Pain Levels In Patients Research Articles

Confirmation of the viability of a metaverse yoga class and investigation into the impact on pain, anxiety, and depression associated with low back pain after engaging in virtual yoga sessions.

This study aimed to explore the influence of metaverse technology (MT) factors like presence, usability, and enjoyment on patients' satisfaction, with a focus on examining potential mediating effects. In addition, it sought to assess whether the yoga practice as an intervention therapy in MT induces changes in the pain, anxiety, and depression levels of patients experiencing back pain. From the pool of 202 participants, this study chose participants who had reported enduring low back pain over 12 weeks, with a visual analogue scale (VAS) rating of 4 or higher. After completing the questionnaire, patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (COG, n=100) or the yoga exercise group (YEG, n=99). Results showed that the construct validity for questionnaires and a reasonable model fit were confirmed, and that presence showed a statistically significant effect on psychological satisfaction via the mediating path of enjoyment (β=0.592, P=0.001). Following 8 weeks of the yoga practice, the VAS increased for the COG, while it decreased significantly by ~29% for the YEG (P=0.001). YEG also exhibited a decrease in the Oswestry Disability Index by ~17%, anxiety by ~7%, and depression by ~10% (P=0.001). In conclusion, psychological satisfaction in a yoga practice using a metaverse cannot be achieved solely through the sense of presence; enjoyment is necessary for patients' satisfaction. Moreover, it was verified that virtual yoga practice is effective in ameliorating psychological factors resulting from back pain.

Effect of different anesthetic modalities with multimodal analgesia on postoperative pain level in colorectal tumor patients.

According to clinical data, a significant percentage of patients experience pain after surgery, highlighting the importance of alleviating postoperative pain. The current approach involves intravenous self-control analgesia, often utilizing opioid analgesics such as morphine, sufentanil, and fentanyl. Surgery for colorectal cancer typically involves general anesthesia. Therefore, optimizing anesthetic management and postoperative analgesic programs can effectively reduce perioperative stress and enhance postoperative recovery. The study aims to analyze the impact of different anesthesia modalities with multimodal analgesia on patients' postoperative pain. To explore the effects of different anesthesia methods coupled with multi-mode analgesia on postoperative pain in patients with colorectal cancer. Following the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, a total of 126 patients with colorectal cancer admitted to our hospital from January 2020 to December 2022 were included, of which 63 received general anesthesia coupled with multi-mode labor pain and were set as the control group, and 63 received general anesthesia associated with epidural anesthesia coupled with multi-mode labor pain and were set as the research group. After data collection, the effects of postoperative analgesia, sedation, and recovery were compared. Compared to the control group, the research group had shorter recovery times for orientation, extubation, eye-opening, and spontaneous respiration (P < 0.05). The research group also showed lower Visual analog scale scores at 24 h and 48 h, higher Ramany scores at 6 h and 12 h, and improved cognitive function at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h (P < 0.05). Additionally, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 levels were significantly reduced at various time points in the research group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ were also lower in the research group at multiple time points (P < 0.05). For patients with colorectal cancer, general anesthesia coupled with epidural anesthesia and multi-mode analgesia can achieve better postoperative analgesia and sedation effects, promote postoperative rehabilitation of patients, improve inflammatory stress and immune status, and have higher safety.

Tranexamic Acid for Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been conducted to assess the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the setting of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). However, these studies have shown mixed results, with some showing improved intraoperative visualization, subsequent operative times, and pain levels, and others finding no difference. To perform a systematic review of the RCTs in the literature to evaluate the use of TXA on ARCR. Meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 1. Two independent reviewers performed the literature search based on the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, with a third author resolving any discrepancies. RCTs comparing TXA with a control in ARCR were included. Visualization, postoperative pain, operative time, pump pressures, and shoulder swelling were evaluated. A P value < .05 was deemed statistically significant. Six RCTs with 450 patients were included in this review. Overall, 5 studies evaluated intraoperative visualization, with 3 studies finding a significant difference in favor of TXA. With TXA, patients had a lower mean postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score of 3.3, and with the control, patients had a mean VAS score of 4.1, which was statistically significant (P = .001). With TXA, the mean weighted operation time was 79.3 minutes, and with the control, the mean operation time was 88.8 minutes, which was statistically significant (P = .001). No study found any difference in intraoperative pump pressures or swelling. TXA improved visualization, operative time, and subsequent postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing ARCR.

