Job demands, resources and work-related well-being in UK firefighters

BACKGROUND

There is evidence that firefighters are at risk of work-related stress and mental health problems, but little is known about the organizational hazards they experience. Insight is needed into the work-related factors that are most likely to threaten or protect their work-related well-being.

AIMS

To identify levels of job demands and resources (including demands relating to workload, work patterns and the working environment, relationship conflicts, control, support, role clarity and change management) among firefighters, and to use a job demands-resources framework to examine their impacts on work-related well-being. The role played by recovery strategies in predicting work-related well-being was also considered.

METHODS

Job demands and resources were assessed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool. Validated scales measured recovery strategies (detachment, affective rumination and problem-solving pondering) and work-related well-being (anxiety-contentment and depression-enthusiasm). The impact of job demands, resources and recovery strategies was tested by multiple linear regression.

RESULTS

The sample comprised 909 firefighters across seven Fire and Rescue Services in the UK (85% male). Levels of job demands and resources did not meet HSE benchmarks. The main risk factors for poor work-related well-being were relationship conflicts and affective rumination, but resources such as role clarity and job control and the use of problem-solving pondering and detachment were beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that aim to reduce relationship conflicts at work and promote problem-solving rather than affective rumination, and detachment from work when off-duty, are likely to improve work-related well-being. Attention to enhancing job resources may also be beneficial.

Determination of Ochratoxin A in Currants, Raisins, Sultanas, Mixed Dried Fruit, and Dried Figs by Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup with Liquid Chromatography: Interlaboratory Study

An interlaboratory study was performed on behalf of the Food Standards Agency to evaluate the effectiveness of an affinity column cleanup liquid chromatographic (LC) method for the determination of ochratoxin A in a variety of dried fruit at European regulatory limits. To ensure homogeneity before analysis, laboratory samples are normally slurried with water in the ratio of 5 parts fruit to 4 parts water, and test materials in this form were used in the study. The test portion was extracted with acidified methanol. The extract was filtered, diluted with phosphate-buffered saline, and applied to an affinity column. The column was washed and ochratoxin A was eluted with methanol. Ochratoxin A was quantified by reversed-phase LC. The use of post-column pH shift to enhance the fluorescence of ochratoxin A by the addition of 1.1M ammonia solution to the column eluant is optional. Determination was by fluorescence. Currants, sultanas, raisins, figs, and mixed fruit (comprising dried pineapple, papaya, sultanas, prunes, dates, and banana chips), both naturally contaminated and blank (very low level), were sent to 24 collaborators in 7 European countries. Participants were asked to spike test portions of all test samples at a level equivalent to 5 ng/g ochra toxin A. Average recoveries ranged from 69 to 74%. Based on results for 5 naturally contaminated test samples (blind duplicates) the relative standard deviation for repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 4.9 to 8.7%, and the relative standard deviation for reproducibility (RSDR)rangedfrom14to28%. The method showed acceptable within-and be-tween-laboratory precision for all 5 matrixes, as evidenced by HORRAT values <1.3.

Environment and Health: Official knowledge and lay response

Key messages

Formulation of official knowledge and reception of issued messages by lay residents in an area of high deprivation and compromised environment. Factors influencing perception, and adoption, of health messages which may impact on health and well-being in a local population.

Promoting and maintaining physical activity in the transition to retirement: a systematic review of interventions for adults around retirement age

It has been argued that transition points in life, such as the approach towards, and early years of retirement present key opportunities for interventions to improve the health of the population. Research has also highlighted inequalities in health status in the retired population and in response to interventions which should be addressed. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to synthesise international evidence on the types and effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity among people around the time of retirement. A systematic review of literature was carried out between February 2014 and April 2015. Searches were not limited by language or location, but were restricted by date to studies published from 1990 onwards. Methods for identification of relevant studies included electronic database searching, reference list checking, and citation searching. Systematic search of the literature identified 104 papers which described study populations as being older adults. However, we found only one paper which specifically referred to their participants as being around the time of retirement. The intervention approaches for older adults encompassed: training of health care professionals; counselling and advice giving; group sessions; individual training sessions; in-home exercise programmes; in-home computer-delivered programmes; in-home telephone support; in-home diet and exercise programmes; and community-wide initiatives. The majority of papers reported some intervention effect, with evidence of positive outcomes for all types of programmes. A wide range of different measures were used to evaluate effectiveness, many were self-reported and few studies included evaluation of sedentary time. While the retirement transition is considered a significant point of life change, little research has been conducted to assess whether physical activity interventions at this time may be effective in promoting or maintaining activity, or reducing health inequalities. We were unable to find any evidence that the transition to retirement period was, or was not a significant point for intervention. Studies in older adults more generally indicated that a range of interventions might be effective for people around retirement age.

The return of public health to local government in England: changing the parameters of the public health prioritization debate?

OBJECTIVES

To explore the influence of values and context in public health priority-setting in local government in England.

STUDY DESIGN

Qualitative interview study.

METHODS

Decision-makers' views were identified through semi-structured interviews and prioritization tools relevant for public health were reviewed. Interviews (29) were carried out with Health and Wellbeing Board members and other key stakeholders across three local authorities in England, following an introductory workshop.

