David Clark

All Publications

• [EXPRESS] Autoinflammatory and Autoimmune Contributions to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Molecular pain Clark, J. D., Tawfik, V., Tajerian, M., Kingery, W. 2018: 1744806918799127

  Abstract

  Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a highly enigmatic syndrome typically developing after injury or surgery to a limb. Severe pain and disability are common amongst those with chronic forms of this condition. Accumulating evidence suggests that CRPS may involve both autoinflammatory and autoimmune components. In this review article evidence for dysfunction of both the innate and adaptive immune systems in CPRS is presented. Findings from human studies in which cytokines and other inflammatory mediators were measured in the skin of affected limbs is discussed. Additional results from studies of mediator levels in animal models are evaluated in this context. Similarly, the evidence from human, animal and translational studies of the production of autoantibodies and the potential targets of those antibodies is reviewed. Compelling evidence of autoinflammation in skin and muscle of the affected limb has been collected from CRPS patients and laboratory animals. Cytokines including IL-1beta, IL-6, TNFalpha and others are reliably identified during the acute phases of the syndrome. More recently, autoimmune contributions have been suggested by the discovery of self-directed pain-promoting IgG and IgM antibodies in CRPS patients and model animals. Both the autoimmune and autoinflammatory components of CRPS appear to be regulated by neuropeptide containing peripheral nerve fibers and the sympathetic nervous system. While CRPS displays a complex neuroimmunological pathogenesis, therapeutic interventions could be designed targeting autoinflammation, autoimmunity or the neural support for these phenomena.

  View details for PubMedID 30124090

• Just the FACTS: The Role of Diagnostic Blocks in Lumbar Facet Interventions. Anesthesiology Brummett, C. M., Clark, J. D. 2018

  View details for PubMedID 30001220

• Exercise Reverses Nociceptive Sensitization, Upregulated Neuropeptide Signaling, Inflammatory Changes, Anxiety, and Memory Impairment in a Mouse Tibia Fracture Model. Anesthesiology Shi, X., Guo, T., Li, W., Sahbaie, P., Rice, K. C., Sulima, A., Clark, J. D., Kingery, W. S. 2018

  Abstract

  WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: This study tested the hypothesis that ad lib running wheel exercise in a tibia fracture model of complex regional pain syndrome can reverse hindlimb nociceptive sensitization and inflammation in mice.METHODS: Three weeks after tibia fracture, the cast was removed and hindlimb von Frey thresholds and unweighting were tested; the mice were then randomized to either ad lib access to a running wheel for 4 weeks or no wheel access. After 4 weeks the behavioral testing was repeated and then skin, sciatic nerve, and spinal cord tissues collected for polymerase chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay measurements of neuropeptide and inflammatory mediator levels. A similar protocol was used in fracture mice treated with exercise for 4 weeks, and then the running wheel was removed for 2 weeks. Memory and anxiety were measured in both groups with use of open-field, zero-maze, and novel-objects recognition assays.RESULTS: At 7 weeks postfracture the mice with no wheel access exhibited hindlimb allodynia and unweighting, anxiety, memory loss, upregulated spinal neuropeptide signaling, and increased hind paw and spinal inflammatory mediator expression, but the postfracture mice allowed to exercise for 4 weeks exhibited none of these changes (n = 12/cohort). When exercise was stopped for 2 weeks after 4 weeks of running, hindlimb allodynia and unweighting were rekindled, and this nociceptive sensitization was associated with increased sciatic nerve neuropeptide levels and hind paw skin interleukin 6 and nerve growth factor expression (n = 12/cohort).CONCLUSIONS: Daily exercise reversed nociceptive sensitization, inflammation, anxiety, and memory loss after tibia fracture.

  View details for PubMedID 29994924

• Chronic Pain After Traumatic Brain Injury: Pathophysiology and Pain Mechanisms PAIN MEDICINE Irvine, K., Clark, J. 2018; 19 (7): 1315–33

  Abstract

  Traumatic brain injury refers to a broad range of neurological, cognitive, and emotional factors that result from the application of an external force to the head. Individuals recovering from traumatic brain injury will frequently experience acute and chronic pain.The objective of this paper is to discuss the pathophysiological changes resulting from traumatic brain injury and how these may be involved in the development and persistence of pain after injury.We based our review on articles retrieved from the MEDLINE database of references and abstracts on life sciences and biomedical topics (1966 to present) using the search engine PubMed (United States National Library of Medicine). The published literature focused on traumatic brain injury and pain.This review presents evidence that pain is common after traumatic brain injury. However, while there are many potential mechanisms explaining this problem such as neuroinflammation, excitotoxicity, and axonal degeneration, we have no clear understanding of which of them contribute in individual patients. The authors highlight the priorities for research that will expand our knowledge and that may lead to the rational design of therapies that both reduce pain and provide optimal overall outcomes after traumatic brain injury.

  View details for PubMedID 29025157

• Nociceptive and Cognitive Changes in a Murine Model of Polytrauma. The journal of pain : official journal of the American Pain Society Sahbaie, P., Tajerian, M., Yang, P., Irvine, K. A., Huang, T., Luo, J., Wyss-Coray, T., Clark, J. D. 2018

  Abstract

  POLYTRAUMA COMMONLY INVOLVES CONCUSSION (MILD TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY: mTBI) and peripheral trauma including limb fractures. Interactions between mTBI and peripheral injuries are poorly understood, both leading to chronic pain and neurobehavioral impairments. To elucidate these interactions, a murine polytrauma model was developed. mTBI alone resulted in similar increased mechanical allodynia in males and females. Female fracture and polytrauma groups displayed greater increases in hindpaw tactile hypersensitivity for weeks after injury than respective male groups. Capsaicin evoked spontaneous pain behaviors were greater in fracture and polytrauma females compared to males. The mTBI and polytrauma males displayed significant deficits in spatial working memory. All fracture, mTBI or polytrauma groups had deficits in object recognition memory. Only male mTBI or polytrauma mice showed greater agitation and increased risk taking behavior in open field testing as well as zero maze tests. Additionally, impaired diffuse noxious inhibitory control was observed in all mTBI and polytrauma mice. The model presented offers clinically relevant features useful for studying persistent pain, cognitive and other behavioral changes after TBI including polytrauma. A better understanding of nervous system dysfunction after TBI and polytrauma might help prevent or reduce persistent pain and disability in these patients.PERSPECTIVE: The polytrauma model presented has relevant features of chronic pain and neurobehavioral impairments useful for studying mechanisms involved in their development. This model may have special value in understanding altered descending pain modulation after TBI and polytrauma.

