Impact of unilateral spatial neglect on chronic patient's post-stroke quality of life

Abstract

Background: Unilateral spatial neglect (USN) is the prevalent feature in patients with right-sided stroke. It is diagnosed through the behavior inattention test (BIT) and has a negative impact on patients affecting both their functional capacity and quality of life.

Objective: Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of USN on the quality of life of patients in the chronic phase of stroke.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with stroke patients with USN. After confirming the presence of stroke through neuroimaging examinations and of USN through the BIT, patients’ quality of life was evaluated by using the EUROQOL scale. Spearman’s correlation was used to validate the correlation between patients’ USN and quality of life, with a p?<?.05 representing significant results.

Results: Eighteen individuals were included. When correlating the value of each domain of the EUROQOL scale with the results of the BIT, we observed a negative correlation between mobility (r?=?–0.97; p?=?.000), self-care (r?=?–0.82; p?=?.013), usual activities (r?=?–0.87; p?=?.005); pain or discomfort (r?=?–0.88; p?=?.004), anxiety or depression (r?=?–0.97; p?=?.000), and EUROQOL total score (r?=?–0.97, p?=?.000).

Conclusion: After a correlation between the overall EUROQOL and BIT scores, we suggest that the higher the USN degree is in stroke patients, the worse their perceived quality of life tends to be.     

Chewing side preference is associated with hemispheric laterality in healthy adults

Purpose To investigate if chewing side preference (CSP) can be used as an indicator of hemispheric laterality in healthy adults. Materials and methods Seventy-five individuals were included. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to determine CSP and laterality test for preferred peripheral organs. Results Significant correlation between CSP and hand, foot, ear, and eye side preference was found (r?=?.41, p?r?=?.34, p?=?.003; r?=?.35, p?=?.03; r?=?.36, p?=?.002). Conclusion Besides peripheral organs, the CSP can also be used in determination of hemispheric lateralization.     

The severity of chewing disorders is related to gross motor function and trunk control in children with cerebral palsy

Abstract

Purpose: The frequency of chewing disorders increases with decreasing level of gross motor function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Besides its frequency, the severity of chewing disorders is also important. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between chewing performance level and gross motor function, and trunk postural control in children with CP.

Materials and methods: The study included 119 children with CP (age 2–10 years). Chewing performance level was determined by the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale (KCPS). The Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) was used to determine the level of gross motor function. Segmental Assessment of Trunk Control (SATCo) was used to measure trunk control.

Results: Children with spastic CP with a median age of 4?years were evaluated, of which 50.4% were male. The percentages of patients classified to GMFCS levels I to V were 43.7%, 6.7%, 9.2%, 5.0%, and 35.3%, respectively. The median KCPS score was 3 (min?=?0, max?=?4). A good correlation was found between KCPS and GMFCS (p?<?.001, r?=?0.70). Negative, excellent correlations between KCPS and SATCo static, SATCo active, and SATCo reactive postural controls were found (p?<?.001, r?=?–0.75, r?=?–0.77, r?=?–0.79; respectively).

Conclusions: The severity of chewing disorders is related to the level of gross motor function and trunk postural control in children with CP.

Clinical trial number: NCT03241160     

Visual motor imagery predominance in professional Spanish dancers

Abstract

Purpose: The main objectives of the study were to analyse the predominant motor imagery modality used by professional Spanish dancers and to compare Spanish dancers’ ability to perform mental motor imagery with that of non-dancers, and to analyse differences between male and female dancers. As a secondary aim, to compare the motor imagery ability between two styles of Spanish dance: classical Spanish dancers and Flamenco dancers.

Methods: A total of 74 participants were classified into two groups: professional Spanish dancers (n?=?37) and sedentary participants (n?=?37). The professional Spanish dancer group was composed of two dance disciplines: flamenco dancers (n?=?17), and classical dancers (n?=?20).

Results: Professional Spanish dancers used predominantly visual imagery modalities over kinesthetics to generate motor imagery, with a moderate effect size (p?<?.01, d?=?0.68). Regarding the ability to generate motor imagery, significant intergroup differences between professional Spanish dancers and sedentary participants were observed in all variables, with a large effect size (p?<?.05, d?>?0.80). Differences were obtained between men and women among non-dancers group (t?=??3.34; p?=?.03; d?=?0.5). No differences between Flamenco and classical dancers were observed.

