Emergence of Long-Range Angular Correlations in Low-Multiplicity Proton-Proton Collisions

This Letter presents the measurement of near-side associated per-trigger yields, denoted ridge yields, from the analysis of angular correlations of charged hadrons in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. Long-range ridge yields are extracted for pairs of charged particles with a pseudorapidity difference of 1.4<|Δη|<1.8 and a transverse momentum of 1 Collapse

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First Measurement of the |t| Dependence of Incoherent J/ψ Photonuclear Production

The first measurement of the cross section for incoherent photonuclear production of J/ψ vector mesons as a function of the Mandelstam |t| variable is presented. The measurement was carried out with the ALICE detector at midrapidity, |y|<0.8, using ultraperipheral collisions of Pb nuclei at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. This rapidity interval corresponds to a Bjorken-x range (0.3-1.4)×10^{-3}. Cross sections are given in five |t| intervals in the range 0.04<|t|<1  GeV^{2} and compared to the predictions by different models. Models that ignore quantum fluctuations of the gluon density in the colliding hadron predict a |t| dependence of the cross section much steeper than in data. The inclusion of such fluctuations in the same models provides a better description of the data.

ψ(2S) Suppression in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

The production of the ψ(2S) charmonium state was measured with ALICE in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, in the dimuon decay channel. A significant signal was observed for the first time at LHC energies down to zero transverse momentum, at forward rapidity (2.5 Collapse

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Effect of Arabinogalactans on Induction of White-Opaque Somatic Embryos of Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) cv. Duke-7

The development of somatic embryogenesis in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) has been hampered by different chronic problems. One such problem is the low level of induction of white-opaque somatic embryos (WOSEs) during the process of obtaining full avocado plants. We detected the induction of multiple WOSEs promoted after the placement of three or four small WOSEs over the embryogenic callus of Duke-7. Among the other possible chemical inductors of the Arabinogalactans (AGPs), we identified a family of extracellular plant proteoglycans implicated in many aspects of the in vitro induction of somatic embryos (SE). We extracted AGPs directly from embryogenic cultures of avocado. When the induction/proliferation medium of embryogenic avocado calli (MS-0.1 mg L-1 Picloram) was supplemented with 1-2 mg L-1 AGP, the induction rate of good-quality WOSEs from the embryogenic callus increased significantly (more than ten times that of the control without AGP) and this effect persisted for at least five subcultures after the initial treatment with AGP. AGP also modified the texture and quality of the callus. The effect of AGP extends to other cultivars and proliferation media. Our objectives were to improve the induction of WOSEs and study the effect of AGP in the somatic embryogenesis of avocado.

Intraventricular sizeable colloid cyst with atypical radiological features: A case report and evidence-based review

Colloid cysts are benign intracranial lesions, typically located in the anterior portion of the third ventricle near the interventricular foramina of Monro. The cysts usually consist of an epithelial lining filled with viscous gelatinous material of various components. Colloid cysts are generally asymptomatic, but once symptomatic, they can present in a variety of ways, including headaches, vomiting, visual and memory problems, and vertigo. Colloid cysts present classically on imaging as a well-delineated hyperattenuating lesion on unenhanced radiological modalities. Herein, we report a case of a patient who presented with hydrocephalus caused by a sizeable colloid cyst which demonstrated atypical imaging findings in the form of hypodensity on CT and hyperintensity on T2WI, making them difficult to identify and easy to miss. Although this atypical imaging appearance is uncommon with yet unknown true incidence, it is prudent to be aware of it because early management of colloid cysts has a favorable outcome, in contrast to untreated cysts that are associated with higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based review of the medical entity of intracranial colloid cysts with highlights of current postulated pathological theories and management algorithms.

Measurement of the Lifetime and Λ Separation Energy of _{Λ}^{3}H

The most precise measurements to date of the _{Λ}^{3}H lifetime τ and Λ separation energy B_{Λ} are obtained using the data sample of Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV collected by ALICE at the LHC. The _{Λ}^{3}H is reconstructed via its charged two-body mesonic decay channel (_{Λ}^{3}H→^{3}He+π^{-} and the charge-conjugate process). The measured values τ=[253±11(stat)±6(syst)]  ps and B_{Λ}=[102±63(stat)±67(syst)]  keV are compatible with predictions from effective field theories and confirm that the _{Λ}^{3}H structure is consistent with a weakly bound system.

