Narrow bandwidth, low-emittance positron beams from a laser-wakefield accelerator

The rapid progress that plasma wakefield accelerators are experiencing is now posing the question as to whether they could be included in the design of the next generation of high-energy electron-positron colliders. However, the typical structure of the accelerating wakefields presents challenging complications for positron acceleration. Despite seminal proof-of-principle experiments and theoretical proposals, experimental research in plasma-based acceleration of positrons is currently limited by the scarcity of positron beams suitable to seed a plasma accelerator. Here, we report on the first experimental demonstration of a laser-driven source of ultra-relativistic positrons with sufficient spectral and spatial quality to be injected in a plasma accelerator. Our results indicate, in agreement with numerical simulations, selection and transport of positron beamlets containingN e + ≥ 10 5 positrons in a 5% bandwidth around 600 MeV, with femtosecond-scale duration and micron-scale normalised emittance. Particle-in-cell simulations show that positron beams of this kind can be guided and accelerated in a laser-driven plasma accelerator, with favourable scalings to further increase overall charge and energy using PW-scale lasers. The results presented here demonstrate the possibility of performing experimental studies of positron acceleration in a laser-driven wakefield accelerator.

Evaluation and estimation of diuretic activity of the linalyl acetate in the rats

This study aimed to explore the diuretic activity of linalyl acetate (LA). LA is an essential oil, it is an integral phyto-constituent of various plants. In this study, acute and chronic diuretic activities were explored by measuring the levels of different electrolytes and pH in the urine of experimental rats. Rats were divided into five groups. The control group was given 10 mg/kg normal saline, the treated group was given 10 mg/kg furosemide, and the remaining 3 groups received different doses of LA including 25, 50, and 75 mg/kg through intraperitoneal route, to determine its diuretic potential. Urine volume for acute diuretic activity was measured for 6 hours however for chronic diuretic activity was measured for 6 days. For a comparative study of LA with a control group and treated group with reference drug, diuretic index was used. Moreover, the underlying mechanism of the diuretic activity was also explored by comparing atropine, L-NAME, and indomethacin. The results of each group with 6 rats in each group were obtained by ± standard error of the mean of every group. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results revealed that the LA 75 mg/kg dose showed comparable results as of furosemide. Moreover, this study revealed the involvement of muscarinic receptors to produce diuresis in comparison with atropine with very little involvement of prostanoids and no effect on NO pathway induced by indomethacin and L-NAME respectively. It is concluded that LA possess anti-diuretic potential. Muscarinic receptors might be involved in producing diuretic effects.

Genetic, haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Ligula intestinalis by using mt-CO1 gene marker: ecological implications, climate change and eco-genetic diversity

Abstract Ligula intestinalis is a cestode parasite that affects freshwater fish in different countries of the world. The current study aims to reveal the phylogenetic, genetic and haplotype diversity of mt-CO1 gene sequences sent to the NCBI database from different countries by using in-silico analysis. The 105 mt-CO1 (371 bp) gene sequences of L. intestinalis obtained from NCBI were used for bioinformatics analyses. Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and haplotype analysis. As a result of the haplotype analysis of L. intestinalis, 38 haplotypes were obtained from 13 different countries. Hap24 constituted 44.76% of the obtained haplotype network. Changes in nucleotides between haplotypes occurred at 1-84 different points. China and Turkey have highest fixation index (Fst) values of 0.59761, while the lowest (-0.10526) was found between Russia and Turkey. This study provides a baseline for future studies on extensive scale on the epidemiology, ecological aspects, distribution pattern, transmission dynamics and population dispersion of L. intestinalis worldwide.

Search for Evidence of Baryogenesis and Dark Matter in B^{+}→ψ_{D}+p Decays at BABAR

A new dark sector antibaryon, denoted ψ_{D}, could be produced in decays of B mesons. This Letter presents a search for B^{+}→ψ_{D}+p (and the charge conjugate) decays in e^{+}e^{-} annihilations at 10.58 GeV, using data collected in the BABAR experiment. Data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 398  fb^{-1} are analyzed. No evidence for a signal is observed. Branching fraction upper limits in the range from 10^{-7}-10^{-5} are obtained at 90% confidence level for masses of 1.0 Collapse

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COMPARISON BETWEEN PRE- AND POST-OPERATIVELY BOTOX INJECTION IN SECONDARY WOUNDS HEALING

Tension impacts wound healing and scarring. Tissue stress reduces blood flow and promotes fibroblastic response in wound treatment. Botox injections reduce tension. A total of 18 male albino rats weighing 250-350 grams each got 1 IU of Botox and saline injected into a subcutaneous muscle in the center of each 1.5 CM two circles with 4.5 CM a gap between them. Group A seven days pre-operatively; group B, after wound incidence. The study compared Botox-treated wounds to those treated immediately after surgery. Group A animals were surgery-ready after 7 days, removed full-thickness skin. Group B got Botox and saline in separate cages following full-thickness skin excision. Each group had three equal subgroups. Each group had immunohistochemistry tests on days 3, 7, and 14. and histological test on day 14 only, Skin biopsies following euthanasia showed significant variations between A and B groups. On day three, the group A showed increase significantly MMP-9 expression than B group. On day 7, the group A displayed a significant increase CD31 expression, suggesting significant new blood vessel development than group B. On day 14, both groups showed strong MMP-9 and CD31 expression, demonstrated greater endothelial cell, and keratinocyte proliferation resulted in very well re-epithelialization. Botox injection before surgery improved wound healing and reduced fibrosis and scarring.

