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Previous researches have shown that partial replacement of aggregates with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in concrete mixes reduces both the density and compressive strength of concrete, but enhances its durability. As there is no effort was made to determine the optimum EPS/gravel replacement ratio in a concrete mixture, this study triedl to determine this ratio. An experimental investigation is performed by using six different concrete mixes produced by partially replacing gravel with an equivalent volume of EPS beads. The adopted volumetric replacement ratios of coarse aggregate by EPS were (11%, 22%, 33%, 44%, and 55%). The results indicated that A drop in the density of both the fresh and hardened concrete was found to be in the range (of 0% to 35%) compared to the corresponding density value of the base mix (without EPS). Concrete compressive strength was also found to drop in the range (0% to 91%) compared with the corresponding value of the base mix. Within the limit of this work, it was found that the 22% replacement volumetric ratio of coarse aggregate with EPS is the optimum ratio based on a ratio of the drop in density to the drop in compressive strength. Generally, it was concluded that the optimum volumetric replacement ratio lies between 15% to 30%, according to the comparison with other prior studies.

Introduction: Differentiating primary CNS vasculitis (PCNSV) from secondary CNS vasculitis (SCNSV) can be challenging based on brain imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profile alone. Little is known about the diagnostic nuances of differentiating these 2 entities with CSF and vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VWMRI) as overlapping features may exist. We aimed to look at clinical features, serum & CSF biomarkers, and VWMRI differences between PCNSV & SCNSV. Methods: Patients presenting to our tertiary care center with a diagnosis of PCNSV or SCNSV between January 2015 and January 2021 were extracted from electronic medical record data. We included patients older than 18 years of age with active disease who had CSF studies and VWMRI data available. Demographic, clinical and diagnostic characteristics were reviewed and descriptive statistics were reported for comparison. Results: A total of 42 patients (24 with PCNSV and 18 with SCNSV) met study inclusion criteria. The SCNSV group was older (median age 43 years vs 41.5 years), had a higher proportion of male gender (78% vs 54%) and black race (22% vs 4%) compared to PCNSV. Patients with PCNSV more commonly had headache (63% vs 50%) and seizures (21% vs 11%) but less commonly had encephalopathy (42% vs 50%), focal neurological deficits (79% vs 83%) and constitutional symptoms (17% vs 33%). Patients with PCNSV more likely had positive antinuclear antigen levels (25% vs 11%) and elevated sedimentation rate (33% vs 25%) but less likely had elevated C-reactive protein (25% vs 33%) in blood. Comparison of CSF studies showed that the PSCNV group had a lower median CSF white blood cell count (10 cells/mm3 vs 43.5 cells/mm3 , both lymphocytic), lower median CSF protein count (62 mg/dl vs 82 mg/dl) and lower IgG index (33% vs 56%) in comparison to the SCNSV group. On VWMRI, PCNSV group had less diffuse (40 vs 54%) involvement and more anterior multifocal lesions (40 vs 15%) compared to SCNSV group with more large or medium-vessel involvement (70 vs 54%). Conclusion: Clinical and diagnostic differences with regards to CSF and VWMRI exist between PCNSV and SCNSV that can aid in differentiating these two entities. This can prove useful especially in undiagnosed systemic vasculitides presenting with CNS vasculitis.

The very latest observation of $M87$ supermassive black hole (BH) by the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) provides the accretion onto BHs is an interesting study in the theory of gravity. We study the geodesics structure and accretion near a nonlinear electrodynamics BH in strong and weak field approximations. These approximations provide the disc-like structure under the geodesic motion and accretion around the BH. Near the equatorial plane, we provide some new reasons to make circular orbits and accretion of test particles around the BH. Then we investigate perturbations, the critical speed of the fluid and the mass accretion rate of particles around the central object. The physical validity of this study shows that the parameter $\beta$ and $Q$ play an important role in the circular orbits and the mass accretion rate in strong and weak field approximations., Comment: 22 pages, 13 figures

The accretion of matter onto celestial bodies like black holes and neutron stars is a natural phenomenon that releases up to $40\%$ of the matter's rest-mass energy, which is considered a source of radiation. In active galactic nuclei and X-ray binaries, huge luminosities are observed as a result of accretion. Using isothermal fluid, we examine the accretion and geodesic motion of particles in the vicinity of a spherically symmetric black hole spacetime in the Einstein-$SU(N)$ non-linear sigma model. In the accretion process, the disk-like structure is produced by the geodesic motion of particles near the black hole. We determine the innermost stable circular orbit, energy flux, radiation temperature, and radioactive efficiency numerically. In the equatorial plane, we investigate the mobility of particles with stabilities that form circular orbits. We examine perturbations of a test particle by using restoring forces and particle oscillations in the vicinity of the black hole. We analyze the maximum accretion rate and critical flow of the fluid. Our findings demonstrate how parameter $N$ influences the circular motion of a test particle as well as the maximum accretion rate of the black hole in the Einstein-$SU(N)$ non-linear sigma model., Comment: 28 pages, 10 figures; v2: 14 pages, version appeared in EPJC

This paper deals with the thermodynamical properties of black hole formulated in Einstein theory of relativity and associated with a nonlinear electromagnetic field. The transition of the black hole is analyzed using the parameters mass, electric charge, coupling constant, and cosmological constant. We find-out the thermodynamical aspects of exact black hole solutions to compute the black hole mass, temperature, entropy, Gibbs free energy, specific heat and the critical exponents in the phase space. Further, we study the stability of the black hole solution by specific heat and Gibbs free energy. We look at the first and second phase changes and show a P-V criticality, which is like the Van der Waals phase change. We also examine the equation of the state and the critical exponents., Comment: 17 Pages, 21 Figures , To be published in Chinese Phys. C

In this paper, we have introduced new viable solutions of Einstein-Maxwell field equations by incorporating the features of anisotropic matter distribution in the realm of General theory of Relativity ($GR$). For this procurement, we have employed a Finch-Skea spacetime along with a generalized polytropic equation of state ($EoS$). We have constructed various models of generalized polytropes by assuming the different choices of the polytropic index i.e.,$\eta=\frac{1}{2}, \frac{2}{3}, 1$ and $2$. The numerous physical characteristics of these considered models have been studied via graphical analysis, which obey all the essential conditions of the astrophysical compact objects. Furthermore, such outcomes of charged anisotropic compact star models can be regained to the various cases such as linear, quadratic and polytropic $EoS$., Comment: 31 Pages, 11 Figures, 1 Table. Published in Chinese Phys. C

Newly designed pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]benzodiazepines tricyclic skeleton has shown potential clusters of cannabinoid receptors CB1/CB2 selective ligands. CB2 plays a critical role in microglial-derived neuroinflammation, where it modulates cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation into M1 or M2 phenotypes. Beginning with computer-based docking studies accounting the recently discovered X-ray crystal structure of CB2, we designed a series of PBD analogs as potential ligands of CB2 and tested their binding affinities. Interestingly, computational studies and theoretical binding affinities of several selected (S,E)-11-[2-(arylmethylene)hydrazono]-PBD analogs, have revealed the presence of potential selectivity in binding attraction towards CB1 and CB2. Reported here is the discovery of the first representatives of this series of selective binding to CB2. Preliminary data showed that this class of molecules display potential binding efficacy towards the cannabinoid receptors tested. Intriguingly, initial cannabinoid binding assay showed a selective binding affinity of 4g and 4h showed K(i) of 0.49 and 4.7 μM towards CB2 receptors while no binding was observed to CB1. The designed leads have shown remarkable stability pattern at the physiological pH magnifying their therapeutic values. We hypothesize that the PBD tricyclic structure offers the molecule an appropriate three-dimensional conformation to fit snugly within the active site of CB2 receptors, giving them superiority over the reported CB2 agonists/inverse agonists. Our findings suggested that the attachment of heterocyclic ring through the condensation of diazepine hydrazone and S- or N-heterocyclic aldehydes enhances the selectivity of CB2 over CB1.

