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Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability, the incidence of which in northern Sweden is not fully investigated. This study classifies and characterize epidemiological and demographic features of TBIs in a defined population in Umeå county, Sweden. Specifically, to evaluate frequencies of (1) intracranial lesions detected with computed tomography (CT), (2) need for emergency intervention, and (3) hospital admission, in minimal, mild, moderate, and severe TBI, respectively. Methods: The data were gathered from 4057 TBI patients visiting our emergency room (ER) during a two-year period (2015–2016), of whom 56% were men and approximately 95% had minimal TBIs (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), score 15). Results: Of all injuries, 97.8% were mild (GCS 14–15), 1.7% were moderate (GCS 9–13), and 0.5% were severe (GCS < 9). CT scans were performed on 46% of the patients, with 28% being hospitalized. A high annual TBI incidence of 1350 cases per 100,000 citizens was found. The mortality rate was 0.5% with the majority as expected in the elderly group (>80 years). Conclusions: Minimal TBIs were not as mild as previously reported, with a relatively high frequency of abnormal CT findings and a high mortality rate. No emergency intervention was required in patients in the GCS 13–15 group with normal CT scans. These findings have implications for clinical practice in the ER with the suggestion to include biomarkers to reduce unnecessary CT scans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with coagulopathy. However, the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. We evaluated the association between COVID-19 coagulopathy and extracellular vesicle (EV) levels. We hypothesized that several EV levels would be higher in COVID-19 coagulopathy patients than in non-coagulopathy patients. This prospective observational study was conducted in four tertiary care faculties in Japan. We enrolled 99 COVID-19 patients (48 with coagulopathy and 51 without coagulopathy) aged ≥20 years who required hospitalization, and 10 healthy volunteers; we divided the patients into coagulopathy and non-coagulopathy groups according to the D-dimer levels (≥1 μg/mL and <1 μg/mL, respectively). We used flow cytometry to measure the tissue-factor-bearing, endothelium-derived, platelet-derived, monocyte-derived, and neutrophil-derived EV levels in platelet-free plasma. The EV levels were compared between the two COVID-19 groups as well as among the coagulopathy patients, non-coagulopathy patients, and healthy volunteers. No significant difference was found in EV levels between the two groups. Meanwhile, the cluster of differentiation (CD) 41 + EV levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 coagulopathy patients than in healthy volunteers (549.90 [255.05–984.65] vs. 184.3 [150.1–254.1] counts/µL, p = 0.011). Therefore, CD41+ EVs might play an essential role in COVID-19 coagulopathy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common cause of death and disability, the incidence of which in northern Sweden is not fully investigated. This study classifies and characterize epidemiological and demographic features of TBIs in a defined population in Umeå county, Sweden. Specifically, to evaluate frequencies of (1) intracranial lesions detected with computed tomography (CT), (2) need for emergency intervention, and (3) hospital admission, in minimal, mild, moderate, and severe TBI, respectively., Methods: The data were gathered from 4057 TBI patients visiting our emergency room (ER) during a two-year period (2015-2016), of whom 56% were men and approximately 95% had minimal TBIs (Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), score 15)., Results: Of all injuries, 97.8% were mild (GCS 14-15), 1.7% were moderate (GCS 9-13), and 0.5% were severe (GCS < 9). CT scans were performed on 46% of the patients, with 28% being hospitalized. A high annual TBI incidence of 1350 cases per 100,000 citizens was found. The mortality rate was 0.5% with the majority as expected in the elderly group (>80 years)., Conclusions: Minimal TBIs were not as mild as previously reported, with a relatively high frequency of abnormal CT findings and a high mortality rate. No emergency intervention was required in patients in the GCS 13-15 group with normal CT scans. These findings have implications for clinical practice in the ER with the suggestion to include biomarkers to reduce unnecessary CT scans.

