Role of infection as a risk factor for atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke

Oral frailty is associated with mortality independently of physical and psychological frailty among older adults

BACKGROUND

Although oral frailty is independently associated with an increased risk of mortality, evidence for the usefulness of screening tools for oral frailty is less than that for physical frailty screening tools. We aimed to investigate the relationship between oral frailty and mortality in older adults.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included 11,374 adults aged ≥65 years, who provided valid responses to a baseline mail survey questionnaire from the Kyoto-Kameoka study. Oral frailty status was evaluated using the Oral Frailty Index-8 (range, 0 [best] to 10 [worst]). Participants were classified into four categories according to the Oral Frailty Index-8: robust (score, 0-2), oral pre-frailty (score, 3), oral frailty (score, 4-6), and oral severe frailty (score ≥ 7). Physical and psychological frailty were evaluated using the validated frailty-screening index and defined as a score of ≥3 out of a possible 5 points. Mortality data were collected from 30 July 2011 to 30 November 2016. Hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause mortality were calculated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

During the 5.3-year median follow-up period (57,157 person-years), 1184 deaths were recorded. After adjusting for confounders, including physical and psychological frailty, medical history, and lifestyle, in comparison with a robust oral status, oral pre-frailty (HR, 1.29; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.63), oral frailty (HR, 1.22; 95 % CI, 1.01-1.48), and oral severe frailty (HR, 1.43; 95 % CI, 1.16-1.76) were associated with higher HRs of mortality (p for trend = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Oral frailty is associated with mortality independent of physical and psychological frailty in older adults. The Oral Frailty Index-8 may be useful for identifying individuals at high risk of mortality.

Estimated Incidence of Hospitalizations and Deaths Attributable to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Among Adults in Germany Between 2015 and 2019

INTRODUCTION

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden in adults is underestimated mainly due to unspecific symptoms and limited standard-of-care testing. We estimated the population-based incidence of hospitalization and mortality attributable to RSV among adults with and without risk factors in Germany.

METHODS

Weekly counts of hospitalizations and deaths for respiratory, cardiovascular, and cardiorespiratory diseases were obtained (Statutory Health Insurance database, 2015-2019). A quasi-Poisson regression model was fitted to estimate the number of hospitalizations and deaths attributable to RSV as a function of periodic and aperiodic time trends, and viral activity while allowing for potential overdispersion. Weekly counts of RSV and influenza hospitalizations in children < 2 years and adults ≥ 60 years, respectively, were used as viral activity indicators. Models were stratified by age group and risk status (defined as presence of selected comorbidities).

RESULTS

Population-based RSV-attributable hospitalization incidence rates were high among adults ≥ 60 years: respiratory hospitalizations (236-363 per 100,000 person-years) and cardiorespiratory hospitalizations (584-912 per 100,000 person-years). RSV accounted for 2-3% of all cardiorespiratory hospitalizations in this age group. The increase in cardiorespiratory hospitalization risk associated with underlying risk factors was greater in 18-44 year old persons (five to sixfold higher) than in ≥ 75 year old persons (two to threefold higher).

CONCLUSIONS

This is a first model-based study to comprehensively assess adult RSV burden in Germany. Estimated cardiorespiratory RSV hospitalization rates increased with age and were substantially higher in people with risk factors compared to those without risk factors. Our study indicates that RSV, like other respiratory viruses, contributes to both respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations. Effective prevention strategies are needed, especially among older adults ≥ 60 years and among adults with underlying risk factors.

Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial Microflora in Dental and Atherosclerotic Plaques of Patients With Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis

Background

Internal carotid artery stenosis is primarily attributed to atherosclerosis in the carotid artery bifurcation. Previous studies have detected oral bacteria in atherosclerotic lesions, suggesting an association between oral bacteria and atherosclerosis. In this study, we compared the bacterial flora of the atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid artery and dental plaque of patients with internal carotid artery stenosis using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) metagenomic sequencing.

Methods

Fifty-four patients who underwent internal carotid endarterectomy for internal carotid artery stenosis at the Showa University Hospital between April 2016 and February 2018 were included. Polymerase chain reaction targeting the 16S rRNA gene detected bacterial DNA in the carotid plaques of 11 cases, of which only 5 could be further analyzed. Thereafter, DNA extracted from the carotid and oral plaques of these 5 cases were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing targeting 16S rRNA. In addition, their general condition and oral conditions were evaluated. The patients were classified into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups based on the presence or absence of symptoms of transient ischemic attack, and their bacterial flora was evaluated.

Results

The results demonstrated that the microflora of carotid plaques (n = 5) contained bacterial species from 55 families and 78 genera. In addition, 86.5% of the bacteria detected in the carotid plaques were also detected in oral plaques. Cariogenic and periodontopathic bacteria accounted for 27.7% and 4.7% of the bacteria in the carotid plaques, respectively.

Conclusions

These results suggest that oral bacteria are directly or indirectly involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. More extensive studies of oral commensal bacteria detected in extra-oral lesions are warranted to comprehensively investigate the role of oral bacteria in the pathogenesis of systemic diseases.

Interactions between systemic diseases and oral microbiota shifts in the aging community: A narrative review

As a gateway to general health and a diverse microbial habitat, the oral cavity is colonized by numerous microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea. Oral microbiota plays an essential role in preserving oral health. Besides, the oral cavity also significantly contributes to systemic health. Physiological aging influences all body systems, including the oral microbial inhabitants. The cited effect can cause diseases by forming dysbiotic communities. Since it has been demonstrated that microbial dysbiosis could disturb the symbiosis state between the host and the resident microorganism, shifting the condition toward a more pathogenic one, this study investigated how the oral microbial shifts in aging could associate with the development or progression of systemic diseases in older adults. The current study focused on the interactions between variations in the oral microbiome and prevalent diseases in older adults, including diabetes mellitus, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases, oral candidiasis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and glaucoma. Underlying diseases can dynamically modify the oral ecology and the composition of its resident oral microbiome. Clinical, experimental, and epidemiological research suggests the associations of systemic disorders with bacteremia and inflammation after oral microbial changes in older adults.

Risk of Inappropriately Timed Live Vaccination After Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgery

OBJECTIVE

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend delaying live vaccinations up to 11 months after transfusions of certain blood products due to the risk of immunoglobulins decreasing immunization efficacy. Because vaccination schedules recommend live immunizations at 12 months, infants aged 5 to 12 months who undergo cardiac surgery requiring blood products are potentially at risk for improper vaccination. The objective of this study was to identify the risk of inappropriately timed live vaccination in pediatric patients after cardiovascular surgery.

METHODS

This single-center, retrospective chart review included 345 patients 5 to 12 months of age who underwent cardiovascular surgery between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016. Included patients received packed red blood cells (PRBCs) and/or platelets during the surgical admission and a live vaccine within the first 18 months of life. The primary endpoint was the incidence of live vaccine administration within 7 months of receiving PRBCs and/or platelets.