Amnion Membrane Transplantation: A Therapy for Persistent Epithelial Defect as A Result of Neurotrophic Keratitis

Introduction : A persistent epithelial defect (PED) is a failure of re-epithelialization and complete healing of the cornea. The primary goal of PED treatment is to create a favorable environment for corneal wound healing. Amniotic membrane transplants (AMT) become one of the refractory cases treated for PED. This study aims to report AMT as therapy for a PED.&#x0D; Case Illustration : A fifty-six-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of redness and pain in the left eye in the last2 weeks. The patient complained of blurred vision, tearing, and foreign body sensations. An ophthalmology examination of the left eye revealed that it was close to face finger counting in visual acuity and had a persistent epithelial defect, corneal edema, descemet fold, and a decrease in corneal sensation. The patient was diagnosed with PED and received autologous serum eye drops, levofloxacin eye drops, vitamin A palmitate eye gel, and acyclovir 400mg twice a day, but did not respond adequately. AMT was planned for the patient. The patient's pain level improved one week after surgery.&#x0D; Discussion : The most common symptom of PED is pain. There are various etiological factors for PED. Neurotropic keratitis has emerged as one of the causes of PED. Management for PED is carried out sequentially according to the protocol.&#x0D; Conclusion : Amniotic membrane transplantation has become an alternative therapy for PED. The amniotic membrane provides re-epithelialization of the cornea and anti-inflammatory properties. The prognosis for AMT as a therapy for PED is quite good.

The Phenomenon of Post Digestive Surgery Patient’s Pain in West Java Indonesia

Introduction: The high prevalence of pain in post-digestive surgery patients shows urgency in handling pain management. The role of a nurse anesthetist is needed to conduct pain assessment and pain management to solve the problem. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the phenomenon of pain in post-digestive surgery patients in the inpatient room of Hospital X in West Java, Indonesia. Methods: This research used a quantitative observational approach with 30 post-digestive surgery patients. Sampling used an accidental sampling technique, with an observation sheet using Visual Analogue Scale indicators, then analyzed descriptively. Results and Discussion: Results showed that most of the respondents complained of severe pain after being given the analgesic of Tramadol 100 mg and ketorolac 60 mg drip. Conclusion: This study concludes that the level of pain in post-digestive surgery patients at X Hospital 4 hours after post-surgery is on the severe pain scale. So, it is recommended that pain assessment be further improved and further research on postoperative pain management.

Comparison of the Effects of Aromatherapy With Damask Rose and Chamomile Essential Oil on Preoperative Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Orthopedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposePatients who are awaiting emergency surgery experience high levels of anxiety and pain. This study aimed to compare the effects of aromatherapy with damask rose and chamomile essential oil on the preoperative pain and anxiety associated with emergency orthopedic surgery. DesignA parallel-group randomized controlled design was used. MethodsNinety participants were selected and randomly assigned to three groups: the damask rose group (n = 30), the chamomile group (n = 30), and the control group (n = 30). In the damask rose and chamomile groups, three drops of 40% essential of each plant were used for inhalation aromatherapy (three drops every hour for 3 hours) Visual Analog Scales were used to evaluate participants’ pain and anxiety levels at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 1 hour after the intervention. FindingsThe results of repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that both of the intervention groups experienced a decrease in pain and anxiety over time compared to the control group (P < .001). ANOVA results showed that immediately after the intervention, the anxiety level of the damask rose group compared to the chamomile and control groups was significantly lower (P = .01). However, there was no significant difference in terms of anxiety between the damask rose and chamomile groups 1 hour after the intervention (P = .07). ConclusionsThe use of damask rose and chamomile in aromatherapy was found to effectively lower anxiety and pain levels in emergency orthopedic surgery patients. The antianxiety effect of damask rose is faster than chamomile.

