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Meier TA, Refahi MS, Hearne G, Restifo DS, Munoz-Acuna R, Rosen GL, Woloszynek S. The Role and Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep 2024; 28:769-784. [PMID: 38822995 DOI: 10.1007/s11916-024-01264-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to explore the interface between artificial intelligence (AI) and chronic pain, seeking to identify areas of focus for enhancing current treatments and yielding novel therapies. RECENT FINDINGS In the United States, the prevalence of chronic pain is estimated to be upwards of 40%. Its impact extends to increased healthcare costs, reduced economic productivity, and strain on healthcare resources. Addressing this condition is particularly challenging due to its complexity and the significant variability in how patients respond to treatment. Current options often struggle to provide long-term relief, with their benefits rarely outweighing the risks, such as dependency or other side effects. Currently, AI has impacted four key areas of chronic pain treatment and research: (1) predicting outcomes based on clinical information; (2) extracting features from text, specifically clinical notes; (3) modeling 'omic data to identify meaningful patient subgroups with potential for personalized treatments and improved understanding of disease processes; and (4) disentangling complex neuronal signals responsible for pain, which current therapies attempt to modulate. As AI advances, leveraging state-of-the-art architectures will be essential for improving chronic pain treatment. Current efforts aim to extract meaningful representations from complex data, paving the way for personalized medicine. The identification of unique patient subgroups should reveal targets for tailored chronic pain treatments. Moreover, enhancing current treatment approaches is achievable by gaining a more profound understanding of patient physiology and responses. This can be realized by leveraging AI on the increasing volume of data linked to chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad S Refahi
- Ecological and Evolutionary Signal-Processing and Informatics (EESI) Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gavin Hearne
- Ecological and Evolutionary Signal-Processing and Informatics (EESI) Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Ricardo Munoz-Acuna
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gail L Rosen
- Ecological and Evolutionary Signal-Processing and Informatics (EESI) Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Woloszynek
- Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
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Valades MT, Montero-Torres M, Lara-Abelenda FJ, Carabot F, Ortega MA, Álvarez-Mon M, Alvarez-Mon MA. Understanding public perceptions and discussions on diseases involving chronic pain through social media: cross-sectional infodemiology study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2024; 25:569. [PMID: 39034398 PMCID: PMC11265081 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-024-07687-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain is a highly prevalent medical condition that negatively impacts quality of life and is associated with considerable functional disability. Certain diseases, such as fibromyalgia, headache, paraplegia, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis, manifest with chronic pain. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the number and type of tweets (original or retweet) related to chronic pain, as well as to analyze the emotions and compare the societal impact of the diseases under study. METHODS We investigated tweets posted between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022, by Twitter users in English and Spanish, as well as the generated retweets. Additionally, emotions were extracted from these tweets and their diffusion was analyzed. Furthermore, the topics most frequently discussed by users were collected. RESULTS A total of 72,874 tweets were analyzed, including 44,467 in English and 28,407 in Spanish. Paraplegia represented 23.3% with 16,461 of the classified tweets, followed by headache and fibromyalgia with 15,337 (21.7%) and 15,179 (21.5%) tweets, respectively. Multiple sclerosis generated 14,781 tweets (21%), and the fewest tweets were related to neuropathy with 8,830 tweets (12.5%). The results showed that the primary emotions extracted were "fear" and "sadness." Additionally, the reach and impact of these tweets were investigated through the generated retweets, with those related to headaches showing the highest interest and interaction among users. CONCLUSION Our results underscore the potential of leveraging social media for a better understanding of patients suffering from chronic pain and its impact on society. Among the most frequently encountered topics are those related to treatment, symptoms, or causes of the disease. Therefore, it is relevant to inform the patient to prevent misconceptions regarding their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Valades
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain.
