Using SU(3) Relations to bound the CP Asymmetries in B→KKKB \to KKK decays

We consider three body $\Delta s = 1$ $B \to f$ decays with $f=KKK$. The deviations of $-\eta_f S_f$ from $S_{\psi K_S}$ and of $C_f$ from zero can be bounded using the approximate SU(3) flavor symmetry of the strong interactions and branching ratios of various $\Delta s = 0$ modes. We present the most promising SU(3) amplitude relations that can be used to obtain these bounds.Comment: 14 pages, revtex

The once-daily fixed-dose combination of olodaterol and tiotropium in the management of COPD : current evidence and future prospects

Long-acting bronchodilators are the cornerstone of pharmacologic treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spiolto (R) or Stiolto (R) is a fixed-dose combination (FDC) containing two long-acting bronchodilators, the long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonist tiotropium (TIO) and the long-acting beta 2-adrenoceptor agonist olodaterol (OLO), formulated in the Respimat (R) Soft Mist (TM) inhaler. A total of 13 large, multicentre studies of up to 52 weeks' duration have documented its efficacy in more than 15,000 patients with COPD. TIO/OLO 5/5 mu g FDC significantly increases pulmonary function compared with placebo and its respective constituent mono-components TIO 5 mu g and OLO 5 mu g. TIO/OLO 5/5 mu g also results in statistically and clinically significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes, such as dyspnoea, use of rescue medication, and health status. Addition of OLO 5 mu g to TIO 5 mu g reduces the rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbations by approximately 10%. Compared with placebo and TIO 5 mu g, TIO/OLO 5/5 mu g significantly improves exercise capacity (e.g. endurance time) and physical activity, the latter increase being reached by a unique combination behavioural modification intervention, dual bronchodilatation and exercise training. Overall, the likelihood for patients to experience a clinically significant benefit is higher with TIO/OLO 5/5 mu g than with its constituent mono-components, which usually yield smaller improvements which do not always reach statistical significance, compared with baseline or placebo. This supports the early introduction of TIO/OLO 5/5 mu g in the management of patients with symptomatic COPD

Efficacy of tiotropium-olodaterol fixed-dose combination in COPD

Tiotropium-olodaterol, formulated in the Respimat soft-mist inhaler, is an inhaled fixed-dose combination (FDC) of a long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and a long-acting beta(2)-agonist (LABA), commercialized under the name of Spiolto or Stiolto. The efficacy of tiotropium-olodaterol 5-5 mu g once daily in adult patients with COPD was documented in eleven large, multicenter trials of up to 52 weeks duration. Tiotropium-olodaterol 5-5 mu g not only improved spirometric values to a significantly greater extent than placebo but also resulted in statistically significant beneficial effects on dyspnea, markers of hyperinflation, use of rescue medication, health-related quality of life, and exercise endurance. Improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), dyspnea, and quality of life. Differences between tiotropium-olodaterol 5-5 mu g and the respective monocomponents were statistically significant for FEV1, dyspnea, markers of hyperinflation, use of rescue medication, and health-related quality of life, but did not reach the MCID. However, dual bronchodilatation significantly increased the number of patients who exceeded the MCID for dyspnea and quality of life. Moreover, tiotropium-olodaterol 5-5 mu g was significantly more effective than salmeterol-fluticasone (FDC) twice daily at improving pulmonary function. Differences between tiotropium-olodaterol and other LAMA/LABA FDCs were not observed for FEV1 or other efficacy markers. Therefore, tiotropium-olodaterol is a valuable option in the treatment of COPD patients who remain symptomatic under monotherapy

Shifting Perspectives: A Response to Donald Goellnicht

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Influence of motor imagery training on gait rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the effect of mental practice on motor imagery ability and assess the influence of motor imagery on gait rehabilitation in sub-acute stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Subjects: A total of 44 patients with gait dysfunction after first-ever stroke were randomly allocated to a motor imagery training group and a muscle relaxation group. Methods: The motor imagery group received 6 weeks of daily mental practice. The relaxation group received a muscle relaxation programme of equal duration. Motor imagery ability and lower limb function were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment. Motor imagery ability was tested using a questionnaire and mental chronometry test. Gait outcome was evaluated using a 10-m walk test (near transfer) and the Fugl-Meyer assessment (far transfer). Results: Significant between-group differences were found, with the vividness of kinesthetic imagery and the walking test results improving more in the motor imagery group than in the muscle relaxation group. There was no group interaction effect for the far transfer outcome score. Conclusion: Motor imagery training may have a beneficial task-specific effect on gait function in sub-acute stroke; however, longer term confirmation is required