Primary Selection Criteria Research Articles

Identification of dominant modes in random dynamical and aeroelastic systems

Identification of dominant modes is an important step in studying linearly vibrating systems, including flow-induced vibrations. In the presence of uncertainty, when some of the system parameters and the external excitation are modeled as random quantities, this step becomes more difficult. This work is aimed at giving a systematic treatment to this end. The ability to capture the time-averaged kinetic energy is chosen as the primary criterion for selection of modes. Accordingly, a methodology is proposed based on the overlap of probability density functions (pdf) of the natural and excitation frequencies, proximity of the natural frequencies of the mean or baseline system, modal participation factor, and stochastic variation of mode shapes in terms of the modes of the baseline system — termed here as statistical modal overlapping. The probabilistic descriptors of the natural frequencies and mode shapes are found by solving a random eigenvalue problem. Three distinct vibration scenarios are considered: (i) undamped and damped free vibrations of a bladed disk assembly, (ii) forced vibration of a building, and (iii) flutter of a bridge model. Through numerical studies, it is observed that the proposed methodology gives an accurate selection of modes.

Priority Factors of Service Recovery Strategy in Distribution Channel

In this study, we tried to evaluate the relative importance and find out the differences in consumer perceptions regarding service recovery strategies and the service provider in the distribution industry by using AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis method. Therefore in this study, we tried to systematize various recovery strategies which were considered very important during service failure process in the distribution industry and analyze the relative importance for each recovery strategy. We set hierarchy composed of four items of monetary, action-oriented, psychological, and assured level as primary selection criteria and a total of 16 items(indemnity, refund, gift, gift certificate, prompt resolution, exchange, manager support, explanation, apology, empathy, acknowledge, kindness, assortment, after service, manage subcontractor, manage employee) as secondary selection criteria. We tried to take one step further from the service sector and study service recovery strategies specialized in distributor services. This study suggests various implications about service recovery strategies of distributors. First, this study can provide practical implications ? e.g. service recovery efforts should be applied differently depending on service channels. There is a perceptual difference with respect to the importance of the types of service recovery strategies between service provider and final customer. Second, we can find theoretical implications in terms of identifying the priorities through hierarchy design of new recovery strategies and comparison of each element from the classifications of the current fractional recovery strategies. We hope to help service providers to build more efficient recovery strategy system based on the results of this study.

Information criteria on multimodel selection of parametric regression: Biological applications

In carrying out modelling analysis of experimental data results important to obtain a measure of the relative fit of the models as a primary selection criterion. In this sense, there are few studies based on multi-model selection techniques for the theoretical representation of data sets, so it is common to incur in a misinterpretation of the existing patterns, or even more, the incorrect extrapolation and prediction based on the wrong model. This paper is intended to evaluate in 40 sets of data from various publications researches the effectiveness of the regression model designated by the authors by contrasting six regression models with the Akaike and Bayesian information criteria and to discuss its implications on subsequent interpretations made. It was found that the linear regression model was successful only in 13.35% of the datasets (AIC= 15%; BIC = 11.7%), but in the other hand, the logarithmic model was the most successful model in 38.5% of the cases (AIC= 35%; BIC= 41.1%) which casts doubt on the efficiency of the linear regression over other types of regression under biological data. It is clear then that the features discussed from regression analysis regardless multi-model selection depends on the subjectivity of the researcher and often incurs in selecting a model that involves greater losses of the information contained in the data set.

Implications of Temperament Characteristics in the Educational Process of Taekwondo Sportsmen

Taekwondo is a full contact combat sport that involves the direct relationship with the opponent. The purpose of this study is to determine the temperament profile of taekwondo practitioners. The study was conducted on a total of 39 subjects, the diagnosis was achieved by the administration of the character questionnaire which is composed of 30 items. The data processing point to the fact that the size of A (activity) is significant in the manifestation of temperament, with a mean of 60.21 and SD = 19.51 points, unlike emotion (50 points, sd = 15.57) and sociability (46.28 points sd = 13.63).Following the qualitative interpretation of the results obtained, it is found that taekwondo athletes are predominantly sanguine (42%), 28% of them have an amorphous temper, 11% are apathetic and phlegmatic, and only 8% are choleric. The study results can be used as a premise in the educational process of taekwondo practitioners with significant implications in the development of the primary selection criteria. We believe that the data obtained can develop customized training programs, that take into account the temperamental characteristics of each athlete.

Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials Comparing Multivessel Versus Culprit-Only Revascularization for Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Multivessel Disease Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Current guidelines recommend against revascularization of the noninfarct artery during the index percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in hemodynamically stable patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This was based largely on observational studies with few data coming from randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Recently, several small-to-moderate sized RCTs have provided data, suggesting that a multivessel revascularization approach may be appropriate. We performed a meta-analysis of RCTs comparing multivessel percutaneous coronary intervention (MV PCI) versus culprit vessel-only revascularization (COR) during primary PCI in patients with STEMI and multivessel coronary disease (MVCD). We searched Medline, PubMed, and Scopus databases for RCTs comparing MV PCI versus COR in patients with STEMI and MVCD. The incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and revascularization during follow-up were extracted. Four RCTs fit our primary selection criteria. Among these, 566 patients underwent MV PCI (either at the time of the primary PCI or as a staged procedure) and 478 patients underwent COR. During long-term follow-up (range 1 to 2.5years), combined data indicated a significant reduction inall-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36 to 0.92, p= 0.02) and in cardiac death (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.73, p= 0.004) with MV PCI. In addition, there was a significantly lower risk of recurrent myocardial infarction (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75; p=0.004) and future revascularization (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.52; p <0.00001). In conclusion, from the RCT data, MV PCI appears to improve outcomes in patients with STEMI and MVCD.

Whole exome sequencing in females with autism implicates novel and candidate genes.

Classical autism or autistic disorder belongs to a group of genetically heterogeneous conditions known as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Heritability is estimated as high as 90% for ASD with a recently reported compilation of 629 clinically relevant candidate and known genes. We chose to undertake a descriptive next generation whole exome sequencing case study of 30 well-characterized Caucasian females with autism (average age, 7.7 ± 2.6 years; age range, 5 to 16 years) from multiplex families. Genomic DNA was used for whole exome sequencing via paired-end next generation sequencing approach and X chromosome inactivation status. The list of putative disease causing genes was developed from primary selection criteria using machine learning-derived classification score and other predictive parameters (GERP2, PolyPhen2, and SIFT). We narrowed the variant list to 10 to 20 genes and screened for biological significance including neural development, function and known neurological disorders. Seventy-eight genes identified met selection criteria ranging from 1 to 9 filtered variants per female. Five females presented with functional variants of X-linked genes (IL1RAPL1, PIR, GABRQ, GPRASP2, SYTL4) with cadherin, protocadherin and ankyrin repeat gene families most commonly altered (e.g., CDH6, FAT2, PCDH8, CTNNA3, ANKRD11). Other genes related to neurogenesis and neuronal migration (e.g., SEMA3F, MIDN), were also identified.

Selecting the best and brightest: A comparison of residency match processes in the United States and Canada.

Selecting candidates for plastic surgery residency training remains a challenge. In the United States, academic measures (United States Medical Licensing Exam Step I scores, medical school class rank and publications) are used as primary criteria for candidate selection for residency. In contrast, Canadian medical education de-emphasizes academic measures by using a pass-fail grading system. As a result, choosing residents from many qualified applicants may pose a challenge for Canadian programs without objective measures of academic success. A 25-question online survey was distributed to program directors of Canadian plastic surgery residency-training programs. Program directors commented on number of yearly residents and applicants; application sections (ranked in importance using a Likert scale); interview invitation and rank-order list determination; and their satisfaction with the selection process. Ten Canadian plastic surgery program directors responded (90.9% response rate). The most important application components determining invitation to interview were letters of reference from a plastic surgeon (mean importance of 5.0 on the Likert scale), clinical electives in plastic surgery (mean 4.6) and electives with their program (mean 4.5). Applicants invited for interview were assessed on the quality of their responses to questions, maturity and personality. The majority of program directors agreed that a clinical elective with their program was important for consideration on their rank-order list. Program directors were neutral on their satisfaction with the selection process. Canadian plastic surgery residency programs emphasize clinical electives with their program and letters of reference from colleagues when selecting applicants for interviews. In contrast to their American counterparts, Canadian program directors rely on clinical interactions with prospective residents in the absence of objective academic measures.

