Self-perceived psychological stress and ischemic stroke: a case-control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A growing body of evidence suggests that psychological stress contributes to coronary artery disease. However, associations between stress and stroke are less clear. In this study, we investigated the possible association between ischemic stroke and self-perceived psychological stress, as measured by a single-item questionnaire, previously reported to be associated with myocardial infarction.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS), 600 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke (aged 18 to 69 years) and 600 age-matched and sex-matched population controls were recruited. Ischemic stroke subtype was determined according to Trial of Org 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment (TOAST) criteria. Self-perceived psychological stress preceding stroke was assessed retrospectively using a single-item questionnaire.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Permanent self-perceived psychological stress during the last year or longer was independently associated with overall ischemic stroke (multivariate adjusted odds ratio (OR) 3.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06 to 5.93). Analyses by stroke subtype showed that this association was present for large vessel disease (OR 3.91, 95% CI 1.58 to 9.67), small vessel disease (OR 3.20, 95% CI 1.64 to 6.24), and cryptogenic stroke (OR 4.03, 95% CI 2.34 to 6.95), but not for cardioembolic stroke (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.64 to 3.39).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In this case-control study, we found an independent association between self-perceived psychological stress and ischemic stroke. A novel finding was that this association differed by ischemic stroke subtype. Our results emphasize the need for further prospective studies addressing the potential role for psychological stress as a risk factor for ischemic stroke. In such studies ischemic stroke subtypes should be taken into consideration.</p

A simple statistical model for prediction of acute coronary syndrome in chest pain patients in the emergency department

BACKGROUND: Several models for prediction of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) among chest pain patients in the emergency department (ED) have been presented, but many models predict only the likelihood of acute myocardial infarction, or include a large number of variables, which make them less than optimal for implementation at a busy ED. We report here a simple statistical model for ACS prediction that could be used in routine care at a busy ED. METHODS: Multivariable analysis and logistic regression were used on data from 634 ED visits for chest pain. Only data immediately available at patient presentation were used. To make ACS prediction stable and the model useful for personnel inexperienced in electrocardiogram (ECG) reading, simple ECG data suitable for computerized reading were included. RESULTS: Besides ECG, eight variables were found to be important for ACS prediction, and included in the model: age, chest discomfort at presentation, symptom duration and previous hypertension, angina pectoris, AMI, congestive heart failure or PCI/CABG. At an ACS prevalence of 21% and a set sensitivity of 95%, the negative predictive value of the model was 96%. CONCLUSION: The present prediction model, combined with the clinical judgment of ED personnel, could be useful for the early discharge of chest pain patients in populations with a low prevalence of ACS

Poly-substance use and antisocial personality traits at admission predict cumulative retention in a buprenorphine programme with mandatory work and high compliance profile

Background: Continuous abstinence and retention in treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders are central challenges for the treatment providers. The literature has failed to show consistent, strong predictors of retention. Predictors and treatment structure may differ across treatment modalities. In this study the structure was reinforced by the addition of supervised urine samples three times a week and mandatory daily work/structured education activities as a prerequisite of inclusion in the program. Methods: Of 128 patients consecutively admitted to buprenorphine maintenance treatment five patients dropped out within the first week. Of the remaining 123 demographic data and psychiatric assessment were used to predict involuntary discharge from treatment and corresponding cumulative abstinence probability. All subjects were administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR, and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90), the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT), the Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP) and the Sense of Coherence Scale (SOC), all self-report measures. Some measures were repeated every third month in addition to interviews. Results: Of 123 patients admitted, 86 (70%) remained in treatment after six months and 61 (50%) remained in treatment after 12 months. Of those discharged involuntarily, 34/62 individuals were readmitted after a suspension period of three months. Younger age at intake, poly-substance abuse at intake (number of drugs in urine), and number of conduct disorder criteria on the SCID Screen were independently associated with an increased risk of involuntary discharge. There were no significant differences between dropouts and completers on SCL-90, SSP, SOC or AUDIT. Conclusion: Of the patients admitted to the programme 50% stayed for the first 12 months with continuous abstinence and daily work. Poly-substance use before intake into treatment, high levels of conduct disorder on SCID screen and younger age at intake had a negative impact on retention and abstinence

Utility of stages of change construct in the planning of physical activity interventions among playgroup mothers

Background: The objective of this research was to assess the physical activity levels among a unique cohort of Western Australian (WA) mothers with young children who attend a WA Playgroup. Associated factors were also investigated, including self-efficacy for physical activity, social support for exercise, relevant socio-demographic correlates, as well as the stages of change construct within the Transtheoretical Model (TTM).Results: 421 women completed a questionnaire assessing physical activity behaviours. Of these, 368 participants completed the relevant physical activity evaluation items. 82.5% and 17.5% of the sample were classified as active and inactive, respectively. Associations between physical activity status and exercise stage of change were found. Additional associations were established for partner support and self-efficacy for physical activity. Conclusion: The majority of the sample was classified as active. Despite the high percentage of active participants, this study confirms the usefulness of the stages of change measure in that it can be utilised by health promotion practitioners to report physical activity behaviour and develop appropriate intervention strategies among a time poor and hard to reach population. Specifically the results are relevant to mothers in over 16,000 WA families who are involved with Playgroup WA programs. Interventions aimed at improving physical activity levels in mothers with young children should also consider the need to improve self-efficacy and social support

