Search

Ru is a metal of interest in catalysis. Monodisperse Ru3 clusters as catalytic sites are relevant for the development of catalysts because clusters use significantly lower amounts of precious materials for forming active sites due to the small size of the cluster. However, retaining the mono-dispersity of the cluster size after deposition is a challenge because surface energy could drive both agglomeration and encapsulation of the clusters. In the present work Ru3 clusters are deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of Ru3(CO)12 and cluster source depositions of bare Ru3 onto radio frequency sputter-deposited TiO2 (RF-TiO2) substrates, TiO2(100), and SiO2. When supported on RF-TiO2, bare Ru3 is encapsulated by a layer of titania substrate material during deposition with a cluster source. Ligated Ru3(CO)12 is also encapsulated by a layer of titania when deposited onto sputter-treated RF-TiO2, but only through heat treatment which is required to remove most of the ligands. The titania overlayer thickness was determined to be 1–2 monolayers for Ru3(CO)12 clusters on RF-TiO2, which is thin enough for catalytic or photocatalytic reactions to potentially occur even without clusters being part of the very outermost layer. The implication for catalysis of the encapsulation of Ru3 into the RF-TiO2 is discussed. Temperature-dependent X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), angle-resolved XPS, and temperature-dependent low energy ion scattering (TD-LEIS) are used to probe how the cluster–surface interaction changes due to heat treatment and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) was used to image the depth of the surface from side-on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Common mental disorders (CMDs) including depression, anxiety, and stress are very common, but it is unclear whether the last decades of social, economic, and political change have impacted incidence of CMD. This study explored temporal trends in the recorded incidence of CMD in the United Kingdom. Methods: We used data from general practices in the United Kingdom (Clinical Practice Research Datalink) to estimate the annual recorded incidence of CMD for 2000–2020, including symptoms, diagnosis, or pharmaceutical treatment. Trends were explored by sex, age, ethnicity, region, deprivation, and comorbidity. Results: We included 29 480 164 individuals who were followed up for 12.5 years on average (s.d. = 6.4 years). The recorded incidence of CMD episodes was 55.9 per 1000 person-years in 2000 [95% confidence interval (CI) 55.8–56.1], increasing to 79.6 per 1000 person-years in 2019 (95% CI 79.5–79.8). Females had higher recorded incidence rates, as did those living in more deprived areas. We observed striking patterns by age over time, with rates in ages 16–24 increasing from 40.2 per 1000 in 2000 (95% CI 39.8–40.5), to 107.8 per 1000 in 2019 (95% CI 107.0–108.6). In contrast, the rates in those aged ≥55 years decreased since 2014. There were differing patterns of incidence by ethnic group, with a steeper increase in Asian, Black, and mixed groups in recent years. Conclusions: Overall, the incidence of recorded CMD in the UK general practice increased between 2000 and 2019 with a small decrease in 2020. The overall trends obscured important differences across population subgroups, which may have implications for prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photodissociation of pyruvic acid (PA) was studied in the gas-phase at 193 nm using two complementary techniques. The time-sliced velocity map imaging arrangement was used to determine kinetic energy release distributions of fragments and estimate dissociation timescales. The multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometer setup was used to identify and quantify photoproducts, including isomers and free radicals, by their mass-to-charge ratios, photoionization spectra, and kinetic time profiles. Using these two techniques, it is possible to observe the major dissociation products of PA photodissociation: CO2, CO, H, OH, HCO, CH2CO, CH3CO, and CH3. Acetaldehyde and vinyl alcohol are minor primary photoproducts at 193 nm, but products that are known to arise from their unimolecular dissociation, such as HCO, H2CO, and CH4, are identified and quantified. A multivariate analysis that takes into account the yields of the observed products and assumes a set of feasible primary dissociation reactions provides a reasonable description of the photoinitiated chemistry of PA despite the necessary simplifications caused by the complexity of the dissociation. These experiments offer the first comprehensive description of the dissociation pathways of PA initiated on the S3 excited state. Most of the observed products and yields are rationalized on the basis of three reaction mechanisms: (i) decarboxylation terminating in CO2 + other primary products (∼50%); (ii) Norrish type I dissociation typical of carbonyls (∼30%); and (iii) O−−H and C−−H bond fission reactions generating the H atom (∼10%). The analysis shows that most of the dissociation reactions create more than two products. This observation is not surprising considering the high excitation energy (∼51 800 cm−1) and fairly low energy required for dissociation of PA. We find that two-body fragmentation processes yielding CO2 are minor, and the expected, unstable primary cofragment, methylhydroxycarbene, is not observed because it probably undergoes fast secondary dissociation and/or isomerization. Norrish type I dissociation pathways generate OH and only small yields of CH3CO and HOCO, which have low dissociation energies and further decompose via three-body fragmentation processes. Experiments with d1-PA (CH3COCOOD) support the interpretations. The dissociation on S3 is fast, as indicated by the products’ recoil angular anisotropy, but the roles of internal conversion and