DNA polymorphisms in genes encoding apolipoproteins (apo) A-I, C-III, B and E and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) have been proposed to be associated with the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied whether the same genetic markers would also be associated with the occurrence and extent of atherosclerosis in cervical arteries. DNA samples from 234 survivors of stroke or a transient ischaemic attack aged 60 years or less were examined. The presence of atherosclerosis was assessed using aortic arch angiograms. The SstI polymorphism of apoA-I/C-III gene locus, the XbaI polymorphism of apoB gene, common apoE phenotypes and the insertion/deletion polymorphism of the ACE gene were analysed. The allele frequencies of the apoA-I/C-III, apoB, apoE or ACE gene did not differ between the groups with (n = 148) or without (n = 85) cervical atherosclerosis. However, when patients with at least one apoE4 allele and one X2 allele of apoB were combined and compared with those without either of them (E2E3 or E3E3 and X1X1), a significant association with the presence of cervical atherosclerosis was found (P = 0.03). The patients having the E2E3 phenotype had a significantly elevated serum triglyceride level compared with those with the E3E3 phenotype (P = 0.03). Serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was lower in the patients with the E2E3 phenotype than in those with the E3E3 and E3E4 (P = 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). The apoB or ACE genotypes were not significantly associated with serum lipid or lipoprotein levels. There was no association between the ACE gene polymorphism and the occurrence of hypertension. In conclusion, the interaction of common apoB and apoE alleles may increase the risk of atherosclerosis in cervical arteries.

Purpose: This study investigates the psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) in both children and adults with long-term experience using eye-gaze assistive technology in everyday life, as well as the psychosocial impact as related to duration of use.

Methods: In this descriptive comparative study, 34 adult and 27 child EGAT users participated in a structured individual interview using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).

Results: The participants' age ranged from 5-74 years, 50% were female and 52% had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The EGAT had a positive psychosocial impact on competence, adaptability, and self-esteem among adult and child users. Competence was the only subscale with a higher value for adults (p = 0.038), compared to children. The items with the highest impact for the psychosocial aspects were quality of life, ability to participate, and self-esteem. The adults had longer duration of use than children, but for high-, medium-, and low-duration users, the device showed a positive psychosocial impact.

Conclusions: Participants considered EGAT to have high positive impacts for participation and quality of life. The study adds new knowledge in that high positive psychosocial impact may be found even among low-duration users of EGAT, which is important to consider for service providers.

PurposeThis study investigates the psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) in both children and adults with long-term experience using eye-gaze assistive technology in everyday life, as well as the psychosocial impact as related to duration of use.MethodsIn this descriptive comparative study, 34 adult and 27 child EGAT users participated in a structured individual interview using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).ResultsThe participants' age ranged from 5-74 years, 50% were female and 52% had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The EGAT had a positive psychosocial impact on competence, adaptability, and self-esteem among adult and child users. Competence was the only subscale with a higher value for adults (p = 0.038), compared to children. The items with the highest impact for the psychosocial aspects were quality of life, ability to participate, and self-esteem. The adults had longer duration of use than children, but for high-, medium-, and low-duration users, the device showed a positive psychosocial impact.ConclusionsParticipants considered EGAT to have high positive impacts for participation and quality of life. The study adds new knowledge in that high positive psychosocial impact may be found even among low-duration users of EGAT, which is important to consider for service providers.

Purpose

This study investigates the psychosocial impact of eye-gaze assistive technology (EGAT) in both children and adults with long-term experience using eye-gaze assistive technology in everyday life, as well as the psychosocial impact as related to duration of use.

Methods

In this descriptive comparative study, 34 adult and 27 child EGAT users participated in a structured individual interview using the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS).

Results

The participants’ age ranged from 5–74 years, 50% were female and 52% had been diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The EGAT had a positive psychosocial impact on competence, adaptability, and self-esteem among adult and child users. Competence was the only subscale with a higher value for adults (p = 0.038), compared to children. The items with the highest impact for the psychosocial aspects were quality of life, ability to participate, and self-esteem. The adults had longer duration of use than children, but for high-, medium-, and low-duration users, the device showed a positive psychosocial impact.

Conclusions

Participants considered EGAT to have high positive impacts for participation and quality of life. The study adds new knowledge in that high positive psychosocial impact may be found even among low-duration users of EGAT, which is important to consider for service providers.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of on-demand versus continuous prescribing of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) on symptom burden and health-related quality of life in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presenting to primary care.

Methods: Thirty-six primary care centres across Europe enrolled adult GERD patients from electronic health records. Participants were randomised to on-demand or continuous PPI prescriptions and were followed for 8 weeks. PPI intake, symptom burden, and quality of life were compared between the two groups using mixed-effect regression analyses. Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the association between changes in PPI dose and patient-reported outcomes.

Results: A total of 488 patients (median age 51 years, 58% women) completed the initial visit, with 360 attending the follow-up visit. There was no significant difference in PPI use between the continuous and on-demand prescription groups (b=.57, 95%CI:0.40-1.53), although PPI use increased in both groups (b = 1.33, 95%CI:0.65 − 2.01). Advice on prescribing strategy did not significantly affect patient-reported outcomes. Both symptom burden (Reflux Disease Questionnaire, b=-0.61, 95%CI:-0.73 − -0.49) and quality of life (12-item Short Form Survey physical score b = 3.31, 95%CI:2.17 − 4.45) improved from baseline to follow-up in both groups. Increased PPI intake correlated with reduced reflux symptoms (n = 347, ρ=-0.12, p = 0.02) and improved quality of life (n = 217, ρ = 0.16, p = 0.02).

Conclusion: In real-world settings, both continuous and on-demand PPI prescriptions resulted in similar increases in PPI consumption with no difference in treatment effects. Achieving an adequate PPI dose to alleviate reflux symptom burden improves quality of life in GERD patients. EudraCT number 2014-001314-25.

Introduction: In hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv), two different fibrillar forms causing the amyloid deposition, have been identified, displaying substantially cardiac or neuropathic symptoms. Neuropathic symptoms are more frequent in early-onset patients, whereas late-onset patients, besides cardiac symptoms, seem to develop carpal tunnel syndrome, more often. With ultrasonography (US) of peripheral nerves, it is possible to distinguish structural changes, and enlarged cross-sectional area (CSA). The main purpose of this study was, for the first time, to elucidate US of peripheral nerves in Swedish ATTRv patients at an early stage of the disease, and to evaluate possible early enlarged CSA.