Abortion is categorized as the termination of conception caused by the failure or removal of the embryo from the uterus before the conclusion of pregnancy. Microorganisms and genetic factors are two of the many factors associated with abortion. Cytomegalovirus is a widespread congenital virus infection pathogen that affects a wide variety of people. The prothrombin gene is one of the essential causes that trigger blood clotting and the function of abortion women, therefore the aim of the study is to detect and associate Cytomegalovirus and prothrombin gene mutation (Gene ID: 14061 in NCBI) with abortion through genetic and immunological methods. Five ml of whole blood was collected from an intravenous puncture and divided into two tubes, one with EDTA and one without (plain tube) from 74 women with an abortion history as a patient group and 74 women without an abortion record who had at least one successful fertility as a control group. Allele-specific PCRs are used to amplify gene regions with genetic primers containing prothrombin gene polymorphisms. Current results have shown the greatest risk of abortion was observed in women patients with IgG seropositivity in 65 women with frequency (87.8%) and the lowest rate of abortion was in IgM seropositivity in 3 women with frequency (4.1%) and 6 (8.1%) were positive for IgM-and IgG indicating they have both an old and recent infections. Furthermore, allele-specific PCRs are used to amplify prothrombin G20201A polymorphism. The result of this study demonstrated there is no association between prothrombin genotype level frequency and abortion in CMV-infected women. While, there is a highly significant association between A and G Alleles combinations and abortion in CMV-infected women.

Introduction: This study aimed was to predict the life satisfaction (LS) of non-native students based on personality traits and mediated by the level of differentiation. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on students attending a private high school in Istanbul, Turkey. Material and methods: This study population consisted of all non-native students of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Two hundred people were selected by convenience sampling method and answered the Diener life satisfaction questionnaire, Gary-Wilson personality traits and Skowron and Friedlander self-differentiation questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using AMOS and SPSS software v. 24 and Pearson correlation coefficient, regression coefficient, and path analysis. Results and Discussion: The mean age of participants was 27.92 ± 5.32 years. The proposed model had a good fit according to the index of fitness. There was a significant correlation between behavioral activation systems (BASs) as one of the subscales of personality factors with LS (P < 0.05, r = 0.47), and between BASs with self-differentiation (P < 0.05, r = 0.35). Also, there was a significant indirect correlation between behavioral inhibition system (BIS) and LS (P < 0.05, r = –0.40) and between BIS with self-differentiation (P < 0.05, r = –0.30). There was a significant relationship between differentiation with LS (P < 0.05, r = 0.55). Due to the significant indirect effect of the model, the level of differentiation could mediate the relationship between personality factors and LS. Conclusions: Although personality factors predict a part of LS, the ability to differentiate between thought and feeling and to maintain independence in interpersonal relationships plays an essential role in the LS of non-native students.

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between canal configuration, distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) orifices and the degree of canals curvature in the mesial root of permanent mandibular first molars in a sample of Sudanese population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Material and Methods: A total of 143 extracted mandibular first molars were processed and scanned with CBCT to determine the configuration of the mesial root canals according to the Vertucci classification. The interorificial distance and the degree of canal curvature in clinical (CV) and proximal (PV) views using Schneider technique were assessed. Results: The commonest canal configuration was type IV (53.1%). The interorificial distance was significantly shorter in type VI compared to other types (P < 0.05). Significant association was found for type IV between the MB and ML canal in the primary curvature regarding CV and PV, and for type II regarding PV in primary and secondary curvature (P < 0.05). In type IV the degree of secondary curvature of MB canal regarding PV, and in the ML canal in CV was significantly lower compared to other types (P < 0.05). Significant correlation was seen in PV of primary curvature in the MB for type VI (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The interorificial distance and secondary curvatures in CV for MB canal were found to be key factors for predicting root canal patterns in PV.KeywordsCanal morphology; Canal curvature; Interorificial distance; Mandibular molars.

Objectives This study includes the investigation of hypnotic and sedative effect of new generation agent synthesis from parent clonazepam and evaluates adverse effect on the reproductive system and an attempt to improve hypnotic effect and lower toxicity. Methods Sixteen male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The first day of treatment with single dose of 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal (IP) hypnotic effect then analgesic state was recorded in the 4th day of first week only after given 30 mg/kg orally, and then the experiment was persistent for 4 weeks to evaluate reproductive activity. Result The effect of diazepam on biochemical blood parameters showed that there is a slight increase in the WBC number of clonazepam group and 88 compound while there is no significant difference at the probability level 0.05 or 0.01, in 89 compound. RBC count in our result reveals a slight increase in 88 compound without significant difference than control. Our result shows significant increase in HB level in 88 compound to reach 13.18 ± 0.40 with no significant difference with control. PCV level reveals non-significant in all groups. Our results of the abnormal sperm morphology are shown after 4 weeks of the treatment. Conclusion clonazepam (T1) and 88 compound (T3) with high dose 50 mg/kg have good hypnotic action with complete muscle relaxant. In addition to all, agents have good analgesic effect but T2 showed prominent result. Finally, clonazepam and its related agent 88, 89 compound reveal adverse effect on reproductive function but may be very slightly in 94 compound.