- Ramon y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Montero-Torres
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - F J Lara-Abelenda
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Signal Theory and Communications, Telematics and Computing Systems, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
| | - F Carabot
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Ramon y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Ramon y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Álvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Ramon y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology and Internal Medicine Service, Center for Biomedical Research in Hepatic and Digestive Diseases Network, University Hospital Principe de Asturias, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
| | - M A Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Ramon y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Ramon y Cajal Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University Hospital Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Biomedical Research Networking Centre in Mental Health, Madrid, Spain
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Cuomo A, Parascandolo I. Role of Nutrition in the Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain. J Pain Res 2024; 17:2223-2238. [PMID: 38947129 PMCID: PMC11214565 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s456202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), defined as persistent discomfort in musculoskeletal tissues persisting for over 3 months, afflicts an estimated 1.71 billion people globally, leading to significant functional impairments and psychological distress, thereby detrimentally affecting individuals' quality of life. The objective of this narrative review is to elucidate the complex relationship among dietary habits, sarcopenia, and gut microbiota composition, with an eye toward enhancing patient management and outcomes. Given the burgeoning interest in the influence of diet on CMP, a detailed examination of the current literature is warranted. Nutritional intake is a critical determinant of the gut microbiota profile, which, in turn, is linked to musculature integrity and performance, potentially leading to sarcopenia. The development of sarcopenia can aggravate CMP owing to diminished muscular strength and functionality. Additionally, disruptions in the gut microbiota may directly modulate nociception, intensifying CMP manifestations. Thus, nutritional optimization emerges as a viable approach to CMP management. Emphasizing a diet conducive to a healthy gut microbiome could forestall or mitigate sarcopenia, thereby attenuating CMP intensity. Nevertheless, the domain calls for further empirical exploration to unravel the nuances of these interactions and to forge efficacious dietary strategies for individuals with CMP. Beyond mere analgesia, comprehensive patient care for CMP requires acknowledgment of the complex and multifactorial nature of pain and its foundational elements. Embracing an integrative treatment model allows healthcare practitioners to promise better patient prognoses, enriched life quality, and a decrease in the sustained healthcare costs associated with CMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Cuomo
- Division of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, IRCCS - Fondazione G Pascale, Naples, Italy
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Garvey M. Hospital Acquired Sepsis, Disease Prevalence, and Recent Advances in Sepsis Mitigation. Pathogens 2024; 13:461. [PMID: 38921759 PMCID: PMC11206921 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060461] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, commonly associated with nosocomial transmission. Gram-negative bacterial species are particularly problematic due to the release of the lipopolysaccharide toxins upon cell death. The lipopolysaccharide toxin of E. coli has a greater immunogenic potential than that of other Gram-negative bacteria. The resultant dysregulation of the immune system is associated with organ failure and mortality, with pregnant women, ICU patients, and neonates being particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sepsis recovery patients have an increased risk of re-hospitalisation, chronic illness, co-morbidities, organ damage/failure, and a reduced life expectancy. The emergence and increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial and fungal species has impacted the treatment of sepsis patients, leading to increasing mortality rates. Multidrug resistant pathogens including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, beta lactam-resistant Klebsiella, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species are associated with an increased risk of mortality. To improve the prognosis of sepsis patients, predominantly high-risk neonates, advances must be made in the early diagnosis, triage, and control of sepsis. The identification of suitable biomarkers and biomarker combinations, coupled with machine learning and artificial intelligence, show promise in early detection protocols. Rapid diagnosis of sepsis in patients is essential to inform on clinical treatment, especially with resistant infectious agents. This timely review aims to discuss sepsis prevalence, aetiology, and recent advances towards disease mitigation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland; ; Tel.: +353-0719-305-529
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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Chen X, Gan Y, Au NPB, Ma CHE. Current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1345811. [PMID: 38660386 PMCID: PMC11039947 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1345811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is the most common off-target adverse effects caused by various chemotherapeutic agents, such as cisplatin, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, vincristine and bortezomib. CIPN is characterized by a substantial loss of primary afferent sensory axonal fibers leading to sensory disturbances in patients. An estimated of 19-85% of patients developed CIPN during the course of chemotherapy. The lack of preventive measures and limited treatment options often require a dose reduction or even early termination of life-saving chemotherapy, impacting treatment efficacy and patient survival. In this Review, we summarized the current understanding on the pathogenesis of CIPN. One prominent change induced by chemotherapeutic agents involves the disruption of neuronal cytoskeletal architecture and axonal transport dynamics largely influenced by the interference of microtubule stability in peripheral neurons. Due to an ineffective blood-nerve barrier in our peripheral nervous system, exposure to some chemotherapeutic agents causes mitochondrial swelling in peripheral nerves, which lead to the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cytochrome c release resulting in degeneration of primary afferent sensory fibers. The exacerbated nociceptive signaling and pain transmission in CIPN patients is often linked the increased neuronal excitability largely due to the elevated expression of various ion channels in the dorsal root ganglion neurons. Another important contributing factor of CIPN is the neuroinflammation caused by an increased infiltration of immune cells and production of inflammatory cytokines. In the central nervous system, chemotherapeutic agents also induce neuronal hyperexcitability in the spinal dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex leading to the development of central sensitization that causes CIPN. Emerging evidence suggests that the change in the composition and diversity of gut microbiota (dysbiosis) could have direct impact on the development and progression of CIPN. Collectively, all these aspects contribute to the pathogenesis of CIPN. Recent advances in RNA-sequencing offer solid platform for in silico drug screening which enable the identification of novel therapeutic agents or repurpose existing drugs to alleviate CIPN, holding immense promises for enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients who undergo chemotherapy and improve their overall treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yumeng Gan
