Observations and Comments Pertaining to CAN/CSA-S136-M89

Contained in this paper are the results of two separate studies, namely, 1) partially stiffened compressive elements of both edge and single intermediate stiffened flanges and 2) deflection determination of multi-web deck profiles. Both of these studies were based on the Canadian cold formed steel design standard (CAN/CSA-S 136-M89), with the results also applicable to the AISI specification. In the case of partially stiffened compressive elements, discontinuities in effective width estimates for sections with similar flanges and stiffeners were observed, resulting from a sudden change in the behavioural states. Recommendations are presented to rectify this discontinuity and at the same time simplifying the analysis procedure. Regarding the second study, the some-what lengthy alternative approach in S136 for determining the effective width of multi-web profiles for deflection determination has been investigated. Recommendations are presented for a new approach which is consistent with the general unified effective width concept, i.e. the basic effective width expression is used with a variable plate buckling coefficient

Prospective Acid Reflux Study of Iran (PARSI): Methodology and study design

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common and chronic disorder but long term, prospective studies of the fate of patients seeking medical advice are scarce. This is especially prominent when looking at non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We designed a prospective cohort to assess the long term outcome of GERD patients referring to gastroenterologists. Consecutive consenting patients, 15 years of age and older, presenting with symptoms suggestive of GERD referring to our outpatient clinics undergo a 30 minute interview. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is performed for them with protocol biopsies and blood samples are drawn. Patients are then treated according to a set protocol and followed regularly either in person or by telephone for at least 10 years.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>Our data show that such a study is feasible and follow-ups, which are the main concern, can be done in a fairly reliable way to collect data. The results of this study will help to clarify the course of various subgroups of GERD patients after coming to medical attention and their response to treatment considering different variables. In addition, the basic symptoms and biological database will fuel further molecular epidemiologic studies.</p

Salvia macrosiphon seeds and seed oil: pharmacognostic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

Background and objectives:Wild Sage(Salvia macrosiphon Boiss.) known as “Marvak” in Persian is one of the polymorphic and abundant plants of Lamiaceae. The plants whole seeds usually soaked or boiled in hot water are widely used for inflammatory ailments in folk medicine. Documents have shown that there is scant information on the chemical constituents of this plant seeds. The current study was carried out to assess the phytochemical constituents of Salvia macrosiphon seeds as well as anti-inflammatory activities. Methods: The seed oil extracted via a Soxhlet extractor was subjected to pharmacognostic assays using High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of fatty acids and sterols as well as evaluation of the possible anti-inflammatory activities in rats. Results: Total ash, acid insoluble and water soluble ash values were determined as 51.67±7.53, 10.00±0.02 and 30.01±5.01 mg/g, respectively. HPTLC assessment revealed the presence of different steroids, triterpenes and fatty acids. Amount of sterols in oil was found 2.44, 24.92 and 4.60 mg/g for esterified β-sitosterol, free β-sitosterol and free stigmasterol, respectively. The α-linolenic acid (77.69±6.10%) was the principal fatty acid. Regarding the anti-inflammatory activity, the seed oil showed low activity in the early phase of formalin test; however, could not significantly inhibit the neutrophil-induced damage by reducing MPO activity in the paws of the rat. Conclusion: The seed oil did not exhibit satisfactory effects on acute inflammation in this study but considering the rich phytosterols content, the seed and its oil can be introduced as useful dietary supplements

Effect of adenotonsillectomy on ADHD symptoms of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and sleep disordered breathing

Background: Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common etiologic agent for the obstruction of the upper airways in children, which might be associated with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), one of the most common psychiatric disorders of childhood. Despite the concurrence of these two conditions, i.e., obstruction of the airways and ADHD, no exact etiologic relationship has been established between adenotonsillectomy (AT) and ADHD symptoms. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of AT on the ADHD symptoms in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy and sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Methods: The design of the present study consisted of pre-test and post-test, followed by post hoc tests. Fifty-three children aged 3-12 were included in this study, selected from those referring to the Pediatric Hospital of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, with SDB, adenotonsillar hypertrophy and ADHD based on DSM-IV criteria, by availability of the subjects undergoing adenotonsillectomy after evaluation of the severity of ADHD symptoms. The scores of ADHD symptoms were evaluated before AT and at 3- and 6-month postoperative intervals based on Conner's Parent Rating Scale-Revised (CPRS-R) Questionnaire. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Fisher's exact test were used for data analysis. Results: AT resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of ADHD symptoms (oppositional behavior, cognitive disorders, inattention, hyperactivity and ADHD index) at 3- and 6-month postoperative intervals (P<. 0.001), with more significant decreases at 6-month postoperative interval compared to 3-month interval (P<. 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results of this pilot study, AT in children with SDB associated with ADHD resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of ADHD symptoms. © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd