Efficacy and Safety of Lotilaner Ophthalmic Solution 0.25% for the Treatment of Demodex Blepharitis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Demodex blepharitis, often overlooked in ocular surface disease, involves Demodex mites, prevalent ectoparasites on human skin. Current treatments may not effectively eliminate these mites, prompting a need for targeted therapies. Lotilaner, an antiparasitic agent, shows promise. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses 0.25% lotilaner ophthalmic solution's efficacy in reducing Demodex mite populations and its impact on ocular surface inflammation in Demodex blepharitis patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases from inception until February 2024 to identify relevant trials investigating the use of lotilaner in patients with Demodex blepharitis. The included studies were assessed for quality, and a meta-analysis was conducted to determine the overall treatment effects of lotilaner. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for binary variables. All statistical analyses were performed using the R Statistical Software.

RESULTS

Five studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Lotilaner demonstrated significant efficacy in Collarette Cure [OR = 6.64; 95 % CI 3.78 to 11.04; p < 0.00001, I2 = 62 %] %], clinically meaningful collarette reduction [OR = 6.21; 95 % CI 3.67 to 10.49; p < 0.00001, I2 = 90 %], and achieving at least 1-grade collarette improvement [OR = 5.12; 95 % CI (2.96 to 8.88); p < 0.00001, I2 = 90 %] compared to the placebo group. The treatment also resulted in mite eradication [OR = 6.18; 95 % CI 4.67 to 6.18; p < 0.00001, I2 = 34 %], reduction in mite density [OR = 9.37; 95 % CI 5.36 to 16.36; p < 0.00001, I2 = 84 %], and erythema cure [OR = 2.29; 95 % CI 2.24 to 3.39; p < 0.00001, I2 = 5 %] and composite cure [OR = 7.05; 95 % CI 3.66 13. 61; p < 0.00001, I2 = 11 %]. The study suggests that lotilaner is a promising therapeutic option for collarette and associated symptoms, but the high heterogeneity in some outcomes and limited long-term data warrant further research to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis provides robust evidence supporting the efficacy of 0.25% lotilaner ophthalmic solution in treating Demodex blepharitis. Approval of this targeted therapy represents a significant milestone in ophthalmology and offers a promising treatment option for patients with Demodex blepharitis. Eye care professionals should consider the potential benefits of lotilaner in managing and alleviating the symptoms associated with Demodex infestations on the eyelids. Further research and long-term follow-up studies are warranted to assess the safety and effectiveness of lotilaner in treating Demodex blepharitis.

Study of High-Transverse-Momentum Higgs Boson Production in Association with a Vector Boson in the qqbb Final State with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents the first study of Higgs boson production in association with a vector boson (V=W or Z) in the fully hadronic qqbb final state using data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the LHC in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. The vector bosons and Higgs bosons are each reconstructed as large-radius jets and tagged using jet substructure techniques. Dedicated tagging algorithms exploiting b-tagging properties are used to identify jets consistent with Higgs bosons decaying into bb[over ¯]. Dominant backgrounds from multijet production are determined directly from the data, and a likelihood fit to the jet mass distribution of Higgs boson candidates is used to extract the number of signal events. The VH production cross section is measured inclusively and differentially in several ranges of Higgs boson transverse momentum: 250-450, 450-650, and greater than 650 GeV. The inclusive signal yield relative to the standard model expectation is observed to be μ=1.4_{-0.9}^{+1.0} and the corresponding cross section is 3.1±1.3(stat)_{-1.4}^{+1.8}(syst)  pb.

Measurement of the Centrality Dependence of the Dijet Yield in p+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS measured the centrality dependence of the dijet yield using 165  nb^{-1} of p+Pb data collected at sqrt[s_{NN}]=8.16  TeV in 2016. The event centrality, which reflects the p+Pb impact parameter, is characterized by the total transverse energy registered in the Pb-going side of the forward calorimeter. The central-to-peripheral ratio of the scaled dijet yields, R_{CP}, is evaluated, and the results are presented as a function of variables that reflect the kinematics of the initial hard parton scattering process. The R_{CP} shows a scaling with the Bjorken x of the parton originating from the proton, x_{p}, while no such trend is observed as a function of x_{Pb}. This analysis provides unique input to understanding the role of small proton spatial configurations in p+Pb collisions by covering parton momentum fractions from the valence region down to x_{p}∼10^{-3} and x_{Pb}∼4×10^{-4}.

Search for New Phenomena in Two-Body Invariant Mass Distributions Using Unsupervised Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Searches for new resonances are performed using an unsupervised anomaly-detection technique. Events with at least one electron or muon are selected from 140  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV recorded by ATLAS at the Large Hadron Collider. The approach involves training an autoencoder on data, and subsequently defining anomalous regions based on the reconstruction loss of the decoder. Studies focus on nine invariant mass spectra that contain pairs of objects consisting of one light jet or b jet and either one lepton (e,μ), photon, or second light jet or b jet in the anomalous regions. No significant deviations from the background hypotheses are observed. Limits on contributions from generic Gaussian signals with various widths of the resonance mass are obtained for nine invariant masses in the anomalous regions.