Enhanced Deuteron Coalescence Probability in Jets

The transverse-momentum (p_{T}) spectra and coalescence parameters B_{2} of (anti)deuterons are measured in p-p collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV for the first time in and out of jets. In this measurement, the direction of the leading particle with the highest p_{T} in the event (p_{T}^{lead}>5  GeV/c) is used as an approximation for the jet axis. The event is consequently divided into three azimuthal regions, and the jet signal is obtained as the difference between the toward region, that contains jet fragmentation products in addition to the underlying event (UE), and the transverse region, which is dominated by the UE. The coalescence parameter in the jet is found to be approximately a factor of 10 larger than that in the underlying event. This experimental observation is consistent with the coalescence picture and can be attributed to the smaller average phase-space distance between nucleons in the jet cone as compared with the underlying event. The results presented in this Letter are compared to predictions from a simple nucleon coalescence model, where the phase-space distributions of nucleons are generated using pythia8 with the Monash 2013 tuning, and to predictions from a deuteron production model based on ordinary nuclear reactions with parametrized energy-dependent cross sections tuned on data. The latter model is implemented in pythia8.3. Both models reproduce the observed large difference between in-jet and out-of-jet coalescence parameters, although the almost flat trend of the B_{2}^{Jet} is not reproduced by the models, which instead give a decreasing trend.

Spinal Schistosomiasis Masquerading as an Intramedullary Tumor

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Functional outcome of open surgical A1 pulley release in diabetic and nondiabetic patients

PURPOSE

Trigger finger, also referred to as stenotic flexor tenosynovitis, is a common condition affecting the digits, with a lifetime incidence of 2.6% among the healthy population and up to 16.5% in diabetic patients. Diabetes mellitus is associated with multiple musculoskeletal conditions including trigger finger. In this study, we aimed to compare the functional outcome of trigger finger release in diabetic and nondiabetic patients to evaluate whether the management of trigger finger in diabetic patients should be the same as that in nondiabetic patients, or whether diabetic patients would benefit from a more tailored management plan to optimize results.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was performed at a single center among patients who underwent A1 pulley release from January 2013 to February 2017. Patients were diagnosed with trigger finger grades I to IV according to the Quinnell classification and assessed using the The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire (Arabic version).

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients, including 21 male (30.4%) and 48 female (69.6%), underwent A1 pulley release surgery. More than half of the participants included in this study were diabetic (n = 40, 58%) and 29 were nondiabetic (42%). The mean postoperative QuickDASH scores were 19.93 among diabetic patients and 17.15 among nondiabetic patients. There was no significant difference in the functional outcome between diabetic and nondiabetic ( p = 0.6) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative functional outcomes are similar in diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Therefore, the management of trigger finger should be the same in both groups.

First Measurement of Near-Threshold J/ψ Exclusive Photoproduction off the Proton

We report on the measurement of the γp→J/ψp cross section from E_{γ}=11.8  GeV down to the threshold at 8.2 GeV using a tagged photon beam with the GlueX experiment. We find that the total cross section falls toward the threshold less steeply than expected from two-gluon exchange models. The differential cross section dσ/dt has an exponential slope of 1.67±0.39  GeV^{-2} at 10.7 GeV average energy. The LHCb pentaquark candidates P_{c}^{+} can be produced in the s channel of this reaction. We see no evidence for them and set model-dependent upper limits on their branching fractions B(P_{c}^{+}→J/ψp) and cross sections σ(γp→P_{c}^{+})×B(P_{c}^{+}→J/ψp).

