Associations of accelerometer-based sleep duration and self-reported sleep difficulties with cognitive function in late mid-life: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study

ObjectivesPrior evidence suggests that sleep duration and sleep difficulties may be associated with cognitive function in old age, but little is known about the sleep–cognition association in late mid-life. Our aim was to examine the associations of accelerometer-based sleep duration as well as subjective sleep difficulties with different domains of cognitive function among aging workers.MethodsThe study population consisted of 289 participants (mean age 62.4 years, SD 1.02; 83% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study (FIREA). Sleep difficulties were measured using Jenkins Sleep Problem Scale (difficulties falling asleep, difficulties maintaining sleep, waking up too early in the morning, and nonrestorative sleep). Sleep duration was measured with wrist-worn accelerometer and self-report, and participants were divided into short (<7 h/night), mid-range (7–9 h/night) and long (≥9 h/night) sleepers. Participants underwent extensive cognitive testing covering three domains: (1) memory, (2) executive function, and (3) attention and information processing.ResultsGreater difficulties in waking up too early in the morning were associated with poorer executive function measured with Spatial Working Memory (SWM) test (p = 0.005). Additionally, nonrestorative sleep was associated with poorer executive function measured with Trail Making Test, B–A, (p = 0.036) and borderline significantly with lower SWM (p = 0.056). Compared to mid-range sleepers, long sleepers tended to have poorer cognitive function (all memory function tests and SWM), but the associations were not statistically significant due to small number of long sleepers.ConclusionsSubjective sleep difficulties may be linked to poorer executive function in a relatively healthy population of older workers in their 60 s. Thus, promoting good sleep quality may translate into better cognitive health in late mid-life.     

基于中医古籍文献的升降散应用溯源及探析

通过对中医古籍中有关升降散论述的文献梳理,全面探讨其内涵。本方是在大黄、僵蚕为雏形的基础上增加蝉蜕、姜黄而成方,几经易名,终在杨璿《伤寒瘟疫条辨》中为后人所熟知。本方广泛用于治疗瘟疫,以丸剂、散剂为主,方便携带,便于服用;重用大黄旨在祛邪、逐秽;应用时视人之体质强弱和量其毒之轻重而判断用药多寡,并辅以米酒、生蜜等以顾护正气。杨璿将其由治疗“热疫”的专方扩展为治疗“表里三焦大热”的通用方剂,扩大了本方治疗疾病范围。     

Relationships Among Factors Related to Childbirth and Breastfeeding Outcomes in Primiparous Women

ObjectivesTo explore the relationships among potentially modifiable factors related to childbirth and effective breastfeeding initiation at approximately 36 hours after birth and duration and exclusivity at hospital discharge, 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months after birth in primiparous women and to explore whether modifiable and nonmodifiable secondary factors and covariates influenced the relationships among factors related to childbirth and these breastfeeding outcomes.DesignA prospective, longitudinal, cohort study.SettingThe postpartum units of two general hospitals in eastern Canada.ParticipantsNinety-seven mother–infant dyads.MethodsWe recorded demographic, childbirth, obstetric history, and breastfeeding data through chart review. A breastfeeding observation was completed at approximately 36 hours after birth by unit nurses. Participants maintained breastfeeding logs in hospital and for 6 months after birth and completed three self-report questionnaires before discharge. We analyzed outcomes using backward stepwise linear and logistic regression.ResultsOne childbirth factor, labor induced with oxytocin, was negatively associated with effective initiation of breastfeeding, and none was related to breastfeeding duration and exclusivity at any time point. Maternal weight; professional support; and newborn’s gestational age at birth, 5-minute Apgar score, weight loss, LATCH score, and active feeds (newborn actively suckled at the breast) were significantly associated with breastfeeding outcomes.ConclusionInduction of labor with oxytocin should be used judiciously; when used, nurses must be hypervigilant to assess the mother–infant dyad for breastfeeding issues and to intervene to prevent or remediate them.     

临床抗青光眼药物的新进展

青光眼是致盲的主要原因之一，构成视神经的神经节细胞轴突受到多种因素的损伤，其机制尚未完全明了。青光眼最重要的危险因素是眼压升高。由于青光眼的视神经损伤尚不能直接治疗，根据目前提供的唯一已知可治疗的危险因素，可以降低升高的眼压，而眼压与房水流出通道的功能息息相关。这些方面的药物均可以影响青光眼的进展。随着医疗技术的发展以及对青光眼发病机制认识的加深，新型抗青光眼药物也应运而生，为眼科医师提供新的选择。本文将对国内外新型抗青光眼药物从机制、药理特点及临床疗效等方面进行综述。     

Medication Adherence App for Food Pantry Clients With Diabetes: A Feasibility Study

Low-income food pantry clients are unable to adhere to the diet and physical activity recommendations of the American Diabetes Association. The aim of the study is to test the feasibility of using a mobile phone app to improve diabetes medication adherence. Clients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes were enrolled in a mobile phone app featuring 70 days of text message reminders and incentives. The app and the 4-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale evaluated medication adherence. Clinically significant medication adherence of 93% was achieved with use of the app. Phone app use is feasible among urban low-income clients to improve medication adherence.