New constraint on the existence of the μ+ → e+ γ decay

The analysis of a combined data set, totaling 3.6 × 10(14) stopped muons on target, in the search for the lepton flavor violating decay μ(+) → e(+)γ is presented. The data collected by the MEG experiment at the Paul Scherrer Institut show no excess of events compared to background expectations and yield a new upper limit on the branching ratio of this decay of 5.7 × 10(-13) (90% confidence level). This represents a four times more stringent limit than the previous world best limit set by MEG.

New limit on the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ+→e+γ

We present a new result based on an analysis of the data collected by the MEG detector at the Paul Scherrer Institut in 2009 and 2010, in search of the lepton-flavor-violating decay μ(+)e(+)γ. The likelihood analysis of the combined data sample, which corresponds to a total of 1.8×10(14) muon decays, gives a 90% C.L. upper limit of 2.4×10(-12) on the branching ratio of the μ(+)→e(+)γ decay, constituting the most stringent limit on the existence of this decay to date.

Measurement of the top quark p(T) distribution

We have measured the p(T) distribution of top quarks that are pair produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV using a sample of tt decays in which we observe a single high- p(T) charged lepton, a neutrino, and four or more jets. We use a likelihood technique that corrects for the experimental bias introduced due to event reconstruction and detector resolution effects. The observed distribution is consistent with the standard model prediction. We use these data to place limits on the production of high- p(T) top quarks suggested in some models of anomalous top quark pair production.

Search for neutral supersymmetric Higgs bosons in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8TeV

We present the results of a search for neutral Higgs bosons produced in association with b quarks in pp-->bb(phi)-->bbb final states with 91+/-7 pb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV recorded by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. We find no evidence of such a signal and the data are interpreted in the context of the neutral Higgs sector of the minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model. With basic parameter choices for the supersymmetric scale and the stop-quark mixing, we derive 95% C.L. lower mass limits for neutral Higgs bosons for tan(beta) values in excess of 35.

Production of chi(c1) and chi(c2) in pp collisions at sqrt[S] = 1.8 TeV

We have measured the ratio of prompt production rates of the charmonium states chi(c1) and chi(c2) in 110 pb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV. The photon from their decay into J/psi(gamma) is reconstructed through conversion into e+e- pairs. The energy resolution this technique provides makes the resolution of the two states possible. We find the ratio of production cross sections sigma(chi(c2))/sigma(chi(c1)) = 0.96+/-0.27(stat)+/-0.11(syst) for events with pT(J/psi) > 4.0 GeV/c, /eta(J/psi)/ < 0.6, and pT(gamma) > 1.0 GeV/c.

Measurement of J/psi and psi(2S) polarization in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV

We have measured the polarization of J/psi and psi(2S) mesons produced in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.8 TeV, using data collected at the Collider Detector at Fermilab during 1992-1995. The polarization of promptly produced J/psi [psi(2S)] mesons is isolated from those produced in B-hadron decay, and measured over the kinematic range 4 [5.5]<P(T)<20 GeV/c and |y|<0.6. For P(T) greater than or approximately equal 12 GeV/c we do not observe significant polarization in the prompt component.

Search for scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in pp collisions at square root s=1.8 TeV

We have searched for direct pair production of scalar top and scalar bottom quarks in 88 pb-1 of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.8 TeV with the CDF detector. We looked for events with a pair of heavy flavor jets and missing energy, consistent with scalar top (bottom) quark decays to a charm (bottom) quark and a neutralino. The numbers of events that pass our selections show no significant deviation from standard model expectations. We compare our results to the next-to-leading order scalar quark production cross sections to exclude regions in scalar quark-neutralino mass parameter space.

Painful bladder syndromes in the female: Suggestion of an algorithm

The problems of diagnosis and therapy in patients with irritation and dysfunction of the lower urinary tract (sometimes encompassing the genitals with resulting emotive involvement), as well as the existence of “idiopathic urethrocystalgias” of unknown origin (apart from the known inflammatory, neoplastic, neurological, gynecological and other pathologies) have led the authors to produce an algorithm aimed at simplifying the diagnostic routine and at summing up the whole subject in an orderly fashion.

Painful bladder syndromes in the female: Pharmaceutical therapy

Treatment of painful bladder syndromes is only empiric. Intravesical therapy, with heparin or dimethylsulfoxide, has recently become the mainstay of treatment. Transient relief of symptoms after hydrodistension occurs in 50% of interstitial cystitis. Good results have been obtained with amitriptyline, nifedipine and antihistamines, but always in uncontrolled studies.

Female urethrocystalgias (UC): The Urologist's viewpoint

Idiopathic urethrocystalgia is a diagnosis by exclusion. The Urologist's task is to carry out all the clinical investigations necessary to exclude possible organic and functional pathologies which can cause urethrocystalgia.

Painful bladder syndromes in the female: Etiopathogenetic hypotheses

The origins of interstitial cystitis and urethral syndrome are unknown. Epithelial leak, functional disorder of the pelvic floor muscle and reflex sympathetic dystrophy are the most popular etiopathogenetic assumptions. Atypical micro-organisms and psychopathologies should always be carefully excluded.

Urethrocystalgias: Neurological problems

The aim of this study is to provide the reader with some elements that could indicate a neurological etiology for urethrocystalgia. An underlying neurological problem is not always considered when dealing with a case of irritative micturitional symptoms, whether associated with pelvic pain or not. A meticulous study of the history and a thorough objective examination (in particular neurological) can lead to the suspicion of neurological bladder.

Report on: “Painful bladder syndromes in the female”. Introduction

Female painful bladder syndromes include interstitial cystitis and the urethral syndrome. These are deceptive, controversial syndromes, as can be seen from the abundance of synonyms that have been coined over the years to define them. Epidemiological studies in the United States and Scandinavia are available for interstitial cystitis and highlight a prevalence ranging between 8-30 cases every 100,000 persons.

[The biological effects of the CO2 laser studied in experimental intestinal resections]

An histological and E.M. study has been performed on rat's intestinal tract resection to evaluate CO2 laser effects. Necrotic effect of laser is evident up to 120 micron. While the intestinal tissue results normal at 480 micron from resection line. Muscular and fibrous components appear more resistant to damage while E.M. presents a new organization of its components forming a new compact and continue tissue. This new organization may be involved in the protection of the subepithelial spaces, and may have an important role in intestinal anastomosis scar process.

Synthesis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation of pidotimod, its enantiomer, diastereomers and carboxamido derivatives

A new compound with a peptide-like structure, (R)-3-[(S)-(5-oxo-2-pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl]-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid, its enantiomer, diastereomers and carboxamido derivatives were synthesized and tested for immunostimulant activity. Synthesis, preliminary, pharmacological data and structure-activity relationships are reported. (R)-3-[(S)-(5-Oxo-2-pyrrolidinyl)carbonyl]-thiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid (Ib, Pidotimod, PGT/1A, CAS 121808-62-6) was selected for further research.

[A histological and ultrastructural study of the effects of the argon laser scalpel on the kidney]

The authors carried an histological and ultrastructural study on rat kidney following polar excision by argon laser. The involvement of the remainder portion of the kidney was evaluated analysing the depth of the damage induced by the laser radiation. Restitution ad integrum was found below 360 micron thickness with a different involvement of the various kidney components. Glomeruli showed a deep damage caused by intravascular photocoagulation. On the contrary, tubular and extracellular damage was less serious and the damaged area extended for only 240 micron from the section, probably for a lack of absorbance of the argon radiation by clear and water-rich tissues.