Background: The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is high in older patients. The present study aimed to estimate the age and sex specific prevalence of clinical and screen-detected atrial fibrillation (AF) in hospitalized patients. Methods: The STAR-FIB cohort study was a prospective cohort study recruiting participants from a large source population of hospitalized patients aged 65–84 years. The estimated size of the source population was 26,035 (95% CI 25,918–26,152), and 795 consenting patients without clinical AF were included in the cohort study after stratification by sex and age (49.2% females; mean age 74.7 years). Patients in the cohort study underwent three seven-day Holter ECGs in intervals of two months to screen for AF. Results: In the source population, the estimated prevalence of clinical AF was 22.2% (95% CI 18.4–26.1), 23.8% for males (95% CI 20.9–26.6) and 19.8% for females (95% CI 17.3–22.4; p for difference between sexes, 0.004). There was a linear trend for an increase in the prevalence of clinical AF with increasing age, overall and in both sexes. In the cohort study, AF was newly diagnosed in 38 patients, for an estimated prevalence of screen-detected AF of 4.9% overall (95% CI 3.3–6.6), 5.5% in males (95% CI 3.2–7.8) and 4.0% in females (95% CI 2.0–6.0; p for difference between sexes, 0.041). The estimated prevalence of screen-detected AF in the source population was 3.8% overall, 4.2% in males and 3.2% in females. Conclusion: In a large hospital-based patient population aged 65–84 years, the prevalence of clinical AF and of screen-detected AF was 22.2% and 3.8%, respectively, and significantly higher in males than females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Confining the entire population to a lockdown after the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 was an unprecedented measure designed to protect the health of those living in Spain. The objective of the present study is to assess the evolution of mental health and psychological wellbeing during lockdown. To do this, we carried out a longitudinal study, via an online survey over the eight weeks of lockdown (weekly assessments). Sociodemographic variables were recorded, along with data related to COVID-19, psychological wellbeing (anxiety, depression, psychotropic drugs, consultations made to improve mood or anxiety), life satisfaction, and self-perceived health. A total of 681 individuals participated in the study, 76.8% were women; the mean age was 43 years old (SD = 12.7). Initially, high scores were reported for anxiety, depression, and the number of consultations to improve mood, but these decreased significantly over the study period. The reverse seems to be true for life satisfaction, perceived good health, and intake of psychotropic drugs. We also identified groups whose psychological wellbeing was more susceptible to the effects of lockdown. Women, those worried about their jobs after the pandemic, and those afraid of being infected were the most affected individuals. More generally, after the initial negative effect on psychological wellbeing, various indicators improved over the lockdown period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Which intensity of physical activity (PA) is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) prevention remains unclear. Isotemporal substitution models assess the relationship of replacing the amount of time spent in one activity for another. We aimed to assess T2D incidence associated with light-to-moderate physical activity (LMPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) using isotemporal substitution models of one hour (1 h) sitting by 1 h of LMPA or VPA. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect on T2D of an isotemporal substitution of 1 h sitting by 1 h of slow (light physical activity) or brisk–very brisk walking (moderate physical activity). In total, 20,060 participants (both sexes) of the SUN cohort (Spain) initially free of T2D followed-up during a median of 12 years were included. Cox regression models were fitted to assess the association between the substitution of 1 h LMPA, VPA, slow and brisk–very brisk pace by 1 h sitting and T2D. The replacement of 1 h sitting time by 1 h of VPA was associated with an adjusted HR of 0.52 (95% CI: 0.34–0.80), not observed for the substitution by 1 h of LMPA (HR 0.93; 95% CI: 0.73–1.20). An apparent inverse association was observed for the replacement of 1 h sitting time by 1 h of brisk/very brisk walking (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.46–1.04), not observed by 1 h of slow pace. From equal conditions of duration and frequency of PA, the higher the intensity of PA, the greater the T2D prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of a stable and healthy soft-tissue barrier around dental implants is key to long-term success of implant-supported prostheses. The novel two-piece abutment concept shifts the prosthetic interface to the soft-tissue level to protect bone interface/connective tissue during the healing phase and restorative procedures. This prospective study included 72 patients treated with 106 implants to support a single-tooth or a three-unit bridge restored with two-piece abutments. The evaluation included marginal bone level change (MBLC), implant and prosthetic survival, soft-tissue health including keratinized mucosa height and mucosal margin position, patient quality of life (QoL) and satisfaction, and clinician satisfaction and ease-of-use rating of the concept. Mean MBLC from implant placement to 1 year was −0.36 ± 1.26 mm (n = 89), the 1-year implant and prosthetic survival rates were 97.1 and 96.7%, respectively, while keratinized mucosa height increased from 2.9 ± 1.2 mm at prosthetic delivery to 3.2 ± 1.3 mm, and mucosal margin migrated coronally by 0.49 ± 0.61 mm by 1 year. Patient satisfaction and QoL were high. Clinicians were satisfied with the esthetic and functional results and rated the concept as easy to use. In conclusion, the novel two-piece abutment concept promotes good peri-implant tissue health, while providing an easy-to-use workflow and high treatment satisfaction to both patients and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acute phase protein group IIA secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2-IIA) has intrinsic proatherosclerotic properties. The present prospective cohort study investigated whether plasma sPLA2-IIA associates with graft failure, cardiovascular, and all-cause mortality in renal transplant recipients (RTRs), patients with accelerated atherosclerosis formation both systemically and within the graft. In 511 RTRs from a single academic center with stable graft function >1 year, baseline plasma sPLA2-IIA was determined by ELISA. Primary end points were death-censored graft failure and mortality (median follow-up, 7.0 years). Baseline sPLA2-IIA was higher in RTRs than in healthy controls (median 384 ng/dL (range 86–6951) vs. 185 ng/dL (range 104–271), p < 0.001). Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated increased risk for graft failure (p = 0.002), as well as cardiovascular (p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (p < 0.001), with increasing sPLA2-IIA quartiles. Cox regression showed strong associations of sPLA2-IIA with increased risks of graft failure (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.42 (1.11–1.83), p = 0.006), as well as cardiovascular (HR = 1.48 (1.18−1.85), p = 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR = 1.39 (1.17−1.64), p < 0.001), dependent on parameters of kidney function. Renal function during follow-up declined faster in RTRs with higher baseline sPLA2-IIA levels. In RTRs, sPLA2-IIA is a significant predictive biomarker for chronic graft failure, as well as overall and cardiovascular disease mortality dependent on kidney function. This dependency is conceivably explained by sPLA2-IIA impacting negatively on kidney function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is the most common cause of spinal cord impairment in adults, presenting most frequently in patients 50 years or older. Gastrointestinal comorbidities (GICs) commonly occur in this group; however, their relationship with DCM has not been thoroughly investigated. It is the objective of the present study to investigate the difference between patients with or without GICs who are surgically treated for DCM. A cohort of 757 patients with clinical data and 458 with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from the AOSpine North America and AOSpine International studies on DCM was evaluated. GICs were obtained at presentation and included gastric, intestinal, hepatic, and pancreatic conditions. Patients were dichotomized into 2 groups: those with GICs and those without GICs. Both clinical and MRI presentation, as well as baseline neurological and functional status, were compared. Neurological and functional outcomes at 2-year follow-up were also compared. GICs were present in 121 patients (16%). These patients were less commonly male (48.76% vs. 65.4%, p = 0.001) and were slightly less neurologically impaired based on the Nurick grade (3.05 ± 1.10 vs. 3.28 ± 1.16, p = 0.044) but not based on mJOA (12.74 ± 2.62 vs. 12.48 ± 2.76, p = 0.33). They also had a worse physical health score (32.80 ± 8.79 vs. 34.65 ± 9.38 p = 0.049), worse neck disability (46.31 ± 20.04 vs. 38.23 ± 20.44, p < 0.001), a lower prevalence of upper motor neuron signs (hyperreflexia, 70.2% vs. 78.9%, p = 0.037; Babinski's sign 24.8% vs. 37.3%, p = 0.008), and a higher rate of psychiatric comorbidities (31.4% vs. 10.4%, p < 0.0001). On MRI, GIC patients less commonly exhibited signal intensity changes (T2 hyperintensity, 49.2% vs. 75.6%, p < 0.001; T1 hypointensity, 9.7% vs. 21.1%, p = 0.036), and had a lower number of T2 hyperintensity levels (0.82 ± 0.98 vs. 1.3 ± 1.11, p = 0.001). There was no difference in surgical outcome between the groups. DCM patients with GICs are more likely to be female and have significantly more general health impairment and neck disability. However, these patients have less clinical and MRI features typical of more severe neurological impairment. This constellation of symptoms is considerably different than those typically observed in DCM, and it is therefore plausible that nutritional factors may contribute to this unique observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, studies have highlighted cross-sectional and unidirectional prospective relationships between problem gambling and mental health symptoms or substance use. The current study aims to: (1) examine the reciprocal relationships between problem gambling and mental health symptoms (depression, generalized anxiety)/substance use variables (hazardous alcohol use, daily tobacco use, and drug use) using cross-lagged path models in a prospective general population cohort sample; and (2) determine whether these associations are moderated by age and gender. This study involved secondary data analysis from 1109 respondents who provided data during Wave 2 or 3 (12-months apart) of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Gambling Study (Australia). Depression (odds ratio (OR) = 2.164) and generalized anxiety (OR = 2.300) at Wave 2 were found to have cross-lagged associations with the subsequent development of any-risk gambling (low-risk, moderate-risk, or problem gambling) at Wave 3. Hazardous alcohol use, daily tobacco use, and drug use at Wave 2 were not associated with the development of any-risk gambling at Wave 3. Any-risk gambling at Wave 2 was not associated with the subsequent development of any mental health symptoms or substance use variables at Wave 3. Age and gender failed to be significant moderators in the associations between any-risk gambling and mental health symptoms or substance use variables. Future longitudinal and event-level research is required to further substantiate these prospective relationships, with a view to developing targeted preventions and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]