The Influence of Preoperative Waiting Time on Anxiety and Pain Levels in Outpatient Surgery for Breast Diseases.

This study aims to examine the effects of different preoperative waiting times on anxiety and pain levels in patients undergoing outpatient surgery for breast diseases, providing insights for clinical interventions during the perioperative phase. Patients who underwent outpatient surgery at a hospital breast center in Ningbo between January 2021 and December 2021 were selected. Their anxiety levels at the time when they entered the preoperative preparation room and when they ended the postoperative waiting period for the rapid frozen section procedure were assessed using the State Anxiety Inventory (S-AI) questionnaire, and their pain levels at the end of the postoperative waiting period were assessed using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. The patients enrolled were divided into 3 groups according to the preoperative waiting time: <2 hours (T1 group), 2 to 4 hours (T2 group), and >4 hours (T3 group); there were 150 patients in each group, and the anxiety and pain levels were compared between the groups. At the time of entering the preoperative preparation room, patients' S-AI score T1 = T2 ( P > 0.05), both T1 and T2 < T3 ( P < 0.05); however, at the time of the postoperative waiting period, patients' S-AI score was T1 < T2 < T3 ( P < 0.05), and the postoperative waiting period patients' short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire scores were T1 = T2 < T3 ( P < 0.05). The perioperative anxiety and pain levels of patients undergoing outpatient breast surgery increased with the prolongation of preoperative waiting time; 4 hours was the critical time point for change, after which the anxiety and pain levels of patients increased significantly.

Evaluation of the health literacy in patients with stroke and relationship between health literacy and functional status on quality of life in patients with stroke

Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the health literacy in patients with stroke and relationship between health literacy and functional status on quality of life. Methods: This cross-sectional study was studied on 50 participants with stroke (mean age: 59.4±10.6 years) and 50 healthy controls (mean age: 61.7±10.1 years). Clinical and demographic and characteristics were recorded. Health literacy levels of the participants were assessed with the Turkish version of European Health Literacy Scale (EHLS-TR), Motor development for hand, upper and lover extremity with Brunnstrom staging, evaluation of health-related quality of life with Notthingham Health Profile (NHP), pain with assessed with numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: Age, gender, marital status, education, job and residential area were similar between the groups. The EHLS-TR scores were significantly lower, in patients with stroke compared to the control group (p=0.041δ). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between EHLS-TR scores, age and positive correlation with educational status. EHLS-TR scores were found to be higher in patients younger than 60 years old and university graduates. Health releated quality of life levels are similar between the groups. EHLS-TR scores were found to be statistically effective on Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) total scores (rho:-0,357 and p=0,011) and also physical activity sub domain and energy level sub domains. There was moderate negative correlation between the EHLS-TR scores and NHP energy sub domain (p=0.002, r:-0.436) and weak negative correlation between the EHLS-TR scores and NHP emotional, sleep, physical activity sub domains (r:-0.279 p=0.049, r:-0.344 p=0.015, r:-0.288 p=0.043). There was no correlation between the EHLS-TR scores and Brunnstrom staging, Functional ambulation and pain levels in patients with stroke. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that healthy literacy level is lower in patients with stroke compared to healthy controls. In addition, healthy literacy is associated with age and education. Health literacy has been found to have an impact on quality of life and energy, emotional, sleep and physical activity subdomains of NHP. There was no association found between functional status on health literacy in this patient population.

