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Objective Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women. While over-the-counter products have helped with the physical symptoms of PMS, emotional symptoms have been less well supported. The objective of this trial was to measure the effect of an oxaloacetate/vitamin C combination on the major emotional symptoms of PMS, including depression, anxiety, perceived stress, aggression, and suicidal ideation. Methods Forty-eight women experiencing PMS completed a baseline survey comprising the Beck’s Depression Inventory, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Test, and Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire. After baseline measurements, participants were randomly assigned to take either 2 capsules of 100 mg oxaloacetate/150 mg ascorbic acid, or 2 capsules of rice flour (placebo) for their entire menstrual cycle. At menstruation, the women completed the 4 surveys again. The women then switched capsules in a cross-over design and continued the study for an additional menstrual cycle. The final assessment was repeated at menstruation. Statistical analysis of the 4 surveys was performed to examine efficacy. Results Oxaloacetate/vitamin C supplementation during PMS significantly improved depression, perceived stress, anxiety, aggression, and suicidal ideation. The mean improvement in depression was 54.1%, 35.8% for perceived stress, 51.43% for generalized anxiety, and 17.8% for aggression. Suicidal ideation was reduced by 47.9%. All results were highly significant. Conclusion A combination of oxaloacetate and vitamin C supplementation helped to alleviate depression, anxiety, perceived stress, aggression, and suicidal ideation symptoms associated with PMS. Trial Registration Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: NCT03509714

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) often occurs after emotional or physical stress. Norepinephrine levels are unusually high in the acute phase, suggesting a hyperadrenergic mechanism. Comparatively little is known about parasympathetic function in patients with TC. We sought to characterize autonomic function at rest and in response to physical and emotional stimuli in 10 women with a confirmed history of TC and 10 age-matched healthy women. Sympathetic and parasympathetic activity was assessed at rest and during baroreflex stimulation (Valsalva maneuver and tilt testing), cognitive stimulation (Stroop test), and emotional stimulation (event recall, patients). Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and measurement of brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation were also performed. TC women (tested an average of 37 months after the event) had excessive pressor responses to cognitive stress (Stroop test: p0.001 vs baseline and p = 0.03 vs controls) and emotional arousal (recall of TC event: p = 0.03 vs baseline). Pressor responses to hemodynamic stimuli were also amplified (Valsalva overshoot: p0.05) and prolonged (duration: p0.01) in the TC women compared with controls. Plasma catecholamine levels did not differ between TC women and controls. Indexes of parasympathetic (vagal) modulation of heart rate induced by respiration and cardiovagal baroreflex gain were significantly decreased in the TC women versus controls. In conclusion, even long after the initial episode, women with previous episode of TC have excessive sympathetic responsiveness and reduced parasympathetic modulation of heart rate. Impaired baroreflex control may therefore play a role in TC.

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome are important targets for secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease. However, the prevalence in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention is not well defined. We aimed to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with previously unrecognized prediabetes, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Methods Data were collected from 740 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2010 and March 2013 at a tertiary referral center. Prevalence of DM and prediabetes was evaluated using Haemoglobin A1c (A1c ≥ 6.5% for DM, A1c 5.7–6.4% for prediabetes). A modified definition was used for metabolic syndrome [three or more of the following criteria: body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL; high density lipoprotein

Background: The recognized importance of psychological and behavioral factors in human performance highlights the need for devising new techniques that positively affect perceptions to achieve better outcomes. New software called Reframe Technology imbedded in an iPod has been developed to achieve such a goal. Methods: Nineteen subjects with at least one issue to perceptually resolve used the Reframe Technology following proper protocols. Changes in resolving personal issues and mood were evaluated using the: (1) Positive States of Mind Scale, (2) Hassles and Uplifts Scale, and (3) Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Results: The score on the Positive States of Mind Scale significantly increased from Day 0 to Day 14 (p=0.003) and Day 30 (p=0.001) and also from Day 14 to Day 30 (p=0.03). Significant decreases were also noted from Day 0 in the Hassles scores at each weekly time point, i.e., from Day 0 to Day 7 (p=0.02), from Day 0 to Day 14 (p = 0.001), from Day 0 to Day 21 (p=0.003), and from Day 0 to Day 30 (p=0.001). Changes on the Uplifts scores were non-significant. A highly significant decrease occurred in the intensity of the reframed issues (M difference=3, SD=1.9, p

The American Heart Association recommends targeting 7 cardiovascular (CV) health metrics to reduce morbidity and mortality. Control of these targets in patients undergoing CV intervention is uncertain.We prospectively studied patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary or peripheral intervention from November 2010 to May 2012. We recorded data on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and social history. Risk factor control was categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor according to the 7 American Heart Association-defined CV health metrics (smoking status, body mass index, physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure, and metabolic control). Linear regression model was used to evaluate the association between baseline characteristics and poor CV health.Among 830 consecutive patients enrolled, mean age is 67.3 ± 10.8 years, 74.2% are male, and 62.1% are white. The adequacy of achievement of ideal CV health is suboptimal in our cohort; the mean number of ideal CV metrics is 2.15 ± 1.06. Less than 1 in 10 (9.7%) met ≥4 ideal CV health metrics. After multivariate analysis, male sex (P = .04), nonwhite race (P = .01), prior coronary artery disease (P.01), prior peripheral arterial disease (P.01), and history of depression (P = .01) were significantly associated with poor CV health.Among patients referred for elective CV intervention, achievement of ideal CV health is poor. Elective interventions represent an opportunity to identify and target CV health for risk factor control and secondary prevention.