Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

A STUDY ON THE ENDOSCOPIC SINUS SURGERY OVER THE PERIOD OF 9 YEARS

Objective: To share experience of 1000 patients who underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in 4different hospitals for various diseases over span of 9 years. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Sheikh Khalifa Hospital Muzaffarabad, Combined Military Hospital Sialkot, PakEmirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi and CMH Quetta, from Jun 2009 to Jun 2018. Methodology: We included 1000 patients who underwent Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) in fourdifferent military hospitals, suffering with various diseases discussed later. Patients were operated after failureto get response to medical therapy. All the patients had preoperative endoscopic examination and CT-scan paranasal sinuses (PNS) done for disease assessment. Patients were examined post operatively at 1, 15 days and 2 months. All patients were documented for the level of satisfaction at end of 2 months post-operative period. Results: Most patients were suffering from rhino sinusitis 364 (36.4%). Bilateral ethmoidal polyps constitutedthe second largest group at 289 (28.9%) patients. About 837 (83.7%) of patients were completely free of symptom, 104 (10.4%) with partial improvement whereas, 59 (5.9%) patients did not report any improvement in symptoms. 899 (89.9%) of patients were discharged on their first post operation day meaning less hospital stay and quick recovery.Conclusion: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) can be employed to treatment variety of common nasal diseases (chronic rhino-sinusitis, nasal polyps) & non-nasal diseases like cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea & as approach to skull base. This method of treatment was quite effective in alleviating symptoms of patients.

PATTERN OF FOREIGN BODIES AERO DIGESTIVETRACT – A SINGLE CENTRE STUDY

Objective: To find out the pattern of foreign bodies inhaled or ingested in a series of patients. Study Design: Case series. Place and Duration of Study: Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department, Pak Emirates Military Hospital (PEMH)Rawalpindi, Jan 2016 to Dec 2016. Methodology: A total of 46 cases of foreign body upper aero digestive tract who presented in the ENTDepartment, PEMH Rawalpindi in 2016 were included in this study. Twenty eight cases were of foreign bodyesophagus and 18 were of foreign body airway. The age, gender, duration of foreign body lodgment, types offoreign body’s physical signs and symptoms were recorded. Relevant radiographic studies were performed. Results: Out of 46 patients of foreign body aero digestive tract 33 were males and 13 were females. The overallfrequency of foreign bodies’ upper aero digestive tract was 46 (0.14%) with 28 (0.08%) being foreign bodiesesophagus and 18 (0.06%) foreign bodies airway. In 50% cases of bronchial foreign bodies were in age group 0-3 years. The most frequent foreign body in the esophagus was coin in 13(46.4%) followed by chicken bone 5 (17.8%) and fish bone 3 (10.7%). Peanuts, peas, and beans were predominant component of the airway foreign bodies constituting 6 (33.3%), 3 (16.6%) and 3 (16.6%) respective of the total. Most frequent sites of impaction of the foreign body were cervical esophagus 16 (34%), right main bronchus 11 (23.9%) and left main bronchus 3 (6.5%). Conclusion: Foreign body aero digestive tract is an uncommon but potentially life..........

First Measurement of Differential Charged Current Quasielasticlike ν_{μ}-Argon Scattering Cross Sections with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report on the first measurement of flux-integrated single differential cross sections for charged-current (CC) muon neutrino (ν_{μ}) scattering on argon with a muon and a proton in the final state, ^{40}Ar (ν_{μ},μp)X. The measurement was carried out using the Booster Neutrino Beam at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber detector with an exposure of 4.59×10^{19} protons on target. Events are selected to enhance the contribution of CC quasielastic (CCQE) interactions. The data are reported in terms of a total cross section as well as single differential cross sections in final state muon and proton kinematics. We measure the integrated per-nucleus CCQE-like cross section (i.e., for interactions leading to a muon, one proton, and no pions above detection threshold) of (4.93±0.76_{stat}±1.29_{sys})×10^{-38}  cm^{2}, in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The single differential cross sections are also in overall good agreement with theoretical predictions, except at very forward muon scattering angles that correspond to low-momentum-transfer events.

Gestational gigantomastia on a Saudi woman: A case report on surgical removal and reconstruction and management of complications, KFSH&RC

INTRODUCTION

Gestational gigantomastia (GG) is a rare condition manifesting as a fast and excessive growth of the breasts in pregnant women. Its etiology is still unclear, with theories ranging from hormonal imbalances, unregulated immune response, to hypersensitivity. Medical interventions are mainly surgical in nature, though some pharmacological medications are of debatable efficacy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-year old Saudi gravida 3 para 2 presents continuous breast enlargement since the start of her pregnancy. She complains of skin ulcerations and discharge which was initially treated conservatively with topical antibiotics. Days after she came back with worsening GG symptoms, and was admitted for bilateral skin sparing mastectomy and reconstruction, and successfully recovered. The patient came back with problems concerning the surgical implant and wound infection. Emergency operation was performed for implant removal and wound treatment. Labor induction was performed by the OB-GYN on her 39 week. The patient opted for autogenous reconstruction by bilateral latissimus dorsi flap months after delivery. After treatment of minor surgical complications, the patient successfully recovered.