intersystem crossing to lower states are yet to be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sedentary behaviour is potentially a modifiable risk factor for anxiety disorders, a major source of global disability that typically starts during adolescence. This is the first prospective study of associations between repeated, device-based measures of sedentary behaviour and anxiety symptoms in adolescents. Methods: A UK cohort with 4257 adolescents aged 12 at baseline (56% female). Main exposures were sedentary behaviour and physical activity measured using accelerometers for 7-days at ages 12, 14, and 16. Primary outcome was anxiety symptom scores at age 18 from a Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised. We used adjusted negative binomial regression and iso-temporal substitution methods to analyse the data. Results: We found a positive association between sedentary behaviour at ages 12, 14, and 16, with anxiety symptoms at age 18, independent of total physical activity volume. Theoretically replacing an hour of daily sedentary behaviour for light activity at ages 12, 14, and 16, was associated with lower anxiety symptoms by age 18 by 15.9% (95% CI 8.7–22.4), 12.1% (95% CI 3.4–20.1), and 14.7% (95% CI 4–24.2), respectively. Whereas, theoretically replacing an hour of sedentary behaviour with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not associated with differences in anxiety symptoms. These results were robust to a series of sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: Sedentary behaviour is a possible risk factor for increasing anxiety symptoms during adolescence, independent of total physical activity volume. Instead of focusing on moderate-to-vigorous activity, replacing daily sedentary behaviour with light activity during adolescence could be a more suitable method of reducing future anxiety symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) technologies are integral to genetic improvement programs in the sheep industries. Despite the protocols being well established, previous findings regarding the effects of embryo properties on MOET success remain contradictory. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of embryo developmental stage and quality on embryo viability following transfer to recipient ewes. Data including details of 377 embryos collected from 45 Merino donor ewes were obtained from MOET trials conducted on three separate farms on day 6 after laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI). A total of 270 embryos were classified as being of transferrable grade (grade 1: n = 233; grade 2: n = 37). One or two transferrable grade embryos were transferred to each of 256 synchronised recipient ewes and pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 36 after embryo transfer. Embryos at the hatched blastocyst stage tended to have greater viability in vivo compared to embryos at the late morula stage (59.0 ± 10.6% vs. 36.2 ± 9.7%; P = 0.083). The viability of grade 1 embryos was greater than that of grade 2 embryos (53.6 ± 7.8% vs. 35.9 ± 10.2%; P < 0.05). The results suggest that the success of the MOET trials was influenced by the transfer of embryos at the late morula stage, almost half of which were classified as grade 2 embryos. These findings highlight the importance of following strict embryo quality grading criteria to inform the most economical management of recipient ewes and maximize pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the rapid transition of many face-to-face health services to alternate modes of service delivery. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits, challenges and perceived quality of a telehealth service delivery model from the perspective of clients and students. Further, students' perceptions relating to the quality of the educational experience were also explored. Methods: The study was set in a student-led interprofessional health and wellness clinic in rural Queensland, Australia. A qualitative case study design was used, including semistructured student interviews and client open-response survey data. Participants were nursing and allied health students who completed a student-led interprofessional clinic placement and adults with low to rising risk of chronic disease who attended the clinic for telehealth delivered services. Results: Themes identified following analysis included: new or adapted skills needed for success; challenges, limitations and the need for resources, training and support; quality interprofessional education experiences can be achieved in telehealth; coming away with a new set of skills; the important role of the client for success; and benefits and disadvantages of telehealth for clients. Conclusions: The findings support that telehealth-based service-learning models are a feasible way to deliver health and wellness services from the perspective of students and clients and provide students with important skills for rural health service delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A wide range of non-clinical nature- and culture-based interventions for the treatment of health issues have been evaluated in evidence and systematic reviews. However, common outcomes of these interventions have not been identified and neuro-bio-psychosocial mechanisms underlying how these interventions impact health are not well understood. We conducted a systematised review and compared the evidence for human responses to nature- and culture-based non-clinical interventions for a range of health issues and assessed the proposed mechanisms and conceptual frameworks underlying these interventions. Methods: Comprehensive searches were conducted up to May 2018 in six bibliographic databases: Campbell Collaboration, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies included were evidence reviews or systematic reviews on any nature- or culture-based non-clinical