RESULTS

Of the 345 included patients, 67% (n = 230) were inappropriately vaccinated after receiving platelets and/or PRBCs during cardiac surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants who undergo cardiac surgery between the ages of 5 and 12 months are at risk for inappropriate live vaccination timing. A clinically significant percentage of pediatric patients who received blood products during a cardiac surgical admission later received live vaccines at times that were inconsistent with AAP, ACIP, and CDC recommendations. Future interventions aimed at educating providers and patients may be warranted.

The blood microbiome and its association to cardiovascular disease mortality: case-cohort study

Background

Little is known about the association between bacterial DNA in human blood and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.

Methods

A case-cohort study was performed based on a 9 ½ year follow-up of the Oslo II study from 2000. Eligible for this analysis were men born in 1923 and from 1926 to 1932. The cases were men (n = 227) who had died from CVD, and the controls were randomly selected participants from the same cohort (n = 178). Analysis of the bacterial microbiome was performed on stored frozen blood samples for both cases and controls. Association analyses for CVD mortality were performed by Cox proportional hazard regression adapted to the case-cohort design. We used the Bonferroni correction due to the many bacterial genera that were identified.

Results

Bacterial DNA was identified in 372 (82%) of the blood samples and included 78 bacterial genera from six phyla. Three genera were significantly associated with CVD mortality. The genera Kocuria (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 8.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.05, 17.84)) and Enhydrobacter (HR 3.30 (2.01, 5.57)) indicate an association with CVD mortality with increasing levels. The genera Paracoccus (HR 0.29 (0.15, 0.57)) was inversely related. Significant predictors of CVD mortality were: the feeling of bad health; and the consumption of more than three cups of coffee per day. The following registered factors were borderline significant, namely: a history of heart failure; increased systolic blood pressure; and currently taking antihypertensive drugs now, versus previously.

Conclusions

The increasing levels of two bacterial genera Kocuria (skin and oral) and Enhydrobacter (skin) and low levels of Paracoccus (soil) were associated with CVD mortality independent of known risk factors for CVD.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02791-7.

Oral frailty indicators to target major adverse health-related outcomes in older age: a systematic review

A well-preserved oral function is key to accomplishing essential daily tasks. However, in geriatric medicine and gerodontology, as age-related physiological decline disrupts several biological systems pathways, achieving this objective may pose a challenge. We aimed to make a systematic review of the existing literature on the relationships between poor oral health indicators contributing to the oral frailty phenotype, defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral function together with a decline in cognitive and physical functions, and a cluster of major adverse health-related outcomes in older age, including mortality, physical frailty, functional disability, quality of life, hospitalization, and falls. Six different electronic databases were consulted by two independent researchers, who found 68 eligible studies published from database inception to September 10, 2022. The risk of bias was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Toolkits for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. The study is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021241075). Eleven different indicators of oral health were found to be related to adverse outcomes, which we grouped into four different categories: oral health status deterioration; decline in oral motor skills; chewing, swallowing, and saliva disorders; and oral pain. Oral health status deterioration, mostly number of teeth, was most frequently associated with all six adverse health-related outcomes, followed by chewing, swallowing, and saliva disorders associated with mortality, physical frailty, functional disability, hospitalization, and falls, then decline in oral motor skills associated with mortality, physical frailty, functional disability, hospitalization, and quality of life, and finally oral pain was associated only with physical frailty. The present findings could help to assess the contribution of each oral health indicator to the development of major adverse health-related outcomes in older age. These have important implications for prevention, given the potential reversibility of all these factors.

Ang II-Induced Hypertension Exacerbates the Pathogenesis of Tuberculosis

It has been known that infection plays a role in the development of hypertension. However, the role of hypertension in the progression of infectious diseases remain unknown. Many countries with high rates of hypertension show geographical overlaps with those showing high incidence rates of tuberculosis (TB). To explore the role of hypertension in tuberculosis, we compared the effects of hypertension during mycobacterial infection, we infected both hypertensive Angiotensin II (Ang II) and control mice with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strain H37Ra by intratracheal injection. Ang II-induced hypertension promotes cell death through both apoptosis and necrosis in Mtb H37Ra infected mouse lungs. Interestingly, we found that lipid accumulation in pulmonary tissues was significantly increased in the hypertension group compared to the normal controls. Ang II-induced hypertension increases the formation of foamy macrophages during Mtb infection and it leads to cell death. Moreover, the hypertension group showed more severe granuloma formation and fibrotic lesions in comparison with the control group. Finally, we observed that the total number of mycobacteria was increased in the lungs in the hypertension group compared to the normal controls. Taken together, these results suggest that hypertension increases intracellular survival of Mtb through formation of foamy macrophages, resulting in severe pathogenesis of TB.

Association of recurrent common infections and subclinical cardiovascular disease in Mexican women

BACKGROUND

Acute and agent-specific chronic infections have been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, however data on the burden of common recurrent infections on cardiovascular disease is limited. We hypothesized women with greater exposure to uncomplicated common infectious events had an increased risk of subclinical cardiovascular disease (sCVD).

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study, we assessed the relation of recurrent infections and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in 1946 disease-free women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort. Through 2012-2016, participants answered structured questions on respiratory, urinary and vaginal infections during the previous year and their IMT was measured using ultrasound by standardized neurologists. We defined sCVD as mean right and left IMT ≥0.8 mm or the presence of atheromatous plaque. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the association of infectious events with IMT and sCVD adjusting for age, sociodemographic, and cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

Among participants (50±5 years) 13% reported no infections, 20% one infection and 67% three or more episodes. Overall prevalence of sCVD was 12%(n = 240). Adjusted models for logistic regression showed that women with 2 or more infections had 91% higher odds of sCVD (OR 1.91; 95%CI 1.16, 3.13) compared to women without infections (p-trend:0.015). Sub-analyses by type of infection resulted not significant. Linear regression analysis did not show a significant association between mean IMT and recurrent infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent infectious events in young adult women are associated with greater sCVD, which supports the hypothesis of low-grade chronic inflammation in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.