DISCUSSION

Surgery is one of the most effective interventions for GG. Total mastectomy is preferred due to lesser risk of recurrence in subsequent pregnancies. Reduction mammoplasty offers the breastfeeding option if conducted before the delivery, but poses higher risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.

CONCLUSION

The patient's gestational gigantomastia condition was complicated by several ulcerations and infections. Surgery was conducted alongside antibiotic treatment. This report also highlights the importance of follow ups in managing complications.

Surgical application of the keystone island flap for closure of thoracolumbar myelomeningocele defects - A case report

Introduction

Myelomeningocele (MMC) is the most common neural tube defect that can occur due to neural tube's failure to fuse properly during embryonic life. To prevent this, keystone island flap can be used for closure of large MMCs.

Presentation of case

A new-born girl born as a product of 36 weeks of gestation had a weight of 3.020 kg and had multiple congenital anomalies including hydrocephalus, thoracolumbar myelomeningocele at the level of (T10-L4) and an atrial septal defect. Preoperative evaluation showed a head circumference of 42 cm (n: mean 34.4 ± 2SD), no lower limbs movements and a thoracolumbar soft tissue defect around 4 × 8 cm with exposed neuronal tissue and prominent thoracic kyphosis, and no obvious urogenital or limbs anomalies. The large thoracolumbar myelomeningocele was treated at KFSHRC with a Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap (KDPIF) to reconstruct the soft tissue defect following the neurosurgical reconstruction.

Discussion

The keystone flaps were deemed as viable as all wounds were healed without any complications, such as flap necrosis, dehiscence, leakage of cerebrospinal fluid, or infection. The technique described in the case report offers a simple and effective method of wound closure in situations that would, otherwise, have required complex flap closure.

Conclusion

This flap can be an effective method for reconstruction of large thoracolumbar MMC defects that might improve outcome and minimize complications. It also ensures good watertight closure with minimal wound tension and breakdown.

First Measurement of Inclusive Muon Neutrino Charged Current Differential Cross Sections on Argon at E_{ν}∼0.8 GeV with the MicroBooNE Detector

We report the first measurement of the double-differential and total muon neutrino charged current inclusive cross sections on argon at a mean neutrino energy of 0.8 GeV. Data were collected using the MicroBooNE liquid argon time projection chamber located in the Fermilab Booster neutrino beam and correspond to 1.6×10^{20} protons on target of exposure. The measured differential cross sections are presented as a function of muon momentum, using multiple Coulomb scattering as a momentum measurement technique, and the muon angle with respect to the beam direction. We compare the measured cross sections to multiple neutrino event generators and find better agreement with those containing more complete treatment of quasielastic scattering processes at low Q^{2}. The total flux integrated cross section is measured to be 0.693±0.010(stat)±0.165(syst)×10^{-38}  cm^{2}.

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome in a Saudi boy with distinct features and variants in both the CREBBP and EP300 genes: a case report

BACKGROUND

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RSTS) Type 1 (OMIM 180849) is characterized by three main features: intellectual disability; broad and frequently angulated thumbs and halluces; and characteristic facial dysmorphism.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report on a Saudi boy with RSTS Type 1 and the following distinct features: a midline notch of the upper lip, a bifid tip of the tongue, a midline groove of the lower lip, plump fingers with broad / flat fingertips, and brachydactyly. The child was found to be heterozygous in the CREBBP gene for a sequence variant designated c.4963del, which is predicted to result in premature protein termination p.Leu1655Cysfs*89. The child and his father were also found to be heterozygous in the EP300 gene for a sequence variant designated c.586A > G, which is predicted to result in the amino-acid substitution p.Ile196Val.

CONCLUSION

Our report expands the clinical spectrum of RSTS to include several distinct facial and limb features. The variant of the CREBBP gene is known to be causative of RSTS Type 1. The variant in the EP300 gene is benign since the father carried the same variant and exhibited no abnormalities. However, functional studies are required to investigate if this benign EP300 variant influences the phenotype in the presence of disease-causing CREBBP gene mutations.