Miejsce kwetiapiny o przedłużonym uwalnianiu w terapii osób z zaburzeniami psychicznymi

This article presents a summary of available data on the use of quetiapine extended release (QUE-XR). QUE-XR is an example of an atypical antipsychotic drug that can be used inasingle dose, thereby simplifying the treatment regimen. From the therapeutic standpoint, this issue is of paramount importance, since approximately 50% of patients have adherence issues. Therefore, availability of the drug which is comfortable in administration can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Due to its antipsychotic, antidepressive, mood stabilizing and anxiolytic efficacy, QUE-XR seems to be a promising drug with potentially broad spectrum of indications (in patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and some anxiety disorders - both in the acute phase of treatment, and the maintenance treatment). Notably, QUE-XR seems to ameliorate sleep disturbances, and it may also improve patients' quality of life (as suggested by some studies). Due to the simple dosing regimen of QUE-XR, conducting therapy with this drug may contribute to the improvement of compliance. Yet, the primary clinical criterion for selection of the type of formulation of quetiapine should be the individual preferences of the patient, and the knowledge and experience of thetreating physician.

Highly accreting quasars: sample definition and possible cosmological implications

We propose a method to identify quasars radiating closest to the Eddington limit, defining primary and secondary selection criteria in the optical, UV and X-ray spectral range based on the 4D eigenvector 1 formalism. We then show that it is possible to derive a redshift-independent estimate of luminosity for extreme Eddington ratio sources. Using preliminary samples of these sources in three redshift intervals (as well as two mock samples), we test a range of cosmological models. Results are consistent with concordance cosmology but the data are insufficient for deriving strong constraints. Mock samples indicate that application of the method proposed in this paper using dedicated observations would allow to set stringent limits on Omega_M and significant constraints on Omega_Lambda.

Matching for the D antigen in haematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation: definition and clinical outcomes.

ABO and Rh antigens are inherited independently of the HLA complex and are generally not considered primary criteria for donor selection in allogeneic haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation1. Hence, ABO and D antigen discrepancies between donor and recipient occur frequently, despite HLA matching.

Whether the Spetzler-Martin grading scale is adequate to children with intracranial arteriovenous malformations?

Background: Intracranial arteriovenous malformation (ICAVM) is a rare and life-threatening disease. Clinical presentations of pediatric ICAVMs are variable and unpredictable. The Spetzler-Martin grading scale (SMGS) is a commonly used system for predicting prognoses and guiding therapeutic protocols. However, the application of this system to children is controversial. Objective: The purposes of this study were to retrospectively analyze clinical presentations of children with ICAVM and to investigate the relationship between the SMGS and the prognoses of children with ICAVM. Materials and Methods: Based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) code 747.81, we retrospectively reviewed eight children with ICAVMs admitted to a medical center from 1991 to 2012. The primary selection criterion was the diagnosis of the ICAVM, which was not irrelevant to traumatic injury or known coagulopathy. Patients' outcomes were determined based on evaluation records of admission, discharge, and clinic visit 6-month after the ICAVM episode. For purposes of data analysis, outcomes were divided into 〞1 = death,〞 〞2 = persistent vegetative state,〞 〞3 = severe disability,〞 〞4 = moderate disability,〞 and 〞5 = low disability.〞 The relationship between the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) and SMGS was analyzed using a scatter plot and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: A total of eight patients with at least follow-up 6-month consisted of four males (50.0%) and four females (50.0%). Their ages ranged from 7 to 15 years, and the mean age was 12.63 years. Common sites of ICAVM nidus included basal ganglia (n = 3, 37.5%), and frontal-temporal region (25.0%). 62.5% of patients experienced bleeding on the right side of the brain. About 62.5% of patients complained of headache. 62.5% of patients showed loss of consciousness. About 37.5% of patients showed generalized seizures. The SMGS were Grade I in one patient (12.5%), Grade II in two patients (25.0%), Grade III in two patients (25.0%), and Grade IV in three patients (37.5%). The clinical outcomes for the overall series were 87.5% excellent or good (GOS score equal or above 4) and only one case dead. The correlation between SMGS and GOS, analyzed by Spearman's correlation coefficient, was insignificant. Treatment, either by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) or surgery, was irrelevant to the prognosis of patient with ICAVM. Conclusion: Intracranial arteriovenous malformation is a life-threatening disease in children. Headache is a warning. Clinical presentations, including altered level of consciousness and generalized seizures in patient with ICAVM may suggest bleeding. The use of this system in children with ICAVM should be considered patients' age for their better potential neuroplasticity and good healing capacities in higher grade of patients. Treatment, either by surgery or SRS, may be irrelevant to patients' prognoses in this study.