- Department of Neuroscience, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ngan Pan Bennett Au
- Department of Neuroscience, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
- Institute of Life Sciences and Healthcare, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Chi Him Eddie Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Garvey M. Intestinal Dysbiosis: Microbial Imbalance Impacts on Colorectal Cancer Initiation, Progression and Disease Mitigation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:740. [PMID: 38672096 PMCID: PMC11048178 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040740] [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: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The human gastrointestinal tract houses a diverse range of microbial species that play an integral part in many biological functions. Several preclinical studies using germ-free mice models have demonstrated that the gut microbiome profoundly influences carcinogenesis and progression. Colorectal cancer appears to be associated with microbial dysbiosis involving certain bacterial species, including F. nucleatum, pks+ E. coli, and B. fragilis, with virome commensals also disrupted in patients. A dysbiosis toward these pro-carcinogenic species increases significantly in CRC patients, with reduced numbers of the preventative species Clostridium butyicum, Roseburia, and Bifidobacterium evident. There is also a correlation between Clostridium infection and CRC. F. nucleatum, in particular, is strongly associated with CRC where it is associated with therapeutic resistance and poor outcomes in patients. The carcinogenic mode of action of pathogenic bacteria in CRC is a result of genotoxicity, epigenetic alterations, ROS generation, and pro-inflammatory activity. The aim of this review is to discuss the microbial species and their impact on colorectal cancer in terms of disease initiation, progression, and metastasis. The potential of anticancer peptides as anticancer agents or adjuvants is also discussed, as novel treatment options are required to combat the high levels of resistance to current pharmaceutical options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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Meng X, Shu Q. Novel primers to identify a wider diversity of butyrate-producing bacteria. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 40:76. [PMID: 38252387 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-023-03872-1] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Butyrate-producing bacteria are a functionally important part of the intestinal tract flora, and the resulting butyric acid is essential for maintaining host intestinal health, regulating the immune system, and influencing energy metabolism. However, butyrate-producing bacteria have not been defined as a coherent phylogenetic group. They are primarily identified using primers for key genes in the butyrate-producing pathway, and their use has been limited to the Bacillota and Bacteroidetes phyla. To overcome this limitation, we developed functional gene primers able to identify butyrate-producing bacteria through the butyrate kinase gene, which encodes the enzyme involved in the final step of the butyrate-producing pathway. Genomes extracted from human and rat feces were used to amplify the target genes through PCR. The obtained sequences were analyzed using BLASTX to construct a developmental tree using the MEGA software. The newly designed butyrate kinase gene primers allowed to recognize a wider diversity of butyrate-producing bacteria than that recognized using currently available primers. Specifically, butyrate-producing bacteria from the Synergistota and Spirochaetota phyla were identified for the first time using these primers. Thus, the developed primers provide a more accurate method for researchers and doctors to identify potential butyrate-producing bacteria and deepen our understanding of butyrate-producing bacterial species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianbin Meng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qinglong Shu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jiangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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Leach ST. Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Gut Symbiosis. Nutrients 2024; 16:238. [PMID: 38257131 PMCID: PMC10819279 DOI: 10.3390/nu16020238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this Special Issue entitled 'Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Gut Symbiosis' is to publish reviews, clinical trials and experimental studies that focus on probiotics and prebiotics that have a role in influencing disease and promoting gastrointestinal and overall health [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Leach
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
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Garvey M. Foodborne Clostridioides Species: Pathogenicity, Virulence and Biocontrol Options. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2483. [PMID: 37894141 PMCID: PMC10609181 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11102483] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides species possess many virulence factors and alarming levels of muti-drug resistance which make them a significant risk to public health safety and a causative agent of livestock disease. Clostridioides result in serious systemic and gastrointestinal diseases such as myonecrosis, colitis, food poisoning and gastroenteritis. As foodborne pathogens, Clostridioides species are associated with significant incidences of morbidity and mortality where the application of broad-spectrum antibiotics predisposes patients to virulent Clostridioides colonisation. As part of the One Health approach, there is an urgent need to eliminate the use of antibiotics in food production to safeguard animals, humans and the environment. Alternative options are warranted to control foodborne pathogens at all stages of food production. Antimicrobial peptides and bacteriophages have demonstrated efficacy against Clostridioides species and may offer antimicrobial biocontrol options. The bacteriocin nisin, for example, has been implemented as a biopreservative for the control of Listeria, Staphylococcus and Clostridia species in food. Bacteriophage preparations have also gained recognition for the antibacterial action against highly virulent bacterial species including foodborne pathogens. Studies are warranted to mitigate the formulation and administration limitations associated with the application of such antimicrobials as biocontrol strategies. This review outlines foodborne Clostridioides species, their virulence factors, and potential biocontrol options for application in food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, Ash Lane, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland;
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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