Associations between Quasi-biennial Oscillation phase, solar wind, geomagnetic activity, and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction

An increase in the daily rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been observed during days of geomagnetic storm (GS). However, the analysis of associations between the daily number of AMI and geomagnetic activity (GMA) over longer periods sometimes yields controversial results. The study aimed to detect the complex association between the daily numbers of AMI and weather, the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO) phase, GMA, and solar wind variables. We used data of Kaunas population-based Ischemic Heart Disease Register of residents of Kaunas city (Lithuania) for 2000-2012. The associations between weather and space weather variables and the daily number of AMI were evaluated by applying the multivariate Poisson regression. A higher risk of AMI was positively associated with active-stormy local GMA (rate ratio (RR) = 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.10)), solar wind dynamic pressure with a lag of 4 days (RR = 1.02 (1.01-1.04) per 1 nPa increase), and solar wind speed with a lag of 3-7 days (RR = 1.03 (1.01-1.05) per 100 km/s increase). A positive association was found between the west QBO phase and the risk of AMI during winter (RR = 1.08 (1.01-1.16)), and a negative association was observed between them during March-November (RR = 0.93 (0.90-0.97)). The risk of AMI positively associated with the GS due to stream interaction regions with a lag of 0-2 days during the east QBO phase (RR = 1.10, p = 0.046) and was negatively associated with them during the west QBO phase (RR = 0.82, p = 0.024). These results may help understand the population's sensitivity under different weather and space weather conditions. The QBO phase may modify the effect of GS.

Low levels of antibodies for the oral bacterium Tannerella forsythia predict cardiovascular disease mortality in men with myocardial infarction: A prospective cohort study

Antibody levels to periodontal pathogens in prediction of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality were explored using data from a health survey in Oslo in 2000 (Oslo II-study) with 12 1/2 years follow-up. IgG antibodies to four common periodontal pathogens; Tannerella forsythia (TF), Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG), and Treponema denticola (TD) all termed collectively the "red complex", and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(AA) were analysed. The study sample consisted of 1172 men drawn from a cohort of 6,530 men who participated in the Oslo II-study, where they provided information on medical and dental history. Of the study sample, 548 men had reported prior myocardial infarction (MI) at baseline whereas the remaining 624 men were randomly drawn from the ostensibly healthy participants for comparative analyses. Dental anamnestic information included tooth extractions and oral infections. An inverse relation was found for trend by the quartile risk level of TF predicting CVD mortality, p-value for trend = 0.017. Comparison of the first to fourth quartile of TF antibodies resulted in hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.94, p = 0.015, adjusted for age, education, diabetes, daily smoking, and systolic blood pressure. Specificity comparing decile 1 to deciles 2-10 of TF predicting mortality was 92.3%. We found an increased HR by low levels of antibodies to the bacterium T. forsythia predicting CVD mortality in a 12 ½ years follow-up in persons who had experienced an MI but not among non-MI men. This novel finding constitutes a plausible causal link between oral infections and CVD mortality.

Periodontal health and detection of periodontal bacteria in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Introduction: Recent studies have found that patients with periodontitis have greater risk of incurring fatal cardiovascular disease than patients without periodontitis. Emerging research has identified inflammation caused by periodontitis as significantly increasing the risk for ACS. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate a periodontal status in the patients with ACS, and to assess the association of different periodontal parameters with ACS. Material and methods: In the first group, patients both with ACS and periodontitis were enrolled as cases. Patients were examined 3 days after ischemia. The second group consisted of patients who had only periodontitis. The control group consisted of healthy individuals. Periodontal parameters were measured and matched on the basis of demographic characteristics and assessed between the groups. The severity of periodontitis in both cases was analyzed. Results: Analysis of the periodontal parameters showed that median scores were higher in patients in the first and the second group compared to the third control group but significantly higher in group with ACS. Levels of inflammatory markers were highest in the first group, compared to the second group and the control group. Periodontal pathogens were more strongly present in patients with ACS than in the group with periodontitis, indicating that it was a serious illness in these patients. Conclusion: This study supports an association between periodontitis and ACS. Severe periodontitis is present in this patients indicating that periodontitis can further act on the development of ACS.

Oral health and cardiovascular disease risk factors and mortality of cerebral haemorrhage, cerebral infarction and unspecified stroke in elderly men: A prospective cohort study

Background: Stroke mortality comprises different specific diagnoses as cerebral infarction, different haemorrhagic conditions and unspecified stroke. This study seeks to explore the prediction of oral health indicators versus known cardiovascular disease risk factors for stroke mortality. Methods: Altogether, 12,764 men aged 58 to 77 years were invited to the health screening Oslo II in the year 2000. It included general medical measurements and questionnaire information. Mortality data were supplied by Statistics Norway for the 6530 attending men. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to establish prediction models for mortality. Results: Oral health by number of tooth extractions >10 was found to be an independent predictor for cerebral infarction hazard ratio = 2.92, 95% confidence interval (1.24-6.89). This was independent of HDL-Cholesterol (inversely) hazard ratio = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (0.06-0.76), frequent alcohol consumption (drinking 4-7 times per week) hazard ratio = 3.58, 95% confidence interval (1.40-9.13) and diabetes hazard ratio = 4.28, 95% confidence interval (1.68-10.89). Predictors for cerebral haemorrhage were age, hs-C-reactive protein and body mass index (inversely). Age and total cholesterol (inversely) were predictors for unspecified stroke. Conclusions: Oral health measured by number of tooth extractions >10 was an independent predictor for cerebral infarction in addition to age, HDL-C, hs-C-reactive protein and diabetes. The pattern of risk factors varied between the specific stroke diagnoses.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Associations With Cardiovascular Disease in Adults

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is historically known for causing respiratory illness in young children, but the appreciation of its impact on older adults is growing. Studies have shown that hospitalization for respiratory illness due to RSV is complicated by cardiovascular events in 14% to 22% of adult patients, including worsening congestive heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, and arrhythmias. Additionally, underlying cardiovascular disease is associated with hospitalization in 45% to 63% of adults with confirmed RSV. In summary, patients with cardiopulmonary disease have higher rates of health care utilization for RSV-related illness and worse outcomes. Patients with cardiovascular disease likely represent an important target population for the rapidly developing field of RSV vaccines.

Comparison of Coronary Culprit Lesion Morphology Determined by Optical Coherence Tomography and Relation to Outcomes in Patients Diagnosed with Acute Coronary Syndrome During Winter -vs- Other Seasons

Patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during winter have worse outcomes; however, mechanisms driving this trend are unclear. We examined coronary culprit lesion morphologies using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Features and outcomes were retrospectively compared between patients admitted with ACS in winter (W-ACS; n = 390) and in other seasons (O-ACS; n = 1,027). Angiography and OCT results were analyzed in patients who underwent OCT examination (173 patients in W-ACS and 450 in O-ACS). On initial angiography, minimum lumen diameter was smaller (median; 0.12 mm vs 0.25 mm, p = 0.021) and Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grade was worse (Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction 0/1; 57% vs 44%, p = 0.005) in W-ACS. OCT performed before coronary interventions or just after intracoronary thrombectomy showed that plaque rupture (56% vs 46%) and calcified nodules (8% vs 5%) were more prevalent, and plaque erosion (37% vs 49%) was less prevalent in W-ACS (p = 0.039 for all 3 variables). At 2-year follow-up for all admitted ACS patients, Kaplan-Meier estimates showed higher cardiac mortality in W-ACS (11.8% vs 8.3%, p = 0.043). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that patients in W-ACS group had a 1.5-fold increased risk of cardiac death within 2 years after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hazard ratio, 1.54 [95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 2.23]; p = 0.024). In conclusion, patients diagnosed with ACS during winter had worse angiographic results and OCT revealed less plaque erosion (more plaque rupture or calcified nodules) at the culprit lesions, which may be partly associated with worse cardiac mortality within 2 years.

Association between the CD14-260C>T gene polymorphism and susceptibility to myocardial infarction: Evidence from case-control studies

Numerous published studies have investigated the relationship between the CD14-260C>T (rs2569190) polymorphism and the risk of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the results are still conflicting and inconclusive. Potentially eligible published articles were searched in four databases including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM). The odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the strength of the associations. Thirteen papers including 17 case-control studies were included, reporting a total of 6,443 MI patients and 6,315 controls. A significant increase in overall MI susceptibility was identified in the homozygote model. In the subgroup analysis, with respect to the type of MI, a significantly increasing acute MI susceptibility was found in the homozygote model. In the subgroup analysis for ethnicity, a significant increased susceptibility was found in Asian populations in allele, homozygote, recessive and dominant models. However, no significant association was found among Caucasian populations. In conclusion, there may be a moderate association between the CD14-260C>T polymorphism and acute MI susceptibility. This association may be different between ethnicities with the CD14-260C>T polymorphism being a risk factor for myocardial infarction in Asian populations.

Clots retrieved by mechanical thrombectomy from acute ischemic stroke patients show no evidence of bacteria

BACKGROUND

Bacteria and bacterial components have been associated with the activation of coagulation factors and initiating the blood clot formation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether bacterial populations are present in clots retrieved from patients that have suffered a large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clot samples were collected from 20 AIS patients who underwent clot retrieval with mechanical thrombectomy. Patient clinical demographic details were noted. Expression of bacterial 16S rDNA was analyzed by standard and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Gram staining was performed to identify Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

RESULTS

Both the real-time and standard PCR demonstrated no expression of 16S rDNA in any of the 20 clots samples from AIS patients. Gram staining results showed no expression of Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria present in the clot samples.

CONCLUSION

Our current study found no bacteria populations in the clots of AIS patients.

Effect of CD14 polymorphisms on the risk of cardiovascular disease: evidence from a meta-analysis

Background

CD14 polymorphisms are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. So far, many studies have been conducted, whereas the results were not always consistent.

Materials and methods

Twenty-six articles involving thirty-seven datasets were recruited to evaluate the association between rs2569190 (9413 patients and 7337 controls), C-159T (4813 patients and 2852 controls) polymorphisms and cardiovascular diseases in a meta-analysis. The random or fixed effect models were used to evaluate the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals.

Results

The strongest association was observed between rs2569190 and CVD in overall population (T vs. C, OR = 1.169, 95% CI: 1.087–1.257, p = 2.44 × 10^− 5). Analysis after stratification by ethnicity indicated that rs2569190 was related to CVD in East Asian population (T vs. C, OR = 1.370, 95% CI; 1.226–1.531, p = 2.86 × 10^− 8) and a potential relationship in European (T vs. C, OR = 1.100, 95% CI: 1.019–1.189, p = 0.015). In the stratification of endpoints, the associations were found in CHD subgroup (T vs. C, OR = 1.357, 95% CI: 1.157–1.592, p = 2.47 × 10^− 7) and in AMI subgroup (T vs. C, OR = 1.152, 95% CI: 1.036–1.281, p = 0.009). However, we did not find any association between C-159T polymorphism with cardiovascular disease under any model.

Conclusions

The SNP rs2569190 significantly contribute to susceptibility and development of cardiovascular disease, particularly in the East Asian population and in the subtype CHD group, in addition, a potential association was observed in the AMI group, T allele acts as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12944-019-1018-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Oral Health Status, Health Behaviour and Treatment Needs of Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Surgery

Objective

The aim of the present study was to assess the oral health status and treatment needs of cardiovascular surgery patients. Second, the awareness of cardiovascular surgery patients regarding the association between oral health and heart disease was considered.

Methods

Assessment of oral health status, oral hygiene practices and treatment needs of 106 hospitalized patients in preparation for cardiovascular surgery. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire designed for this study and oral examination was carried out by a dentist.

Results

The oral hygiene practices of the study cohort were not up to the standard. Patients' awareness of infective endocarditis was poor. Approximately 68% patients experienced dental caries as decayed teeth or missing teeth due to caries and filled teeth. The mean plaque index in the study group was 1.25. In this study cohort, the mean probing depth of periodontal pockets was 5.7±1.3, whereas the mean number of teeth with periodontal pockets > 6 mm was 0.5±0.9. A total of 84 (74.2%) of the patients required dental treatment.

Conclusion

The principal finding in this study was that patients with heart disease had poor oral health. This study also highlights the importance of better interaction among all healthcare professionals to integrate oral health as part of comprehensive inpatient healthcare.

The relationship between tooth loss and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular diseases, and coronary heart disease in the general population: systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies

Background: The association of tooth loss with mortality from all causes, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been studied for many years; however, the results are inconsistent.

Method: PubMed, Embase, Web of Knowledge, and Cochrane Oral Health Group’s Trials Register databases were searched for papers published from 1966 to August 2018. We conducted dose–response meta-analysis to quantitatively evaluate the relation between tooth loss and risk of mortality from all causes, CVD, and CHD.

Results: In the present study, 18 prospective studies conducted until August 2018 were considered eligible for analysis. In the analysis of linear association, the summarized relative risk (RR) values for each 10-, 20-, and 32-tooth loss for all-cause mortality were 1.15 (1.11–1.19), 1.33 (1.23–1.29), and 1.57 (1.39–1.51), respectively. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses showed consistent results. A linear relationship was found among all-cause mortality, with P_nonlinearity = 0.306. The susceptibility to all-cause mortality increased by almost 1.48 times at very high tooth loss (28–32), and slight flattening of the curve was noted. However, the summarized RR values for increment for 10-, 20-, and 32-tooth loss were not or were marginally related to increased risk of mortality from CVD/CHD. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses revealed inconsistent results. Tooth loss showed linear association with CHD mortality but not with CVD mortality. The susceptibility to all-cause mortality increased by almost 1.48 and 1.70 times for CVD and CHD, respectively, at very high tooth loss (28–32). The curve exhibited slight flattening; however, no statistical significance was detected.

Conclusion: In the meta-analysis, our findings confirmed the positive relationship between tooth loss and susceptibility to all-cause mortality, but not for circulatory mortality. However, the finding that tooth loss might play a harmful role in the development of all-cause mortality remains inconclusive. Tooth loss may be a potential risk marker for all-cause mortality: however, their association must be further validated through large prospective studies.