The Effects of Sex Hormones on Postoperative Pain in Patients with Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

There are many factors that affect postoperative pain. This study determines the effect of preoperative sex hormone levels on postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This study included a total of 89 patients who met the study inclusion criteria. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on their sex and pre and postmenopausal periods: male patients (n = 28), postmenopausal female patients (n = 31), and female patients with normal cycles (n = 30). Normal-cycle women were also regrouped based on their follicular and luteal phases. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form, a patient follow-up form, and the Visual Analog Scale. Venous blood samples taken from the patients before surgery were used to measure their levels of estradiol (EST), testosterone (TES), and progesterone levels. Male patients had lower pain levels than female patients. The male patients' Visual Analog Scale scores were inversely related and correlated strongly with their TES levels (P < 0.05). However, subgroup analyses suggested that their EST level played a primary role in males and that the EST/TES ratio was determinant in the late postoperative period. In female patients, the EST/progesterone ratio was the most determining factor for the level of pain felt in the postmenopausal period, whereas there was no change in the premenopausal period at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Sex hormones were found to be effective in predicting postoperative pain severity.

Complications of Patients Who Underwent Total Hip Replacement Surgery According to Their Severity, Type, And Ct Findings

Background: Total hip replacement surgery can be defined as the most performed and successful surgeries in recent times. The use of computed tomography technology has greatly improved the accuracy of determining the condition of the hip joint. Objective: This study was aimed to determine and assess the complications and CT scan outcomes related to patients with total hip replacement surgery. Patients and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted which occurred in different hospitals in Iraq, recruiting 106 patients who had undergone total hip replacement surgery through February 8th, 2022, and August 16th, 2023. Clinical data were collected into patients who diagnosed under CT imaging where it was determined the status of the hip joint. The clinical and demographic characteristics were determined into male and female patients aged between 20 and over 50. Postoperative complications were diagnosed using CT scans.&#x0D; Additionally, this study was assessed the pain levels of patients through ten days after total hip surgery by (NRS) scale, which ranged between (0 – 10) where 0 can indicate no pain while 10 can indicate severe pain. Results: clinical results can indicate that most of the patients (41) with total hip replacement surgery were over 50 years old. The number of male patients was higher than that of female patients, with 70 and 36 patients, respectively. Osteoporosis was present in 34 patients, while fractures or dislocations of the hip joint were observed in 28 patients. In this study, 51.89% of participants were smokers. The most common symptoms reported were stiffness (27 cases), pain (20 cases), and limping (24 cases). The most prevalent concomitant diseases were hypertension (42 patients) and diabetes (32 patients). The study found that the most common complications after surgery, as recorded by a CT scan, were infections (5 cases), blood clots (3 cases), and bleeding (3 cases), with a mortality rate of only 4 cases. Pain scores of patients were assessed within ten days after surgery, and the success of the surgery technique in controlling patients was examined. The study concluded that the NRS scale reached a score of 1 in the last few days. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of total hip replacement surgery in improving patients' quality of life, as determined by their ability to move with better performance, lower pain levels, and fewer complications associated with the surgery, as shown by CT scans.

Vasodilatory Peripheral Response and Pain Levels following Radiofrequency Stressor Application in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome of unknown pathogenesis that presents, among other symptoms, chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. This study aims to analyze the effects of radiofrequency on core body temperature and the peripheral temperature of the dorsal surfaces and palms of the hands and its association with pain levels in patients with FM. A case-control observational study was conducted with a total of twenty-nine women diagnosed with FM and seventeen healthy women. Capacitive monopolar radiofrequency was applied to the palms of the hands using the Biotronic Advance Develops device. Peripheral hand temperature was analyzed using a thermographic camera, and core body temperature was analyzed with an infrared scanner. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) and electrical pain were recorded with an algometer and a Pain Matcher device, respectively. A significant decrease was observed in women with FM in pain electrical threshold (95% CI [0.01-3.56], p = 0.049), electrical pain (95% CI [2.87-10.43], p = 0.002), dominant supraspinatus PPT (95% CI [0.04-0.52], p = 0.023), non-dominant supraspinatus PPT (95% CI [0.03-0.60], p = 0.029), and non-dominant tibial PPT (95% CI [0.05-0.89], p = 0.031). Women with FM have increased hypersensitivity to pain as well as increased peripheral temperature after exposure to a thermal stimulus, such as radiofrequency, which could indicate disorders of their neurovascular response.

Muscle Pressure Correlates With Pain Levels in Fibromyalgia Patients.

