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Vollert J, Fardo F, Attal N, Baron R, Bouhassira D, Enax-Krumova EK, Freynhagen R, Hansson P, Jensen TS, Kersebaum D, Maier C, Pogatzki-Zahn E, Rice AS, Sachau J, Schaldemose EL, Segerdahl M, Sendel M, Tölle TR, Finnerup NB, Treede RD. Paradoxical heat sensation as a manifestation of thermal hypesthesia: a study of 1090 patients with lesions of the somatosensory system. Pain 2024; 165:216-224. [PMID: 37578447 PMCID: PMC10723641 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) is the perception of warmth when the skin is cooled. Paradoxical heat sensation rarely occurs in healthy individuals but more frequently in patients suffering from lesions or disease of the peripheral or central nervous system. To further understand mechanisms and epidemiology of PHS, we evaluated the occurrence of PHS in relation to disease aetiology, pain levels, quantitative sensory testing parameters, and Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI) items in patients with nervous system lesions. Data of 1090 patients, including NPSI scores from 404 patients, were included in the analysis. We tested 11 quantitative sensory testing parameters for thermal and mechanical detection and pain thresholds, and 10 NPSI items in a multivariate generalised linear model with PHS, aetiology, and pain (yes or no) as fixed effects. In total, 30% of the neuropathic patients reported PHS in contrast to 2% of healthy individuals. The frequency of PHS was not linked to the presence or intensity of pain. Paradoxical heat sensation was more frequent in patients living with polyneuropathy compared with central or unilateral peripheral nerve lesions. Patients who reported PHS demonstrated significantly lower sensitivity to thermal perception, with lower sensitivity to normally painful heat and cold stimuli. Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory scores were lower for burning and electric shock-like pain quality for patients with PHS. Our findings suggest that PHS is associated with loss of small thermosensory fibre function normally involved in cold and warm perception. Clinically, presence of PHS could help screening for loss of small fibre function as it is straightforward to measure or self-reported by patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Vollert
- Pain Research, MSk Lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesca Fardo
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nadine Attal
- INSERM U-987, Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, CHU Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- INSERM U-987, Centre d'Evaluation et de Traitement de la Douleur, CHU Ambroise Paré, Boulogne-Billancourt, France, Université Versailles-Saint-Quentin, Versailles, France
| | - Elena K. Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rainer Freynhagen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Pain Therapy and Palliative Care, Pain Center Lake Starnberg, Benedictus Hospital, Tutzing, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Per Hansson
- Department of Pain Management and Research, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Troels S. Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dilara Kersebaum
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Christoph Maier
- University Hospital of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Esther Pogatzki-Zahn
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, University Hospital Muenster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrew S.C. Rice
- Pain Research, MSk Lab, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Juliane Sachau
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Ellen L. Schaldemose
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Märta Segerdahl
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- MS Medical Consulting, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manon Sendel
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas R. Tölle
- Department of Neurology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Nanna B. Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Neurophysiology, Mannheim Center for Translational Neuroscience MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Ruprecht Karls University, Heidelberg, Germany
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Bäumler P, Brenske A, Winkelmann A, Irnich D, Averbeck B. Strong and aversive cold processing and pain facilitation in fibromyalgia patients relates to augmented thermal grill illusion. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15982. [PMID: 37749154 PMCID: PMC10520026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The thermal grill illusion (TGI) is assumed to result from crosstalk between the thermoreceptive and nociceptive pathways. To elucidate this further, we compared 40 female fibromyalgia patients to 20 healthy women in an exploratory cross-sectional study. Sensations (cold, warm/heat, unpleasantness, pain and burning) evoked by 20 °C, 40 °C and alternating 20 °C/40 °C (TGI) and somatosensory profiles according to standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST) were assessed on the palm of the dominant hand. Compared to healthy controls, fibromyalgia patients reported stronger thermal grill-evoked cold, warm, unpleasantness and pain as well as stronger and more aversive 20 °C- and 40 °C-evoked sensations. They showed a loss in warm, mechanical and vibration detection, a gain in thermal pain thresholds and higher temporal summation (TS). Among QST parameters higher TS in fibromyalgia patients was most consistently associated with an augmented TGI. Independently, an increased TGI was linked to cold (20 °C) but less to warm (40 °C) perception. In fibromyalgia patients all thermal grill-evoked sensations were positively related to a higher 20 °C-evoked cold sensation and/or 20 °C-evoked unpleasantness. In conclusion, the TGI appears to be driven mainly by the cold-input. Aversive cold processing and central pain facilitation in fibromyalgia patients seem to independently augment the activation of the pain pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Bäumler
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Brenske
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine (WBex), Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), LMU Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andreas Winkelmann
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Irnich
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Beate Averbeck
- Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine (WBex), Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), LMU Munich, Großhaderner Str. 9, 82152, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany.