Purpose The aim of this study was to translate and validate an Arabic version of the 5-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP). Methods A total of 320 subjects (aged 18 years and above) were consecutively recruited from dental clinics. The self-administered OHIP5-Ar was distributed and the data were collected and analyzed. The dimensionality of the instrument was investigated using confirmatory factor analyses (CFA). Reliability was assessed as the instruments internal consistency using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest-reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Convergent validity was tested by correlation between perceived global oral and general health questions with the latent factor (OHRQoL) using structural equation modelling analysis and with OHIP5-Ar total score using spearman’s correlation coefficient. Known-groups validity was tested among groups with known differences and sensitivity to change was also investigated after dental treatments. Results The OHIP5-Ar was fitted well in the unidimensional model as indicated by the CFA with fit indices (RMSEA: 0.00, SRMR: 0.010, GFI: 0.998, TLI: 1). Cronbach’s alpha was 0.78 and the ICC agreement was 0.88. The validity tests indicated satisfactory validity of the instrument and the sensitivity to change of the instrument revealed significant change in the OHIP5-Ar total score after the provision of dental treatments (effect sizes: 0.55–1.49). Conclusion The OHIP5-Ar showed satisfactory psychometric properties among Arabic-speaking population. This instrument is sensitive to the changes of oral health and can be used to measure the OHRQoL with one total score.

Disease conditions that are related to the effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are common such as nephropathy and promoting of cancer growth and metastasis. The current study was launched to explore the presence of VEGF gene-based polymorphism of the insertion/deletion (I/D) in blood samples of 25 diabetic and 25 clinically healthy people in Al-Diwaniyah City, Iraq. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the results have shown the presence of these genotypes in these samples with higher significant (p˂0.05) occurrence. The homozygous DD was significantly (p˂0.05) affected by the sex factor. This genotypic characteristic was shown significantly (p˂0.05) in females more than that in males. Moreover, this feature was significantly higher (p˂0.05) when compared to the other genotypes II and I/D for each of the females or males separately. For the DD genotype,ages between 40 to 49 years of old have shown significantly (p˂0.05) higher presence of this genotype than that in other ages. It has been also shown by these results that this genotype is present significantly (p˂0.05) higher than that in the other genotypes when compared together in each age category. These results suggest current relationship between the VEGF I/D polymorphism occurrence and diabetes with deeper correlation with sex and age factors.

Aims The aim of this study was to explore the perceived sources of stress reported by dental students from fourteen different countries. Methods A total of 3568 dental students were recruited from 14 different dental schools. The dental environmental stress (DES) questionnaire was used including 7 domains. Responses to the DES were scored in 4-point Likert scale. Comparison between students was performed according to the study variables. The top 5 stress-provoking questions were identified amongst dental schools. Data were analysed using SPSS software program. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was also conducted to determine the effect of the studied variables on the stress domains. The level of statistical significance was set at Results Internal consistency of the scale was excellent (0.927). Female students formed the majority of the total student population. The percentage of married students was 4.8%. Numbers of students in pre-clinical and clinical stages were close together. The most stress-provoking domain was "workload" with a score of 2.05 ± 0.56. Female students scored higher stress than male students did in most of the domains. Significant differences were found between participating countries in all stress-provoking domains. Dental students from Egypt scored the highest level of stress whilst dental students from Jordan scored the lowest level of stress. Conclusion The self-reported stress in the dental environment is still high and the stressors seem to be comparable amongst the participating countries. Effective management programmes are needed to minimise dental environment stress.

The breakthrough of flexible electronics depends upon suitable large-scale manufacturing routes, likely requiring very low cost, high-throughput processing techniques. Our approach to development of organic electronics considered high-speed roll-to-roll processing routes already employed industrially to consider their applicability in creating transistors and circuits. We consider the advantages and challenges of a vacuum-deposition approach, and then discuss the development of organic field effect transistors that use evaporation for all required layers. These transistors have been employed in simple circuit elements and these circuits and transistor arrays have shown yields of close to 100%. For circuit development, in-line in-vacuum high throughput patterning techniques require further exploration, and first steps considered in Oxford are described.