Material and methods: This prospective study included first visit data of 13 patients, aged 30–88 years, of which 11 with late-onset age. All had a positive V30M mutation. Eight men and six women (aged 28–74 years) served as controls.

Results: Significantly enlarged CSA was seen in ATTRv patients for the tibial nerve at the ankle (p =.001), the sural nerve (p <.001), the peroneal nerve at the popliteal fossa (p =.003), and the ulnar nerve at the middle upper arm (p =.007).

Conclusion: US of peripheral nerves could be a valuable tool in disease evaluation and could facilitate monitoring of disease progression.

Background & Objective: Negative health effects from occupational whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure during machinery operation include alterations in proprioception, vestibular function, reaction time, stress, motor response, and decrements in musculoskeletal health. To reduce WBV exposure during machinery operation, it may be possible to incorporate short rest break activities throughout the day. This study aims to determine if there are intervention activities that can minimize decrements in cognitive, proprioceptive, and musculoskeletal effects related to WBV exposure during machine operation. Materials & Methods: Eleven healthy adults participated in four 1-hour sessions of ecologically valid WBV exposure followed by one of four 5-minute activities: sitting, walking, 2 min of gaze stabilization exercise (GSE) coupled with 3 min of trunk mobility exercise (GSE + MOBIL), or 2 min of GSE coupled with a 3-minute walk (GSE + WALK). Baseline and post-activity measurements (rating of perceived discomfort, balance and postural sway measurements, 5-minute psychomotor vigilance task test) were submitted to a paired t-test to determine the effect of WBV exposure and activities on physical, cognitive, and sensorimotor systems and to a repeated measures ANOVA to determine any differences across activities. Results: We observed degradation of the slowest 10% reaction speed outcomes between baseline and post-activity after walking (7.3%, p < 0.05) and sitting (8.6%, p < 0.05) but not after GSE + MOBIL or GSE + WALK activities. Slowest 10% reaction speed after GSE + MOBIL activity was faster than all other activities. The rating of perceived discomfort was higher after SIT and WALK activities. There were no notable differences in balance outcomes. Conclusion: When compared to sitting for 5 min, an activity including GSE and an active component, such as walking or trunk mobility exercises, resulted in maintenance of reaction time after WBV exposure. If confirmed in occupational environments, GSE may provide a simple, rapid, effective, and inexpensive means to protect against decrements in reaction time after WBV exposure.

Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies of women in the reproductive years. In the Western world there is a trend towards delaying pregnancy to later in life, and in combination with an increased incidence of breast cancer an increased number of women are diagnosed with breast cancer before they have completed their reproductive plans. In addition, breast cancer during pregnancy may affect an increased number of women as the childbearing years are delayed. The survival rate after breast cancer has improved during the last decades, and many young breast cancer survivors will consider a pregnancy subsequent to the completion of adjuvant breast cancer therapy. Traditionally, many women are advised against a pregnancy due to a fear of increased risk of recurrence, especially women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Due to feasibility issues, evidence from large prospective randomized trials is missing regarding the safety of pregnancy after breast cancer. Today guidelines are based on cohort studies and population-based registry evidence with its limitations. Overall, data suggest that pregnancy after breast cancer therapy is safe, and the current evidence is summarized in this overview.

AIMS: galectin-3 is an emerging biomarker which has been studied in relatively small heart failure (HF) cohorts with predominantly systolic HF. We studied the prognostic value of base-line galectin-3 in a large HF cohort, with preserved and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and compared this to other biomarkers.

METHODS: we studied 592 HF patients who had been hospitalized for HF and were followed for 18 months. The primary end-point was a composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization.

RESULTS: a doubling of galectin-3 levels was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.97 (1.62-2.42) for the primary outcome (P < 0.001). After correction for age, gender, BNP, eGFR, and diabetes the HR was 1.38 (1.07-1.78; P = 0.015). Galectin-3 levels were correlated with higher IL-6 and CRP levels (P < 0.002). Changes of galectin-3 levels after 6 months did not add prognostic information to the base-line value (n = 291); however, combining plasma galectin-3 and BNP levels increased prognostic value over either biomarker alone (ROC analysis, P < 0.05). The predictive value of galectin-3 was stronger in patients with preserved LVEF (n = 114) compared to patients with reduced LVEF (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: galectin-3 is an independent marker for outcome in HF and appears to be particularly useful in HF patients with preserved LVEF.

Background/objective: Type 2 diabetes is a major risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. It is well agreed that the reactivity of diabetic platelets is increased but how platelet reactivity regulates is unknown. In our laboratory, density separated platelets have been investigated extensively and high- and low-density platelets circulate in an activated state. The density distribution of circulating platelets is altered in diabetes type 2 as well. We hypothesize that such platelets modify whole blood (WB) in vitro a-thrombin-evoked (10 mu M/mL) activity in type 2 diabetes. Thus, the study aims to identify features of circulating normal-sized density subpopulations affecting whole blood (WB) platelet reactivity in type 2 diabetes. Patients and methods: Patients with type 2 diabetes (n = 16) were enrolled. Their normal-sized platelets were divided into density subfractions (n = 16) using continuous polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silica (Percoll (TM)) gradients (density span, 1.090-1.040 kg/L) containing prostaglandin E-1. The proportions (%) of such density-separated platelets expressing lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) were analyzed using a flow cytometer. Further, determinations of WB alpha-thrombin-evoked (10 U/mL) surface LAMP-1 (an assessment of lysosomal release), the fibrinogen (a(IIb)beta(3)) receptor activity, annexin V (binds to exposed membrane phosphatidylserine), and mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (an estimate of organelle integrity) were performed. Surface LAMP-1 expressions of individual normal-sized platelet density subpopulations were stratified into equal-sized groups (n = 2) depending on reactivity, as judged from the alpha-thrombin-induced WB activity markers. Results: With some exceptions, the proportion of normal-sized circulating platelets showing spontaneous LAMP-1 was strongly associated with WB alpha-thrombin-evoked (10 U/mL) surface LAMP-1 and a(IIb)beta(3) receptor activity. LAMP-1-expressing normal-sized platelets also displayed inverse associations with WB alpha-thrombin-induced surface annexin V and mitochondrial damage, which are features of procoagulant platelets. Conclusions: From the current descriptive work only involving type 2 diabetes, it is impossible to judge whether the findings are features of the disease or if they occur in healthy individuals as well. However, the study describes LAMP-1 expressing subpopulations of circulating normal-sized platelets that associate with WB a-thrombin (10 U/mL) responses in vitro. Increased proportions of such platelets induced lysosomal release and a(IIb)beta(3) receptor activity, whereas lower proportions promoted WB agonist-induced procoagulant platelet creation. It is to hypothesize that the new described regulatory mechanism could in the future offer a possibility to influence platelet behavior in type 2 diabetes. KEY MESSAGES circle Lysosomal exocytosis of circulating platelets influences reactivity, as determined by agonistinduced platelet reactions in vitro circle Thus, the low release of lysosomes by normal-sized platelets in vivo increases agonist-evoked procoagulant platelet production. circle Higher lysosomal exocytosis of circulating normal-sized platelets promotes platelet aggregation and secretion.

Transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis (ATTR amyloidosis) is a multisystemic, multigenotypic disease resulting from deposition of insoluble ATTR amyloid fibrils in various organs and tissues. Although considered rare, the prevalence of this serious disease is likely underestimated because symptoms can be non-specific and diagnosis largely relies on amyloid detection in tissue biopsies. Treatment is guided by which tissues/organs are involved, although therapeutic options are limited for patients with late-stage disease. Indeed, enthusiasm for liver transplantation for familial ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy was dampened by poor outcomes among patients with significant neurological deficits or cardiac involvement. Hence, there remains an unmet medical need for new therapies. The TTR stabilizers tafamidis and diflunisal slow disease progression in some patients with ATTR amyloidosis with polyneuropathy, and the postulated synergistic effect of doxycycline and tauroursodeoxycholic acid on dissolution of amyloid is under investigation. Another therapeutic approach is to reduce production of the amyloidogenic protein, TTR. Plasma TTR concentration can be significantly reduced with ISIS-TTRRx, an investigational antisense oligonucleotide-based drug, or with patisiran and revusiran, which are investigational RNA interference-based therapeutics that target the liver. The evolving treatment landscape for ATTR amyloidosis brings hope for further improvements in clinical outcomes for patients with this debilitating disease.

Aims: To estimate healthcare resource use and direct healthcare costs of Transthyretin Amyloid Cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) in Sweden over 12 months across severity stages as defined by the New York Heart Association (NYHA). Secondary to investigate the current diagnostic trajectory for patients with ATTR-CM in Sweden.

Methods: A stratified inclusion of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ATTR-CM in different NYHA classes. Data was extracted from medical records in two cardiology clinics in Sweden. Healthcare resource use data were retrospectively collected for 12 months.

Results: 38 patients were included, of whom 7 were in NYHA class II, 20 in class III and 4 in class IV. The total cost of health care per patient increased from SEK 69,000 (euro6800) in NYHA stage II, SEK 219,000 (euro21,500) in NYHA stage III, to SEK 638,000 (euro62,900) in stage IV, mainly due to an increase in inpatient stays. Mean time (standard deviation, SD) from any cardiac related diagnosis prior to ATTR-CM diagnosis was 3.5 (3.1) years.

Conclusions: Advanced ATTR-CM stages are associated with significant healthcare costs, as patients more often require resource-intensive inpatient care. The current diagnostic trajectory of ATTR-CM in this study was characterized by a diagnostic delay of several years.

Background. Few studies have looked into the ability of measurements of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-1) or apoB/apoA-1 to predict new coronary heart disease (CHD) events in patients with CHD on statin treatment. Aims. In the IDEAL trial, to compare lipoprotein components to predict CHD events and to what degree differences in those parameters could explain the observed outcome. Methods. We compared the ability of treatment with atorvastatin 80 mg/day to that of simvastatin 20-40 mg/day to prevent CHD events in patients with CHD and used Cox regression models to study the relationships between on-treatment levels of lipoprotein components to subsequent major coronary events (MCE). Findings. Variables related to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) carried more predictive information than those related to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), but LDL-C was less predictive than both non-HDL-C and apoB. The ratio of apoB to apoA-1 was most strongly related to MCE. However, for estimating differences in relative risk reduction between the treatment groups, apoB and non-HDL-C were the strongest predictors. Interpretation. The on-treatment level of apoB/apoA-1 was the strongest predictor of MCE in the pooled patient population, whereas apoB and non-HDL-C were best able to explain the difference in outcome between treatment groups. Measurements of apoB and apoA-1 should be more widely available for routine clinical assessments. © 2008 Informa UK Ltd. (Informa Healthcare, Taylor & Francis AS).

BACKGROUND: Inflammation may play an important role in type 2 diabetes. It has been proposed that dietary strategies can modulate inflammatory activity.

METHODS: We investigated the effects of diet on inflammation in type 2 diabetes by comparing a traditional low-fat diet (LFD) with a low-carbohydrate diet (LCD). Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to follow either LFD aiming for 55-60 energy per cent (E%) from carbohydrates (n = 30) or LCD aiming for 20 E% from carbohydrates (n = 29). Plasma was collected at baseline and after 6 months. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra), IL-6, tumour necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) 1 and TNFR2 were determined.

RESULTS: Both LFD and LCD led to similar reductions in body weight, while beneficial effects on glycaemic control were observed in the LCD group only. After 6 months, the levels of IL-1Ra and IL-6 were significantly lower in the LCD group than in the LFD group, 978 (664-1385) versus 1216 (974-1822) pg/mL and 2.15 (1.65-4.27) versus 3.39 (2.25-4.79) pg/mL, both P < 0.05.

CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, advice to follow LCD or LFD had similar effects on weight reduction while effects on inflammation differed. Only LCD was found significantly to improve the subclinical inflammatory state in type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability and surgery is often unavoidable. Patient satisfaction is high and functional ability improves after surgery. However, residual impairment and pain are common. Degenerative changes in tendons and muscles are probable causes. The aim of this study is to investigate gluteus medius (GMED) tendon degeneration in relation to muscle strength, physical function and walking distance before and one year after total hip replacement. Material and methods: In total, 18 patients were examined pre- and post-operatively, of whom 15 were available in the final analysis. Muscle strength, physical function and walking distance were assessed. Tendon biopsies were assessed microscopically, and the total degeneration score (TDS) was calculated. Results: A correlation between the TDS and muscle strength was found for the hamstrings, GMED and quadriceps pre- or post-operatively. No correlations were found between the TDS and functional ability. Functional ability and muscle strength improved significantly after surgery. Conclusion: Our results indicate a correlation between tendon degeneration and the muscle strength of the hip and knee in patients with hip OA and one year after THR. To minimise post-operative residual discomfort, rehabilitation programs should probably be modified over time to match the pre- and post-operative needs. Further studies are needed.

