Double wall versus single wall incubator for reducing heat loss in very low birth weight infants in incubators

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown improved survival of newborn infants maintained in the thermoneutral range. The concept of an incubator with additional insulation, a double plexiglass wall, is appealing for very low birth weight infants as it may help to provide a thermoneutral environment.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of double walled incubator versus a single wall incubator on insensible water loss, rate of oxygen consumption, episodes of hypothermia, time to regain birth weight, duration of hospitalization and infant mortality in premature infants.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The standard search strategy of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group was used. This included searches of electronic databases: Oxford Database of Perinatal Trials, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 - 2006), EMBASE, previous reviews including cross references, abstracts, conference and symposia proceedings, expert informants in all published languages, and CINAHL (1982 - 2006).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only studies using random or quasi-random methods of allocation were considered for this review. Eligible studies assessed at least one of the outcome variables identified as important to this topic.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Independent data extraction and quality assessment of included trials was conducted by the review authors. Data were analyzed using generic inverse variance methodology and weighted mean difference (WMD). Results are presented with 95% confidence intervals. Meta-analysis was undertaken using a fixed effect model.

MAIN RESULTS

Three studies met the criteria. Four other studies were excluded, as they did not compare double versus single wall incubators (details of the studies are given in the included and excluded studies section). Double wall incubators have the advantage of decreasing heat loss, decreasing heat production and decreasing radiant heat loss when compared to single wall incubators. There is also the advantage of reduced oxygen consumption. A minimal increase in conductive heat loss was noted when compared to single wall incubators. All of these effects are small and do not support the proposition that double wall incubators have a beneficial effect on long term outcomes including mortality or the duration of hospitalization.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Although it appears that caring for extremely small infants in double wall incubators may theoretically result in shorter hospitalization and may have metabolic advantages, this review was unable to find any data in the literature to support or refute this hypothesis. The studies do not provide any evidence that the small decrease in heat loss improves clinical outcome. Therefore, the available data is insufficient to directly guide clinical practice.

Individual QTLs controlling quantitative variation in blood pressure inherited in a Mendelian mode

We studied three possible genotypes at 10 well-defined blood pressure (BP) QTLs using congenic rat lines. The central question was whether the hypertensive or normotensive allele is dominant, or whether there is partial dominance. The congenic strains were employed to investigate the BP effects of alleles originating from normotensive rats in the background of hypertensive Dahl salt-sensitive (DSS) rats. The normotensive alleles at eight QTLs were fully dominant over DSS alleles, which we tentatively interpreted as indicating that DSS rats incurred a loss of function at these loci and that the QTLs produced BP-reducing agents. In contrast, the normotensive allele of only one QTL was recessive over its DSS counterpart, implying a gain of function at this QTL or a null allele involved in generating a BP-elevating agent. Only one locus, C17QTL, had alleles exhibiting partial dominance. These estimates of dominance differ considerably from those obtained by QTL analysis in a F2 cross. This disagreement demonstrates the importance of establishing a cause-effect relationship between a QTL and its phenotypic effect via congenic strains. The dominance relationships suggest pertinent strategies for gene identification and pharmaceutical intervention.

Wavefront Aberrations in Eyes With Acrysof Monofocal Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To characterize and measure the ocular aberrations in eyes implanted with monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and to study any correlation between postoperative aberrations and surgical factors.

METHODS

A Tscherning aberroscope was used to measure the wavefront aberrations of 62 eyes that had undergone phacoemulsification with the implantation of foldable monofocal Acrysof MA60BM IOLs (Alcon Laboratories Inc, Ft Worth, Tex). The Zernike coefficients, measured with a pupil diameter of 6 mm, were compared with those of a normal dataset of 82 eyes of healthy young myopes.

RESULTS

Spherical aberration (Z(0)4) was the most predominant higher order aberration, with a mean value of 0.37 +/- 0.16 microm. A statistically significant linear relationship was noted between the magnitude of postoperative spherical aberration and the dioptric power of the IOL. The mean spherical aberration was 33 times more in the pseudophakic group than in normal young myopic eyes. The other major higher order aberrations were trefoil (Z(-3)3) with a mean of -0.13 +/- 0.22 microm and vertical coma (Z(-1)3) with a mean value of -0.11 +/- 0.23 microm. On average, the root-mean-square of higher order aberrations in pseudophakic eyes was 2.1 times that in a normal population of young myopic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes that undergo cataract surgery with monofocal IOL implantation suffer from significant higher order aberrations. The optical design of the IOL is most likely responsible for the increase in spherical aberration, the magnitude of which is a function of the dioptric power of the IOL.

