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Risk Factors Contributing (risk + factor_contributing)
Selected AbstractsElectrophysiological determinants of hypokalaemia-induced arrhythmogenicity in the guinea-pig heartACTA PHYSIOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009O. E. Osadchii Abstract Aim:, Hypokalaemia is an independent risk factor contributing to arrhythmic death in cardiac patients. In the present study, we explored the mechanisms of hypokalaemia-induced tachyarrhythmias by measuring ventricular refractoriness, spatial repolarization gradients, and ventricular conduction time in isolated, perfused guinea-pig heart preparations. Methods:, Epicardial and endocardial monophasic action potentials from distinct left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) recording sites were monitored simultaneously with volume-conducted electrocardiogram (ECG) during steady-state pacing and following a premature extrastimulus application at progressively reducing coupling stimulation intervals in normokalaemic and hypokalaemic conditions. Results:, Hypokalaemic perfusion (2.5 mm K+ for 30 min) markedly increased the inducibility of tachyarrhythmias by programmed ventricular stimulation and rapid pacing, prolonged ventricular repolarization and shortened LV epicardial and endocardial effective refractory periods, thereby increasing the critical interval for LV re-excitation. Hypokalaemia increased the RV-to-LV transepicardial repolarization gradients but had no effect on transmural dispersion of APD90 and refractoriness across the LV wall. As determined by local activation time recordings, the LV-to-RV transepicardial conduction and the LV transmural (epicardial-to-endocardial) conduction were slowed in hypokalaemic heart preparations. This change was attributed to depressed diastolic excitability as evidenced by increased ventricular pacing thresholds. Conclusion:, These findings suggest that hypokalaemia-induced arrhythmogenicity is attributed to shortened LV refractoriness, increased critical intervals for LV re-excitation, amplified RV-to-LV transepicardial repolarization gradients and slowed ventricular conduction in the guinea-pig heart. [source] Delay Discounting Behavior and White Matter Microstructure Abnormalities in Youth With a Family History of AlcoholismALCOHOLISM, Issue 9 2010Megan M. Herting Background:, Youth with family history of alcohol abuse have a greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Brain and behavior differences may underlie this increased vulnerability. The current study examined delay discounting behavior and white matter microstructure in youth at high risk for alcohol abuse, as determined by a family history of alcoholism (FH+), and youth without such family history (FH,). Methods:, Thirty-three healthy youth (FH+ = 15, FH, = 18), ages 11 to 15 years, completed a delay discounting task and underwent diffusion tensor imaging. Tract-based spatial statistics (Smith et al., 2006), as well as follow-up region-of-interest analyses, were performed to compare fractional anisotropy (FA) between FH+ and FH, youth. Results:, FH+ youth showed a trend toward increased discounting behavior and had significantly slower reaction times (RTs) on the delay discounting paradigm compared to FH, youth. Group differences in FA were seen in several white matter tracts. Furthermore, lower FA in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus and the right optic radiation statistically mediated the relationship between FH status and slower RTs on the delay discounting task. Conclusions:, Youth with a family history of substance abuse have disrupted white matter microstructure, which likely contributes to less efficient cortical processing and may act as an intrinsic risk factor contributing to an increased susceptibility of developing AUD. In addition, FHP youth showed a trend toward greater impulsive decision making, possibly representing an inherent personal characteristic that may facilitate substance use onset and abuse in high-risk youth. [source] High body mass index overtakes tobacco as the leading independent risk factor contributing to disease burden in Western AustraliaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, Issue 2 2010Veronica Hoad No abstract is available for this article. [source] CB1 receptors: emerging evidence for central and peripheral mechanisms that regulate energy balance, metabolism, and cardiovascular healthDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 7 2007Daniela Cota Abstract Insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and obesity are the major cardiometabolic risk factors contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Owing to the increasing prevalence of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and CVD, new and effective pharmacologic therapies are urgently needed. In this regard, the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), a neuromodulatory system involved in the regulation of various aspects of energy balance and eating behaviour through central and peripheral mechanisms, may present the potential to meet this need. In the central nervous system (CNS), cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors and their respective ligands, the endocannabinoids, have a significant role in the modulation of food intake and motivation to consume palatable food. CB1 receptors have also been found in organs involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis, such as liver, white adipose tissue, muscle and pancreas. Dysregulation of the ECS has been associated with the development of dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity, and CB1 receptor blockade may have a role in ameliorating these metabolic abnormalities. Thus, pharmacologic options targeting the ECS may provide a novel, effective approach to the prevention and management of CVD, type 2 diabetes and obesity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] A vicious cycle in the oral health status of schoolchildren in a primary school in rural CambodiaINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DENTAL HYGIENE, Issue 3 2007Emiko Koito Shidara Abstract, Objective:, To investigate the oral health status and the risk factors contributing to dental