intervention to improve the health of individuals. Results: A total of 60 reviews were included (33 of nature, 26 of culture, 1 of both) covering 1480 individual studies and trials. The most common review types were systematic (32), literature (22) and meta-analyses (6). Positive effects on mental health were reported for the majority of interventions, while other health outcomes such as immunity were not well represented in the review literature. A range of secondary outcomes were common to both nature- and culture-based interventions including psychological and emotional impacts, social interaction and relationship development, skills development, physical health benefits, and positive impact of the intervention environment. Only two reviews proposed conceptual frameworks, and the neuro-bio-psychosocial mechanisms that underpin the health changes were not clarified. Conclusion: Future research should focus on reviewing the evidence gaps for non-clinical nature- and culture-based interventions with an emphasis on implementing larger sample sizes, cohort and longitudinal studies, which deploy a wider range of mixed-methods, quasi-experimental and randomised control trials. There should also be agreement on terminology and developing conceptual frameworks to better understand the neuro-bio-psychosocial mechanisms underlying interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the creation of new heterogeneous catalysts using the unique electronic/geometric structures of small metal nanoclusters (NCs) has received considerable attention. However, to achieve this, it is extremely important to establish methods to remove the ligands from ligand‐protected metal NCs while preventing the aggregation of metal NCs. In this study, the ligand‐desorption process during calcination was followed for metal‐oxide‐supported 2‐phenylethanethiolate‐protected gold (Au) 25‐atom metal NCs using five experimental techniques. The results clearly demonstrate that the ligand‐desorption process consists of ligand dissociation on the surface of the metal NCs, adsorption of the generated compounds on the support and desorption of the compounds from the support, and the temperatures at which these processes occurred were elucidated. Based on the obtained knowledge, we established a method to form a metal‐oxide layer on the surface of Au NCs while preventing their aggregation, thereby succeeding in creating a water‐splitting photocatalyst with high activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the creation of new heterogeneous catalysts using the unique electronic/geometric structures of small metal nanoclusters (NCs) has received considerable attention. However, to achieve this, it is extremely important to establish methods to remove the ligands from ligand‐protected metal NCs while preventing the aggregation of metal NCs. In this study, the ligand‐desorption process during calcination was followed for metal‐oxide‐supported 2‐phenylethanethiolate‐protected gold (Au) 25‐atom metal NCs using five experimental techniques. The results clearly demonstrate that the ligand‐desorption process consists of ligand dissociation on the surface of the metal NCs, adsorption of the generated compounds on the support and desorption of the compounds from the support, and the temperatures at which these processes occurred were elucidated. Based on the obtained knowledge, we established a method to form a metal‐oxide layer on the surface of Au NCs while preventing their aggregation, thereby succeeding in creating a water‐splitting photocatalyst with high activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Public mental health (PMH) aims to improve wellbeing and prevent poor mental health at the population level. It is a global challenge and a UK priority area for action. Communities play an important role in the provision of PMH interventions. However, the evidence base concerning community-based PMH interventions is limited, meaning it is challenging to compare service provision to need. Without this, the efficient and equitable provision of services is hindered. Here, we sought to map the current range of community-based interventions for improving mental health and wellbeing currently provided in England to inform priority areas for policy and service intervention.Method: We adopted an established mapping exercise methodology, comparing service provision with demographic and deprivation statistics. Five local authority areas of England were selected based on differing demographics, mental health needs and wider challenging circumstances (i.e. high deprivation). Community-based interventions were identified through: 1) desk-based research 2) established professional networks 3) chain-referral sampling of individuals involved in local mental health promotion and prevention and 4) peer researchers' insight. We included all community-based, non-clinical interventions aimed at adult residents operating between July 2019 and May 2020.Results: 407 interventions were identified across the five areas addressing 16 risk/protective factors for PMH. Interventions for social isolation and loneliness were most prevalent, most commonly through social activities and/or befriending services. The most common subpopulations targeted were older adults and people from minority ethnic backgrounds. Interventions focusing on broader structural and environmental determinants were uncommon. There was some evidence of service provision being tailored to local need, though this was inconsistent, meaning some at-risk groups such as men or LGBTQ+ people from minority ethnic backgrounds were missed. Interventions were not consistently evaluated.Conclusions: There was evidence of partial responsiveness to national and local prioritising. Provision was geared mainly towards addressing social and individual determinants of PMH, suggesting more integration is needed to engage wider service providers and policy-makers in PMH strategy and delivery at the community level. The lack of comprehensive evaluation of services to improve PMH needs to be urgently addressed to determine the extent of their effectiveness in communities they serve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sedentary behaviour is potentially a modifiable risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders, but findings have been inconsistent. To assess the associations of sedentary behaviour with depression and anxiety symptoms and estimate the impact of replacing daily time spent in sedentary behaviours with sleep, light, or moderate to vigorous physical activity, using compositional data analysis methods.Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 60,235 UK Biobank participants (mean age: 56; 56% female). Exposure was baseline daily movement behaviours (accelerometer-assessed sedentary behaviour and physical activity, and self-reported total sleep). Outcomes were depression and anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorders-7) at follow-up.Results: Replacing 60 min of sedentary behaviour with light activity, moderate-to-vigorous activity, and sleep was associated with lower depression symptom scores by 1.3% (95% CI, 0.4-2.1%), 12.5% (95% CI, 11.4-13.5%), and 7.6% (95% CI, 6.9-8.4%), and lower odds of possible depression by 0.95 (95% CI, 0.94-0.96), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.74-0.76), and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.90-0.91) at follow-up. Replacing 60 min of sedentary behaviour with moderate-to-vigorous activity and sleep was associated with lower anxiety symptom scores by 6.6% (95% CI, 5.5-7.6%) and 4.5% (95% CI, 3.7-5.2%), and lower odds of meeting the threshold for a possible anxiety disorder by 0.90 (95% CI, 0.89-0.90) and 0.97 (95%CI, 0.96-0.97) at follow-up. However, replacing 60 min of sedentary behaviour with light activity was associated with higher anxiety symptom scores by 4.5% (95% CI, 3.7-5.3%) and higher odds of a possible anxiety disorder by 1.07 (95% CI, 1.06-1.08).Conclusions: Sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for increased depression and anxiety symptoms in adults. Replacing sedentary behaviour with moderate-to-vigorous activity may reduce mental health risks, but more work is necessary to clarify the role of light activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyruvic acid, a representative alpha-keto carboxylic acid, is one of the few organic molecules destroyed in the troposphere by solar radiation rather than by reactions with free radicals. To date, only its stable final products were identified, often with contribution from secondary chemistry, making it difficult to elucidate photodissociation mechanisms following excitation to the lowest singlet excited-state (S1) and the role of the internal hydrogen bond in the most-stable Tc conformer. Using multiplexed photoionization mass spectrometry we report the first direct experimental evidence, via the observation of singlet methylhydroxycarbene (MHC) following 351 nm excitation, supporting the decarboxylation mechanism previously proposed. Decarboxylation to MHC + CO2 represents 97–100% of product branching at 351 nm. We observe vinyl alcohol and acetaldehyde, which we attribute to isomerization of MHC. We also observe a 3 ± 2% yield of the Norrish Type I photoproducts CH3CO + DOCO, but only from d1-pyruvic acid. At 4 Torr pressure, we measure a photodissociation quantum yield of 1.0 +0−0.4 , consistent with IUPAC recommendations. However, our measured product branching fractions disagree with IUPAC. In light of previous calculations, these results support a mechanism in which hydrogen transfer on the S1 excited state occurs at least partially by tunneling, in competition with intersystem crossing to the T1 state. We present the first evidence of a bimolecular reaction of MHC in the gas phase, where MHC reacts with pyruvic acid to produce a C4H8O2 product. This observation implies that some MHC produced from pyruvic acid in Earth's troposphere will be stabilized and participate in chemical reactions with O2 and H2O, and should be considered in atmospheric modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine clinical predictors of lithium response in bipolar disorder. Methods: Systematic review of studies examining clinical predictors of lithium response was conducted. Meta‐analyses were performed when ≥2 studies examined the same potential predictor. Results: A total of 71 studies, including over 12 000 patients, identified six predictors of good response: mania‐depression‐interval sequence [odds ratio (OR): 4.27; 95% CI: 2.61, 6.97; P < 0.001], absence of rapid cycling (OR for rapid cycling: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.53; P < 0.001), absence of psychotic symptoms (OR for psychotic symptoms: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.79; P = 0.002), family history of bipolar disorder (OR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.52; P = 0.036), shorter prelithium illness duration [standardised mean difference (SMD): −0.26; 95% CI: −0.41, −0.12; P < 0.001] and later age of onset (SMD: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02, 0.36; P = 0.029). Additionally, higher body mass index was associated with poor response in two studies (SMD: −0.61; 95% CI: −0.90, −0.32; P < 0.001). There was weak evidence for number of episodes prior to lithium treatment (SMD: −0.42; 95% CI: −0.84, −0.01; P = 0.046), number of hospitalisations before lithium (SMD: −0.40; 95% CI: −0.81, 0.01; P = 0.055) and family history of lithium response (OR: 10.28; 95% CI: 0.66, 161.26; P = 0.097). Conclusions: The relative importance of these clinical characteristics should be interpreted with caution because of potential biases and confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photodissociation