Clarity of Microstamped Identifiers as a Function of Primer Hardness and Type of Firearm Action

The transfer of microstamped identifiers to the primers of fired cartridges was examined using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The identifiers were placed on the firing pins of three different 9mm handguns, namely, a Sig Sauer, a Taurus, and a Hi-Point. Ten different brands of ammunition were fired from each handgun, 100 rounds being fired using each brand for a total of 1000 rounds fired per handgun. The quality of the markings was evaluated using a simple observation rubric. These results were compared to Vickers hardness values obtained from the ammunition primers and are discussed in light of the types of actions of firearms used

Peak expiratory flow rate shows a gender-specific association with vitamin D deficiency

Context: To our knowledge, no previous studies examined the longitudinal relationship between vitamin D status and pulmonary function in a population-based sample of older persons. Objective: Our objective was to examine the cross-sectional as well as the longitudinal relationship between vitamin D status and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) in a representative sample of the Dutch older population. Design, Setting, and Participants: Participants included men and women in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, an ongoing cohort study in older people. Main Outcome Measure: PEFR was measured using the mini-Wright peak flow meter. Results: Men with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels below 10 ng/ml (25 nmol/liter) had a significantly lower PEFR in the cross-sectional analyses, and men with serum 25-OHD levels below 20 ng/ml (50 nmol/liter) had a significantly lower PEFR in the longitudinal analyses as compared with men with serum 25-OHD levels above 30 ng/ml (75 nmol/liter) (cross-sectional: β = -47.0, P = 0.01 for serum 25-OHD<10 ng/ml; longitudinal: β = -45.0, P<0.01 for serum 25-OHD<10 ng/ml; and β = -20.2, P = 0.03 for serum 25-OHD = 10-20 ng/ml in the fully adjusted models). Physical performance (β = -32.5, P = 0.08 for serum 25-OHD<10 ng/ml) and grip strength (β = -40.0, P = 0.03 for serum 25-OHD <10 ng/ml) partly mediated the cross-sectional associations but not the longitudinal associations. In women, statistically significant associations between 25-OHD and PEFR were observed in the cross-sectional analyses after adjustment for age and season of blood collection but not in the fully adjusted models or in the longitudinal analyses. Conclusions: A strong relationship between serum 25-OHD and PEFR was observed in older men, both in the cross-sectional as well as longitudinal analyses, but not in older women. The association in men could partly be explained by physical performance and muscle strength. Copyright © 2012 by The Endocrine Society

Adam33 polymorphisms are associated with COPD and lung function in long-term tobacco smokers

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Variation in ADAM33 has been shown to be important in the development of asthma and altered lung function. This relationship however, has not been investigated in the population susceptible to COPD; long term tobacco smokers. We evaluated the association between polymorphisms in ADAM33 gene with COPD and lung function in long term tobacco smokers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Caucasian subjects, at least 50 year old, who smoked ≥ 20 pack-years (n = 880) were genotyped for 25 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADAM33. COPD was defined as an FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% and percent-predicted (pp)FEV1 < 75% (n = 287). The control group had an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 70% and ppFEV₁≥ 80% (n = 311) despite ≥ 20 pack years of smoking. Logistic and linear regressions were used for the analysis. Age, sex, and smoking status were considered as potential confounders.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Five SNPs in ADAM33 were associated with COPD (Q-1, intronic: p < 0.003; S1, Ile → Val: p < 0.003; S2, Gly → Gly: p < 0.04; V-1 intronic: p < 0.002; V4, in 3' untranslated region: p < 0.007). Q-1, S1 and V-1 were also associated with ppFEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio and ppFEF25–75 (p values 0.001 – 0.02). S2 was associated with FEV1/FVC ratio (p < 0.05). The association between S1 and residual volume revealed a trend toward significance (p value < 0.07). Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analyses suggested that S1 had the strongest degree of association with COPD and pulmonary function abnormalities.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Five SNPs in ADAM33 were associated with COPD and lung function in long-term smokers. Functional studies will be needed to evaluate the biologic significance of these polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of COPD.</p