  View details for PubMedID 29964216

• Reply to Dr Peltz. Journal of addiction medicine Chu, L. F., Sun, J., Clemenson, A., Erlendson, M. J., Rico, T., Cornell, E., Obasi, H., Sayyid, Z. N., Encisco, E. M., Yu, J., Gamble, J. G., Clark, J. D. 2018; 12 (3): 252–53

  View details for PubMedID 29794619

• Traumatic Brain Injury Disrupts Pain Signaling in the Brainstem and Spinal Cord JOURNAL OF NEUROTRAUMA Irvine, K., Sahbaie, P., Liang, D., Clark, J. 2018

  Abstract

  Chronic pain is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can increase the suffering of a patient and pose a significant challenge to rehabilitative efforts. Unfortunately, the mechanisms linking TBI to pain are poorly understood, and specific treatments for TBI-related pain are still lacking. Our laboratory has shown that TBI causes pain sensitization in areas distant to the site of primary injury, and that changes in spinal gene expression may underlie this sensitization. The aim of this study was to examine the roles that pain modulatory pathways descending from the brainstem play in pain after TBI. Deficiencies in one type of descending inhibition, diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC), have been suggested to be responsible for the development of chronic pain by allowing excess and uncontrolled afferent nociceptive inputs. Here we expand our knowledge of pain after TBI in two ways: (1) by outlining the neuropathology in pain-related centers of the brain and spinal cord involved in DNIC using the rat lateral fluid percussion (LFP) model of TBI, and (2) by evaluating the effects of a potent histone acetyl transferase inhibitor, anacardic acid (AA), on LFP-induced pain behaviors and neuropathology when administered for several days after TBI. The results revealed that TBI induces transient mechanical allodynia and a chronic persistent loss of DNIC. Further, while short-term AA treatment can block acute nociceptive sensitization and some early neuropathological changes, this treatment neither prevented the loss of DNIC nor did it alter long-term neuropathological changes in the brain or spinal cord.

  View details for PubMedID 29373948

• Neuropeptide regulation of adaptive immunity in the tibia fracture model of complex regional pain syndrome JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION Li, W., Guo, T., Shi, X., Birklein, F., Schlereth, T., Kingery, W. S., Clark, J. 2018; 15: 105

  Abstract

  Both dysfunctional neuropeptide signaling and immune system activation are characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Unknown is whether substance P (SP) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) support autoantibody production and, consequently, nociceptive sensitization.These experiments involved the use of a well-characterized tibia fracture model of CRPS. Mice deficient in SP expression (Tac1-/-) and CGRP signaling (RAMP1-/-) were used to probe the neuropeptide dependence of post-fracture sensitization and antibody production. The deposition of IgM in the spinal cord, sciatic nerves, and skin was followed using Western blotting, as was expression of the CRPS-related autoantigen cytokeratin 16 (Krt16). Passive serum transfer to B-cell-deficient muMT mice was used to assess the production of functional autoantibodies in CRPS model mice. The use of immunohistochemistry allowed us to assess neuropeptide-containing fiber distribution and Langerhans cell abundance in mouse and human CRPS patient skin, while Langerhans cell-deficient mice were used to assess the functional contributions of these cells.Functional SP and CGRP signaling were required both for the full development of nociceptive sensitization after fracture and the deposition of IgM in skin and neural tissues. Furthermore, the passive transfer of serum from wildtype but not neuropeptide-deficient mice to fractured muMT mice caused enhanced allodynia and postural unweighting. Langerhans cells were increased in number in the skin of fracture mice and CRPS patients, and those increases in mice were reduced in neuropeptide signaling-deficient animals. Unexpectedly, Langerhans cell-deficient mice showed normal nociceptive sensitization after fracture. However, the increased expression of Krt16 after tibia fracture was not seen in neuropeptide-deficient mice.Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that neuropeptide signaling in the fracture limb of mice is required for autoantigenic IgM production and nociceptive sensitization. The mechanism may be related to neuropeptide-supported autoantigen expression.

  View details for PubMedID 29642930

• Ondansetron does not prevent physical dependence in patients taking opioid medications chronically for pain control. Drug and alcohol dependence Chu, L. F., Rico, T. n., Cornell, E. n., Obasi, H. n., Encisco, E. M., Vertelney, H. n., Gamble, J. G., Crawford, C. W., Sun, J. n., Clemenson, A. n., Erlendson, M. J., Okada, R. n., Carroll, I. n., Clark, J. D. 2018; 183: 176–83

  Abstract

  In this study, we investigated the co-administration of ondansetron with morphine, and whether it could prevent the development of physical dependence in patients taking opioids for the treatment of chronic pain.A total of 48 chronic back pain patients (N = 48) participated in this double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Patients were titrated onto sustained-release oral morphine and randomized to take 8 mg ondansetron or placebo three times daily concurrently with morphine during the 30-day titration. Following titration, patients underwent Naloxone induced opioid withdrawal. Opioid withdrawal signs and symptoms were then assessed by a blinded research assistant (objective opioid withdrawal score: OOWS) and by the research participant (subjective opioid withdrawal score: SOWS).We observed clinically significant signs of naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal in all participants (ΔOOWS = 4.3 ± 2.4, p < 0.0001; ΔSOWS = 14.1 ± 11.7, p < 0.0001), however no significant differences in withdrawal scores were detected between treatment groups.We hypothesized that ondansetron would prevent the development of physical dependence in human subjects when co-administered with opioids, but found no difference in naloxone-precipitated opioid withdrawal scores between ondansetron and placebo treatment groups. These results suggest that further studies are needed to determine if 5HT3 receptor antagonists are useful in preventing opioid physical dependence.

  View details for PubMedID 29278818

• America's Opioid Epidemic: Supply and Demand Considerations ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Clark, D. J., Schumacher, M. A. 2017; 125 (5): 1667–74

  Abstract

  America is in the midst of an opioid epidemic characterized by aggressive prescribing practices, highly prevalent opioid misuse, and rising rates of prescription and illicit opioid overdose-related deaths. Medical and lay public sentiment have become more cautious with respect to prescription opioid use in the past few years, but a comprehensive strategy to reduce our reliance on prescription opioids is lacking. Addressing this epidemic through reductions in unnecessary access to these drugs while implementing measures to reduce demand will be important components of any comprehensive solution. Key supply-side measures include avoiding overprescribing, reducing diversion, and discouraging misuse through changes in drug formulations. Important demand-side measures center around educating patients and clinicians regarding the pitfalls of opioid overuse and methods to avoid unnecessary exposure to these drugs. Anesthesiologists, by virtue of their expertise in the use of these drugs and their position in guiding opioid use around the time of surgery, have important roles to play in reducing patient exposure to opioids and providing education about appropriate use. Aside from the many immediate steps that can be taken, clinical and basic research directed at understanding the interaction between pain and opioid misuse is critical to identifying the optimal use of these powerful pain relievers in clinical practice.

  View details for PubMedID 29049112

• Nervous system delivery of antilysophosphatidic acid antibody by nasal application attenuates mechanical allodynia after traumatic brain injury in rats PAIN Eisenried, A., Meidahl, A. N., Klukinov, M., Tzabazis, A. Z., Sabbadini, R. A., Clark, J., Yeomans, D. C. 2017; 158 (11): 2181–88

  Abstract

  Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lipid that impacts neurological outcomes after neurotrauma by inhibiting neuroregeneration, promoting inflammation, and contributing to behavioral deficits. Blocking LPA signaling with a novel anti-LPA monoclonal antibody (mAb) is neuroprotective after traumatic brain injury (TBI) if given to injured animals whose blood-brain barrier (BBB) has been compromised. It is hypothesized that the anti-LPA mAb could improve chronic pain initiated by TBI. However, poor brain penetration after systemic application of the antibody makes access to the central nervous system (CNS) problematic in situations where the BBB is intact. Our experiments investigated whether intranasal delivery of the anti-LPA mAb could bypass the BBB, allowing for direct entry of the antibody to certain areas of the CNS. When the humanized anti-LPA mAb, LT3114, was intranasally applied to injured rats within 30 minutes after mild TBI using the central lateral percussion model, enzyme-linked immunospecific assay and immunohistochemistry demonstrated antibody uptake to several areas in the CNS, including the area of cortical injury, the corpus callosum, cerebellum, and the subventricular region. Compared with control rats that received LT3114 but no TBI, TBI rats demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of intranasally administered LT3114 antibody in some tissues. In behavioral studies, a significant attenuation of mechanical allodynia after TBI was observed in the anti-LPA treatment group (P = 0.0079), when compared with vehicle controls within 14 days after TBI. These results suggest that intranasal application of the anti-LPA antibody directly accesses CNS sites involved in TBI-related pain and that this access attenuates pain sequelae to the neurotrauma.