RESULTS

There were four main influences on priorities for public health investment in our case study sites: an organizational context where health was less likely to be associated with health care and where accountability was to a local electorate; a commissioning and priority-setting context (plan, do, study, act) located within broader local authority priority-setting processes; different views of what counts as evidence and, in particular, the role of local knowledge; and debates over what constitutes a public health intervention, triggered by the transfer of a public health budget from the NHS to local authorities in England.

CONCLUSIONS

The relocation of public health into local authorities exposes questions over prioritizing public health investment, including the balance across lifestyle interventions and broader action on social determinants of health and the extent to which the public health evidence base influences local democratic decision-making. Action on wider social determinants reinforces not only the art and science but also the values and politics of public health.

Inactive GSK3β is disturbed in the spinal cord during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, but rescued by stem cell therapy

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is known to control neuroinflammation, however the status of GSK3β in multiple sclerosis, the most common inflammatory demyelinating disease of the CNS, and its animal model EAE, is unknown. In this study, we investigated the expression of phosphorylated GSK3β, the inactive form of GSK3β, in the spinal cords of EAE mice. We demonstrate that while the expression of phosphorylated GSK3β was present in radial astrocytes and neurons of the control mice that received only complete Freund's adjuvant, it was absent in radial astrocytes and significantly lower in neurons of EAE animals. The loss of phosphorylated GSK3β in radial glia and neurons in EAE spinal cords was concurrent with radial glia migration and astrogliosis. This disturbance in the expression of inactive GSK3β was recovered in neurons, but not in the radial glia, after treatment of EAE mice with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells capable of inducing a Th2 shift. Collectively, our results suggest a link between inactive GSK3β and modulation of the immune responses during EAE. Thus, we propose that maintenance of GSK3β in its inactive status may play a role in preserving the normal physiology of the spinal cord and amelioration of EAE following stem cell therapy.

Community-based dietary and physical activity interventions in low socioeconomic groups in the UK: a mixed methods systematic review

OBJECTIVE

Low socioeconomic status (SES) is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and changes in diet and physical activity can prevent diabetes. We assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of community-based dietary and physical activity interventions among low-SES groups in the UK.

METHOD

We searched relevant databases and web resources from 1990 to November 2009 to identify relevant published and grey literature using an iterative approach, focusing on UK studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-five relevant papers (nine quantitative, 23 qualitative and three mixed methods studies) were data extracted, quality assessed and synthesised using narrative synthesis and thematic analysis. The relationship between interventions and barriers and facilitators was also examined. Dietary/nutritional, food retail, physical activity and multi-component interventions demonstrated mixed effectiveness. Qualitative studies indicated a range of barriers and facilitators, which spanned pragmatic, social and psychological issues. The more effective interventions used a range of techniques to address some surface-level psychological and pragmatic concerns, however many deeper-level social, psychological and pragmatic concerns were not addressed.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on the effectiveness of community-based dietary and physical activity interventions is inconclusive. A range of barriers and facilitators exist, some of which were addressed by interventions but some of which require consideration in future research.

Can diabetes prevention programmes be translated effectively into real-world settings and still deliver improved outcomes? A synthesis of evidence

OBJECTIVE

Randomized trials provide evidence that intensive lifestyle interventions leading to dietary and physical activity change can delay or prevent Type 2 diabetes. Translational studies have assessed the impact of interventions based on, but less intensive than, trial protocols delivered in community settings with high-risk populations. The aim of this review was to synthesize evidence from translational studies of any design to assess the impact of interventions delivered outside large randomized trials.

METHODS

Medical and scientific databases were searched using specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were included that used a tested diabetes preventive study protocol with an adult population at risk from Type 2 diabetes. Included papers were quality assessed and data extracted using recommended methods.

RESULTS

From an initial 793 papers, 19 papers reporting 17 studies were included. Translational studies from a range of settings utilized a variety of methods. All were based on the US Diabetes Prevention Programme protocol or the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study, with modifications that increased feasibility and access. The main outcome that was reported in all studies was weight change. Weight loss, which occurred in all but one study, was greater in intervention arms than in control subjects. No consistent differences were found in blood glucose or waist circumference.

CONCLUSIONS

Translational studies based on the intensive diabetes prevention programmes showed that there is potential for less intensive interventions both to be feasible and to have an impact on future progression to diabetes in at-risk individuals.

The effectiveness of training and support for carers and other professionals on the physical and emotional health and well-being of looked-after children and young people: a systematic review

Looked-after children and young people (LACYP) are recognized as a high-risk group for behavioural and emotional problems, and additional specialist training for foster carers may reduce such problems. This systematic review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of additional training and support provided to approved carers, professionals and volunteers on the physical and emotional health and well-being of LACYP (including problem behaviours and placement stability). Searches of health and social science databases were conducted and records were screened for inclusion criteria. Citation and reference list searches were conducted on included studies. Included studies were synthesized and critically appraised. Six studies were included (five randomized controlled trials and one prospective cohort study), all of which focused on foster carers. Three studies reported a benefit of training and three reported no benefit but no detriment. Those reporting a benefit of training were conducted in the USA, and had longer-duration training, shorter follow-up assessment and recruited carers of younger children than studies that reported no benefit of training, which were conducted in the UK. Whether the difference in results is due to the type of training or to cultural or population differences is unclear. The findings suggest a mixed effect of training for foster carers on problem behaviours of LACYP. The evidence identified appears to suggest that longer-duration training programmes have a beneficial effect on the behaviour problems of LACYP, although future research should examine the impact of training durations and intensity on short-medium and longer-term outcomes of LACYP of different ages. Only training and support for foster carers was identified.

Supporting the transition of looked-after young people to independent living: a systematic review of interventions and adult outcomes

This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on the effectiveness of transition support services (TSSs) that are delivered towards the end of care for looked-after young people (LAYP) on their adult outcomes, including education, employment, substance misuse, criminal and offending behaviour, parenthood, housing and homelessness and health. Searches of health, social science and social care bibliographic databases were conducted and records were screened for relevance. Citation and reference list searches were conducted on included studies. Relevant studies were synthesized and critically appraised. Seven studies were identified (five retrospective and two prospective cohort studies), six of which were conducted in the USA and one in the UK. Overall, LAYP who received TSSs were more likely to complete compulsory education with formal qualifications, be in current employment, be living independently and less likely to be young parents. There was no reported effect of the impact of TSSs on crime or mental health, and mixed findings for homelessness. The range of TSS components investigated and reported varied considerably within and between studies, with limited evidence of long-term outcomes. The literature reviewed offers no reliable conclusions on the effectiveness of TSSs at this time due to variations in research quality and because few formal evaluations of existing TSSs have been conducted, resulting in mixed evidence in terms of positive, negative and neutral impact on outcomes. Further high-quality, robust research to evaluate the effectiveness of TSSs on adult outcomes for young people in the short, medium and longer term is needed to address the health inequalities experienced by this small but vulnerable group and to inform decision making about service provision.

Factors associated with outcomes for looked-after children and young people: a correlates review of the literature

In 2008, the Department of Health made a referral to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence and the Social Care Institute for Excellence to develop joint public health guidance on improving the physical and emotional health and well-being of children and young people looked after by the local authority/state. To help inform the decision-making process by identifying potential research questions pertinent to the outcomes of looked-after children and young people (LACYP), a correlates review was undertaken. Iterative searches of health and social science databases were undertaken; searches of reference lists and citation searches were conducted and all included studies were critically appraised. The correlates review is a mapping review conducted using systematic and transparent methodology. Interventions and factors that are associated (or correlated) with outcomes for LACYP were identified and presented as conceptual maps. This review maps the breadth (rather than depth) of the evidence and represents an attempt to use the existing evidence base to map associations between potential risk factors, protective factors, interventions and outcomes for LACYP. Ninety-two studies were included: four systematic reviews, five non-systematic reviews, eight randomized controlled trials, 66 cohort studies and nine cross-sectional studies. The conceptual maps provide an overview of the key relationships addressed in the current literature, in particular, placement stability and emotional and behavioural factors in mediating outcomes. From the maps, there appear to be some key factors that are associated with a range of outcomes, in particular, number of placements, behavioural problems and age at first placement. Placement stability seems to be a key mediator of directional associations. The correlates review identified key areas where sufficient evidence to conduct a systematic review might exist. These were: transition support, training and support for carers and access to services.

Family-based behavioural management of childhood obesity: service evaluation of a group programme run in a community setting in the United Kingdom

A service evaluation of a pilot of a family-based behavioural management group programme for childhood obesity was conducted in a community setting in the United Kingdom. A total of 17 families with children aged 7.5-14 years completed the programme, which was delivered in 15 sessions over 6 months. Behavioural and psychological measures and age- and sex-adjusted z-body mass index (BMI) were assessed before and after programme. z-BMI was maintained. There was a significant increase in the amount of high-fibre foods and a decrease in the amount of low-fibre foods consumed and in sedentary behaviours. There were significant decreases in depression, abnormal dieting behaviour and bulimia and food preoccupation, and an increase in self-worth related to physical appearance. These positive behavioural and psychological changes suggest that this is a promising programme.

Essential fatty acid profiling for routine nutritional assessment unmasks adrenoleukodystrophy in an infant with isovaleric acidaemia

We report a 16-month-old asymptomatic male with enzyme confirmed isovaleric acidaemia (IVA; isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency; OMIM 243500) who, upon routine nutritional follow-up, presented evidence of peroxisomal dysfunction. The newborn screen (2 days of life) revealed elevated C(5)-carnitine (2.95 μmol/L; cutoff <0.09 μmol/L) and IVA was subsequently confirmed by metabolic profiling and in vitro enzymology. Plasma essential fatty acid (EFA) analysis, assessed to evaluate nutritional status during protein restriction and L: -carnitine supplementation, revealed elevated C(26:0) (5.0 μmol/L; normal <1.3). Subsequently, metabolic profiling and molecular genetic analysis confirmed X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (XALD). Identification of co-inherited XALD with IVA in this currently asymptomatic patient holds significant treatment ramifications for the proband prior to the onset of neurological sequelae, and critically important counselling implications for this family.