of the nitromethyl radical, CH2NO2, has been studied using a fast beam photofragment translational spectrometer. In these experiments, a fast beam of mass selected, internally cold nitromethyl radicals is formed via negative ion photodetachment of CH2NO-2 and subsequently dissociated. The recoiling photofragments are detected in coincidence using a microchannel plate detector equipped with a time- and position-sensing anode. Two dissociation product channels are observed at each of three dissociation wavelengths investigated in the range 240–270 nm and are identified as (I) CH2NO2→CH2NO+O and (II) CH2NO2→H2CO+NO. In marked contrast to the ultraviolet photodissociation of CH3NO2, no evidence is found for simple C–N bond fission to give (III) CH2NO2→CH2+NO2. Translational energy and angular distributions were obtained for the two observed channels. The translational energy distribution of channel (I) peaks at only 5–8 kcal/mol, while the distribution for channel (II) peaks at ∼60 kcal/mol. The angular distributions for both channels are largely isotropic. The nature of the electronic excitation and dissociation dynamics are considered at length. The upper state in the electronic transition is assigned to the 1 2B1 state. Results of attempts to model various aspects of the dissociation dynamics as statistical processes on the ground state surface indicate this mechanism is very unlikely. Instead, both dissociation channels are believed to occur primarily on excited state surfaces, and mechanisms for these processes are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dissociation dynamics of the B 2Σu+ state of N3 were investigated using fast radical beam photodissociation coupled with a new coincidence wedge-and-strip-anode particle detector. With this detector, detailed photofragment kinetic energy and angular distributions can be measured as a function of excitation energy. Calibration of the detector by studies of the predissociation of the O2 B 3Σu- state is discussed. Methods of extracting the center-of-mass kinetic energy and angular distributions are presented. The photodissociation results for N3 show that from the vibrationless level of the B 2Σu+ state in N3, both spin-allowed [N3→N(2D)+N2(1Σg+)] and spin-forbidden [N3→N(4S)+N2(1Σg+)] dissociation processes occur. Bend excitation in the B 2Σu+ state, however, enhances the spin-allowed dissociation process considerably. The kinetic energy distributions reveal partially resolved vibrational structure in the N2 fragment, and indicate substantial rotational excitation of the N2. This implies that bent geometries play a major role in the dissociation of the N3 B state. Possible mechanisms for the spin-forbidden and spin-allowed dissociation channels are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spectroscopy and dissociation dynamics of the NCO radical have been investigated by applying fast radical beam photodissociation spectroscopy to the B 2Π←X 2 Π electronic transition. Measurements of the photodissociation cross section as a function of dissociation wavelength show that even the lowest vibrational levels of the B 2Π state predissociate. Analysis of fragment kinetic energy release reveals that the spin-forbidden N(4S)+CO(1Σ+) products are produced exclusively until 20.3 kcal/mol above the origin, at which point, the spin-allowed N(2D)+CO product channel becomes energetically accessible. The spin-allowed channel dominates above this threshold. By determining the location of this threshold, we obtain a new ΔHf0 for NCO of 30.5±1 kcal/mol, several kcal/mol lower than the previously accepted value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the 'real-world effectiveness of statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and for lipid modification in people with severe mental illnesses (SMI), including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Design: Series of staggered cohorts. We estimated the effect of statin prescribing on CVD outcomes using a multivariable Poisson regression model or linear regression for cholesterol outcomes. Setting: 587 general practice (GP) surgeries across the UK reporting data to The Health Improvement Network. Participants: All permanently registered GP patients aged 40-84 years between 2002 and 2012 who had a diagnosis of SMI. Exclusion criteria were pre-existing CVD, statin-contraindicating conditions or a statin prescription within the 24 months prior to the study start. Exposure: One or more statin prescriptions during a 24-month 'baseline' period (vs no statin prescription during the same period). Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was combined first myocardial infarction and stroke. All-cause mortality and total cholesterol concentration were secondary outcomes. Results: We identified 2944 statin users and 42 886 statin non-users across the staggered cohorts. Statin prescribing was not associated with significant reduction in CVD events (incident rate ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.68 to 1.15) or all-cause mortality (0.89; 95% CI 0.78 to 1.02). Statin prescribing was, however, associated with statistically significant reductions in total cholesterol of 1.2 mmol/L (95% CI 1.1 to 1.3) for up to 2 years after adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics. On average, total cholesterol decreased from 6.3 to 4.6 in statin users and 5.4 to 5.3 mmol/L in non-users. Conclusions: We found that statin prescribing to people with SMI in UK primary care was effective for lipid modification but not CVD events. The latter finding may reflect insufficient power to detect a smaller effect size than that observed in randomised controlled trials of statins in people without SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere are no existing longitudinal studies of inflammatory markers and atopic disorders in childhood and risk of hypomanic symptoms in adulthood. This study examined if childhood: (1) serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP); and (2) asthma and/or eczema are associated with features of hypomania in young adulthood.MethodParticipants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a prospective general population UK birth cohort, had non-fasting blood samples for IL-6 and CRP measurement at the age of 9 years (n = 4645), and parents answered a question about doctor-diagnosed atopic illness before the age of 10 years (n = 7809). These participants completed the Hypomania Checklist at age 22 years (n = 3361).ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, socio-economic status, past psychological and behavioural problems, body mass index and maternal postnatal depression, participants in the top third of IL-6 values at 9 years, compared with the bottom third, had an increased risk of hypomanic symptoms by age 22 years [adjusted odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–2.85, p < 0.001]. Higher IL-6 levels in childhood were associated with adult hypomania features in a dose–response fashion. After further adjustment for depression at the age of 18 years this association remained (adjusted odds ratio 1.70, 95% CI 1.03–2.81, p = 0.038). There was no evidence of an association of hypomanic symptoms with CRP levels, asthma or eczema in childhood.ConclusionsHigher levels of systemic inflammatory marker IL-6 in childhood were associated with hypomanic symptoms in young adulthood, suggesting that inflammation may play a role in the pathophysiology of mania. Inflammatory pathways may be suitable targets for the prevention and intervention for bipolar disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To determine the accuracy of blood pressure (BP), capillary refill time (CRT), and central-peripheral temperature difference (CPTd) for detecting low upper body blood flow in the first day after birth.Methods: A prospective, two centre cohort study of 128 infants born at < 30 weeks gestation. Invasive BP (n = 108), CRT (n = 128), and CPTd (n = 46) were performed immediately before echocardiographic measurement of superior vena cava (SVC) flow at three, 5-10, and 24 hours after birth.Results: Forty four (34%) infants had low SVC flow (< 41 ml/kg/min) in the first day, 13/122 (11%) at three hours, 39/126 (31%) at 5-10 hours, and 4/119 (3%) at 24 hours. CPTd did not detect infants with low flows. Combining all observations in the first 24 hours, CRT > or = 3 seconds had 55% sensitivity and 81% specificity, mean BP < 30 mm Hg had 59% sensitivity and 77% specificity, and systolic BP < 40 mm Hg had 76% sensitivity and 68% specificity for detecting low SVC flow. Combining a mean BP < 30 mm Hg and/or central CRT > or = 3 seconds increases the sensitivity to 78%.Conclusions: Low upper body blood flow is common in the first day after birth and strongly associated with peri/intraventricular haemorrhage. BP and CRT are imperfect bedside tests for detecting low blood flow in the first day after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess deaths from cardiovascular disease are a major contributor to the significant reduction in life expectancy experienced by people with schizophrenia. Important risk factors in this are smoking, alcohol misuse, excessive weight gain and diabetes. Weight gain also reinforces service users' negative views of themselves and is a factor in poor adherence with treatment. Monitoring of relevant physical health risk factors is frequently inadequate, as is provision of interventions to modify these. These guidelines review issues surrounding monitoring of physical health risk factors and make recommendations about an appropriate approach. Overweight and obesity, partly driven by antipsychotic drug treatment, are important factors contributing to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in people with schizophrenia. There have been clinical trials of many interventions for people experiencing weight gain when taking antipsychotic medications but there is a lack of clear consensus regarding which may be appropriate in usual clinical practice. These guidelines review these trials and make recommendations regarding appropriate interventions. Interventions for smoking and alcohol misuse are reviewed, but more briefly as these are similar to those recommended for the general population. The management of impaired fasting glycaemia and impaired glucose tolerance ('pre-diabetes'), diabetes and other cardiovascular risks, such as dyslipidaemia, are also reviewed with respect to other currently available guidelines.These guidelines were compiled following a consensus meeting of experts involved in various aspects of these problems. They reviewed key areas of evidence and their clinical implications. Wider issues relating to primary care/secondary care interfaces are discussed but cannot be resolved within guidelines such as these. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) coordinates and provides analytical support to the worldwide network of Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA). The goal of ALMERA is to provide timely and reliable measurement results of environmental radioactivity in routine monitoring and emergency situations. Finding and choosing the most adequate analytical procedures for environmental monitoring can be a challenge for laboratories due to a wide variety of technologies available and the rapid developments in this field. To respond to this challenge, the IAEA has included within its ALMERA activities, the development and validation of a set of procedures for the determination of natural and anthropogenic radionuclides in environmental samples, for both routine and emergency environmental monitoring. Methodological harmonization, in turn, leads to enhanced worldwide comparability of environmental radioactivity