Evidence for CP violation in time-integrated D0→h(-)h(+) decay rates

A search for time-integrated CP violation in D(0)→h(-)h(+) (h=K, π) decays is presented using 0.62 fb(-1) of data collected by LHCb in 2011. The flavor of the charm meson is determined by the charge of the slow pion in the D(*+)→D(0)π(+) and D(*-)→D[over ¯](0)π(-) decay chains. The difference in CP asymmetry between D(0)→K(-)K(+) and D(0)→π(-)π(+), ΔA(CP)≡A(CP)(K(-)K(+))-A(CP)(π(-)π(+)), is measured to be [-0.82±0.21(stat)±0.11(syst)]%. This differs from the hypothesis of CP conservation by 3.5 standard deviations.

Search for lepton number violating decays B+ → π- μ+ μ+ and B+ → K- μ+ μ+

A search is performed for the lepton number violating decay B+ → h- μ+ μ+, where h- represents a K- or a π-, using an integrated luminosity of 36  pb(-1) of data collected with the LHCb detector. The decay is forbidden in the standard model but allowed in models with a Majorana neutrino. No signal is observed in either channel and limits of B(B+ → K- μ+ μ+) < 5.4×10(-8) and B(B+ → π- μ+ μ+) < 5.8×10(-8) are set at the 95% confidence level. These improve the previous best limits by factors of 40 and 30, respectively.

Measurement of the CP-violating phase ϕ(s) in the decay B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ

We present a measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ decays, using data collected with the LHCb detector at the LHC. The decay time distribution of B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ is characterized by the decay widths Γ(H) and Γ(L) of the heavy and light mass eigenstates, respectively, of the B(s)(0) - B(s)(0) system and by a CP-violating phase ϕ(s). In a sample of about 8500 B(s)(0) → J/ψϕ events isolated from 0.37  fb(-1) of pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7  TeV, we measure ϕ(s) = 0.15 ± 0.18(stat) ± 0.06(syst)  rad. We also find an average B(s)(0) decay width Γ(s) ≡ (Γ(L) + Γ(H))/2 = 0.657 ± 0.009(stat) ± 0.008(syst)  ps(-1) and a decay width difference ΔΓ(s) ≡ Γ(L) - Γ(H) = 0.123 ± 0.029(stat) ± 0.011(syst)  ps(-1). Our measurement is insensitive to the transformation (ϕ(s),ΔΓ(s)) ↦ (π - ϕ(s), -ΔΓ(s)).

Bladder leiomyoma: a case report

A case of bladder leiomyoma is reported. A female patient of 35 years old presented with lower abdominal pain, urinary symptoms and episodes of haematuria. USG and CT scan showed a large homogeneous globular mass arising from posterior wall of the urinary bladder occupying a considerable portion of its cavity. Cystoscopy and transurethral resection biopsy confirmed that protruding mass from the bladder wall was leiomyoma. Surgery is the definitive treatment for this rare bladder tumour. Here the tumour was managed successfully by transvesical enucleation.

Partial hepatectomy and total cyst excision is curative for localized type IV-a biliary duct cysts - report of four cases and review of management

PURPOSE

With the increasing use of newer modalities such as CT cholangiography and MRCP offering an accurate delineation of the ductal anatomy of choledochal cysts, the incidence of type IV-A biliary duct cysts has increased. Although the management of the more common type I cysts is well established, that of type IV-A cysts is still controversial. The localized/unilobar variety of type IV-A cysts is a unique entity amenable to curative surgical management.

METHODS

Between Jan 2000 and Jan 2005, 10 of 25 cases with choledochal cysts were diagnosed as having type IV- cysts. Four of these were localized or unilobar variants affecting only one lobe of the liver. Three cases had a left ductal involvement and one had a right ductal involvement of their intrahepatic component. We describe the presentation and curative surgical management of these patients with a unilobar variety of type IV-A cysts and discuss the management options for type IV-A cysts in the literature.

RESULTS

One child with previous surgical treatment for presumed type 1 cyst, diagnosed as having a type IV-A right ductal cyst complicated with liver abscess, underwent right hepatectomy, two children had a left hepatectomy and one child had a left lateral lobectomy. All four children had uncomplicated intraoperative and postoperative courses. After 4-8 years' follow-up, all are symptom-free. There were no biliary tract or hepatic abnormalities on radiological surveillance with MRCP.