EVALUATION OF VITAMIN K2 IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

There is a rising interest in studying the possible therapeutic value of fat-soluble micronutrients like vitamin K2 for preventing or controlling type 2 diabetes mellitus. The present study was designed to evaluate levels of vitamin K2 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The study enrolled 60 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 30 individuals as a control group. Blood samples were collected from each participant for estimation of vitamin K2 by (ELISA), HbA1c by (Cobas), lipid profile by (colourimetric methods) and calculated BMI. The mean±Standard Deviation (SD) of vitamin K2 levels for the type 2 diabetes group were (185.13±30.08) pg/ml, with a highly significant decrease (p<0.001) when compared with the control group (303.91±58.60) pg/ml. The HbA1c, cholesterol, TG, and LDL-C level for the type 2 diabetes group highly significant increase (p<0.001) when compared with the control while HDL-C decreased when compared with the control group. The current study concluded that: Vitamin K2 levels showed a highly significant decrease in patients with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus when compared with those in the control group. Vitamin K2 levels play an important role in improving glycated haemoglobin and lipid profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Search for a τ^{+}τ^{-} Resonance in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} Events with the Belle II Experiment

We report the first search for a nonstandard-model resonance decaying into τ pairs in e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}τ^{+}τ^{-} events in the 3.6-10  GeV/c^{2} mass range. We use a 62.8  fb^{-1} sample of e^{+}e^{-} collisions collected at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB collider. The analysis probes three different models predicting a spin-1 particle coupling only to the heavier lepton families, a Higgs-like spin-0 particle that couples preferentially to charged leptons (leptophilic scalar), and an axionlike particle, respectively. We observe no evidence for a signal and set exclusion limits at 90% confidence level on the product of cross section and branching fraction into τ pairs, ranging from 0.7 to 24 fb, and on the couplings of these processes. We obtain world-leading constraints on the couplings for the leptophilic scalar model for masses above 6.5  GeV/c^{2} and for the axionlike particle model over the entire mass range.

Measurement of CP Violation in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} Decays at Belle II

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters C and S in B^{0}→K_{S}^{0}π^{0} decays at Belle II using a sample of 387×10^{6}  BB[over ¯] events recorded in e^{+}e^{-} collisions at a center-of-mass energy corresponding to the ϒ(4S) resonance. These parameters are determined by fitting the proper decay-time distribution of a sample of 415 signal events. We obtain C=-0.04_{-0.15}^{+0.14}±0.05 and S=0.75_{-0.23}^{+0.20}±0.04, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic.

Test of Light-Lepton Universality in the Rates of Inclusive Semileptonic B-Meson Decays at Belle II

We present the first measurement of the ratio of branching fractions of inclusive semileptonic B-meson decays, R(X_{e/μ})=B(B→Xeν)/B(B→Xμν), a precision test of electron-muon universality, using data corresponding to 189  fb^{-1} from electron-positron collisions collected with the Belle II detector. In events where the partner B meson is fully reconstructed, we use fits to the lepton momentum spectra above 1.3  GeV/c to obtain R(X_{e/μ})=1.007±0.009(stat)±0.019(syst), which is the most precise lepton-universality test of its kind and agrees with the standard-model expectation.

A review of the Masquelet technique in the treatment of lower limb critical-size bone defects

The need for bone tissue to heal effectively is paramount given its role in the mechanical support of tissues. Bone has a very good natural healing potential in comparison with most other tissue types, largely regenerating to its pre-injury state in the vast majority of cases. Certain factors such as high energy trauma, tumour resection, revision surgery, developmental deformities and infection can lead to the formation of bone defects, where the intrinsic healing potential of bone is diminished owing to bone loss. Various approaches to resolving bone defects exist in current practice, each with their respective benefits and drawbacks. These include bone grafting, free tissue transfer, Ilizarov bone transport and the Masquelet induced membrane technique. This review focuses on evaluating the Masquelet technique, discussing its method and underlying mechanisms, the effectiveness of certain modifications, and its potential future directions.

Search for an Invisible Z^{'} in a Final State with Two Muons and Missing Energy at Belle II

The L_{μ}-L_{τ} extension of the standard model predicts the existence of a lepton-flavor-universality-violating Z^{'} boson that couples only to the heavier lepton families. We search for such a Z^{'} through its invisible decay in the process e^{+}e^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}Z^{'}. We use a sample of electron-positron collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 10.58 GeV collected by the Belle II experiment in 2019-2020, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 79.7  fb^{-1}. We find no excess over the expected standard-model background. We set 90%-confidence-level upper limits on the cross section for this process as well as on the coupling of the model, which ranges from 3×10^{-3} at low Z^{'} masses to 1 at Z^{'} masses of 8  GeV/c^{2}.

Antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds of Commiphora gileadensis extracts obtained by ultrasonic-assisted extraction, with monitoring antiaging and cytotoxicity activities

Commiphora gileadensis (C. gileadensis) has been identified and linked with various health benefits and pharmaceutical potential for its phytochemical activities and chemical constituents. This study aimed to evaluate ultrasonic-assisted extraction (USE) technique for total phenols content from C. gileadensis leaf compared to the hydrodistillation extraction (HDE). Our results showed that the USE operating conditions were identified as: MeOH·H2O solvent-to-fresh sample ratio of 80:20 (v/v); ultrasonic power/frequency at 150 W/20 kHz; and a temperature of 40 ± 1°C; subjected to acoustic waves intermittently for a calculated time (5 min) during the total programmed time of 12 min. The USE exhibited (118.71 ± 0.009 mg GAE/g DM) more amounts of all phenols than HDE (101.47 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g DM), and antioxidant (77.78 ± 0.73%, 75.27 ± 0.59% scavenging inhibition of DPPH), respectively. Anti-aging and Cytotoxicity activities were investigated. The results of biological evaluations showed that the crude extracts of C. gileadensis significantly extended the replicative lifespan of K6001 yeast. In addition, in vitro cytotoxicity against the HepG2 cell line showed significant anticancer activity, and approximately 100 μg/mL is required to decrease viability compared with that of the control. This study is proven for a larger scale to extract and isolate compounds of C. gileadensis for potential utilization in the pharmaceutical industry. In conclusion, advanced methods afford an extract with high activity in the biological properties of the extract.

Search for Lepton-Flavor-Violating τ Decays to a Lepton and an Invisible Boson at Belle II

We search for lepton-flavor-violating τ^{-}→e^{-}α and τ^{-}→μ^{-}α decays, where α is an invisible spin-0 boson. The search uses electron-positron collisions at 10.58 GeV center-of-mass energy with an integrated luminosity of 62.8  fb^{-1}, produced by the SuperKEKB collider and collected with the Belle II detector. We search for an excess in the lepton-energy spectrum of the known τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ} and τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ} decays. We report 95% confidence-level upper limits on the branching-fraction ratio B(τ^{-}→e^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→e^{-}ν[over ¯]_{e}ν_{τ}) in the range (1.1-9.7)×10^{-3} and on B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}α)/B(τ^{-}→μ^{-}ν[over ¯]_{μ}ν_{τ}) in the range (0.7-12.2)×10^{-3} for α masses between 0 and 1.6  GeV/c^{2}. These results provide the most stringent bounds on invisible boson production from τ decays.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy and perceptions on lifestyle interventions: A review

Musculoskeletal pain treatments are widespread in the clinical practice of physiotherapists. A multifaceted biopsychosocial approach should guide modern pain therapy. The study aimed to investigate the association of musculoskeletal problems with lifestyle behaviors. The study adopted a qualitative literature review methodology. About 200 papers have been reviewed for this study. The categories of the study had been classified according to the factors that are interconnected to the life intervention. The inclusion criteria of the selected literature depend upon the data received. This is a review-based study. The results of cross-sectional and correlational analysis dominated the literature on lifestyle implications on musculoskeletal health, which included pain and its correlated inflammation. Long-term prospective studies, however, are difficult to enroll in due to ethical concerns about denying patients' therapies shown to benefit them, notably lifestyle behavior modification. By conducting intervention studies, it determines lifestyle modifications that determine the beneficial aspects. These aspects are avoiding and reducing pain by increasing exercise capacity. The study concluded that the quantity of beneficial health practices boosted the health-related quality of life. To achieve long-term health, the complexity of the behaviour change needs to be supported by the individual's lifestyle pattern and the support of the data. Therefore, in this century characterized by chronic lifestyle-related illnesses, various health behavior modifications may be claimed to be a primary therapeutic skill of health professionals (individually and collectively).

Observation of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) and Search for X_{b}→ωϒ(1S) at sqrt[s] near 10.75 GeV

We study the processes e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{bJ}(1P) (J=0, 1, or 2) using samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=10.701, 10.745, and 10.805 GeV, corresponding to 1.6, 9.8, and 4.7  fb^{-1} of integrated luminosity, respectively. These data were collected with the Belle II detector during special operations of the SuperKEKB collider above the ϒ(4S) resonance. We report the first observation of ωχ_{bJ}(1P) signals at sqrt[s]=10.745  GeV. By combining Belle II data with Belle results at sqrt[s]=10.867  GeV, we find energy dependencies of the Born cross sections for e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{b1,b2}(1P) to be consistent with the shape of the ϒ(10753) state. These data indicate that the internal structures of the ϒ(10753) and ϒ(10860) states may differ. Including data at sqrt[s]=10.653  GeV, we also search for the bottomonium equivalent of the X(3872) state decaying into ωϒ(1S). No significant signal is observed for masses between 10.45 and 10.65  GeV/c^{2}.

Measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} Lifetime

An absolute measurement of the Λ_{c}^{+} lifetime is reported using Λ_{c}^{+}→pK^{-}π^{+} decays in events reconstructed from data collected by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy electron-positron collider. The total integrated luminosity of the data sample, which was collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, is 207.2  fb^{-1}. The result, τ(Λ_{c}^{+})=203.20±0.89±0.77  fs, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second systematic, is the most precise measurement to date and is consistent with previous determinations.

Community based assessment on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP), Risk Factors and One Health Perspective of Brucellosis in rural and urban settings of Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Bovine brucellosis is an endemic zoonotic infection of ruminants in Pakistan with detrimental impacts on livestock economy. The major losses caused by brucellosis in animals include abortions, week calves, infertility, and reduced milk production. Regardless of the prevalence of the disease, limited data is available about brucellosis in Pakistan. The present study aimed to access the one health concept in prospective of Brucellosis among small-scale dairy farmers by examining knowledge, attitude and practices at the farms and household level that might pose a risk for humans contracting brucellosis. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among small household dairy farms (n=333) in rural and urban areas of district Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The results revealed almost 74.17% of the participants knew about animal brucellosis and about 69.97% of the participants were able to identify the symptoms of animal brucellosis. 58.26% of participants showed knowledge about the transmission of disease from animals to humans. A majority (70.87%) of participants used the raw milk for making other dairy products. Most household farmers are unaware of routes of transmission and major risk factors of brucellosis. Almost all the participants, except veterinarians, including butchers, dairy farm owners and workers, slaughterhouse owners and workers and farmers were involved in at least one risky practice. The moderate knowledge and poor understanding of the disease emphasize the need to initiate awareness programs to educate the farmers who are at high risk along with the improvement of vaccination programs for animals and strict implementation of brucellosis eradication policy which should be devised by government.

Deaths caused by medication in persons not using illicit narcotic drugs – an autopsy study from Western Denmark

Information regarding deaths caused by poisoning or adverse effects of medication in Danish persons not using illicit narcotic drugs (PNUIDs) is sparse. To characterize aetiology, demographics, and death scene, we reviewed all legal autopsies performed at Aarhus University from 2017 to 2019 and isolated 96 deaths caused by medications in PNUIDs. Suicides caused by medication overdose accounted for 38%. Opioids and psychotropic medications were the main cause of death in 48% and 35% of the 96 cases, respectively. Morphine, tramadol, and quetiapine were the most commonly involved individual medications. A single medication caused death in 50% of cases, and multiple substances were involved in 50%. The median total number [interquartile range] of detected medications was 5 [4-6], with a higher number in females (5 [4-7]) than males (4 [2-5]), p = 0.009. Median age was 51 [42.5-61.5] years, and 57% were female. Scene of death most frequently involved a body on a bed or couch in the decedent's own home (72%). In conclusion, opioids and psychotropic medications dominated by morphine, tramadol and quetiapine most frequently caused medication-related deaths in PNUIDs. Monitoring this type of death may yield important knowledge to direct prophylactic initiatives regarding medication use and prescription.

Is there an inter-manufacturer difference in generic clopidogrel response?

Background

Differences in platelet aggregation response to generic clopidogrel by manufacturer has not been investigated.

Purpose

Compare rates of clopidogrel response among patients receiving medication produced by two different manufacturers after acute coronary syndrome and/or percutaneous coronary intervention.

Methods

This quality improvement project included 515 adult patients receiving clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome or ischemic heart disease and referred for coronary angiography/percutaneous coronary intervention at a large, public hospital. The project was divided into two phases: 1. retrospective collection of baseline data; 2. two 12-week, prospective phases in which all clopidogrel in the hospital was restricted to a single manufacturer at a time. The primary outcome was clopidogrel response measured by platelet function testing defined as ADP response &lt;40% on light transmission aggregometry between two manufacturer groups. Aspirin response defined as arachidonic acid response &lt;20% was also measured.

Results

Of 515 total patients included in both phases (mean [SD] age, 64.5 [11.4] years; 351 [68.2%] men; 450 [87.4%] ACS), 52% were found to be clopidogrel responders based on results of platelet function testing (Table 1 – select variables). Among 135 patients in the prospective phase, there was a significantly lower proportion of patients who were clopidogrel responders in the Manufacturer 1 group compared to the Manufacturer 2 group (34.8% vs. 55.1%, p=0.03) (Table 2 – select variables). After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, aspirin response, therapeutic hypothermia, LHC indication, clopidogrel loading dose, time between loading dose and lab measurement, and manufacturer, aspirin response (OR [95% CI]: 0.96 [0.95–0.97], p&lt;0.001) and manufacturer (OR [95% CI]: 2.45 [1.18–5.22], p=0.02) were associated with clopidogrel response.

