The tradition of drinking wine has a very old history. Romania has a very good geographical location and a favourable climate for grapes; it is ideal for growing vines and producing quality wines. In ...our research, we analysed quantitative and qualitative parameters of four varieties of grapes in the Miniş-Măderat Vineyard. The objective was to look for differences between traditional varieties (Cadarcă/Kadarka and Fetască Neagră/Fekete Leányka) and world varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot). From the data, it could be concluded that the worldwide-known varieties yielded better results, but for a new plantation in the Miniş-Măderat Vineyard, we recommend the use of traditional varieties, as they have a better history in the area.
Wine soils from the country's main vineyards contain 0.05-0.25 g total N per 100 g soil, 0.9-20 mg P_2 O_5/100 g soil and 6.5-36 mg K_2 O/100 g soil. The amount of fertiliser that the plant will use ...- the degree of use - depends on the age of the stumps, the type of rootstock and the planned production. Acting as a factor for the intensification of production, mineral fertilisers, used as a complement to organic fertilisation, contribute not only to maintaining and increasing soil fertility but also to the quantitative and qualitative growth of production. Since the natural reserves of nutrients are limited, the application of natural and mineral fertilisers, scientifically based and differentiated according to the concrete pedoclimatic conditions, is of particular importance from an ecological and economic point of view. The research undertaken highlighted that the use of chemical fertilisers, in different dosages and ratios, favourably influenced the accumulation of sugar in the must for both varieties, with values that were between 178 g/L sugars for the Aligote variety and 170.7 g/L for Feteasca alba. The P-K relationship positively influenced the accumulation of sugars for both varieties, 177.4 g/L sugars for the Aligote variety and 171.3 g/L for Feteasca alba.
Abstract
In this paper, the development of trench etching process and photolithography process for 6-inch 4H-SiC trench-type power MOSFET devices is mainly studied. Among them, the etching process ...successfully solved the anisotropy of dry etching of SiC, the different etching rates of different crystal planes, the difficulty of controlling the angle of the trench sidewall, and the easy formation of micro-trenches at the corners, etc. Successfully realized trenches with etch depth greater than 1.2um and sidewall angle greater than 90° in SiC. Subsequently, the trench was filled with SiO
2
to achieve no holes in the trench after filling, and then the photolithography process was studied. Photolithography process is resolved at the trench coating, exposing and developing the non-uniformity problem, achieve a full and uniform coating, self-aligned trench overlay and the overlay accuracy of less than 0.1um, and there is no residue of photoresist in the groove after development. This article uses scanning electron microscope (SEM) to measure the morphology of the trench after etching and photolithography to characterize the experimental results, and the results meet the process requirements. The successful development of this process will facilitate the research and development of deeper trench-type power MOSFET devices.
The application of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques to nonorthogonal multiple access (NOMA) systems is important to enhance the performance gains of NOMA. In this paper, a novel ...MIMO-NOMA framework for downlink and uplink transmission is proposed by applying the concept of signal alignment. By using stochastic geometry, closed-form analytical results are developed to facilitate the performance evaluation of the proposed framework for randomly deployed users and interferers. The impact of different power allocation strategies, namely fixed power allocation and cognitive radio inspired power allocation, on the performance of MIMO-NOMA is also investigated. Computer simulation results are provided to demonstrate the performance of the proposed framework and the accuracy of the developed analytical results.
BackgroundCough in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an unmet clinical need. Though previous work has demonstrated heightened sensitivity to the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin using traditional cough ...challenge methodology, little is known about other potential peripheral neuronal targets to guide treatment development. We aimed to evaluate and compare cough hyperresponsiveness and hypersensitivity to 3 inhaled tussive agents and placebo in IPF to those with refractory/unexplained chronic cough (R/UCC) and to healthy volunteers (HVs)Methods21 patients with an MDT diagnosis of IPF, 20 well characterised R/UCC patients and 21 HVs underwent cough challenges 2–7 day intervals inhaling ascending concentrations of capsaicin (0.48–1000mM), citric acid (0.03–4M), and descending osmolarities of hypotonic saline (300, 250, 200, 150, and 100 mOsm/kg, buffered to pH 7.0), and placebo (0.9% saline). The highest total number of coughs evoked by four inhalations of any dose of each challenge agent (Emax; a measure of