CONCLUSIONS

In some series, the incidence of type IV-A choledochal cysts is equal to or higher than that of type 1 cysts. MRCP and intraoperative cholangiogram can help to confirm the anatomical varieties and associated ductal strictures. In the unilobar/uniductal varieties, complete cyst excision can be safely achieved in children through an additional hepatectomy/lobectomy. This can result in a curative status, leaving the child free from complications such as cholangitis, abscess, hepatolithiasis and the risk of biliary duct malignancy.

Preparation and characterization of amidated pectin based hydrogels for drug delivery system

In the current studies attempts were made to prepare hydrogels by chemical modification of pectin with ethanolamine (EA) in different proportions. Chemically modified pectin products were crosslinked with glutaraldehyde reagent for preparing hydrogels. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), organic elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction studies (XRD), swelling studies, biocompatibility and hemocompatibility studies. Mechanical properties of the prepared hydrogels were evaluated by tensile test. The hydrogels were loaded with salicylic acid (used as a model drug) and drug release studies were done in a modified Franz's diffusion cell. FTIR spectroscopy indicated the presence of primary and secondary amide absorption bands. XRD studies indicated increase in crystallinity in the hydrogels as compared to unmodified pectin. The degree of amidation (DA) and molar and mass reaction yields (YM and YN) was calculated based on the results of organic elemental analysis. The hydrogels showed good water holding properties and were found to be compatible with B-16 melanoma cells & human blood.

A new scheme for fuzzy rule-based system identification and its application to self-tuning fuzzy controllers

There are many important issues that need to be resolved for identification of a fuzzy rule-based system using clustering. We address three such important issues: 1) deciding on the proper domain(s) of clustering; 2) deciding on the number of rules; and 3) getting an initial estimate of parameters of the fuzzy systems. We justify that one should start with separate clustering of X (input) and Y (output). We propose a scheme to establish correspondence between the clusters obtained in X and Y. The correspondence dictates whether further splitting/merging of clusters is needed or not. If X and Y do not exhibit strong cluster substructures, then again clustering of X* (input data augmented by the output data) exploiting the results of separate clustering of X and Y, and of the correspondence scheme is recommended. We justify that usual cluster validity indices are not suitable for finding the number of rules, and the proposed scheme does not use any cluster validity index. Three methods are suggested to get the initial estimate of membership functions (MFs). The proposed scheme is used to identify the rule base needed to realize a self-tuning fuzzy PI-type controller and its performance is found to be quite satisfactory.

Anti-atherogenic effects of seabuckthorn (Hippophaea rhamnoides) seed oil

Seabuckthorn (SBT) seed oil is a rich source of unsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, carotenoids and flavonoids, which are known to have significant anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective activity. The anti-atherogenic activity of supercritical CO(2) extracted SBT seed oil was evaluated in white albino rabbits fed on high cholesterol diet for 60 days. The study was performed on 20 male healthy rabbits divided into four groups of 5 animals each. Group I - control, group II - SBT seed oil, group III - cholesterol (1%) for 60 days, group IV - cholesterol+SBT seed oil. After 30 days of high cholesterol diet, group IV rabbits received 1 ml of SBT seed oil daily for 30 days. Blood total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured before and after the administration of SBT seed oil. The vasorelaxant activity of the seed oil was studied in vitro using aortic ring model technique and changes in isometric force were recorded using a polygraphic recording system. Accumulation of cholesterol in the aorta was studied using Sudan-IV staining technique. SBT seed oil feeding to normal rabbits for 18 days caused a significant decline in plasma cholesterol, LDL-C, atherogenic index (AI) and LDL/HDL ratio. The HDL-C levels, HDL-C/TC ratio (HTR) and vasorelaxant activity of the aorta were significantly increased. In cholesterol-fed animals the TC, TG, LDL-C and AI were significantly increased and showed a decline following seed oil administration. The increase in HDL-C was more marked in seed oil treated hypercholesterolemic animals. The acetylcholine-induced vasorelaxant activity was significantly decreased in cholesterol-fed animals and could be restored to that of normal values by seed oil administration. These observations suggest that supercritical CO(2) extracted SBT seed oil has significant anti-atherogenic and cardioprotective activity.

