A large-sample assessment of possible association between ischaemic stroke and rs12188950 in the PDE4D gene.

Previous reports have shown ambiguous findings regarding the possible associations between ischaemic stroke (IS) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) gene region. The SNP rs12188950 (or SNP45) has often been studied in this context. We performed a multi-centre study involving a large sample of 2599 IS patients and 2093 control subjects from the south and west regions of Sweden to replicate previous studies regarding IS risk and rs12188950. Subjects from Lund Stroke Register (LSR), Malmö Diet and Cancer Study (MDC) and Sahlgrenska Academy Study on Ischemic Stroke (SAHLSIS) were enroled. Subgroups of participants with hypertension and participants <55 years of age, as well as the TOAST subgroups large vessel disease, small vessel disease and cardioembolism, were also assessed. Univariate odds ratios (ORs) and ORs controlling for hypertension, diabetes and current smoking were calculated. We additionally performed a meta-analysis including 10,500 patients and 10,102 control subjects from 17 publications (including the present study). When assessing pooled data from LSR, MDC and SAHLSIS we obtained no association between IS and rs12188950 for all participants (OR=0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.83-1.05). Significant associations were not found for hypertensive participants or participants with age <55, or when separately evaluating patients from the three different TOAST subgroups. The meta-analysis showed no significant overall estimate (OR=0.96; 95% CI: 0.89-1.04) with significant heterogeneity for random effect (P=0.042). No effect from rs12188950 on IS was found from either our pooled multi-centre data or the performed meta-analysis. We did not find any association between the examined subgroups and rs12188950 either.

Road traffic noise in southern Sweden and its relation to annoyance, disturbance of daily activities and health.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated residential noise from road traffic and its relation to annoyance, disturbance of daily activities, and general health. METHODS: A large public health survey in southern Sweden in 1999-2000 supplied data (N=13 557; 54% participation rate) on the demography, annoyance, and disturbance of daily activities, and on general health problems regarding concentration, sleep, stress, and treatment for hypertension. Residential road noise exposure was assessed with a geographic information system. Associations with 24-hour equivalent (average) and maximum road noise level were investigated for all participants and for selected subgroups using the Cochran-Armitage trend test and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Annoyance from road traffic noise and the disturbance of daily activities increased markedly with road noise exposure. More than 25% reported at least occasional disturbance from traffic noise during relaxation and sleep in the highest exposure category for each noise measure. No overall pattern between road noise exposure and general health problems emerged. Among the participants that reported annoyance from road traffic noise (N=623), the average road noise level was associated with concentration problems (P for trend = 0.03) and with treatment for hypertension (P for trend = 0.02). Positive associations between average road noise exposure and health problems were found among females (hypertension), persons born outside Sweden (sleep), the unemployed (stress), and participants that reported financial problems (concentration problems). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to road traffic noise at high levels was common and produced frequent disturbances of daily activities. Negative health effects from road traffic noise were observed in important subgroups. The findings are of concern for southern Sweden, as well as for other regions with similar or higher traffic intensity.