Risk Factors for Heart Failure 20-Year Population-Based Trends by Sex, Socioeconomic Status, and Ethnicity

Background: There are multiple risk factors for heart failure, but contemporary temporal trends according to sex, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity are unknown. Methods: Using a national UK general practice database linked to hospitalizations (1998-2017), 108 638 incident heart failure patients were identified. Differences in risk factors among patient groups adjusted for sociodemographic factors and age-adjusted temporal trends were investigated using logistic and linear regression. Results: Over time, a 5.3 year (95% CI, 5.2-5.5) age difference between men and women remained. Women had higher blood pressure, body mass index, and cholesterol than men (P<0.0001). Ischemic heart disease prevalence increased for all to 2006 before reducing in women by 0.5% per annum, reaching 42.7% (95% CI, 41.7-43.6), but not in men, remaining at 57.7% (95% CI, 56.9-58.6; interaction P=0.002). Diabetes mellitus prevalence increased more in men than in women (interaction P<0.0001). Age between the most deprived (74.6 years [95% CI, 74.1-75.1]) and most affluent (79.9 [95% CI, 79.6-80.2]) diverged (interaction P<0.0001), generating a 5-year gap. The most deprived had significantly higher annual increases in comorbidity numbers (+0.14 versus +0.11), body mass index (+0.14 versus +0.11 kg/m(2)), and lower smoking reductions (-1.2% versus -1.7%) than the most affluent. Ethnicity trend differences were insignificant, but South Asians were overall 6 years and the black group 9 years younger than whites. South Asians had more ischemic heart disease (+16.5% [95% CI, 14.3-18.6]), hypertension (+12.5% [95% CI, 10.5-14.3]), and diabetes mellitus (+24.3% [95% CI, 22.0-26.6]), and the black group had more hypertension (+12.3% [95% CI, 9.7-14.8]) and diabetes mellitus (+13.1% [95% CI, 10.1-16.0]) but lower ischemic heart disease (-10.6% [95% CI, -13.6 to -7.6]) than the white group. Conclusions: Population groups show distinct risk factor trend differences, indicating the need for contemporary tailored prevention programs

Применение эффекту Кирлиан для оценки структурообразования в водных системах

Технічно реалізовано два підходи до реєстрації ефекту Кірліан у рідинах. Проаналізовано три методи формування краплі рідини. На прикладі інформаційно-структурованих вод – «Моршинської» та «Даяни» – продемонстровані можливості розробленої апаратури. Показано, що в якості статистично достовірного структуризатора рідин може бути використаний магнітний прилад – Коректор функціонального стану (КФС).Two technical approaches were used two methods of register Kirlian effect in liquids. Three methods of liquid drop formation have been analyzed. Using informationally structured waters “Morshinskaya” and “Dayana” as the example. It was shown that magnet device, Corrector of functional state, can be used as statistically valid structurizer of liquids.Технически реализовано два подхода к регистрации эффекта Кирлиан в жидкостях Проанализировано три метода формирования капли жидкости. На примере информационно структурированных вод «Моршинской» и «Даяны» – продемонстрированы возможности разработанной аппаратуры. Показано, что в качестве статистически достоверного структуризатора жидкости можно использовать магнитный прибор – Корректор функционального состояния (КФС)

Система обеспечения подачи рапы необходимой концентрации для бальнеологических больниц

Розроблена система контролю та регулювання подачі водного розчину ропи складається з блоку фільтрації, двох контактних платино-платинованих двохелектродних датчиків виміру електропровідності, моста змінного струму та виконавчого механізму подачі ропи в накопичувальну ємність. Вибір метода контролю концентрації розчину обумовлено походженням зразків ропи з різних природних джерел.The developed control system for regulated supply of concentrated salt water solution (brine) consists of a filter block, two contact platinum-platinated 2-electrode sensors for measuring electroconductivity, alternating current bridge and working device of the brine delivery to an accumulating container. The above- mentioned way of the salt solution concentration control is determined by the brine sample origin from different mineral sources.Разработанная система контроля и регулирования подачи водного раствора рапы состоит из блока фильтрации, двух контактных платино-платинированых двухэлектродных датчиков измерения электропроводности, моста переменного тока и исполнительного механизма подачи рапы в накопительную емкость. Выбор метода контроля концентрации раствора обусловлено происхождением образцов рапы из разных природных источников

Follicle-stimulating hormone in postmenopausal women living with HIV: a prevalence study

