Placebo

This study aims to compare the efficacy of intrathecal morphine and intrathecal dexmedetomidine in reducing pain following lumbar spine fixation surgeries.

This project examines, in chronic pain, the mechanisms of immersive virtual reality compared to the mechanisms of placebo hypoalgesia. The potential of developing new non-pharmacological premises for low-risk interventions for pain management is high.

The study is a randomized, placebo-controlled design with the opioid antagonist, oral naltrexone. Following random assignment, participants will take 50mg of naltrexone or placebo once a day for 7 days. On days 1 - 7, participants complete reports of their feelings of social connection and mood in order to assess more naturalistic feelings in response to opportunities for social connection outside of the laboratory setting. Additionally, at the end of each day, they complete a physical symptoms questionnaire. On the 7th day, participants will come to the SDSU MRI scanning facility to complete tasks designed to elicit feelings of social connection in the fMRI scanner. After the scan, feelings in response to the scanner tasks will be collected.

Curcumin (a bioactive compound found in turmeric) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and there is evidence to suggest that it may produce improvements in quality of life and markers of health in humans with various conditions. To date, the research has often focussed on the effects of curcumin in human participants with a particular condition. However, turmeric contains hundreds of other bioactive compounds (including other curcuminoids and essential oils) and may be able to benefit a wide range of older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of twice daily consumption of a turmeric beverage for 8-weeks on the physiology and wellbeing of older adults (versus placebo).

The goal of this randomised clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on major depressive disorder (MDD) and on the levels of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). TMS works to treat MDD by using low-intensity magnetic fields to modulate certain areas of the brain, activating them which can help improve the mood of those suffering from the disorder. Final metabolites of serotonin such as 5-HIAA and growth factors such as BDNF will also be studied before starting the intervention and at the end to check if there is a significant change in their concentration. Likewise, its safety will be evaluated by monitoring the symptoms that they present at the end of the intervention and one month later. The main questions that are intended to be answered are: * Does low-intensity TMS reduce depressive symptoms in patients with MDD? * Does low-intensity TMS significantly change the initial and final concentrations of 5-HIAA and BDNF? * What adverse effects might patients who are exposed to low-intensity TMS experience? The researchers will compare low-intensity and accelerated TMS with sham TMS to see if low-intensity TMS works to treat MDD. Participants: * Will undergo an initial clinical assessment to confirm the disorder, comorbidities, and general health status. * A 5 mL blood sample will be taken before starting the intervention. * Low-intensity TMS will be applied for 4 days, 5 daily sessions of 200 s with 10-minute intersession intervals at a field intensity of 2-4 milliTesla (mT) and frequency of 50 Hz in theta bursts. Symptoms will be monitored daily. * A 5 mL blood sample will be taken at the end of the intervention and general health status clinimetrics will be reapplied.