Classifying Low Back Pain Through Pain Mechanisms: A Scoping Review for Physiotherapy Practice.

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often driven by distinct pain mechanisms: nociceptive, neuropathic, and central sensitization. Accurate classification of these mechanisms is critical for guiding effective, targeted treatments. A scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

The Role of AMPS in Parkinson's Disease Management: Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis.

Automated Mechanical Peripheral Stimulation (AMPS) is emerging as a potential therapeutic tool for managing motor and non-motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), particularly in terms of improving gait, balance, and autonomic regulation. This scoping review aims to synthesize current evidence on AMPS's effectiveness for these outcomes. A review was conducted on MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, Scopus, PEDro, and Web of Science.

Identification of PET/CT radiomic signature for classification of locally recurrent rectal cancer: A network-based feature selection approach.

Background: The modern approach to treating rectal cancer, which involves total mesorectal excision directed by imaging assessments, has significantly enhanced patient outcomes. However, locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) continues to be a significant clinical issue. Identifying LRRC through imaging is complex, due to the mismatch between fibrosis and inflammatory pelvic tissue.

Activity-Based Prospective Memory and Motor Sleep Inertia in Insomnia.

Background/objectives: The aim of this study is to shed light on activity-based prospective memory upon the awakening and its association with motor sleep inertia in different phenotypes of insomnia disorder.

Methods: To this end, 67 patients with insomnia and 51 healthy controls took part in the study. After enrollment, previously proposed actigraphic quantitative criteria were adopted, and the following phenotypes of insomnia disorder were observed in the patient sample: sleep onset ( = 12), maintenance ( = 19), mixed ( = 17), and negative misperception ( = 19).

Artificial intelligence and MRI in sinonasal tumors discrimination: where do we stand?

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) demonstrates high potential when applied to radiomic analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to discriminate sinonasal tumors. This can enhance diagnostic suspicion beyond visual assessment alone and prior to biopsy, leading to expedite the diagnostic timeline and the treatment planning. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the current advancements and accuracy of this technology in this domain.

Reliability and validity of the Italian version of the Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities in children with cerebral palsy.

Background: The Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire is a reliable indirect indicator of functional, health status and quality of life in children with severe Cerebral Palsy (CP), as well as the caregiving burden. The aim of the study is to validate the Italian translation of Caregiver Priorities and Child Health Index of Life with Disabilities (CPCHILD™) questionnaire and assess its reliability and validity.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted.

Focal Vibration Therapy for Motor Deficits and Spasticity Management in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.

Background: Focal mechanical vibration therapy has gained attention as a potential intervention to improve motor function while decreasing spasticity and pain in post-stroke patients. Despite promising results, there remains variability in study designs and outcomes, warranting a review of its clinical efficacy.

Methods: A review was conducted to evaluate randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of focal mechanical vibration therapy on post-stroke rehabilitation.

Maximizing Knee OA Treatment: A Comparative Look at Physiotherapy and Injections.

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent and disabling condition often managed with physiotherapy or intra-articular injections. However, the comparative effectiveness of these treatments remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of physiotherapy and intra-articular injections in managing knee OA.

The potential role of CGRP in synuclein-associated neurodegenerative disorders.

In this hypothesis article, the potential clinicopathological associations of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) with the development of synuclein-associated neurodegenerative disorders (SAND) are discussed. The presence of -syn and CGRP in the CNS and the ENS and the intricate role of CGRP and its related pathways in inflammation, apoptosis, metabolism, neuromodulation, and brain-gut communication are analyzed. Since this hypothesis is confirmed, modulating CGRP-potential related pathways may lead to novel disease-modifying therapies.

Stepping towards relief: a scoping review on the impact of unstable footwear in chronic low back pain management.

Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent condition causing significant disability worldwide. Traditional treatments often have limited effectiveness, prompting research into alternative, non-invasive interventions. This review examines the impact of unstable footwear on CLBP management, exploring its potential to reduce pain and disability.