Battle of the Attack Detection Algorithms:Disclosing cyber attacks on water distribution networks

The BATtle of the Attack Detection ALgorithms (BATADAL) is the most recent competition on planning and management of water networks undertaken within the Water Distribution Systems Analysis Symposium. The goal of the battle was to compare the performance of algorithms for the detection of cyber-physical attacks, whose frequency increased in the past few years along with the adoption of smart water technologies. The design challenge was set for C-Town network, a real-world, medium-sized water distribution system operated through Programmable Logic Controllers and a Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Participants were provided with datasets containing (simulated) SCADA observations, and challenged with the design of an attack detection algorithm. The effectiveness of all submitted algorithms was evaluated in terms of time-to-detection and classification accuracy. Seven teams participated in the battle and proposed a variety of successful approaches leveraging data analysis, model-based detection mechanisms, and rule checking. Results were presented at the Water Distribution Systems Analysis Symposium (World Environmental & Water Resources Congress), in Sacramento, on May 21-25, 2017. This paper summarizes the BATADAL problem, proposed algorithms, results, and future research directions

International Consensus Statement on Rhinology and Allergy: Rhinosinusitis

Background: The 5 years since the publication of the first International Consensus Statement on Allergy and Rhinology: Rhinosinusitis (ICAR‐RS) has witnessed foundational progress in our understanding and treatment of rhinologic disease. These advances are reflected within the more than 40 new topics covered within the ICAR‐RS‐2021 as well as updates to the original 140 topics. This executive summary consolidates the evidence‐based findings of the document. Methods: ICAR‐RS presents over 180 topics in the forms of evidence‐based reviews with recommendations (EBRRs), evidence‐based reviews, and literature reviews. The highest grade structured recommendations of the EBRR sections are summarized in this executive summary. Results: ICAR‐RS‐2021 covers 22 topics regarding the medical management of RS, which are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Additionally, 4 topics regarding the surgical management of RS are grade A/B and are presented in the executive summary. Finally, a comprehensive evidence‐based management algorithm is provided. Conclusion: This ICAR‐RS‐2021 executive summary provides a compilation of the evidence‐based recommendations for medical and surgical treatment of the most common forms of RS

Dual therapy strategies for COPD: the scientific rationale for LAMA + LABA

Joshua S Cohen,1 Matthew C Miles,2 James F Donohue,3 Jill A Ohar2 1United Lung and Sleep Clinic, Saint Paul, MN, USA; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; 3University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA Abstract: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditure worldwide. Relaxation of airway smooth muscle with inhaled bronchodilators is the cornerstone of treatment for stable COPD, with inhaled corticosteroids reserved for those with a history of exacerbations. Tiotropium has occupied center stage in COPD treatment for over 10 years and improves lung function, quality of life, exercise endurance, and reduces the risk of COPD exacerbation. Long-acting &beta;2-agonists (LABAs) improve lung function, reduce dynamic hyperinflation, increase exercise tolerance, health-related quality of life, and reduce acute exacerbation of COPD. The combination of long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs) and LABAs is thought to leverage different pathways to induce bronchodilation using submaximal drug doses, increasing the benefits and minimizing receptor-specific side effects. Umeclidinium/vilanterol is the first combination of LAMA/LABA to be approved for use in stable COPD in USA and Europe. Additionally, indacaterol/glycopyrronium and aclidinium/formoterol have been approved in Europe and in numerous locations outside USA. Several other agents are in the late stages of development, most of which offer once-daily dosing. The benefits of new LAMA/LABA combinations include improved pulmonary function, dyspnea, and health-related quality of life, and in some cases, reduced exacerbations. These evolving treatments will provide new opportunities and challenges in the management of COPD. Keywords: bronchodilator, fixed-dose combination, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, COPD treatmen