Observation of WZγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WZγ production and a measurement of its cross section using 140.1±1.2  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The WZγ production cross section, with both the W and Z bosons decaying leptonically, pp→WZγ→ℓ^{'}^{±}νℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}γ (ℓ^{(^{'})}=e, μ), is measured in a fiducial phase-space region defined such that the leptons and the photon have high transverse momentum and the photon is isolated. The cross section is found to be 2.01±0.30(stat)±0.16(syst)  fb. The corresponding standard model predicted cross section calculated at next-to-leading order in perturbative quantum chromodynamics and at leading order in the electroweak coupling constant is 1.50±0.06  fb. The observed significance of the WZγ signal is 6.3σ, compared with an expected significance of 5.0σ.

Combined Measurement of the Higgs Boson Mass from the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels with the ATLAS Detector Using sqrt[s]=7, 8, and 13 TeV pp Collision Data

A measurement of the mass of the Higgs boson combining the H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ and H→γγ decay channels is presented. The result is based on 140  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS detector during LHC run 2 at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV combined with the run 1 ATLAS mass measurement, performed at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding a Higgs boson mass of 125.11±0.09(stat)±0.06(syst)=125.11±0.11  GeV. This corresponds to a 0.09% precision achieved on this fundamental parameter of the Standard Model of particle physics.

Search for Dark Photons in Rare Z Boson Decays with the ATLAS Detector

A search for events with a dark photon produced in association with a dark Higgs boson via rare decays of the standard model Z boson is presented, using 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collision data recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The dark boson decays into a pair of dark photons, and at least two of the three dark photons must each decay into a pair of electrons or muons, resulting in at least two same-flavor opposite-charge lepton pairs in the final state. The data are found to be consistent with the background prediction, and upper limits are set on the dark photon's coupling to the dark Higgs boson times the kinetic mixing between the standard model photon and the dark photon, α_{D}ϵ^{2}, in the dark photon mass range of [5, 40] GeV except for the ϒ mass window [8.8, 11.1] GeV. This search explores new parameter space not previously excluded by other experiments.

Observation of Single-Top-Quark Production in Association with a Photon Using the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of single top quarks produced together with a photon, which directly probes the electroweak coupling of the top quark. The analysis uses 139  fb^{-1} of 13 TeV proton-proton collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Requiring a photon with transverse momentum larger than 20 GeV and within the detector acceptance, the fiducial cross section is measured to be 688±23(stat) _{-71}^{+75}(syst)  fb, to be compared with the standard model prediction of 515_{-42}^{+36}  fb at next-to-leading order in QCD.

Measurement of Suppression of Large-Radius Jets and Its Dependence on Substructure in Pb+Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This letter presents a measurement of the nuclear modification factor of large-radius jets in sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV Pb+Pb collisions by the ATLAS experiment. The measurement is performed using 1.72  nb^{-1} and 257  pb^{-1} of Pb+Pb and pp data, respectively. The large-radius jets are reconstructed with the anti-k_{t} algorithm using a radius parameter of R=1.0, by reclustering anti-k_{t} R=0.2 jets, and are measured over the transverse momentum (p_{T}) kinematic range of 158 Collapse

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Measurement of the Sensitivity of Two-Particle Correlations in pp Collisions to the Presence of Hard Scatterings

A key open question in the study of multiparticle production in high-energy pp collisions is the relationship between the "ridge"-i.e., the observed azimuthal correlations between particles in the underlying event that extend over all rapidities-and hard or semihard scattering processes. In particular, it is not known whether jets or their soft fragments are correlated with particles in the underlying event. To address this question, two-particle correlations are measured in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV using data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, with an integrated luminosity of 15.8  pb^{-1}, in two different configurations. In the first case, charged particles associated with jets are excluded from the correlation analysis, while in the second case, correlations are measured between particles within jets and charged particles from the underlying event. Second-order flow coefficients, v_{2}, are presented as a function of event multiplicity and transverse momentum. These measurements show that excluding particles associated with jets does not affect the measured correlations. Moreover, particles associated with jets do not exhibit any significant azimuthal correlations with the underlying event, ruling out hard processes contributing to the ridge.

Observation of an Excess of Dicharmonium Events in the Four-Muon Final State with the ATLAS Detector

A search is made for potential ccc[over ¯]c[over ¯] tetraquarks decaying into a pair of charmonium states in the four muon final state using proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 140  fb^{-1} recorded by the ATLAS experiment at LHC. Two decay channels, J/ψ+J/ψ→4μ and J/ψ+ψ(2S)→4μ, are studied. Backgrounds are estimated based on a hybrid approach involving Monte Carlo simulations and data-driven methods. Statistically significant excesses with respect to backgrounds dominated by the single parton scattering are seen in the di-J/ψ channel consistent with a narrow resonance at 6.9 GeV and a broader structure at lower mass. A statistically significant excess is also seen in the J/ψ+ψ(2S) channel. The fitted masses and decay widths of the structures are reported.

Observation of the γγ→ττ Process in Pb+Pb Collisions and Constraints on the τ-Lepton Anomalous Magnetic Moment with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of τ-lepton-pair production in ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions Pb+Pb→Pb(γγ→ττ)Pb and constraints on the τ-lepton anomalous magnetic moment a_{τ}. The dataset corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.44  nb^{-1} of LHC Pb+Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment in 2018. Selected events contain one muon from a τ-lepton decay, an electron or charged-particle track(s) from the other τ-lepton decay, little additional central-detector activity, and no forward neutrons. The γγ→ττ process is observed in Pb+Pb collisions with a significance exceeding 5 standard deviations and a signal strength of μ_{ττ}=1.03_{-0.05}^{+0.06} assuming the standard model value for a_{τ}. To measure a_{τ}, a template fit to the muon transverse-momentum distribution from τ-lepton candidates is performed, using a dimuon (γγ→μμ) control sample to constrain systematic uncertainties. The observed 95% confidence-level interval for a_{τ} is -0.057 Collapse