Objective: Mechanisms behind sustained inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clarified but hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction may have a role. Here, we investigated whether inflammatory status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was associated with altered glucocorticoid sensitivity in CAD patients. Methods: In 55 CAD patients and 30 controls, mRNA levels of GR-alpha, GR-beta, NF-kappa B, I kappa B alpha, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were measured in PBMCs. Suppressive effects of dexamethasone on GR-alpha, GR-beta, NF-kappa B, I kappa B alpha, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNA levels were assessed in PBMCs ex vivo. Salivary cortisol was repeatedly measured over 3 days. Results: GR-alpha mRNA levels were higher in CAD patients than in controls, 0.50 (0.38-0.59) versus 0.26 (0.18-0.37), pamp;lt;.001, while GR-beta mRNA levels were equally low in both groups. GR-alpha mRNA expression was associated with inflammatory gene expression and, also, with flatter diurnal cortisol rhythm. In both patients and controls, dexamethasone suppressed gene expression of NF-B, IB, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 (p amp;lt; .001). Dexamethasone also reduced GR-alpha mRNA levels (p amp;lt; .001), while LPS increased it (p amp;lt; .001). Conclusions: PBMCs from CAD patients displayed an inflammatory gene expression profile. This was not explained by reduced glucocorticoid sensitivity. Instead, inflammation was associated with increased expression of GR-alpha mRNA, suggesting a hypocortisolemic state.

Background : There have been no human prospective randomized studies of the amount of alcohol that can induce hepatic steatosis. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanMethods : Thirty-two healthy women and twelve healthy men (34 +/- 9 years of age) were randomized to consume 150 ml of red wine/day for women (16 g ethanol/day) or double that amount for men (33 g ethanol/day), or to alcohol abstention for 90 days. Participants underwent proton-nuclear magnetic-resonance spectroscopy for measurement of hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC). Blood samples for assessment of cardiovascular risk were drawn before and after the intervention. less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanResults: After exclusion of three subjects with steatosis at baseline a trend towards increased HTGC was apparent for red wine (before median: 1.1%, range 0.2-3.9%, after median: 1.1%, range 0.5-5.2%, P = 0.059) a difference that was statistically significant compared with abstainers (p = 0.02). However, no subject developed hepatic steatosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was lowered by red wine (-0.3 mmol/l, SE-0.1, 95% CI-0.6 to -0.04). less thanbrgreater than less thanbrgreater thanConclusions: Moderate consumption of red wine during three months increased HTGC in subjects without steatosis at baseline. However, since not a single participant developed steatosis we suggest that the threshold of alcohol consumption to define nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should not be lower than the amount in our study.

Background: There have been no human prospective randomized studies of the amount of alcohol that can induce hepatic steatosis.

Methods: Thirty-two healthy women and twelve healthy men (34 ± 9 years of age) were randomized to consume 150 ml of red wine/day for women (16 g ethanol/day) or double that amount for men (33 g ethanol/day), or to alcohol abstention for 90 days. Participants underwent proton-nuclear magnetic-resonance spectroscopy for measurement of hepatic triglyceride content (HTGC). Blood samples for assessment of cardiovascular risk were drawn before and after the intervention.

Results: After exclusion of three subjects with steatosis at baseline a trend towards increased HTGC was apparent for red wine (before median: 1.1%, range 0.2-3.9%, after median: 1.1%, range 0.5-5.2 %, P = 0.059) a difference that was statistically significant compared with abstainers (p = 0.02). However, no subject developed hepatic steatosis. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was lowered by red wine (-0.3 mmol/l, SE -0.1, 95% CI -0.6 to -0.04).

Conclusions: Moderate consumption of red wine during three months increased HTGC in subjects without steatosis at baseline. However, since not a single participant developed steatosis we suggest that the threshold of alcohol consumption to define nonalcoholic fatty liver disease should not be lower than the amount in our study.

Background Breast cancer survivors may be at risk of experiencing rotator cuff disease after treatment. Biomechanical alterations following surgery potentially predispose survivors to develop this disorder. Objective To examine scapular kinematics in breast cancer survivors with and without impingement pain during an overhead reach task. Design A cross-sectional study. Methods Three surgery groups were included: non-cancer controls, mastectomy-only survivors and post-reconstruction survivors. Breast cancer survivor groups were also categorized by the presence of impingement pain. Scapular motion was tracked during an overhead reach task, performed separately by both arms. Maximum scapular internal rotation, upward rotation and tilt were calculated. Two-way analyses of variance with interactions (p < .05) were used to test the effects of group (control, mastectomy-only, reconstruction) and impingement pain (pain, no pain) on each variable within a (left/right) side. Results Scapular kinematics varied with the group by pain interaction. On the right side, the mastectomy-pain group had reduced upward rotation, while the reconstruction-pain group had higher upward rotation (mastectomy-only: 22.9 degrees vs. reconstruction: 31.2 degrees). On the left side, the mastectomy-pain group had higher internal rotation, while the reconstruction-pain group had reduced internal rotation (mastectomy-only: 45.1 degrees vs. reconstruction: 39.3 degrees). However, time since surgery was longer in the mastectomy-pain group than reconstruction-pain group, suggesting there may be a temporal component to kinematic compensations. Conclusions There are kinematic alterations in breast cancer survivors that may promote future development of rotator cuff disease. Compensations may begin as protective and progress to more harmful alterations with time. KEY MESSAGES Scapular kinematics varied with surgery and pain interaction: upward rotation was lower and internal rotation higher in mastectomy-pain group, while upward rotation was higher and internal rotation lower in reconstruction-pain group. Kinematics alterations may also be associated with time since surgery, as the mastectomy-pain group had longer time since surgery than the reconstruction-pain group. Kinematic alterations may transition from protective to harmful over time. In-depth analyses by reconstruction type are needed to determine surgery-specific effects on kinematics and their potential impact on the development of rotator cuff disease.