Monochromatic Aberrations in Eyes With Different Intraocular Lens Optic Designs

PURPOSE

To study the wavefront aberration profile of eyes with three different types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)--the Tecnis Z9000 (modified prolate surface design) (Pfizer, New York, NY), the Acrysof MA60BM (unequal biconvex optic) (Alcon, Ft Worth, Tex), and the Sensar Optiedge AR40e (equibiconvex optic) (AMO, Santa Ana, Calif)--in eyes following cataract surgery.

METHODS

This study was conducted in two parts. The first part was a randomized open study of 32 eyes of 16 patients who underwent bilateral phacoemulsification with a foldable IOL in the capsular bag. A Tecnis Z9000 IOL was implanted in one eye and an Acrysof MA60BM IOL in the fellow eye. The ALLEGRETTO WAVE Analyzer (Wavelight Laser Technologies AG, Erlangen, Germany) was used to measure ocular aberrations 2 weeks after surgery. A paired t test was used to compare each Zernike term from Z3(-3) to Z6(6) between fellow eyes (pupil diameter = 6 mm). In the second part of the study, the wavefront aberrations of 16 eyes that underwent an identical surgical procedure as in the first part of the study but had a Sensar Optiedge AR40e IOL implanted were studied and compared with eyes with the Tecnis Z9000 and Acrysof MA60BM IOLs.

RESULTS

The mean spherical aberration (Z4(0)) was statistically significantly lower in eyes with a Tecnis Z9000 IOL (Z4(0) = 0.07 +/- 0.12 microm) compared with eyes with an Acrysof MA60BM IOL (Z4(0) = 0.29 +/- 0.20 microm, P < .001) and with eyes with a Sensar Optiedge AR40e IOL (Z4(0) = 0.20 +/- 0.09 microm, P = .002). No statistically significant differences were noted in any of the Zernike terms between eyes with Acrysof MA60BM and Sensar Optiedge AR40e IOLs, or in the root-mean-square (RMS) of total higher order aberrations among the three IOL groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The implantation of a Tecnis Z9000 IOL produces a significant reduction in spherical aberration of the eye. No significant differences were noted in the wavefront profile between eyes with Acrysof MA60BM and Sensar Optiedge AR40e IOLs. No significant differences were found in the RMS of total higher order aberrations among the three IOL groups.

Inhaled but not intravenous milrinone prevents pulmonary endothelial dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass

OBJECTIVE

Cardiopulmonary bypass triggers a systemic inflammatory response that alters pulmonary endothelial function, which can contribute to pulmonary hypertension. Milrinone is a type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of inhaled and intravenous milrinone on the pulmonary endothelium-dependent relaxations and hemodynamic and oxygenation parameters after cardiopulmonary bypass in a porcine model.

METHODS

Five groups of Landrace swine were compared: (1) control group, no cardiopulmonary bypass; (2) bypass group, 90 minutes of normothermic bypass and 60 minutes of reperfusion; (3) inhaled milrinone group, bypass preceded by a 1.8-mg bolus of inhaled milrinone followed by a continuous milrinone nebulization; (4) intravenous milrinone group, bypass preceded by 2 mg of intravenous milrinone; and (5) inhaled NaCl group, bypass preceded by inhaled saline solution. After sacrifice, pulmonary arterial endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine and bradykinin were studied in organ chambers.

RESULTS

Inhaled milrinone caused less hypotension ( P < .05), a lesser decrease in peripheral vascular resistances ( P < .01), and a lower heart rate ( P < .05) than intravenous milrinone. Inhaled milrinone prevented the alterations in relaxations of pulmonary arteries to acetylcholine caused by cardiopulmonary bypass, and relaxations to bradykinin were improved in the inhaled milrinone group ( P < .05) compared with the cardiopulmonary bypass and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled milrinone prevents the occurrence of the pulmonary endothelial dysfunction seen after cardiopulmonary bypass. The hemodynamic and oxygenation profiles obtained with inhaled milrinone are safer than with intravenous milrinone. These strategies might be useful in preventing pulmonary hypertension after cardiac surgery.