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Measurements of jet multiplicity and jet transverse momentum in multijet events in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

Multijet events at large transverse momentum (p T ) are measured at s = 13 Te V using data recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.3 fb - 1 . The multiplicity of jets with p T > 50 Ge V that are produced in association with a high-p T dijet system is measured in various ranges of the p T of the jet with the highest transverse momentum and as a function of the azimuthal angle difference Δ ϕ 1 , 2 between the two highest p T jets in the dijet system. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momenta of the four highest p T jets. The measurements are compared with leading and next-to-leading order matrix element calculations supplemented with simulations of parton shower, hadronization, and multiparton interactions. In addition, the measurements are compared with next-to-leading order matrix element calculations combined with transverse-momentum dependent parton densities and transverse-momentum dependent parton shower.

Strong Constraints on Jet Quenching in Centrality-Dependent p+Pb Collisions at 5.02 TeV from ATLAS

Jet quenching is the process of color-charged partons losing energy via interactions with quark-gluon plasma droplets created in heavy-ion collisions. The collective expansion of such droplets is well described by viscous hydrodynamics. Similar evidence of collectivity is consistently observed in smaller collision systems, including pp and p+Pb collisions. In contrast, while jet quenching is observed in Pb+Pb collisions, no evidence has been found in these small systems to date, raising fundamental questions about the nature of the system created in these collisions. The ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider has measured the yield of charged hadrons correlated with reconstructed jets in 0.36  nb^{-1} of p+Pb and 3.6  pb^{-1} of pp collisions at 5.02 TeV. The yields of charged hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>0.5  GeV near and opposite in azimuth to jets with p_{T}^{jet}>30 or 60 GeV, and the ratios of these yields between p+Pb and pp collisions, I_{pPb}, are reported. The collision centrality of p+Pb events is categorized by the energy deposited by forward neutrons from the struck nucleus. The I_{pPb} values are consistent with unity within a few percent for hadrons with p_{T}^{ch}>4  GeV at all centralities. These data provide new, strong constraints that preclude almost any parton energy loss in central p+Pb collisions.

Search for Heavy Neutral Leptons in Decays of W Bosons Using a Dilepton Displaced Vertex in sqrt[s]=13 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

A search for a long-lived, heavy neutral lepton (N) in 139  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider is reported. The N is produced via W→Nμ or W→Ne and decays into two charged leptons and a neutrino, forming a displaced vertex. The N mass is used to discriminate between signal and background. No signal is observed, and limits are set on the squared mixing parameters of the N with the left-handed neutrino states for the N mass range 3  GeV Collapse

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Test of CP Invariance in Higgs Boson Vector-Boson-Fusion Production Using the H→γγ Channel with the ATLAS Detector

A test of CP invariance in Higgs boson production via vector-boson fusion has been performed in the H→γγ channel using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s]=13  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The optimal observable method is used to probe the CP structure of interactions between the Higgs boson and electroweak gauge bosons, as described by an effective field theory. No sign of CP violation is observed in the data. Constraints are set on the parameters describing the strength of the CP-odd component in the coupling between the Higgs boson and the electroweak gauge bosons in two effective field theory bases: d[over ˜] in the HISZ basis and c_{HW[over ˜]} in the Warsaw basis. The results presented are the most stringent constraints on CP violation in the coupling between Higgs and weak bosons. The 95% C.L. constraint on d[over ˜] is derived for the first time and the 95% C.L. constraint on c_{HW[over ˜]} has been improved by a factor of 5 compared to the previous measurement.

Azimuthal Correlations within Exclusive Dijets with Large Momentum Transfer in Photon-Lead Collisions

The structure of nucleons is multidimensional and depends on the transverse momenta, spatial geometry, and polarization of the constituent partons. Such a structure can be studied using high-energy photons produced in ultraperipheral heavy-ion collisions. The first measurement of the azimuthal angular correlations of exclusively produced events with two jets in photon-lead interactions at large momentum transfer is presented, a process that is considered to be sensitive to the underlying nuclear gluon polarization. This study uses a data sample of ultraperipheral lead-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 0.38  nb^{-1}, collected with the CMS experiment at the LHC. The measured second harmonic of the correlation between the sum and difference of the two jet transverse momentum vectors is found to be positive, and rising, as the dijet transverse momentum increases. A well-tuned model that has been successful at describing a wide range of proton scattering data from the HERA experiments fails to describe the observed correlations, suggesting the presence of gluon polarization effects.

Measurement of the mass dependence of the transverse momentum of lepton pairs in Drell-Yan production in proton-proton collisions at s=13TeV

The double differential cross sections of the Drell-Yan lepton pair (ℓ + ℓ - , dielectron or dimuon) production are measured as functions of the invariant mass m ℓ ℓ , transverse momentum p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , and φ η ∗ . The φ η ∗ observable, derived from angular measurements of the leptons and highly correlated with p T ( ℓ ℓ ) , is used to probe the low-p T ( ℓ ℓ ) region in a complementary way. Dilepton masses up to 1Te V are investigated. Additionally, a measurement is performed requiring at least one jet in the final state. To benefit from partial cancellation of the systematic uncertainty, the ratios of the differential cross sections for various m ℓ ℓ ranges to those in the Z mass peak interval are presented. The collected data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36.3fb - 1 of proton-proton collisions recorded with the CMS detector at the LHC at a centre-of-mass energy of 13Te V . Measurements are compared with predictions based on perturbative quantum chromodynamics, including soft-gluon resummation.