Objective. To elucidate the association among circulating IL-8 and total mortality in a cohort of elderly, and to explore potential sex differences in the observed association. Methods. The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) is a cohort of 70-year-old men and women living in Uppsala, Sweden; baseline period: 2001-2004. IL-8 serum measurements were performed in 1003 participants. Results. In total, 61 men and 40 women died during follow-up (median 7.9 years). Baseline IL-8 concentrations were higher in women than in men (P = 0.03). In a multivariable model adjusting for age, established cardiovascular risk factors, and C-reactive protein, log-transformed standard deviation increments in IL-8 levels were weakly associated with an increased risk for total mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.23, P < 0.05) in the whole cohort. Stratified analysis revealed an association in women (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.30, P < 0.01) but not in men (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.76-1.26). Conclusions. A weak association between IL-8 serum levels and an increased risk for mortality was observed. The prospective data support the role of IL-8 as a biomarker of interest; yet, further studies are warranted to elucidate validity of our finding and the possibility of a sex difference.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The risk of diabetic nephropathy (DN) increases with increase in intraglomerular pressure, which may partly be regulated by nitric oxide (NO). NO-production can be affected by polymorphisms in the endothelial NO-synthase gene (NOS3), hyperglycaemia and smoking. We therefore studied association between DN and two polymorphisms in NOS3, Glu298Asp and NOS4ab, in Caucasian type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1510 Finnish and Swedish T1D patients were included in a cross-sectional case-control study. Incipient DN was defined as an albumin excretion rate (AER) of 20-200 microg/min (n = 336). Overt DN = AER>200 microg/min or renal replacement therapy (n = 619). All patients with DN were considered as cases. The controls were T1D patients with diabetes duration 20 years, AER<20 microg/min and without antihypertensive treatment (n = 555). The genetic markers studied were a 27 bp repeat (NOS4ab) and Glu298Asp (rs1799983). RESULTS: Age at onset of diabetes, male sex, duration of diabetes, HbA1c, blood pressure and smoking were assessed as possible confounders in the logistic regression analysis, which showed that homozygosity for the Glu-allele of the Glu298Asp-polymorphism was independently associated with increased risk of DN (OR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.12-1.91). The variables smoking (OR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.63-2.78), male sex (OR = 1.61; 95% CI = 1.23-2.10), HbA1c (OR per % increase above upper limit of the normal reference range = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.02-1.03), systolic (OR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.04-1.06) and diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02-1.05) also significantly and independently increased the risk of DN when taking age at diabetes onset and diabetes duration into account. The NOS4 a-allele was not associated with DN. CONCLUSIONS: The Glu/Glu-genotype of the NOS3 Glu298Asp polymorphism may increase the risk of developing DN independently of other known risk factors.

Background: Real-world data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) are scarce and studies have been restricted in terms of instruments used for assessments.

Objective: To assess generic and dermatology-specific HRQoL of patients with GPP compared with patients with plaque psoriasis using real-world data from the Swedish National Register for Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from 2006 to 2021 including 7041 individuals with plaque psoriasis without GPP and 80 patients with GPP, of which 19% also had plaque psoriasis. Total scores for the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), as well as degree of severity within the instruments’ dimensions/questions, were compared between patient groups.

Results: EQ-5D scores were significantly (p < .01) lower (worse) in patients with GPP (mean [standard deviation (SD)] 0.613 [0.346]) vs. patients with plaque psoriasis (mean [SD] 0.715 [0.274]), indicating lower generic HRQoL of patients with GPP. Significantly (p < .01) higher (worse) total DLQI scores were observed for patients with GPP (mean [SD] 10.6 [8.9]) compared with patients with plaque psoriasis (mean [SD] 7.7 [7.1]), with proportionally more patients with GPP having severe (20% vs. 16%) and very severe (17% vs. 8%) problems. The worsened scores for GPP vs. plaque psoriasis were consistent across EQ-5D dimensions and DLQI questions.

Conclusions: Individuals with GPP have a considerable impairment in both generic and dermatology-specific HRQoL. The HRQoL was significantly worse in individuals with GPP compared to individuals with plaque psoriasis. The significant HRQoL impairment of GPP shows the potential value of better healthcare interventions for this multisystem disease.

Background: Real-world data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) are scarce and few studies have analysed the generic HRQoL.

Objectives: To assess HRQoL using the generic EQ-5D instrument and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) instrument in PPP compared to plaque psoriasis.

Methods: Cross-sectional data from PsoReg, the Swedish National Registry for Systemic Treatment of Psoriasis (2006–2021), were examined. The study included 306 patients with PPP, out of which 22% had concomitant plaque psoriasis (n = 68), and 7041 patients with plaque psoriasis only. EQ-5D and DLQI were compared between patients with PPP and patients with plaque psoriasis, overall and stratified by sex. A subgroup analysis compared outcomes for patients with PPP vs. patients with severe plaque psoriasis (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ≥10). Multiple regression analyses were performed to control for potential confounders (age, sex, comorbidities, lifestyle factors).

Results: Patients with PPP were to a larger extent female (79% vs. 37%, p < .01) and older (mean [SD] age 59.9 [11.9] vs. 50.7 [16.0] years, p < .01) than patients with plaque psoriasis. EQ-5D values were significantly lower (worse) in patients with PPP (mean [SD] 0.622 [0.309]) compared to patients with plaque psoriasis (mean [SD] 0.715 [0.274]). No significant difference was observed compared to patients with severe plaque psoriasis (p = .237). DLQI was comparable in PPP and plaque psoriasis patients (p = .117). In the regression analyses, PPP only and PPP with plaque psoriasis were associated with lower EQ-5D values of 0.065 (p < .01) and 0.061 points (p < .10) compared to plaque psoriasis patients.

Conclusions: PPP had a substantial negative impact on patients’ generic and dermatology-specific HRQoL. Patients with PPP were worse off in terms of generic HRQoL compared with patients with plaque psoriasis when controlling for the impact of potential confounders.

ObjectivesIt is widely known that sleep disorders are a common problem among older persons. Few reviews have described current knowledge about the holistic concept of sleep health of community-dwelling older people.AimThis study aimed to describe the current state of knowledge and identify research gaps concerning sleep health among community-dwelling older persons.MethodWe conducted a scoping review. Searches were conducted in three databases (Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) to identify scientific articles including outcomes with all five sleep health dimensions (sleep duration, sleep continuity, timing, wakefulness/daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality) among community-dwelling older persons aged &gt;= 65 years. Eight articles were included from a total of 1826 hits, with sample sizes between 1413 and 6485.ResultsThe sleep health outcomes of community-dwelling older adults differed between the sexes. Older persons with at least two or more poor sleep health dimensions might have increased risk for depression, higher healthcare costs and mortality, while self-reported better sleep health might be associated with lower odds of frailty.ConclusionFuture research is needed to confirm the findings by investigating the multidimensional concept of sleep health in a general older population. The identified knowledge gaps are how persons &gt;= 80 years' experience their sleep health, and how sleep medicine is prescribed to treat sleep problems in persons &gt;= 80 years in different care contexts.

