Effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic and trace element profile of crossbred Rambouillet sheep of Himalayan region

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of physiological status and parity on metabolic profile in crossbred Rambouillet ewes of the Himalayan region. The study was conducted on 20 ewes divided into two groups, primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP), with 10 ewes in each group. Blood samples were collected on 4- and 1-week pre-lambing and 1- and 4-week post-lambing to measure metabolic parameters and minerals. The glucose (p < 0.01), total plasma protein (TPP) (p < 0.05), albumin (p < 0.05), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p < 0.05), cholesterol (p < 0.05), triglyceride (p < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05), calcium (Ca) (p < 0.01), phosphorus (Pi) (p < 0.05), magnesium (Mg) (p < 0.01), copper (Cu) (p < 0.05), and zinc (Zn) (p < 0.01) levels revealed significant change along the time with the concentration decreasing from 3-week pre-lambing to immediate post-lambing; thereafter, levels increased steadily. Significant increase (p < 0.01) was observed in non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), iron (Fe) (p < 0.05), and bilirubin (p < 0.05) concentrations along the sampling time. No group difference was observed in any of the parameters; however, parity and time interaction was observed in glucose, NEFA, GGT, Ca, and Pi. While NEFA levels were significantly high in pre-lambing in PP ewes compared to MP ewes, the post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Pre-lambing levels of GGT were at par between the two groups; however, post-lambing levels were significantly high in MP ewes. Glucose, Ca, and Pi were low during pre-lambing in PP ewes and post-lambing in MP ewes. The result showed that ewes show a significant change in metabolic profile and trace minerals during late gestation and immediate postpartum; however, these changes were more pronounced during late gestation in primiparous and post-lambing in multiparous.

Measurement of Prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. This is the first measurement of Σ_{c}^{0,++} production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}/D^{0} and Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} are calculated in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) intervals 2<p_{T}<12 and 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σ_{c}. The feed-down contribution to Λ_{c}^{+} production from Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} is also reported and is found to be larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models.

Chronic groin pain in Desarda versus Lichtenstein hernia repair - a randomised controlled study

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain after inguinal hernia repair is a common complication. This study compared the difference between Desarda repair and Lichtenstein repair for inguinal hernia in chronic groin pain. METHODS: One hundred patients with unilateral uncomplicated inguinal hernia were randomised to either Desarda repair (n = 50) or Lichtenstein repair (n = 50) under local anaesthesia and were evaluated for pain postoperatively. Operative time, surgical complications, time to return to normal gait and work, and overall patient satisfaction were recorded. The patient was blinded to the procedure. Any pain at three months (numerical rating scale 1 or more) was considered chronic pain. RESULTS: Mean operation time was approximately 5 minutes less for Desarda (p = 0.33). There was no significant difference in terms of pain level postoperatively between Lichtenstein and Desarda groups. Twenty-two (44%) patients in the Lichtenstein group had chronic pain, and twenty-one (45.7%) patients had chronic pain in the Desarda group (p = 0.871). No significant difference was observed in haematoma formation, wound infection, recurrence rate, seroma, or foreign body sensation. The mean time for patients to return to normal gait was approximately 0.5 day earlier for the Desarda group (p = 0.29). The mean time for patients to return to normal work was comparable (p = 0.99). Desarda group had a slightly higher satisfaction rate than the Lichtenstein group (9.1%). CONCLUSION: Desarda repair is not inferior to Lichtenstein repair in the short-term concerning complications or pain.

OUP accepted manuscript

Introduction

We recently derived a simplified 3-point PGI score (representing blood pH < 7.25, Glasgow coma scale [GCS] score < 13, and impaired systolic blood pressure [SBP] < 90 mm Hg), which accurately predicted in-hospital case fatality ratio (CFR) in acute aluminum phosphide poisoning. The present study aimed to validate the PGI score and compare it with Acute Physiologic Assessment and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (SOFA), and Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II scores.

Patients and Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study in adult patients with aluminum phosphide ingestion admitted in PGIMER, Chandigarh (India), from April 2013 to August 2014. A univariant analysis detected the association of various baseline variables with CFR. Correlation of the PGI score with SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores was performed using Spearman's correlation (r_s , range -1 to +1) and scatter plots.