[Traumatic fibular tendon dislocation combined with medial malleolar fracture: a very uncommon association in ankle trauma]

We report two unusual cases of ankle injury involving dislocation of the fibular tendon and fracture of the medial malleolus. Only one case has been reported previously in the literature. We discuss the pathogenic mechanisms and the clinical and radiological aspects of this unusual ankle injury. The importance of early surgical treatment is emphasized.

Antimicrobial and chemopreventive properties of herbs and spices

Herbs and spices have been used for generations by humans as food and to treat ailments. Scientific evidence is accumulating that many of these herbs and spices do have medicinal properties that alleviate symptoms or prevent disease. A growing body of research has demonstrated that the commonly used herbs and spices such as garlic, black cumin, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, allspices, bay leaves, mustard, and rosemary, possess antimicrobial properties that, in some cases, can be used therapeutically. Other spices, such as saffron, a food colorant; turmeric, a yellow colored spice; tea, either green or black, and flaxseed do contain potent phytochemicals, including carotenoids, curcumins, catechins, lignan respectively, which provide significant protection against cancer. This review discusses recent data on the antimicrobial and chemopreventive activities of some herbs and spices and their ingredients.

Maintaining high autopsy rates in a Canadian blood and marrow transplant program: preserving a diagnostic and research tool

Autopsy series have revealed patterns of injury in graft-versus-host disease and provided insight into infectious and toxic complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Overall autopsy rates have declined significantly in recent decades including specialized services such as neonatal medicine and cardiac care. However, rates of post-mortem exams at HSCT centers have not been specifically documented. We reviewed hospital records between 1992 and 2002 to determine overall autopsy rates at our hospital and within the HSCT program. Although the overall autopsy rate declined steadily from 24% in 1992 to 9% in 2002, rates of post-mortem exams in the HSCT program remained relatively stable at 32% (24-46%). Autopsy rates were not significantly different for recipients of allogeneic vs autologous transplants and no clear difference was observed for the proportion of autopsies requested on weekdays compared with weekends. Autopsies confirmed major clinical diagnoses and/or suspected causes of death in 45 of 61 autopsies (74%) and yielded major or minor disagreements in clinical diagnosis in 10 cases (16%) and seven cases (11%), respectively. The preservation of high rates of autopsy within our HSCT program demonstrates that specialized programs are able to maintain elevated rates of post-mortem examinations despite overall declining rates.

What is the clinical significance of positive blood cultures with Aspergillus sp in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients? A 23 year experience

Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation is the most frequent underlying predisposing condition to invasive aspergillosis. However, the significance of positive blood culture with Aspergillus sp in this particular population remains uncertain. We retrospectively reviewed all blood cultures performed in 1453 patients who received HSC transplant at our institution between 1980 and 2002. We identified 19 patients with positive blood cultures with Aspergillus sp. Only one of these patients had clinical, histologic or microbiologic evidence of invasive aspergillosis. Thus, even in a population at highest risk for invasive aspergillosis, positive blood cultures with Aspergillus sp remain unusual, and cannot be readily associated with invasive aspergillosis. A case by case assessment by treating physicians of the clinical and radiologic parameters should be systematically made to establish the significance of aspergillemia. Single bottle positivity, obtained with the lysis-centrifugation blood culture system, is a common indicator of pseudoaspergillemia.

Study of high momentum eta' production in B --> eta'Xs

We measure the branching fraction for the charmless semi-inclusive process B --> eta'Xs, where the eta' meson has a momentum in the range 2.0 to 2.7 GeV/c in the upsilon4S center-of-mass frame and Xs represents a system comprising a kaon and zero to four pions. We find B(B --> eta'Xs) = [3.9 +/- 0.8(stat) +/- 0.5(syst) +/- 0.8(model)] x 10(-4). We also obtain the Xs mass spectrum and find that it fits models predicting high masses.

Measurement of branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B+/--->rho+/-pi0 and B+/--->rho0pi+/- decays, and search for B0-->rho0pi0

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B-meson decays to rho(+)pi(0), rho(0)pi(+), and rho(0)pi(0). The data sample comprises 89x10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We find the charge-averaged branching fractions B(B+-->rho(+)pi(0))=[10.9+/-1.9(stat)+/-1.9(syst)]x10(-6) and B(B+-->rho(0)pi(+))=(9.5+/-1.1+/-0.9)x10(-6), and we set a 90% confidence-level upper limit B(B0-->rho(0)pi(0))<2.9x10(-6). We measure the charge asymmetries ACP(pi(0))(rho(+))=0.24+/-0.16+/-0.06 and ACP(pi(+))(rho(0))=-0.19+/-0.11+/-0.02.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and constraints on sin(2beta+gamma) with partial reconstruction of B0-->D*-/+pi+/- decays