We evaluated patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) to determine whether there is a correlation between pain scores based on a 0- to 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) and muscle pressure. One hundred forty-two patients who satisfied the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for FMS and 38 non-FMS controls comprised the study groups. Muscle pressure was measured in mm Hg using a pressure gauge attached to a no. 22 needle inserted into the midportion of the trapezius muscle. The muscle pressure was then correlated with the VAS pain score of 0 to 10, some with an increment of 0.5. A second muscle pressure was obtained from 19 patients at a subsequent visit, which was compared with their pain scores. The mean (SD) pain score for 142 patients with FMS was 6.6 (SD, 1.84) on a 0- to 10-point VAS. The mean pain score in the non-FMS subjects was 0.7 (SD, 1.26). The mean muscle pressure in the FMS group was 32.9 (SD, 6.57) mm Hg. The mean muscle pressure in the non-FMS subjects was 10.6 (SD, 3.85) mm Hg. The calculated Pearson correlation coefficient for muscle pressure versus pain score was 0.8312 ( p < 0.0001). This indicates a highly significant association between subjects' muscle pressure and pain scores. For the repeat muscle pressures, the change in muscle pressure was correlated with the change in pain score, and the resulting Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.9255 ( p < 0.0001). These results again indicate a highly significant association between subjects' muscle pressure and pain scores. The results show that increased muscle pressure may be a significant cause of pain in FMS, and the etiology of the pain may have a large peripheral component in addition to a centralized origin of the pain.

The long- and short-term effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on pain level in patients with plantar fasciosis – preliminary research

The long- and short-term effect of radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy on pain level in patients with plantar fasciosis – preliminary research

Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease-Associated Muscle Cramps: Severity and Response to Immunomodulatory Therapies

Muscle cramps in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) are common and associated with impaired quality of life and symptom burden. Muscle cramps are not currently captured in the 2014 National Institutes of Health (NIH) response criteria, and thus characterization and response to immunomodulatory therapies are lacking. The objective of this study was to characterize muscle cramp frequency, duration, and pain level in patients with steroid-refractory cGVHD undergoing extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP). A single-center cohort of patients who underwent ECP for the indication of steroid-refractory cGVHD with muscle cramps at treatment initiation were followed from April 2021 to April 2023. Of 22 patients receiving ECP for cGVHD during the study period, 9 (41%) had muscle cramps at ECP initiation (6 males [66%]; median age, 59 years; range, 25 to 66 years). Seven of these 9 patients (78%) had multiple organs involved, and 7 (78%) had severe disease by the NIH Global Severity scale. Over a median treatment duration of 28 weeks (range, 10 to 48 weeks), 8 patients (89%) had decreased frequency of muscle cramps from a median of 5 episodes per week (range, 3 per day to 2 per week) to a median of <1 episode per week (range, 1 per month to 3 per week). The pain and duration of muscle cramps were not changed meaningfully. The NIH Global Severity score remained unchanged in 6 patients (67%) and was improved in 3 patients (33%). Muscle cramping is a morbid feature of cGVHD that may be sensitive to change with standard immunomodulatory therapies. Muscle cramp frequency should be further validated as a response measure in cGVHD.

Reliability of PainDETECT for Evaluating Low Back Pain Caused by Cluneal Nerve Entrapment.

Superior/middle cluneal nerve entrapment (CN-E) is an elicitor of low back pain (LBP). The painDETECT questionnaire is used to characterize CN-E symptoms. Nineteen consecutive patients with LBP caused by CN-E (superior CN-E = 7; middle CN-E = 12) participated in a Japanese language painDETECT questionnaire survey before surgery. A score of 12 or lower was recorded as 'neuropathic component unlikely', a score of 19 or higher as 'neuropathic pain likely', and scores between 13 and 18 as 'neuropathic pain possible'. LBP severity was recorded on a numerical rating scale, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, and the EuroQol-5 dimension-5 level. The mean painDETECT score was 11.8 and did not significantly differ between the superior CN-E and middle CN-E groups. We classified low back pain as unlikely to have a neuropathic component in 13 patients, as likely to have a neuropathic component in 2 patients, and as possibly neuropathic in 4 patients. There was no significant difference in the pain level of patients with scores of ≤12 and ≥13 on painDETECT. All patients reported trigger pain; the positive rate was high for electric shock pain, radiating pain, and pain attacks and low for a burning or tingling sensation, pain elicited by a light touch, and pain caused by cold or hot stimulation. The painDETECT questionnaire may not reliably identify LBP caused by superior/middle CN-E as neuropathic pain. A diagnosis of LBP due to CN-E must be made carefully because symptoms resemble nociceptive pain.