Results

Seventy-six patients were enrolled (mean age, 28.3 years; 41 males). CFR was 60.5%. PGI score variables-pH, GCS, and impaired SBP predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). Among patients with a total PGI score of 3 or 2, 100% died, compared with 50% in score 1 and 10.7% in score 0. Baseline PGI, SOFA, SAPS-II, and APACHE-II scores predicted CFR (P-value <0.001). There was a positive correlation between the PGI score and SOFA score (r_s , 0.855), SAPS-II score (r_s , 0.861), and APACHE-II score (r_s , 0.883). The P-value for all r_s values was <0.001.

Conclusion

The PGI score is a validated toxidrome-specific and simplified risk-stratification tool. Validation in other populations is warranted to confirm its routine use.

Effectiveness of two tobacco cessation methods among TB patients

BACKGROUND: Tobacco and TB are the world´s two greatest public health problems. Exposure to tobacco has been shown to be associated with higher risk of acquiring TB and adverse outcomes such as relapse and TB mortality.OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare self-reported tobacco quit status and biochemically verified cotinine levels among TB patients at different time intervals among two study groups.METHODS: A cluster, randomised controlled trial was conducted on TB patients attending DOTS centres in Delhi, India, who reported using tobacco in any form. Participants were assigned into one of two treatment groups. Centres were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: 1) integrated intervention using behavioural counselling with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gum, and 2) intervention using behavioural counselling alone (50 each in intervention and control group). The subjects were followed at Week 1, Month 1, Month 3 and Month 6 for tobacco cessation.RESULTS: At the end of 6 months, patients who received the integrated intervention had significantly higher rate of success in quitting tobacco than those who received the conventional TB treatment alone (78.7% vs. 57.8%; P < 0.03).CONCLUSION: DOTS with tobacco use dependence treatment was successful in our study in helping TB patients to quit tobacco dependence and should therefore be offered to every tobacco user.

COVID-19 and tobacco cessation: lessons from India

OBJECTIVES

The Government of India prohibited the sale of tobacco products during the COVID-19 lockdown to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assessed the tobacco cessation behaviour and its predictors among adult tobacco users during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in India.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 801 adult tobacco users (both smoking and smokeless tobacco) in two urban metropolitan cities of India over a 2-month period (July to August 2020). The study assessed complete tobacco cessation and quit attempts during the lockdown period. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to study the correlates of tobacco cessation and quit attempts, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 90 (11.3%) tobacco users reported that they had quit using tobacco after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Overall, a median of two quit attempts (interquartile range 0-6) was made by tobacco users. Participants with good knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 were significantly more likely to quit tobacco use (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.0) and reported more quit attempts (incidence risk ratio 5.7; 95% CI 2.8-11.8) compared to those with poor knowledge. Participants who had access to tobacco products were less likely to quit tobacco use compared to those who had no access (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.5].

CONCLUSIONS

Access restrictions and correct knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 can play an important role in creating a conducive environment for tobacco cessation among users.

Measurement of the Cross Sections of Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} Baryons and of the Branching-Fraction Ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential cross sections of prompt charm-strange baryons Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The Ξ_{c}^{0} baryon was reconstructed via both the semileptonic decay (Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}) and the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}) channels. The Ξ_{c}^{+} baryon was reconstructed via the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) channel. The branching-fraction ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=1.38±0.14(stat)±0.22(syst) was measured with a total uncertainty reduced by a factor of about 3 with respect to the current world average reported by the Particle Data Group. The transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence of the Ξ_{c}^{0}- and Ξ_{c}^{+}-baryon production relative to the D^{0} meson and to the Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}- and Λ_{c}^{+}-baryon production are reported. The baryon-to-meson ratio increases toward low p_{T} up to a value of approximately 0.3. The measurements are compared with various models that take different hadronization mechanisms into consideration. The results provide stringent constraints to these theoretical calculations and additional evidence that different processes are involved in charm hadronization in electron-positron (e^{+}e^{-}) and hadronic collisions.

Corrigendum: Gamma Tocotrienol Protects Mice From Targeted Thoracic Radiation Injury

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.587970.].