Design of aerial surveys for population estimation and the management of macropods in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia

As part of a kangaroo management program, eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and common wallaroos (M. robustus robustus) are harvested from three kangaroo management zones in north-eastern New South Wales, Australia. To set sustainable harvest quotas, it is necessary to obtain reasonably accurate estimates of the sizes of the populations of these two species of macropod. Recently, this has been done on two occasions using helicopter line-transect surveys. For the most recent of these surveys, conducted in 2004, each management zone was subdivided into three strata of increasing kangaroo density and the surveys were designed in relation to this stratification using an automated survey design algorithm. The results of the surveys were that eastern grey kangaroo densities were estimated as 8.11 ± 1.81 km–2 in the Glen Innes zone, 10.23 ± 2.41 km–2 in the Armidale zone and 4.82 ± 0.87 km–2 in the Upper Hunter zone. Wallaroo densities for these three zones were 3.06 ± 0.73 km–2, 5.68 ± 3.45 km–2 and 4.40 ± 1.01 km–2 respectively. The wallaroo densities were determined by multiplying the initial estimated densities by a correction factor of 1.85. Across the three kangaroo management zones, eastern grey kangaroo densities did not change in any significant way between the two surveys. This was also the case for wallaroos in the Glen Innes and Armidale zones. Wallaroo density in the Upper Hunter zone, however, increased significantly between the two surveys. Over a decade before these surveys were conducted, a series of ground surveys using walked line-transect sampling were undertaken. The density estimates derived from the helicopter surveys proved to be broadly comparable to those derived from the ground surveys, suggesting that conducting helicopter line-transect surveys designed using the method deployed here is effective in producing population estimates for the purpose of kangaroo management.

A systematic review and economic evaluation of statins for the prevention of coronary events

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of statins for the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in adults with, or at risk of, coronary heart disease (CHD).

DATA SOURCES

Electronic databases were searched between November 2003 and April 2004.

REVIEW METHODS

A review was undertaken to identify and evaluate all literature relating to the clinical and cost effectiveness of statins in the primary and secondary prevention of CHD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the UK. A Markov model was developed to explore the costs and health outcomes associated with a lifetime of statin treatment using a UK NHS perspective.

RESULTS

Thirty-one randomised studies were identified that compared a statin with placebo or with another statin, and reported clinical outcomes. Meta-analysis of the available data from the placebo-controlled studies indicates that, in patients with, or at risk of, CVD, statin therapy is associated with a reduced relative risk of all cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, CHD mortality and fatal myocardial infarction (MI), but not of fatal stroke. It is also associated with a reduced relative risk of morbidity [non-fatal stroke, non-fatal MI, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), unstable angina] and of coronary revascularisation. It is hardly possible, on the evidence available from the placebo-controlled trials, to differentiate between the clinical efficacy of atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin and simvastatin. However, there is some evidence from direct comparisons between statins to suggest that atorvastatin may be more effective than pravastatin in patients with symptomatic CHD. There is limited evidence for the effectiveness of statins in different subgroups. Statins are generally considered to be well tolerated and to have a good safety profile. This view is generally supported both by the evidence of the trials included in this review and by postmarketing surveillance data. Increases in creatine kinase and myopathy have been reported, but rhabdomyolysis and hepatotoxicity are rare. However, some patients may receive lipid-lowering therapy for as long as 50 years, and long-term safety over such a timespan remains unknown. In secondary prevention of CHD, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) increase with age varying between pound 10,000 and pound 17,000 per quality adjusted life year (QALY) for ages 45 and 85 respectively. Sensitivity analyses show these results are robust. In primary prevention of CHD there is substantial variation in ICERs by age and risk. The average ICERs weighted by risk range from pound 20,000 to pound 27,500 for men and from pound 21,000 to pound 57,000 for women. The results are sensitive to the cost of statins, discount rates and the modelling time frame. In the CVD analyses, which take into account the benefits of statins on reductions in stroke and TIA events, the average ICER weighted by risk level remains below pound 20,000 at CHD risk levels down to 0.5%. Limitations of the analyses include the requirement to extrapolate well beyond the timeframe of the trial period, and to extrapolate effectiveness results from higher risk primary prevention populations to the treatment of populations at much lower risk. Consequently, the results for the lower age bands and lower risks are subject to greater uncertainty and need to be treated with caution.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence to suggest that statin therapy is associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of primary and secondary cardiovascular events. As the confidence intervals for each outcome in each prevention category overlap, it is not possible to differentiate, in terms of relative risk, between the effectiveness of statins in primary and secondary prevention. However, the absolute risk of CHD death/non-fatal MI is higher, and the number needed to treat to avoid such an event is consequently lower, in secondary than in primary prevention. The generalisability of these results is limited by the exclusion, in some studies, of patients who were hypersensitive to, intolerant of, or known to be unresponsive to, statins, or who were not adequately compliant with study medication during a placebo run-in phase. Consequently, the treatment effect may be reduced when statins are used in an unselected population. The results of the economic modelling show that statin therapy in secondary prevention is likely to be considered cost-effective. In primary prevention, the cost-effectiveness ratios are dependent on the level of CHD risk and age, but the results for the CVD analyses offer support for the more aggressive treatment recommendation issued by recent guidelines in UK. Evidence on clinical endpoints for rosuvastatin is awaited from on-going trials. The potential targeting of statins at low-risk populations is however associated with major uncertainties, particularly the likely uptake and long-term compliance to lifelong medication by asymptomatic younger patients. The targeting, assessment and monitoring of low-risk patients in primary care would be a major resource implication for the NHS. These areas require further research.