Path coefficient and correlation analysis between forage yield and its affecting components in common vetch (Vicia sativaL.)

It was assessed simple correlation coefficients between fresh forage yield and seven affecting yield components in the common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and determined the direct and indirect effects of the yield components on fresh forage yield using path coefficient analysis of data collected over three consecutive growing seasons. Field trials were performed at the GAP International Agricultural Research and Training Center (GAP IARTC) in Diyarbakir, Turkey during the 2008–09, 2009–10, and 2010–11 growing seasons with winter sowings. The experiments used a randomized block design with three replications. Path coefficients and simple correlation coefficient analysis showed that the yield component traits with the greatest effects on fresh forage yield were dry matter yield and main stem height. The direct effects of both traits on fresh forage yield were strong and positive. In addition, the indirect effects of both of the traits were considerably higher than those of the other traits. Consequently, dry matter yield and main stem height traits should be used as the primary selection criteria for improving forage yield in common vetch.

Methodik und Umsetzung der Qualitätsmessung im Leitlinienprogramm Onkologie

The German Guideline Programme in Oncology (GGPO) is a joint initiative between the German Cancer Society, the Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany and German Cancer Aid. In accordance with the aims of the German National Cancer Plan, the GGPO supports the systematic development of high-quality guidelines. To enhance implementation and evaluation, the suggestion of performance measures (PMs) derived from guideline recommendations following a standardised methodology is obligatory within the GGPO. For this purpose, PM teams are convened representing the multidisciplinary guideline development groups including clinical experts, methodologists and patient representatives as well as those organisations that take an active part in and share responsibility for documentation and quality improvement, i.e., clinical cancer registries, certified cancer centres and, if appropriate, the institution responsible for external quality assurance according to the German Social Code (SGB). The primary selection criteria for PMs include strength of the underlying recommendation (strong, grade A), existing potential for improvement of care and measurability. The premises of data economy and standardised documentation are taken into account. Between May 2008 and July 2014, 12 guidelines with suggestions for 100 PMs have been published. The majority of the suggested performance measures is captured by the specific documentation requirements of the clinical cancer registries and certified cancer centres. This creates a solid basis for an active quality management and re-evaluation of the suggested PMs. In addition, the suspension of measures should be considered if improvement has been achieved on a broad scale and for a longer period in order to concentrate on a quality-oriented, economic documentation.