An MRI method for parcellating the human striatum into matrix and striosome compartments in vivo

The mammalian striatum is comprised of intermingled tissue compartments, matrix and striosome. Though indistinguishable by routine histological techniques, matrix and striosome have distinct embryologic origins, afferent/efferent connections, surface protein expression, intra-striatal location, susceptibilities to injury, and functional roles in a range of animal behaviors. Distinguishing the compartments previously required post-mortem tissue and/or genetic manipulation; we aimed to identify matrix/striosome non-invasively in living humans. We used diffusion MRI (probabilistic tractography) to identify human striatal voxels with connectivity biased towards matrix-favoring or striosome-favoring regions (determined by prior animal tract-tracing studies). Segmented striatal compartments replicated the topological segregation and somatotopic organization identified in animal matrix/striosome studies. Of brain regions mapped in prior studies, our human brain data confirmed 93% of the compartment-selective structural connectivity demonstrated in animals. Test-retest assessment on repeat scans found a voxel classification error rate of 0.14%. Fractional anisotropy was significantly higher in matrix-like voxels, while mean diffusivity did not differ between the compartments. As mapped by the Talairach human brain atlas, 460 regions were significantly biased towards either matrix or striosome. Our method allows the study of striatal compartments in human health and disease, in vivo, for the first time.

Λ_{c}^{+} Production and Baryon-to-Meson Ratios in pp and p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC

The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ_{c}^{+} and the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in pp and p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} ratio with increasing transverse momentum (p_{T}) in both collision systems in the range 2<p_{T}<12  GeV/c, exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p/π and Λ/K_{S}^{0}. At low p_{T}, predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e^{+}e^{-} and e^{-}p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.

Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction

This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.

Optimization based ECG watermarking in RDWT-SVD domain

With the increase in point of care services, communication of digital patient records through open network has multi-folded. This digital data is used to obtain the remote medical assistance from the smart healthcare centres. Protecting this data during transmission is a very big challenge. One of the most important medical data is electrocardiogram (ECG) signal which detects the cardiovascular diseases and any alteration in the signal may affect the diagnosis. In this work, an ECG watermarking based on redundant discrete wavelet transform (RDWT) and singular value decomposition (SVD) is developed. First, the ECG signal is converted into 2-D matrix using pan-tompkins algorithm. Then, we use the hybrid of RDWT and SVD to conceal the patient data and logo image into the 2-D ECG image. We also use hybrid of optimization scheme to improve the robustness of the watermark. Preliminary experimental results indicate the optimal invisibility and robustness result is more effective up to 97.89% than the traditional schemes respectively, which makes it suitable for ownership authentication of ECG signal.

Developing a Greenhouse Protocol for Evaluating Resistance to Corynespora cassiicola in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Target spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, has reemerged as a disease of economic importance in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the southeastern United States. Although this pathogen affects other economically important crops, relatively little is known about C. cassiicola on cotton, especially with regard to conditions conducive for disease development and sources of genetic resistance. Therefore, to more efficiently screen cotton genotypes for resistance, a greenhouse protocol is needed. Optimum temperature and conducive leaf wetness duration were determined in growth chamber trials. Temperature range for disease onset and greatest lesion counts occurred between 20 and 28°C. Generally, with ≥24 h of leaf wetness at these temperatures, disease onset was noted as rapidly as 1 day after inoculation on a cultivar that was previously determined to be susceptible to target spot. A mist irrigation system was used to maintain prolonged periods of leaf wetness in the greenhouse. In greenhouse trials, inoculation of cotyledons with 4 × 10⁴ conidia/ml allowed differentiation of five selected genotypes with disease reactions that reflected their field rankings. The current protocol will be useful for evaluating cotton breeding lines for resistance to target spot.

Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

Comparative analysis of Truenat™ MTB Plus and Xpert® Ultra in diagnosing tuberculous meningitis

BACKGROUND: Diagnostic delay and drug resistance not only worsen the outcomes of tuberculous meningitis (TBM), but are also important impediments to TB elimination efforts. Given the need for a near point-of-care test suitable for primary healthcare centres and simultaneous detection of resistance, Truenat™ MTB Plus assay was evaluated on a large cohort of TBM patients.METHODS: Truenat assay was performed on 148 cerebrospinal fluid specimens (76 definite TBM, 32 probable TBM and 40 non-TBM controls) and its performance was compared with Xpert^® Ultra.RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of Truenat and Ultra was respectively 78.7% and 67.6% in diagnosing TBM, and respectively 85.5% and 96% in diagnosing definite TBM. Twenty-three additional cases were detected using Truenat and 11 using Ultra. Truenat missed seven cases of rifampicin (RIF) resistance and indicated false RIF resistance in four cases.CONCLUSION: Performance of Truenat was comparable to that of Ultra in diagnosing TBM and inferior to Xpert Ultra in determining RIF resistance.