High- but not low-dose folic acid improves endothelial function in coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

While folic acid (FA) reduces plasma homocysteine (Hcy), whether the simultaneous improvement in endothelial function is dependent on Hcy lowering per se is questionable. In the present study the relationship between FA dose, Hcy lowering and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-four patients with CAD received either 400 microg FA or 5 mg placebo daily for a 6-week treatment period. A further 44 patients with CAD received either 100 mg kg(-1) day(-1) of betaine or placebo for a 6-week treatment period. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function, was assessed before and after the 6-week periods. Isometric tension and Western blotting were used to investigate the effect of FA on endothelial function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dimerization in isolated rabbit aortic rings and cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC), respectively.

RESULTS

Both 400 micro g day(-1) and 5 mg day(-1) FA significantly increased plasma folate and decreased plasma Hcy. The FMD improved significantly after 6 weeks' treatment of 5 mg day(-1) FA but did not correlate with the reduction in Hcy. There was no change in FMD in either the 400 micro g FA or placebo group. In a subgroup analysis of 11 patients in the betaine group, despite a reduced Hcy, a significant impairment in FMD was observed. In the in vitro studies FA, but not betaine, reversed methionine-induced endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, the FA promoted eNOS dimerization in cultured PAEC.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that FA dose-dependently improves endothelial function in CAD via a mechanism independently of Hcy lowering. It may involve promotion of eNOS dimerization.

Estimating the abundance of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia

To provide an estimate of kangaroo numbers for harvest management, a survey was designed for an area of 29 500 km2 encompassing the agricultural and grazing lands of the Braidwood, Cooma, Goulburn, Gundagai and Yass Rural Lands Protection Board (RLPB) districts in south-east New South Wales. An aerial survey using a helicopter was considered more efficient than ground survey because of the size of the area, relatively high relief and dense tree cover, and the need for regular monitoring. Tree cover and landscape relief was used to stratify the five RLPB districts into areas of probable high, medium and low kangaroo density. Kangaroo density estimated from helicopter surveys conducted in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales was used to suggest densities and thereby allocate survey effort in each stratum. A survey comprising 735 km of transect line was conducted in winter 2003 with a target precision of 20%. The survey returned an estimate of 286 600 ± 32 300 eastern grey kangaroos for the whole of the proposed south-east New South Wales kangaroo-management zone. In 2004, a trial harvest of slightly less than 15% of this estimate was taken. Success of the trial will be determined by the impact of harvesting on the population’s dynamics, by landholder and industry participation, and by the capacity to monitor population size, harvest offtake and compliance with regulations.

Evaluation of an innovative approach to the Director of Public Health's annual report

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the process of an innovative 'presentation with discussion' approach to the Director of Public Health's (DPH) annual report for North Derbyshire Health Authority.

STUDY DESIGN

Mixed methods-survey and interviews.

METHODS

Survey methods were used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data. Key stakeholders were sent a postal questionnaire, individuals attending presentations could respond via a printed slip or letter, structured group discussions following presentations were recorded manually, and presenters and producers were interviewed.

RESULTS

Thirty-five of 41 (85.4%) key stakeholders returned questionnaires, 18 people responded individually, discussions following 26/30 (86.7%) presentations were documented, and all eight presenters and 11 producers were interviewed. The general response was extremely positive with 25 of 35 (71%) key stakeholders, 100% of presenters and 80% of producers preferring the new format to the previous year's report. People felt that it conveyed the public health message effectively, and appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the recommendations for improving health in North Derbyshire. Many were concerned that the circulation should be wide, and key stakeholders were keen to have a printed reference document to support their work. Presenters enjoyed the process although tailoring the presentations to unfamiliar audiences proved difficult. The production team found the process more efficient and focused, although direct production costs were increased. Presenters and producers were concerned that the process for implementing recommendations for action was not fully considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Most people preferred this innovative approach to the traditional annual report, and it is therefore recommended that this format should be used for future DPH annual reports. Key stakeholders still require a reference document, and presenters' briefing notes could be adapted for this purpose. Circulation of the report should be wide, and further consideration of how participants' recommendations for action are implemented is needed.

Determinants of platelet responsiveness to nitric oxide in patients with chronic heart failure

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is associated with oxidative stress. Platelet responsiveness to nitric oxide (NO) donors, are impaired in patients with angina pectoris, possibly by increasing oxidative stress. We investigated the occurrence of platelet resistance to NO in patients, with ischaemic or non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy compared with normal subjects. Anti-aggregatory effects of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), oxidative stress and whole blood superoxide anion content were determined, with correlates of responsiveness to SNP. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by SNP was 65.4+/-3.55% in controls and 59.3+/-4.1% in CHF (P=ns) despite increased oxidative stress and post-aggregation O2- in CHF patients. However, subsets of CHF patients have NO-resistant platelets: this is associated with increasing age and/or increased oxidative stress (both p<0.05).