measurement results. The respective analytical procedures are developed by expert groups from ALMERA member laboratories and validated through several ALMERA laboratories worldwide according to a comprehensive methodology. In addition to sequential analytical procedures for routine environmental monitoring, rapid procedures applicable for radiological emergencies have been developed and validated for the determination of americium and plutonium radioisotopes in soil and sediment samples, radiostrontium in milk, and radium isotopes in drinking water. Currently, the development of rapid procedures for radiostrontium analysis in soil and seawater is underway, partly prompted by the interest for high throughput procedures following the analytical burden of laboratories after the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To review and complete meta-analysis of studies estimating standardised mortality ratios ( SMRs) in bipolar affective disorder ( BPAD) for all-cause and cause-specific mortalities. Method Cause-specific mortality was grouped into natural and unnatural causes. These subgroups were further divided into circulatory, respiratory, neoplastic and infectious causes, and suicide and other violent deaths. Summary SMRs were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was examined via subgroup analysis and meta-regression. Results Systematic searching found 31 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Summary SMR for all-cause mortality = 2.05 (95% CI 1.89-2.23), but heterogeneity was high ( I2 = 96.2%). This heterogeneity could not be accounted for by date of publication, cohort size, mid-decade of data collection, population type or geographical region. Unnatural death summary SMR = 7.42 (95% CI 6.43-8.55) and natural death = 1.64 (95% CI 1.47-1.83). Specifically, suicide SMR = 14.44 (95% CI 12.43-16.78), other violent death SMR = 3.68 (95% CI 2.77-4.90), deaths from circulatory disease = 1.73 (95% CI 1.54-1.94), respiratory disease = 2.92 (95% CI 2.00-4.23), infection = 2.25 (95% CI 1.70-3.00) and neoplasm = 1.14 (95% CI 1.10-1.21). Conclusion Despite considerable heterogeneity, all summary SMR estimates and a large majority of individual studies showed elevated mortality in BPAD compared to the general population. This was true for all causes of mortality studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Little is known about the relative extent of crime against people with severe mental illness (SMI). Aims To assess the prevalence and impact of crime among people with SMI compared with the general population. Method A total of 361 psychiatric patients were interviewed using the national crime survey questionnaire, and findings compared with those from 3138 general population controls participating in the contemporaneous national crime survey. Results Past-year crime was experienced by 40% of patients v. 14% of controls (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.8, 95% CI 2.0–3.8); and violent assaults by 19% of patients v. 3% of controls (adjusted OR = 5.3, 95% CI 3.1–8.8). Women with SMI had four-, ten- and four-fold increases in the odds of experiencing domestic, community and sexual violence, respectively. Victims with SMI were more likely to report psychosocial morbidity following violence than victims from the general population. Conclusions People with SMI are at greatly increased risk of crime and associated morbidity. Violence prevention policies should be particularly focused on people with SMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundDomestic and sexual violence are significant public health problems but little is known about the extent to which men and women with severe mental illness (SMI) are at risk compared with the general population. We aimed to compare the prevalence and impact of violence against SMI patients and the general population.MethodThree hundred and three randomly recruited psychiatric patients, in contact with community services for ⩾1 year, were interviewed using the British Crime Survey domestic/sexual violence questionnaire. Prevalence and correlates of violence in this sample were compared with those from 22 606 general population controls participating in the contemporaneous 2011/12 national crime survey.ResultsPast-year domestic violence was reported by 27% v. 9% of SMI and control women, respectively [odds ratio (OR) adjusted for socio-demographics, aOR 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7–4.0], and by 13% v. 5% of SMI and control men, respectively (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.8). Past-year sexual violence was reported by 10% v. 2.0% of SMI and control women respectively (aOR 2.9, 95% CI 1.4–5.8). Family (non-partner) violence comprised a greater proportion of overall domestic violence among SMI than control victims (63% v. 35%, p < 0.01). Adulthood serious sexual assault led to attempted suicide more often among SMI than control female victims (53% v. 3.4%, p < 0.001).ConclusionsCompared to the general population, patients with SMI are at substantially increased risk of domestic and sexual violence, with a relative excess of family violence and adverse health impact following victimization. Psychiatric services, and public health and criminal justice policies, need to address domestic and sexual violence in this at-risk group. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction Osteoporosis is common in later life, leading to fragility fractures associated with increased mortality, disability, and costs. There is a surprising lack of data regarding the incidence of osteoporosis. We aimed to estimate the incidence of recorded diagnosis of osteoporosis, osteopenia, and fragility fracture in older people, explore time trends in diagnosis, and differences by age, sex, and social deprivation. Method We used de-identified patient data provided as part of routine primary care (IQVIA Medical Research Database (IMRD). All patients aged 50-99y registered with THIN (The Health Improvement Network) participating practices between 1/1/2000–31/12/2018 were included. Crude incidence rates (IR) were estimated per 10,000 person-years (PY). We used Poisson regression to calculate adjusted Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) accounting for sex, age, calendar year and deprivation. Results The IR of osteoporosis was significantly higher in women, 84.32 (95%CI 83.81–84.83) vs. 16.66 (95%CI 16.43–16.90) in men per 10,000PY. In women, recorded IR of osteoporosis reached a peak in 2009. In the adjusted model, older men in most deprived areas had a higher IRR of osteoporosis [1.67 (95% 1.59–1.74)] compared to those in least deprived areas. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with osteopenia compared to men, at any age. Incidence of osteopenia diagnosis increased over time. In the adjusted model, men in most deprived areas had a higher IRR of osteopenia [1.44 (95%CI 1.35–1.53)] compared to least deprived areas. The IR of fragility fracture was higher in women, 84.97 (95%CI 84.45–85.48) vs. 31.15 (95%CI 30.83–31.48) in men per 10,000PY. In the adjusted model, men in most deprived areas had an increased IRR of fragility fracture [1.53 (95%CI 1.48–1.59)] compared to least deprived areas. Conclusion Community bone health interventions might be targeted at populations at higher risk of fragility fractures, including older men living in socially deprived areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Childhood interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and atopic disorders as risk factors for hypomanic symptoms in young adulthood: a longitudinal birth cohort study" which was published on the August 1, 2016 issue is presented.

Introduction: Sedentary behaviour is potentially a modifiable risk factor for depression and anxiety disorders, but findings have been inconsistent. Objectives: To assess associations of sedentary behavior with depression and anxiety symptoms and estimate the impact of replacing daily time spent in sedentary behaviors with sleep, light, or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, using novel compositional data analysis methods. Methods: Prospective cohort study in with 60,235 UK Biobank participants (mean age: 56; 56%female). Exposure was baseline daily movement behaviours (accelerometer-assessed sedentary behaviour, physical activity, and self-reported total sleep). Outcomes were depression and anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalised Anxiety Disorders-7) at follow up. Results: Replacing 60 minutes of sedentary behaviour with light activity, moderate-to-vigorous activity, and sleep was associated with lower depression symptom scores by 1.3% (95%CI, 0.4%-2.1%), 12.5% (95%CI, 11.4%-13.5%), and 7.6% (95%CI, 6.9%-8.4%), and lower odds of depression by 0.95 (95%CI, 0.94-0.96), 0.75 (95%CI, 0.74-0.76), and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.90-0.91) at follow-up. Replacing 60 minutes of sedentary behaviour with moderate-tovigorous activity and sleep was associated with lower anxiety symptom scores by 6.6% (95%CI, 5.5%-7.6%) and 4.5% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.2%), and lower odds of meeting the threshold for an anxiety disorder by 0.90 (95%CI, 0.89-0.90) and 0.97 (95%CI, 0.96-0.97) at follow-up. However, replacing 60 minutes of sedentary behaviour with light activity was associated with higher anxiety symptom scores by 4.5% (95%CI, 3.7%-5.3%) and higher odds of an anxiety disorder by 1.07 (95%CI, 1.06-1.08). Conclusions: Sedentary behaviour is a risk factor for increased depression and anxiety symptoms in adults, but different replacement activities differentially influence mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:Use of antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may reduce cerebral palsy in infants born very preterm. Low systemic blood flow in the first day in very preterm infants has been associated with cerebral injury and adverse motor outcome. The aim was to determine the effect of MgSO4 on systemic blood flow in preterm infants.Study Design:Randomized trial of MgSO4 versus saline placebo given to mothers at risk of delivery before 30 weeks gestation. Echocardiographic monitoring performed at 3 to 5, 10 to 12 and 24 h.Result:A total of 48 infants were exposed to MgSO4 and 39 to placebo. Infants exposed to MgSO4 were significantly more likely to receive volume expansion (42% versus 21%). Inotrope use did not differ significantly (40% versus 26%). There was no significant difference in mean lowest superior vena cava (SVC) flow or right ventricular output (RVO), or incidence of low SVC flow or RVO in the first 24 h. Infants exposed to MgSO4 had a significantly higher heart rate and were more likely to have low SVC flow at 10 to 12 h but not other times.Conclusion:Antenatal MgSO4 produced no consistent cardiovascular effects in the infant in the first 24 h. There is no evidence from this study to suggest the mechanism by which antenatal MgSO4 prevents cerebral palsy is through a cardiovascular effect in the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Although mortality rates are elevated in psychiatric patients relative to their healthy counterparts, little is known about the impact of mental health on survival in people with cancer.Methods and results:Among 16 498 Swedish men with cancer, survival was worse in those with a history of psychiatric hospital admissions: multiply-adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) comparing cancer mortality in men with and without psychiatric admissions: 1.59 (1.39, 1.83).Conclusion:Survival in cancer patients is worse among those with a history of psychiatric disease. The mechanisms underlying this association should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]