Comparison of Beractant Administration by thin Catheter vs Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation (INSURE) in Preterm Infants Less than 34 Weeks Gestational Age with Respiratory Distress Syndrome - A Single Centre Experience

BACKGROUND

Poractant administration with thin catheter is gradually gaining popularity compared to the INSURE technique. However, there is little evidence to use thin catheters for administration of beractant. With this background, we compared the effect of beractant administration with INSURE vs thin catheter in preterm infants less than 34 weeks with RDS on death/chronic lung disease (CLD).

METHODS

This prospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary NICU where inborn preterm infants≤34 weeks with RDS receiving beractant by INSURE or thin catheter were studied over two epochs- Epoch1- INSURE (Jan 2020-Oct 2020) & Epoch 2- Surfactant through thin catheter (Nov 2020-July 2021).The primary outcome was occurrence of death/CLD. Procedure related complications like transient bradycardia/desaturation, pneumothorax, failure of procedure, rates of other outcomes like failure of CPAP within 72hr, duration of invasive mechanical ventilation/ CPAP support, oxygen supplementation, other major neonatal morbidities & mortality were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

The combined outcome of death/CLD was significantly lower in the thin catheter epoch (RR 0.56 95% CI 0.34-0.90, p = 0.012). When analyzed independently for death/CLD, we found significantly lower number of deaths in the thin catheter epoch (RR 0.44 95% CI 0.23-0.83, p = 0.008). Number of infants who failed CPAP within 72 hrs of life was lower in thin catheter epoch (RR 0.59 95% CI 0.41-0.85, p = 0.003). Transient bradycardia/desaturation was higher during thin catheter technique (RR 4.17 95% CI 2.22-7.69, p <  0.001). Incidence of severe IVH was lower with thin catheter technique (RR 0.13 95% CI 0.02-0.98, p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Beractant administration by thin catheter reduces combined outcome of death/CLD.

Association between Cerebrospinal Fluid and Serum Biomarker Levels and Diagnosis, Injury Severity, and Short-Term Outcomes in Patients with Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury

Acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is recognized as a global problem that can lead to a range of acute and secondary complications impacting morbidity and mortality. There is still a lack of reliable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in patients with SCI that could help guide clinical care and identify novel therapeutic targets for future drug discovery. The aim of this prospective controlled study was to determine the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and serum profiles of 10 biomarkers as indicators of SCI diagnosis, severity, and prognosis to aid in assessing appropriate treatment modalities. CSF and serum samples of 15 SCI and ten healthy participants were included in the study. The neurological assessments were scored on admission and at discharge from the hospital using the American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Score (AIS) grades. The CSF and serum concentrations of SBDP150, S100B, GFAP, NF-L, UCHL-1, Tau, and IL-6 were significantly higher in SCI patients when compared with the control group. The CSF GBDP 38/44K, UCHL-L1, S100B, GFAP, and Tau levels were significantly higher in the AIS A patients. This study demonstrated a strong correlation between biomarker levels in the diagnosis and injury severity of SCI but no association with short-term outcomes. Future prospective controlled studies need to be done to support the results of this study.

Comparative cryopreservation of indian wild orange (Citrus indica Tanaka) embryonic axes

BACKGROUND

Indian Wild Orange (Citrus indica Tanaka) is an endangered and endemic species from northeast India for which effective ex situ conservation strategies, including embryo cryopreservation, are urgently needed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Desiccation tolerance and cryopreservation ability for embryonic axes of Citrus indica was determined using three techniques (air desiccation-freezing, PVS2 vitrification-freezing and encapsulation-dehydration-freezing). Success was assessed as survival and recovery in vitro.

RESULTS

Successful cryopreservation of embryonic axes was achieved using all three methods, with the highest survival achieved when using air desiccation-freezing (90%) followed by encapsulation-dehydration (85%) and PVS2 vitrification cryopreservation (80%). Regeneration levels were lower than survival levels for all three proceedures. Post-cryo regeneration success was: encapsulation-dehydration (64%) > air desiccation-freezing (55%) > PVS2 vitrification (52%).

CONCLUSION

Although there was relatively high post-cryopreservation recovery growth obtained using all the three techniques, the air desiccation-freezing technique is preferred, as it is a simple, practical and reproducible technique for the long-term cryobanking of this important wild species. Doi: 10.54680/fr23310110512.

A77 THE ASSOCIATIONS OF OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED SEDENTARY TIME AND STEP COUNT ON ULCERATIVE COLITIS OUTCOMES

Background

Physical activity has been associated with positive health outcomes in those with Ulcerative Colitis (UC). The extent to which other more prominent behaviours occurring throughout the 24-hour day (i.e., sitting, standing, lying down, and stepping) are associated with UC outcomes is unknown.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore whether objectively measured time spent sitting, lying down, standing, and stepping were associated with Total Mayo score (TMS), fecal calprotectin (FCP), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with UC.

Method

Patients were recruited from the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary, Alberta and were given activPAL^TM accelerometers (PAL Technologies Limited, Glasgow, UK) to wear on their thigh for 7 days. Step count, sitting time, standing time, and time lying down (excluding sleep) were recorded for a minimum of 4 days, including at least one day on the weekend. TMS was used to determine disease activity and patients were categorized into normal/mild (TMS score <6) or moderate/severe (TMS score 6). FCP, a marker of gut inflammation, was measured using stool samples. Blood samples were collected to measure serum CRP, a marker of systemic inflammation. Univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to evaluate associations between the activPAL^TM daily activity variables, TMS, FCP (< or >250ug/g) and CRP (< or > 5 mg/L). Analyses were controlled for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and antibiotic use.