  View details for PubMedID 29028747

• Palonosetron and hydroxyzine pre-treatment reduces the objective signs of experimentally-induced acute opioid withdrawal in humans: a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Erlendson, M., D'Arcy, N., Encisco, E., Yu, J., Rincon-Cruz, L., Peltz, G., Clark, D. J., Chu, L. F. 2016: 1-9

  Abstract

  Treatments for reducing opioid withdrawal are limited and prone to problematic side effects. Laboratory studies, clinical observations, and limited human trial data suggest 5-HT3-receptor antagonists and antihistamines may be effective.This double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study employing an acute physical dependence model evaluated whether (i) treatment with a 5-HT3-receptor antagonist (palonosetron) would reduce opioid withdrawal symptoms, and (ii) co-administration of an antihistamine (hydroxyzine) would enhance any treatment effect.At timepoint T = 0, healthy (non-opioid dependent, non-substance abuser) male volunteers (N = 10) were pre-treated with either a) placebo, b) palonosetron IV (0.75 mg), or c) palonosetron IV (0.75 mg) and hydroxyzine PO (100 mg) in a crossover study design. This was followed at T = 30 by intravenous morphine (10 mg/70kg). At T = 165, 10 mg/70kg naloxone IV was given to precipitate opioid withdrawal. The objective opioid withdrawal score (OOWS) and subjective opioid withdrawal score (SOWS) were determined 5 and 15 minutes after naloxone administration (T = 170, 180, respectively). Baseline measurements were recorded at T = -30 and T = -15.Comparison of average baseline OOWS scores with OOWS scores obtained 15 minutes after naloxone was significant (p = 0.0001). Scores from 15 minutes post-naloxone infusion showed significant differences in OOWS scores between treatment groups: placebo, 3.7 ± 2.4; palonosetron, 1.5 ± 0.97; and palonosetron with hydroxyzine, 0.2 ± 0.1333.Pretreatment with palonosetron significantly reduced many signs of experimentally-induced opioid withdrawal. Co-administration with hydroxyzine further reduced opioid withdrawal severity. These results suggest that 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, alone or in combination with an antihistamine, may be useful in the treatment of opioid withdrawal.

  View details for DOI 10.1080/00952990.2016.1210614

• Three-dimensional imaging of dislocation propagation during crystal growth and dissolution Nature Materials Clark, J. N., Ihli, J., Schenk, A. S., Kim, Y., Kulak, A. N., Campbell, J. M., Nisbit, G., Meldrum, F. C., Robinson, I. K. 2015; 14: 780–784

  Abstract

  Atomic-level defects such as dislocations play key roles in determining the macroscopic properties of crystalline materials. Their effects range from increased chemical reactivity to enhanced mechanical properties. Dislocations have been widely studied using traditional techniques such as X-ray diffraction and optical imaging. Recent advances have enabled atomic force microscopy to study single dislocations in two dimensions, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can now visualize strain fields in three dimensions with near-atomic resolution. However, these techniques cannot offer three-dimensional imaging of the formation or movement of dislocations during dynamic processes. Here, we describe how Bragg coherent diffraction imaging (BCDI; refs 11, 12) can be used to visualize in three dimensions, the entire network of dislocations present within an individual calcite crystal during repeated growth and dissolution cycles. These investigations demonstrate the potential of BCDI for studying the mechanisms underlying the response of crystalline materials to external stimuli.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/nmat4320

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC4623157

• Dynamic Imaging Using Ptychography Physical Review Letters Clark, J. N., Huang, X., Harder, R. J., Robinson, I. K. 2014; 112: 113901

  Abstract

  We demonstrate through experiment an example of "mixed state" reconstruction using x-ray ptychography. We demonstrate successful imaging of a vibrating sample that has dynamics that are of one order magnitude faster than the measurement times. We show how increased vibrational amplitude leads to an increased population of illumination modes, a characteristic of partial coherence. Implications of a vibrating sample are explored, with its possible use in manipulating coherent wave field mode shapes and coherence properties.

  View details for DOI 10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.113901

• Extracellular superoxide dismutase is important for hippocampal neurogenesis and preservation of cognitive functions after irradiation PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Zou, Y., Corniola, R., Leu, D., Khan, A., Sahbaie, P., Chakraborti, A., Clark, D. J., Fike, J. R., Huang, T. 2012; 109 (52): 21522-21527

  Abstract

  Cranial irradiation is widely used in cancer therapy, but it often causes cognitive defects in cancer survivors. Oxidative stress is considered a major cause of tissue injury from irradiation. However, in an earlier study mice deficient in the antioxidant enzyme extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD KO) showed reduced sensitivity to radiation-induced defects in hippocampal functions. To further dissect the role of EC-SOD in neurogenesis and in response to irradiation, we generated a bigenic EC-SOD mouse model (OE mice) that expressed high levels of EC-SOD in mature neurons in an otherwise EC-SOD-deficient environment. EC-SOD deficiency was associated with reduced progenitor cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of dentate gyrus in KO and OE mice. However, high levels of EC-SOD in the granule cell layer supported normal maturation of newborn neurons in OE mice. Following irradiation, wild-type mice showed reduced hippocampal neurogenesis, reduced dendritic spine densities, and defects in cognitive functions. OE and KO mice, on the other hand, were largely unaffected, and the mice performed normally in neurocognitive tests. Although the resulting hippocampal-related functions were similar in OE and KO mice following cranial irradiation, molecular analyses suggested that they may be governed by different mechanisms: whereas neurotrophic factors may influence radiation responses in OE mice, dendritic maintenance may be important in the KO environment. Taken together, our data suggest that EC-SOD plays an important role in all stages of hippocampal neurogenesis and its associated cognitive functions, and that high-level EC-SOD may provide protection against irradiation-related defects in hippocampal functions.