Non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease by quantitative stress echocardiography: optimal diagnostic models using off-line tissue Doppler in the MYDISE study

AIMS

To develop optimal methods for the objective non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease, using myocardial Doppler velocities during dobutamine stress echocardiography.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We acquired tissue Doppler digital data during dobutamine stress in 289 subjects, and measured myocardial responses by off-line analysis of 11 left ventricular segments. Diagnostic criteria developed by comparing 92 normal subjects with 48 patients with coronary disease were refined in a prospective series of 149 patients referred with chest pain. Optimal diagnostic accuracy was achieved by logistic regression models, using systolic velocities at maximal stress in 7 myocardial segments, adjusting for independent correlations directly with heart rate and inversely with age and female gender (all p<0.001). Best cut-points from receiver-operator curves diagnosed left anterior descending, circumflex and right coronary disease with sensitivities and specificities of 80% and 80%, 91% and 80%, and 93% and 82%, respectively. All models performed better than velocity cut-offs alone (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Non-invasive diagnosis of coronary artery disease by quantitative stress echocardiography is best performed using diagnostic models based on segmental velocities at peak stress and adjusting for heart rate, and gender or age.

Incidence of embolism and paravalvar leak after St Jude Silzone valve implantation: experience from the Cardiff Embolic Risk Factor Study

BACKGROUND

Silver coating of the sewing ring (Silzone) was introduced as a modification of the St Jude Medical standard valve to provide antibacterial protection, but the valve has recently been withdrawn.

OBJECTIVE

To study patients with these prostheses to assess possible adverse effects, and to guide their follow up.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study of risk factors for stroke after valve replacement.

SETTING

Cardiology and cardiac surgery departments in a tertiary centre.

PATIENTS

There were 51 patients with Silzone and 116 with St Jude Medical standard valves. Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement were well matched for stroke risk factors. Silzone patients with mitral valve replacement were younger (mean (SD) age 61 (10) v 66 (7) years), more likely to be female (95% v 65%), and had more pulmonary arterial hypertension (100% v 78%), but fewer coronary artery bypass grafts (5% v 33%) than patients with standard mitral valve replacements (all p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Follow up was 100% in the Silzone group (mean duration 3.0 (0.9) years) and 97.4% in the standard group (4.7 (1.4) years). Survival, morbidity, and anticoagulant control were documented over 682 follow up years (153 for Silzone and 529 for standard). There were six embolic strokes and one peripheral embolism in the Silzone group, all within three months after operation, and five embolic strokes and one peripheral embolism in the standard group. Freedom from major thromboembolism at three months was 65% in the Silzone mitral valve replacement group and 100% in the standard mitral valve replacement group (difference 35%, 95% confidence interval 8% to 62%). There was one reoperation for paravalvar leak in the standard group, but none in the Silzone group (NS). Anticoagulant control in the two groups was similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Silzone mitral valves had a high rate of early postoperative embolism but no excess paravalvar leak.

Feasibility and reproducibility of off-line tissue Doppler measurement of regional myocardial function during dobutamine stress echocardiography

AIMS

Off-line post-processing of colour tissue Doppler from digital loops may allow objective quantification of dobutamine stress echocardiography. We assessed the reproducibility of off-line measurements of regional myocardial velocities.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Nine observers analysed 10 studies, each making 2400 observations. Coefficients of variation in basal segments from apical windows, at rest and maximal stress, were 9-14% and 11-18% for peak systolic velocity, 16-18% and 17-19% for time-to-peak systolic velocity, 9-17% and 18-24% for systolic velocity time integral, and 18-23% and 21-27% for systolic acceleration. Coefficients of variation for diastolic velocities in basal segments at rest were 11-40%. Coefficients of variation for peak systolic velocity were 10-24% at rest and 14-28% at peak in mid segments, and 19-53% and 29-69% in apical segments. From parasternal windows coefficients of variation for peak systolic velocity were 14-16% in basal posterior, and 19-29% in mid-anterior segments. High variability makes measurement unreliable in apical and basal anterior septal segments. The feasibility of obtaining traces was tested in 92 subjects, and >90% in all basal and mid segments apart from the anterior septum.

CONCLUSION

Quantification of myocardial functional reserve by off-line analysis of colour tissue Doppler acquired during dobutamine stress is feasible and reproducible in 11 segments of the left ventricle. The most reliable measurements are systolic velocities of longitudinal motion in basal segments.

Flow-mediated dilatation following wrist and upper arm occlusion in humans: the contribution of nitric oxide

Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery assessed by high-resolution ultrasound is widely used to measure endothelial function. However, the technique is not standardized, with different groups using occlusion of either the wrist or the upper arm to induce increased blood flow. The validity of the test as a marker of endothelial function rests on the assumption that the dilatation observed is endothelium-dependent and mediated by nitric oxide (NO). We sought to compare the NO component of brachial artery dilatation observed following wrist or upper arm occlusion. Dilatation was assessed before and during intra-arterial infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA) following occlusion of (i) the wrist (distal to ultrasound probe) and (ii) the upper arm (proximal to ultrasound probe) for 5 min in ten healthy males. Dilatation was significantly greater after upper arm occlusion (upper arm, 11.62+/-3.17%; wrist, 7.25+/-2.49%; P=0.003). During L-NMMA infusion, dilatation after wrist occlusion was abolished (from 7.25+/-2.49% to 0.16+/-2.24%; P<0.001), whereas dilatation after upper arm occlusion was only partially attenuated (from 11.62+/-3.17% to 7.51+/-2.34%; P=0.006). The peak flow stimulus was similar after wrist and upper arm occlusion. We conclude that dilatation following upper arm occlusion is greater than that observed after wrist occlusion, despite a similar peak flow stimulus. L-NMMA infusion revealed that FMD following wrist occlusion is mediated exclusively by NO, while dilatation following upper arm occlusion comprises a substantial component not mediated by NO, most probably related to tissue ischaemia around the brachial artery. FMD following wrist occlusion may be a more valid marker of endothelial function than dilatation following upper arm occlusion.