Conclusion: Visual motor imagery modality was easier than the kinaesthetic modality in the generation of motor imagery for professional Spanish dancers regardless of the dance style. Spanish dancers had a greater ability to perform motor imagery compared with non-dancer individuals, needing less time to perform these mental tasks. Men non-dancers had a greater ability to generate motor imagery than women. Reinforcing the training of kinaesthetic motor imagery might be useful for professional Spanish dancers.     

Morningness: Protective Factor for Sleep-Related and Emotional Problems in Childhood and Adolescence?

The relationship between morningness/eveningness, sleep, and psychological problems is well documented in adults as well as in adolescents. However, research on the circadian orientation and its concomitants in younger children is scarce. The authors investigated the distribution of morningness/eveningness and its connection to sleeping and psychological problems in 91 children and 151 adolescents in Austria. The authors found that morning (M) types had less sleep-related and psychological problems than intermediate (I) and evening (E) types, respectively. Among children, M-types suffered less from daytime sleepiness (females: χ²₍₂₎?=?8.1, p?=?.017; males: χ²₍₂₎?=?14.8, p?=?.001). Among adolescents, M-types showed fewer sleep-wake problems (females: χ²₍₂₎?=?17.5, p?<?.001; males: χ²₍₂₎?=?19.8, p?<?.001), and female M-types showed less externalizing (χ²₍₂₎?=?8.7, p?=?.013) as well as internalizing problem behavior (χ²₍₂₎?=?9.0, p?=?.011). In conclusion, these findings indicate that morningness may act as a protective factor against the development of sleep-related problems in childhood and sleep-related and psychological problems in adolescence, especially in females. (Author correspondence: gloriagelbmann@gmx.at)     

Effect of tongue position on postural stability during quiet standing in healthy young males

Abstract

Background and aims: Role of the neck and jaw sensory motor system in control of body balance has been established. Tongue is an integral part of jaw sensory motor system and helps in execution of purposeful and precise motor tasks like eating, drinking and speaking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of tongue position on the postural control system.

Materials and method: We compared the mean center of gravity (COG) velocity during quiet standing on an unstable surface with eyes closed during two test conditions: (i) with habitual jaw resting position and (ii) with instructed tongue positioned against the upper incisors. One hundred and sixteen normal healthy male subjects (average age 31.56?±?8.51 years and height 170.86?±?7.26?cm) participated in the study. Their COG velocity (deg/s) was measured using the NeuroCom® Balance Master version 8.5.0 (Clackamas, OR, USA).

Results and conclusions: The results show that COG velocity decreased significantly while tongue was positioned against upper incisors in comparison to the habitual jaw resting position. Our findings suggest that the tongue positioning can modulate postural control mechanisms. Tongue positioning against the upper incisors can enhance the postural stability during upright standing on an unstable surface and in the absence of vision in healthy young adults. Our findings can be of value for evaluation and rehabilitation protocols for postural control dysfunction.     

Serum cholesterol positively associated with oxidative DNA damage: a propensity score-matched analysis

Oxidative DNA damage pathogenically links to some major diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the association between serum total cholesterol (TC) and oxidative DNA damage based on propensity score matching (PSM) method. A total of 407 participants chronically exposed to arsenic via drinking water from China were enrolled. Oxidative DNA damage was determined with urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Serum TC was classified into favourable TC (FTC, TC <5.18?mmol/L) and unfavourable TC (NFTC, TC ≥5.18?mmol/L) categories. Multivariable generalised linear regression model was applied to examine the association. Of 407 participants, 125 pairs with FTC and NFTC subjects were matched using PSM. Urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine levels in NFTC were significantly higher than those in FTC category (p?=?.002). As compared to the counterparts, additional adjusted log-transformed 8-OHdG/creatinine increase was observed in NFTC for unmatched (β?=?0.12, p?=?.052) and matched (β?=?0.17, p?<?.001) participants, respectively. We also detected obviously increased log-transformed urinary 8-OHdG/creatinine with per interquartile range raise of serum TC either in unmatched (β?=?0.10, p?=?.007) or matched (β?=?0.16, p?=?.003) subjects. In conclusion, serum TC was independently associated with oxidative DNA damage. Our findings provided new insights on the health promotion of lipids relevant to the early warning of diseases due to oxidative DNA damage.     