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Schaldemose EL, Raaschou-Nielsen L, Böhme RA, Finnerup NB, Fardo F. It is one or the other: No overlap between healthy individuals perceiving thermal grill illusion or paradoxical heat sensation. Neurosci Lett 2023; 802:137169. [PMID: 36898653 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) and the thermal grill illusion (TGI) are both related to the perception of warmth or heat from innocuous cold stimuli. Despite being described as similar perceptual phenomena, recent findings suggested that PHS is common in neuropathy and related to sensory loss, while TGI is more frequently observed in healthy individuals. To clarify the relationship between these two phenomena, we conducted a study in a cohort of healthy individuals to investigate the association between PHS and TGI. We examined the somatosensory profiles of 60 healthy participants (34 females, median age 25 years) using the quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocol from the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain. The number of PHS was measured using a modified thermal sensory limen (TSL) procedure where the skin was transiently pre-warmed, or pre-cooled before the PHS measure. This procedure also included a control condition with a pre-temperature of 32 °C. The number of TGI responses was quantified during simultaneous application of warm and cold innocuous stimuli. All participants had normal thermal and mechanical thresholds compared to the reference values from the QST protocol. Only two participants experienced PHS during the QST procedure. In the modified TSL procedure, we found no statistically significant differences in the number of participants reporting PHS in the control condition (N = 6) vs. pre-warming (N = 3; min = 35.7 °C, max = 43.5 °C) and pre-cooling (N = 4, min = 15.0 °C, max = 28.8 °C) conditions. Fourteen participants experienced TGI, and only one participant reported both TGI and PHS. Individuals with TGI had normal or even increased thermal sensation compared to individuals without TGI. Our findings demonstrate a clear distinction between individuals experiencing PHS or TGI, as there was no overlap observed when using identical warm and cold temperatures that were alternated either temporally or spatially. While PHS was previously related to sensory loss, our study revealed that TGI is associated with normal thermal sensitivity. This suggests that an efficient thermal sensory function is essential in generating the illusory sensation of pain of the TGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Lund Schaldemose
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Line Raaschou-Nielsen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rebecca Astrid Böhme
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna Brix Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Francesca Fardo
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Adam F, Jouët P, Sabaté JM, Perrot S, Franchisseur C, Attal N, Bouhassira D. Thermal grill illusion of pain in patients with chronic pain: a clinical marker of central sensitization? Pain 2023; 164:638-644. [PMID: 35972466 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT The thermal grill illusion of pain (TGIP) is a paradoxical burning pain sensation elicited by the simultaneous application of innocuous cutaneous warm and cold stimuli with a thermode ("thermal grill") consisting of interlaced heated and cooled bars. Its neurophysiological mechanisms are unclear, but TGIP may have some mechanisms in common with pathological pain, including central sensitization in particular, through the involvement of N-methyl- d -aspartate receptors. However, few studies have investigated TGIP in patients with chronic pain and its clinical relevance is uncertain. We hypothesized that the TGIP would be increased in comparison with controls in patients with fibromyalgia or irritable bowel syndrome, which are regarded as typical "nociplastic" primary pain syndromes related to changes in central pain processing. We compared the sensations elicited by a large range of combinations of temperature differentials between the warm and cold bars of a thermal grill applied to the hand between patients with fibromyalgia (n = 30) or irritable bowel syndrome (n= 30) and controls (n = 30). The percentage of TGIP responses and the intensity and unpleasantness of TGIP were significantly greater in patients than controls. Furthermore, positive correlations were found between TGIP intensity and clinical pain intensity and between TGIP intensity and the cold pain threshold measured on the hand. These results are consistent with our working hypothesis of shared mechanisms between TGIP and clinical pain mechanisms in patients with nociplastic chronic pain syndromes and suggest that TGIP might represent a clinical marker of central sensitization in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frédéric Adam