Investigations on pump running in turbine mode: A review of the state-of-the-art

Abstract In remote communities where it is not economical and practically possible to take the grid connection, stand-alone small hydro systems can be used to fulfill the energy requirement. Small-scale hydroelectric power systems are emerging as a promising source of renewable energy generation, but they require low cost hydraulic and electric equipments to make them economically feasible. In such plants, pumps can be used in turbine mode considering various advantages associated with pump e.g. ease of availability, proven technology, low initial and maintenance cost, availability for a wide range of heads and flows, etc. The efficiency of pump as turbine (PAT) is usually lower than that of conventional hydro turbines. However, efficiency is not the primary selection criterion for such machines and it is recommended to operate such machines around maximum efficiency point. In the present study, different turbines suitable for micro-hydropower plants are discussed. The historical development of PAT is described. The review of the state-of-the-art of pump running in turbine mode is presented. Different pumps suitable to run in turbine mode for low capacity power generation in micro-hydropower plants as well as in water supply piping systems are discussed. Theoretical, experimental and numerical investigations carried out by different researchers on PAT are reviewed. The research work on PAT including criteria for selection of pump running as turbine, cavitation analysis, force analysis, loss distribution, various methods of performance enhancement, cost analysis of hydropower plant with conventional hydro turbine and PAT, applications of PAT in water supply pipelines, etc. is discussed. The worldwide implementation of PAT and different manufacturers of PAT are described. The limitations in implementation of PAT as well as the recommendations to improve the performance of PAT are described. The current trends and future scope for the further improvement and implementation of PAT are also discussed.

Clonal selection in a globe artichoke landrace: characterization of superior germplasm to improve cultivation in Mediterranean environments

SUMMARYThe morphological (using International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptors) and field performance of five clones selected from the globe artichoke landrace Spinoso di Palermo were determined over two seasons, and their amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) profiles detected using seven primer combinations (PCs). The number of heads produced averaged 13·8 per plant (equivalent to a fresh weight yield of 2·1 kg/plant), but two of the clones produced 15·6 heads per plant (2·4 kg/plant). Three clones produced noticeably larger second-order heads (mean of 156 g), and so were considered to be suitable for the production of desirable heads over a prolonged harvesting period. Head yield and the number of heads per plant were associated with a moderate level of broad sense heritability (0·29–0·46), implying that these traits could be viewed as primary selection criteria. From the list of 51 UPOV descriptors, 18 varied among the five clones, but variation at just six, simply scored, descriptors was sufficient to discriminate completely between the examined clones. Full discrimination was also achieved by applying only three of the seven selected AFLP PCs. According to the AFLP profiles, two of the clones were highly similar. The similarity matrices calculated from the UPOV descriptors and the AFLP profiles were highly correlated with one another. The data are optimistic and indicate that the performance of Spinoso di Palermo could be much improved via clonal selection.

Combined transoral robotic tongue base surgery and palate surgery in obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome: Expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty versus uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) for obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome is a relatively young technique principally devised for managing apneas in the tongue base (TB) area and supraglottic larynx. This procedure is included in the so-called "multilevel surgery" often including a palatal and nasal surgery. We carried out a retrospective analysis in order to understand in detail the relative impact on apneas of the 2 different procedures carried out in the palate area (expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty). We evaluated 2 groups, each of 12 cases, which were sorted according to the primary selection criteria of statistically comparable preoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and volume of removed TB tissue. Postoperative AHI registered was of 9.9 ± 8.6 SD for the expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty group and 19.8 ± 14.1 SD for the uvulopalatopharyngoplasty group. As the palate component of our multilevel procedure, expansion sphincter pharyngoplasty, including conventional nose surgery and robotic surgery, seems to be superior to uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.

Robot-assisted Posterior Retroperitoneoscopic Adrenalectomy Using Single-port Access: Technical Feasibility and Preliminary Results