Result(s)

Patients (N=29; 15 male, 14 female) were on average 38 years of age (SD=12.1). The average BMI was 26.2 kg/m² (SD=3.2). Based on TMS, 14 had moderate/severe disease activity and 16 had normal/mild disease activity. Average CRP was 2.16 mg/L (SD=2.49) while the mean FCP was 954.5 ug/g (SD=1427.7). Patients recorded an average of 8,137 steps (SD=3,051) per day. Average standing time was 240 minutes (SD=84) per day, sitting time was 503 minutes (SD=131) per day, and time spent lying down was 527 minutes (SD=111) per day. FCP was negatively associated with step count (D=-2,134 steps, 95% CI: -4,360 to 93, p=0.06). Patients with lower FCP values (<250mg/g) spent 60 fewer minutes sitting (p=.25), and 52 more minutes standing (p=.12) during the day compared to patients with higher FCP values (>250mg/g). Patients with normal/mild disease severity (TMS <6) spent 83 fewer minutes per day sitting compared to those with moderate/severe disease severity (TMS >6, p=.12). CRP was not associated with any behavioural outcomes.

Conclusion(s)

In our study, daily steps appeared to be most strongly associated with FCP. While not statistically significant, patients with lower FCP reported less sitting and more standing compared to those with higher FCP. Future studies with larger sample sizes should continue to explore these activity behaviours and their potential associations with UC disease outcomes.

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Alberta's Collaboration of Excellence for Nutrition in Digestive Diseases (ASCEND)

Disclosure of Interest

B. Chiew: None Declared, K. Lyden Consultant of: PAL Technologies, the company that manufactures the activPAL device., A. Schick: None Declared, C. Ohland: None Declared, K. McCoy: None Declared, S. Kaur: None Declared, M. Yousuf: None Declared, L. Taylor: None Declared, M. Raman Shareholder of: LyfeMD – Director, Shareholder, Grant / Research support from: Pfizer, Takeda, Speakers bureau of: Fresenius Kabi, Pfizer, Mckesson, Takeda, Lupin, J. Vallance Grant / Research support from: Canada Research Chairs Program

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm quark in proton-proton collisions at s = 8 TeV

Measurements of the associated production of a W boson and a charm ( c ) quark in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV are reported. The analysis uses a data sample corresponding to a total integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb - 1 collected by the CMS detector at the LHC. The W bosons are identified through their leptonic decays to an electron or a muon, and a neutrino. Charm quark jets are selected using distinctive signatures of charm hadron decays. The product of the cross section and branching fraction σ ( pp → W + c + X ) B ( W → ℓ ν ) , where ℓ = e or μ , and the cross section ratio σ ( pp → W + + c ¯ + X ) / σ ( pp → W - + c + X ) are measured in a fiducial volume and differentially as functions of the pseudorapidity and of the transverse momentum of the lepton from the W boson decay. The results are compared with theoretical predictions. The impact of these measurements on the determination of the strange quark distribution is assessed.

Proton Distribution Radii of ^{16-24}O: Signatures of New Shell Closures and Neutron Skin

The root mean square radii of the proton density distribution in ^{16-24}O derived from measurements of charge changing cross sections with a carbon target at ∼900A  MeV together with the matter radii portray thick neutron skin for ^{22-24}O despite ^{22,24}O being doubly magic. Imprints of the shell closures at N=14 and 16 are reflected in local minima of their proton radii that provide evidence for the tensor interaction causing them. The radii agree with ab initio calculations employing the chiral NNLO_{sat} interaction, though skin thickness predictions are challenged. Shell model predictions agree well with the data.

Effectiveness of tongue-tie assessment tools in diagnosing and fulfilling lingual frenectomy criteria: a systematic review

It is unclear how effective tongue-tie classification assessment tools are in diagnosing symptomatic tongue-tie and fulfilling lingual frenectomy criteria. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine and evaluate any association between tongue-tie severity, as measured by pre-treatment assessment tools, and post-operative outcome following tongue-tie division. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane search engines were used to retrieve articles published between 1947 and 2021. Included studies consisted of patients with symptomatic tongue-tie, assessment by either the Coryllos, Kotlow, or Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (HATLFF) classification tool, and tongue-tie division. A total of 205 abstracts were identified; 31 studies met the criteria for a full-text review, of which, only 14 studies met the criteria for data extraction and analysis. Six studies used the HATLFF, 2 studies used the Kotlow, 5 studies used the Coryllos, and 1 study used a combination of both Kotlow and Coryllos methods. Significant heterogeneity was evident across all studies. No statistical correlation between the two variables could be determined. Although tongue-tie division procedures appear to provide benefits in breastfeeding and speech, there are no data to suggest a statistically significant association between the severity of tongue-tie, and the correct identification of patients who would benefit from tongue-tie division. © 2022 Australian Dental Association.