Treating cat allergy with monoclonal IgG antibodies that bind allergen and prevent IgE engagement

Acute allergic symptoms are caused by allergen-induced crosslinking of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) bound to Fc-epsilon receptors on effector cells. Desensitization with allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used for over a century, but the dominant protective mechanism remains unclear. One consistent observation is increased allergen-specific IgG, thought to competitively block allergen binding to IgE. Here we show that the blocking potency of the IgG response to Cat-SIT is heterogeneous. Next, using two potent, pre-selected allergen-blocking monoclonal IgG antibodies against the immunodominant cat allergen Fel d 1, we demonstrate that increasing the IgG/IgE ratio reduces the allergic response in mice and in cat-allergic patients: a single dose of blocking IgG reduces clinical symptoms in response to nasal provocation (ANCOVA, p = 0.0003), with a magnitude observed at day 8 similar to that reported with years of conventional SIT. This study suggests that simply augmenting the blocking IgG/IgE ratio may reverse allergy.

John J, Strauss T, Szelc AM, Tagg N, Terao K, Thomson M, Toups M, Tsai YT, Tufanli S, Usher T, Van De Pontseele W, Van de Water RG, Viren B, Weber M, Wickremasinghe DA, Wolbers S, Wongjirad T, Woodruff K, Yang T, Yates L, Zeller GP, Zennamo J, Zhang C. The Pandora multi-algorithm approach to automated pattern recognition of cosmic-ray muon and neutrino events in the MicroBooNE detector

The development and operation of liquid-argon time-projection chambers for neutrino physics has created a need for new approaches to pattern recognition in order to fully exploit the imaging capabilities offered by this technology. Whereas the human brain can excel at identifying features in the recorded events, it is a significant challenge to develop an automated, algorithmic solution. The Pandora Software Development Kit provides functionality to aid the design and implementation of pattern-recognition algorithms. It promotes the use of a multi-algorithm approach to pattern recognition, in which individual algorithms each address a specific task in a particular topology. Many tens of algorithms then carefully build up a picture of the event and, together, provide a robust automated pattern-recognition solution. This paper describes details of the chain of over one hundred Pandora algorithms and tools used to reconstruct cosmic-ray muon and neutrino events in the MicroBooNE detector. Metrics that assess the current pattern-recognition performance are presented for simulated MicroBooNE events, using a selection of final-state event topologies.

Type I locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint: A case report

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The locked metacarpophalangeal joint is rare.

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We present an unusual case with impingement to the sesamoid.

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Differential diagnosis and management are discussed.

Introduction

Type I locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) is rare and is characterized by loss of extension at the MCPJ with full flexion of all joints of the digit. The condition is usually seen in the index and middle fingers when the normal osseous prominence or degenerative osteophytes of the radial condyle of the metacarpal head catches the accessory collateral ligaments of the MCPJ.

Presentation of case

We report on a case of Type I locking of the MCPJ affecting the index finger. The case was unusual because it might have been related to repeated stress while opening caps of specimen bottles in the laboratory. Furthermore, the impingement of the radial condyle of the metacarpal was to the sesamoid bone, and not to the collateral ligaments of the MCPJ. Finally, management was done by excision of the sesamoid bone rather than trimming of the prominence of the radial condyle of the metacarpals head.

Discussion

Locking of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) should be viewed as two different entities: The “locked MCPJ with further flexion possible” (Type I locking) and the “locked MCPJ with further flexion not possible” (Type II locking). Once the type of MCPJ locking is diagnosed clinically, radiological testing (X-rays, CT scan, MRI) may be done to direct further management to the cause of locking.

Conclusion

We present an unusual case of Type I locking of the MCPJ affecting the index finger.

Rare presentation of foot postaxial polydactyly

Polydactyly is a prevalent birth anomaly observed in the foot, and a number of classification systems have been suggested for this condition. Postaxial (fifth or little toe) polydactyly is the most common type. We encountered an exceedingly rare presentation of foot postaxial polydactyly that, to our inspection, had neither been previously classified nor described in published studies. In the present report, we have described an otherwise healthy 2-year-old female who had presented to our clinic with an isolated, extra little toe on her left foot. Foot radiographs revealed the presence of all 5 metatarsals; however, the fifth metatarsal was blocked and did not give rise to the fifth toe. Instead, the fifth (medial normal) and sixth (lateral extra) toes had originated from a single, separate accessory bud from the fourth metatarsal, and the main fourth metatarsal had given rise to the normal fourth toe. The lateral sixth toe was excised, and a periosteal sleeve of the excised extra toe was used for reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament. We propose that this heretofore unmentioned presentation of postaxial polydactyly be added to the existing systems of classification of pedal polydactyly. A review of the published data pertaining to pedal polydactyly has also been presented.