We present a measurement of time-dependent CP-violating asymmetries in decays of neutral B mesons to the final states D(*-/+)pi(+/-), using approximately 82x10(6) BBmacr; events recorded by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. Events containing these decays are selected with a partial reconstruction technique, in which only the high-momentum pi(+/-) from the B decay and the low-momentum pi(-/+) from the D(*-/+) decay are used. We measure the amplitude of the asymmetry to be -0.063+/-0.024(stat)+/-0.014(syst) and compute bounds on |sin((2beta+gamma)|.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries in B0-->D(*)+/-pi-/+ decays and constraints on sin(2beta+gamma)

We present a measurement of CP-violating asymmetries in fully reconstructed B0-->D(*)+/-pi-/+ decays in approximately 88 x 10(6) upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B factory at SLAC. From a time-dependent maximum-likelihood fit we obtain the following for the CP-violating parameters: a=-0.022+/-0.038 (stat)+/-0.020 (syst), a*=-0.068+/-0.038 (stat)+/-0.020 (syst), c(lep)=+0.025+/-0.068 (stat)+/-0.033 (syst), and c*(lep)=+0.031+/-0.070 (stat)+/-0.033 (syst). Using other measurements and theoretical assumptions we interpret the results in terms of the angles of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa unitarity triangle, and find |sin((2beta+gamma)|>0.69 at 68% confidence level. We exclude the hypothesis of no CP violation [sin(2beta+gamma)=0] at 83% confidence level.

Search for the rare leptonic decay B+-->mu(+)nu(mu)

We have performed a search for the rare leptonic decay B+-->mu(+)nu(mu) with data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the BABAR experiment at the PEP-II storage ring. In a sample of 88.4 x 10(6) BB pairs, we find no significant evidence for a signal and set an upper limit on the branching fraction B(B+-->my(+)nu(my))< 6.6 x 10(-6) at the 90% confidence level.

Measurement of the branching fractions and CP asymmetry of B--->D(0)((CP))K- decays with the BABAR detector

We present a study of B--->D(0)(CP)K- decays, where D(0)(CP) is reconstructed in CP-even channels, based on a sample of 88.8 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) storage ring. We measure the ratio of Cabibbo-suppressed to Cabibbo-favored branching fractions B(B--->D(0)(CP)K-)/B(B--->D(0)(CP)pi(-))=[8.8+/-1.6(stat)+/-0.5(syst)]x10(-2) and the CP asymmetry A(CP)=0.07+/-0.17(stat)+/-0.06(syst). We also measure B(B--->D0K-)/B(B--->D0pi(-))=[8.31+/-0.35(stat)+/-0.20(syst)]x10(-2) using a sample of 61.0 x 10(6) BB pairs.

Measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B meson decays to charmless two-body states containing a K(0)

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in decays of B mesons to two-body final states containing a K0. The results are based on a data sample of approximately 88 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure B(B+-->K(0)pi(+))=(22.3+/-1.7+/-1.1)x10(-6), B(B0-->K(0)pi(0)=(11.4+/-1.7+/-0.8)x10(-6), B(B+-->K(0)K+)<2.5 x 10(-6), and B(B0-->K(0)K(0)<1.8 x 10(-6), where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second is systematic, and the upper limits are at the 90% confidence level. In addition, the following CP-violating asymmetries have been measured: A(CP)(B+-->K(0)pi(+))=-0.05+/-0.08+/-0.01 and A(CP)(B0-->K(0)pi(0)=0.03+/-0.36+/-0.11.

Limits on the decay-rate difference of neutral B mesons and on CP, T, and CPT violation in B(0-0)B oscillations

Using events in which one of two neutral B mesons from the decay of an Upsilon(4S) meson is fully reconstructed, we determine parameters governing decay (DeltaGamma(d)/Gamma(d)), CP, and T violation (|q/p|), and CP and CPT violation (Re z,Im z). The results, obtained from an analysis of 88 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) decays recorded by BABAR, are sgn(Re lambda(CP))DeltaGamma(d)/Gamma(d)=-0.008+/-0.037(stat)+/-0.018(syst)[-0.084,0.068],|q/p|=1.029+/-0.013(stat)+/-0.011(syst)[1.001,1.057],(Re lambda(CP)/|lambda(CP)|) Re z=0.014+/-0.035(stat)+/-0.034(syst)[-0.072,0.101],Im z=0.038+/-0.029(stat)+/-0.025(syst)[-0.028,0.104]. The values inside the square brackets indicate the 90% confidence-level intervals. These results are consistent with standard model expectations.