In remote sensing applications, a solid angle has a wide appearing, therefore it's important to know what it means. The solid angle subtended by a surface S is characterized as the surface range of a unit circle secured by the surface's projection onto the circle. Solid angle is effectively, an observer that can be used as a measure of how big an object looks to be. The paper is aimed to find the solid angle polynomials for a polytope of dimension d where it is proved in a main theorem. Some applications of these polynomials are presented to show it's important.

Recently, it was formulated a teleparallel theory called $f(T,B)$ gravity which connects both $f(T)$ and $f(R)$ under suitable limits. In this theory, the function in the action is assumed to depend on the torsion scalar $T$ and also on a boundary term related with the divergence of torsion, $B=2\nabla_{\mu}T^{\mu}$. In this work, we study different features of a flat Friedmann-Lema\^{i}tre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) cosmology in this theory. First, we show that the FLRW equations can be transformed to the form of Clausius relation $\hat{T}_hS_{\rm eff}=-dE+WdV$, where $\hat{T}_h$ is the horizon temperature and $S_{\rm eff}$ is the entropy which contains contributions both from horizon entropy and an additional entropy term introduced due to the non-equilibrium. We also formulate the constraint for the validity of the generalised second law of thermodynamics (GSLT). Additionally, using a cosmological reconstruction technique, we show that both $f(T,B)$ and $-T+F(B)$ gravity can mimic power-law, de-Sitter and $\Lambda$CDM models. Finally, we formulate the perturbed evolution equations and analyse the stability of some important cosmological solutions., Comment: Accepted for publication in Physics of the Dark Universe. Some notations and definitions have been changed but the conclusions are the same

This paper is devoted to study the possibility of forming anisotropic compact stars in modified Gauss-Bonnet, namely called as $f(G)$ theory of gravity which is one of the strong candidates,responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe. For this purpose, we have used analytical solution of Krori and Barua metric to the Einstein field equations with anisotropic form of matter and power law model of $f(G)$ gravity. To determine the unknown constants in Krori and Barua metric, we have used the sample of compact stars, 4$U$1820-30, Her X-1, SAX J 1808-3658. The physical behavior of these stars have been analyzed with the observational data. In this setting, we have checked all the regularity conditions and stability of the compact stars 4$U$1820-30, Her X-1, SAX J1808-3658., Version accepted in "Astrophysics and Space Science"

Severe chronic hand eczema (sCHE) is a persistent, disfiguring disease that responds poorly to conventional treatment and causes substantial physical and psychological disability. The objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of oral alitretinoin in sCHE in a Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study comparing alitretinoin with placebo. Efficacy was assessed every 4 weeks during treatment and 4 weeks after end of treatment (EOT, 24 weeks); responders were assessed every 4 weeks for a further 48 weeks after EOT. The study was conducted at academic and private dermatology centers. The participants were 596 patients with sCHE refractory to potent topical corticosteroids. Patients were treated with daily oral alitretinoin 30 mg or placebo for up to 24 weeks. Primary endpoint was proportion of responding patients based on Physician Global Assessment (PGA) of "clear" or "almost clear" at EOT. Key secondary endpoints: Patient Global Assessment (PaGA), change in modified Total Lesion Symptom Score (mTLSS), time to response (TTR), extent of disease at EOT, and duration of response (DOR). At EOT, 40% of alitretinoin-treated patients were responders vs 15% placebo-treated patients (odds ratio [OR] = 3.78; P.001); a greater proportion of alitretinoin-treated patients achieved a PaGA of "cleared" or "almost cleared" (OR = 4.05; P.001). A greater decrease in mTLSS occurred from baseline to EOT in alitretinoin- vs placebo-treated patients (treatment difference -24% P.001). Median TTR for responders at EOT was shorter with alitretinoin vs placebo (65 vs 117 days; P.001). Greater decreases in extent of disease at EOT were observed with alitretinoin vs placebo (treatment difference -22%; P.001). The most common treatment-emergent adverse event was headache. Alitretinoin significantly improved signs/symptoms of sCHE, was well tolerated in patients refractory to potent topical corticosteroids, and may provide benefit to this population.