CHRONIC SLEEP DEFICIT AND PERFORMANCE OF A SUSTAINED ATTENTION TASK—AN ELECTROOCULOGRAPHY STUDY

Electrooculography (EOG) was used to explore performance differences in a sustained attention task during rested wakefulness (RW) and after 7 days of partial sleep deprivation (SD). The RW condition was based on obtaining regular sleep, and the SD condition involved sleep restriction of 3?h/night for a week resulting in a total sleep debt of 21?h. The study used a counterbalanced design with a 2-wk gap between the conditions. Participants performed a sustained attention task for 45?min on four occasions: 10:00–11:00, 14:00–15:00, 18:00–19:00, and 22:00–23:00?h. The task required moving gaze and attention as fast as possible from a fixation point to a target. In each session, 120 congruent and 34 incongruent stimuli were presented, totaling 1232 observations/participant. Correct responses plus errors of omission (lapses) and commission (false responses) were recorded, and the effect of time-of-day on sustained attention following SD was investigated. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) model showed that SD affected performance on a sustained attention task and manifested itself in a higher number of omission errors: congruent stimuli (F_(1,64)?=?13.3, p?<?.001) and incongruent stimuli (F_(1,64)?=?14.0, p?<?.001). Reaction times for saccadic eye movements did not differ significantly between experimental conditions or by time-of-day. Commission errors, however, exhibited a decreasing trend during the day. The visible prevalence of omissions in SD versus RW was observed during the mid-afternoon hours (the so-called post-lunch dip) for both congruent and incongruent stimuli (F_(1,16)?=?5.3, p?=?.04 and F_(1,16)?=?5.6, p?=?.03, respectively), and at 18:00?h for incongruent stimuli (F_(1,13)?=?5.7, p?=?.03). (Author correspondence: magda.fafrowicz@uj.edu.pl)     

Relationship of troponin to incident atrial fibrillation occurrence,recurrence after radiofrequency ablation and prognosis: a systematic review,meta-analysis and meta-regression

Objective: To explore the association between the levels of troponin (Tn) and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) occurrence, AF recurrence after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and the risk trend of AF related prognosis (stroke, major bleeding and mortality).

Methods: Twenty-seven studies were included after a systematic search in PubMed from 2005 to 2017, including 13 associated with incident AF occurrence, 8 associated with AF recurrence after RFA and 6 studies evaluating the risk trend of AF-related prognosis with increased Tn levels.

Results: Compared with ‘no incident AF occurrence’ patients, the incident AF occurrence group had similar baseline troponin I (TnI) levels (standardized mean differences [SMD]?=?0.42, 95% CI: ?0.02–0.86, p?=?0.06; I²?=?87.0%, N?=?6), but higher troponin T (TnT) levels (SMD?=?3.77, 2.13–5.42, p?<0.001; I²=99.7%, N?=?8). AF recurrence patients had similar peri-ablation TnI levels, but higher peri-ablation TnT levels compared to the ‘no AF recurrence’ group with pooled SMD. (TnI: SMD: ?0.61, ?1.22to 0, p?=?0.049; I²?=?87.1%; TnT: 0.38, 0.14–0.62, p?=?0.002; I²?=?64.7%). On meta-regression, there was an increased risk trend for stroke/systemic embolism (SE) (r²?=?0.93, p?=?0.04) or major bleeding (r²?=?0.99, p?r²?=?0.09, p?=?0.25) or TnT (r²?=?0.20, p?=?0.31), and stroke/SE (r²?=?0.02, p?=?0.74) or major bleeding (r²?=?0.002, p?=?0.92) was non-significantly related to increasing TnI levels.

Conclusions: In our systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression, TnT was associated with both incident AF occurrence and AF recurrence after RFA, as well as stroke/SE and major bleeding. In contrast, TnI was not associated with incident AF occurrence, AF recurrence after RFA or prognosis (stroke/SE, major bleeding).     

Cross-training effect of chronic whole-body vibration exercise: a randomized controlled study

Abstract

Purpose: To determine whether unilateral leg whole-body vibration (WBV) strength training induces strength gain in the untrained contralateral leg muscle. The secondary aim was to determine the potential role of spinal neurological mechanisms regarding the effect of WBV exercise on contralateral strength training.

Materials and Methods: Forty-two young adult healthy volunteers were randomized into two groups: WBV exercise and Sham control. An isometric semi-squat exercise during WBV was applied regularly through 20 sessions. WBV training was applied to the right leg in the WBV group and the left leg was isolated from vibration. Sham WBV was applied to the right leg of participants in the Control group. Pre- and post-training isokinetic torque and reflex latency of both quadricepses were evaluated.