Posterior retroperitoneoscopic adrenalectomy (PRA) has several benefits compared with transperitoneal adrenalectomy in that it is safe and has a short learning curve. In addition, it provides direct short access to the target organ, prevents irritation to the intraperitoneal space, and does not require retraction of adjacent organs.1 (-) 3 We have performed several cases of robot-assisted PRA using single-port access for small adrenal tumors. This multimedia article introduces the detailed methods and preliminary results of this procedure. Five patients underwent single-port robot-assisted PRA between March 2010 and June 2011 at our institution. During the procedure, patients were placed in a prone jackknife position with their hip joints bent at a right angle (Fig.1). A 3cm transverse skin incision was made just below the lowest tip of the 12th rib (Fig.2), and the Glove port (Nelis, Kyung-gi, Korea) was placed through the skin incision while maintaining pneumoretroperitoneum (Fig.3). CO2 was then insufflated to a pressure of 18mm Hg to create an adequate working space. A 10mm robotic camera with a 30-degree up view was placed at the center of the incision through the most cephalic portion of the Glove port. A Maryland dissector or Prograsp forceps (Intuitive Surgical, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA) was placed on the medial side of the incision, and Harmonic curved shears (Intuitive Surgical) were placed on the lateral side of the incision (Fig.4). Using the Maryland dissector and the harmonic curved shears, the Gerota fascia is opened, perinephric fat is dissected, and the kidney upper pole is mobilized to expose the adrenal gland (Fig.5). Gland dissection starts with lower margin detachment from the upper kidney pole in a lateral to medial direction (Fig.6). After dissecting the adrenal gland from surrounding adipose tissue and medial isolation of the adrenal central vein, the vessel is ligated with a 5mm hemolock clip (Fig.7). Patient clinicopathologic data were analyzed retrospectively. The mean patient age was 56.6±8.7 (range, 47-69) years. Right and left side approaches were used in two and three patients, respectively. All cases were adrenal cortical adenoma. The mean tumor size was 1.48±0.28 (range, 1.0-1.7) cm. The mean surgery duration (skin to skin) was 159.4±57.6 (range, 103-245) minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 46.0±56.8 (range, 5-120) ml. The average time to oral intake and postoperative hospital stay were 0.65±0.11 (range, 0.54-0.79) days and 4.0±2.23 (range, 3-8) days, respectively. There were no conversions to open surgery or postoperative compli- cations. Some trials of minimally invasive single-access surgery of the adrenal gland have recently been performed.4 (,) 5 However, these new techniques have several limitations as a result of restrictions on instrumentation movement because of the small access ports used and relatively low-quality images produced. The recent introduction of the da Vinci S surgical robot system (Intuitive Surgical) to endoscopic surgery has improved instrumental dexterity and provided the surgeon with an ergonomically designed operating system. This system is also potentially safer and more meticulous in performing operations than endoscopic procedures as a result of a 3-D, magnified, stable operative view.6 (,) 7 The advantages of the da Vinci S surgical robot system and the numerous benefits of the posterior retroperitoneal approach motivated us to utilize single-port robot-assisted PRA. The primary selection criteria were small tumor size and a minimal amount of periadrenal fatty tissue because robot-assisted PRA using single-port access provides a small operative space, which causes manipulation problems when tumors are large. To ensure the safe application of these new techniques, we recommend that novice surgeons begin using single-port robot-assisted PRA for smaller tumors < 2cm in patients with a body mass index of < 30kg/m(2), gradually extending the size and body mass index as they accumulate experience. Although robot-assisted PRA using single-port access could not be compared with the other robotic adrenalectomy techniques in this study, the potential advantages of this approach compared to conventional robot-assisted transperitoneal adrenalectomy include a reduction in postoperative ileus, bacterial contamination, and intestinal complications because the peritoneal cavity is not opened, in addition to a reduction in postoperative pain because of its minimally invasive nature. Our initial experiences with robot-assisted PRA using single-port access assured us of its safety and feasibility for the resection of small adrenal tumors. Although single-port robot-assisted PRA appears to be safe and feasible, further experience and research is required to optimize patientselectioncriteria and verify its advantages over the traditional three-incision PRA technique.