Conclusions

In a large public hospital, we observed that pharmacodynamic response to clopidogrel varied by drug manufacturer. Further investigation and/or regulation is needed to minimize inter-manufacturer variability.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Stabilized Radiation Pressure Acceleration and Neutron Generation in Ultrathin Deuterated Foils

Premature relativistic transparency of ultrathin, laser-irradiated targets is recognized as an obstacle to achieving a stable radiation pressure acceleration in the "light sail" (LS) mode. Experimental data, corroborated by 2D PIC simulations, show that a few-nm thick overcoat surface layer of high Z material significantly improves ion bunching at high energies during the acceleration. This is diagnosed by simultaneous ion and neutron spectroscopy following irradiation of deuterated plastic targets. In particular, copious and directional neutron production (significantly larger than for other in-target schemes) arises, under optimal parameters, as a signature of plasma layer integrity during the acceleration.

253 Hospital Consultant Remote Consultations During COVID 19 - Experiences at a Large NHS Trust

Aim

COVID-19 has intensified the need for the NHS to almost utilise remote consulting technology overnight, with clinicians under increasing pressure to provide virtual services preferentially, in line with the NHS digital ideals. This study explores the clinician experience of virtual working during the pandemic in a large acute NHS Teaching Trust, and to identify the facilitators and barriers to remote consultations (RC).

Method

A multi-format online questionnaire was constructed and emailed to all 816 consultants across the trust. The survey was open for one month and during that time two reminders were sent. The data was tabulated and analysed using Microsoft excel.

Results

270 consultants responded to the questionnaire, giving a response rate of 33%, with 208 (77%) performing RCs. 92.8% of these (N=193) have increased the number of RC during the pandemic. 45.9% did not have their own office (N=124), with over half of those (N=63) sharing an office with 3 or more people. The majority of remote consultations were over telephone (82%) with only 54.4% feeling they had the right equipment for video consultations. The biggest barriers were patient related issues (technical, poor environment or not available at scheduled time).

Conclusion

The main challenges facing consultants, in the provision of virtual services were lack of appropriate hardware, an absence of a suitable environment, the prevalence of technical complications, and difficulties experienced by their patients. It is, therefore, important to recognise, both at an organisational level, and nationally, that virtual consultations may play a role in the worsening of health inequalities.

Absolute calibration of Fujifilm BAS-TR image plate response to laser driven protons up to 40 MeV

Image plates (IPs) are a popular detector in the field of laser driven ion acceleration, owing to their high dynamic range and reusability. An absolute calibration of these detectors to laser-driven protons in the routinely produced tens of MeV energy range is, therefore, essential. In this paper, the response of Fujifilm BAS-TR IPs to 1-40 MeV protons is calibrated by employing the detectors in high resolution Thomson parabola spectrometers in conjunction with a CR-39 nuclear track detector to determine absolute proton numbers. While CR-39 was placed in front of the image plate for lower energy protons, it was placed behind the image plate for energies above 10 MeV using suitable metal filters sandwiched between the image plate and CR-39 to select specific energies. The measured response agrees well with previously reported calibrations as well as standard models of IP response, providing, for the first time, an absolute calibration over a large range of proton energies of relevance to current experiments.

Search for an Axionlike Particle in B Meson Decays

Axionlike particles (ALPs) are predicted in many extensions of the standard model, and their masses can naturally be well below the electroweak scale. In the presence of couplings to electroweak bosons, these particles could be emitted in flavor-changing B meson decays. We report herein a search for an ALP, a, in the reaction B^{±}→K^{±}a, a→γγ using data collected by the BABAR experiment at SLAC. No significant signal is observed, and 90% confidence level upper limits on the ALP coupling to electroweak bosons are derived as a function of ALP mass, improving current constraints by several orders of magnitude in the range 0.175  GeV<m_{a}<4.78  GeV.

Search for Lepton Flavor Violation in ϒ(3S)→e^{±}μ^{∓}

We report on the first search for electron-muon lepton flavor violation (LFV) in the decay of a b quark and b antiquark bound state. We look for the LFV decay ϒ(3S)→e^{±}μ^{∓} in a sample of 118 million ϒ(3S) mesons from 27  fb^{-1} of data collected with the BABAR detector at the SLAC PEP-II e^{+}e^{-} collider operating with a 10.36 GeV center-of-mass energy. No evidence for a signal is found, and we set a limit on the branching fraction B[ϒ(3S)→e^{±}μ^{∓}]<3.6×10^{-7} at 90% C. L. This result can be interpreted as a limit Λ_{NP}/g_{NP}^{2}>80  TeV on the energy scale Λ_{NP} divided by the coupling-squared g_{NP}^{2} of relevant new physics (NP).