Nutritional composition and antioxidant activity of different walnut varieties (

In the Nerpio region (Albacete, Spain), endogenous walnut cultivars have been grown since ancient times. None of them has been chemically characterized to valorize them in comparison to commercial varieties. In this work, 47 native (N) and 7 foreign (F) walnut cultivars grown in Nerpio, and 13 commercial (C) samples were studied during three seasons. The average yield, moisture, and protein and oil contents were slightly lower in the N samples than in C. The composition of fatty acid suggested that the N walnuts could be more stable against oxidation due to their higher amount of MUFA and lower amount of PUFA. The biological protein value for the samples was similar but the antioxidant capacity marked important differences among them: N cultivars reached the highest scores, with intermediate F values. Local walnut varieties from Nerpio should be valorized on the basis of their potentially enhanced health benefits, although further studies must be developed on their phytochemicals.

Evaluation of a cooling/heating-assisted microextraction instrument using a needle trap device packed with aminosilica/graphene oxide nanocomposites, covalently attached to cotton

Evaluation of the first commercial sample of a cooling/heating-assisted microextraction instrument.

Intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cysts

PURPOSE

Hydatid cyst rupture into abdominal cavity is a rare but a serious complication. The rupture can occur after a trauma, or spontaneously as a result of increased intracystic pressure. It is a surgical emergency with high morbidity and mortality rates. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical management of this complication can be life saving. The objective of the current paper is to evaluate the clinical, and radiographic findings and surgical treatment of this complication.

METHODS

A retrospective study on 12 patients operated in our department for intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cyst between January 1990 and May 2015. We reviewed age, gender, imaging findings, surgical treatment procedures, mortality, morbidity and recurrence.

RESULTS

Our study includes 12 cases of intraperitoneal rupture of hydatid cysts; eight of the patients were men, and four were women. Four patients had a history of abdominal trauma and the other ruptures occurred spontaneously. All the patients had peritoneal irritation signs at presentation. All them underwent ultrasonography and CT scan. Imaging showed intraabdominal free fluid in all of cases. In 11 cases the cyst was unique and only in one case an associated mesenteric hydatid cyst was noted. Ruptured cysts were located in the right lobe of the liver in nine cases, in the left lobe in the other three cases. All the patients underwent emergency surgery after imaging. The procedure applied was conservative associated with drainage in all the cases. Some associated procedures were performed during the same operation. In only one case total pericystectomy for intraperitoneal cyst was performed. There were no post operative deaths. A total of five morbidities developed in three patients (one case of evisceration, three cases of biliary fistula and a case of pulmonary infection).

CONCLUSIONS

Hydatid cyst rupture in peritoneal cavity is a rare complication. Imaging assessment has an important role in diagnosis but clinical signs are mandatory. A quick diagnosis and emergency surgery can decrease postoperative death. Surgery and postoperative care constitute the basis of treatment.

Are changes in HLA Ags responsible for leukemia relapse after HLA-matched allogeneic hematopoietic SCT?

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has been shown to be associated with leukemia relapse after haploidentical transplantation. Whether such changes are an important cause of relapse after HLA-matched transplantation remains unclear. We retrospectively HLA-typed leukemic blasts for 71 patients with AML/myelodysplastic syndrome obtained from stored samples, and the results were compared with those obtained at diagnosis and/or before the transplant. No LOH or any other changes in HLA Ag were found in any of the samples tested post transplant as compared with pretransplant specimens. One patient had LOH in HLA class I Ag (HLA-A,-B and -C); however, these changes were present in the pretransplant sample indicating that they occurred before the transplant. We concluded that, in contrast with haploidentical transplantation, HLA loss does not have a major role as a mechanism of relapse after allogeneic transplantation with a closely HLA-matched donor.

Design solutions to Address Garment Industry Issues in Egypt

This research aims to develop design solutions for all the obstacles that workers face during the sewing process, and these solutions are focused on the following: chair design, sewing table design and sewing machine pedal. The design of the workplace includes the order of the components of the work according to the ability of the human body to handle lighting, ventilation and noise. Both the university and research centre consider that the purpose of the research is to examine these obstacles and propose appropriate solutions that could eliminate these occupational diseases that result from the process of sewing, and increase the production rates and quality which will consequently stimulate the Egyptian economy.