Does the use of a stentless bioprosthesis increase surgical risk?

Stentless aortic bioprostheses (SBPs) convey hemodynamic and perhaps survival benefit over stented counterparts. The aim of this study was to determine whether the more taxing operation increases surgical risk. We studied contemporary multicenter (USA) data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for Freestyle stentless (group I, n = 583) and Mosaic stented xenograft approval (group II, n = 1260). The study compared 30-day mortality for the two groups overall, then for isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR) and for AVR and coronary bypass (CABG). Because the USA Freestyle valves were used in selected patients (pts) we included SBP data (group III) from Oxford, where Freestyle valves were used consecutively within the same time frame. We also reviewed hospital mortality in the stentless bioprosthesis literature and compared this with the Society of Thoracic Surgery Database. There were no differences in age, NYHA, or incidence of CABG between the groups. There was no significant difference in operative mortality between stented (group II) and exclusive (group III) SBP patient groups (P =.233 for AVR and P =.478 for AVR + CABG), or between selective (group I) and exclusive (P =.929 for AVR and P =.390 for AVR + CABG) groups, after adjustment for risk factors. However, there was a significantly higher mortality both for isolated AVR (P =.026) and AVR + CABG (P =.001) in the selected stentless group compared with stented. This was partly attributed to greater mortality when the Freestyle was used in elderly patients by the full root replacement method, and to the higher proportion of females, and subjects with intra-aortic balloon pump insertion in this group. A meta-analysis of published stentless valve series, showed mortality rates to be lower than those of the STS National Database average. During the learning curve selective use of SBPs increased hospital mortality for AVR +/- CABG. Consecutive use dispelled the difference and the literature now suggests that SBPs may reduce hospital mortality for high-risk patients.

Cardiac performance in endurance-trained and moderately active young women

PURPOSE

To compare the cardiac performance of endurance-trained (ET) and moderately active (MA) young women before exercise and throughout incremental work rates to maximum with particular interest in whether their stroke volume (SV) levels off at a submaximal work rate or increases to maximum.

METHODS

Blood volume (BV), and exercise cardiac performance were examined in seven ET (VO2max = 64.3 +/- 2.0 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) and seven MA (VO2max = 42.1 +/- 1.0 mL.kg(-1).min(-1)) women, aged 18-30 yr. Cardiac time intervals were measured at matched heart rates (HR).

RESULTS

ET had a significantly larger BV than MA in both mL (ET = 5053 +/- 139, MA = 4327 +/- 202) and mL.kg(-1) (ET = 83.1 +/- 1.4, MA = 72.9 +/- 2.7). The SV of ET was significantly larger than the SV of MA throughout exercise, and the SV of ET increased progressively throughout incremental work rates to maximum. Although the SV of MA initially leveled off at a submaximal work rate, it underwent a secondary increase at very heavy work rates. Both diastolic filling rate (DFR) and left ventricular emptying rate (LVER) were significantly faster in ET compared with MA at HR of 150 bpm, 170 bpm and HRmax, and in both ET and MA, DFR was significantly faster than LVER at 170 bpm and HRmax.

CONCLUSIONS

In young women, ET have a larger SV than MA due to an enhanced DFR and LVER, with the primary advantage being DFR (possibly due to their larger BV). In addition, the SV of ET increases progressively throughout incremental work rates to maximum with no plateau, whereas the SV of MA levels off through moderate to heavy work rates then undergoes a secondary increase at very heavy work rates.

Twenty years' experience with the Medtronic Hall valve

OBJECTIVE

To assess the performance of the Medtronic Hall valve (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) in one institution over a 20-year period.

METHODS

Since 1979, Medtronic Hall valves have been used in 1766 procedures (736 aortic, 796 mitral, and 234 double). Patients were followed up prospectively at 6- to 12-month intervals for a total of 12,688 follow-up years. Anticoagulation data (international normalized ratio) were recorded for all patients (approximately 95,000 observations).

RESULTS

Linearized rates of valve-related late death for aortic, mitral, and double valve replacement were 0.8%/y, 0.9%/y, and 1.1%/y, respectively. Risk factors for late mortality were (relative risk) diabetes (1.9), decade of age (1.6), concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (1.4), hypertension (1.3), non-sinus rhythm (1.3), large valve size (1.1), valve regurgitation (1.3), and male sex (1.2). For aortic, mitral, and double valve replacement, linearized rates (percent per year) of adverse events were valve thrombosis 0.04, 0.03, and 0.0; all thromboembolism 2.3, 4.0, and 3.4; stroke 0.6, 0.8, and 0.6; major hemorrhage 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6; and prosthetic endocarditis 0.4, 0.4, and 0.7. Risk factors for thromboembolism were (relative risk) mitral valve replacement (1.9), diabetes (1.8), hypertension (1.5), and history of embolism (1.4).