Results: The increase in the strength of right (vibrated) knee extensors was 9.4?±?10.7% in the WBV group (p?=?.001) and was 1.2?±?6.6% in the Control group (p?=?.724). The left (non-vibrated) extensorsvibrated) knee extensors w4?±?8.4% in the WBV group (p?=?.038), whereas it decreased by 1.4?±?7.0% in the Control (p?=?.294). The strength gains were significant between the two groups. WBV induced the reflex response of the quadriceps muscle in the vibrated ipsilateral leg and also in the non-vibrated contralateral leg, though with a definite delay. The WBV-induced muscle reflex (WBV-IMR) latency was 22.5?±?7.7?ms for the vibrated leg and 39.3?±?14.6?ms for the non-vibrated leg.

Conclusions: Chronic WBV training has an effect of the cross-transfer of strength to contralateral homologous muscles. The WBV-induced muscular reflex may have a role in the mechanism of cross-transfer strength.     

Long-term prognostic significance of homocysteine in middle-aged and elderly

Objective: We investigated the association among increased levels of plasma homocysteine (Hcy), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular events. Methods: Hcy was measured in 670 middle-aged and elderly subjects with no previous manifest cardiovascular disease. The follow-up period was 15 years. Results: Subjects with Hcy?≥?10.8?μmol/l (n?=?231) had a significant higher incidence of all-cause mortality (p?<?0.001) and CV events (p?<?0.001) compared with subjects with Hcy?<?10.8?μmol/l (n?=?439). However, there was no association on high levels of Hcy and VTE events or stroke. Conclusion: Increased levels of Hcy are associated with all-cause mortality and CV events.     

Safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in the Netherlands

Background

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is an emerging treatment in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and chronic thromboembolic disease (CTED). We describe the first safety and efficacy results of BPA in the Netherlands.

Methods

We selected all consecutive patients with inoperable CTEPH and CTED accepted for BPA treatment who had a six-month follow-up in the St. Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein and the Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC) in Amsterdam. Functional class (FC), N?terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), 6?minute walking test distance (6MWD) and right-sided heart catheterisation were performed at baseline and six months after last BPA. Complications for each BPA procedure were noted.

Results

A hundred and seventy-two BPA procedures were performed in 38 patients (61% female, mean age 65?±?15 years). Significant improvements six months after BPA treatment were observed for functional class (63% FC I/II to 90% FC I/II, p?=?0.014), mean pulmonary artery pressure (?8.9?mm?Hg, p?=?0.0001), pulmonary vascular resistance (?2.8 Woods Units (WU), p?=?0.0001), right atrial pressure (?2.0?mm?Hg, p?=?0.006), stroke volume index (+5.7?ml/m², p?=?0.009) and 6MWD (+48m, p?=?0.007). Non-severe complications occurred in 20 (12%) procedures.

Conclusions

BPA performed in a CTEPH expert centre is an effective and safe treatment in patients with inoperable CTEPH.

     

Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances relate to arterial stiffness and blood pressure in 6 to 8-year-old boys stratified by maternal risk

Early cardiovascular disease (CVD) onset can be inflicted by familial cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors. We aimed to compare phenotypic characteristics and explore associations between oxidative stress and vascular function in boys stratified by maternal cardiovascular and lifestyle risk. We included 40 Black and 41 White boys (ages 6–8 years), along with the biological mother of each child. The study population was divided into two groups (nonmaternal risk vs. maternal risk) according to maternal risk predetermined by their selfreported cardiovascular and lifestyle risk factors. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured at various sites and blood pressures were recorded. Urine samples were collected for analyses of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy guanosine (8-OHdG), albumin, and creatinine. Higher levels of urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) were found in the maternal risk group compared to the nonmaternal risk group (p?=?.038). Multiple regression analysis in the maternal risk group revealed diastolic blood pressure (R²?=?0.159; β?=?0.293; p?=?.050), carotid femoral PWV (R²?=?0.158; β?=?0.297; p?=?.038) and carotid dorsalis pedis PWV (adj R²?=?0.322; β?=?0.505; p?R²?=?0.161; β?=??0.261; p?=?.046) with TBARS was observed. Also, in the maternal risk group, independent associations of DBP (R²?=?0.273; β?=?0.289; p?=?.040) and uACR (R²?=?0.283; β?=?0.268; p?=?.027) with 8-OHdG were indicated. In boys, as young as 6 years of age, oxidative stress related to arterial stiffness and diastolic blood pressure was observed. This association was only evident in boys with linked maternal lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting potential family-related early onset of cardiovascular risk.     