OBJECTIVES: We examined follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in women living with HIV aged > 45 reporting ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea, and investigated correlation with menopausal symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional substudy of 85 women from the Positive Transitions through the Menopause (PRIME) Study who reported irregular periods at entry into the PRIME Study and ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea at recruitment into this substudy. Serum FSH was supplemented with clinical data and menopausal symptom assessment. Serum FSH > 30 mIU/mL was defined as consistent with postmenopausal status. Associations between FSH and menopausal symptom severity were assessed using Pearson's correlation and the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Median age was 53 years [interquartile range (IQR): 51-55]; all were on antiretroviral therapy, three-quarters (n = 65) had a CD4 T-cell count > 500 cells/μL and 91.8% (n = 78) had an HIV viral load (VL)  30 mIU/mL (40.8 vs. 30.5 kg/m2 ). Over a quarter (28.2%) reported severe menopausal symptoms, with no correlation between FSH and severity of menopausal symptoms (p = 0.21), or hot flushes (p = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS: Four women in this small substudy had low FSH despite being amenorrhoeic; all had BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 . We found that 95% of women with HIV aged > 45 years reporting ≥ 12 months' amenorrhoea had elevated FSH, suggesting that menopausal status can be ascertained from menstrual history alone in this group

Chems4EU: chemsex use and its impacts across four European countries in HIV‐positive men who have sex with men attending HIV services

Introduction: Chemsex in a European context is the use of any of the following drugs to facilitate sex: crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and, to a lesser extent, cocaine and ketamine. This study describes the prevalence of self-reported recreational drug use and chemsex in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing HIV services in four countries. It also examines the problematic impacts and harms of chemsex and access to chemsex-related services. Methods: This is a cross-sectional multi-centre questionnaire study of HIV-positive MSM accessing nine HIV services in the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy. Results: In all, 1589 HIV-positive MSM attending HIV services in four countries completed the questionnaire. The median age of participants was 38 years (interquartile range: 32-46 years) and 1525 (96.0%) were taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the previous 12 months, 709 (44.6%) had used recreational drugs, 382 (24.0%) reported chemsex and 104 (6.5%) reported injection of chemsex-associated drugs ('slamsex'). Of the 382 engaging in chemsex, 155 (40.6%) reported unwanted side effects as a result of chemsex and 81 (21.2%) as a result of withdrawal from chemsex. The reported negative impacts from chemsex were on work (25.1%, 96), friends/family (24.3%, 93) and relationships (28.3%, 108). Fifty-seven (14.9%) accessed chemsex-related services in the past year, 38 of whom (67%) felt the service met their needs. Discussion: A quarter of participants self-reported chemsex in the past 12 months. There were high rates of harms from chemsex across all countries, including negative impacts on work, friends/family and relationships. Although a minority of those engaging in chemsex accessed support, most found this useful

Nomograms for the determination of the conditions of CO_2 welding

Translated from Russian (Report of the Kiev Polytechnical Inst., Kiev, 1997)Available from British Library Document Supply Centre-DSC:9023.190(VR-Trans--9180)T / BLDSC - British Library Document Supply CentreSIGLEGBUnited Kingdo

Ca2+-dependent potassium channels and cannabinoid signaling in the endothelium of apolipoprotein E knockout mice before plaque formation

reserved6siEndothelial Ca2+-dependent K+ channels (KCa) regulate endothelial function. We also know that stimulation of type 2 cannabinoid (CB2) receptors ameliorates atherosclerosis. However, whether atherosclerosis is accompanied by altered endothelial KCa- and CB2 receptor-dependent signaling is unknown. By utilizing an in situ patch-clamp approach, we directly evaluated the KCa channel function and the CB2 receptor-dependent electrical responses in the endothelium of aortic strips from young ApoE-/- and C57Bl/6 mice. In the ApoE-/- group, the resting membrane potential (-30.1±1.1mV) was less negative (p&lt;0.05) compared to WT (-38.9±1.4mV) and voltage ramps generated an overall KCa current of reduced amplitude. The peak hyperpolarization to 2μM Ach was not different between the groups. However, the sustained component was significantly reduced in ApoE-/- strips. In contrast, the peak hyperpolarization to 0.2μM Ach was increased in the ApoE-/- group, and SKA-31, a direct IKCa/SKCa channel opener, produced a hyperpolarization and whole-cell current of greater amplitude. The BKCa opener NS1619 produced hyperpolarization that was enhanced in ApoE-/- group. N-arachidonoyl glycine, a BKCa opener, produced a hyperpolarization of enhanced amplitude in ApoE-/- arteries. Selective CB2 receptor agonist AM1241 (5μM) had no effect on endothelial membrane potential in WT group; however, in ApoE-/- group, it elicited hyperpolarization that was inhibited by a selective CB2 receptor antagonist AM630. Conclusively, our data point to functional down-regulation of basal IKCa activity in unstimulated endothelium of ApoE-/- mice. Direct and indirect IKCa stimulation resulted in increased recruitment of the channels. In addition, our data point to up-regulation of endothelial BKCa channels and CB2 receptors in ApoE-/- arteries.mixedBondarenko, Alexander I; Panasiuk, Olga; Okhai, Iryna; Montecucco, Fabrizio; Brandt, Karim J; Mach, FrançoisBondarenko, Alexander I; Panasiuk, Olga; Okhai, Iryna; Montecucco, Fabrizio; Brandt, Karim J; Mach, Françoi