Calibration of BAS-TR image plate response to GeV gold ions

The response of the BAS-TR image plate (IP) was absolutely calibrated using a CR-39 track detector for high linear energy transfer Au ions up to ∼1.6 GeV (8.2 MeV/nucleon), accelerated by high-power lasers. The calibration was carried out by employing a high-resolution Thomson parabola spectrometer, which allowed resolving Au ions with closely spaced ionization states up to 58⁺. A response function was obtained by fitting the photo-stimulated luminescence per Au ion for different ion energies, which is broadly in agreement with that expected from ion stopping in the active layer of the IP. This calibration would allow quantifying the ion energy spectra for high energy Au ions, which is important for further investigation of the laser-based acceleration of heavy ion beams.

The evaluation of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaf extract inclusion in freezing medium on quality parameters of buffalo bull spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

The discrepancy between the endogenous antioxidants concentrations and free radicals results in oxidative stress and cellular injury.

OBJECTIVE

To appraise the usefulness of Rosemarinus officinalis (RO) aqueous extract in protecting buffalo spermatozoa during freezing / thawing process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Qualifying ejaculates from four well-restrained bulls were evaluated initially and then diluted in a freezing medium supplemented with RO-0.0, RO-0.5 %, RO-1.0%, RO-2.0 %, and RO-4.0 %, cooled to 4 degree C in 2 h, equilibrated for 4 h at 4 degree C, packed in straws, and cryopreserved, and thawed at 37 degree C for 30 s followed by evaluation.

RESULTS

We found that freezing medium supplemented with RO-2.0 % improves progressive motility (%) compared to the control. Similarly, a lower rate of apoptosis-like changes (%) was recorded with RO-4.0 % than the control, RO-0.5 % and RO-1.0 %. This response was accompanied by an increment in viable spermatozoa. Semen samples supplemented with RO-2.0 % and RO-4.0 % displayed higher TAC (total antioxidant capacity, uM per L) and ATP (nmol/million) content than the control. In addition, semen samples supplemented with RO-2.0 % displayed lower concentrations of ROS (reactive oxygen species, 10⁴ RLU/20 min/25 million) than the control and RO-0.05 %. Also LPO (lipid peroxidation, uM per L) with RO-2.0 % and RO-4.0 % was lower than the control.

CONCLUSION

The inclusion of rosemary aqueous extract ameliorates motility features, structural and functional parameters, viability, TAC and ATP content of bull sperm. Conversely, the inclusion of rosemary aqueous extract alleviates apoptosis-like changes, ROS and LPO in comparison to the control. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of action of rosemary aqueous extract in ameliorating semen quality and fertility of buffalo spermatozoa. doi.org/10.54680/fr22210110712.

Effects of Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato) against isoniazid and rifampicin induced hepatotoxicity in wistar albino rats

Anti-tuberculosis drugs are reported to cause hepatotoxicity, which varies from asymptomatic rise of the hepatic enzymes. Hepatoprotective plants plays important role to protect liver. This study investigated the hepatoprotective potential of the Solanum lycopersicum in rats intoxicated with Isoniazid and Rifampicin (INH+RIF) to induce hepatotoxicity. Thirty wistar albino rats were divided into five groups of six animals each. Group 1 rats were kept control while groups II, III, IV and V were administered with INH+RIF (75+150 mg/kg) orally, for seven consecutive days. For treatment, rats in group III received silymarin while animals in group IV and V were provided with 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of Solanum lycopersicum extract, respectively. On day 0 and 8th blood samples were collected for the analysis of hepatic biomarkers. The data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test for statistical analysis. Hepatotoxicity induced by INH+RIF resulted in significant elevation of serum hepatic enzymes including Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin while decreased the albumin level. The Solanum lycopersicum at dose of 80 mg/kg significantly reduced the hepatic enzymes AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin while the albumin level was significantly increased. The treatment had non-significant effect on body and liver weight. Drug induced hepatotoxicity can be effectively treated with Solanum lycopersicum at 80 mg/kg dose.

Search for Darkonium in e^{+}e^{-} Collisions

Collider searches for dark sectors, new particles interacting only feebly with ordinary matter, have largely focused on identifying signatures of new mediators, leaving much of dark sector structures unexplored. In particular, the existence of dark matter bound states (darkonia) remains to be investigated. This possibility could arise in a simple model in which a dark photon (A^{'}) is light enough to generate an attractive force between dark fermions. We report herein a search for a J^{PC}=1^{--} darkonium state, the ϒ_{D}, produced in the reaction e^{+}e^{-}→γϒ_{D}, ϒ_{D}→A^{'}A^{'}A^{'}, where the dark photons subsequently decay into pairs of leptons or pions, using 514  fb^{-1} of data collected with the BABAR detector. No significant signal is observed, and we set bounds on the γ-A^{'} kinetic mixing as a function of the dark sector coupling constant for 0.001<m_{A^{'}}<3.16  GeV and 0.05<m_{ϒ_{D}}<9.5  GeV.

Appraisal of synthetic cationic Gemini surfactants as highly efficient inhibitors for carbon steel in the acidization of oil and gas wells: an experimental and computational approach

New cationic Gemini surfactant (CGS) molecules were synthesized and investigated as anticorrosive materials for carbon steel (CS) in 1 M HCl solution by chemical, electrochemical and theoretical studies such as DFT and MDS approaches. The anticorrosion efficacy increased with the increase in the CGS concentration. It reached 95.66% at 5 × 10⁻³ M of the CGS molecule using PDP measurements. PDP studies confirm that the CGS molecule acts as a mixed inhibitor. The EIS outcomes were explained by an equivalent circuit in which a constant phase element (CPE) rather than a double-layer capacitance (C_dl) was exploited to donate a more precise fit of the experimental outcomes. The CGS molecule follows the Langmuir isotherm as it is chemically adsorbed onto the surface of CS. To explore the kinetic and adsorption mechanisms, the thermodynamic characteristics of the activation and adsorption processes were assessed under the impact of temperature. Frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) were achieved by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The study of interatomic interactions at the [CS (Fe(110))]/CGS level was discussed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.

New cationic Gemini surfactant (CGS) molecules were synthesized and investigated as anticorrosive materials for carbon steel (CS) in 1 M HCl solution by chemical, electrochemical and theoretical studies such as DFT and MDS approaches.

Evaluation of indigenous plants' extracts for mosquitocidal activity against different stages of Culex quinquefasciatus say (Diptera: Culicidae)

Being vector of West Nile Virus and falariasis the control of Culex quinquefasciatus is likely to be essential. Synthetic insecticide treatment is looking most effective for vectors mosquito control. However, these products are toxic to the environment and non-target organisms. Consequently, ecofriendly control of vectors mosquito is needed. In this regard botanical insecticide is looking more fruitful. Therefore, the present research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of methanolic extract and various fractions, including, n-hexane, ethyl-acetate, chloroform, and aqueous fraction, obtained from methanolic extract of Ailanthus altissima, Artemisia scoparia, and Justicia adhatoda using separating funnel against larval, pupal, and adult stages of Culex quinquefasciatus. The larvae and pupae of Culex quinquefasciatus were exposed to various concentrations (31.25-1000 ppm) of methanolic extract and its fractions for 24 hours of exposure period. For knock-down bioassay (filter paper impregnation bioassay) different concentration of the methanolic extract and its various fractions (i.e. 0.0625, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1mg/mL) were applied for 1 hour exposure period. The results were statistically analysed using standard deviation, probit analysis, and linear regression. The R2 values of larvae, pupae, and adult range from 0.4 to 0.99. The values of LC50 (concentration causing 50% mortality) for late 3rd instar larvae after 24 hours exposure period range from 93-1856.7 ppm, while LC90 values range from 424 -7635.5ppm. The values of LC50for pupae range form 1326.7-6818.4ppm and and values of LC90 range from 3667.3-17427.9ppm, respectively. The KDT50 range from 0.30 to 2.8% and KDT90 values range from1.2 to 110.8%, respectively. In conclusion, Justicia adhatoda may be effective for controlling populations of vector mosquito.

Up-regulation of GINS1 highlighted a good diagnostic and prognostic potential of survival in three different subtypes of human cancer

Cancer is a fatal malignancy and its increasing worldwide prevalence demands the discovery of more sensitive and reliable molecular biomarkers. To investigate the GINS1 expression level and its prognostic value in distinct human cancers using a series of multi-layered in silico approach may help to establish it as a potential shared diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of different cancer subtypes. The GINS1 mRNA, protein expression, and promoter methylation were analyzed using UALCAN and Human Protein Atlas (HPA), while mRNA expression was further validated via GENT2. The potential prognostic values of GINS1 were evaluated through KM plotter. Then, cBioPortal was utilized to examine the GINS1-related genetic mutations and copy number variations (CNVs), while pathway enrichment analysis was performed using DAVID. Moreover, a correlational analysis between GINS1 expression and CD8+ T immune cells and a the construction of gene-drug interaction network was performed using TIMER, CDT, and Cytoscape. The GINS1 was found down-regulated in a single subtypes of human cancer while commonly up-regulated in 23 different other subtypes. The up-regulation of GINS1 was significantly correlated with the poor overall survival (OS) of Liver Hepatocellular Carcinoma (LIHC), Lung Adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). The GINS1 was also found up-regulated in LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC patients of different clinicopathological features. Pathways enrichment analysis revealed the involvement of GINS1 in two diverse pathways, while few interesting correlations were also documented between GINS1 expression and its promoter methylation level, CD8+ T immune cells level, and CNVs. Moreover, we also predicted few drugs that could be used in the treatment of LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC by regulating the GINS1 expression. The expression profiling of GINS1 in the current study has suggested it a novel shared diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of LIHC, LUAD, and KIRC.