hyperresponsiveness) and the concentration of agent required to evoke 50% of Emax (ED50; a measure of hypersensitivity) were denoted. GEE modelling was used to compare the dose response curves to each challenge.ResultsGroups were gender matched. IPF patients had a median (IQR) age of 70(66.5–77), comparable to R/UCC patients 71(56–76); HVs were younger, 52 (33–61).LCQ in IPF was higher 15.1 (11.8–18) vs 13.4 (10–16.2) in R/UCC. Their median cough severity VAS was 45mm(10–74).IPF patients had significant cough hyper-responsiveness compared with HVs to hypotonic saline Emax 5 (0–11.5) vs 0 (0–2) p=0.003, with a trend towards heightened responses to citric acid (p=0.057) but not capsaicin (p=0.628). They demonstrated a degree of hypersensitivity to all agents with lower ED50 to HVs to capsaicin 15.6 (5.85–62.5) vs 31.3 (11.7–62.5) and citric acid 0.25 (0.125–0.75) vs. 0.5 (0.125–1) however none reached statistical significance. Their Emax results to all challenges were significantly lower than those of R/UCC patients (p<0.01) (figure 1).ConclusionsIPF patients demonstrated more subtle evidence of hyperexcitability of the neuronal pathways controlling cough and a different pattern of cough hypersensitivity and hyperresponsiveness compared with R/UCC. Further work is needed to endotype cough in IPF to help guide appropriate treatment strategies.Abstract P213 Figure 1
AimsAirway involvement in sarcoidosis is less common than nodal and lung parenchymal disease. It may result in airflow limitation which has been reported with increased morbidity and mortality. We ...aim to interrogate large cohorts to assess the degree of physiological impairment at diagnosis and relationship to CXR stage and need for treatment.MethodsWe restrospectively reviewed pulmonary function tests of 599 patients at the point of diagnosis from 2 sarcoidosis centres on the Island of Ireland (North n= 275, South n= 324). The degree of airway obstruction was stratified and compared to age at presentation, CXR stage, and need for treatment. We sampled the Northern cohort for alternative causes of airway disease including exposure, atopy and autoimmunity (AI). Those with preserved ratios were further divided into mild, moderate, and severe impairment in FEF 25–75 to assess for small airway disease.ResultsNeed for treatment were similar in both centres (table 1). Increasing CXR stage and degree of airflow limitation was associated with increased treatment in both cohorts. The Northern cohort had a higher proportion of stage 4 disease 18.1% v 1.6% and a higher proportion of airflow limitation 19.3% v 15%. Airflow limitation appeared to be associated with fibrotic disease and older age. Ex-smokers (17.8%) were no more likely to present with airflow limitation OR 0.798 p 0.586. RAST testing was performed in 50% (140) and positive in 10.7% to 16.4% of patients. (Asp 10.7, Epi mix 12.7, HDM 16.4). Sampling of consecutive patients (n=24) attending clinic revealed elevated FENO in 8%. AI Screening was performed in 67.6% (185) with <3% having high titres most commonly Ro 52 and 60. The distribution of atopy and autoimmunity were equal in those with and without airflow limitation. Review of patients with a preserved ratio revealed 17.6% had mild, 9.9% had moderate, and 1.4% had severe small airflow limitation. 10% of the Northern cohort were treated with inhaled therapy.ConclusionAirflow limitation appears more common than previously reported and could go unrecognised as a cause of symptoms. Careful evaluation is suggested to rule out alternative causes of airflow limitation in sarcoid patients.Abstract P225 Table 1Characteristics of Lung Involvement of All Patients at Presentation North South Combined n 275 324 599 Age (sd) 61.6 (17.35) 40.8 (12.4) 50.2 (16.3) Gender 157 (57) 181 (56) 338 (56) Scadding Stage Number Percentage Number Percentage Number Percentage Stage 0 19 6.9 14 4.5 33 5.7 Stage 1 108 39.1 140 45.5 248 42.5 Stage 2 76 27.5 121 39.3 197 33.7 Stage 3 23 8.3 28 9.1 51 8.7 Stage 4 50 18.1 5 1.6 55 9.4 Spirometry (% Predicted) Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) <50% 4 1.5 3 0.9 7 1.2 50–69% 10 3.6 19 5.7 29 4.6 70–79% 38 13.8 22 6.6 60 9.9 >80% 223 81.1 289 86.8 512 84.2 Forced Expiratory Volume 1 Second (FEV1) <50% 24 8.7 10 3.0 34 5.6 50–69% 25 9.1 28 8.4 53 8.7 70–79% 29 10.5 37 11.1 66 10.9 >80% 197 71.3 258 77.5 455 74.8 FEV1/FVC Ratio (Absolute) <50% 5 1.8 5 1.5 10 1.6 50–69% 48 17.5 44 13.5 92 15.1 70–79% 105 38.2 95 29.3 200 32.9 >80% 117 42.5 190 58.6 307 50.5 Transfer Factor <50% 6 2.2 4 1.2 10 1.6 50–69% 51 18.8 49 14.6 100 16.4 70–79% 47 17.3 35 10.4 82 13.5 >80% 167 61.6 247 73.7 414 68.1 Treatment# ALL 135 48.9 170 50.1 305 50.1 FEV1/FVC Ratio (Absolute) <50% 3 60 5 100 8 80 50–69% 29 60.4 31 70 60 65.2 70–79% 45 42.9 53 55 98 49 >80% 58 49.6 78 41 136 44.2 Scadding Stage 0 4 21 9 64 13 39.4 1 42 38.9 47 33.6 89 35.9 2 44 57.9 72 59.5 116 58.9 3 15 65.2 27 77.1 42 82.4 4 38 76 4 33 42 76.4 # Defined as requiring >3 months of Oral Corticosteroids