Myofibroblastoma: an unusual rapidly growing benign tumour in a male breast

Myofibroblastoma is an unusual benign tumour of the breast predominantly seen in men in their sixth to seventh decade. The gross appearance is that of a well circumscribed nodule, characteristically small, seldom exceeding 3 cm. We present a case of an unusually large myofibroblastoma, which mimicked a malignant breast tumour. A 40 years old male, known case of tetralogy of Fallot, was operated in infancy in abroad, presented with a rapid enlargement of right breast over 5 - 6 weeks. Examination revealed a firm 10 cm hemispherical lump occupying the whole of the right breast with normal overlying skin. Since core biopsy was inconclusive, a subcutaneous mastectomy was performed to remove the tumour, which weighed 500 gms. Histopathology and immunocytochemistry revealed a mixed classical and collagenised type of myofibroblastoma. The patient is well with no evidence of recurrence.

CT of the chest can hinder the management of seminoma of the testis; it detects irrelevant abnormalities

To evaluate the role of chest CT in the initial staging of testicular seminomatous germ cell tumours. All patients referred to Addenbrooke's Hospital with testicular seminoma from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2005 were included and case notes retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and eighty-two patients with testicular seminoma were identified, with a median age of 37 years (range 19–74). Most patients had stage I disease (86%). Twenty-four patients had abnormal abdominal CT findings. One hundred and fifty-eight had normal abdominal CT findings but, on initial staging, chest CT reported abnormalities in 13 patients, which, on further follow-up CT were deemed to be irrelevant to the diagnosis of seminoma. There was a further patient with a normal CT abdomen in whom chest CT detected obvious metastatic disease, which was seen on chest x-ray. Overall 18 cases required additional investigations and follow-up for abnormalities subsequently found to be benign. There was a false-positive rate of 10% for initial staging with chest CT. This is the largest reported series of staging CT chest in testicular seminoma. In all patients with normal abdominal CT, normal chest x-ray and abnormal chest CT, subsequent follow-up investigations demonstrated that the lung lesions were incidental findings.

Management of fractures of metacarpals and phalanges and associated risk factors for delayed healing

OBJECTIVE

To assess the type of fractures of metacarpal and phalanges of hand and their treatment plan, investigate the risk factors (infection, segmental bone loss, associated soft tissue injuries) for the development of delayed union of the fracture site.

METHODS

This descriptive study was conducted at Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery Unit, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. It included 120 patients who attended Accident and Emergency Department with metacarpals and phalanges fractures during August 2005 to January 2006. Severely traumatized patients or patients with amputated hand or digits were excluded. The data was collected through hand injury chart which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed by SPSS version-10.

RESULTS

In 120 patients with 226 fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges male to female ratio was 5:1. Metacarpal fractures were 38.9% and the fracture of the phalanges was 61.1%. Oblique fractures were 47%, transverse 28.3%, comminuted 13.27%, spiral 8.9%, and avulsion fractures were 2.6%. Surgically treated patients were 78.3% while 21.7% were managed conservatively. For fixation of fractures Kirschner wires (K-wire) were used in 89.36% cases, miniplates and lag screw in 4.25% and external fixators in 2.1%. Infection was found in 5 (2.2%) of the total fractures, out of these 2/5 (40%) had developed non union of the fracture site. Bony defect was found in 30 (13.3%) of the total fractures, of these 4/30 (13.3%) developed non union. Associated soft tissue injury was found in 130 (57.5%) and of these 11/130 (8.46%) developed non union.

CONCLUSION

Most of the fractures of the metacarpals and phalanges were oblique in configuration, followed by transverse fractures. More then 75% of these fractures where treated surgically. K-wiring was the most commonly performed procedure. Infection, segmental bone loss and associated soft tissue injuries were predisposed to non union in small percentage of cases.

Kirschner wire pin tract infection rates between percutaneous and buried wires in treating metacarpal and phalangeal fractures

OBJECTIVE

To compare pin tract infection rate between percutaneous and buried placement of Kirschner (K-) wiring for hand fractures.

STUDY DESIGN

Quasi--experimental study.

PLACE AND DURATION

Plastic, Reconstructive, Hand and Burn Surgery Unit, Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from September 2005--February 2006.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with fractures of metacarpals and phalanges of hand were selected by non-probability purposive method. Assessment of pin tract infection by clinical examination and pin tract scoring was done by modification of Oppenheim classification. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test.

RESULTS

Ten out of 55 percutaneous and 2 out of 45 buried wires were infected. The difference in infection rates of two groups was statistically significant at p<0.05. Three percutaneous, but not buried Kirschner wires, had to be removed before 4 weeks because of failure to respond to local wound care and oral antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous K- wires had significantly greater infection rate than wires which were buried deep to the skin.