Precise Measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} Lifetimes at Belle II

We report a measurement of the D^{0} and D^{+} lifetimes using D^{0}→K^{-}π^{+} and D^{+}→K^{-}π^{+}π^{+} decays reconstructed in e^{+}e^{-}→cc[over ¯] data recorded by the Belle II experiment at the SuperKEKB asymmetric-energy e^{+}e^{-} collider. The data, collected at center-of-mass energies at or near the ϒ(4S) resonance, correspond to an integrated luminosity of 72  fb^{-1}. The results, τ(D^{0})=410.5±1.1(stat)±0.8(syst)  fs and τ(D^{+})=1030.4±4.7(stat)±3.1(syst)  fs, are the most precise to date and are consistent with previous determinations.

ReIMAGINE: a prostate cancer research consortium with added value through its patient and public involvement and engagement

BACKGROUND

ReIMAGINE aims to improve the current prostate specific antigen (PSA)/biopsy risk stratification for prostate cancer (PCa) and develop a new image-based method (with biomarkers) for diagnosing high/low risk PCa in men. ReIMAGINE's varied patient and public involvement (PPI) and engagement (PE) strategy maximises the impact of its scientific output by informing and shaping the different stages of research.

AIMS

Through including the voice of patients and the public, the ReIMAGINE Consortium aims to translate these different perspectives into the design and implementation process. This will improve the overall quality of the research by: reflecting the needs and priorities of patients and the public, ensuring methods and procedures are feasible and appropriate ensuring information is relevant and accessible to those being recruited to the study identifying dissemination channels relevant to patients/the public and developing outputs that are accessible to a lay audience With support from our patient/user groups, the ReIMAGINE Consortium aims to improve our ability to derive prognostic information and allocate men to the most appropriate and effective therapies, using a novel image-based risk stratification with investigation of non-imaging biomarkers.

FINDINGS

We have been working with patients and the public from initiation of the project to ensure that the research is relevant to men and their families. Our PPI Sub-Committee, led by a PCa patient, has been involved in our dissemination strategy, outreach activities, and study design recommendations. For example, the sub-committee have developed a variety of informative videos relevant and accessible to those being recruited, and organised multiple online research engagement events that are accessible to a lay audience. As quoted by one of the study participants, "the more we present the benefits and opportunities to patients and the public, the more research commitment we obtain, and the sooner critical clinical questions such as PCa diagnostics will be addressed".

Selective Ion Acceleration by Intense Radiation Pressure

We report on the selective acceleration of carbon ions during the interaction of ultrashort, circularly polarized and contrast-enhanced laser pulses, at a peak intensity of 5.5×10^{20}  W/cm^{2}, with ultrathin carbon foils. Under optimized conditions, energies per nucleon of the bulk carbon ions reached significantly higher values than the energies of contaminant protons (33  MeV/nucleon vs 18 MeV), unlike what is typically observed in laser-foil acceleration experiments. Experimental data, and supporting simulations, emphasize different dominant acceleration mechanisms for the two ion species and highlight an (intensity dependent) optimum thickness for radiation pressure acceleration; it is suggested that the preceding laser energy reaching the target before the main pulse arrives plays a key role in a preferential acceleration of the heavier ion species.

Cytogenetic abnormalities in patients with hematological malignancies in Lahore city, Pakistan

Hematological and hematopoietic cells malignancies of the genes and hematopoietic cells are associated with the genetic mutation, often at the chromosomal level. The standard cytogenetic study is widely accepted as one of the main diagnostics and prognostic determinants in patients. Therefore, the current descriptive and cross-sectional study sought to determine the cytogenetic analysis of frequent hematological malignancies in Pakistan. A total of 202 peripheral bone marrow or blood samples from patients with benign and malignant hematological malignancy were taken using a conventional G-banding technique. Among enrolled patients, the mean age was 21.5 years ± 23.4, and gender-wise distribution showed a marked predominance of the male 147 (73%) population compared to the female 55 (27%). Patients in the age group (2-10 years) had the highest frequency, 48 (24%), of hematological neoplasms, followed by age (11-20 years) with 40 (20%). Normal karyotypes (46, XX/46, XY) was found in 51% (n=103) patients. Furthermore, the frequency of complex karyotype was 30 (15%), while normal was seen in 171 (85%) patients. Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Pre-B ALL) was the most prevalent malignancy of 66 (33%), followed by Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) of 41 (20%) and Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia of 29 (14%). Translocation was the most prevalent 50 (25%), followed by hypotriploidy 14 (7%) and monosomy 8 (4%) on chromosome aberration analysis. In addition, t(9:22) translocation was found to be 20 (10%) in CML, with the majority in the age group (31-40 years). This study recommends that karyotyping should be tested frequently in hematological conditions because it may provide insight into the relative chromosomal changes associated with particular malignancies.