Global Transcriptomic Profile of Dorsal Root Ganglion and Physiological Correlates of Cisplatin-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy.

Background: Multiple cell signaling pathways are implicated in the development, progression, and persistence of cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Although advances have been made in terms of understanding specific neurotoxic mechanisms, there are few predictive factors identified that can help inform the clinician approach to symptom prevention or management.

Objective: We investigate the differential sensitivity to cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy and examine the contribution of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) transcriptional profiles across two inbred strains of mice.

[Mechanism of electroacupuncture on "Zusanli (ST 36)" for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy].

Objective: To observe the effects and duration of electroacupuncture on the mechanical pain threshold induced by paclitaxel and explore its analgesic mechanism.

Methods: Sixty-four C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups, a normal+sham EA group, a normal+EA group, a medicine+sham EA(Med+ sham EA) group, a medicine + EA (Med + EA) group, 16 cases in each group. The model of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy was established with paclitaxel intraperitoneal injection on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th day in the Med + sham EA group and the Med + EA group.

Pharmacogenetic Discovery in CALGB (Alliance) 90401 and Mechanistic Validation of a VAC14 Polymorphism that Increases Risk of Docetaxel-Induced Neuropathy.

Purpose: Discovery of SNPs that predict a patient's risk of docetaxel-induced neuropathy would enable treatment individualization to maximize efficacy and avoid unnecessary toxicity. The objectives of this analysis were to discover SNPs associated with docetaxel-induced neuropathy and mechanistically validate these associations in preclinical models of drug-induced neuropathy.

Experimental Design: A genome-wide association study was conducted in metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel, prednisone and randomized to bevacizumab or placebo on CALGB 90401.

The role for epigenetic modifications in pain and analgesia response.

Pain remains a poorly understood and managed symptom. A limited mechanistic understanding of interindividual differences in pain and analgesia response shapes current approaches to assessment and treatment. Opportunities exist to improve pain care through increased understanding of how dynamic epigenomic remodeling shapes injury, illness, pain, and treatment response.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulates antiretroviral-induced mechanical allodynia in the mouse.

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are key components of HIV/AIDS treatment to reduce viral load. However, these drugs can induce chronic neuropathic pain, leading to increased morbidity in HIV patients. This study examines the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) in development of mechanical allodynia in male C57BL/6J mice treated with the NRTI stavudine (d4T).

Genome-wide screen identifies drug-induced regulation of the gene giant axonal neuropathy (Gan) in a mouse model of antiretroviral-induced painful peripheral neuropathy.

Painful peripheral neuropathy is a debilitating complication of the treatment of HIV with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Patients are living longer with these drugs; however many develop excruciating, unremitting, and often treatment-limiting neuropathy that is resistant to conventional pain management therapies. Improving patient comfort and quality of life is paramount and depends on a clearer understanding of this devastating side effect.

Innovations in clinical simulation: Application of Benner's theory in an interactive patient care simulation.

This article introduces the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing clinical simulation protocol structure and lessons learned while using this protocol in a mandatory learning experience for over 190 adult health students. Students use a SimMan manikin in a high-fidelity, interactive clinical simulation to provide care to "unstable patients." Benner's concepts regarding the performance characteristics and learning needs of nurses with varying levels of clinical competency were incorporated into the development of the simulation.