P–082 Effect of semen hyper viscosity (SHV) on blastocyst formation rate and implantation rate

Study question

Does semen hyper viscosity effects blastocyst formation rate

Summary answer

Hyper viscosity of semen sample later results in poor blastocyst formation rate and lower implantation rate.

What is known already

Normal range of semen hyper viscosity ranges between 12–29%.Highly viscous semen samples impairs the physical and chemical characteristics of seminal fluid and due to which seminal oxidative damage increases which further increases the ROS and reduces the sperm motility there are some factors that can affect the seminal viscosity out of which one is Male accessory gland infection, Hypo function of prostate seminal vesicles and varicoceles. SHV create hindrance in semen preparation.

Study design, size, duration

Retrospective study was conducted from June 2019 to Oct 2020 at IVF unit IKDRC hospital.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

142 patients were enrolled from June 2019 to Oct 2020 in IVF unit IKDRC hospital and divided into two groups. Group A (n = 83) patients with hyper semen viscosity and Group B (n = 69) patients with normal semen viscosity, inclusion and exclusion criteria’s were same for both the groups, only patient with normozoospermia were taken. Semen analysis was done by using WHO manual 2010.

Main results and the role of chance

In group A with hyper semen viscosity fertilization rate was (49.2% vs. 70% p = &lt;0.001) vs in group B with normal semen viscosity which is significantly higher in group B, Blastocyst formation rate ( 18.4% vs 35% p = &lt;0.01) and implantation rate (9.4% vs 20% p = &lt;0.005) both are significantly higher in group B . Which implies fertilization rate , blastocyst formation rate and implantation rate is significantly lower in patients with semen hyper viscosity.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results.

Wider implications of the findings: Our study demonstrates that patients having higher semen viscosity have poor blastocyst formation rate and implantation rate due to oxidative stress.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

P–109 Comparison between the outcome of sperm vitrification protocol and conventional slow freezing protocol for semen cryopreservation

Study question

Does sperm vitrification technique helps in increasing sperm survival and low DNA fragmentation index post warming.

Summary answer

Sperm vitrification protocol results in better motility, high progression and low DNA fragmentation index as compared to slow freezing.

What is known already

Cryopreservation is ceasing and resuming the cell metabolism, which can be achieved by different techniques like slow freezing and vitrification .Vitrification allows solidification of the cells and extracellular milieu into a glass like state without formation of ice which protects intracellular and extracellular ice formation, and further helps in avoiding different types of cryo-injuries and cellular damage. Study design, size, duration: Comparative study from July 2019 to Oct 2020 in IVF unit of IKDRC Hospital. Two hundred and ten patients were randomized by computer generated list and divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 110) samples cryopreserved by vitrification and Group 2 (n = 100) samples cryopreserved by conventional slow freezing.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Semen sample were analyzed by WHO 2010 laboratory manual, including all normozoospermic samples , other abnormal samples were excluded from the study . Method of semen preparation before cryopreservation is similar for both the groups, double density gradient method of preparation was used . Semen sample with high viscosity, hypo and hyper-spermia were also excluded. Similar cryovials of 2ml volume were used for both groups.

Main results and the role of chance

In group 1 where samples were cryopreserved by vitrification sperm motility was (54.3% vs 49.2%)vs in group 2 where samples were cryopreserved by slow freezing , non- significant difference were observed , but progressive motility was significantly higher in group 1 as compared to group 2 (36.8%vs17.9%) and DNA fragmentation index is significantly lower in group 1 vitrification than in group 2slow freezing ( 9.7% vs 20%).

