3,331 research outputs found
On the Deployment of Cognitive Relay as Underlay Systems
The objective of this paper is to extend the idea of Cognitive Relay (CR).
CR, as a secondary user, follows an underlay paradigm to endorse secondary
usage of the spectrum to the indoor devices. To seek a spatial opportunity,
i.e., deciding its transmission over the primary user channels, CR models its
deployment scenario and the movements of the primary receivers and indoor
devices. Modeling is beneficial for theoretical analysis, however it is also
important to ensure the performance of CR in a real scenario. We consider
briefly, the challenges involved while deploying a hardware prototype of such a
system.Comment: 6 pages, 7 figures, 4 tables, accepted in Proceedings of CrownCom
2014, Oulu (Finland), June 2-4, 201
Patient delays in seeking help at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis: the problem, its causes and potential solutions
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease for which early treatment is vital to limit long term joint damage. However, people often delay in seeking medical help at the onset of RA symptoms. The early interpretation of symptoms and the process of making sense of symptoms impacts on both help-seeking decision-making and self-management. Furthermore, the general public’s perceptions and knowledge of RA may also affect the way that symptoms are interpreted. Examining the psychology behind early symptom interpretation, the barriers to help-seeking behaviour and investigating the public understandings of RA, can help us understand how decisions are made and guide us in developing interventions which encourage people to seek help promptly at the onset of RA
An algorithm to identify rheumatoid arthritis in primary care: a Clinical Practice Research Datalink study
Objective:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a multisystem,
inflammatory disorder associated with increased levels
of morbidity and mortality. While much research into
the condition is conducted in the secondary care
setting, routinely collected primary care databases
provide an important source of research data. This
study aimed to update an algorithm to define RA that
was previously developed and validated in the General
Practice Research Database (GPRD).
Methods:
The original algorithm consisted of two criteria. Individuals meeting at least one were considered to have RA. Criterion 1:≥1 RA Read code and a disease modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) without an alternative indication. Criterion 2:≥2RA Read codes, with at least one
'strong' code and no alternative diagnoses. Lists of codes for consultations and prescriptions were obtained from the authors of the original algorithm where these were available, or compiled based on the original description and clinical knowledge. 4161 people with a first Read code for RA between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012 were
selected from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink
(CPRD, successor to the GPRD), and the criteria applied.
Results:
Code lists were updated for the introduction of new Read codes and biological DMARDs. 3577/
4161 (86%) of people met the updated algorithm for
RA, compared to 61% in the original development
study. 62.8% of people fulfilled both Criterion 1 and
Criterion 2.
Conclusions:
Those wishing to define RA in the CPRD, should consider using this updated algorithm, rather than a single RA code, if they wish to identify only those who are most likely to have RA
Response of Root Properties to Tripartite Symbiosis between Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), Rhizobia and Mycorrhiza Under Dry Organic Farming Conditions
It is generally considered that root turnover is a major contributor to organic matter and mineral nutrient cycles in organic managed agroecosystems. Approach: This study designed to investigate whether microbial activity could affect on root properties of lucerne in an organically managed field under dry weather conditions. The trial was laid out as a factorial experiment in the fields of the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna-Austria at Raasdorf in 2007. The experimental factors of Sinorhizobium meliloti and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) including Glomus etunicatum, G. intraradices and G. claroideum and irrigation levels were tested. Results: Results showed that increasing water deficit affected root dry weigh, specific root mass and root length significantly at 1% level and co-inoculation of rhizobium and mycorrhiza with irrigation could increase all root parameters. Data’s of variance analysis for mycorrhizal colonization showed that main effect of using mycorrhiza had significant effects on root parameters at 5% and 1% probability level in first and second harvest, respectively. Results of mean comparisons by Duncan’s multiple range test showed that mycorrhizal colonization was higher in the inoculated treatments by rhizobium , mycorrhiza and irrigated plots in both harvests. Double interaction of mycorrhiza and irrigation was higher in both harvests (37.05% and 65.73%, respectively). Conclusion: Hence, it can be suggested that the tripartite symbiosis of S. meliloti, AM and lucerne can improve the performance of lucerne in organic farming and under dry conditions. Such traits could be incorporated into breeding programs to improve drought tolerance especially in organic fields
Genetic diversity and distance among Iranian and European alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) genotypes
Alfalfa is the best known fodder crop with high ability of biological nitrogen fixation and drought tolerance in dry, Pannonian region of east Austria. Different morphological and physiological characteristics of 18 alfalfa genotypes from different geographical origins, 8 Iranian ecotypes and 10 European cultivars were evaluated under irrigated and rainfed conditions during 2006-08 cropping seasons. The objectives of this study were to measure genetic distance and divergence among genotypes and to classify them based on morphological and physiological characters. Cluster analysis differentiated Iranian ecotypes and European cultivars from each other under irrigated condition, and when data averaged across two environments (irrigated and rainfed). However, under rainfed conditions small changes occurred in grouping of genotypes due mainly to differential responses of the genotypes to rainfed condition. Considerable genetic distance observed between Iranian and European genotypes. Different crossing programs are recommended between Iranian and European genotypes to develop new alfalfa cultivars
Mechanism of Cyanide Toxicity and Efficacy of its Antidotes
This paper attempts to review the various antidotes available for countering cyanide threat in the light of the toxicity associated with it. It also critically evaluates the drawbacks and advantages of these antidotes for their therapeutic and/or prophylactic utility. The physico-chemical properties of hydrogen cyanide which make it a chemical warfare agent have also been highlighted. In an attempt to make the complex chemical and biological processes understandable, the chemical structures of the antidotes have been included and simple mechanistic pathways have been used to show the role of antidotes in activating the inhibited enzymes
What does a primary care annual review for RA include? A national GP survey
Letter to the edito
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