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saint Joseph Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Pauline Jouët
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean-Marc Sabaté
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, Avicenne Hospital, AP-HP, Bobigny, France
| | - Serge Perrot
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
- Pain Clinic, Cochin Hospital, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Claire Franchisseur
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Nadine Attal
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Didier Bouhassira
- Inserm U987, APHP, UVSQ, Paris-Saclay University, Ambroise Pare Hospital, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Schaldemose EL, Andersen NT, Finnerup NB, Fardo F. When cooling of the skin is perceived as warmth: Enhanced paradoxical heat sensation by pre-cooling of the skin in healthy individuals. Temperature (Austin) 2022; 10:248-263. [PMID: 37332303 PMCID: PMC10274555 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2022.2088028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A paradoxical heat sensation (PHS) is the misperception of warmth when the skin is cooled. PHS is uncommon in healthy individuals but common in patients with neuropathy and is associated with reduced thermal sensitivity. Identifying conditions that contribute to PHS may indirectly help us understand why some patients experience PHS. We hypothesized that pre-warming increased the number of PHS and that pre-cooling had minimal effect on PHS. We tested 100 healthy participants' thermal sensitivity on the dorsum of their feet by measuring detection and pain thresholds to cold and warm stimuli and PHS. PHS was measured using the thermal sensory limen (TSL) procedure from the quantitative sensory testing protocol of the German Research Network on Neuropathic Pain and by using a modified TSL protocol (mTSL). In the mTSL we examined the participants' thermal detection and PHS after pre-warming of 38°C and 44°C and pre-cooling of 26°C and 20°C. Compared to a baseline condition, the number of PHS responders was significantly increased after pre-cooling (20°C: RR = 1.9 (1.1; 3.3), p = 0.023 and 26°C: RR = 1.9 (1.2; 3.2), p = 0.017), but not significantly after pre-warming (38°C: RR = 1.5 (0.86; 2.8), p = 0.21 and 44°C: RR = 1.7 (.995; 2.9), p = 0.078). Pre-warming and pre-cooling increased the detection threshold of both cold and warm temperatures. We discussed these findings in relation to thermal sensory mechanisms and possible PHS mechanisms. In conclusion, PHS and thermosensation are closely related and pre-cooling can induce PHS responses in healthy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen L. Schaldemose
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels T. Andersen
- Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna B. Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Francesca Fardo
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Oono Y, Kubo H, Takagi S, Wang K, Arendt-Nielsen L, Kohase H. Painful cold-heat segmental pulse stimulation provokes the thermal pain illusion. Somatosens Mot Res 2021; 39:1-9. [PMID: 34674603 DOI: 10.1080/08990220.2021.1986382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/AIM The thermal grill illusion is a paradoxical pain sensation induced by simultaneous exposure to spatially separated, non-painful, cold, and warm stimuli. This study aimed to determine whether paradoxical sensations are also evoked by simultaneous exposure to painful cold-heat stimuli and whether the mechanism involves modulation by segmental and extra-segmental spatial integration. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sensory perceptions were triggered by simultaneous application of painful cold-heat pulse stimuli using a developed bedside tool equipped with quantitative thermal stimulator devices. Four conditions were investigated: (1) one device placed on the forearm (condition 1, control); (2) two devices placed on the forearm (condition 2, ipsilateral segmental integration); (3) two devices placed on the forearm and ipsilateral thigh (condition 3, extra-segmental integration); and (4) two devices placed bilaterally on the forearms (condition 4, contralateral segmental integration). The evoked perceptions of paradoxical heat sensation and the loss of cold or heat sensation were evaluated. RESULTS The aforementioned phenomena were experienced by 11(35.4%), 3(9.7%), 3(9.7%), and 0(0.0%) subjects for conditions 1-4, respectively. Fisher's exact test revealed significant differences (p=.001) among the four conditions. However, Bonferroni post hoc analysis revealed significant differences only between conditions 1 and 4 (p=.005). CONCLUSIONS Simultaneous painful cold-heat pulse stimulation can induce paradoxical sensations similar to those shown for non-painful thermal (cold and heat) stimuli. They were predominantly evoked by ipsilateral integration. Paradoxical sensations have diagnostic value, and quantifying them using a simple bedside tool may be useful in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Oono