  View details for DOI 10.1073/pnas.1216913110

  View details for Web of Science ID 000313627700077

  View details for PubMedID 23236175

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC3535634

• Modulation of remifentanil-induced postinfusion hyperalgesia by the beta-blocker propranolol in humans PAIN Chu, L. F., Cun, T., Ngai, L. K., Kim, J. E., Zamora, A. K., Young, C. A., Angst, M. S., Clark, D. J. 2012; 153 (5): 974-981

  Abstract

  Acute and chronic exposure to opioids has been associated with hyperalgesia in both animals and humans. A genetic analysis of opioid-induced hyperalgesia in mice linked the β(2)-adrenergic receptor to mechanical sensitization after opioid exposure. In humans, expansion of the area of mechanical hyperalgesia surrounding an experimentally induced lesion after the cessation of remifentanil infusion is a commonly used model of opioid hyperalgesia (remifentanil-induced postinfusion hyperalgesia, RPH). The purpose of our translational study was to test the hypothesis that the β-adrenergic receptor antagonist propranolol modulates the expression of RPH in humans. This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was performed in 10 healthy human volunteers. During test sessions, intracutaneous electrical stimulation was used to generate areas of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. The area of this sensitization was measured before, during, and after remifentanil infusion. Heat pain sensitivity was also followed. During one test session, subjects received propranolol infusion. We observed an average increase in the areas of secondary mechanical hyperalgesia to 141% of the baseline in subjects infused with remifentanil and placebo (P=0.00040). However, when remifentanil infusion was combined with propranolol, the area of secondary hyperalgesia after terminating remifentanil was not significantly different than the area before beginning the opioid infusion (P=0.13). Thermal hyperalgesia was not observed after remifentanil infusion. Propranolol infusion at the selected dose had minor hemodynamic effects. Concomitant infusion of propranolol with remifentanil prevented the expression of RPH. β-adrenergic receptor blockade may be a useful pharmacological strategy for preventing hyperalgesia in patients exposed to opioids.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2012.01.014

  View details for PubMedID 22365565

• Collecting and measuring wound exudate biochemical mediators in surgical wounds. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Yeomans, D., Angst, M. S. 2012

  Abstract

  We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure biochemical inflammatory and nociceptive mediators at the surgical wound site. Collecting site-specific biochemical markers is important to understand the relationship between levels in serum and surgical wound, determine any associations between mediator release, pain, analgesic use and other outcomes of interest, and evaluate the effect of systemic and peripheral drug administration on surgical wound biochemistry. This methodology has been applied to healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. We have measured wound exudate and serum mediators at the same time intervals as patient's pain scores and analgesics consumption for up to 48 hours post-cesarean delivery. Using this methodology we have been able to detect various biochemical mediators including nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) substance P, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, TNFα, INFγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1 and MIP-1β. Studies applying this human surgical wound bioassay have found no correlations between wound and serum cytokine concentrations or their time-release profile (J Pain. 2008; 9(7):650-7).(1) We also documented the utility of the technique to identify drug-mediated changes in wound cytokine content.

  View details for DOI 10.3791/50133

  View details for PubMedID 23117346

• Continuous Subcutaneous Instillation of Bupivacaine Compared to Saline Reduces Interleukin 10 and Increases Substance P in Surgical Wounds After Cesarean Delivery ANESTHESIA AND ANALGESIA Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Yeomans, D. C., Angst, M. S. 2010; 111 (6): 1452-1459

  Abstract

  Recent evidence suggests that locally delivered local anesthetics may exert tissue-damaging effects such as chondrolysis after intraarticular injection. Alteration of the inflammatory response is a potential mechanism for local anesthetic-induced tissue toxicity. In this study, we tested the effects of continuous local anesthetic infiltration on the release of inflammatory and nociceptive mediators in skin wounds after cesarean delivery.Thirty-eight healthy women undergoing cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this study, and were randomized to receive subcutaneous surgical wound infiltration with bupivacaine 5 mg/mL or saline at 2 mL/h for 24 hours after cesarean delivery. Wound exudate was sampled at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 24 hours after cesarean delivery using a subcutaneous wound drain technique. Cytokines, chemokines, substance P, prostaglandin E(2), and nerve growth factor were assayed using multiplex Bio-Plex® (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.Bupivacaine wound infusion resulted in a significant decrease of interleukin 10 and increase of substance P in wounds compared with saline infusion (area under the 24-hour concentration-time curve; P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected for other cytokines, nerve growth factor, and prostaglandin E(2).This study demonstrates that the continuous administration of clinically used doses of bupivacaine into wounds affects the local composition of wound mediators. Observed changes in interleukin 10 are compatible with a disruption of antiinflammatory mechanisms. Whether such modulation combined with the release of the proinflammatory mediator substance P results in an overall proinflammatory wound response will require future studies of wound healing.

  View details for DOI 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3181f579de

  View details for PubMedID 20861424

• Calcitonin-gene-related peptide stimulates stromal cell osteogenic differentiation and inhibits RANKL induced NF-kappa B activation, osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption BONE Wang, L., Shi, X., Zhao, R., Halloran, B. P., Clark, D. J., Jacobs, C. R., Kingery, W. S. 2010; 46 (5): 1369-1379

  Abstract

  Previously we observed that capsaicin treatment in rats inhibited sensory neuropeptide signaling, with a concurrent reduction in trabecular bone formation and bone volume, and an increase in osteoclast numbers and bone resorption. Calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide richly distributed in sensory neurons innervating the skeleton and we postulated that CGRP signaling regulates bone integrity. In this study we examined CGRP effects on stromal and bone cell differentiation and activity in vitro. CGRP receptors were detected by immunocytochemical staining and real time PCR assays in mouse bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). CGRP effects on BMSC proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation were studied using BrdU incorporation, PCR products, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and mineralization assays. CGRP effects on BMM osteoclastic differentiation and activity were determined by quantifying tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase positive (TRAP(+)) multinucleated cells, pit erosion area, mRNA levels of TRAP and cathepsin K, and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) nuclear localization. BMSCs, osteoblasts, BMMs, and osteoclasts all expressed CGRP receptors. CGRP (10(-10)-10(-8) M) stimulated BMSC proliferation, up-regulated the expression of osteoblastic genes, and increased ALP activity and mineralization in the BMSCs. In BMM cultures CGRP (10(-8) M) inhibited receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) activation of NF-kappaB. CGRP also down-regulated osteoclastic genes like TRAP and cathepsin K, decreased the numbers of TRAP(+) cells, and inhibited bone resorption activity in RANKL stimulated BMMs. These results suggest that CGRP signaling maintains bone mass both by directly stimulating stromal cell osteoblastic differentiation and by inhibiting RANKL induced NF-kappaB activation, osteoclastogenesis, and bone resorption.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bone.2009.11.029

  View details for Web of Science ID 000276941000021

  View details for PubMedID 19962460

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2854244

• Designing an automated clinical decision support system to match clinical practice guidelines for opioid therapy for chronic pain IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE Trafton, J. A., Martins, S. B., Michel, M. C., Wang, D., Tu, S. W., Clark, D. J., Elliott, J., Vucic, B., Balt, S., Clark, M. E., Sintek, C. D., Rosenberg, J., Daniels, D., Goldstein, M. K. 2010; 5