Measurement of the branching fraction and polarization for the decay B--->D*0K*-

We present a study of the decay B--->D(*0)K(*-) based on a sample of 86 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BBmacr; decays collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure the branching fraction B(B--->D(*0)K(*-))=(8.3+/-1.1(stat)+/-1.0(syst)) x 10(-4), and the fraction of longitudinal polarization in this decay to be Gamma(L)/Gamma=0.86+/-0.06(stat)+/-0.03(syst).

Measurements of the mass and width of the eta(c) meson and of an eta(c)(2S) candidate

The mass m(eta(c)) and total width Gamma(eta(c))(tot) of the eta(c) meson have been measured in two-photon interactions at the SLAC e(+)e(-) asymmetric B Factory with the BABAR detector. With a sample of approximately 2500 reconstructed eta(c)-->K(0)(S)K+/-pi(-/+) decays in 88 fb(-1) of data, the results are m(eta(c))=2982.5+/-1.1(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2) and Gamma(eta(c))(tot)=34.3+/-2.3(stat)+/-0.9(syst) MeV/c(2). Using the same decay mode, a second resonance with 112+/-24 events is observed with a mass of 3630.8+/-3.4(stat)+/-1.0(syst) MeV/c(2) and width of 17.0+/-8.3(stat)+/-2.5(syst) MeV/c(2). This observation is consistent with expectations for the eta(c)(2S) state.

Search for the radiative decays B-->rhogamma and B0-->omegagamma

A search of the exclusive radiative decays B-->rho(770)gamma and B0-->omega(782)gamma is performed on a sample of about 84x10(6) BBmacr; events collected by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e+e- storage ring. No significant signal is seen in any of the channels. We set upper limits on the branching fractions B of B(B0-->rho(0)gamma)<1.2 x 10(-6), B(B+-->rho+gamma)<2.1 x 10(-6), and B(B0-->omegagamma)<1.0 x 10(-6) at 90% confidence level (C.L.). Using the assumption that Gamma(B-->rhogamma)=Gamma(B+-->rho(+)gamma)=2 x Gamma(B0-->rho(0)gamma), we find the combined limit B(B-->rhogamma)<1.9 x 10(-6), corresponding to B(B-->rhogamma)/B(B-->K*gamma)<0.047 at 90% C.L.

Magnetic resonance sounding: new method for ground water assessment

The advantage of magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) as compared to other classical geophysical methods is in its water selective approach and reduced ambiguity in determination of subsurface free water content and hydraulic properties of the media due to the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) principle applied. Two case examples are used to explain how hydrogeological parameters are obtained from an MRS survey. The first case example in Delft (the Netherlands) is a multiaquifer system characterized by large signal to noise ratio (S/N = 73), with a 24 m thick, shallow sand aquifer, confined by a 15 m thick clay layer. For the shallow aquifer, a very good match between MRS and borehole data was obtained with regard to effective porosity n(e) approximately 28% and specific drainage S(d) approximately 20%. The MRS interpretation at the level deeper than 39 m was disturbed by signal attenuation in the low resistivity (approximately 10 omega(m)) media. The second case of Serowe (Botswana) shows a fractured sandstone aquifer where hydrogeological parameters are well defined at depth > 74 m below ground surface despite quite a low S/N = 0.9 ratio, thanks to the negligible signal attenuation in the resistive environment. Finally, capabilities and limitations of the MRS technology are reviewed and discussed. MRS can contribute to subsurface hydrostratigraphy description, hydrogeological system parameterization, and improvement of well siting. The main limitations are survey dependence upon the value of the S/N ratio, signal attenuation in electrically conductive environments, nonuniformity of magnetic field, and some instrumental limitations. At locations sufficiently resistive to disregard the signal attenuation problems, the MRS S/N ratio determines how successfully MRS data can be acquired. Both signal and noise vary spatially; therefore, world scale maps providing guidelines on spatial variability of signal and noise are presented and their importance with respect to the MRS survey results is discussed. The noise varies also temporally; therefore, its diurnal and seasonal variability impact upon the MRS survey is covered as well.