The current understanding of the disease of chronic cough by Society members is unknown. Between February and April 2023 a survey was conducted of the knowledge, therapeutic choices, and educational ...needs of the membership of the Yorkshire Thoracic Society (YTS) and the North-East Thoracic Society (NETS).The survey was Internet-based and accessible from laptop, tablet and smartphone.A total of 91 members undertook the survey with approximately half completing all 17 questions. There was an equal division of the sexes. Two thirds were aged between 30 and 50. Just over half were consultants and a further quarter junior doctors in training. Nurses and physiotherapists made up the remainder. There was an even split between teaching and district general hospital practice.Half of the respondents felt that less than a quarter of their patients were troubled by cough. The majority did not use the guideline recommended definition of 8 weeks cough. 3 investigations, chest x-ray, spirometry, and full blood count, were routinely performed. CT thorax, sputum microbiology, FeNO and allergy testing much less so, with very few performing bronchoscopy, bronchial challenge, or oesophageal testing. The most common therapies used were proton pump inhibitors, carbocisteine and nasal corticosteroids. Opiates, with the exception of morphine were rarely prescribed. Neuromodulators were not used by two thirds of the respondents. Only morphine, proton pump inhibitors, and nasal corticosteroids were considered by the majority to be effective. The most common treatment strategy was for 8 – 12 weeks and then continuous if the patient relapsed.Chronic cough was considered a ‘disease in itself’ by 50/60 respondents. The mechanism was thought to be dysregulation of the cough reflex via ATP and P2X3 receptors by the majority. Oesophageal dysmotility was considered rare.One third had not read any guidelines, most had received some training but over half would attend a course.These findings indicate that whilst clinical investigation adheres to guidelines, prescribing is not evidence based. There is a need and desire for further training in this disease.Please refer to page A293 for declarations of interest related to this abstract.
IntroductionObjective ambulatory cough frequency (CF) monitoring is usually assessed over 24 hours. This is inconvenient for some patients and its use has therefore largely been restricted to the ...research setting. Night-time only objective CF monitoring could reduce ambient noise, and reduce the burden on patients compared to 24-hour CF monitoring. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of night-time CF with awake CF, as well as it’s impact on sleep disturbance.MethodsA prospective study of consecutive patients with refractory or unexplained chronic cough completed ambulatory 24-hour cough monitoring with the Leicester Cough Monitor (LCM). Participants completed a diary to report sleep and awake times. Night-time and awake CF were measured. Participants completed cough severity visual analogue scale (VAS) and cough-specific health status Leicester Cough Questionnaire (LCQ). Question 10 of the LCQ was used to assess sleep disturbance (‘In the last 2 weeks, has your cough disturbed your sleep?’), which is scored 1–7, with a lower score indicating higher sleep disturbance.Results44 participants completed 24-hour CF monitoring; mean (SD) age 62 (11) years, (n) 68% female, median (IQR) cough duration 90 (38–225) months, cough severity VAS 70 (55–79) mm and LCQ score 10.8 (8.5–14.1). Geometric mean (SD) night-time CF and awake CF were 5.0 (3.6) and 23.3 (2.1) coughs.hr-1 respectively. Night-time CF was significantly associated with awake CF (ρ=0.46), 24-hour CF (ρ=0.58), LCQ score (ρ=-0.38) and sleep disturbance (ρ=-0.47) and was higher females vs males (geometric mean (SD) 6.8 (3.1) vs. 2.6 (3.8)) (all p<0.05) (figure 1). Night-time CF was not associated with age (ρ=0.01) or VAS (ρ=0.19) (both p>0.2).ConclusionNight-time CF was moderately associated with awake CF, and may therefore be a less intrusive method of CF monitoring. The moderate association with sleep disturbance and LCQ total score indicates that although night-time cough frequency is low, it does have an impact both on sleep quality and overall quality of life. Our findings should be evaluated in future larger studies, and the repeatability and responsiveness of night time CF should be investigated.Abstract P217 Figure 1
In this study, the effectiveness of a selected strain of Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MP1) was compared to that of sulphur dioxide for preventing white grape must from browning. Sulphur dioxide was ...found to drastically reduce oxygen consumption rate, protect hydroxycinnamic acids against oxidation and prevent grape must from browning, even in the presence of laccase. By contrast, supplementation with the selected strain of Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MP1) drastically increased oxygen consumption rate, thus reducing the amount of oxygen available for polyphenol oxidases. In the absence of laccase, this resulted in a decrease in browning and a certain degree of protection of the hydroxycinnamic acids, but in the presence of laccase it was not effective enough. Consequently, the selected strain of Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MP1) can be considered an interesting alternative to sulphur dioxide for preventing browning in white grape must, but only in conditions of healthy grapes.
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