CONCLUSION

At 20 years the Medtronic Hall valve demonstrates excellent durability, good hemodynamic performance, and very low thrombogenicity, with a valve thrombosis rate lower than those reported for bileaflet designs. With this prosthesis, both survival and thromboembolic events are predominantly determined by patient risk factors.

Subclinical right ventricular dysfunction in cystic fibrosis. A study using tissue Doppler echocardiography

Patients with severe cystic fibrosis can develop cor pulmonale, but little is known about the function of the right ventricle (RV) early in the disease. We hypothesized that such patients might have subclinical RV dysfunction, detectable by tissue Doppler echocardiography, and related to the severity of lung disease. We studied 21 clinically stable patients (Group 1), five patients with severe lung disease (Group 2), and 23 age-matched healthy subjects. Patients had impaired RV systolic function. The mean (SD) systolic velocities of the RV free wall were 8.9 (1.7) cm/s in Group 1, 7.7 (1.0) in Group 2, and 10.8 (1.9) in healthy subjects (p < 0.001). The velocities of the tricuspid annulus were less in patients (p < 0.0001). Patients had a greater isovolumic relaxation time (p < 0.001), indicating RV diastolic dysfunction. RV wall thickness was greater in patients (0.4 [0.1] versus 0.3 [0.1] cm/m(2), p < 0.01). RV systolic function was related to C-reactive protein (r = - 0.66, p < 0.001) and FEV(1) (r = 0.62, p = 0.003) and diastolic function to interleukin-6 (r = 0.64, p < 0.005). Patients with cystic fibrosis have subclinical RV dysfunction, which correlates with the severity of lung disease. Tissue Doppler echocardiography provides a quantifiable indicator useful for detection and monitoring of disease progression.

Occupational stressors and coping as determinants of burnout in female hospice nurses

AIMS

Stressors, coping and demographic variables were examined as predictors of burnout in a sample of hospice nurses. The study aimed to investigate the level of burnout among hospice nurses; to ascertain which aspects of nursing work were positively or negatively related to burnout; to examine the relative contributions made by these different variables and to suggest individual and organizational interventions to reduce levels of burnout.

METHODS

Eighty-nine female nurses from nine hospices completed a battery of questionnaires comprising the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Nursing Stress Scale, Ways of Coping Scale and a demographic information form.

RESULTS

In general, the level of burnout (characterized by high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization of patients and low personal accomplishment) was found to be low. In multiple regression analyses, 'death and dying', "conflict with staff', 'accepting responsibility' and higher nursing grade contributed to emotional exhaustion. 'Conflict with staff', 'inadequate preparation', 'escape' and reduced 'planful problem-solving' contributed to depersonalization. 'Inadequate preparation', 'escape', reduced 'positive reappraisal' and fewer professional qualifications contributed to lower levels of personal accomplishment. Overall, stressors made the greatest contribution to burnout and demographic factors contributed the least.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of not labelling individuals as good and bad 'copers' was discussed, as the effectiveness of a strategy may depend on the situation. It was concluded that the investigation of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping in relation to burnout, was oversimplifying the coping-burnout relationship. Suggestions for stress management included staff training in counselling skills, monitoring staff conflict, implementing stress inoculation training to teach appropriate use of coping skills and finally, monitoring particularly vulnerable groups of hospice staff such as unqualified nursing assistants and qualified nurses in management positions. It was concluded that despite the difficult nature of hospice work, the hospice is a positive environment in which to work.

Canadian musculoskeletal fitness norms

The purpose of this report is to provide representative norms for measurements of musculoskeletal fitness (partial curl-ups, vertical jump, and leg power) for which Canadian norms are not currently available. Partial curl-ups, vertical jump, trunk flexion (sit and reach), grip strength, muscular endurance (push-ups), body mass index, and subcutaneous adiposity (sum of five skinfolds) were assessed, and leg power was calculated in 571 self-reportedly healthy participants (312 females and 259 males) aged 15-69 yr. The representativeness of the sample was confirmed by statistically comparing the fitness characteristics of the participants in the present study to those in the Canada Fitness Survey of 1981 and the Campbell's Survey of 1988. Normative data for partial curl-ups, vertical jump, and leg power were generated for males and females in six age groups (15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69) for use in fitness appraisal protocols for the Canadian population.

What common disorders do those reporting limiting long-term illness experience, and what is their survival and health service utilization experience?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between self-reported limiting long-term illness and other disease-specific symptoms, mortality and use of hospital services.

METHODS

A cohort generated by population health survey was linked to information on mortality and health service use, in Sheffield, England, 1994-1998. Limiting long-term illness was assessed using the 1991 Census question wording; specific symptoms were assessed using standard instruments; other outcomes were admission to hospital and mortality.

RESULTS

Limiting long-term illness is stated more commonly than in the Census, especially in males and in the young. It is commoner in the presence of some conditions such as angina much more than in others such as gastrointestinal disease. For all age groups, both mortality and, to a lesser extent, hospital admission rates are higher in those responding yes to the long-term illness question.

CONCLUSIONS

Limiting long-term illness assessment from the Census acts as a better proxy for some aspects of population health than others although it may underestimate the absolute prevalence. Although it may be of use in identifying relative needs, mortality is associated more strongly with differences in limiting long-term illness than is health service utilization. This may be as much a result of mismatch between use and need as of any deficiency of the measure itself.