The implications of shearfree condition on instability range of anisotropic fluid in $f(R,T)$ are studied in this manuscript. A viable $f(R, T)$ model is chosen to arrive at stability criterion, where $R$ is Ricci scalar and $T$ is the trace of energy momentum tensor. The evolution of spherical star is explored by employing perturbation scheme on modified field equations and contracted Bianchi identities in $f(R, T)$. The effect of imposed shearfree condition on collapse equation and adiabatic index $\Gamma$ is studied in Newtonian and post-Newtonian regimes., Comment: 16 pages

Background: Although inhaled corticosteroids are widely used for the treatment of inflammation in asthma, prospective, long-term, placebo-controlled trials characterizing their systemic safety with chronic use are lacking. Objective: This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the long-term safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate therapy. Methods: Fluticasone propionate powder, 500 μg, or placebo was administered twice daily by means of the Diskhaler for 104 weeks to 64 adults with mild persistent asthma in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. Primary safety variables were measured at baseline and every 6 months thereafter. Although evaluation of efficacy was not an objective of this study, pulmonary function testing was performed at monthly intervals. Results: Two years of treatment with fluticasone propionate had no significant effects on the skeletal system. No clinically significant changes were observed in ophthalmic parameters (glaucoma and posterior subcapsular cataracts). Mean change from baseline in lumbar spine (L 1 to L 4 ) bone density at week 104 was not significantly different between fluticasone propionate (–0.006 ± 0.008 g/cm 2 ) and placebo (–0.007 ± 0.010 g/cm 2 ). Markers of bone formation (serum osteocalcin) and resorption (urinary N-telopeptide) did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The effects of fluticasone propionate treatment on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis were minimal, with no alterations in morning plasma cortisol concentrations and minor but statistically significant decreases in poststimulation mean peak plasma cortisol concentrations ( P = .021) and 8-hour plasma cortisol area under the curve values ( P = .020) at week 104. Drug-related adverse events were primarily topical effects of inhaled corticosteroids. Pulmonary function improved significantly during 2 years of fluticasone propionate treatment. Conclusion: Fluticasone propionate powder, 500 μg twice daily for up to 2 years, was efficacious and well tolerated, with no clinically relevant effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, bone density, or ophthalmic parameters in adults with mild asthma. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:1062-8.)

Background: Many patients with severe asthma are dependent on oral corticosteroids for maintenance control of their disease. Treatments that allow patients to be weaned off oral corticosteroids may help to minimize the risk of side effects associated with their chronic use. Objective : This study evaluated whether inhaled fluticasone propionate powder could maintain pulmonary function while reducing the dose of oral prednisone in patients with chronic, severe asthma. Methods : Oral prednisone–dependent (5 to 40 mg/day) adolescents and adults with asthma (n = 111; mean FEV 1 = 61% of predicted value) were randomized to placebo or twice daily fluticasone propionate 500 or 1000 μg administered by means of a multidose powder inhaler for 16 weeks in a double-blind, parallel-group study. Patients underwent controlled prednisone reduction on the basis of predetermined asthma stability criteria. Results : Oral prednisone was eliminated by 75% and 89% of patients in the twice daily 500 and 1000 μg fluticasone propionate groups, respectively, versus 9% of the placebo group ( P 1 , morning and evening peak expiratory flow, asthma symptoms, albuterol use, and nighttime awakenings improved with fluticasone propionate treatment, achieving statistical significance ( P ≤ .009) primarily in the 1000 μg twice daily group. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis suppression observed at baseline improved when patients were weaned off oral prednisone to fluticasone propionate. Adverse events ascribed to drug treatment were primarily topical effects of inhaled corticosteroids or those associated with prednisone withdrawal. Patient quality of life assessed by means of the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire was clinically and significantly improved after fluticasone propionate treatment ( P ≤ .003). Conclusion : Fluticasone propionate powder (500 or 1000 μg twice daily) effectively improved lung function, adrenal function, and asthma-specific quality of life in patients with severe chronic asthma previously treated with oral prednisone while allowing most patients to be weaned off oral corticosteroid therapy. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103:267-75.)