Statins may act rapidly to reverse abnormalities of the arterial wall that may predispose to recurrent ischemic events after acute coronary syndromes. Such abnormalities are endothelial dysfunction, a local inflammatory response, and an exaggerated thrombogenic tendency. In one study almost 20 000 patients with first myocardial infarction were studied with regard to statin treatment (28%) or not. Baseline characteristics were adjusted using multivariate regression analysis including propensity analysis. One year mortality was 3.7/5.0% in statin/not statin groups, respectively, P = 0.001, relative risk 0.75. In another study of more than 20 000 patients, 18% were prescribed statin after an acute coronary syndrome and followed for six months. Propensity analysis was performed in this study as well. Deaths in statin/not statin groups were 1.7/3.5%, P < 0.0001, relative risk 0.48. In the Myocardial Ischemia Reduction with Aggressive Cholesterol Lowering (MIRACL), a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled intervention study, 3086 patient with acute non-Q-wave coronary syndromes were allocated immediately in hospital to receive atorvastatin 80 mg daily or placebo for four months. No lower limit for plasma LDL cholesterol was used. Primary endpoint was time to first occurrence of death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and worsening angina with objective evidence of ischemia. This was significantly reduced compared to the placebo group by 2.4% (14.8 versus 17.2%, relative risk 0.84, P = 0.048). Atorvastatin also reduced significantly fatal or non-fatal strokes. Possible mechanisms behind these acute beneficial effects are discussed. The studies highlight the importance of treatment with a statin in the early management of acute coronary syndromes and the need to incorporate this therapeutic strategy in national guidelines and treatment recommendations.

Background. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the circadian clock contributes to the pathogenesis of winter depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD). We hypothesized that sequence variations in three genes, including Per2, Arntl, and Npas2, which form a functional unit at the core of the circadian clock, predispose to winter depression.

Methods. In silico analysis of the biological effects of allelic differences suggested the target single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be analyzed in a sample of 189 patients and 189 matched controls. The most relevant SNP in each gene was identified for the interaction analysis and included in the multivariate assessment of the combined effects of all three SNPs on the disease risk.

Results. SAD was associated with variations in each of the three genes in gene-wise logistic regression analysis. In combination analysis of variations of Per2, Arntl, and Npas2, we found additive effects and identified a genetic risk profile for the disorder. Carriers of the risk genotype combination had the odds ratio of 4.43 of developing SAD as compared with the remaining genotypes, and of 10.67 as compared with the most protective genotype combination.

Conclusion. Variations in the three circadian clock genes Per2, Arntl, and Npas2 are associated with the disease, supporting the hypothesis that the circadian clock mechanisms contribute to winter depression.

Background: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and fibromyalgia have overlapping neurologic symptoms particularly disabling fatigue. This has given rise to the question whether they are distinct central nervous system (CNS) entities or is one an extension of the other.

Material and methods: To investigate this, we used unbiased quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics to examine the most proximal fluid to the brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This was to ascertain if the proteome profile of one was the same or different from the other. We examined two separate groups of ME/CFS, one with (n = 15) and one without (n = 15) fibromyalgia.

Results: We quantified a total of 2083 proteins using immunoaffinity depletion, tandem mass tag isobaric labelling and offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, including 1789 that were quantified in all the CSF samples. ANOVA analysis did not yield any proteins with an adjusted p value <.05.

Conclusion: This supports the notion that ME/CFS and fibromyalgia as currently defined are not distinct entities.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR)-Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with poor clinical outcomes, at least partly due to delayed appropriate antimicrobial therapy. The characteristics of MDR-P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates have not been evaluated in Qatar. Our study aimed to examine in vitro susceptibility, clinical and molecular characteristics, and mechanisms of resistance of MDR-P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates from Qatar.

Materials and methods: We included all MDR-P. aeruginosa isolated from blood cultures taken between October 2014 and September 2017. Blood cultures were processed using BD BACTEC™ FX automated system. BD Phoenix™ was used for identification, Liofilchem® MIC Test Strips for MIC determination. Whole-genome sequencing was performed using the Illumina-HiSeq-2000.

Results: Out of 362 P. aeruginosa bloodstream isolates, 16 (4.4%) were MDR. The median patient age was 55 years (range 43-81) and all patients presented with septic shock. Most patients received meropenem (12/16) and/or colistin (10/16). Clinical response was achieved in eight patients, and five patients died within 30-days. MDR-P. aeruginosa isolates belonged to 13 different sequence types. All isolates were non-susceptible to cefepime and ciprofloxacin. The most active agents were colistin (16/16) and aztreonam (10/16). Seven isolates produced blaVIM, and four possessed genes encoding extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Aminoglycoside modifying enzymes were present in 15/16, transferable qnr-mediated quinolone resistance gene was detected in 3/16, and the novel ciprofloxacin modifying enzyme CrpP-encoding gene in one isolate.

Conclusion: MDR-P. aeruginosa BSIs are relatively uncommon in Qatar but are highly resistant, harbour multiple resistance genes, and are commonly associated with unfavourable clinical outcomes. Colistin was the only agent with consistent activity against the study isolates.Key messagesMDR-P. aeruginosa constituted <5% of P. aeruginosa blood isolates over three years.Typical risk factors for MDR infections were highly prevalent in the study population and overall clinical outcomes are consistent with those previously reported.Colistin was the only agent with consistent antibacterial activity against the study isolates.

Background:

Adherence to prescribed home exercise is an important predictor for the long-term effectiveness of exercise therapy and therefore important to evaluate. The Exercise Adherence Rating Scale (EARS) is a valid and reliable tool to assess exercise adherence behavior, but it is not translated into Swedish. This study aimed to translate EARS into Swedish and to explore the psychometric properties in terms of test-retest reliability, internal consistency as well and possible floor-/ceiling effects.