Cough Variant Asthma in Medical Outpatient Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

Background: Cough variant asthma (CVA) is a subset of asthma where the only symptom is chronic persistent cough. Many cases go unrecognized due to lack of proper evaluation. Response to asthma medication with features supportive of airway hypersensitivity helps in management of this disease. Objective: To find out the proportion of cough variant asthma among the patients attending medicine outpatient department of Enam Medical College, Savar, Dhaka. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted in Enam Medical College Hospital, Savar, Dhaka over a period of two years from July 2009 to July 2011. Cough variant asthma was diagnosed mainly on clinical ground as chronic cough without wheezing, fever, weight loss, shortness of breath or sputum or any other apparent cause that persisted for more than eight weeks with absolutely normal physical examination of chest, normal chest radiography and blood count except raised eosinophil count and IgE level. Patients who met these criteria were given 2 weeks course of inhaler beclomethasone propionate and were assessed for improvement. Those who improved after steroid inhalation were categorised as having cough variant asthma. Results: Out of purposively selected 148 patients complaining only of chronic dry cough for more than eight weeks, 92 patients met the primary selection criteria for cough variant asthma. These 92 patients were given 2 weeks trial of 250 ìgm beclomethasone inhalation twice daily. Seventy nine patients reported almost complete recovery from chronic cough after 2 weeks and were categorized as having CVA. Thirteen patients did not improve and were not categorized as CVA. Conclusion: These findings suggest that cough variant asthma is the most common among the patients with chronic cough not due to any apparent cause. The efficacy of inhaled corticosteroid suggests that early intervention is effective in the treatment of this disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v3i1.13871 J Enam Med Col 2013; 3(1): 29-31

Biotechnological potential of non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated during spontaneous fermentations of Malvar (Vitis vinifera cv. L.)

Non-Saccharomyces yeast species assume an important role in wine flavor. Notwithstanding, the chemical basis for the flavor characteristics of wines from some grape varieties is not yet defined. The value of this work lies in the use of Malvar white grape, an autochthonous variety from Madrid (Spain) winegrowing region to conduct spontaneous fermentations. This is the first time that a comparative characterization of a wide range of non-Saccharomyces species and a comprehensive analysis of these yeast-derived volatiles has been carried out in this grape variety. β-glucosidase and pectinase (polygalacturonase) extracellular activities were tested on agar plates as primary selection criteria among the 504 non-Saccharomyces isolated from Malvar spontaneous fermentations during four consecutive harvests. Analysis of the wines obtained after fermentation using the selected yeast strains indicates that non-Saccharomyces yeasts isolated along the fermentative process seem that could have a positive impact, showing a high variability in the volatile compounds contributing to the organoleptic characteristics of Malvar wines. Torulaspora delbrueckii CLI 918 was defined as the yeast strain with potential interest for its contribution to the aromatic wine profile with flowery and fruity aromas and could be used in mixed starter cultures with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, Hanseniaspora guilliermondii increased the volatile acidity and ethyl acetate, but this species along with the genus Pichia and Candida seem to provide a high quantity of extracellular enzymes which may be beneficial in wine making.

A 40-Year Forecast of the Demographic Shift in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in the United States

in 2020. 2 This meeting report presents a 40-year forecast of the number of persons with POAG in the United States, based on data from prevalence studies performed in the United States and from more recent population-based studies. Our forecast estimates a significant demographic shift in the number of persons with POAG in the United States. In addition, we highlight factors influencing this shift—particularly, sex and racial disparities—and we outline geographic variations in the number of persons with POAG in the United States. The number of persons aged 40 years and older with POAG in the United States was calculated. Details of our methodology are provided elsewhere. 3 For purposes of this meeting report, we provide a summary of the methodology here. For estimating the number of persons with POAG in the United States from 2011 to 2050, we applied age, sex, and racial and ethnic prevalence rates from selected population-based studies to U.S. population estimates from the U.S. Census. As recommended by the U.S. Census, our analyses were based on a 2008 updated version of population estimates and the 2009 updated version of population projections of the 2000 U.S. Census. 4,5 Because it is unclear whether prevalence rates of POAG from studies performed outside the United States are applicable to the United States, we selected, when possible, studies that were performed in the United States only and chose not to use the pooled prevalence rates from the previously published meta-analysis. The primary criterion for study selection was that the data be from the most recent prevalence studies in the United States. Studies were included if POAG was defined on the basis of an assessment of the optic nerve, visual fields, or both. Intraocular pressure could not be used to define POAG. The detailed information on different diagnostic criteria and reasons to include or exclude each U.S. population-based study