In this paper, we investigate the magnetohydrodynamic viscous flow with second order slip flow model over a permeable shrinking surface. We have obtained the closed form of exact solution of Navier-Stokes equations by using similarity variable technique. The effects of slip, suction and magnetic parameter have been investigated in detail. The results show that there are two solution branches, namely lower and upper solution branch. The behavior of velocity and shear stress profiles for different values of slip, suction and magnetic parameters has been discussed through graphs., Comment: 13 Pages, 8 Figures. Accepted for Publication in Heat Transfer Research

The adverse climatic conditions and scarcity of irrigation water in Balochistan (Pakistan) have encouraged the development of protected agriculture. Semicircular plastic tunnels were introduced in three districts of Balochistan. This technology transfer trials have shown the advantages and benefits of producing cucumber in tunnels with marketable yield per unit area between 5.37 to 6.77 kg m2. Farmer-managed trials also confirmed better effectiveness and efficiency of protected agriculture tunnel against insect pest of cucumber grown under tunnel. The cucumbers so harvested were of higher quality (no insect damage) and were sold at premium prices during the whole production cycle. Proper crop sequencing by considering the market situations as well as physiological circumstances are important for successful production of high value crops including cucumbers round the year. These decisions should be based on the market demand and consumer preference analyses. Higher technical knowledge is also required to manage plant nutrient requirements, choose right kind of hybrids and irrigation scheduling, maintain temperature and humidity and take proper plant protection measures.Key words: Cucumber production, protected agriculture tunnels, cost benefit ratio, technology transfer, upland Balochistan.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of possible cross-sensitivity between selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CASE SUMMARY: A 20-year-old Southeast Asian man developed a maculopapular rash soon after starting paroxetine. Following resolution of this rash, another skin reaction with the same distribution and appearance occurred after sertraline therapy was started. DISCUSSION: Cross-reactivity between drugs with similar structures has been reported; however, cross-reactivity among SSRI antidepressants is unexpected given their differences in chemical structure. CONCLUSIONS: The possibility of cross-reactivity between SSRI antidepressants should be considered by clinicians who wish to switch from one SSRI to another due to a dermatologic reaction.

Inhaled corticosteroids are increasingly being used to treat mild-to-moderate asthma in children. However, data regarding therapy with this class of compounds, especially in children under age 6 years, is limited. Fluticasone propionate is a third generation inhaled corticosteroid with an optimal therapeutic index. Few large prospective clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate powder in children.We sought to determine the efficacy and safety of fluticasone propionate powder administered by means of the Diskus and Diskhaler multidose powder inhalers in pediatric patients with persistent asthma.Fluticasone propionate powder (50 microg or 100 microg twice daily) or placebo was administered by means of the Diskus or Diskhaler inhalers to 437 children (4 to 11 years old) with persistent asthma for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, multi-center trial. Patients were stratified according to whether they were receiving prior treatment with inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn or beta2-agonists alone.Fluticasone propionate powder administered by means of Diskus or Diskhaler significantly improved FEV1 (mean increase from baseline of 0.22 to 0.24 L; por = 0.023), clinic morning peak expiratory flow (mean increase from baseline of 48 to 55 L/min; por = 0.006), patient-measured morning (por = 0.001) and evening (por = 0.003) peak expiratory flow, and asthma symptom scores (in all but the 50 microg Diskus group; por = 0.036), as well as reduced albuterol use (por = 0.002) and nighttime awakenings (por = 0.019) at endpoint. Efficacy parameters were not significantly different between the two doses with either device. More placebo-treated patients discontinued the study because of lack of efficacy than patients in any fluticasone propionate group (p0.001). Fluticasone propionate did not suppress morning plasma cortisol concentrations and did not affect 24-hour urinary free-cortisol excretion. Adverse events were primarily pharmacologic effects of inhaled corticosteroids, and those related to the study drug occurred with low frequency. Patient satisfaction with both the Diskus and Diskhaler devices was high, with a majority of patients (80%) rating them favorably.This study demonstrated that fluticasone propionate powder, at the conventional recommended doses of up to 200 microg/day administered by means of Diskus or Diskhaler, was well tolerated and improved lung function in children even as young as 4 and 5 years old regardless of whether they were previously treated with inhaled corticosteroids or cromolyn or beta2-agonists alone.

