.

The cerebellum plays an important role in the planning, initiation and stability of movements, as well as in postural control and balance. Modulation of neural regions underlying balance control may be a potential alternative to treat balance impairments in cerebellar patients. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a noninvasive and safe tool capable to modulate cerebellar activity.

Efficacy of Noninvasive Brain Stimulation on Pain Control in Migraine Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) on pain control in migraine patients.

Background: Recent studies have used NIBS as an abortive and prophylactic treatment for migraine; however, its efficacy regarding meaningful clinical effects remains to be critically analyzed.

Design: Systematic review of controlled clinical trials.

Perineal Pain Management with Cryotherapy after Vaginal Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction Systematic reviews that evaluate the perineal cryotherapy to reduce pain in the vaginal postpartum are inconclusive. Purpose To evaluate clinical effectiveness of cryotherapy in the management of humanized postpartum perineal pain and vaginal edema. Methods A double-bind randomized controlled clinical trial (UTN number: U1111-1131-8433) was conducted in a hospital in Northeastern, Brazil.

Transcranial direct current stimulation in the prophylactic treatment of migraine based on interictal visual cortex excitability abnormalities: A pilot randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: The aims of this paper are (i) to compare the excitability of visual cortex in migraine patients with healthy volunteers; and (ii) if an abnormal excitability has been found, to modulate cortical excitability in migraine patients with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and observe their clinical and neurophysiological effects.

Methods: The study was divided into two steps. A cross-sectional study (step 1) was conducted to compare the cortical excitability of 23 migraineurs (11 with and 12 without aura) on 11 healthy individuals.

Efficacy of 2,6-dichlorophenol lure to control Dermacentor nitens.

This study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of a 2,6-dichlorophenol (2,6-DCP) lure to control Dermacentor nitens (Acari: Ixodidae). Slow-release formulations of the pheromone formulated with and without cypermethrin were prepared. Olfactometer bioassays were used to define the best dose of the pheromone and to evaluate the effect of cypermethrin with 2,6-DCP attractiveness.