Limitations, reasons for caution

Technical proficiency of the operator to avoid human errors and still larger randomized control studies are needed to strengthen these results

Wider implications of the findings: Our study demonstrates that vitrification is better than slow freezing of human sperm, improved survival rates with high progression were found with vitrification and low DNA fragmentation index were also observed in samples cryopreserved with vitrification protocol.

Trial registration number

Not applicable

A prospective cohort study on predictors of mortality of delirium in an emergency observational unit

BACKGROUND

Delirium is often an underdiagnosed and underestimated neuropsychiatric syndrome, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

AIM

To document the prevalence and clinical profile of delirium and to detect the baseline parameters associated with in-hospital mortality.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study conducted between January 2016 to December 2016 at an adult medical emergency observational unit of an academic hospital in north India.

METHODS

Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit was used for screening and diagnosis of delirium. Subtypes of delirium and severity were defined with the Richmond agitation-sedation scale and Delirium Rating Scale-Revised-98 (DRS-R-98).

RESULTS

Out of 939 screened patients, 312 (33.2%) had delirium, including 73.7% unrecognized cases. The mean age was 49.1 ± 17.3 years (range 17-90), and only 33.3% of the patients were above 60 years. The prevalence of hypoactive, mixed and hyperactive delirium was 39.1, 33.7 and 27.2%, respectively. Usual predisposing factors were alcohol use disorder (57.4%) and hypertension (51.0%), and infections remain the most common precipitating factors (42.0%). In total, 96.1% of patients received midazolam before delirium onset, and physical restraints were used in 73.4%. Mortality was higher in delirium (19.9% vs. 6.4%). The independent predictors of death in delirium were low diastolic blood pressure (P-value = 0.000), Glasgow coma scale score <15 (P = 0.026), high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score (P = 0.007), high DRS-R-98 severity score (P = 0.000) and hyperactive delirium (P = 0.024).

CONCLUSION

Rapid screening with Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit detected a high prevalence of delirium (even in young patients), and it associated with high mortality.

Soft-Dielectron Excess in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A measurement of dielectron production in proton-proton (pp) collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC, is presented in this Letter. The data set was recorded with a reduced magnetic solenoid field. This enables the investigation of a kinematic domain at low dielectron (ee) invariant mass m_{ee} and pair transverse momentum p_{T,ee} that was previously inaccessible at the LHC. The cross section for dielectron production is studied as a function of m_{ee}, p_{T,ee}, and event multiplicity dN_{ch}/dη. The expected dielectron rate from hadron decays, called hadronic cocktail, utilizes a parametrization of the measured η/π^{0} ratio in pp and proton-nucleus collisions, assuming that this ratio shows no strong dependence on collision energy at low transverse momentum. Comparison of the measured dielectron yield to the hadronic cocktail at 0.15<m_{ee}<0.6  GeV/c^{2} and for p_{T,ee}<0.4  GeV/c indicates an enhancement of soft dielectrons, reminiscent of the "anomalous" soft-photon and soft-dilepton excess in hadron-hadron collisions reported by several experiments under different experimental conditions. The enhancement factor over the hadronic cocktail amounts to 1.61±0.13(stat)±0.17(syst,data)±0.34(syst,cocktail) in the ALICE acceptance. Acceptance-corrected excess spectra in m_{ee} and p_{T,ee} are extracted and compared with calculations of dielectron production from hadronic bremsstrahlung and thermal radiation within a hadronic many-body approach.

Cryopreservation of pollen of Abelmoschus moschatus Medik. subsp. moschatus as an aid to overcome asynchronous flowering for wide hybridization with cultivated Okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench]

BACKGROUND

Asynchronous flowering is one of the major constraints for hybridization between Abelmoschus moschatus subsp. moschatus, a wild species closely related to cultivated okra [A. esculentus (L.) Moench]. Availability of viable pollen is a prerequisite to facilitate breeding in these species.

OBJECTIVES

Pollen cryopreservation was attempted in A. moschatus subsp. moschatus, to overcome the asynchronous flowering barrier during wide hybridization with A. esculentus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Viability of fresh pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus was assessed using acetocarmine and triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) test and in vitro germination by sitting drop culture method. Pollen of 10 accessions were stored at four temperatures (25, 4, -20 and -196 degree C), in the dark and periodically monitored for viability. The standardized cryopreservation protocol was applied to 24 accessions of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus over three months. In vivo pollen germination of 24 accessions of cryopreserved pollen and its efficacy on fertilizing A. esculentus cv 'Pusa Sawani' were recorded and pollen was utilized for hybridization with A. esculentus.

RESULTS

Brewbaker and Kwack medium with 15% sucrose was optimal for in vitro pollen germination. Pollen viability assessed by in vitro germination (60-90 %) was more reliable compared to acetocarmine (90-99 %) and TTC (85-99 %) staining tests. Significant negative correlation was found between pollen germination, storage time and temperature (25, 4 and -20 degree C) in all the accessions. Cryopreserved (-196 degree C) pollen showed significantly higher viability compared to all the other storage conditions, without viability loss. Successful pollination, fruit and seed set was observed in four out of 24 cross combinations attempted.

CONCLUSION

The cryopreservation of pollen of A. moschatus subsp. moschatus and its fertilizing ability offers great potential for a successful wide hybridization programme in okra.

Elliptic Flow of Electrons from Beauty-Hadron Decays in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The elliptic flow of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The azimuthal distribution of the particles produced in the collisions can be parametrized with a Fourier expansion, in which the second harmonic coefficient represents the elliptic flow, v_{2}. The v_{2} coefficient of electrons from beauty hadron decays is measured for the first time in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 1.3-6  GeV/c in the centrality class 30%-50%. The measurement of electrons from beauty-hadron decays exploits their larger mean proper decay length cτ≈500  μm compared to that of charm hadrons and most of the other background sources. The v_{2} of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity is found to be positive with a significance of 3.75  σ. The results provide insights into the degree of thermalization of beauty quarks in the medium. A model assuming full thermalization of beauty quarks is strongly disfavored by the measurement at high p_{T}, but is in agreement with the results at low p_{T}. Transport models including substantial interactions of beauty quarks with an expanding strongly interacting medium describe the measurement within uncertainties.

Rare case of plasmablastic myeloma diagnosed on lung biopsy

Plasmablastic myeloma is a rare variant of multiple myeloma characterised by neoplastic proliferation of single clone of plasma cells producing monoclonal immunoglobulins. A 60-year-old man presented to hospital with a 6-week history of chest pain, back pain, leg weakness and numbness. Imaging revealed a 75 mm left lobular lung mass with chest wall invasion, metastatic bony and soft-tissue deposits and spinal cord compression at T5 level. Lung biopsy, for suspected metastatic lung cancer, surprisingly showed features of plasmablastic myeloma. Protein electrophoresis demonstrated 2 g/L of IgG lambda paraproteinaemia and an increase in lambda light chains with reduced kappa/lambda ratio of 0.01. Bone marrow biopsy did not show evidence of infiltration by disease. The patient received radiotherapy to the spine; responded to third-line chemotherapy and received autologous stem cell transplant. This case adds to the rare causes of lung mass and is the first reported case of plasmablastic myeloma diagnosed on lung biopsy.

The NeST (Neoadjuvant systemic therapy in breast cancer) study: National Practice Questionnaire of United Kingdom multi-disciplinary decision making

BACKGROUND

Neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST) is increasingly used in the treatment of breast cancer, yet it is clear that there is significant geographical variation in its use in the UK. This study aimed to examine stated practice across UK breast units, in terms of indications for use, radiological monitoring, pathological reporting of treatment response, and post-treatment surgical management.

METHODS

Multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) from all UK breast units were invited to participate in the NeST study. A detailed questionnaire assessing current stated practice was distributed to all participating units in December 2017 and data collated securely usingREDCap. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each questionnaire item.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine MDTs from a diverse range of hospitals responded. All MDTs routinely offered neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) to a median of 10% (range 5-60%) of patients. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) was offered to a median of 4% (range 0-25%) of patients by 66% of MDTs. The principal indication given for use of neoadjuvant therapy was for surgical downstaging. There was no consensus on methods of radiological monitoring of response, and a wide variety of pathological reporting systems were used to assess tumour response. Twenty-five percent of centres reported resecting the original tumour footprint, irrespective of clinical/radiological response. Radiologically negative axillae at diagnosis routinely had post-NACT or post-NET sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in 73.0 and 84% of centres respectively, whereas 16% performed SLNB pre-NACT. Positive axillae at diagnosis would receive axillary node clearance at 60% of centres, regardless of response to NACT.

