Describing dynamical fluctuations and genuine correlations by Weibull regularity

The Weibull parametrization of the multiplicity distribution is used to describe the multidimensional local fluctuations and genuine multiparticle correlations measured by OPAL in the large statistics $e^{+}e^{-} \to Z^{0} \to hadrons$ sample. The data are found to be well reproduced by the Weibull model up to higher orders. The Weibull predictions are compared to the predictions by the two other models, namely by the negative binomial and modified negative binomial distributions which mostly failed to fit the data. The Weibull regularity, which is found to reproduce the multiplicity distributions along with the genuine correlations, looks to be the optimal model to describe the multiparticle production process.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

Cardiovascular risk in first degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease

Context: In most parts of the United Kingdom current cardiac services neglect assessment and primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in first degree relatives of patients with proven premature coronary heart disease. First degree relatives are at a higher risk than the general population by virtue of shared lifestyle risk and genetic factors to index cases. Objectives: This study aimed to identify first degree relatives of patients with proven coronary heart disease and assess their cardiovascular risk, using various cardiovascular risk assessment tools. We also aimed to assess the effectiveness of cardiovascular risk reduction services on the cardiovascular risk of the individual. Design, Setting, and Participation: A qualitative study was conducted at Sandwell Hospital. 43 participants aged 18- 74years were recruited. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 42(±4). 66% were under the age of 40years. At the baseline appointment 30% of the cohort, had a systolic blood pressure greater than 140mmHg, mean 140(±14.8) mmHg and 28% had a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90mmHg, mean 94(±2.12) mmHg. 82% of south Asians had a BMI greater than 23 Kg/m2. 63% of non south Asians had a BMI greater than <25 Kg/m2. 37%. 61% of the cohort’s total cholesterol was greater than 5mmol/l, mean 7.1(±1.8) mmol/l. 64% had triglycerides greater than 2.0mmol/l, mean 2.75(±0.49) mmol/l. The high density lipoprotein for males, 11% had a level greater than less than 1.0mmol/l, mean 1.2(±0.2) mmol/l, 4% of females had a level less than 1.2mmol/l, mean 1.4(±1) mmol/l. The cardiovascular tools QRISK, ETHRISK CVD, Framingham CVD identified over 10% of the cohort as high risk at the baseline appointment, and at the review appointment there was no change using QRISK. However, ETHRISK CVD and Framingham CVD demonstrated a risk reduction in the cohort. The tools varied in their selection of high risk, moderate risk and low risk. ETHRISK CHD and Framingham CHD and BNF identified 7% as high risk. Referral to specialist services was initiated with 14% referred for investigations, 21% commenced on medication or was altered. 12% of smokers were referred to a smoking cessation services. 25% referred to weight management service. 32% were referred to Cardiologist or Lipidologist. 19% referred to exercise on prescription. Conclusions: The study identified risk factors in individuals who would not conventionally access the current National Health Service Health Checks programme and should therefore be seen as complementary to NHS Health Checks. 66% were under the age of 40years who accessed the service. This population would not be able to access the systematic Health Checks programme provided by the National Health Service. This study therefore, illustrates the benefits of providing a tailored service for young individual’s potentially high risk and susceptible to premature CVD. This service enabled first degree relatives to choose a healthier lifestyle to reduce their risk of cardiovascular event in the future

Review of pemetrexed in combination with cisplatin for the treatment of malignant pleural mesothelioma

Malignant pleural mesothelioma is a resistant form of lung cancer, and its incidence continues to rise in Europe and Australia. Until recently, chemotherapy had not been shown to be effective in the treatment of this slowly progressive disease. In 2004, the combination of pemetrexed and cisplatin was shown to induce high response rates in MPM. This article reviews the published literature describing the development and testing of this therapeutic combination in mesothelioma, and examines in detail the key phase III clinical trial that led to the approval of pemetrexed by the US FDA. Ongoing research will further define the role of pemetrexed plus cisplatin in the treatment of MPM