The research originates from the work of an integrated regulatory framework of design tools and equipment used for the sewing process and the related work place in accordance with design ergonomic objectives that when achieved, will accelerate the performance and quality of production, and prevent occupational diseases resultant from poor design. The research has also developed a set of recommendations that deal with the deficiencies in the performance of the sewing process, in order to raise the competitiveness of the garment industry in Egypt.

Tracking medication pathway as per better securing drugs' use in three clinical departments at the University hospital of Monastir (Tunisia)

BACKGROUND

In Tunisia, few studies have an interest to the assessment of medication errors and the implementation of preventive measures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the barriers existing in hospital pharmacies in order to prevent medication errors and to help institutions to make improvement actions. methods: First step: a clinical audit was conducted by observation against a set of standards that are representing a guideline. Second step: interview with health professionals to identify their perceptions about medication safety. Third step: in this step we develop adverse events scenarios according to results of the clinical audit in order to be investigated by the field practice. Fourth step: organizing a multi-professional feedback meeting to raise health professional's awareness and to make them more conscientious about adverse drug events negative consequences and invite them to contribute in the establishment and implementation of corrective solutions. results: In the participating departments medical prescription did not include patient information's (age, weight medical background). Nurses do not verify systematically duration of prescription and administration route. Health professionals interview revealed that physician's have lack of awareness about prescription rules. Lack of communication was the main nurse's problem that requires improvement.

CONCLUSION

This project has led to a first overview of the situation of medication use in Tunisia. Results will be used to create a dynamic process to improve the medication system safety.

[Malignant pertussis: an underdiagnosed illness]

PURPOSE

Malignant pertussis is a rare life-threatening illness characterized by severe respiratory failure, severe leukocytosis, and pulmonary hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of malignant pertussis in infants admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for severe acute respiratory failure associated with severe leukocytosis.

METHODS

This retrospective study was based on review of the medical charts of infants aged less than 3 months admitted to the PICU between 2006 and 2008 for severe acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation with leukocytosis greater than 50,000/mm3. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Bordetella pertussis was performed on nasopharyngeal washes (NPW) stored at -70 degrees C.

RESULTS

Ten patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified. Median age was 2.1 months (range, 0.6 - 3). None of the infants had been vaccinated against pertussis. Although PCR for pertussis was positive in all ten cases, presumptive diagnosis was made in only 3 patients during hospitalization. Nine patients died within a mean of 4.7 +/- 3.3 days after admission. The cause of death was refractory shock and hypoxemia in all cases. Only one patient survived.

CONCLUSION

Malignant pertussis is a severe disease that is almost always fatal. It was underdiagnosed in our PICU. Use of PCR for detection of B. pertussis, i.e., the reference method, should be promoted in developing countries.

[Epidemiology of nosocomial bacterial infections in a neonatal and pediatric Tunisian intensive care unit]

OBJECTIVE

The authors had for aim to describe the epidemiology of nosocomial bacterial infections in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care unit of the Tunis children's hospital.

DESIGN

A prospective surveillance study was made from January 2004 to December 2004. All patients remaining in the intensive care unit for more than 48 h were included. CDC criteria were applied for the diagnosis of nosocomial infections.

RESULTS

340 patients including 249 (73%) neonates were included. 22 patients presented with 22 nosocomial bacterial infections. The incidence and the density incidence rates of nosocomial bacterial infections were 6.5% and 7.8 per 1,000 patient-days, respectively. Two types of infection were found: bloodstream infections (68.2%) and pneumonias (22.7%). Bloodstream infections had an incidence and a density incidence rate of 4.4% and 15.3 per 1,000 catheter-days, respectively. Pneumonia had an incidence and a density incidence rate of 2% and 4.4 per 1,000 mechanical ventilation-days, respectively. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Gram-negative bacteria (68%) with Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates accounting for 22.7%. The most common isolate in bloodstream infections was K. Pneumoniae (26.7%), which was multiple drug-resistant in 85% of the cases, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (20%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate in pneumonia (28.6%). Associated factors of nosocomial infection were invasive devices and colonization with multiple drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

CONCLUSIONS

The major type of nosocomial bacterial infections in our unit was bloodstream infection and the majority of infections resulted from Gram-negative bacteria. Factors associated with nosocomial bacterial infections were identified in our unit.