DISCUSSION

There is wide variation in the stated use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy across the UK, with general low usage of NET. Surgical downstaging remains the most common indication of the use of NAC, although not all centres leverage the benefits of NAC for de-escalating surgery to the breast and/or axilla. There is a need for agreed multidisciplinary guidance for optimising selection and management of patients for NST. These findings will be corroborated in phase II of the NeST study which is a national collaborative prospective audit of NST utilisation and clinical outcomes.

Palmar psoriasis or missed BCC?-A case report

Case report

A 76-year-old Caucasian woman with a history of previous BCCs excised from the head and legs was referred from the dermatology team with a biopsy proven superficial BCC to the left palm. The patient had presented to the dermatology team with the same lesion 7 years prior to the definitive diagnosis. The lesion was described as 27 × 15 mm scaly, poorly-defined, plaque-like lesion to the central palm. There was no ulceration or visible telangiectasia. At the time, an initial diagnosis of psoriasis was given and she received several courses of topical treatments to no avail. Eventually, a biopsy was taken which revealed a multifocal superficial BCC. After unsuccessful attempts at treating with topical Imiquimod, the lesion was surgically excised and resurfaced with a full thickness skin graft.

Discussion

The current understanding that BCCs derive from cells of the hair follicle cannot explain their appearance on the palm. Alternative hypotheses have been proposed as to their actual origin which would account for this rare occurrence. Ultimately, histology can determine the nature of the lesion. We urge clinicians encountering atypical, non-healing lesions to glabrous skin to keep in mind a diagnosis of skin cancer as a delayed diagnosis can lead to increased morbidity.

Bio-signal data sharing security through watermarking: a technical survey

Due to smart healthcare systems highly connected information and communications technologies, sensitive medical information and records are easily transmitted over the networks. However, stealing of healthcare data is increasing crime every day to greatly impact on financial loss. In order to this, researchers are developing various cost-effective bio-signal based data hiding techniques for smart healthcare applications. In this paper, we first introduce various aspects of data hiding along with major properties, generic embedding and extraction process, and recent applications. This survey provides a comprehensive survey on data hiding techniques, and their new trends for solving new challenges in real-world applications. Then, we survey the various notable bio-signal based data hiding techniques. The summary of some notable techniques in terms of their objective, type of data hiding, methodology and database used, performance metrics, important features, and limitations are also presented in tabular form. At the end, we discuss the major issues and research directions to explore the promising areas for future research.

Gamma Tocotrienol Protects Mice From Targeted Thoracic Radiation Injury

Radiation injury will result in multiorgan dysfuntion leading to multiorgan failure. In addition to many factors such as radiation dose, dose rate, the severity of the injury will also depend on organ systems which are exposed. Here, we report the protective property of gamma tocotrienol (GT3) in total as well as partial body irradiation (PBI) model in C3H/HeN male mice. We have carried out PBI by targeting thoracic region (lung-PBI) using Small Animal Radiation Research Platform, an X-ray irradiator with capabilities of an image guided irradiation with a variable collimator with minimized exposure to non-targeted tissues and organs. Precise and accurate irradiation of lungs was carried out at either 14 or 16 Gy at an approximate dose rate of 2.6 Gy/min. Though a low throughput model, it is amenable to change the field size on the spot. No damage to other non-targeted organs was observed in histopathological evaluation. There was no significant change in peripheral blood counts of irradiated mice in comparison to naïve mice. Femoral bone marrow cells had no damage in irradiated mice. As expected, damage to the targeted tissue was observed in the histopathological evaluation and non-targeted tissue was found normal. Regeneration and increase of cellularity and megakaryocytes on GT3 treatment was compared to significant loss of cellularity in saline group. Peak alveolitis was observed on day 14 post-PBI and protection from alveolitis by GT3 was noted. In irradiated lung tissue, thirty proteins were found to be differentially expressed but modulated by GT3 to reverse the effects of irradiation. We propose that possible mode of action of GT3 could be Angiopoietin 2-Tie2 pathway leading to AKT/ERK pathways resulting in disruption in cell survival/angiogenesis.