Viral infection and atherosclerosis

Several risk factors have been described for the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Infectious diseases are suggested to be a causative factor, and some viruses have been studied for their relation with atherosclerotic diseases. Studies report two hypotheses, direct and indirect effects, for the role of viral infections in atherogenesis. Viruses are able to initiate atherosclerosis by two different pathways. They can exert their direct effects on atherogenesis by infecting vascular cells and then inducing inflammation in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells. Alternatively, they can also apply indirect effects by infecting non-vascular cells and inducing systemic inflammation. In this review, we consider the available data about the effects and correlations of DNA and RNA viruses on atherosclerosis.

Seasonal Periodicity of Ischemic Heart Disease and Heart Failure

Seasonal variation for ischemic heart disease and heart failure is known. The interplay of environmental, biological, and physiologic changes is fascinating. This article highlights the seasonal periodicity of ischemic heart disease and heart failure and examines some of the potential reasons for these unique observations.

Iron Homeostasis in Tissues Is Affected during Persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae Infection in Mice

Chlamydia pneumoniae (C. pneumoniae) may be a mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. For its growth C. pneumoniae depends on iron (Fe), but how Fe changes in tissues during persistent infection or affects bacterial replication in tissues is unknown. C. pneumoniae-infected C57BL/6J mice were sacrificed on days 4, 8, 20, and 40. Mice had bacteria in the lungs and liver on all days. Inflammatory markers, chemokine Cxcl2 and interferon-gamma, were not affected in the liver on day 40. The copper (Cu)/zinc (Zn) ratio in serum, another marker of infection/inflammation, increased on day 4 and tended to increase again on day 40. The Fe markers, transferrin receptor (TfR), Hepcidin (Hamp1), and ferroportin 1 (Fpn1), increased in the liver on day 4 and then normalized except for TfR that tended to decrease. TfR responses were similar to Fe in serum that increased on day 4 but tended to decrease thereafter. In the liver, Fe was increased on day 4 and also on day 40. The reappearing increases in Cu/Zn on day 40 concomitant with the increase in liver Fe on day 40, even though TfR tended to decrease, and the fact that viable C. pneumoniae was present in the lungs and liver may indicate the early phase of activation of recurrent infection.

An Unsettled Debate About the Potential Role of Infection in Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis

Association of infection with atherosclerosis is by no means new. Several sero-epidemiological and pathologic studies as well as animal models have shown a link between infection and atherosclerosis. Exciting discoveries in recent times related to role of inter-individual genetic variation in modulating inflammatory response to infection have reignited the enthusiasm in proving a causal link between infection and atherosclerosis. The purpose of this article was to review and analyze the available evidence linking infection with atherosclerosis.

From focal sepsis to periodontal medicine: a century of exploring the role of the oral microbiome in systemic disease

The oral microbiome is established within a few minutes after birth and consists of stable multi-species communities that engage in a dynamic equilibrium with the host immune system. Dental caries, endodontic infections and periodontal diseases are bacterially driven diseases that are caused by dysbiotic microbiomes. Over a century ago, the focal infection theory implicated these infections in the aetiology of several systemic diseases, ranging from arthritis to neurodegenerative diseases. However, a lack of concrete evidence, combined with the urgency with which clinicians embraced this approach without regard for appropriate case selection, led to its demise within 30 years. In the last decade of the 20th century, the concept of periodontal medicine was introduced to explain the correlations that were being observed between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, pulmonary disease, pre-term delivery of low birth weight infants and metabolic disease. It was proposed that periodontal pathobionts played a causal role in the initiating or exacerbating certain diseases either by direct invasion or by stimulating a florid immune-inflammatory response that extended into the systemic circulation. This review will examine the strength of current evidence in establishing a causal link between oral pathobionts and systemic disease.

Trace Element Changes in Thoracic Aortic Dissection

Thoracic aortic dissection is a life-threatening condition with an incompletely understood pathogenesis. Trace elements are essential for the functioning of different processes in the body, including the immune system and associated responses to infection/inflammation. Because inflammation may be part of the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection, we investigated whether trace element changes associated with inflammation occur in serum and tissue samples during the disease. The study included 21 patients undergoing surgery for thoracic aortic dissection, 10 forensic autopsy specimens for tissue controls and 23 healthy blood donors for serum controls. Levels of magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), vanadium (V), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) were measured in the aortic tissue and serum by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the serum, Ca, V, Cu and Zn decreased, whereas Fe increased. In the tissue, Cu and Zn decreased and Fe tended to increase. The Cu/Zn ratio in the serum, a marker of infection/inflammation, did not change in the patients. Concerning trace element changes in the serum and tissue, our data do not support the hypothesis that inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of thoracic aortic dissection.

Association between chronic periodontitis and hypertension in South Indian population: A cross-sectional study

Aim:

The aim of this work was investigating if there is any association between chronic periodontitis and hypertension, to assess any individual relationship with Basal metabolic index (BMI) and any association with white blood cell count (WBC count) in South Indian population.

Settings and Design:

This study is a cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 77 patients between the age group of 30–50 years, who were included after excluding risk factors for hypertension.

Subjects and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Sree Balaji Dental College in the Outpatient Department of Periodontology. Blood pressure (BP) was recorded in the sitting, standing, and lying positions. The three positions were examined to assess the mean value of BP. Other data collected include sociodemographic details, diet, education status, height, weight, BMI, and WBC. The periodontal status of the subjects was assessed by the bleeding index (Ainamo and Bay) and community periodontal index by community periodontal index and treatment needs.

Statistical Data:

The statistical data were assessed by SPSS software version 17.

Results:

There were 77 subjects participated in this study. However, there was an association between BMI sitting systolic BP is negative the P = 0.044, which is significant. Mean of generalized chronic periodontitis in sitting systolic BP is 118.0833 (95% confidence intervals 112.17 ± 123.99).

Conclusions:

We did not find any statistical significance between these two variables. However, this study is a cross-sectional study further; longitudinal studies need to be done to establish the true phenomena.