Search for Higgs Boson Pair Production in the Four b Quark Final State in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for pairs of Higgs bosons produced via gluon and vector boson fusion is presented, focusing on the four b quark final state. The data sample consists of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected with the CMS detector at the LHC, and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. No deviation from the background-only hypothesis is observed. A 95% confidence level upper limit on the Higgs boson pair production cross section is observed at 3.9 times the standard model prediction for an expected value of 7.8. Constraints are also set on the modifiers of the Higgs field self-coupling, κ_{λ}, and of the coupling of two Higgs bosons to two vector bosons, κ_{2 V}. The observed (expected) allowed intervals at the 95% confidence level are -2.3<κ_{λ}<9.4 (-5.0<κ_{λ}<12.0) and -0.1<κ_{2 V}<2.2 (-0.4<κ_{2 V}<2.5). These are the most stringent observed constraints to date on the HH production cross section and on the κ_{2 V } coupling.

Observation of WWW Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports the observation of WWW production and a measurement of its cross section using 139  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two same-sign leptons (electrons or muons) and at least two jets, as well as events with three charged leptons, are selected. A multivariate technique is then used to discriminate between signal and background events. Events from WWW production are observed with a significance of 8.0 standard deviations, where the expectation is 5.4 standard deviations. The inclusive WWW production cross section is measured to be 820±100 (stat)±80 (syst)  fb, approximately 2.6 standard deviations from the predicted cross section of 511±18  fb calculated at next-to-leading-order QCD and leading-order electroweak accuracy.

Omalizumab as a treatment option for antihistamine-refractory aquagenic urticaria

A teenage girl presented with symptoms of itching and hives on contact with water for 3 years. On specific provocative testing and ruling out underlying systemic conditions, she was diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria. Following failed attempts to control her symptoms with second-generation antihistamines, she was started on monthly subcutaneous injections of the monoclonal antibody, omalizumab. The patient demonstrated significant improvement, with symptoms being well-controlled for 2 years now. She enjoys a good quality of life and can take a shower without developing itching or hives.

Search for Flavor-Changing Neutral Current Interactions of the Top Quark and Higgs Boson in Final States with Two Photons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Proton-proton interactions resulting in final states with two photons are studied in a search for the signature of flavor-changing neutral current interactions of top quarks (t) and Higgs bosons (H). The analysis is based on data collected at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV with the CMS detector at the LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137  fb^{-1}. No significant excess above the background prediction is observed. Upper limits on the branching fractions (B) of the top quark decaying to a Higgs boson and an up (u) or charm (c) quark are derived through a binned fit to the diphoton invariant mass spectrum. The observed (expected) 95% confidence level upper limits are found to be 0.019% (0.031%) for B(t→Hu) and 0.073% (0.051%) for B(t→Hc). These are the strictest upper limits yet determined.

Search for Resonances Decaying to Three W Bosons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for resonances decaying into a W boson and a radion, where the radion decays into two W bosons, is presented. The data analyzed correspond to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1} recorded in proton-proton collisions with the CMS detector at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. One isolated charged lepton is required, together with missing transverse momentum and one or two massive large-radius jets, containing the decay products of either two or one W bosons, respectively. No excess over the background estimation is observed. The results are combined with those from a complementary channel with an all-hadronic final state, described in an accompanying paper. Limits are set on parameters of an extended warped extra-dimensional model. These searches are the first of their kind at the LHC.

Probing Charm Quark Dynamics via Multiparticle Correlations in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

Multiparticle azimuthal correlations of prompt D^{0} mesons are measured in Pb-Pb collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. For the first time, a four-particle cumulant method is used to extract the second Fourier coefficient of the azimuthal distribution (v_{2}) of D^{0} mesons as a function of event centrality and the D^{0} transverse momentum. The ratios of the four-particle v_{2} values to previously measured two-particle cumulant results provide direct experimental access to event-by-event fluctuations of charm quark azimuthal anisotropies. These ratios are also found to be comparable to those of inclusive charged particles in the event. However, hints of deviations are seen in the most central and peripheral collisions. To investigate the origin of flow fluctuations in the charm sector, these measurements are compared to a model implementing fluctuations of charm quark energy loss via collisional or radiative processes in the quark-gluon plasma. These models cannot quantitatively describe the data over the full transverse momentum and centrality ranges, although the calculations with collisional energy loss provide a better description of the data.

First Search for Exclusive Diphoton Production at High Mass with Tagged Protons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A search for exclusive two-photon production via photon exchange in proton-proton collisions, pp→pγγp with intact protons, is presented. The data correspond to an integrated luminosity of 9.4  fb^{-1} collected in 2016 using the CMS and TOTEM detectors at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the LHC. Events are selected with a diphoton invariant mass above 350 GeV and with both protons intact in the final state, to reduce backgrounds from strong interactions. The events of interest are those where the invariant mass and rapidity calculated from the momentum losses of the forward-moving protons match the mass and rapidity of the central, two-photon system. No events are found that satisfy this condition. Interpreting this result in an effective dimension-8 extension of the standard model, the first limits are set on the two anomalous four-photon coupling parameters. If the other parameter is constrained to its standard model value, the limits at 95% confidence level are |ζ_{1}|<2.9×10^{-13}  GeV^{-4} and |ζ_{2}|<6.0×10^{-13}  GeV^{-4}.