Materials and Methods:

A translation and cultural adaptation process followed international guidelines and resulted in EARS-Sv. A total of 30 patients who had undergone shoulder surgery were included in the study and filled out EARS-Sv at two different time points. The test-retest reliability was evaluated through the weighted kappa coefficient and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency. Floor-/ceiling effects were calculated.

Results:

The test-retest reliability of the questionnaire was good with ICC (0.79, CI 95%) and moderate with weighted kappa-coefficient (MD = 0.58). Cronbach's alpha was considered good (0.88). A ceiling effect was registered in all 6 items of EARS-Sv.

Conclusion:

EARS-Sv has moderate to good test-retest reliability and good internal consistency in patients who have undergone shoulder surgery.

BACKGROUND: Telomeres are causally involved in senescence. Senescence is a potential factor in the pathogenesis and progression of heart failure. In heart failure telomeres are shorter, but the prognostic value associated with telomere length has not been defined. METHODS: Telomere length was prospectively determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in 890 patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II to IV heart failure. After 18 months, we examined the association between telomere length and the predefined primary end-point: time to death or hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 71 years, 39% were women, 51% were in NYHA class II, and 49% were in class III/IV. A total of 344 patients reached the primary end-point (130 deaths and 214 hospitalizations). Patients with shorter telomeres were at an increased risk of reaching the primary end-point (hazard ratio 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21-2.63). In multivariate analysis shorter telomere length remained associated with a higher risk for death or hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.74; 95% CI 1.07-2.95) after adjustment for age of heart failure onset, gender, hemoglobin, renal function, and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide level, a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter length of telomeres predicts the occurrence of death or hospitalization in patients with chronic heart failure.

Objective. To elucidate the association among circulating IL-8 and total mortality in a cohort of elderly, and to explore potential sex differences in the observed association. Methods. The Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) is a cohort of 70-year-old men and women living in Uppsala, Sweden; baseline period: 2001-2004. IL-8 serum measurements were performed in 1003 participants. Results. In total, 61 men and 40 women died during follow-up (median 7.9 years). Baseline IL-8 concentrations were higher in women than in men (P = 0.03). In a multivariable model adjusting for age, established cardiovascular risk factors, and C-reactive protein, log-transformed standard deviation increments in IL-8 levels were weakly associated with an increased risk for total mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 -1.23, P < 0.05) in the whole cohort. Stratified analysis revealed an association in women (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06-1.30, P < 0.01) but not in men (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.76-1.26). Conclusions. A weak association between IL-8 serum levels and an increased risk for mortality was observed. The prospective data support the role of IL-8 as a biomarker of interest; yet, further studies are warranted to elucidate validity of our finding and the possibility of a sex difference.

Introduction: Life after stroke is a comprehensive area that involves engagement in meaningful everyday activities, including work, and can be adversely affected by post-stroke fatigue. This study investigates post-stroke fatigue, its development over time, and its impact on return to work and other everyday life activities. In addition, we investigated whether post-stroke fatigue could predict functioning in everyday life activities one year after stroke.Material and methods: This prospective registry-based study includes 2850 working age (18 - 63 years) patients registered in the Swedish Stroke Register (Riksstroke) during year 2017 and 2018. Post-stroke fatigue and everyday activities were analyzed 3- and 12-months post-stroke.Results: The mean age of the included participants was 54 years and the majority, 65%, were men. Three months post-stroke, 43% self-reported fatigue, at 12-months the proportion increased to 48%. About 90% of the patients were independent in basic ADL at 3-month. Dependence in complex activities one year post-stroke was significantly associated with fatigue. Not experiencing fatigue one year after stroke could predict positive functioning in everyday activities, increasing the chance of returning to work (OR = 3.7) and pre-stroke life and everyday activities (OR = 5.7).Conclusion: Post-stroke fatigue is a common persistent disability that negatively impacts complex activities; therefore, fatigue needs to be acknowledged and addressed long term after discharge.

Urban living in built environments, combined with the use of processed water and food, may not provide the microbial stimulation necessary for a balanced development of immune function. Many chronic inflammatory disorders, including allergic, autoimmune, metabolic, and even some behavioural disorders, are linked to alteration in the human commensal microbiota. Sedentary lifestyle is associated with reduced exposure to a broad spectrum of environmental micro-organisms and surplus energy balance, both risk factors of chronic inflammatory disorders. According to the Biodiversity Hypothesis, an environment with diverse macrobiota and microbiota modifies and enriches the human microbiota, which in turn is crucial in the development and maintenance of appropriate immune function. These issues were discussed in the symposium Chronic Inflammation, Lifestyle and Environment , held in Helsinki, 20 - 22 August 2014, under the sponsorship of the Yrjo Jahnsson Foundation. This paper briefly outlines the recent findings in the context of the environment, lifestyle, and health; discusses the forces that undermine immune tolerance in urban environments; and highlights the possibilities to restore broken immune tolerance among urban dwellers, summarizing the main messages in four statements and calling for actions to combat major public health threats.

Objective Our aim was to study depression and anxiety in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients as risk factors for all-cause mortality in a primary care setting.Methods The study population included adults (n=12283) of 45 years and older diagnosed with AF in 75 primary care centres in Sweden. The association between depression or anxiety and all-cause mortality was explored using Cox regression analysis, with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Analyses were conducted in men and women, adjusted for age, educational level, marital status, neighborhood socio-economic status (SES), change of neighborhood status and anxiety or depression, respectively, and cardiovascular co-morbidities. As a secondary analysis, background factors and their association with depression or anxiety were explored.Results The risk of all-cause mortality was higher among men with depression compared to their counterparts without depression even after full adjustment (HR=1.28, 95% CI 1.08-1.53). For anxiety among men and anxiety or depression among women with AF, no associations were found. Cerebrovascular disease was more common among depressed AF patients.Conclusions Increased awareness of the higher mortality among men with AF and subsequent depression is called for. We suggest a tight follow-up and treatment of both ailments in clinical practice.

Aim. To study the association between anthropometric measures: body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip-to-height ratio (WHHR), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI); to see if individuals in the lowest 5 percentiles for these measures have an increased risk of mortality. Methods. A population-based prospective cohort study ( 10,304 men and 16,549 women), the Malmo Diet and Cancer study (MDC), aged 45-73 years. Results. During a mean follow-up of 14 +/- 3 years, 2,224 men and 1,983 women died. There was a significant increased mortality risk after adjustments for potential confounders in the group with the 5% lowest BMI ( referent 25%-75%); hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals were 1.33 (1.10-1.61) for women and 1.27 (1.07-1.52) for men. A similar significant increased mortality risk was seen with the 5% lowest percent body fat, HR 1.31 (1.07-1.60) for women and 1.25 (1.04-1.50) for men. Women with an ABSI in the lowest 5 percentiles had a lower mortality risk HR 0.64 (0.48-0.85). Conclusion. These results imply that BMI or percent body fat could be used to identify lean individuals at increased mortality risk.