  Abstract

  Opioid prescribing for chronic pain is common and controversial, but recommended clinical practices are followed inconsistently in many clinical settings. Strategies for increasing adherence to clinical practice guideline recommendations are needed to increase effectiveness and reduce negative consequences of opioid prescribing in chronic pain patients.Here we describe the process and outcomes of a project to operationalize the 2003 VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Opioid Therapy for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain into a computerized decision support system (DSS) to encourage good opioid prescribing practices during primary care visits. We based the DSS on the existing ATHENA-DSS. We used an iterative process of design, testing, and revision of the DSS by a diverse team including guideline authors, medical informatics experts, clinical content experts, and end-users to convert the written clinical practice guideline into a computable algorithm to generate patient-specific recommendations for care based upon existing information in the electronic medical record (EMR), and a set of clinical tools.The iterative revision process identified numerous and varied problems with the initially designed system despite diverse expert participation in the design process. The process of operationalizing the guideline identified areas in which the guideline was vague, left decisions to clinical judgment, or required clarification of detail to insure safe clinical implementation. The revisions led to workable solutions to problems, defined the limits of the DSS and its utility in clinical practice, improved integration into clinical workflow, and improved the clarity and accuracy of system recommendations and tools.Use of this iterative process led to development of a multifunctional DSS that met the approval of the clinical practice guideline authors, content experts, and clinicians involved in testing. The process and experiences described provide a model for development of other DSSs that translate written guidelines into actionable, real-time clinical recommendations.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/1748-5908-5-26

  View details for Web of Science ID 000277618600001

  View details for PubMedID 20385018

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2868045

• Substance P stimulates bone marrow stromal cell osteogenic activity, osteoclast differentiation, and resorption activity in vitro BONE Wang, L., Zhao, R., Shi, X., Wei, T., Halloran, B. P., Clark, D. J., Jacobs, C. R., Kingery, W. S. 2009; 45 (2): 309-320

  Abstract

  SP is a neuropeptide distributed in the sensory nerve fibers that innervate the medullar tissues of bone, as well as the periosteum. Previously we demonstrated that inhibition of neuropeptide signaling after capsaicin treatment resulted in a loss of bone mass and we hypothesized that SP contributes to bone integrity by stimulating osteogenesis.Osteoblast precursors (bone marrow stromal cells, BMSCs) and osteoclast precursors (bone marrow macrophages, BMMs) derived from C57BL/6 mice were cultured. Expression of the SP receptor (NK1) was detected by using immunocytochemical staining and PCR. Effects of SP on proliferation and differentiation of BMSCs were studied by measuring BrdU incorporation, gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and osteocalcin and Runx2 protein levels with EIA and western blot assays, respectively. Effects of SP on BMMs were determined using a BrdU assay, counting multinucleated cells staining positive for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP(+)), measuring pit erosion area, and evaluating RANKL protein production and NF-kappaB activity with ELISA and western blot.The NK1 receptor was expressed in both BMSCs and BMMs. SP stimulated the proliferation of BMSCs in a concentration-dependent manner. Low concentrations (10(-12) M) of SP stimulated alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin expression, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and up-regulated Runx2 protein levels, and higher concentrations of SP (10(-8) M) enhanced mineralization in differentiated BMSCs. SP also stimulated BMSCs to produce RANKL, but at concentrations too low to evoke osteoclastogenesis in co-culture with macrophages in the presence of SP. SP also activated NF-kappaB in BMMs and directly facilitate RANKL-induced macrophage osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption activity.NK1 receptors are expressed by osteoblast and osteoclast precursors and SP stimulates osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation and function in vitro. SP neurotransmitter release from sensory neurons could potentially regulate local bone turnover in vivo.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bone.2009.04.203

  View details for Web of Science ID 000268206300023

  View details for PubMedID 19379851

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2706279

• Pentoxifylline attenuates nociceptive sensitization and cytokine expression in a tibia fracture rat model of complex regional pain syndrome EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAIN Wei, T., Sabsovich, I., Guo, T., Shi, X., Zhao, R., Li, W., Geis, C., Sommer, C., Kingery, W. S., Clark, D. J. 2009; 13 (3): 253-262

  Abstract

  Tibia fracture in rats evokes chronic hindpaw warmth, edema, allodynia, and regional osteopenia, a syndrome resembling complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Previous studies suggest that the pathogenesis of some of these changes involves an exaggerated regional inflammatory response to injury and we postulated that inflammatory cytokines contribute to the development of CRPS-like changes after fracture.The distal tibia was fractured and the hindlimb casted for 4 weeks. The rats were given drinking water with or without the cytokine inhibitor pentoxifylline (PTX) starting the day before fracture and continuing for 4 weeks, after which time the cast was removed and multiple assays were performed in the hindpaw. PCR and immunoassays were used to evaluate changes in cytokine expression. Bilateral hindpaw thickness, temperature, and nociceptive thresholds were determined, and bone microarchitecture was measured by microcomputed tomography (microCT).Tibia fracture chronically up-regulated TNFalpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA and protein levels in hindpaw skin and PTX treatment significantly reduced the mRNA expression and cytokine protein levels for all these cytokines. PTX inhibited the nociceptive sensitization and some vascular changes, but had insignificant effects on most of the bone-related parameters measured in these studies. Immunostaining of hindpaw skin was negative for immunocyte infiltration at 4 weeks post-fracture.These results suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines contribute to the nociceptive and vascular sequelae of fracture and that PTX treatment can reverse these CRPS-like changes.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ejpain.2008.04.014

  View details for Web of Science ID 000264243300005

  View details for PubMedID 18554967

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2673487

• TNF signaling contributes to the development of nociceptive sensitization in a tibia fracture model of complex regional pain syndrome type I PAIN Sabsovich, I., Guo, T., Wei, T., Zhao, R., Li, X., Clark, D. J., Geis, C., Sommer, C., Kingery, W. S. 2008; 137 (3): 507-519

  Abstract

  Tibia fracture in rats initiates a cascade of nociceptive, vascular, and bone changes resembling complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I). Previous studies suggest that the pathogenesis of these changes is attributable to an exaggerated regional inflammatory response to injury. We postulated that the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF) might mediate the development of CRPS-like changes after fracture. RT-PCR and EIA assays were used to evaluate changes in TNF expression and content in skin, nerve, and bone after fracture. Bilateral hindpaw thickness, temperature, and nociceptive thresholds were determined, and bone microarchitecture was measured using microcomputed tomography. Lumbar spinal cord Fos immunostaining was performed for quantification of Fos positive neurons. After baseline testing, the distal tibia was fractured and the hindlimb casted for 4 weeks. The rats were subcutaneously injected either with a soluble TNF receptor type 1 (sTNF-R1, 5mg/kg/d) or saline every 3 days over 28 days and then were retested at 4 weeks post-fracture. Tibia fracture chronically upregulated TNF expression and protein levels in the hindpaw skin and sciatic nerve. After fracture the rats developed hindpaw mechanical allodynia and unweighting, which were reversed by sTNF-R1 treatment. Consistent with the behavioral data, spinal Fos increased after fracture and this effect was inhibited by sTNF-R1 treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that facilitated TNF signaling in the hindlimb is an important mediator of chronic regional nociceptive sensitization after fracture, but does not contribute to the hindlimb warmth, edema, and bone loss observed in this CRPS I model.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pain.2007.10.013

  View details for Web of Science ID 000258359500009

  View details for PubMedID 18035493

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC2529181

• Opioid-induced hyperalgesia in humans - Molecular mechanisms and clinical considerations CLINICAL JOURNAL OF PAIN Chu, L. F., Angst, M. S., Clark, D. 2008; 24 (6): 479-496

  Abstract

  Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is most broadly defined as a state of nociceptive sensitization caused by exposure to opioids. The state is characterized by a paradoxical response whereby a patient receiving opioids for the treatment of pain may actually become more sensitive to certain painful stimuli. The type of pain experienced may or may not be different from the original underlying painful condition. Although the precise molecular mechanism is not yet understood, it is generally thought to result from neuroplastic changes in the peripheral and central nervous systems that lead to sensitization of pronociceptive pathways. OIH seems to be a distinct, definable, and characteristic phenomenon that may explain loss of opioid efficacy in some cases. Clinicians should suspect expression of OIH when opioid treatment effect seems to wane in the absence of disease progression, particularly if found in the context of unexplained pain reports or diffuse allodynia unassociated with the pain as previously observed. This review highlights the important mechanistic underpinnings and clinical ramifications of OIH and discusses future research directions and the latest clinical evidence for modulation of this potentially troublesome clinical phenomenon.