A detailed map of Higgs boson interactions by the ATLAS experiment ten years after the discovery

The standard model of particle physics1-4 describes the known fundamental particles and forces that make up our Universe, with the exception of gravity. One of the central features of the standard model is a field that permeates all of space and interacts with fundamental particles5-9. The quantum excitation of this field, known as the Higgs field, manifests itself as the Higgs boson, the only fundamental particle with no spin. In 2012, a particle with properties consistent with the Higgs boson of the standard model was observed by the ATLAS and CMS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN10,11. Since then, more than 30 times as many Higgs bosons have been recorded by the ATLAS experiment, enabling much more precise measurements and new tests of the theory. Here, on the basis of this larger dataset, we combine an unprecedented number of production and decay processes of the Higgs boson to scrutinize its interactions with elementary particles. Interactions with gluons, photons, and W and Z bosons-the carriers of the strong, electromagnetic and weak forces-are studied in detail. Interactions with three third-generation matter particles (bottom (b) and top (t) quarks, and tau leptons (τ)) are well measured and indications of interactions with a second-generation particle (muons, μ) are emerging. These tests reveal that the Higgs boson discovered ten years ago is remarkably consistent with the predictions of the theory and provide stringent constraints on many models of new phenomena beyond the standard model.

Observation of the B_{c}^{+} Meson in Pb-Pb and pp Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV and Measurement of its Nuclear Modification Factor

The B_{c}^{+} meson is observed for the first time in heavy ion collisions. Data from the CMS detector are used to study the production of the B_{c}^{+} meson in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, via the B_{c}^{+}→(J/ψ→μ^{+}μ^{-})μ^{+}ν_{μ} decay. The B_{c}^{+} nuclear modification factor, derived from the Pb-Pb-to-pp ratio of production cross sections, is measured in two bins of the trimuon transverse momentum and of the Pb-Pb collision centrality. The B_{c}^{+} meson is shown to be less suppressed than quarkonia and most of the open heavy-flavor mesons, suggesting that effects of the hot and dense nuclear matter created in heavy ion collisions contribute to its production. This measurement sets forth a promising new probe of the interplay of suppression and enhancement mechanisms in the production of heavy-flavor mesons in the quark-gluon plasma.

Search for low-mass dilepton resonances in Higgs boson decays to four-lepton final states in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search for low-mass dilepton resonances in Higgs boson decays is conducted in the four-lepton final state. The decay is assumed to proceed via a pair of beyond the standard model particles, or one such particle and a Z boson. The search uses proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 137 fb - 1 , at a center-of-mass energy s = 13 TeV . No significant deviation from the standard model expectation is observed. Upper limits at 95% confidence level are set on model-independent Higgs boson decay branching fractions. Additionally, limits on dark photon and axion-like particle production, based on two specific models, are reported.

Seed size dimorphism in Hyptis suaveolens aids in differentiation of the germination niche

Seed germination characteristics help predict the degree of invasive success of a species based on capacity of the seeds to germinate and recruit into novel habitats. Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit. (Bush mint, Pignut; Lamiaceae) is an invasive plant that is spreading throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. We conducted a study to understand the role of seed size dimorphism in differentiation of germination niche in H. suaveolens. We subjected small and large seeds to varying environmental conditions of temperature (°C), photoperiod (light/dark), salt (NaCl; mM), pH, osmotic potential (MPa), different soil types and ratios (clay:sand) and burial depth (cm). Different germination indices were calculated and their interaction with seed dimorphism studied. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between germination indices and seed dimorphism throughout the treatments. Large seeds had higher germination percentage and rate, indicating higher germination capacity. In addition, these displayed more asynchronous germination under various environments. Small seeds, on the other hand, required a longer germination time as compared to large seeds, indicating slower germination. Differential responses of the two seed morphs to varying environmental conditions, therefore, help H. suaveolens to differentiate its germination niche and establish in heterogeneous environments. These findings will help in devising appropriate management and eradication strategies based on germination ecology of seeds.

Hierarchical autoclassification of cryo-EM samples and macromolecular energy landscape determination

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Cryo-electron microscopy using single particle analysis is a powerful technique for obtaining 3D reconstructions of macromolecules in near native conditions. One of its major advances is its capacity to reveal conformations of dynamic molecular complexes. Most popular and successful current approaches to analyzing heterogeneous complexes are founded on Bayesian inference. However, these 3D classification methods require the tuning of specific parameters by the user and the use of complicated 3D re-classification procedures for samples affected by extensive heterogeneity. Thus, the success of these approaches highly depends on the user experience. We introduce a robust approach to identify many different conformations presented in a cryo-EM dataset based on Bayesian inference through Relion classification methods that does not require tuning of parameters and reclassification strategies.

METHODS

The algorithm allows both 2D and 3D classification and is based on a hierarchical clustering approach that runs automatically without requiring typical inputs, such as the number of conformations present in the dataset or the required classification iterations. This approach is applied to robustly determine the energy landscapes of macromolecules.

RESULTS

We tested the performance of the methods proposed here using four different datasets, comprising structurally homogeneous and highly heterogeneous cases. In all cases, the approach provided excellent results. The routines are publicly available as part of the CryoMethods plugin included in the Scipion package.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the proposed method can be used to align and classify homogeneous and heterogeneous datasets without requiring previous alignment information or any prior knowledge about the number of co-existing conformations. The approach can be used for both 2D and 3D autoclassification and only requires an initial volume. In addition, the approach is robust to the "attractor" problem providing many different conformations/views for samples affected by extensive heterogeneity. The obtained 3D classes can render high resolution 3D structures, while the obtained energy landscapes can be used to determine structural trajectories.