Measurement of the inclusive charmless semileptonic branching ratio of B mesons and determination of |V ub|

We report a measurement of the inclusive charmless semileptonic branching fraction of B mesons in a sample of 89 x 10(6) (-)BB events recorded with the BABAR detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. Events are selected by fully reconstructing the decay of one B meson and identifying a charged lepton from the decay of the other B meson. The number of signal events is extracted from the mass distribution of the hadronic system accompanying the lepton and is used to determine the ratio of branching fractions B((-)B-->X(u)lnu;)/B((-)B-->Xlnu;)=[2.06+/-0.25(stat)+/-0.23(syst)+/-0.36(theo)]x10(-2). Using the measured branching fraction for inclusive semileptonic B decays, we find B((-)B-->X(u)lnu;)=[2.24+/-0.27(stat)+/-0.26(syst)+/-0.39(theo)]x10(-3) and derive the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V(ub)|=[4.62+/-0.28(stat)+/-0.27(syst)+/-0.48(theo)]x10(-3).

Observation of B0-->omega K0, B+-->eta pi+, and B+-->eta K+ and study of related decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for seven B-meson decays with an eta, eta', or omega meson in the final state. The data sample corresponds to 89x10(6) BB pairs produced from e(+)e(-) annihilation at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We measure the following branching fractions in units of 10(-6): B(B+-->eta pi(+))=5.3+/-1.0+/-0.3, B(B+-->eta K+)=3.4+/-0.8+/-0.2, B(B0-->eta K0)=2.9+/-1.0+/-0.2 (<5.2, 90% C.L.), B(B+-->eta(')pi(+))=2.7+/-1.2+/-0.3 (<4.5, 90% C.L.), B(B+-->omega pi(+))=5.5+/-0.9+/-0.5, B(B+-->omega K+)=4.8+/-0.8+/-0.4, and B(B0-->omega K0)=5.9(+1.6)(-1.3)+/-0.5. The charge asymmetries are A(ch)(B+-->eta pi(+))=-0.44+/-0.18+/-0.01, A(ch)(B+-->eta K+)=-0.52+/-0.24+/-0.01, A(ch)(B+-->omega pi(+))=0.03+/-0.16+/-0.01, and A(ch)(B+-->omega K+)=-0.09+/-0.17+/-0.01.

Observation of a significant excess of pi0pi0 events in B meson decays

We present a study of the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0) based on a sample of 124 x 10(6) BB pairs recorded by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We observe 46+/-13+/-3 events, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic, corresponding to a significance of 4.2 standard deviations including systematic uncertainties. We measure the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0))=(2.1+/-0.6+/-0.3)x10(-6), averaged over B0 and B(0) decays.

Evidence for the rare decay B-->K*l+l- and measurement of the B-->Kl+l- branching fraction

We present evidence for the flavor-changing neutral current decay B-->K*l+l- and a measurement of the branching fraction for the related process B-->K l+l-, where l+l- is either an epsilon+epsilon- or a mu+mu- pair. These decays are highly suppressed in the standard model, and they are sensitive to contributions from new particles in the intermediate state. The data sample comprises 123 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->B(-)B decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II epsilon+epsilon- storage ring. Averaging over K(*) isospin and lepton flavor, we obtain the branching fractions B(B-->Kl+l-)=(0.65(+0.14)(-0.13)+/-0.04)x10(-6) and B(B-->K*l+l-)=(0.88(+0.33)(-0.29)+/-0.10)x10(-6), where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic, respectively. The significance of the B-->Kl+l- signal is over 8sigma, while for B-->K*l+l- it is 3.3sigma.

Measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->rho(+/-)h(-/+) decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP-violating asymmetries in B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+) and B0-->rho-K+ decays. The results are obtained from a data sample of 88.9 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S)-->BB decays collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory. From a time-dependent maximum likelihood fit we measure the branching fractions B(B0-->rho(+/-)pi(-/+))=[22.6+/-1.8 (stat)+/-2.2 (syst)]x10(-6) and B(B0-->rho-K+)=(7.3 -1.2( +1.3)+/-1.3)x10(-6), and the CP-violating charge asymmetries A(rhopi)(CP)=-0.18+/-0.08+/-0.03 and A(rhoK)(CP)=0.28+/-0.17+/-0.08, the direct CP violation parameter C(rhopi)=0.36+/-0.18+/-0.04 and the mixing-induced CP violation parameter S(rhopi)=0.19+/-0.24+/-0.03, and the dilution parameters DeltaC(rhopi)=0.28 -0.19( +0.18)+/-0.04 and DeltaS(rhopi)=0.15+/-0.25+/-0.03.