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan
| | - Hidenori Kubo
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan
| | - Saori Takagi
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan
| | - Kelun Wang
- Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, SMI, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Hikaru Kohase
- Department of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Sciences, Division of Dental Anesthesiology, Meikai University School of Dentistry, Sakado, Japan
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Shin DA, Chang MC. A Review on Various Topics on the Thermal Grill Illusion. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10163597. [PMID: 34441893 PMCID: PMC8396808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10163597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The thermal grill illusion (TGI) is a paradoxical perception of burning heat and pain resulting from the simultaneous application of interlaced warm and cold stimuli to the skin. The TGI is considered a type of chronic centralized pain and has been used to apply nociceptive stimuli without inflicting harm to human participants in the study of pain mechanisms. In addition, the TGI is an interesting phenomenon for researchers, and various topics related to the TGI have been investigated in several studies, which we will review here. According to previous studies, the TGI is generated by supraspinal interactions. To evoke the TGI, cold and warm cutaneous stimuli should be applied within the same dermatome or across dermatomes corresponding to adjacent spinal segments, and a significant difference between cold and warm temperatures is necessary. In addition, due the presence of chronic pain, genetic factors, and sexual differences, the intensity of the TGI can differ. In addition, cold noxious stimulation, topical capsaicin, analgesics, self-touch, and the presence of psychological diseases can decrease the intensity of the TGI. Because the TGI corresponds to chronic centralized pain, we believe that the findings of previous studies can be applied to future studies to identify chronic pain mechanisms and clinical practice for pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Ah Shin
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul 03722, Korea;
| | - Min Cheol Chang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Namku, Taegu 42415, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-620-4682
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Modality-specific facilitation of noninjurious sharp mechanical pain by topical capsaicin. Pain 2021; 162:275-286. [PMID: 32701656 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
We had previously shown that a "blunt blade" stimulator can mimic the noninjurious strain phase of incisional pain, but not its sustained duration. Here, we tested whether acute sensitization of the skin with topical capsaicin can add the sustained phase to this noninvasive surrogate model of intraoperative pain. Altogether, 110 healthy volunteers (55 male and 55 female; 26 ± 5 years) participated in several experiments using the "blunt blade" (0.25 × 4 mm) on normal skin (n = 36) and on skin pretreated by a high-concentration capsaicin patch (8%, Qutenza; n = 36). These data were compared with an experimental incision (n = 40) using quantitative and qualitative pain ratings by numerical rating scale and SES Pain Perception Scale descriptors. Capsaicin sensitization increased blade-induced pain magnitude and duration significantly (both P < 0.05), but it failed to fully match the sustained duration of incisional pain. In normal skin, the SES pattern of pain qualities elicited by the blade matched incision in pain magnitude and pattern of pain descriptors. In capsaicin-treated skin, the blade acquired a significant facilitation only of the perceived heat pain component (P < 0.001), but not of mechanical pain components. Thus, capsaicin morphed the descriptor pattern of the blade to become more capsaicin-like, which is probably explained best by peripheral sensitization of the TRPV1 receptor. Quantitative sensory testing in capsaicin-sensitized skin revealed hyperalgesia to heat and pressure stimuli, and loss of cold and cold pain sensitivity. These findings support our hypothesis that the blade models the early tissue-strain-related mechanical pain phase of surgical incisions.
