Increased baseline body weight is a risk factor associated with virological failure while on antiretroviral treatment

Mexico AIDS Conference 200

Features of central sensitisation in patients with shoulder pain : A feasibility study

Design. A case-control feasibility study, comparing people with unilateral shoulder pain and pain free controls. Background. Previous studies have suggested that central sensitisation (CS) may be present in people with shoulder pain, mostly based on testing of nociception rather than mechanosensitivity, both of which can change as part of CS. Changes in mechanosensitivity are important for physiotherapy, which often involves non-noxious mechanoreceptor stimulation. Objectives. This study tested sensitivity to arangea range of mechanical stimuli potentially associated with CS in people with and without shoulder pain, compared to asymptomatic individuals. It was hypothesised that if CS was present, the response to mechanoreceptor stimulation would be increased. Methods. Both shoulders in both groups were tested for sensitivity of static and dynamic touch, vibration and punctate stimulation, plus temporal summation and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, pain scales, PainDETECT for neuropathic pain, and QuickDASH for upper limb function. Results. PPT was found to be significantly lower in the affected compared to the unaffected shoulders (p<0.003), but no other statistically significant between-group differences were found. Conclusion. This study found a lowered PPT in people with unilateral shoulder pain compared with asymptomatic individuals, but no evidence of a heightened response to other forms of mechanoreceptor stimulation. The study protocol was suitable for future studies and the required participant numbers were established. The variation in findings between studies suggests that a larger longitudinal study may be warranted .Peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Discordant responses to antiretroviral treatment: prevalence, risk factors and associated mortality in Rwanda

Mexico AIDS Conference 200

Isolation, characterisation and expression patterns of a RAD51 ortholog from Pleurotus ostreatus

AB: Using degenerated primers for conserved regions of RecA homologs we have isolated a gene from Pleurotus ostreatus that shows characteristic features of RAD51 homologs. The encoded amino acid sequence of P. ostreatus RAD51 (PoRAD51) shows greatest sequence similarities with RAD51 from Coprinus cinereus (89% identity). Furthermore the genomic organisation of PoRAD51 is almost identical to that of RAD51 from C. cinereus. Northern analysis shows that the expression of PoRAD51 is found in vegetative mycelium, and fruit body tissue, and that it is expressed at elevated levels in lamellae/basidia and following DNA damage. A sporulation deficient mutant strain of P. ostreatus (ATTC 58937) showed expression patterns of the RAD51 gene that are similar those of the normal sporulating strain

When pain goes weird : Central sensitisation and its implications for physiotherapy practice

Hubert van Griensven, 'When pain goes weird: central sensitisation and its implications for physiotherapy practice', first published by Physio First on In Touch, No. 152, Autumn 2015, www.physiofirst.org.uk.Information from the body is conveyed to the brain through receptors, peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. In the dorsal horn, inhibitory mechanisms under control of local, peripheral and brain influences keep sensory transmission under control. Nociceptive input from persistent inflammation and neuropathy can reduce inhibition and lead to an enhanced perception of pain. This central sensitisation is thought to underlie a number of persistent pain conditions. Physiotherapists can enhance their approaches to examination and treatment by considering the somatic tissues as well as the processing status of the sensory nervous system.Non peer reviewedFinal Published versio

Antibacterial Effects of the Essential Oils of CommonlyConsumed Medicinal Herbs Using an In Vitro Model.

The chemical composition and antibacterial activity of essential oils from 10 commonly consumed herbs: Citrus aurantium, C. limon, Lavandula angustifolia, Matricaria chamomilla, Mentha piperita, M. spicata, Ocimum basilicum, Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris and Salvia officinalis have been determined. The antibacterial activity of these oils and their main components; i.e. camphor, carvacrol, 1,8-cineole, linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, menthol, a-pinene, b-pinene, and thymol were assayed against the human pathogenic bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Micrococcus flavus, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, S. epidermidis, S. typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The highest and broadest activity was shown by O. vulgare oil. Carvacrol had the highest antibacterial activity among the tested components

Weight evolution in patients after stavudine substitution for lipoatrophy in Rwanda: comparison of zidovudine with tenofovir/abacavir

Mexico AIDS Conference 200

Patients' experiences of living with persistent back pain

This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of the following article: Hbert van Griensven, 'Patients' experiences of living with persistent back pain', International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, Vol. 19, pp. 44-49, April 2015. The Version of Record is available at doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2015.03.003. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.This Masterclass discusses findings from a growing body of qualitative research studies that have investigated the subjective experience of having persistent non-malignant low back pain. These studies have found that people with experience changes in self image, personal relationships and life roles. They have also reported on how subjectivity affects the therapeutic relationship, what patients have found helpful in dealing with healthcare professionals, and what it is like to go through a healthcare system for a pain that may not be curable or even diagnosable. The findings are of great importance for clinicians who wish to provide person centred care for patients with persistent low back pain, so this Masterclass ends with key lessons for practitioners.Peer reviewedFinal Accepted Versio