Antibiotic bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage effectively repairs sacrococcygeal pressure ulcer.

To investigate the effectiveness of antibiotic bone cement combined with the vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique for repairing sacrococcygeal pressure ulcer wounds. A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 136 patients treated at Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical College between May 2020 and June 2022. The cases were devided into a control group and a study group according to their treatment regimen. Indicators of postoperative recovery including blood routine recovery time, hospital stay, antibiotic application time, and healing time were compared between the two groups. Before the procedure and 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours following the operation, the pain levels of patients in both groups were examined using a visual analogue scale (VAS). On the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days of treatment, the pressure ulcer scale for healing (PUSH) was used to measure the pressure ulcer area between the two groups. On the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days following treatment, the capillary density values were compared between the two groups, along with the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-12 (IL-12), and c-reactive protein (CRP). The proportions of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell subsets, as well as CD4+/CD8+ ratio, were compared between the two groups. The blood routine recovery time, hospital stays, antibiotic usage duration, and healing time were all significantly shorter in the study group compared to those in the control group (all P<0.05). At 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h following surgery, the VAS score in study group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The study group also showed a greater reduction in pressure ulcer area, with lower PUSH scores observed on days 14, 21, and 28 (P<0.05). Post-treatment levels of IL-1β, IL-12, and CRP decreased in both groups, with significantly lower levels in the study group (P<0.05). Following therapy, both groups demonstrated significantly increased levels of CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+, IgM and IgG and reduced level of CD8+. These improvements were more pronounced in the study group (all P<0.05). The combination of antibiotic bone cement and VSD is effective in enhancing recovery, reducing pain and inflammation, and improving immune response in the treatment of sacrococcygeal pressure ulcers.

A pilot study analyzing the influence of the material and the size of the orthodontic archwire on the level of pain and anxiety in adult patients in treatment with brackets: A prospective triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

The objective was to investigate the influence of the material and dimensions of the orthodontic archwire on the pain and anxiety in adult patients in orthodontic treatment with brackets. A randomized prospective triple-blind clinical pilot study was conducted at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca. The study sample comprised 30 adult patients who started orthodontic treatment with brackets. This sample was divided into two groups: the NiTi group (n=15) and Cu-NiTi group (n=15). Pain was analyzed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and anxiety with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Anxiety was assessed at the start of treatment (T0) and after one month (T1). Pain was analyzed at the start of treatment (T0), at different time points at the start (T01), and after 4 (T02), 24 (T03), and 48 hours (T04); these measurements were also recorded one month after starting orthodontic treatment (T11, T12, T13, and T14). The mean age of patients was 31.3 (± 6.05) years old. The highest level of pain, at the beginning of treatment, was observed after 48 hours (5.57 ± 1.72) and at one month after starting treatment at 24 hours (5.13 ± 1.89), with no significant differences between the two groups. When analyzing anxiety, no differences were observed between groups; the anxiety levels were higher one month after starting treatment compared to the start. Regarding the correlation between pain and anxiety, the NiTi group showed a greater direct relationship (<0.05) between these two variables at the start of treatment in the anxiety trait in relation to pain at T02 and T03 and after a month in T12, T13, and T14. In the sample studied, there was no significant influence of the size or material of the orthodontic archwire on pain and anxiety levels. Key words:Orthodontics, Brackets, Archwire, Pain, Anxiety, NiTi, Cu-NiTi.