Relation of Total and Cardiovascular Death Rates to Climate System, Temperature, Barometric Pressure, and Respiratory Infection

A distinct seasonal pattern in total and cardiovascular death rates has been reported. The factors contributing to this pattern have not been fully explored. Seven locations (average total population 71,354,000) were selected where data were available including relatively warm, cold, and moderate temperatures. Over the period 2004 to 2009, there were 2,526,123 all-cause deaths, 838,264 circulatory deaths, 255,273 coronary heart disease deaths, and 135,801 ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) deaths. We used time series and multivariate regression modeling to explore the association between death rates and climatic factors (temperature, dew point, precipitation, barometric pressure), influenza levels, air pollution levels, hours of daylight, and day of week. Average seasonal patterns for all-cause and cardiovascular deaths were very similar across the 7 locations despite differences in climate. After adjusting for multiple covariates and potential confounders, there was a 0.49% increase in all-cause death rate for every 1°C decrease. In general, all-cause, circulatory, coronary heart disease and STEMI death rates increased linearly with decreasing temperatures. The temperature effect varied by location, including temperature's linear slope, cubic fit, positional shift on the temperature axis, and the presence of circulatory death increases in locally hot temperatures. The variable effect of temperature by location suggests that people acclimatize to local temperature cycles. All-cause and circulatory death rates also demonstrated sizable associations with influenza levels, dew point temperature, and barometric pressure. A greater understanding of how climate, temperature, and barometric pressure influence cardiovascular responses would enhance our understanding of circulatory and STEMI deaths.

Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment on Clinical and Biochemical Risk Markers of Cardiovascular Disease: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Various studies have shown periodontal disease is one of the risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD), and periodontal treatment of patients with CHD has also been correlated with reduction in systemic markers of CHD. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) on the cardiovascular clinical and biochemical status of patients with CHD.

METHODS

Seventy known patients with CHD were allocated randomly to either a control group (C; no periodontal therapy) (n = 35) or an experimental group (E; NSPT in the form of scaling and root planing [SRP]) (n = 35). Cardiovascular status was assessed using clinical parameters such as pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure (BP), and biochemical parameters, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, and white blood cell (WBC) count, at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed using Student t test, and P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The complete data at the end of the study were provided by only 55 patients (group C, n = 25; group E, n = 30). Highly statistically significant reduction was observed in systolic BP (7.1 mm Hg) and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs; 5.16 mg/dL) in group E. Changes were also observed in other cardiovascular biochemical and clinical parameters but were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

NSPT (in the form of SRP) positively affects limited cardiovascular (clinical and biochemical) status of patients with CHD. Reduction in triglyceride, VLDL, total WBC, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts and increase in hsCRP, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein levels were observed. Highly significant reduction in VLDL cholesterol levels and systolic BP was observed among the various parameters measured.

Cryptic Bacteria of Lower Limb Deep Tissues as a Possible Cause of Inflammatory and Necrotic Changes in Ischemia, Venous Stasis and Varices, and Lymphedema

BACKGROUND

Infections and inflammation of the lower limb skin, soft tissues, and vessels are more common than in other body regions. The aim was to determine whether cryptic bacteria dwelling in deep tissues are the cause.

METHODS

We performed bacteriologic studies of specimens harvested from arteries of amputated ischemic legs, leg varices, and tissue fluid/lymph and lymphatics in lymphedema.

RESULTS

Calf arteries contained isolates in 61% and femoral arteries in 36%, whereas normal cadaveric organ donors' arteries in 11%. Bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was detected in 70%. The majority of isolates belonged to the coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus; however, highly pathogenic bacteria were also detected. All were sensitive to all antibiotics except penicillin. Saphenous vein varices contained bacterial cells in 40% and controls 4%; bacterial DNA was found in 69%. The majority of bacteria were S. epidermidis and S. aureus susceptible to all antibiotics except penicillin, Lymph and epifascial lymphatics limb contained bacteria in 60% and 33% samples, respectively and controls in 7%. Most were S. epidermidis susceptible to all antibiotics except penicillin.

CONCLUSION

Cryptic bacteria are present in lower limb tissues and may play a pathologic role in surgical site infections. Proper antibacterial prophylaxis should be considered when planning surgical interventions.

Adverse outcomes after major surgery in patients with pressure ulcer: a nationwide population-based retrospective cohort study

Background

Postoperative adverse outcomes in patients with pressure ulcer are not completely understood. This study evaluated the association between preoperative pressure ulcer and adverse events after major surgeries.

Methods

Using reimbursement claims from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study of 17391 patients with preoperative pressure ulcer receiving major surgery in 2008-2010. With a propensity score matching procedure, 17391 surgical patients without pressure ulcer were selected for comparison. Eight major surgical postoperative complications and 30-day postoperative mortality were evaluated among patients with pressure ulcer of varying severity.

Results

Patients with preoperative pressure ulcer had significantly higher risk than controls for postoperative adverse outcomes, including septicemia, pneumonia, stroke, urinary tract infection, and acute renal failure. Surgical patients with pressure ulcer had approximately 1.83-fold risk (95% confidence interval 1.54-2.18) of 30-day postoperative mortality compared with control group. The most significant postoperative mortality was found in those with serious pressure ulcer, such as pressure ulcer with local infection, cellulitis, wound or treatment by change dressing, hospitalized care, debridement or antibiotics. Prolonged hospital or intensive care unit stay and increased medical expenditures were also associated with preoperative pressure ulcer.

Conclusion

This nationwide propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study showed increased postoperative complications and mortality in patients with preoperative pressure ulcer. Our findings suggest the urgency of preventing and managing preoperative pressure ulcer by a multidisciplinary medical team for this specific population.

Impact of sepsis on risk of postoperative arterial and venous thromboses: large prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of preoperative sepsis on risk of postoperative arterial and venous thromboses.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database of the American College of Surgeons (ACS-NSQIP).

SETTING

Inpatient and outpatient procedures in 374 hospitals of all types across the United States, 2005-12.

PARTICIPANTS

2,305,380 adults who underwent surgical procedures.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Arterial thrombosis (myocardial infarction or stroke) and venous thrombosis (deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) in the 30 days after surgery.

RESULTS

Among all surgical procedures, patients with preoperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome or any sepsis had three times the odds of having an arterial or venous postoperative thrombosis (odds ratio 3.1, 95% confidence interval 3.0 to 3.1). The adjusted odds ratios were 2.7 (2.5 to 2.8) for arterial thrombosis and 3.3 (3.2 to 3.4) for venous thrombosis. The adjusted odds ratios for thrombosis were 2.5 (2.4 to 2.6) in patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome, 3.3 (3.1 to 3.4) in patients with sepsis, and 5.7 (5.4 to 6.1) in patients with severe sepsis, compared with patients without any systemic inflammation. In patients with preoperative sepsis, both emergency and elective surgical procedures had a twofold increased odds of thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative sepsis represents an important independent risk factor for both arterial and venous thromboses. The risk of thrombosis increases with the severity of the inflammatory response and is higher in both emergent and elective surgical procedures. Suspicion of thrombosis should be higher in patients with sepsis who undergo surgery.