  View details for PubMedID 18574358

• Local and systemic release of cytokines, nerve growth factor, prostaglandin E2, and substance P in incisional wounds and serum following cesarean delivery JOURNAL OF PAIN Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Angst, M. S. 2008; 9 (7): 650-657

  Abstract

  The objectives of this study were to test the feasibility of measuring inflammatory and nociceptive biochemical mediators at the surgical site and to evaluate the relationship between wound and serum levels as well as determine any associations between mediator release, pain, and analgesic consumption after cesarean delivery. Twenty healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia were enrolled. Wound exudate and serum mediators, pain scores, and analgesic consumption were measured at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours after cesarean. In wound exudate, 19 of 20 mediators were reliably detected including interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1beta), nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2), and substance P. Wound PG-E2 and various cytokines peaked early, whereas NGF showed a more delayed release. There were no correlations between the concentration versus time profile of wound and serum cytokines. Analgesic consumption during the first 24 hours after surgery was negatively correlated with IL-1beta, IL-6, and G-CSF in the wound exudate. This study demonstrates the feasibility of collecting and measuring nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds at specific time points. The lack of significant correlations between wound and serum levels emphasizes the importance of determining site-specific release if localized pathologies are to be studied.This study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring real-time nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds. Our findings confirm the lack of correlation between wound and serum levels of many pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and nerve growth factor.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpain.2008.02.004

  View details for PubMedID 18394968

• Collecting and measuring nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds. Journal of visualized experiments : JoVE Carvalho, B., Clark, D. J., Yeomans, D., Angst, M. S. 2008

  Abstract

  We describe a methodology by which we are able to collect and measure inflammatory and nociceptive biochemical mediators at the surgical wound site. Collecting site-specific biochemical markers allows us to evaluate the relationship between surgical wound and serum levels;determine any associations between mediator release, pain and analgesic consumption; and evaluate the effect of systemic and peripheral drug administration on surgical wound biochemistry.This methodology has been applied to healthy women undergoing elective cesarean delivery with spinal anesthesia. Wound exudate and serum mediators, in conjunction with pain scores and analgesics consumption were measured at 1, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-cesarean delivery.Biochemical mediators that were detected included IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, TNFα, INFγ, G-CSF, GM-CSF,MCP-1 and MIP-1β, nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PG-E2) and substance P. We found no correlations between wound and serum cytokines concentrations or time-release profiles (J Pain. 2008 Jul 9(7):650-7). This article describes and demonstrates the feasibility of collecting and assaying nociceptive and inflammatory mediators in surgical wounds at specific time points. The lack of significant correlations between serum and wound levels shows the importance of determining site-specific release if surgical wounds and localized pathologies are to be studied [corrected].

  View details for DOI 10.3791/962

  View details for PubMedID 19078937

• Genetic variants of the P-glycoprotein gene Abcb1b modulate opioid-induced hyperalgesia, tolerance and dependence PHARMACOGENETICS AND GENOMICS Liang, D., Liao, G., Lighthall, G. K., Peltz, G., Clark, D. J. 2006; 16 (11): 825-835

  Abstract

  Opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is a state of paradoxically increased nociceptive sensitivity seen in both humans and rodents following the resolution of the acute opioid antinociceptive effects or during periods of chronic opioid administration. Using the power of genetic analysis, we hoped to discover novel mechanisms modulating this trait.The degree of opioid-induced hyperalgesia displayed in response to a thermal stimulus applied to the hind paw was measured in 16 strains of inbred mice after 4 days of morphine administration. The degree of thermal sensitization was then used in a recently developed in silico haplotypic mapping algorithm along with a haplotypic map constructed from a database containing 209,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms.Analysis of the data resulted in the identification of several haplotype blocks strongly associated with the thermal opioid-induced hyperalgesia trait. The most strongly associated block was located within the Abcb1b P-glycoprotein drug transporter gene. Experiments using the P-glycoprotein inhibitor cyclosporine A and P-glycoprotein null mutant mice supported the hypothesis that a functional association exists between P-glycoprotein transporters and opioid-induced hyperalgesia. The observation of a correlation between morphine brain concentrations and the development of opioid-induced hyperalgesia was consistent with this hypothesis as well. In addition, P-glycoprotein gene deletion and pharmacological inhibition altered morphine ED50, tolerance and physical dependence.We conclude that the use of haplotypic mapping to identify novel mechanisms controlling complex traits is a viable approach. Variants of the Abcb1b gene may explain some portion of the interstrain differences in OIH and perhaps other consequences of chronic opioid administration.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000241971500008

  View details for PubMedID 17047491

• Characteristics and treatment of headache after traumatic brain injury - A focused review AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION Lew, H. L., Lin, P., Fuh, J., Wang, S., Clark, D. J., Walker, W. C. 2006; 85 (7): 619-627

  Abstract

  Headache is one of the most common complaints in patients with traumatic brain injury. By definition, headache that develops within 1 wk after head trauma (or within 1 wk after regaining consciousness) is referred to as posttraumatic headache (PTH). Although most PTH resolves within 6-12 mos after injury, approximately 18-33% of PTH persists beyond 1 yr. We performed a systematic literature review on this topic and found that many patients with PTH had clinical presentations very similar to tension-type headache (37% of all PTH) and migraine (29% of all PTH). Although there is no universally accepted protocol for treating PTH, many clinicians treat PTH as if they were managing primary headache. As a result of the heterogeneity in the terminology and paucity in prospective, well-controlled studies in this field, there is a definite need for conducting double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment trials in patients with PTH.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/01.phm.0000223235.09931.c0

  View details for Web of Science ID 000238725500010

  View details for PubMedID 16788394

• Persistence of rock-derived nutrients in the wet tropical forests of La Selva, Costa Rica ECOLOGY Porder, S., Clark, D. A., Vitousek, P. M. 2006; 87 (3): 594-602

  Abstract

  We used strontium isotopes and analysis of foliar and soil nutrients to test whether erosion can rejuvenate the supply of rock-derived nutrients in the lowland tropical rain forest of La Selva, Costa Rica. We expected that these nutrients would be depleted from soils on stable surfaces, a result of over one million years of weathering in situ. In fact, trees and palms in all landscape positions derive a relatively high percentage (> or =40%) of their strontium from bedrock, rather than atmospheric, sources. The fraction that is rock-derived increases on slopes, but with no detectable effect on plant macronutrient concentrations. These results differ from those in a similar ecosystem on Kauai, Hawaii, where plants on uneroded surfaces derive almost all of their foliar Sr from atmospheric, rather than bedrock, sources. The results from La Selva challenge the assumption that tropical Oxisols in general have low nutrient inputs from bedrock, and support the hypothesis that erosion can increase the supply of these nutrients in lower landscape positions.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000236289600008

  View details for PubMedID 16602289

• Latent plaque rupture in a patient undergoing stenting for acute coronary syndrome and diffuse coronary disease: A case report and review of literature CATHETERIZATION AND CARDIOVASCULAR INTERVENTIONS Koizumi, T., Wilson, A. M., Clark, D. A., Fitzgerald, P. J. 2006; 67 (2): 241-245

  Abstract

  Secondary prevention of plaque rupture following percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with acute coronary syndrome is not well studied. This case report describes a 53-year-old man who experienced plaque rupture between two previously successfully implanted stents in the right coronary artery, as documented during the 3rd intervention using intravascular ultrasound.