[Conservative treatment of talar dislocation: a case report]

Dislocation of the talus is a rare and serious injury. The functional prognosis is poor due to osteonecrosis of the talus which develops in the majority of cases. We report a case of anterolateral dislocation-enucleation of the right talus (Cauchoix type II) in a 26-Year-old work accident victim. Dislocation was caused by an indirect mechanism. Emergency reduction was performed by external manipulations without repair of the capsuloligamentary structures. At three Years, the right ankle was pain free and stable. Motion was satisfactory: 10 degrees dorsal flexion, 30 degrees plantar flexion. Standard x-rays and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated moderate narrowing of the anterior talocrural and posterior subtalar joints.

[Abdominal actinomycosis. Three cases]

BACKGROUND

Abdominal actinomycosis is a suppurating affection caused by a positive Gram germ, Actinomyces israelii. Manifestations of this rare disease are usually pseudotumoral syndromes leading to surgical exeresis. The diagnosis is obtained from the histologic report.

CASES REPORT

We report three cases in all of which this disease presents with tumoral symptoms. The first affected the sigmoïd, the second affected the mesentery and the last affected the greater omentum and abdominal wall. In no case, the diagnosis was done before surgery. In 2 of the cases reported here, the patients had an old, incontrolled intra-uterine device.

DISCUSSION

From a review of the literature, we observed that the diagnosis of abdominal actinomycosis remains difficult. The radiologic findings are nonspecific. Actinomycosis is treated with prolonged antibiotics, and surgery is only needed in abdominal abscess and fistula.

CONCLUSION

Theses observations illustrates the difficulties of the diagnosis of this rare unrecognized disease.

[Hydatid cyst of the thigh: three cases]

Three patients presented a benign soft tissue mass in the thigh muscles. Ultrasonography provided the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. Total pericystecomy was performed in all cases with no recurrence at 8 months, 3 years and 4 years. We point out the importance of preoperative diagnosis and the need for radical excision to avoid recurrence.

Regulation of cardiac and renal peripheral benzodiazepine receptor binding in rapid eye movement sleep-deprived rats

This study was designed to examine the effects of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation and stress on the properties of peripheral benzodiazepine receptors (PBRs). Rats were deprived of REM sleep for 96 hours by a small pedestal (water tank) method. Using radioligand assays with the selective antagonist [3H]PK11195, receptor density (Bmax) and affinity were measured in the heart and kidney in three groups: 1) REMSD group (REM sleep deprived-group), 2) TC group (tank control group; large pedestal), and 3) CC group (cage control group). REMSD group showed an increase in the density of PBRs in the heart (18%; p<0.002), but not in the kidney (-5%; p=0.058) compared to TC group, and IC group showed an increase in the density of these receptors in the heart (17%; p<0.014), and the kidney (12%; p<0.002) compared to CC group. While the cardiac Kd value was 37% (p<0.0004) and 36% (p<0.002) higher in the REMSD group than in the CC and TC groups, respectively, the renal Kd value was lower (-5%; p=0.057 and -16%; p<0.0004, respectively). The changes in PBRs observed herein are tissue- and treatment-specific, and may suggest a close functional relationship between REM sleep and PBRs.

Structural changes in the tunica intima of varicose veins: a histopathological and ultrastructural study

Many factors have been implicated in the aetiology of varicose veins; however, there is ample evidence implicating that the defect is in the wall of the lower limb veins. In order to know the pathological changes in the tunica intima of varicose veins, the smooth muscle cells (SMCs), collagen and elastin of varicose and control patients were studied by light and electron microscopy. The morphological changes in the SMCs, collagen and elastin point to a possible secretory or phagocytic role of the SMCs in producing abnormal immature collagen or elastin fibres or in modulation of function of SMCs due to excessive production of extracellular matrix (ECM).