Maternal association and influence of DHFR 19 bp deletion variant predisposes foetus to anencephaly susceptibility: a family-based triad study

Abstract

Objective: Previous studies have not used family-based methods to evaluate maternal-paternal genetic effects of the folate metabolizing enzyme, dihydro folate reductase (DHFR) essential during embryogenesis. Present study focuses on evaluating the association and influence of parental genetic effects of DHFR 19?bp deletion in the development of foetal neural tube defects (NTDs) using family-based triad approach.

Materials and methods: The study population (n?=?924) including 124 NTD case-parent trios (n?=?124?×?3?=?372) and 184 healthy control-parent trios (n?=?184?×?3?=?552) from Telangana, India, was genotyped for DHFR 19?bp deletion. Statistical analysis was used by SPSS and parent-of-origin effects (POE).

Results: Foetuses with deletion genotype (DD) were at risk of developing anencephaly (OR =?3.26, p?=?0.020). Among parents, increased maternal risk of having an anencephaly foetus (OR =?2.66, p?=?0.028) was observed in mothers with DD genotype. In addition, POE analysis also demonstrated higher risk of maternal transmission of the deletion allele to anencephaly foetus compared with paternal transmission (OR =?6.00, p?=?0.016). Interestingly, maternal-paternal-offspring genotype incompatibility revealed maternal deletion genotype (DD) in association with paternal heterozygous deletion genotype (WD) significantly increased risk for NTDs (OR =?5.29, p?=?0.013).

Conclusions: This study, using family-based case-parent and control-parent triad approach, is the first to report influence of maternal transmission of DHFR 19?bp deletion in the development of anencephaly in the foetus.     

Growth hormone for risk stratification and effects of therapy in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract

Context: Excess growth hormone (GH) is associated with early mortality.

Objectives: We assessed the association of GH with prognosis after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and the effects of secondary prevention therapies.

Methods: GH was measured using a high-sensitivity assay in 953 AMI patients (687 males, mean age 66.1?±?12.8 years).

Results: During 2 years follow-up, there were 281 major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Patients with MACE had higher GH levels (median [range], 0.91 [0.04–26.28] μg/L) compared to event-free survivors (0.59 [0.02–21.6], p?<?0.0005). In multivariate Cox survival analysis, GH was a significant predictor of MACE (hazard ratios 1.43, p?=?0.026 and 1.49, p?=?0.01, respectively) with significant interactions with beta blocker therapy (p?=?0.047) and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ACE/ARB) therapy (p?=?0.016).

Conclusions: GH levels post-AMI are prognostic for MACE and may indicate those patients who benefit from beta blocker and ACE/ARB therapy.     

Rest-activity circadian rhythm in breast cancer survivors at 5 years after the primary diagnosis

ABSTRACT

Rest-activity circadian rhythm (RAR) is a marker of the circadian timing system. Particular attention has been given to RAR characteristics in cancer diseases. Specifically, alterations of RAR parameters have been found, at different stages of clinical pathway, in breast cancer (BC) patients. No studies to date have analyzed RAR alterations in breast cancer survivors several years after the diagnosis. The aim of this study was to determine RAR by actigraphy in a population of BC survivors at 5 years after the primary diagnosis, and to compare their RAR characteristics with healthy controls. The study sample was 28 women: 15 BC survivors at 5 years from the primary diagnosis (BC-group) and 13 healthy controls (Ctrl-group), matched for age and body mass index. All participants have been monitored for 7 days by actigraphy to evaluate RAR. A statistically significant circadian rhythm (T = 24) was found in all 28 subjects (p < .001). The group analysis revealed a significant RAR both in BC- and Ctrl-group (p < .001). The acrophase was not different between the BC- and Ctrl-group (15:09 vs. 15:01 hr:min in BC- and Ctrl-group, respectively). In contrast, the MESOR (Midline Estimating Statistic of Rhythm) and the amplitude were lower in the BC-group with respect to the Ctrl-group. Indeed, the MESOR was 192.0 vs. 276.4 activity counts in BC- and Ctrl-group, respectively (p < .001), while the amplitude was 167.0 vs. 222.6 activity counts in BC- and Ctrl-group, respectively (p < .001). These results provide the first experimental evidence of alterations in RAR parameters in BC survivors at 5 years after the primary diagnosis. Larger studies with a prospective design are needed to assess the role of RAR in the quality of life and prognosis in BC survivors.     