Aim. To study the association between anthropometric measures: body mass index (BMI), percent body fat, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), waist-to-hip-to-height ratio (WHHR), and A Body Shape Index (ABSI); to see if individuals in the lowest 5 percentiles for these measures have an increased risk of mortality.

Methods. A population-based prospective cohort study ( 10,304 men and 16,549 women), the Malmo Diet and Cancer study (MDC), aged 45-73 years.

Results. During a mean follow-up of 14 +/- 3 years, 2,224 men and 1,983 women died. There was a significant increased mortality risk after adjustments for potential confounders in the group with the 5% lowest BMI ( referent 25%-75%); hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals were 1.33 (1.10-1.61) for women and 1.27 (1.07-1.52) for men. A similar significant increased mortality risk was seen with the 5% lowest percent body fat, HR 1.31 (1.07-1.60) for women and 1.25 (1.04-1.50) for men. Women with an ABSI in the lowest 5 percentiles had a lower mortality risk HR 0.64 (0.48-0.85).

Conclusion. These results imply that BMI or percent body fat could be used to identify lean individuals at increased mortality risk.

Objective: To study the association between cardiovascular co-morbidities and mortality risk in primary care patients with atrial fibrillation.

Methods: The study population included all adults (n=12,283) >= 45 years diagnosed with AF at 75 primary care centres in Sweden between 2001 and 2007. The outcome was mortality (until 2010) and data were explored for co-morbidities using Cox regression with hazard ratios (HRs). Analyses were performed stratified by sex and by age-group (45-64, 65-74 and >= 75 years of age) with adjustment for age, socio-economic factors and relevant co-morbidities.

Results: During a mean of 5.8 years (standard deviation 2.4) of follow-up, 3954 (32%) patients died (1971 (35%) women, and 1983 (30%) men). High HRs were found for congestive heart disease (CHF) and cerebrovascular diseases for all age-groups among men and women (except for the 45-64 year old women); for coronary heart disease among the oldest men; for diabetes among the 65-74 year old men and the 45-64 year old women. Low HRs were found for hypertension among women >= 75 years of age.

Conclusions: In this clinical setting, CHF and cerebrovascular diseases were consistently associated with mortality in all age-groups. The possible protective effect by hypertension among elderly women should be interpreted with caution.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between cardiovascular co-morbidities and mortality risk in primary care patients with atrial fibrillation.

METHODS: The study population included all adults (n = 12,283) ≥ 45 years diagnosed with AF at 75 primary care centres in Sweden between 2001 and 2007. The outcome was mortality (until 2010) and data were explored for co-morbidities using Cox regression with hazard ratios (HRs). Analyses were performed stratified by sex and by age-group (45-64, 65-74 and ≥75 years of age) with adjustment for age, socio-economic factors and relevant co-morbidities.

RESULTS: During a mean of 5.8 years (standard deviation 2.4) of follow-up, 3954 (32%) patients died (1971 (35%) women, and 1983 (30%) men). High HRs were found for congestive heart disease (CHF) and cerebrovascular diseases for all age-groups among men and women (except for the 45-64 year old women); for coronary heart disease among the oldest men; for diabetes among the 65-74 year old men and the 45-64 year old women. Low HRs were found for hypertension among women ≥75 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS: In this clinical setting, CHF and cerebrovascular diseases were consistently associated with mortality in all age-groups. The possible protective effect by hypertension among elderly women should be interpreted with caution. KEY MESSAGES We found congestive heart failure and cerebrovascular diseases to be consistently associated with mortality in both women and men. We found hypertension to be associated with lower mortality risk among women ≥75 years of age, although this finding must be interpreted with caution. Depression was found to be associated with increased mortality risk among men and women aged 65-74 years of age.

The iron hypothesis as an alternative explanation for the gender difference in the incidence and mortality of atherosclerosis has provoked increased debates and public health concerns. In this review we summarize the historical and recent literature on the iron hypothesis and discuss several related clinical issues and their implications. Apart from misconstruction of study populations, lack of a good method to reflect the iron contents of tissues may be the major factor for causing inconsistent results from epidemiological studies. Published data from 11 countries clearly indicate that the mortality from cardiovascular diseases is correlated with liver iron. We propose that redox-active iron in tissue is the atherogenic portion of total iron stores. Recently developed magnetic resonance imaging techniques in combination with Fe chelators may allow future studies to examine this component of body iron in lesions and the whole body. Several clinical situations characterized by increased iron stores have been proposed as 'human models' suitable for further tests of the iron hypothesis. Patients with end-stage renal disease may be the most unique cohort, having significant increases in their iron stores, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and cardiovascular events. Other patient groups may be well suited for specific studies of different atherogenic events. With a better understanding of iron-driven oxidative damage, well controlled and effectively designed studies on these models will finally bring us to the truth of the iron hypothesis.

Objectives: It is widely known that sleep disorders are a common problem among older persons. Few reviews have described current knowledge about the holistic concept of sleep health of community-dwelling older people. Aim: This study aimed to describe the current state of knowledge and identify research gaps concerning sleep health among community-dwelling older persons. Method: We conducted a scoping review. Searches were conducted in three databases (Medline, CINAHL, and PsycINFO) to identify scientific articles including outcomes with all five sleep health dimensions (sleep duration, sleep continuity, timing, wakefulness/daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality) among community-dwelling older persons aged ≥65 years. Eight articles were included from a total of 1826 hits, with sample sizes between 1413 and 6485. Results: The sleep health outcomes of community-dwelling older adults differed between the sexes. Older persons with at least two or more poor sleep health dimensions might have increased risk for depression, higher healthcare costs and mortality, while self-reported better sleep health might be associated with lower odds of frailty. Conclusion: Future research is needed to confirm the findings by investigating the multidimensional concept of sleep health in a general older population. The identified knowledge gaps are how persons ≥80 years’ experience their sleep health, and how sleep medicine is prescribed to treat sleep problems in persons ≥80 years in different care contexts.