  View details for DOI 10.1002/ccd.20596

  View details for Web of Science ID 000235145100011

  View details for PubMedID 16400671

• Opioid tolerance and hyperalgesia in chronic pain patients after one month of oral morphine therapy: A preliminary prospective study JOURNAL OF PAIN Chu, L. F., Clark, D. J., Angst, M. S. 2006; 7 (1): 43-48

  Abstract

  There is accumulating evidence that opioid therapy might not only be associated with the development of tolerance but also with an increased sensitivity to pain, a condition referred to as opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH). However, there are no prospective studies documenting the development of opioid tolerance or OIH in patients with chronic pain. This preliminary study in 6 patients with chronic low back pain prospectively evaluated the development of tolerance and OIH. Patients were assessed before and 1 month after initiating oral morphine therapy. The cold pressor test and experimental heat pain were used to measure pain sensitivity before and during a target-controlled infusion with the short-acting mu opioid agonist remifentanil. In the cold pressor test, all patients became hyperalgesic as well as tolerant after 1 month of oral morphine therapy. In a model of heat pain, patients exhibited no hyperalgesia, although tolerance could not be evaluated. These results provide the first prospective evidence for the development of analgesic tolerance and OIH by using experimental pain in patients with chronic back pain. This study also validated methodology for prospectively studying these phenomena in larger populations of pain patients.Experimental evidence suggests that opioid tolerance and opioid-induced hyperalgesia might limit the clinical utility of opioids in controlling chronic pain. This study validates a pharmacologic approach to study these phenomena prospectively in chronic pain patients and suggests that both conditions do occur within 1 month of initiating opioid therapy.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpain.2005.08.001

  View details for PubMedID 16414554

• Transient disruption of ventrolateral prefrontal cortex during verbal encoding affects subsequent memory performance JOURNAL OF NEUROPHYSIOLOGY Kahn, I., Pascual-Leone, A., Theoret, H., Fregni, F., Clark, D., Wagner, A. D. 2005; 94 (1): 688-698

  Abstract

  Episodic memory supports conscious remembrance of everyday experience. Prior functional neuroimaging data indicate that episodic encoding during phonological task performance is correlated with activation in bilateral posterior ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (pVLPFC), although uncertainty remains regarding whether these prefrontal regions make necessary contributions to episodic memory formation. Using functional MRI data to guide application of single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (spTMS), this study examined the necessity of left and right pVLPFC for episodic encoding (as expressed through subsequent memory performance). To assess the timing of critical computations, pVLPFC function was transiently disrupted at different poststimulus onset times while subjects made syllable decisions about visually presented familiar and unfamiliar words; subsequent memory for these stimuli was measured. Results revealed that left pVLPFC disruption during encoding of familiar words impaired subsequent memory, expressed as a decline in recognition confidence, with disruption being maximal at 380 ms after stimulus onset. In contrast, right pVLPFC disruption facilitated subsequent memory for familiar words, expressed as an increase in medium confidence recognition, with this facilitation being maximal at 380 ms. Finally, phonological (syllable) decision accuracy was facilitated by right pVLPFC disruption, with this effect being maximal at 340 ms, but was unaffected by left pVLPFC disruption. These findings suggest that left pVLPFC mechanisms onset between 300 and 400 ms during phonological processing of words, with these mechanisms appearing necessary for effective episodic encoding. In contrast, disruption of correlated mechanisms in right pVLPFC facilitates encoding, perhaps by inducing a functional shift in the mechanisms engaged during learning.

  View details for DOI 10.1152/jn.01335.2004

  View details for Web of Science ID 000230135500061

  View details for PubMedID 15758048

• Orientation of bound ligands in mannose-binding proteins - Implications for multivalent ligand recognition JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY Ng, K. K., Kolatkar, A. R., Park-Snyder, S., Feinberg, H., Clark, D. A., Drickamer, K., Weis, W. I. 2002; 277 (18): 16088-16095

  Abstract

  Mannose-binding proteins (MBPs) are C-type animal lectins that recognize high mannose oligosaccharides on pathogenic cell surfaces. MBPs bind to their carbohydrate ligands by forming a series of Ca(2+) coordination and hydrogen bonds with two hydroxyl groups equivalent to the 3- and 4-OH of mannose. In this work, the determinants of the orientation of sugars bound to rat serum and liver MBPs (MBP-A and MBP-C) have been systematically investigated. The crystal structures of MBP-A soaked with monosaccharides and disaccharides and also the structure of the MBP-A trimer cross-linked by a high mannose asparaginyl oligosaccharide reveal that monosaccharides or alpha1-6-linked mannose bind to MBP-A in one orientation, whereas alpha1-2- or alpha1-3-linked mannose binds in an orientation rotated 180 degrees around a local symmetry axis relating the 3- and 4-OH groups. In contrast, a similar set of ligands all bind to MBP-C in a single orientation. The mutation of MBP-A His(189) to its MBP-C equivalent, valine, causes Man alpha 1-3Man to bind in a mixture of orientations. These data combined with modeling indicate that the residue at this position influences the orientation of bound ligands in MBP. We propose that the control of binding orientation can influence the recognition of multivalent ligands. A lateral association of trimers in the cross-linked crystals may reflect interactions within higher oligomers of MBP-A that are stabilized by multivalent ligands.

  View details for DOI 10.1074/jbc.M200493200

  View details for Web of Science ID 000175510400116

  View details for PubMedID 11850428

• Flying pigs and other possibilities Catheterization and cardiovascular interventions : official journal of the Society for Cardiac Angiography & Interventions Clark, D. A. 2000; 51 (1): 10

  View details for PubMedID 10973009

• BALLOON ANGIOPLASTY RESULTS IN INCREASED SEGMENTAL CORONARY DISTENSIBILITY - A LIKELY MECHANISM OF PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY Botas, J., Clark, D. A., Pinto, F., Chenzbraun, A., Fischell, T. A. 1994; 23 (5): 1043-1052