Using Z Boson Events to Study Parton-Medium Interactions in Pb-Pb Collisions

The spectra measurements of charged hadrons produced in the shower of a parton originating in the same hard scattering with a leptonically decaying Z boson are reported in lead-lead nuclei (Pb-Pb) and proton-proton (pp) collisions at a nucleon-nucleon center-of-mass energy of 5.02 TeV. Both Pb-Pb and pp data sets are recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.7  nb^{-1} and 320  pb^{-1}, respectively. Hadronic collision data with one reconstructed Z boson candidate with the transverse momentum p_{T}>30  GeV/c are analyzed. The Z boson constrains the initial energy and direction of the associated parton. In heavy ion events, azimuthal angular distributions of charged hadrons with respect to the direction of a Z boson are sensitive to modifications of the in-medium parton shower and medium response. compared to reference data from pp interactions, the results for central Pb-Pb collisions indicate a modification of the angular correlations. The measurements of the fragmentation functions and p_{T} spectra of charged particles in Z boson events, which are sensitive to medium modifications of the parton shower longitudinal structure, are also reported. Significant modifications in central Pb-Pb events compared to the pp reference data are also found for these observables.

Search for strongly interacting massive particles generating trackless jets in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 TeV

A search for dark matter in the form of strongly interacting massive particles (SIMPs) using the CMS detector at the LHC is presented. The SIMPs would be produced in pairs that manifest themselves as pairs of jets without tracks. The energy fraction of jets carried by charged particles is used as a key discriminator to suppress efficiently the large multijet background, and the remaining background is estimated directly from data. The search is performed using proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 16.1 fb - 1 , collected with the CMS detector in 2016. No significant excess of events is observed above the expected background. For the simplified dark matter model under consideration, SIMPs with masses up to 100 GeV are excluded and further sensitivity is explored towards higher masses.

Measurement of the Inclusive and Differential Higgs Boson Production Cross Sections in the Decay Mode to a Pair of τ Leptons in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Measurements of the inclusive and differential fiducial cross sections of the Higgs boson are presented, using the τ lepton decay channel. The differential cross sections are measured as functions of the Higgs boson transverse momentum, jet multiplicity, and transverse momentum of the leading jet in the event, if any. The analysis is performed using proton-proton collision data collected with the CMS detector at the LHC at a center-of-mass energy of 13  TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138  fb^{-1}. These are the first differential measurements of the Higgs boson cross section in the final state of two τ leptons. In final states with a large jet multiplicity or with a Lorentz-boosted Higgs boson, these measurements constitute a significant improvement over measurements performed in other final states.

Search for long-lived particles decaying to leptons with large impact parameter in proton-proton collisions at s = 13 Te

A search for new long-lived particles decaying to leptons using proton-proton collision data produced by the CERN LHC at s = 13 Te is presented. Events are selected with two leptons (an electron and a muon, two electrons, or two muons) that both have transverse impact parameter values between 0.01 and 10 cm and are not required to form a common vertex. Data used for the analysis were collected with the CMS detector in 2016, 2017, and 2018, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 118 (113) fb - 1 in the e e channel ( e μ and μ μ channels). The search is designed to be sensitive to a wide range of models with displaced e μ , e e , and μ μ final states. The results constrain several well-motivated models involving new long-lived particles that decay to displaced leptons. For some areas of the available phase space, these are the most stringent constraints to date.

Full coverage crowns for rehabilitation of MIH affected molars: 24 month randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Teeth affected with severe molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) require extensive restorations, which do not last for a long time and often require treatment in the form of onlays or full coverage restorations.

AIM

To evaluate and compare the clinical performance of zirconia, lithium disilicate, and cast metal crowns as full-coverage restorations on MIH-affected first permanent molars (FPMs).

METHODS

60 MIH affected FPMs requiring full-coverage crowns were identified in children aged 8-15 years and were randomly allocated to the three treatment groups according to the type of full coverage restoration received using block randomization technique. After an adequate removal of the MIH defect and restoration with composite resin, the tooth preparation was done followed by fabrication of crown and its cementation using resin cement. The intergroup comparison was done on the basis of USPHS criteria, gingival, plaque scores, patient and parents acceptance through a visual analog scale to decipher their clinical performance at 6, 12, 24 months.

RESULTS

After 24 months, the crowns showed similar clinical success in terms of the criterias used to compare their clinical performance. The retention, marginal adaptation, relief from hypersensitivity, proximal contact, gingival health with no statistically significant difference among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Based on the observations, Lithium disilicate, Zirconia and full cast metal crowns showed similar clinical success in rehabilitation of First permanent molars with severe MIH over 24 months of evaluation. The clinical success is not influenced by the material of the restoration. However, prospective studies with a longer follow-up are required to reach a more definitive conclusion.

Evidence for X(3872) in Pb-Pb Collisions and Studies of its Prompt Production at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The first evidence for X(3872) production in relativistic heavy ion collisions is reported. The X(3872) production is studied in lead-lead (Pb-Pb) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV per nucleon pair, using the decay chain X(3872)→J/ψπ^{+}π^{-}→μ^{+}μ^{-}π^{+}π^{-}. The data were recorded with the CMS detector in 2018 and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 1.7  nb^{-1}. The measurement is performed in the rapidity and transverse momentum ranges |y|<1.6 and 15<p_{T}<50  GeV/c. The significance of the inclusive X(3872) signal is 4.2 standard deviations. The prompt X(3872) to ψ2S yield ratio is found to be ρ^{Pb-Pb}=1.08±0.49(stat)±0.52(syst), to be compared with typical values of 0.1 for pp collisions. This result provides a unique experimental input to theoretical models of the X(3872) production mechanism, and of the nature of this exotic state.