Fluticasone propionate, an inhaled corticosteroid with negligible systemic bioavailability via the oral route, is efficacious in the treatment of asthma when administered via metered-dose inhaler.To evaluate the efficacy and safety of inhaled fluticasone propionate powder in patients with moderate asthma previously treated with an inhaled corticosteroid.This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of 342 adolescent and adult patients with moderate asthma [forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between 50% and 80% of predicted] treated previously by beclomethasone dipropionate or triamcinolone acetonide. Patients received fluticasone propionate powder 50 micrograms, 100 micrograms, 250 micrograms, or placebo via a breath-actuated inhalation device, the Diskhaler, twice daily for 12 weeks.Patients in the fluticasone propionate groups experienced a mean increase from baseline to endpoint in FEV1 ranging from 0.43 L to 0.47 L. Patients in the placebo group experienced a mean decrease from baseline of 0.22 L (P.001). The probability of patients remaining in the study over time without developing signs of exacerbating asthma was significantly greater in the fluticasone propionate groups than in the placebo group (P = .001). Asthma symptom scores, supplemental rescue albuterol use, and number of nighttime awakenings due to asthma requiring treatment also improved significantly with all fluticasone propionate treatment regimens compared with placebo (P.001). There were no statistically significant differences at endpoint among the three fluticasone propionate groups. No serious drug-related adverse events occurred.Fluticasone propionate powder (50, 100, and 250 micrograms) was well-tolerated and significantly improved lung function in patients with moderate asthma.

Laboratory studies have demonstrated satisfactory fracture resistance of all-ceramic crowns placed using a conventional resin-composite luting material and a dentine bonding system. This study investigated the fracture resistance of teeth restored with dentine-bonded ceramic crowns luted with a self-etching luting material. Standardized preparations were carried out on two groups of ten sound, unrestored, maxillary premolar teeth. Ceramic crowns were constructed, their internal surfaces etched and placed using two luting system combinations. Compressive fracture resistance was determined for each group using a Universal Testing Machine. Mean compressive fracture resistance of 890 (222) N and 760 (271) N were recorded for the RelyX Unicem Aplicap and Mirage groups, respectively. There was no significant difference in the mean compressive fracture resistance of the restored teeth in both groups (P0.05). The failure modes were different for each cements with more severe (Mode V)failures associated with the Mirage group compared with the consistent Mode II failures associated with RelyX Unicem Aplicap. We conclude that the fracture resistance of dentine-bonded crowns luted with a self-adhesive resin-based luting material was no different from that of a conventional resin-based luting system. The fracture resistance of dentine-bonded ceramic crowns may be clinically satisfactory when a self-adhesive resin-based luting material is utilised.

A summary is presented of the workshop "top physics at linear colliders" that was held at IFIC Valencia from the 30th of June to the 3rd July 2015. We present an up-to-date status report of studies into the potential for top quark physics of lepton colliders with an energy reach that exceeds the top quark pair production threshold, with a focus on the linear collider projects ILC and CLIC. This summary shows that such projects can offer very competitive determinations of top quark properties (mass, width) and its interactions with other Standard Model particles, in particular electroweak gauge bosons and the Higgs boson. In both areas the prospects exceed the LHC potential significantly - often by an order of magnitude. A summary is presented of the workshop "top physics at linear colliders" that was held at IFIC Valencia from the 30th of June to the 3rd July 2015. We present an up-to-date status report of studies into the potential for top quark physics of lepton colliders with an energy reach that exceeds the top quark pair production threshold, with a focus on the linear collider projects ILC and CLIC. This summary shows that such projects can offer very competitive determinations of top quark properties (mass, width) and its interactions with other Standard Model particles, in particular electroweak gauge bosons and the Higgs boson. In both areas the prospects exceed the LHC potential significantly - often by an order of magnitude.

The objective of study was to take and evaluate opinions of the physicians about various aspects of self-medication. A self-fabricated questionnaire of 38 questions was distributed among 292 physicians. Prominent involvement of females in self-medication was suggested by 176 (60 %) physicians. The self-medication trend is more common in financially lower class as reported by 146 (50 %) physicians and in uneducated community as suggested by 165 (57 %) physicians. Family habits and easy to remember brand names were considered as a major source of drug information reported by 155 (53 %) and 187 (64 %) physicians, respectively. Both over the counter (OTC) and prescription only medicines (POM) drugs are used for self-medication as agreed by 131 (49 %) physicians. Medical stores were considered as the major source of drug provider for this purpose suggested by 264 (90 %) practitioners. The extensive use of analgesics for self-medication was reported by 52 % of the respondents. Presence of pharmacist at the points of drug dispensing and a comprehensive health care policy from Government were important suggestions to reduce the self-medication., Colegio de Farmacéuticos de la Provincia de Buenos Aires