caries and gum disease of schoolchildren in Cambodia. Methods:, A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a primary school in the Puok District, Siem Reap Province of Cambodia. An oral examination and self-reported questionnaire were used to evaluate oral health status of schoolchildren, ranging in age from 6,16. Of the 512 children that were enrolled in first through sixth grade at the primary school, 332 children (62.8%) participated. Results:, Of the schoolchildren that were involved in this study, the prevalence of dental caries in permanent dentition was 53.5% and gum disease was present in 46.2%. Among the participants 80% had plaque, 68.6% suffered from tooth pain and only 44.2% of the schoolchildren owned their own toothbrush. There was an association between the schoolchildren that suffered from tooth pain and those that had dental caries (P < 0.03). Plaque was related to dental caries in permanent dentition (P < 0.003), calculus (P < 0.0001) and gum disease (P < 0.0001) and was linked to the schoolchildren who did not own a toothbrush (P < 0.03) and who suffered from tooth pain (P < 0.03). Conclusion:, The following sequence of events may result in a vicious cycle in the oral healthcare of schoolchildren in rural Cambodia: the lack of a personal toothbrush leads to plaque buildup, which may increase the incidence of dental caries, which has been linked to tooth pain and gum disease. Ultimately, this poor oral healthcare impacts an individual's quality of life and can lead to more serious health issues later in life. [source] Depressive symptoms among cognitively normal versus cognitively impaired elderly subjectsINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY, Issue 5 2001Yan-sheng Li Abstract Objectives The present cross-sectional study analyzed the prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among patients with Alzheimer's disease (DAT), vascular dementia (VAD), and among the cognitively normal elderly. Putative risk factors contributing to depression were likewise evaluated. Methods Seventy-six DAT patients, 51 VAD patients, and 121 cognitively normal subjects were admitted to the study. Questionnaires concerning demography and their vascular and familial risk factors together with results of neuropsychological testing by combined Mini-Mental Status Examinations (MMSE), Cognitive Capacity Screening Examinations (CCSE), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HDRS) were obtained so that resulting data would be statistically analyzed. Results Prevalence of depressive symptoms among VAD, DAT, and cognitively normal elderly were 31.4%, 19.9%, and 13.2%, respectively. 25.5% of VAD and 13.2% of DAT patients had depression of mild to moderate degrees. Regression analysis revealed that diagnosis of VAD and DAT, heart disease, and past history of depression was significantly associated with high HDRS scores. There was no correlation between degree of depression and severity of cognitive impairments. Conclusion Mild to moderate depression is a common comorbidity with organic dementia, especially VAD, but associated depression is independent of severity of cognitive impairments. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: The Association of Apoprotien E Polymorphisms with Recurrent Pregnancy LossAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Chelsi Goodman Problem, We have previously reported the role of polymorphisms of thrombogenic genes involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis as risk factors for recurrent pregnancy loss. Thrombophilia has been viewed as a multigenic disorder rather than a monogenetic clinical phenotype and Apo E has been shown to play an important role in lipid metabolism in pregnancy. As individuals carrying the E4 allele of the ApoE gene have the highest risk for thrombosis, we evaluated the frequency of the Apo E4 genotype among women suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss. Method of study, Buccal swabs were obtained from 69 women with a history of two or more consecutive spontaneous abortions and 37 women with at least two live births and not more than one miscarriage. DNA was extracted from the buccal swabs and PCR amplification of Apo E2, E3, and E4 was performed. Results, Women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss had a significantly higher prevalence of Apo E3/4, E4/4 genotypes (21.7%) compared with control women (5.4%) (P = 0.036). Conclusion, Apo E4 polymorphism may contribute to the thrombophilic risk factors contributing to recurrent pregnancy loss. [source] Epidemiology of Voice Disorders in the Elderly: Preliminary FindingsTHE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 4 2007Nelson Roy PhD Abstract Objectives: Epidemiologic studies of the prevalence and risk factors of voice disorders in the elderly, nontreatment seeking population are nonexistent. The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to 1) estimate the prevalence of voice disorders, 2) identify variables associated with increased risk of voice disorders, and 3) measure the socioemotional impact of voice disorders on the elderly who live independently. Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey. Methods: One hundred seventeen seniors (39 males and 78 females; mean age, 76.1 yr; SD, 8.5 yr; range, 65,94 yr), residing in Utah and Kentucky, were interviewed using a questionnaire that addressed three areas related to voice disorders: prevalence, potential risk factors, and socioemotional consequences/effects. Results: The lifetime prevalence of a voice disorder was 47%, with 29.1% of participants reporting a current voice disorder. The majority of respondents (60%) reported chronic voice problems persisting for at least 4 weeks. Seniors who had experienced esophageal reflux, severe neck/back injury, and chronic pain were at increased risk. Voice-related effort and discomfort, combined with increased anxiety and frustration and the need to repeat oneself, were specific areas that adversely affected quality of life. Conclusions: This preliminary epidemiologic study confirmed that voice disorders are common among the elderly, and further research is needed to identify additional risk factors contributing to voice disorder vulnerability. [source] | ||||||||||