  Abstract

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that the increase in lumen area induced by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty is secondary to a change in lesion (segmental) distensibility.Despite the widespread use of coronary angioplasty, the precise mechanism (or mechanisms) of lumen area improvement remains poorly understood.Quantitative coronary angiography was used to measure the minimal (contrast agent filled) balloon diameters at 1 to 5 atm, inclusive, during the first and final balloon inflations in 24 lesions successfully treated with coronary angioplasty. To rule out possible confounding effects due to changes in balloon material distensibility during repeated inflations, five control balloons were studied ex vivo. In parallel, intravascular ultrasound imaging was utilized to compare the segmental distensibility (change in lumen area during the cardiac cycle) of eight disease-free and seven mildly diseased coronary segments and seven segments after successful balloon angioplasty.Minimal balloon diameters increased significantly between the first and final inflations (46%, 33%, 26%, 14% and 10% at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 atm, respectively, all p < 0.0001), demonstrating an increase in arterial distensibility after successful coronary angioplasty. No significant changes in balloon diameters were observed during sequential initial inflations at 1 and 2 atm (n = 5). Minimal increases in balloon diameters were observed during repeated balloon inflations in the ex vivo studies (4.9 +/- 1% [mean +/- SEM]). A distensibility index, derived from the intravascular ultrasound data, was not different between the balloon-dilated and the normal segments but was significantly lower in mildly diseased sites (14.7 +/- 2.2 vs. 12.9 +/- 1.2 vs. 6.9 +/- 1.9, respectively, p < 0.05) despite a smaller plaque area (7.3 +/- 1 vs. 11.3 +/- 1 mm2, proximal/nondilated vs. dilated segments, respectively, p < 0.05).Coronary distensibility is significantly impaired in atherosclerotically diseased coronary segments and increases significantly after balloon angioplasty. This increase in segmental coronary compliance after coronary angioplasty may create a larger lumen area by allowing the vessel to distend in response to normal intraarterial pressure.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1994PH37100008

  View details for PubMedID 8144766

• THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF PERFORMANCE ANXIETY IN MUSICIANS AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY Clark, D. B., Agras, W. S. 1991; 148 (5): 598-605

  Abstract

  Performance anxiety in musicians may be severe enough to require intervention but has been the subject of relatively little clinical research. The authors' objectives were to describe the results of a comprehensive clinical and laboratory assessment and to perform a double-blind, placebo-controlled study comparing buspirone, cognitive-behavior therapy, and the combination of these treatments for performance anxiety.Ninety-four subjects were recruited by mass media announcements and were seen in a university-based outpatient psychiatric clinic. Assessments were 1) questionnaires for all 94 subjects, 2) diagnostic interview of 50 subjects, and 3) laboratory performance of 34 subjects. Treatment conditions were 1) 6 weeks of buspirone, 2) 6 weeks of placebo, 3) a five-session, group cognitive-behavior therapy program with buspirone, or 4) the cognitive-behavior therapy program with placebo. Treatment outcome measures included subjective anxiety ratings and heart rate measures during a laboratory performance, a questionnaire measure of performance confidence, and a blind rating of musical performance quality.All subjects fulfilled criteria for DSM-III-R social phobia. Of the 15 full-time professional musicians, ten had tried propranolol and three had stopped performing. Most of the subjects had substantial anxiety and heart rate increases during laboratory speech and musical performances. Cognitive-behavior therapy resulted in statistically significant reductions in subjective anxiety, improved quality of musical performance, and improved performance confidence. Buspirone was not an effective treatment.Cognitive-behavior therapy is a viable treatment approach for performance anxiety in musicians.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1991FJ31700006

  View details for PubMedID 2018160

• SURREPTITIOUS DRUG-USE BY PATIENTS IN A PANIC DISORDER STUDY AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY Clark, D. B., Taylor, C. B., Roth, W. T., Hayward, C., Ehlers, A., MARGRAF, J., Agras, W. S. 1990; 147 (4): 507-509

  Abstract

  In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial comparing alprazolam and imipramine for panic disorder, serum analysis revealed that a substantial proportion of the patients took explicitly prohibited anxiolytic medication. Excluding these patients changed the results.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1990CW81000023

  View details for PubMedID 1969248

• CARDIOVASCULAR AND SYMPTOMATIC REDUCTION EFFECTS OF ALPRAZOLAM AND IMIPRAMINE IN PATIENTS WITH PANIC DISORDER - RESULTS OF A DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY Taylor, C. B., Hayward, C., King, R., Ehlers, A., MARGRAF, J., Maddock, R., Clark, D., Roth, W. T., Agras, W. S. 1990; 10 (2): 112-118

  Abstract

  Seventy-nine patients with panic disorder were randomized to an 8-week double-blind treatment with alprazolam, imipramine, or placebo. Patients kept daily records of panic attacks, activity, anxiety, sleep, and medication use. Weekly measures of anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, fears, avoidance, disability, and improvement were obtained. All patients underwent a symptom-limited exercise treadmill and other cardiovascular measures. By physician and patient global assessment, patients receiving alprazolam or imipramine were significantly better than patients on placebo. The alprazolam effects were apparent by week 1; the imipramine effects by week 4. All groups showed significant reductions in anxiety, depression, somatic measures, and panic attack frequency. At 8 weeks, patients in the alprazolam group reported significantly less fear than patients in the other two groups. Subjects in the imipramine group showed a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1990CX84900006

  View details for PubMedID 2187912

• TONIC AROUSAL AND ACTIVITY - RELATIONSHIPS TO PERSONALITY AND PERSONALITY-DISORDER TRAITS IN PANIC PATIENTS PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH KING, R. J., BAYON, E. P., Clark, D. B., Taylor, C. B. 1988; 25 (1): 65-72

  Abstract

  Personality theorists have long predicted a relationship between personality traits and autonomic activation. In this study, 48 patients with panic disorder underwent personality assessment by questionnaire (Eysenck Personality Inventory: 48 patients) and by interview (Personality Disorders Examination: 35 patients). Ambulatory heart rate and activity were measured by the Vitalog method and were used as measures of activation and autonomic arousal. There was a significant positive correlation between histrionic traits and activity level and a significant negative correlation between sociability and heart rate. The findings are consistent with previous studies showing a negative relationship between sensation-seeking personality traits and cerebrospinal fluid levels of norepinephrine and a positive relationship between extroversion and cerebrospinal fluid levels of dopamine.

  View details for Web of Science ID A1988P894700008

  View details for PubMedID 3217468

• Treadmill exercise test and ambulatory measures in panic attacks. American journal of cardiology Taylor, C. B., King, R., Ehlers, A., MARGRAF, J., Clark, D., Hayward, C., Roth, W. T., Agras, S. 1987; 60 (18): 48J-52J

  Abstract

  Treadmill exercise test performance and ambulatory heart rate and activity patterns of 40 patients with panic attacks were compared with 20 age-matched controls (control group 1) and 20 nonexercising controls (control group 2). All patients underwent a symptom-limited exercise stress test. Panic attack patients and control group 1 wore an ambulatory heart rate/activity monitor for up to 3 days. Panic patients had a significantly higher heart rate at 4 and 6 METS than either control group. The max METS were 11.2 +/- 2.3, 13.5 +/- 2.3 and 11.2 +/- 1.8 for the panic attack patients and control groups 1 and 2, respectively. One panic patient had ischemia on the treadmill at 12 METS. Panic patients had a significantly higher standing heart rate than controls. Furthermore, 11 of 39 panic patients had tachycardia on standing compared with 3 of 40 controls. Panic attack patients had higher wake and sleep heart rates than control group 1, but the differences were not significant. These results are consistent with autonomic dysfunction in panic patients but may also be due to differences in physical conditioning. The treadmill can be useful for reassuring patients and for identifying the rare patient with ischemia on exercise.

  View details for PubMedID 3425557