The Effect of Frequency of Sexual Intercourse on Symptoms in Women with Fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is known to affect sexual function, but the effect of frequency of sexual intercourse on fibromyalgia symptom severity is unclear. This study investigated how frequently women with fibromyalgia engaged in sexual activity affected how severe the disease was. The depression status of the participants was evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the mean monthly frequency of sexual intercourse in the last 3 months was noted. Pain levels of fibromyalgia patients were evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain prevalence Widespread Pain Index (WPI), symptom level Symptom Severity Scale (SSS), and fibromyalgia exposure status with Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). A hundred women with fibromyalgia with a mean age of 37.11±6.2 years and 100 healthy female controls with a mean age of 36.53 ± 5.85 years participated in the study. Female patients with fibromyalgia had higher BDI and VAS scores and lower frequency of sexual intercourse (p<0.001). While no significant relationship was observed between the frequency of sexual intercourse and VAS, FIQ, SSS and WPI scores, it was found that BDI was lower in those with an average monthly frequency of 8 or more sexual intercourses (p=0.02). This study revealed that the frequency of sexual intercourse is low in female patients with FM and that depression is less common in women with FM who have a higher frequency of sexual intercourse.

Effectiveness of bone-filled mesh bag technology and angle vertebroplasty in the treatment of osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures in the elderly.

To evaluate the effectiveness, pain level, and lung function in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures using bone filling mesh bag technology compared to curved vertebroplasty. This retrospective analysis reviewed 72 elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures treated at Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu between February 2021 and January 2022. The patients were separated into two groups according to surgery approach: an observation group using bone filling mesh bag technology and a control group using curved vertebroplasty. The overall response rate, pain degree, pulmonary function, life quality grades, surgical indicators, and bone cement leakage rates of the two groups were evaluated. The variation in overall response rate (P=0.420), pain degree (P=0.270), pulmonary function (peak expiratory flow: P=0.660, forced expiratory volume in the first second: P=0.775, forced vital capacity: 0.062), and life quality grades (physical health: P=0.949, social function: P=0.935, physiological function: P=0.970, vitality: P=0.778) between the observation group and the control group after treatment was not statistically meaningful. The Cobb angle (P<0.001) and vertebral height (P<0.001) of patients in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group after therapy. The leakage rates of bone cement (intervertebral disc leakage, paravertebral vein leakage, paravertebral soft tissue leakage) of patients in the observation group were notably lower than those in the control group after therapy (P=0.029). Bone filling mesh bag technology offers significant improvements in Cobb angle and vertebral height for treating elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracic vertebral compression fractures, and reduced the leakage rate of bone cement. This technique achieves comparable therapeutic outcomes to curved vertebroplasty.

Perioperative effects of different hypotensive anesthesia techniques in orthognathic surgery.

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of combining sevoflurane with remifentanil, esmolol, or nitroglycerin for hypotensive anesthesia and determine the suitable hypotensive anesthesia method for orthognathic surgery. This retrospective study included 60 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery for developmental malocclusion. They were divided into three groups based on the hypotensive agent preferences: Group 1 (n = 20), sevoflurane and remifentanil; Group 2 (n = 20), sevoflurane and esmolol; Group 3 (n = 20), sevoflurane and nitroglycerin. Bleeding volume, heart rate, systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded at certain times during the perioperative period, including at stages with increased stress levels in the body, such as incision and osteotomy. The patients' blood pressure, analgesic consumption and pain level were recorded in the postoperative period. Bleeding volume, surgery satisfaction related to bleeding, and total operation time did not differ significantly between groups. Intraoperatively, heart rates were significantly higher in Group 3 than in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.001). However, hemodynamic stability was similar in Groups 1 and 2. Postoperatively, analgesic consumption, pain levels, and blood pressure dynamics did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Based on this study's results, it was concluded that infusing remifentanil, esmolol, or nitroglycerin with sevoflurane during orthognathic surgery successfully achieved the targeted hypotensive anesthesia and can be considered alternative methods. The decision on which method to use should consider the patient's overall health status and additional medical conditions.