Search for D0-D(-)0 mixing and a measurement of the doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decay rate in D0-->Kpi decays

We present results of a search for D0-D(-)0 mixing and a measurement of R(D), the ratio of doubly Cabibbo-suppressed decays to Cabibbo-favored decays, using D0-->K+pi- decays from 57.1 fb(-1) of data collected near sqrt[s]=10.6 GeV with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II collider. At the 95% confidence level, allowing for CP violation, we find the mixing parameters x('2)<0.0022 and -0.056<y(')<0.039, and the mixing rate R(M)<0.16%. In the limit of no mixing, R(D)=[0.357+/-0.022(stat)+/-0.027(syst)]% and the CP-violating asymmetry A(D)=0.095+/-0.061(stat)+/-0.083(syst).

Rates, polarizations, and asymmetries in charmless vector-vector B meson decays

With a sample of approximately 89 x 10(6) B(-)B pairs collected with the BABAR detector, we perform a search for B meson decays into pairs of charmless vector mesons (phi, rho, and K*). We measure the branching fractions, determine the degree of longitudinal polarization, and search for CP violation asymmetries in the processes B+-->phiK(*+), B0-->phiK(*0), B+-->rho(0)K(*+), and B+-->rho(0)rho(+). We also set an upper limit on the branching fraction for the decay B0-->rho(0)rho(0).

Measurements of CP-violating asymmetries and branching fractions in B meson decays to eta'K

We present measurements of the branching fractions of the decays B+-->eta'K+ and B0-->eta'K0. For B0-->eta(')K(0)(S) we also measure the time-dependent CP-violation parameters S eta'(K(0)(S)) and C eta'(K(0)(S)), and for B+-->eta'K+ the time-integrated charge asymmetry A(ch). The data sample corresponds to 88.9 x 10(6) BB pairs produced by e(+)e(-) annihilation at the Upsilon(4S). The results are B(B+-->eta'K+)=(76.9+/-3.5+/-4.4) x 10(-6), B(B0-->eta'K0)=(60.6+/-5.6+/-4.6) x 10(-6), S eta'(K(0)(S))=0.02+/-0.34+/-0.03, C eta'(K(0)(S))=0.10+/-0.22+/-0.04, and A(ch)=0.037+/-0.045+/-0.011.

Measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-)

We present a measurement of time-dependent CP asymmetries and an updated determination of the CP-odd fraction in the decay B0-->D(*+)D(*-) using a data sample of 88x10(6)BB pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II B Factory at SLAC. We determine the CP-odd fraction to be 0.063+/-0.055(stat)+/-0.009(syst). The time-dependent CP asymmetry parameters Im(lambda(+)) and /lambda(+)/ are determined to be 0.05+/-0.29(stat)+/-0.10(syst) and 0.75+/-0.19(stat)+/-0.02(syst), respectively. The standard model predicts these parameters to be -sin(2beta and 1, respectively, in the absence of penguin diagram contributions.

Limits on D0-macro D0 mixing and CP violation from the ratio of lifetimes for decay to K-pi+, K-K+, and pi- pi+

We present a measurement of D0-macro D0 mixing parameters using the ratios of lifetimes extracted from samples of D0 mesons decaying to K-pi(+), K-K+, and pi(-)pi(+). Using 91 fb(-1) of data collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory, we obtain a value Y=[0.8+/-0.4(stat.)(+0.5)(-0.4)(syst.)]%, which, in the limit of CP conservation, corresponds to the mixing parameter y=Delta Gamma/2 Gamma. Using the difference in lifetimes of D0 and macro D0 mesons, we obtain the CP-violation parameter Delta Y=[-0.8+/-0.6(stat.)+/-0.2(syst.)]%.