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9
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Bennedsgaard K, Ventzel L, Andersen NT, Themistocleous AC, Bennett DL, Jensen TS, Tankisi H, Finnerup NB. Oxaliplatin- and docetaxel-induced polyneuropathy: clinical and neurophysiological characteristics. J Peripher Nerv Syst 2020; 25:377-387. [PMID: 32902058 PMCID: PMC7756561 DOI: 10.1111/jns.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and characterization of chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIPN) and neuropathic pain 5 years after adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin. Patients from an ongoing prospective study, who had received adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel or oxaliplatin in 2011 to 2012 were invited to participate. The patients underwent a thorough examination with interview, neurological examination, questionnaires, assessment tools, nerve conduction studies (NCS), quantitative sensory testing, MScan motor unit number estimation (MUNE), and corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Patients were divided into no, possible, probable, and confirmed CIPN. Out of the 132 eligible patients, 63 agreed to participate: 28 had received docetaxel and 35 had received oxaliplatin. Forty-one percent had confirmed CIPN, 34% possible or probable CIPN, and 22% did not have CIPN. The CIPN was characterized mainly by sensory nerve fiber loss, with a more pronounced large fiber than small fiber loss but also some motor fiber loss identified on NCS and MUNE. In general, patients had mild neuropathy with relatively low scores on assessment tools and no association with mood and quality of life. CCM was not useful as a diagnostic tool. Of the patients with probable or confirmed CIPN, 30% experienced pain, which was most often mild, but still interfered moderately with daily life in 20% to 25% and was associated with lower quality of life. In conclusion CIPN was confirmed in 41% 5 years after chemotherapy. The neuropathy was generally mild, but in patients with neuropathic pain it was associated with lower quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Bennedsgaard
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lise Ventzel
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Niels T Andersen
- Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas C Themistocleous
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, UK.,Brain Function Research Group, School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - David L Bennett
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Troels S Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Department of Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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10
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Forstenpointner J, Berry D, Baron R, Borsook D. The cornucopia of central disinhibition pain - An evaluation of past and novel concepts. Neurobiol Dis 2020; 145:105041. [PMID: 32800994 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2020.105041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Central disinhibition (CD), as applied to pain, decreases thresholds of endogenous systems. This provokes onset of spontaneous or evoked pain in an individual beyond the ability of the nervous system to inhibit pain resulting from a disease or tissue damage. The original CD concept as proposed by Craig entails a shift from the lateral pain pathway (i.e. discriminative pain processing) towards the medial pain pathway (i.e. emotional pain processing), within an otherwise neurophysiological intact environment. In this review, the original CD concept as proposed by Craig is extended by the primary "nociceptive pathway damage - CD" concept and the secondary "central pathway set point - CD". Thereby, the original concept may be transferred into anatomical and psychological non-functional conditions. We provide examples for either primary or secondary CD concepts within different clinical etiologies as well as present surrogate models, which directly mimic the underlying pathophysiology (A-fiber block) or modulate the CD pathway excitability (thermal grill). The thermal grill has especially shown promising advancements, which may be useful to examine CD pathway activation in the future. Therefore, within this topical review, a systematic review on the thermal grill illusion is intended to stimulate future research. Finally, the authors review different mechanism-based treatment approaches to combat CD pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Forstenpointner
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany; Center for Pain and the Brain, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Delany Berry
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ralf Baron
- Division of Neurological Pain Research and Therapy, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - David Borsook
- Center for Pain and the Brain, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Abstract
