Simulations of two-dimensional foam rheology:Localization in linear Couette flow and the interaction of settling discs

Surface Evolver simulations of flowing two-dimensional foams are described. These are used for two purposes. Firstly, to extract the location of the T 1 s, the changes in bubble topology that occur during plastic flow. It is shown that in linear Couette flow the T 1 s are localized in space, becoming more so as the polydispersity of the foam decreases. Secondly, the sedimentation of two circular discs through a foam under gravity is studied. If the discs are sufficiently close, they begin to interact and one moves behind the other during their descent

Medicines prescribed for asthma, discontinuation and perinatal outcomes, including breastfeeding: A population cohort analysis

ObjectivesTo explore associations between exposures to medicines prescribed for asthma and their discontinuation in pregnancy and preterm birth [MethodsDesign. A population-based cohort study. Setting. The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage [SAIL] databank in Wales, linking maternal primary care data with infant outcomes. Population. 107,573, 105,331, and 38,725 infants born 2000-2010 with information on premature birth, SGA and breastfeeding respectively, after exclusions. Exposures. maternal prescriptions for asthma medicines or their discontinuation in pregnancy. Methods. Odds ratios for adverse pregnancy outcomes were calculated for the exposed versus the unexposed population, adjusted for smoking, parity, age and socio-economic status.ResultsPrescriptions for asthma, whether continued or discontinued during pregnancy, were associated with birth atConclusionsPrescription of asthma medicines before or during pregnancy was associated with higher prevalence of adverse perinatal outcomes, particularly if prescriptions were discontinued during pregnancy. Women discontinuing medicines during pregnancy could be identified from prescription records. The impact of targeting close monitoring and breastfeeding support warrants exploration

Antidepressant prescriptions, discontinuation, depression and perinatal outcomes, including breastfeeding: A population cohort analysis

ObjectivesTo explore associations between exposure to antidepressants, their discontinuation, depression [medicated or unmediated] and preterm birth [MethodsDesign: A population-based cohort study. Setting: The Secure Anonymised Information Linkage [SAIL] databank in Wales, linking maternal primary care data with infant outcomes. Participants: 107,573, 105,331, and 38,725 infants born 2000-2010 with information on prematurity, SGA and breastfeeding respectively, after exclusions. Exposures: Maternal antidepressant prescriptions in trimesters 2 or 3, discontinuation after trimester 1, recorded diagnosis of depression [medicated or unmediated] in pregnancy. Methods: Odds ratios for adverse pregnancy outcomes were calculated, adjusted for smoking, parity, socio-economic status, and depression.ResultsExclusive formula feeding at 6-8 weeks was associated with prescriptions in trimesters 2 or 3 for any antidepressants (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.81, 95% confidence intervals 0.67-0.98), SSRIs [aOR 0.77, 0.62-0.95], particularly higher doses [aOR 0.45, 0.23-0.86], discontinuation of antidepressants or SSRIs after trimester 1 (aOR 0.70, 0.57-0.83 and 0.66, 0.51-0.87), diagnosis of depression aOR 0.76 [0.70-0.82), particularly if medicated (aOR 0.70, 0.58-0.85), rather than unmedicated (aOR 0.87, 0.82-0.92). Preterm birth at ImplicationsExposure to antidepressants or depression increased risks of exclusive formula feeding at 6-8 weeks, and prescription of antidepressants was associated with SGA <3rd centile. Prescription of antidepressants offers a useful marker to target additional support and additional care before and during pregnancy and lactation