Impact of sex hormonal changes on tension-type headache and migraine: a cross-sectional population-based survey in 2,600 women

Sex hormones have some implications on headaches. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of hormonal changes comparatively on tension-type headache (TTH) and migraine, in a population-based sample. A nationwide face-to-face prevalence study was conducted using a structured electronic questionnaire. 54.3 % of the migraineurs reported that the probability of experiencing headache during menstruation was high, whereas 3.9 % had headache only during menstruation. Forward logistic regression analysis revealed that menstruation was a significant trigger for migraine in comparison to TTH. On the other hand, nearly double the number of TTH sufferers reported “pure menstrual headache” compared to migraineurs (p = 0.02). Menstrual headaches caused significantly higher MIDAS grades. One-third of the definite migraineurs reported improvement during pregnancy and oral contraceptives significantly worsened migraine. Menopause had a slight improving effect on migraine compared to TTH. Sex hormonal changes have major impacts particularly on migraine; however, the effects of hormonal fluctuations on TTH should not be underestimated.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10194-012-0475-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

The phenomenology of autistic regression: subtypes and associated factors

This study aimed to investigate the association of autistic regression (AR) and subtypes of AR with medical, developmental and psychiatric factors. Fifty-seven children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) were included in the study. Two types of AR are defined as regression after a normal social/language development (type 1) and regression as the worsening of previously reported autistic features (type 2). The frequency of history of AR was 56.1%. Male gender and sleep problems were found to be associated with a positive history of AR. The frequency of gastrointestinal complaints/diseases was higher in children with regression type 2 when compared to the children with regression type 1. Future studies with larger sample size and prospective design will contribute to clarifying the phenomenology and the associated factors of AR.     

The modifed Eden-Lange procedure for paralysis of the trapezius muscle

Trapezius muscle paralysis results from injury to the spinal accessory nerve. Impairment in the trapezius muscle function may destabilize the muscle resulting in winged scapula. A 25-year-old university student who was active in sports had complaints of shoulder drop and pain on abduction. He had a three-year history of fall resulting in a scapular fracture for which he received conservative treatment. Physical examination showed asymmetry and drop of the right shoulder. Lateral scapular winging was apparent particularly above 90 degrees of abduction. Electromyography revealed isolated paralysis of the trapezius muscle. The patient underwent reconstruction with the modified Eden-Lange procedure. After a two-year follow-up, asymmetry in the shoulder decreased, there was no pain on active abduction, and the patient returned to active sports and was fully satisfied with the outcome.     

Angiographic and clinical outcome following sirolimus-eluting stent (Cypher) implantation. A single center experience

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the late outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stent implantation in patients with coronary artery disease. BACKGROUND: Drug-eluting stents reduce intimal hyperplasia, which is the main cause of in-stent restenosis. Sirolimus-eluting stents significantly reduce clinical and angiographic restenosis and improve event-free survival. METHODS: The study population consisted of 207 patients (273 stents) who had undergone coronary Cypher stent implantation. Patients were eligible for enrollment if there was symptomatic coronary artery disease or positive exercise testing, and angiographic evidence of single or multivessel disease with a target lesion stenosis of > or = 70% in a > or = 2.25 mm vessel. Follow-up coronary angiography was performed 18 months after stent deployment. Patients were followed-up for a mean of 24.7 +/- 7.4 months. RESULTS: All patients survived after stent implantation, but 5 (2.4%) patients experienced acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and 4 (1.9%) patients developed non-Q wave myocardial infarction following angioplasty. Recurrent angina pectoris was observed in 16 (7.7%) patients (11 stable angina pectoris and 5 unstable angina pectoris). Angiographic evidence of restenosis was observed in these 20 (9.66%) patients. The 5 other patients had noncritical angiographic restenosis. Eleven (5.3%) patients underwent angioplasty because of restenosis, and coronary artery bypass grafting was conducted in the other 9 (4.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study indicate that Cypher stents could be implanted with a very high success rate and have encouraging long-term angiographic and clinical results.     

Effects of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Tissue Accumulation and Antioxidant Enzymes of Galleria mellonella L.

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - Effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were investigated in the midgut and fat body of Galleria mellonella. Fourth instar larvae...