Neuropathic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system is a common chronic pain condition with major impact on quality of life. Examples include trigeminal neuralgia, painful polyneuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central poststroke pain. Most patients complain of an ongoing or intermittent spontaneous pain of, for example, burning, pricking, squeezing quality, which may be accompanied by evoked pain, particular to light touch and cold. Ectopic activity in, for example, nerve-end neuroma, compressed nerves or nerve roots, dorsal root ganglia, and the thalamus may in different conditions underlie the spontaneous pain. Evoked pain may spread to neighboring areas, and the underlying pathophysiology involves peripheral and central sensitization. Maladaptive structural changes and a number of cell-cell interactions and molecular signaling underlie the sensitization of nociceptive pathways. These include alteration in ion channels, activation of immune cells, glial-derived mediators, and epigenetic regulation. The major classes of therapeutics include drugs acting on α2δ subunits of calcium channels, sodium channels, and descending modulatory inhibitory pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Brix Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rohini Kuner
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Troels Staehelin Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Pharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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12
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Linde LD, Haefeli J, Jutzeler CR, Rosner J, McDougall J, Curt A, Kramer JLK. Contact Heat Evoked Potentials Are Responsive to Peripheral Sensitization: Requisite Stimulation Parameters. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 13:459. [PMID: 31998104 PMCID: PMC6966714 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2019.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The sensitizing effect of capsaicin has been previously characterized using laser and contact heat evoked potentials (LEPs and CHEPs) by stimulating in the primary area of hyperalgesia. Interestingly, only CHEPs reveal changes consistent with notion of peripheral sensitization (i.e., reduced latencies). The aim of this study was to investigate contact heat stimulation parameters necessary to detect peripheral sensitization related to the topical application of capsaicin, and therefore significantly improve the current method of measuring peripheral sensitization via CHEPs. Rapid contact heat stimulation (70°C/s) was applied from three different baseline temperatures (35, 38.5, and 42°C) to a 52°C peak temperature, before and after the topical application of capsaicin on the hand dorsum. Increased pain ratings in the primary area of hyperalgesia were accompanied by reduced N2 latency. Changes in N2 latency were, however, only significant following stimulation from 35 and 38.5°C baseline temperatures. These findings suggest that earlier recruitment of capsaicin-sensitized afferents occurs between 35 and 42°C, as stimulations from 42°C baseline were unchanged by capsaicin. This is in line with reduced thresholds of type II A-delta mechanoheat (AMH) nociceptors following sensitization. Conventional CHEP stimulation, with a baseline temperature below 42°C, is well suited to objectively detect evidence of peripheral sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas D Linde
- ICORD, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenny Haefeli
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Catherine R Jutzeler
- ICORD, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rosner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bern, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jessica McDougall
- ICORD, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John L K Kramer
- ICORD, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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13
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Ventzel L, Madsen CS, Karlsson P, Tankisi H, Isak B, Fuglsang-Frederiksen A, Jensen AB, Jensen AR, Jensen TS, Finnerup NB. Chronic Pain and Neuropathy Following Adjuvant Chemotherapy. PAIN MEDICINE 2017; 19:1813-1824. [DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnx231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lise Ventzel
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Caspar S Madsen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Páll Karlsson
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hatice Tankisi
- Core Center for Molecular Morphology, Section for Stereology and Microscopy, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Baris Isak
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Anders B Jensen
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anni R Jensen
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Troels S Jensen
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nanna B Finnerup
- Danish Pain Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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14