Direct activation of Ca(2+) and voltage-gated potassium channels of large conductance by anandamide in endothelial cells does not support the presence of endothelial atypical cannabinoid receptor

Endocannabinoid anandamide induces endothelium-dependent relaxation commonly attributed to stimulation of the G-protein coupled endothelial anandamide receptor. The study addressed the receptor-independent effect of anandamide on large conductance Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) channels expressed in endothelial cell line EA.hy926. Under resting conditions, 10 microM anandamide did not significantly influence the resting membrane potential. In a Ca(2+)-free solution the cells were depolarized by ~10 mV. Further administration of 10 microM anandamide hyperpolarized the cells by ~8 mV. In voltage-clamp mode, anandamide elicited the outwardly rectifying whole-cell current sensitive to paxilline but insensitive to GDPbetaS, a G-protein inhibitor. Administration of 70 microM Mn(2+), an agent used to promote integrin clustering, reversibly stimulated whole-cell current, but failed to further facilitate the anandamide-stimulated current. In an inside-out configuration, anandamide (0.1-30 microM) facilitated single BKCa channel activity in a concentration-dependent manner within a physiological Ca(2+) range and a wide range of voltages, mainly by reducing mean closed time. The effect is essentially eliminated following chelation of Ca(2+) from the cytosolic face and pre-exposure to cholesterol-reducing agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin. O-1918 (3microM), a cannabidiol analog used as a selective antagonist of endothelial anandamide receptor, reduced BKCa channel activity in inside-out patches. These results do not support the existence of endothelial cannabinoid receptor and indicate that anandamide acts as a direct BKCa opener. The action does not require cell integrity or integrins and is caused by direct modification of BKCa channel activity

Chems4EU: chemsex use and its impacts across four European countries in HIV-positive men who have sex with men attending HIV services

Introduction Chemsex in a European context is the use of any of the following drugs to facilitate sex: crystal methamphetamine, mephedrone and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)/gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) and, to a lesser extent, cocaine and ketamine. This study describes the prevalence of self-reported recreational drug use and chemsex in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) accessing HIV services in four countries. It also examines the problematic impacts and harms of chemsex and access to chemsex-related services. Methods This is a cross-sectional multi-centre questionnaire study of HIV-positive MSM accessing nine HIV services in the UK, Spain, Greece and Italy. Results In all, 1589 HIV-positive MSM attending HIV services in four countries completed the questionnaire. The median age of participants was 38 years (interquartile range: 32-46 years) and 1525 (96.0%) were taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). In the previous 12 months, 709 (44.6%) had used recreational drugs, 382 (24.0%) reported chemsex and 104 (6.5%) reported injection of chemsex-associated drugs (’slamsex’). Of the 382 engaging in chemsex, 155 (40.6%) reported unwanted side effects as a result of chemsex and 81 (21.2%) as a result of withdrawal from chemsex. The reported negative impacts from chemsex were on work (25.1%, 96), friends/family (24.3%, 93) and relationships (28.3%, 108). Fifty-seven (14.9%) accessed chemsex-related services in the past year, 38 of whom (67%) felt the service met their needs. Discussion A quarter of participants self-reported chemsex in the past 12 months. There were high rates of harms from chemsex across all countries, including negative impacts on work, friends/family and relationships. Although a minority of those engaging in chemsex accessed support, most found this useful