Efficacy and safety of a novel, nebulized glycopyrrolate for the treatment of COPD: effect of baseline disease severity and age; pooled analysis of GOLDEN 3 and GOLDEN 4

Jill Ohar,1 Robert Tosiello,2 Thomas Goodin,2 Shahin Sanjar2 1Department of Internal Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA; 2Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Marlborough, MA, USA Background: The efficacy and safety of nebulized glycopyrrolate inhalation solution (GLY), administered twice daily (BID) via the innovative eFlow&reg; Closed System nebulizer (PARI Pharma GmbH, Starnberg, Germany), were demonstrated in two replicate, placebo-controlled, 12-week Phase III studies (GOLDEN 3 and GOLDEN 4). This report evaluates the efficacy and safety of GLY by baseline disease severity and age in the pooled GOLDEN 3 and GOLDEN 4 patient population (N=1,294). Methods: Patients were grouped by baseline predicted post-bronchodilator FEV1 (&lt;50%, &ge;50%) and age (&lt;65, &ge;65, &ge;75 years). Results: GLY (25 and 50 &micro;g BID) produced significant improvements in trough FEV1 in FEV1% predicted &lt;50% (0.070 L, 0.079 L) and &ge;50% (0.112 L, 0.126 L) subgroups (P&lt;0.01 vs placebo), and in patients aged &lt;65 (0.056 L, 0.086 L), &ge;65 (0.140 L, 0.124 L), and &ge;75 (0.144 L, 0.120 L) years (P&lt;0.05 vs placebo). St George&rsquo;s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) total score was significantly improved with GLY 25 and 50 &micro;g BID (P&lt;0.05 vs placebo) in FEV1% predicted &lt;50% (-3.237, -3.061) and &ge;50% (-3.392, -2.322) and in &lt;65 years (-3.447, -2.318) and &ge;65 years (-3.053, -3.098) subgroups. In patients aged &ge;75 years, GLY 25 &micro;g reduced SGRQ total score by -6.278 units (P&lt;0.01 vs placebo). The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events was similar between GLY and placebo across all subgroups, and the overall incidence of cardiovascular events was low. Conclusions: Nebulized GLY improved lung function and health status and was well tolerated over 12 weeks in patients with moderate-to-very-severe COPD, irrespective of baseline disease severity and age. Clinical trial registration: NCT02347761, NCT02347774. Keywords: age, COPD, disease severity, long-acting muscarinic antagonist, LAMA, nebulizer, nebulized glycopyrrolat

Synthesis of mid chain functional macrophotoinitiators of poly D L lactide homopolymer and tetrablock poly D L lactide poly caprolactone copolymer by ring opening polymerization

We have synthesized novel biobased and environmental friendly mid-chain functional macrophotoinitiators of poly(D,L-lactide) homopolymer (PDLLA-PI-PDLLA) and tetrablock poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer (PDLLA-PCL-PI-PCL-PDLLA) with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions via ring-opening polymerization (ROP). Mid-chain functional poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA-PI-PDLLA) macrophotoinitiator was prepared by ROP of D,L-lactide (DLLA) monomer using a dihydroxy-functional photoinitiator (HO-PI-OH) as the initiator and stannous-2-ethyl hexanoate (Sn(Oct)2) as the catalyst. Tetrablock poly(D,L-lactide)-poly(ε-caprolactone) copolymer (PDLLA-PCL-PI-PCL-PDLLA) with a mid-chain photofunctional group was synthesized via sequential ROP of ε-caprolactone and D,L-lactide using Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst. The resultant polymers were fully characterized by means of 1H NMR, FTIR, UV–vis, Fluorescence, and GPC techniques. The obtained macrophotoinitiators were used as a prepolymer in photoinitiated free radical polymerization for obtaining AB-type diblock copolymer and ABC-type triblock terpolymer