Bilateral femoroacetabular impingement syndrome managed with different approaches: a case report

Axel &Ouml;hlin,1 Olufemi R Ayeni,2 Leif Sw&auml;rd,1 J&oacute;n Karlsson,1 Mikael Sansone1 1Department of Orthopaedics, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; 2Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada Purpose: The purpose of this case report is to present the successful management of symptomatic bilateral femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome in a patient who underwent surgical treatment on one side and non-surgical treatment on the other side. Methods: We evaluated the treatment outcome of a young female presenting with bilateral FAI syndrome of cam morphology. A follow-up was performed at 5 years following surgical treatment on the right hip and 2 years following non-surgical treatment on the left hip. The evaluation included a clinical examination, patient-reported outcome measurements (PROM), plain radiographs, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: The patient experienced subjective improvements bilaterally. The clinical examination revealed differences in range of motion between the surgically treated and the non-surgically treated sides, with internal rotation differing the most (20&deg; vs almost 0&deg;). Flexion was, however, the same on both sides (125&deg;). The PROM results were satisfactory on both sides, with slightly better results for the surgically treated side (the short version of the International Hip Outcome Tool [iHOT-12]: 96.9 vs 90, the Copenhagen Hip and Groin Outcome Score [HAGOS]: 90&ndash;100 vs 65&ndash;100). On the surgically treated side, the alpha angle decreased by 19&deg; postoperatively. An MRI did not reveal any injury to the cartilage or labrum on either side. Conclusion: This patient with bilateral FAI syndrome treated with arthroscopic surgery on one side and physiotherapy together with reduced physical activity on the other side, presented with good results bilaterally at follow-up. Keywords: arthroscopy, physiotherapy, outcome, compariso

Naturally occurring mutations in the thrombomodulin gene leading to impaired expression and function

Sporadic mutations in the thrombomodulin (TM) gene occur in patients with both arterial and venous thrombosis, but the effects of these mutations on expression and function are largely unexplored. Full-length wild-type TM complementary DNA (cDNA) was incorporated into vector pcDNA6 for transfection into COS-7 cells for transient expression. Mutagenesis was performed to create 7 TM mutants with natural mutations either previously identified (Ala25Thr, Gly6lAla, Asp468Tyr, Pro477Ser, Pro483Leu) or reported here (an 11-base pair [bp] deletion, del791-801, leading to STOP306, and a missense mutation, Arg385Ser). Four mutations were found to detrimentally affect the level of expression of the TM protein. Of the missense mutations, 3 had reduced expression compared to wild-type TM (100%), Arg385Ser (50.2% +/- 5%, P < .001), Pro477Ser (76.8% +/-11%, P <.001), Pro483Leu (82.1% +/- 8%, P < .007). No TM protein expression could be detected on the cell surface for mutation del791-801. The cofactor activity of TM in protein C activation was also evaluated. The Michaelis constant (K,) for wild-type thrombin-TM complex was 634 +/- 6 nmol/L. Two mutants, with Arg385Ser and Pro477Ser, had Increased (P < .0001) K, 2967 +/- 283 nM, and 2342 +/- 219 nM, respectively, demonstrating impaired function of the thrombin-TM complex. This work presents biochemical evidence that certain (but not all) natural mutations In the TM gene reduce expression and impair function of the protein on the cell surface, and helps clarify the suggested contribution that these mutations might make to the risk of thromboembolic disease

Dual versus triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Background/Aims: Duodenal ulcers should be treated by eradication of Helicobacter pylori. This study compared the efficacy of a proton pump inhibitor together with one or two antibiotics in eradication therapy, Methodology: 177 patients who were H. pylori positive were randomized to receive 14 days of either: lansoprazole 30mg bd and amoxicillin 1g bd (LA), omeprazole 20mg bd and amoxicillin 1g bd (OA) or lansoprazole 30mg bd, amoxicillin 1g bd and clarithromycin 500mg bd (LAC). The efficacy was assessed at four weeks and at six months after the end of treatment. Biopsies were taken for culture and bacterial sensitivity testing at inclusion and at four weeks after the end of treatment. Results: 149 patients were evaluated for efficacy. The eradication rate was significantly higher in LAC (96%) compared to LA (51%) and OA (64%) treatments (P<0.001). At baseline 17%, 21% and 19% of the patients in the LA, OA and LAC groups, respectively, were resistant to metronidazole and only one patient was resistant to clarithromycin. Post-treatment, four patients had acquired metronidazole resistance. Conclusions: LAC is more effective than LA and CA for eradication of H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease