Psychometrics and validation of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in individuals with ischemic stroke in Lithuania.

Background: Experiencing stroke is associated with deterioration in health-related quality of life (HRQL). One of the generic tools used for HRQL assessment is the EuroQol instrument of five dimensions and five levels (EQ-5D-5L), which has not yet been validated in Lithuania. This study aimed to evaluate validity, reliability, and factor structure of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in a sample of Lithuanian individuals at the end of the first week after experiencing ischemic stroke (IS). Methods: The study had a cross-sectional design, including 134 individuals [61.9% men and 38.1% women; median (IQR) age was 66 years (59-73) years, in the final analysis]. Alongside the EQ-5D-5L, psychological distress was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment-7 (GAD-7); neurological impairment with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS); and functional independence with the Barthel index (BI). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed for validation of the factor structure. Results: The internal consistency of the EQ-5D-5L instrument was 0.81. A significant ceiling effect (17.2%) of the descriptive part of the EQ-5D-5L was detected. The convergent validity of the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system was confirmed, with significant correlations with the other scales used, except for the visual analog scale. The two-factor ("physical" and "emotional") model was confirmed by CFA, with acceptable fit [root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.045, RMSEA 90% CI = 0.000-0.145; comparative fit indices (CFI) = 0.996; non-normal fit index (NFI) = 0.983; Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.936; χ2/df = 1.27)]. Conclusion: This study provides information on the psychometric properties of the EQ-5D-5L instrument in Lithuanian individuals, showing that the EQ-5D-5L descriptive system is a reliable and valid tool for HRQL assessment. The Lithuanian version of the descriptive part of the EQ-5D-5L instrument is best expressed as a two-factor model, estimating the physical and emotional dimensions of HRQL in individuals who have experienced IS.

Psychophysiological responses to psychological stress exposure and neural correlates in adults with mental disorders: a scoping review.

Introduction: The dysregulation of psychophysiological responses to mental stressors is a common issue addressed in individuals with psychiatric conditions, while brain circuit abnormalities are often associated with psychiatric conditions and their manifestations. However, to our knowledge, there is no systematic overview that would comprehensively synthesize the literature on psychophysiological responses during laboratory-induced psychosocial stressor and neural correlates in people with mental disorders. Thus, we aimed to systematically review the existing research on psychophysiological response during laboratory-induced stress and its relationship with neural correlates as measured by magnetic resonance imaging techniques in mental disorders. Methods: The systematic search was performed on PubMed/Medline, EBSCOhost/PsycArticles, Web of Science, and The Cochrane Library databases during November 2021 following the PRISMA guidelines. Risk of bias was evaluated by employing the checklists for cross-sectional and case-control studies from Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewers Manual. Results: Out of 353 de-duplicated publications identified, six studies were included in this review. These studies were identified as representing two research themes: (1) brain anatomy and psychophysiological response to mental stress in individuals with mental disorders, and (2) brain activity and psychophysiological response to mental stress in individuals with mental disorders. Conclusions: Overall, the evidence from studies exploring the interplay between stress psychophysiology and neural correlates in mental disorders is limited and heterogeneous. Further studies are warranted to better understand the mechanisms of how psychophysiological stress markers interplay with neural correlates in manifestation and progression of psychiatric illnesses.

Cortisol response to psychosocial stress, mental distress, fatigue and quality of life in coronary artery disease patients.

We aimed to explore the relationship between cortisol response to psychosocial stress, mental distress, fatigue and health related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) after recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A cross-sectional study initially included 113 subjects (88% men, 53 ± 7 years) 1-3 weeks after ACS. Cortisol response was assessed by measuring salivary cortisol during Trier Social Stress Test. Mental distress was measured with Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Type D Scale-14. Fatigue symptoms were evaluated using Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20-items, while HRQoL was assessed with 36-Item Short Form Medical Outcome Questionnaire. After conducting multivariable linear regression analyses, diminished cortisol response sampled after Public speech (T3-T1, + 15 min) was significantly associated with higher anxiety symptoms (ß = -0.224; p = 0.035), while diminished cortisol response sampled after preparation time (T2-T1, + 10 min) was significantly linked with the presence of Type D personality (ß = -0.290; p = 0.006; ß = -0.282; p = 0.008 respectively), even after controlling for confounders (i.e., sex, age, education, New York Heart Association functional class, beta-blockers and baseline levels of cortisol measures). We found that mental distress, but not fatigue and HRQoL, was linked with blunted cortisol response during anticipation time of psychosocial stress, independently of potential covariates.

Contribution of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea to Cognitive Functioning of Males With Coronary Artery Disease: A Relationship With Endocrine and Inflammatory Biomarkers.

Introduction: Our exploratory study aimed to determine whether obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) could affect cognitive functioning in males with coronary artery disease (CAD), and whether such impact could be associated with changes in thyroid hormones and inflammatory marker regulation on cognitive functioning. Method: We evaluated different endocrine and inflammatory biomarkers, including free triiodothyronine [fT3], free tetraiodothyronine [fT4], N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide [NT-pro-BNP], and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hs-CRP] serum levels in 328 males ( x ¯ = 57 ± 10 years), undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after an acute coronary event. Participants underwent full-night polysomnography and were classified in mild/non-OSA (n = 253) and OSA (n = 75) according to an apnoea-hypopnoea index ≥ 15 event/h. Cognitive functioning testing included the Digit Span Test, Digit Symbol Test (DSST), and Trail Making Test. Analyses of variance assessed the impact of OSA on cognitive functioning and possible relationships of fT3/fT4, NT-pro-BNP and with hs-CRP on cognitive measures. Results: Significant group (OSA, mild/non-OSA) × NT-pro-BNP (<157.0 vs. ≥157.0, ng/L) interactions were found for the DSST raw score (F (2,324) = 3.58, p = 0.014). Decomposition of interactions showed that the DSST scores of the OSA group with NT-pro-BNP ≥ 157.0 ng/L (M = 33.2; SD = 8.1) were significantly lower, p = 0.031, than those of the mild/non-OSA with NT-pro-BNP < 157.0 ng/L (M = 37.7; SD = 8.9). Conclusion: These findings indicate that males with OSA and clinically elevated NT-pro-BNP levels experienced inferior psychomotor performance compared to those without OSA and reduced NT-pro-BNP levels.

Association of Insulin Resistance With Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Sleep Complaints: A 10-Year Follow-Up.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of insulin resistance (IR) with cardiovascular risk factors and sleep complaints among citizens of Palanga over a 10-year follow-up period. This epidemiological longitudinal cohort study was performed with 835 subjects. Methods: All participants were evaluated for sociodemographic, clinical and cardiovascular risk factors, behavioral factors, self-perceived health and biochemical analysis. IR was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). Results: All study participants were stratified into two groups, without IR (HOMA-IR ≤ 2.7) and with IR (HOMA-IR > 2.7). The analysis of parameters between the two study groups showed statistically significant relationships between IR, cardiovascular risk factors and sleep complaints within the 10-year period. After adjusting for a 10-year period, sex, age, body mass index, physical activity, education, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, presence of disease, total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM), IR was statistically significantly more frequent in subjects with increased sleep latency [odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 95% CI 1.01-1.93; p = 0.043], snoring frequency (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.05-1.79; p = 0.020) and very loud snoring (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04-1.74, p = 0.026). Conclusions: The incidence of obesity, MetS, DM, elevated fasting glucose level, triglyceridemia and sleep complaints became more frequent after a 10-year period in subjects with IR. Over a 10-year period, IR was significantly associated with an increase in sleep complaints: sleep latency reflecting difficulty to fall asleep, snoring and very loud snoring.

Association between lithium levels in drinking water and suicide rates: Role of affective disorders.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the association between lithium levels in drinking water from public supplies and suicide rates in different municipalities of Lithuania in relation with incidence of affective disorders. METHODS: 53 drinking water samples were analysed from the main public drinking water systems of the country's municipalities. Lithium levels were determined using the ion chromatography method. Information on all registered affective disorders across all age groups and gender within the 5-year period was obtained from the Department of Statistics, and was averaged across the investigation time period. For the statistical analysis, lithium levels were averaged per municipality and plotted against suicide standardized mortality rates per 100,000 populations, within the 5-year period. RESULTS: We found that lithium levels in drinking water are positively associated with the incidence of affective disorders. Our findings suggest higher incidence rates of affective disorders in the municipalities with a lithium level in drinking water above median compared to those in the municipalities with a lithium level below median and with the same socio-demographic and psychiatric characteristics. Suicide mortality rates are inversely associated with lithium levels in drinking water only in municipalities with higher lithium levels (above median) and with a high rate of affective disorders. CONCLUSION: Based on our study results and insights we generate the following hypothesis for the further research, that lithium level in drinking water might have an important protective effect against suicide rates in the population with affective disorders.

Predictive value of baseline cognitive functioning on health-related quality of life in individuals with coronary artery disease: a 5-year longitudinal study.

AIMS: Emerging studies suggest an association exists between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, with CAD acting as a precursor. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline measures of cognitive functioning and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with CAD with specification to Type D personality traits and sex. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective observational cohort study consisted of 864 participants (mean age 58 SD = 9 years, 74.0% men) with CAD after acute coronary syndrome. Baseline characteristics included comprehensive cognitive testing, measures of sociodemographic and clinical factors, and psychological assessment scales, such as Type D personality scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire assessed participants' HRQoL, conducted through phone interviews at baseline, every 6 months for up to 2 years, and after 5 years. Cognitive functioning correlated with HRQoL at all time intervals over the 5-year follow-up. Regarding sex and Type D personality, significant differences emerged in associations between impaired cognitive functioning at baseline and HRQoL measured over the period of 5 years. Men participants with characteristics of Type D personality were especially vulnerable to impaired cognitive functioning affecting the 5-year quality of life. CONCLUSION: Men with CAD who obtained scores indicating characteristics of Type D personality were significantly more likely to have lower baseline cognitive functions and long-term HRQoL outcomes. This information could inform healthcare practitioners to screen for personality characteristics and closely follow-up those at a greater risk.

Health-related quality of life and insulin resistance over a 10-year follow-up.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between insulin resistance (IR) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among citizens of Palanga in a 10-year follow-up. A randomized epidemiological study was performed with 835 subjects. The following data were examined using questionnaires: sociodemographic characteristics, behavioural factors, HRQoL and self-perceived health. Fasting blood samples were drawn from all participants, and biochemical tests were performed for glucose and insulin. IR was evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). In subjects with IR, after adjusting for various factors, logistic regression analysis showed that within 10 years, there was a significantly higher chance of deteriorating HRQoL in the areas of physical functioning (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15, p < 0.001), emotional role limitations (OR = 1.07, p = 0.034), social functioning (OR = 1.26, p = 0.004), pain (OR = 1.09, p = 0.005) and general health perception (OR = 1.07, p = 0.022). People with IR have a worse HRQoL, and as they age, they are significantly more likely to have a deterioration in their HRQoL than people without IR in the areas of physical functioning, emotional role limitations, social functioning, pain and general health perception.

Fatigue Is Associated With Diminished Cardiovascular Response to Anticipatory Stress in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue and psychophysiological reactions to mental stress are known to be problematic in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Currently, studies exploring the relationship between fatigue and cardiovascular reactivity to stress are scarce and inconsistent. The current study aimed to investigate the links between cardiovascular response to mental stress and fatigue in CAD patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: The cross-sectional study investigated 142 CAD patients (85% males, 52 ± 8 years) within 2-3 weeks after recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris. Fatigue symptoms were measured using Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory 20-items, while cardiovascular reactivity to stress [i.e., systolic (S) and diastolic (D) blood pressure (ΔBP), and heart rate (ΔHR)] was evaluated during Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). In addition, participants completed psychometric measures, including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and the Type D Scale-14. Multivariable linear regression analyses were completed to evaluate associations between fatigue and cardiovascular response to TSST, while controlling for confounders. RESULTS: After controlling for baseline levels of cardiovascular measures, age, gender, education, heart failure severity, arterial hypertension, smoking history, use of nitrates, anxiety and depressive symptoms, Type D Personality, perceived task difficulty, and perceived task efforts, cardiovascular reactivity to anticipatory stress was inversely associated with both global fatigue (ΔHR: ß = -0.238; p = 0.04) and mental fatigue (ΔSBP: ß = -0.244; p = 0.04; ΔHR ß = -0.303; p = 0.01) as well as total fatigue (ΔSBP: ß = -0.331; p = 0.01; ΔHR: ß = -0.324; p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In CAD patients after ACS, fatigue was linked with diminished cardiovascular function during anticipation of a mental stress challenge, even after inclusion of possible confounders. Further similar studies exploring other psychophysiological stress responses are warranted.

Insulin Resistance in Association with Thyroid Function, Psychoemotional State, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with insulin resistance (IR) have a high risk of diabetes or metabolic syndrome, and they are more likely to have depression. Furthermore, IR by itself is a major cardiovascular risk factor in healthy persons. Thus, we aimed to investigate IR in association with thyroid function, psychoemotional state, and cardiovascular risk factors among 45-84-year-old citizens of Palanga. METHODS: A randomized epidemiological study was performed with 850 subjects. All participants were evaluated for sociodemographic, clinical, and cardiovascular risk factors and biochemical analysis. IR was evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: All study participants were stratified into groups without IR (HOMA-IR ≤ 2.7) and with IR (HOMA-IR > 2.7). The analysis of parameters between the two study groups showed some statistically significant relationships between IR and cardiovascular risk factors. The predictable accuracy was presented using receiver performance characteristic curves for HOMA-IR scores in women and men separately. If the HOMA-IR score is higher than 3.45, individuals are significantly more likely to have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). CONCLUSIONS: An increase of fasting glucose and more frequent incidence of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases in subjects with IR are associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. There was no significant association between thyroid function and HOMA-IR. HOMA-IR cut-offs could predict the presence of T2DM.

Validation and Psychometric Properties of the Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease in Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is known to be impaired in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD), especially in those after a recent acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Heart failure (HF) is a common burden in this population that significantly contributes to worsening HRQoL. To accurately measure the level of HRQoL in individuals with CAD after ACS, disease-specific scales, such as the Minnesota living with heart failure questionnaire (MLHFQ), are recommended. Nevertheless, to date, there has not been a study that would comprehensively evaluate the psychometric properties of the MLHFQ in a large sample of individuals with CAD after ACS. The debate regarding the internal structure of MLHFQ is also still present. Hence, this study aimed to translate the MLHFQ and evaluate its internal structure, reliability/precision, and validity in individuals with CAD following ACS in Lithuania. METHODS: In the cross-sectional study, 1,083 participants (70% men, age M = 58, SD = 9) were evaluated for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. HRQoL was measured using the MLHFQ and the Short Form-36 health survey (SF-36). In addition, exercise capacity (EC) was also evaluated in the study patients, using a standardized computer-driven bicycle ergometer. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the MLHFQ subscales (0.79-0.88) was found to be good. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided the support for the three-factor model ("physical domain," "social domain," and "emotional domain") of the MLHFQ and showed acceptable fit [comparative fit indices (CFI) = 0.894; goodness-of-fit (GFI) = 0.898; non-normal fit index (NFI) = 0.879, and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.073]. Regarding convergent evidence, significant associations were found between the MLHFQ domains and the SF-36 domains and EC (r's range 0.11-0.58). CONCLUSION: The current study completed cultural validation and provided further information on the psychometric characteristics of the MLHFQ in Lithuania, suggesting MLHFQ as a valid and reliable instrument to measure HRQoL. The Lithuanian version of MLHFQ is best described by a three-factor solution, measuring physical, social, and emotional dimensions of HRQoL among individuals with CAD following ACS.

Relationship between Lithium Levels in Drinking Water and Suicide Rates: A Nationwide Study in Lithuania.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an association of lithium levels in the drinking water with suicide mortality rates in Lithuania. Methods: Samples from public drinking water systems were taken in all districts of Lithuania. Lithium levels were determined using the ion chromatography method. For the statistical calculations, lithium levels were averaged per district municipality and plotted against suicide standardized mortality rates (SMR) per 100,000 populations, within the 5-year period from 2012 to 2016. Results: We found that lithium concentrations in drinking water were significantly negatively associated with total suicide rates in a nonlinear way. Conclusion: Lithium intake with drinking water may affect suicide rates in some geographical areas.

Multidimensional Structure of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: Factorial Validity and Reliability in Patients With Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Lithuania.

AIMS: The current study aimed to evaluate the factorial structure of the Lithuanian version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) in patients with anxiety and mood disorders (AMD). METHODS: The AUDIT was completed by 199 consecutive outpatients with AMD (21% men, mean age 39 ± 12 years), as defined by AMD criteria in DSM-5. The MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used for current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder (AUD). Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected. RESULTS: In patients with AMD, the AUDIT showed high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and good psychometric characteristics for identifying current AUD at a cut-off value of ≥9 (positive predictive value = 83.7%, sensitivity = 94.7%, specificity = 95.7%). The confirmatory factor analysis suggested a three-factor ('consumption', 'dependence' and 'related consequences') structure and indicated adequate fit to the model (comparative fit index = 0.966, normed fit index = 0.936, root mean square error of approximation = 0.072). CONCLUSIONS: The findings are in line with increasing evidence suggesting that the AUDIT measures three separate factors related to alcohol misuse level of consumption, dependence and alcohol-related consequences and support the utility of AUDIT as a screening instrument for AUD in AMD patients in Lithuania.

Mental Fatigue, But Not other Fatigue Characteristics, as a Candidate Feature of Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder in Patients with Anxiety and Mood Disorders-An Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: Obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is commonly associated with anxiety and mood disorders (AMDs), in which fatigue and executive dysfunction represent key symptoms. Executive dysfunction has also been demonstrated in subjects with OCPD, and is additionally found to be a cardinal feature of fatigue. This study aimed to investigate the associations between fatigue, executive dysfunction, and OCPD in patients with AMDs. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 85 AMD patients (78% females, mean age 39 ± 11 years) were evaluated for OCPD traits by using the observer-rated Compulsive Personality Assessment Scale. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory-20 was used to measure different aspects of fatigue, and the Trail Making Test was employed to assess executive functioning. The Hamilton rating scales were used to evaluate anxiety and depression symptoms. RESULTS: Controlling for potential confounders, there was a significant link between OCPD and mental fatigue (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.58; p = 0.033). No associations were found between the presence of OCPD and other relevant fatigue characteristics, including general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation, as well as executive functions. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report associations between OCPD and mental fatigue in patients with AMDs, suggesting mental fatigue as a clinically important symptom when considering particular personality pathologies.

Validation of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory with Coronary Artery Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is a common distressing symptom in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) is used for measuring fatigue in various clinical settings. Nevertheless, its multidimensional structure has not been consistent across studies. Thus, we aimed to psychometrically evaluate the MFI in patients with CAD. METHODS: In sum, 1162 CAD patients completed questionnaires assessing their subjective fatigue level (MFI-20), mental distress symptoms (HADS, STAI), and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Participants also completed exercise capacity (EC) testing. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis of the four-factor model, showed acceptable fit (CFI = 0.905; GFI = 0.895; NFI = 0.893, RMSEA = 0.077). After eliminating four items, confirmatory factor analysis testing showed improvement in the four-factor model of the MFI-16 (CFI = 0.910; GFI = 0.909; NFI = 0.898, RMSEA = 0.077). Internal consistency values were adequate for the total score and four MFI-16 subscales: General fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, and mental fatigue with Cronbach's α range: 0.60-0.82. The inadequate value (Cronbach's α = 0.43) was received for the subscale of reduced motivation in both MFI-20 and MFI-16. Correlations between the MFI-16 and HADS, STAI, SF-36, and EC measures were statistically significant (all p's < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Lithuanian version of the modified MFI of 16 items showed good factorial structure and satisfactory psychometric characteristics, except for reduced motivation subscale.

Deiodinases, organic anion transporter polypeptide polymorphisms and symptoms of anxiety and depression after ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Emotional disturbances, such as anxiety and depression are common after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Individual variation in emotional outcome is strongly influenced by genetic factors. One of pituitary axis, is the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, a critical regulator of post-stroke recovery, suggesting that allelic variants in thyroid hormone (TH) signaling regulation can influence stroke outcome. AIM: To determine associations between AIS emotional outcome and allelic variants of the TH metabolizing enzymes 1-3 type deiodinase (DIO1-3) and the membrane transporting organic anion polypeptide 1C1 (OATP1C1). METHODS: Eligible AIS patients from Lithuania (n=168) were genotyped for ten DIO1-3 and OATP1C1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP): DIO1 rs12095080-A/G, rs11206244-C/T, and rs2235544-A/C; DIO2 rs225014-T/C and rs225015-G/A; DIO3 rs945006-T/G; OATP1C1 rs974453-G/A, rs10444412-T/C, rs10770704-C/T, and rs1515777-A/G. Emotional outcome was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale at discharge from the neurology department after experienced index AIS. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, the major allelic (wild-type) DIO1-rs12095080 genotype (AA) was associated with higher odds ratio of anxiety symptoms (OR = 5.16; 95% CI: 1.04-25.58; p = 0.045), conversely, DIO1-rs11206244 wild-type genotype (CC) and wild-type OATP1C1-rs1515777 allele containing the genotypes (AA + AG) were associated with lower odds ratio of symptoms of anxiety (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.14-0.96; p = 0.041 and OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.12-0.76; p = 0.011, respectively). Wild-type OATP1C1-rs974453 genotype (GG) was associated with higher odds ratio of symptoms of depression (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.04-7.12; p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Allelic variants in thyroid axis genes may predict emotional outcomes of AIS.

Importance of Thyroid Hormone level and Genetic Variations in Deiodinases for Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Longitudinal Observational Study.

This study aimed to examine the influence of thyroid hormone (TH) levels and genetic polymorphisms of deiodinases on long-term outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In total, 290 patients who have experienced AMI were evaluated for demographic, clinical characteristics, risk factors, TH and NT-pro-BNP. Polymorphisms of TH related genes were included deiodinase 1 (DIO1) (rs11206244-C/T, rs12095080-A/G, rs2235544-A/C), deiodinase 2 (DIO2) (rs225015-G/A, rs225014-T/C) and deiodinase 3 (DIO3) (rs945006-T/G). Both all-cause and cardiac mortality was considered key outcomes. Cox regression model showed that NT-pro-BNP (HR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.18- 3.78; p = 0.012), the first quartile of fT3, and DIO1 gene rs12095080 were independent predictors of cardiac-related mortality (HR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.04-2.91; p = 0.034). The DIO1 gene rs12095080 AG genotype (OR = 3.97; 95% CI = 1.45-10.89; p = 0.005) increased the risk for cardiac mortality. Lower fT3 levels and the DIO1 gene rs12095080 are both associated with cardiac-related mortality after AMI.

Neurocognitive markers of suicidal ideation in patients with anxiety and mood disorders.

Objective: This study aims at identifying associations between cognitive function and suicidal ideation in the sample of patients with anxiety and mood disorders (AMD).Methods: In sum, 186 (age = 39 ± 12.3 years; 142 [76.3%] females) patients with AMD were enrolled in the study. Assessment included evaluation of socio-demographic information, medication use, anxiety and depression symptoms. Cognitive tests included measures of psychomotor performance and incidental learning using the Digit Symbol Test. Trail Making Tests respectively measured perceptual speed, task-switching and executive control. Additionally, 21 patients completed tests from the Cambridge Automated Neuropsychological Test Battery measuring set shifting (Interdimensional/extradimensional set-shift), executive planning (Stockings of Cambridge), and decision making (Cambridge Gamble Task [CGT]).Results: Almost half (45.0%, n = 86) of the study sample patients had experienced suicidal ideations. In multivariable regression analysis, suicidal ideation was associated with a greater overall proportion of bet and risk taking on the CGT task (ß = 0.726, p = .010 and ß = 0.634, p = .019), when controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, medication use, anxiety and depression symptoms.Conclusions: Outpatients with AMD and suicidal ideation could be distinguished by the presence of cognitive deficits in the executive function domain, particularly in impulse-control and risk taking.

Nonthyroidal Illness Syndrome in Ischaemic Stroke Patients is Associated with Increased Mortality.

BACKGROUND: Results of studies on associations between triiodothyronine serum levels and mortality after acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are inconsistent. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to evaluate links between serum levels of thyroid axis associated hormones and all-cause mortality during 1 year after AIS. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study involved 255 patients with AIS. Patients were divided into two groups: those who survived 1 year after their index stroke and those who not, and by quartiles of free triiodothyronine (FT3) and ΔFT3 (difference between basal FT3 and repeated FT3 on discharge) hormone serum concentrations. To assess serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), FT3 and free tetraiodothyronine (FT4), venous blood was taken from all included patients on admission to hospital. On discharge, blood tests were repeated for 178 (69.8%) patients. Study endpoints were overall mortality within 30, 90 and 365 days after AIS. RESULTS: Compared with the survivals, those who died had significantly lower mean FT3, FT3/FT4 ratio in all periods and lower median TSH within 30 days. Higher FT3 serum levels versus lower, even after adjustment for included important variables, remained significant for lower odds of death within 365 days after AIS (OR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.33-0.97, p=0.04), but added insignificant additional predictive value to the NIHSS score or age. Kaplan-Meier survival curves demonstrated that the first FT3 quartile was significantly associated with increased mortality compared with all other quartiles within 365 days after AIS. With ΔFT3 quartiles no such association was found. CONCLUSIONS: Higher FT3 levels on admission versus lower are significantly associated with lower mortality within 365 days after AIS. FT3 serum levels changes over time didn't show any association with mortality within first year.

Deiodinases, organic anion transporter polypeptide polymorphisms and ischemic stroke outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is a major cause of premature death and chronic disability worldwide, and individual variation in functional outcome is strongly influenced by genetic factors. Neuroendocrine signaling by the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-thyroid axis is a critical regulator of post-stroke pathogenesis, suggesting that allelic variants in thyroid hormone (TH) signaling can influence stroke outcome. AIM: To examine associations between acute ischemic stroke (AIS) outcome and allelic variants of the TH metabolizing enzymes deiodinase type 1-3 (DIO1-3) and membrane transporting organic anion polypeptide C1 (OATP1C1). METHODS: Eligible AIS patients from Lithuania (n = 248) were genotyped for ten DIO1-3 and OATP1C1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): DIO1 rs12095080-A/G, rs11206244-C/T, and rs2235544-A/C; DIO2 rs225014-T/C and rs225015-G/A; DIO3 rs945006-T/G; OATP1C1 rs974453-G/A, rs10444412-T/C, rs10770704-C/T, and rs1515777-A/G. Functional outcome was evaluated one year after index AIS using the modified Rankin Scale. Analyses were adjusted for important confounders, including serum free triiodothyronine. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, the major allelic (wild-type) DIO3 genotype rs945006-TT was associated with better 1-year AIS functional outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.08-0.74; p = .013), while the wild-type OATP1C1 genotype rs10770704-CC was associated with poorer outcome (OR = 2.00, 95%CI: 1.04-3.86; p = .038). CONCLUSION: Allelic variants in thyroid axis genes may prove useful for prognosis and treatment guidance.