Atherosclerosis and tumor suppressor molecules (review)

Atherosclerosis, the major cause of heart attack and stroke, is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein through increased oxidative stress has been identified as one of the primary factors responsible for atherogenesis. Cell proliferation and death are key processes in the progression of atherosclerosis. The oxidative environment in areas of lipid accumulation is mainly created by the production of reactive oxygen species, which are assumed to mediate vascular tissue injury. Oxidative DNA damage and levels of DNA repair are reduced during dietary lipid lowering. The tumor suppressor molecules play a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, DNA repair and cell death, which are important processes in regulating the composition of atherosclerotic plaque. Accordingly, in this review, we discuss the fundamental role of tumor suppressor molecules in regulating atherogenesis. In particular, we discuss how tumor suppressor molecules are activated in the complex environment of atherosclerotic plaque, and regulate growth arrest, cell senescence and the apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells, which may protect against the progression of atherosclerosis. In addition, we discuss promising alternatives to the use of medications (such as statin) against atherosclerosis, namely diet, with the use of plant-derived supplements to modulate the expression and/or activity of tumor suppressor molecules. We also summarize the progress of research made on herbs with a focus on the modulatory roles of tumor suppressors, and on the molecular mechanisms underlying the prevention if atherosclerosis, supporting designs for further research in this field.

Invasion of oral and aortic tissues by oral spirochete Treponema denticola in ApoE(-/-) mice causally links periodontal disease and atherosclerosis

Treponema denticola is a predominantly subgingival oral spirochete closely associated with periodontal disease and has been detected in atherosclerosis. This study was designed to evaluate causative links between periodontal disease induced by chronic oral T. denticola infection and atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic ApoE(-/-) mice. ApoE(-/-) mice (n = 24) were orally infected with T. denticola ATCC 35404 and were euthanized after 12 and 24 weeks. T. denticola genomic DNA was detected in oral plaque samples, indicating colonization of the oral cavity. Infection elicited significantly (P = 0.0172) higher IgG antibody levels and enhanced intrabony defects than sham infection. T. denticola-infected mice had higher levels of horizontal alveolar bone resorption than sham-infected mice and an associated significant increase in aortic plaque area (P ≤ 0.05). Increased atherosclerotic plaque correlated with reduced serum nitric oxide (NO) levels and increased serum-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels compared to those of sham-infected mice. T. denticola infection altered the expression of genes known to be involved in atherosclerotic development, including the leukocyte/endothelial cell adhesion gene (Thbs4), the connective tissue growth factor gene (Ctgf), and the selectin-E gene (Sele). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed T. denticola clusters in both gingival and aortic tissue of infected mice. This is the first study examining the potential causative role of chronic T. denticola periodontal infection and vascular atherosclerosis in vivo in hyperlipidemic ApoE(-/-) mice. T. denticola is closely associated with periodontal disease and the rapid progression of atheroma in ApoE(-/-) mice. These studies confirm a causal link for active oral T. denticola infection with both atheroma and periodontal disease.

Increased risk of stroke after septicaemia: a population-based longitudinal study in Taiwan

Inflammation and infection have been noted to increase stroke risk. However, the association between septicaemia and increased risk of stroke remains unclear. This population-based cohort study, using a National Health Insurance database, aimed to investigate whether patients with septicaemia are predisposed to increased stroke risk. The study included all patients hospitalised for septicaemia for the first time between 2000 and 2003 without prior stroke. Patients were followed until the end of 2010 to evaluate incidence of stroke. An age-, gender- and co-morbidities-matched cohort without prior stroke served as the control. Cox's proportional hazards regressions were used to assess differences in stroke risk between groups. Based on hazard ratios (HRs), patients with septicaemia had greater stroke risk, especially in the younger age groups (age <45: HR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.39-7.24, p<0.001; age 45-64: HR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.41-2.19, p<0.001; age ≥ 65: HR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.91-1.22, p>0.05). Haemorrhagic stroke was the dominant type (ischaemic stroke: HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.06-1.37, p<0.01; haemorrhagic stroke: HR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.35-2.46, p<0.001) and patients without co-morbidities were at slightly higher risk (without co-morbidities: HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.02-2.17, p<0.05; with co-morbidities: HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.10-1.41, p<0.001). The impact of septicaemia on stroke risk was highest within 6 months of the event and gradually declined over time. Our results suggest that septicaemia is associated with an increase in stroke risk, which is greatest in haemorrhagic stroke. Closer attention to patients with history of septicaemia may be warranted for stroke preventive measures, especially for younger patients without co-morbidities.

Acute infection contributes to racial disparities in stroke mortality

OBJECTIVE

It is unknown whether racial differences in exposure to acute precipitants of stroke, specifically infection, contribute to racial disparities in stroke mortality.

METHODS

Among participants in the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study with linked Medicare data (1991-2007), we conducted a case-crossover study employing within-person comparisons to study racial/ethnic differences in the risks of death and hospitalization from ischemic stroke following acute infection.

RESULTS

There were 964 adults hospitalized for ischemic stroke. Acute infection increased the 30-day risks of ischemic stroke death (5.82-fold) and ischemic stroke hospitalization (1.87-fold). Acute infection was a more potent trigger of acute ischemic stroke death in non-Hispanic blacks (odds ratio [OR] 39.21; 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.26-166.00) than in non-Hispanic whites (OR 4.50; 95% CI 3.14-6.44) or Hispanics (OR 5.18; 95% CI 1.34-19.95) (race-by-stroke interaction, p = 0.005). When adjusted for atrial fibrillation, infection remained more strongly associated with stroke mortality in blacks (OR 34.85) than in whites (OR 3.58) and Hispanics (OR 3.53). Acute infection increased the short-term risk of incident stroke similarly across racial/ethnic groups. Infection occurred often before stroke death in non-Hispanic blacks, with 70% experiencing an infection in the 30 days before stroke death compared to a background frequency of 15%.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute infection disproportionately increases the risk of stroke death for non-Hispanic blacks, independently of atrial fibrillation. Stroke incidence did not explain this finding. Acute infection appears to be one factor that contributes to the black-white disparity in stroke mortality.

Incidence of first ever stroke during Hajj ceremony

BACKGROUND

The Hajj Ceremony, the largest annual gathering in the world, is the most important life event for any Muslim. This study was designed to evaluate the incidence of stroke among Iranian pilgrims during the Hajj ceremony.

METHODS

We ascertained all cases of stroke occurring in a population of 92,974 Iranian pilgrims between November 27, 2007 and January 12, 2008. Incidence and risk factors of the first ever stroke in Hajj pilgrims were compared, within the same time frame, to those of the Mashhad residents, the second largest city in Iran. Data for the latter group were extracted from the Mashhad Stroke Incidence Study (MSIS) database.

RESULTS

During the study period, 17 first-ever strokes occurred in the Hajj pilgrims and 40 first-ever stroke strokes occurred in the MSIS group. Overall, the adjusted incidence rate of first ever stroke in the Hajj cohort was lower than that of the MSIS population (9 vs. 16 per 100,000). For age- and gender-specific subgroups, the Hajj stroke crude rates were in general similar to or lower than the general population of Mashhad, Iran, with the exception of women aged 35 to 44 years and aged >75 years who were at greater risk of having first-ever stroke than the non-pilgrims of the same age.