A national facilitation project to improve primary palliative care : impact of the Gold Standards Framework on process and self-ratings of quality

Background: Improving quality of end-of-life care is a key driver of UK policy. The Gold Standards Framework (GSF) for Palliative Care aims to strengthen primary palliative care through facilitating implementation of systematic clinical and organisational processes. Objectives: To describe the general practices that participated in the GSF programme in 2003–5 and the changes in process and perception of quality that occurred in the year following entry into the programme, and to identify factors associated with the extent of change. Methods: Participating practices completed a questionnaire at baseline and another approximately 12 months later. Data were derived from categorical questions about the implementation of 35 organisational and clinical processes, and self-rated assessments of quality, associated with palliative care provision. Participants: 1305 practices (total registered population almost 10 million). Follow-up questionnaire completed by 955 (73.2%) practices (after mean (SD) 12.8 (2.8) months; median 13 months). Findings: Mean increase in total number of processes implemented (maximum = 35) was 9.6 (95% CI 9.0 to 10.2; p<0.001; baseline: 15.7 (SD 6.4), follow-up: 25.2 (SD 5.2)). Extent of change was largest for practices with low baseline scores. Aspects of process related to coordination and communication showed the greatest change. All dimensions of quality improved following GSF implementation; change was highest for the "quality of palliative care for cancer patients" and "confidence in assessing, recording and addressing the physical and psychosocial areas of patient care". Conclusion: Implementation of the GSF seems to have resulted in substantial improvements in process and quality of palliative care. Further research is required of the extent to which this has enhanced care (physical, practical and psychological outcomes) for patients and carers

Collapsible and Spiky Wave for Dust Acoustic Waves in Dusty Plasmas

In multicomponent dusty plasma, the Sagdeev Potential (SP) approach is employed to formulate the Energy Equation for arbitrary amplitude dust acoustic waves (DAWs), where an amount of electrons is trapped in potential well. The dependence of amplitude and width of the solitons of Sagdeev Potential on plasma parameters is widely discussed. The range of Mach number has determined for solitary waves (SWs) with the help of critical Mach number. The solution of the Energy Equation obtained, has been discussed by expanding the expression for SP in the higher terms of φ . The different solutions of Energy Equation give us SWs, breakable waves, collapsible waves and SWs with spiky and explosive nature. The role of temperature ratio on the transformation of SWs to collapsible waves is discussed. With the help of standard values of plasma parameters relevant to such plasma environment, the results so obtained, are discussed. These results may help us to explain the nature of SWs in different astrophysical situations

Antimicrobial activity of earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) paste

Earthworm plays a major role in the proper functioning of the soil ecosystem. It acts as scavenger and helps in recycling of dead and decayed plant material by feeding on them. Earthworm increases the soil fertility and is often referred to as a farmer’s friend. Earthworms have been used in medicine for various remedies. The paste prepared from earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae was tested for antibacterial, antifungal activities. For the antimicrobial screening, four species of bacterial isolate and two species of fungal isolates were selected. The bacterial cultures were used for antimicrobial testing maintained on nutrient agar slant and the fungal strains were maintained on Sabouraud dextrose agar slant at 4°C. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using micro dilution broth method. Earthworm paste at a dose of 100 μl was able to inhibit the growth of bacteria of S. aureus at a maximum level as compared to other bacteria; the growth of fungal Candida albicans was much inhibited. The MIC results indicated that earthworm paste at a dose of 200 μl inhibited the bacterial growth. These studies may lead to the formulation of new antimicrobial drug. The antimicrobial activity of the paste was determined by an agar diffusion method using well and disc, the study clearly indicates that the paste contain a good antibacterial potential and the bioactive compounds to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Hence earthworm paste (EP) has a good potential to develop a new drug.Key words: Eudrilus eugeniae, antimicrobial activity, fungal and bacteria strains