Strategic insights and survival outcomes: a systematic review of CNS metastases in uterine cervical cancer.

Introduction: Uterine cervical cancer, predominantly caused by HPV, is the fourth most common malignancy in women, rarely leading to Central Nervous System (CNS) metastases with a poor prognosis. This study analyzes 137 cases, focusing on the clinical progression, treatment efficacy, and survival outcomes, highlighting the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to extend patient survival in the face of inconsistent evidence and management practices.

Materials And Methods: This systematic review meticulously adhered to PRISMA guidelines, analysing all existing evidence on CNS metastasis from Uterine Cervical Cancer (UCC) through a comprehensive literature search up to August 2023.

Harnessing the Power of Water: A Scoping Review of Hydrokinesiotherapy as a Game-Changer in Knee Osteoarthritis Management.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent condition that significantly impairs pain, mobility, and quality of life. Hydrokinesiotherapy, a water-based exercise therapy, is gaining traction as a potential alternative to traditional land-based rehabilitation for managing knee OA symptoms. This scoping review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrokinesiotherapy compared to standard land-based physical therapy and self-administered exercise regimens in improving pain, joint mobility, quality of life, and physical function in patients with knee OA.

To Operate or Not? Evaluating the Best Approach for First-Time Patellar Dislocations: A Review.

The optimal management of first-time patellar dislocations remains a subject of debate. While surgical intervention is often recommended to reduce the risk of redislocation, the benefits over conservative treatment regarding knee function and complication rates are not clearly established. This systematic review aims to compare the effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment in preventing redislocation and improving knee function, while also considering complication rates.

Breaking the Cycle of Pain: The Role of Graded Motor Imagery and Mirror Therapy in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic condition characterized by severe pain and functional impairment. Graded Motor Imagery (GMI) and Mirror Therapy (MT) have emerged as potential non-invasive treatments; this review evaluates the effectiveness of these therapies in reducing pain, improving function, and managing swelling in CRPS patients. A systematic review was conducted including randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated GMI and MT in CRPS patients.

A multicenter study of clinical outcomes and volumetric trends in suspected microprolactinomas.

The diagnosis of pituitary microprolactinomas is often obscured by relatively low levels of elevated prolactin compared to macroprolactinomas. This may lead to varying patterns of medical therapy versus observation. We sought to correlate prolactin levels in suspected microprolactinomas with tumor volumes and clinical outcomes.

Closing the Gaps: An Integrative Review of Yoga's Benefits for Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Survivors.

Background: Dissection of the axillary lymph nodes during surgery for breast cancer with lymph node involvement is burdened by a complication: lymphedema. Approximately half of women undergoing axillary dissection suffer from it, with a notable impact in terms of perceived discomfort, presented quality of life, and alteration of body image. There is also no shortage of problems in the patient's social and professional life.

Beyond the smile: a systematic review of diagnostic tools for peripheral facial paralysis.

Background: Effective rehabilitation of peripheral facial paralysis (PFP) requires reliable assessment tools. This systematic review aimed to identify and validate instruments used in PFP rehabilitation, categorizing them according to the ICF framework.

Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Cinahl, Web of Science, and Scopus up to April 2024.

Harnessing Mirror Neurons: A New Frontier in Parkinson's Disease Rehabilitation-A Scoping Review of the Literature.

: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Rehabilitation utilizing mirror neurons leverages the brain's capacity for action observation (AO) and motor imagery (MI) to enhance motor function. This approach involves patients imitating movements observed in therapists or videos, aiming to improve gait, coordination, and overall quality of life.

The nature and magnitude of cognitive impairment in narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2, and idiopathic hypersomnia: a meta-analysis.

People with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), narcolepsy type 2 (NT2), and idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) often report cognitive impairment which can be quite burdensome but is rarely evaluated in routine clinical practice. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we assessed the nature and magnitude of cognitive impairment in NT1, NT2, and IH in studies conducted from January 2000 to October 2022. We classified cognitive tests assessing memory, executive function, and attention by cognitive domain.