Relationships Between Arousal-Related Moods and Episodic Tension-Type Headache: A Biopsychological Study

An exploratory study was conducted examining arousal-related moods and episodic tension-type headache. Twelve subjects meeting International Headache Society criteria for episodic tension-type headache and 12 headache-free controls recorded headache activity and mood eight times daily for 14 consecutive days. Moods were measured using the Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List, a self-report list that subjectively represents general arousal along two dimensions of Tension and Energy. Headache subjects had higher Tension levels than controls even in the absence of pain, and greater variation in this dimension as well. Within the headache group, Tension during pain-free periods was significantly lower than when experiencing headache, and was correlated with headache activity. The results were taken to support Thayer's (1989) biopsychological model of mood and arousal, and are discussed in terms of the model's heuristic value for general arousal and headache research.     

Tuberculosis in East Sussex. I. Outbreaks of tuberculosis in cattle herds (1964-1984)

The history and epidemiology of bovine tuberculosis in cattle herds in East Sussex are described. Since 1960, following the compulsory eradication scheme for tuberculosis, the incidence of herd infection has been low. The epidemiological features of herd infection have been sporadic incidents, with only small numbers of cattle becoming infected in the majority of incidents. There was no evidence of endemic Mycobacterium bovis infection in the cattle population in East Sussex in recent years, but a low risk of infection for cattle on the South Downs, from badgers, was apparent.     

Treatment of myofascial trigger points in common shoulder disorders by physical therapy: A randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN75722066]

Background  

Shoulder disorders are a common health problem in western societies. Several treatment protocols have been developed for the clinical management of persons with shoulder pain. However available evidence does not support any protocol as being superior over others. Systematic reviews provide some evidence that certain physical therapy interventions (i.e. supervised exercises and mobilisation) are effective in particular shoulder disorders (i.e. rotator cuff disorders, mixed shoulder disorders and adhesive capsulitis), but there is an ongoing need for high quality trials of physical therapy interventions. Usually, physical therapy consists of active exercises intended to strengthen the shoulder muscles as stabilizers of the glenohumeral joint or perform mobilisations to improve restricted mobility of the glenohumeral or adjacent joints (shoulder girdle). It is generally accepted that a-traumatic shoulder problems are the result of impingement of the subacromial structures, such as the bursa or rotator cuff tendons. Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in shoulder muscles may also lead to a complex of symptoms that are often seen in patients diagnosed with subacromial impingement or rotator cuff tendinopathy. Little is known about the treatment of MTrPs in patients with shoulder disorders.     

Depression and smoking in pregnancy in Scotland.

OBJECTIVE--The aim was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and smoking in pregnancy and to investigate the part played by social and psychosocial factors. SETTING--A single Glasgow hospital. DESIGN--Prospective survey by postal questionnaires at 20 and 30 weeks' gestation. PARTICIPANTS--A total of 395 women (69% of the 572 eligible) parity 1 who booked for delivery between November 1988 and February 1990 took part. MEASUREMENTS--Depressive symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Smoking was self reported. The Life Events Inventory and measures of role specific strain and stress in domestic roles were used to assess psychosocial well being. MAIN RESULTS--Smokers were more likely than non-smokers to experience depressive symptoms at 20 and 30 weeks' gestation and on both occasions. The excess risk remained substantial and significant after adjustment for social and psychosocial factors. CONCLUSIONS--Smoking is a significant risk factor for depression in pregnancy. The association of smoking with depression and psychosocial difficulty represents a major problem for interventions intended to reduce smoking in pregnancy.