Rare B decays into states containing a J/psi meson and a meson with s(-)s quark content

We report a study of the B meson decays, B+ --> J/psiphiK+, B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S), B0 --> J/psiphi, B0 --> J/psieta, and B0 --> J/psieta' using 56 x 10(6) B(-)B events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II e(+)e(-) asymmetric-energy storage ring. We measure the branching fractions B(B+ --> J/psiphiK+)=(4.4+/-1.4(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5) and B(B0 --> J/psiphiK(0)(S))=(5.1+/-1.9(stat)+/-0.5(syst))x 10(-5), and set upper limits at 90% confidence level for the branching fractions B(B0 --> J/psiphi)<9.2 x 10(-6), B(B0 --> J/psieta)<2.7 x 10(-5), and B(B0 --> J/psieta')<6.3 x 10(-5).

Study of time-dependent CP asymmetry in neutral B decays to J/psi pi0

We present the first study of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->J/psi pi(0) decays using e(+)e(-) annihilation data collected with the BABAR detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance during the years 1999-2002 at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. Using approximately 88 x 10(6) BB; pairs, our results for the coefficients of the cosine and sine terms of the CP asymmetry are C(J/psi pi(0))=0.38+/-0.41(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and S(J/psi pi(0))=0.05+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.16(syst).

Measurements of the branching fractions and bounds on the charge asymmetries of charmless three-body charged B decays

We present measurements of branching fractions and charge asymmetries for charmless B-meson decays to three-body final states of charged pions and kaons. The analysis uses 81.8 fb(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric B Factory. We measure the branching fractions B(B+-->pi(+)pi(-)pi(+))=(10.9+/-3.3+/-1.6)x10(-6), B(B+-->K+pi(-)pi(+))=(59.1+/-3.8+/-3.2)x10(-6), and B(B+-->K+K-K+)=(29.6+/-2.1+/-1.6)x10(-6) and provide 90% C.L. upper limits for other decays. We observe no charge asymmetries for these modes.

Observation of the decay B+/--->pi+/-pi0, study of B+/--->K+/-pi0, and search for B0-->pi0pi0

We present results for the branching fractions and charge asymmetries in B+/--->h(+/-)pi(0) (where h(+/-)=pi(+/-),K+/-) and a search for the decay B0-->pi(0)pi(0) using a sample of approximately 88 x 10(6) BBmacr; pairs collected by the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy B Factory at SLAC. We measure B(B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0))=(5.5(+1.0)(-0.9)+/-0.6)x10(-6), where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The B+/--->pi(+/-)pi(0) signal has a significance of 7.7sigma including systematic uncertainties. We simultaneously measure the K+/-pi(0) branching fraction to be B(B+/--->K+/-pi(0))=(12.8(+1.2)(-1.1)+/-1.0)x10(-6). The charge asymmetries are Api(+/-)(pi(0))=-0.03(+0.18)(-0.17)+/-0.02 and AK+/-(pi(0))=-0.09+/-0.09+/-0.01. We place a 90% confidence-level upper limit on the branching fraction B(B0-->pi(0)pi(0)) of 3.6 x 10(-6).

Observation of a narrow meson state decaying to D(+)(s)pi(0) at a mass of 2.32 GeV/c(2)

We have observed a narrow state near 2.32 GeV/c(2) in the inclusive D(+)(s)pi(0) invariant mass distribution from e(+)e(-) annihilation data at energies near 10.6 GeV. The observed width is consistent with the experimental resolution. The small intrinsic width and the quantum numbers of the final state indicate that the decay violates isospin conservation. The state has natural spin-parity and the low mass suggests a J(P)=0(+) assignment. The data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 91 fb(-1) recorded by the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) storage ring.

Molecular manifestations and molecular determinants of telomere capping

Multiple interacting components of the telomere, together with telomerase (and sometimes recombination), determine whether a telomere will be functional, allowing cell proliferation. The various components reinforce each other, providing for a robust and resilient system of protection and replenishment of telomeres. A characteristic of a telomere is that its structural features elicit responses that allow it to be dynamically recapped. Eliciting a DNA damage response through uncapping of a telomere appears to be one way in which telomerase action at that telomere is stimulated. Thus, as long as a timely and appropriate recapping of the telomere is possible, regulated uncapping of a telomere appears to be not only normal, but even required for optimal telomere maintenance. Telomere length and the presence of telomerase provide an example of a pair of interacting components that determine telomere capping function. Telomerase is dispensable in cells with sufficiently long telomeres; but in cells with short telomeres lacking telomerase, cells lose the ability to proliferate, and in some cell types, telomere fusions are increased. However, expressing telomerase can make even very short telomeres functional. Many interesting questions remain as to the mechanisms of these biological effects.