Vitamin B12 status does not influence central motor conduction time in asymptomatic elderly people: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study

Introduction: Vitamin B12 deficiency causes neurologic and psychiatric disease, especially in older adults. Subacute combined degeneration is characterized by damage to the posterior and lateral spinal cord affecting the corticospinal tract.

Objective: To test corticospinal tract projections using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) by transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in asymptomatic older adults with low vitamin B12 (B12) levels.

Methods: Cross-sectional study of 53 healthy older adults (>70 years). MEPs were recorded in the abductor pollicis brevis and tibialis anterior muscles, at rest and during slight tonic contraction. Central motor conduction time (CMCT) was derived from the latency of MEPs and peripheral motor conduction time (PMCT). Neurophysiological variables were analyzed statistically according to B12 status.

Results: Median age was 74.3?±?3.6 years (58.5% women). Twenty-six out of the 53 subjects had low vitamin B12 levels (B12?p?=?0.014).

Conclusions: No subclinical abnormality of the corticospinal tract is detected in asymptomatic B12-deficient older adults. The peripheral nervous system appears to be more vulnerable to damage attributable to this vitamin deficit. The neurophysiological evaluation of asymptomatic older adults with lower B12 levels should be focused mainly in peripheral nervous system evaluation.     

A pilot study on the association between SLCO1B1 RS4363657 polymorphism and muscle adverse events in adults with newly diagnosed dyslipidaemia who were prescribed a statin: the Malaysian primary health care cohort

Abstract

Introduction: Statin, the first-line treatment for dyslipidaemia, may have suboptimal adherence due to its associated muscle adverse events. These data, however, remain limited.

Aim: To determine the association of serum creatine kinase (CK) and SLCO1B1 rs4363657 polymorphism with statin-associated muscle adverse events (SAMAE) among dyslipidaemia participants.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study at government health clinics involving newly diagnosed adults with dyslipidaemia. SAMAE were recorded based on the patient’s complaint after a month on statin. CK was taken at baseline and follow-up. Genetic profiling was performed for SLCO1B1 rs4363657 polymorphism.

Results: Among 118 participants, majority were Malay (72%) males (61%) with a mean age of 49?±?12.2 years old and prescribed lovastatin (61.9). There was a significant association between statin types (lovastatin and simvastatin) and SAMAE (p?=?0.0327); no significant association noted between CK and SAMAE (p?=?0.5637). The SLCO1B1 rs4363657 polymorphism was significantly associated SAMAE (p?<?0.0001).

Conclusions: In this first pilot study of a multiethnic Malaysian population, the incidence of SAMAE was 18.6%. SAMAE were significantly higher in subjects on lovastatin compared to simvastatin. SLCO1B1 rs4363657 polymorphism was a significant risk factor for SAMAE.     

Comparison of unpleasant and pain thresholds of thermal stimuli in the orofacial regions: a psychophysical study using quantitative sensory testing in healthy young men

Abstract

Purpose/Aim: To gain a better understanding of the psychophysics of thermal pain perception in a clinical setting, this study investigated whether thermal thresholds of unpleasantness are different from pain thresholds of cold and heat stimuli. Of particular interest was the relationship between unpleasantness and pain thresholds for cold vs heat stimuli.

Material and methods: Thirty healthy male volunteers (mean age 26.1?years, range 23 to 32?years) participated. Thermal detection, cold pain (CPT) and heat pain (HPT) thresholds were measured at 5 trigeminal sites by the method of limits using quantitative sensory testing (QST), followed by cold unpleasant (CUT) and heat unpleasant (HUT) thresholds.

Results: The temperatures at which individuals first reported thermal sensations as unpleasant or painful substantially differed among subjects. CUT exhibited a higher mean value with less variability than CPT, and HUT presented a lower mean than HPT (p?<?.001). As with CPT, CUT did not show any significant difference between the test sites. On the other hand, HUT, like HPT, exhibited site differences (p?<?.001). There was moderate correlation between CUT and CPT, whereas HUT and HPT were strongly correlated. The relationship between unpleasant and pain thresholds of cold vs heat stimuli was significantly different even when controlling for test site variability (p?<?.001).

Conclusion: These findings indicate that unpleasant and pain thresholds to thermal stimuli differ in healthy young men. Of particular note is the distinct relationship of unpleasant and pain thresholds of cold vs heat stimuli, revealing the thermal difference in temperature transition from unpleasantness to pain.