CONCLUSION

The first ever stroke rate among Iranian Hajj pilgrims was lower than that of the general population in Mashhad, Iran, except for females 35-44 or more than 75 years old. The number of events occurring during the Hajj suggests that Islamic countries should consider designing preventive and screening programs for pilgrims.

Oral microbiota and systemic disease

It is well known that bacteria are the primary cause of infectious diseases, however, evidence is emerging that these organisms are also indirectly responsible for several diseases including cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. The oral cavity is home to several million bacteria that can cause two major diseases-periodontitis and caries. The relationship between periodontopathic bacteria and systemic diseases has been explored for several years. The concept of the oral cavity as a source of distant infection has been debated for at least a century. This review will discuss the historic aspects of the development of the focal infection theory, the reasons for its demise, its re-emergence and current status.

Association of oral health and cardiovascular disease risk factors "results from a community based study on 5900 adult subjects"

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the association between some oral health status as a risk factor for cardiac diseases and other cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in a sample of Iranian population in 2011. Methods. The study recruited 5900 inhabitants who aged 15–75 years old of Kerman city through a population based cluster sampling. Having collected informed consent, participants were interviewed for CVD risk factors. Some oral health indicators such as DMFT, Gingival Inflammation index, and Community Periodontal Index were assessed. The association between oral health indices and CVD risk factors was tested using multivariate regression models. Results. The mean age of participants was 33.5 years, and 45.1% were male. Moderate gingival inflammation was observed in 67.6% of participants. Presence of sub- or supragingival calculus was more common (90%) in participants. Older age (RR from 2.7 to 3.88), cigarette smoking (RR = 1.49), and high blood glucose (RR = 1.41) showed an increased risk for oral diseases after adjustment for different covariates including established CVD risk factors. Conclusion. The study results showed an increase in periodontal diseases in the presence of some CVD risk factors. Therefore there may be a bilateral but independent association for both conditions and common risk factor approach preventive program is highly recommended.

Higher frequency of atrial fibrillation linked to colder seasons and air temperature on the day of ischemic stroke onset

BACKGROUND

Whether a seasonal variation of atrial fibrillation among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients occurs is unknown. We studied the distribution of atrial fibrillation across seasons and air temperatures in a cohort of AIS patients.

METHODS

We selected 899 AIS patients from the Argentinean Stroke Registry (ReNACer), who were admitted to 43 centers in the Province of Buenos Aires. We recorded the minimum and maximum temperatures at local weather centers on the day and the city where each stroke occurred. We used the goodness-of-fit χ(2) test to assess the distribution of atrial fibrillation across seasons and air temperatures and the Pearson correlation coefficient to assess the relationship between these variables. We developed a regression model for testing the association between seasons and atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

We found a seasonal variation in the occurrence of atrial fibrillation, with a peak in winter and a valley in summer (23.1% versus 14.0%, P < .001). The semester comprised by autumn and winter was associated with atrial fibrillation (Pearson P < .001). Atrial fibrillation showed a nonhomogeneous distribution across ranges of temperature (P < .001, goodness-of-fit test), with a peak between 5°C and 9°C, and was associated with minimum (Pearson P = .042) and maximum (Pearson P = .002) air temperature. After adjusting for significant covariates, there was a 2-fold risk of atrial fibrillation during autumn and winter.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of AIS patients, atrial fibrillation showed a seasonal variation and a nonhomogeneous distribution across air temperatures, with peaks in cold seasons and low temperatures on the day of stroke onset.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels unaltered in symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid plaque patients from north India

We aimed to identify the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1) as a serum biomarker of symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaque in North Indian population. Individuals with symptomatic carotid atherosclerotic plaque have high risk of ischemic stroke. Previous studies from western countries have shown an association between VEGF and MCP-1 levels and the incidence of ischemic stroke. In this study, venous blood from 110 human subjects was collected, 57 blood samples of which were obtained from patients with carotid plaques, 38 neurological controls without carotid plaques, and another 15 healthy controls who had no history of serious illness. Serum VEGF and MCP-1 levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We also correlated the data clinically and carried out risk factor analysis based on the detailed questionnaire obtained from each patient. For risk factor analysis, a total of 70 symptomatic carotid plaque cases and equal number of age and sex matched healthy controls were analyzed. We found that serum VEGF levels in carotid plaque patients did not show any significant change when compared to either of the controls. Similarly, there was no significant upregulation of MCP-1 in the serum of these patients. The risk factor analysis revealed that hypertension, diabetes, and physical inactivity were the main correlates of carotid atherosclerosis (p < 0.05). Prevalence of patients was higher residing in urban areas as compared to rural region. We also found that patients coming from mountain region were relatively less vulnerable to cerebral atherosclerosis as compared to the ones residing at non mountain region. On the contrary, smoking, obesity, dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, and tobacco chewing were not observed as the determinants of carotid atherosclerosis risk in North India (p > 0.05). We conclude that the pathogenesis of carotid plaques may progress independent of these inflammatory molecules. In parallel, risk factor analysis indicates hypertension, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyle as the most significant risk factors of ischemic stroke identified in North India. This could be helpful in early identification of subjects at risk for stroke and devising health care strategies.

Oral health status of patients with acute coronary syndrome--a case control study

Background

The aim of this investigation was to assess the state of oral health of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to compare this with that of a provably healthy control group (H).

Methods

33 patients who were receiving treatment as inpatients following acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina pectoris took part in the study (ACS-group). A healthy control group (H-group) made up of blood donors, was formed following matching for age, gender, and smoking habit with the study patient group.

The dental investigation consisted of the dental status (DMF-T), a plaque-Index (PI), an assessment of gingival inflammation (GI) and periodontal situation (Periodontal Screening Index: PSR®/PSI), and attachment loss (AL). Statistical evaluation: t-test, Mann–Whitney-test and chi- squared test (level of significance p < 0.05).

Results

The mean DMF-T of the ACS-group (18.7 ± 6.8) and the H-group (19.4 ± 5.1) showed no difference (p = 0.7). Although, in the ACS-group the average loss of teeth (M-T: 8.4 ± 5.2) was higher than in the H-group (M-T: 5.8 ± 6.6) the difference was not significant (p = 0.2). Whereas with the PI no difference between the two groups was found (p = 0.9), the ACS-group showed significantly more signs of inflammation (GI) than the H-group (p = 0.045). In the case of PSR®/PSI, there was no difference between the two groups (p = 0.7). With regard to AL, no difference was revealed between ACS- and H-group (p = 0.2).

Conclusion

Although, the state of oral health of the ACS-group differed only insignificantly from that of control, patients with ACS showed more signs of gingival inflammation and a higher loss of teeth.