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Averbeck B, Seitz L, Kolb FP, Kutz DF. Sex differences in thermal detection and thermal pain threshold and the thermal grill illusion: a psychophysical study in young volunteers. Biol Sex Differ 2017; 8:29. [PMID: 28859684 PMCID: PMC5579939 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-017-0147-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-related differences in human thermal and pain sensitivity are the subject of controversial discussion. The goal of this study in a large number of subjects was to investigate sex differences in thermal and thermal pain perception and the thermal grill illusion (TGI) as a phenomenon reflecting crosstalk between the thermoreceptive and nociceptive systems. The thermal grill illusion is a sensation of strong, but not necessarily painful, heat often preceded by transient cold upon skin contact with spatially interlaced innocuous warm and cool stimuli. METHODS The TGI was studied in a group of 78 female and 58 male undergraduate students and was evoked by placing the palm of the right hand on the thermal grill (20/40 °C interleaved stimulus). Sex-related thermal perception was investigated by a retrospective analysis of thermal detection and thermal pain threshold data that had been measured in student laboratory courses over 5 years (776 female and 476 male undergraduate students) using the method of quantitative sensory testing (QST). To analyse correlations between thermal pain sensitivity and the TGI, thermal pain threshold and the TGI were determined in a group of 20 female and 20 male undergraduate students. RESULTS The TGI was more pronounced in females than males. Females were more sensitive with respect to thermal detection and thermal pain thresholds. Independent of sex, thermal detection thresholds were dependent on the baseline temperature with a specific progression of an optimum curve for cold detection threshold versus baseline temperature. The distribution of cold pain thresholds was multi-modal and sex-dependent. The more pronounced TGI in females correlated with higher cold sensitivity and cold pain sensitivity in females than in males. CONCLUSIONS Our finding that thermal detection threshold not only differs between the sexes but is also dependent on the baseline temperature reveals a complex processing of "cold" and "warm" inputs in thermal perception. The results of the TGI experiment support the assumption that sex differences in cold-related thermoreception are responsible for sex differences in the TGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Averbeck
- Department of Physiology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Physiology, Biomedical Center Munich (BMC), University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, D-82152 Germany
| | - Lena Seitz
- Department of Physiology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian P. Kolb
- Department of Physiology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter F. Kutz
- Institute of Human Movement Science and Health, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Science, Chemnitz University of Technology, Chemnitz, Germany
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15
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Jutzeler CR, Warner FM, Wanek J, Curt A, Kramer JLK. Thermal grill conditioning: Effect on contact heat evoked potentials. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40007. [PMID: 28079118 PMCID: PMC5228159 DOI: 10.1038/srep40007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ‘thermal grill illusion’ (TGI) is a unique cutaneous sensation of unpleasantness, induced through the application of interlacing warm and cool stimuli. While previous studies have investigated optimal parameters and subject characteristics to evoke the illusion, our aim was to examine the modulating effect as a conditioning stimulus. A total of 28 healthy control individuals underwent three testing sessions on separate days. Briefly, 15 contact heat stimuli were delivered to the right hand dorsum, while the left palmar side of the hand was being conditioned with either neutral (32 °C), cool (20 °C), warm (40 °C), or TGI (20/40 °C). Rating of perception (numeric rating scale: 0–10) and evoked potentials (i.e., N1 and N2P2 potentials) to noxious contact heat stimuli were assessed. While cool and warm conditioning decreased cortical responses to noxious heat, TGI conditioning increased evoked potential amplitude (N1 and N2P2). In line with other modalities of unpleasant conditioning (e.g., sound, visual, and olfactory stimulation), cortical and possibly sub-cortical modulation may underlie the facilitation of contact heat evoked potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine R Jutzeler
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Freda M Warner
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Johann Wanek
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Armin Curt
- Spinal Cord Injury Center, University Hospital Balgrist, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - John L K Kramer
- ICORD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Kinesiology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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16
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Boettger MK, Ditze G, Bär KJ, Krüdewagen EM, Schaible HG. Humans, but not animals, perceive the thermal grill illusion as painful. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:172-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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