Characterization of prepared corn starch-based hydrogel membranes

The design and development of novel hydrogel membranes prepared by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol with heat-treated cornstarch (CS) and CS suspensions was attempted. Degradation studies of the hydrogel membranes were conducted using á -amylase. The mechanical property of the hydrogel membranes was characterized by tensile tests. The swelling behavior of the membranes was also evaluated. Methyl tetrazolium assay of the membranes was performed using mice splenocytes and the L929 cell line to establish cytocompatibility. The membranes had sufficient strength and water holding capacity. The membrane was found to be biocompatible with L929 fibroblast cells and mice splenocytes.

Midterm results with hepatectomy after preoperative chemotherapy in hepatoblastoma

We evaluated the results of surgical treatment for hepatoblastoma in infants and children after intensive preoperative chemotherapy, with special reference to histology and extent of liver involvement. The clinical features of 10 children with hepatoblastoma were reviewed regarding response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, histological subtypes, extent of hepatectomy, operative complications, and prognosis. Response to chemotherapy was measured by volumetric assessment of tumour size by computed tomography scan. Cisplatin and Adriamycin (PLADO regime) up to three cycles markedly reduced the tumour volume on computed tomography (mean regression rate 65.9%); alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) levels also decreased from an initial mean of 16,116.4 ng/ml to 2,050.9 ng/ml. Five patients underwent right hepatectomy, two had right trisegmentectomy, two had left hepatectomy, and one had left trisegmentectomy. Histopathology of resected specimens revealed foetal histology in four patients, poorly differentiated (anaplastic) subtype in three, and mixed histology with mesenchymal components and osteoid formation in three. There was 100% resectability including six unresectable tumours (prechemotherapy). Moreover, hepatic resection tended to be less invasive in patients whose tumours had been much reduced after preoperative chemotherapy. Preoperative administration of cisplatin and Adriamycin reduces the tumour size significantly so that a safe radical hepatectomy can be performed. It also allows early administration of postoperative chemotherapy. Although overall good results were obtained with the current protocol, we also document our experience of unfavourable outcomes in patients with bilobar tumours (despite trisegmentectomy), patients with tumours showing poor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and patients with anaplastic histology. Overall, at a 60-month follow-up we report an 80% survival rate by a combined approach.

Aplasia cutis cerebri with partial acrania--total reconstruction in a severe case and review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Aplasia cutis cerebri with partial acrania is a rare anomaly that can involve the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissues of the scalp with significant bone defect.

METHODS

The authors present the first successful report of providing one-stage complete cover in a case of aplasia cutis cerebri with major skull defect by using local rotational flaps. Also presented is a review of literature.

RESULTS

The newborn had a receding forehead and a large scalp defect from frontal to occipital bone measuring 10 x 8 cm2 involving full thickness of cranium centrally, thereby exposing the dura. Local rotation flaps were raised from the scalp to cover the 10- x 8-cm2 defect. The edges of the defect were showing granulation tissue with ingrowth of epithelium. Partial-thickness skin grafts were used to cover the raw area left at the nape of the neck after raising the rotation flaps. The child was discharged on the 19th postoperative day.

CONCLUSIONS

Aplasia cutis cerebri with partial acrania, as in our case, has a high mortality rate secondary to infection or to hemorrhage from ulceration of the sagittal sinus. The successful outcome of our one-stage local rotational scalp flap technique provided complete cover to this major scalp defect. This technique will definitely improve the management of this complex disorder keeping the morbidity to the minimum.

Glucocorticoids as prophylaxis against acute mountain sickness

OBJECTIVE

Acute mountain sickness (AMS) characterized by presence of symptoms including headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability and insomnia is a major impediment to work performance in human subjects who are rapidly inducted to high altitude (HA) during the initial phase of induction. The present study aims at to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic administration of low dose glucocorticoids in prevention of AMS in normal healthy men who are inducted to HA by air.

DESIGN

Fifty healthy men were randomly divided into five groups of 10 each. Group I received prednisolone (Pred) 10 mg, Group II Pred 20 mg, Group III Pred 40 mg, Group IV dexamethasone 0.5 mg, Group V received placebo once a day in the morning for 2 days at sea level (SL) and for 3 days on arrival at an altitude of 3450 m by air.

MEASUREMENTS

The severity of AMS was assessed using Lake Louise AMS scoring system. Physiological parameters like blood pressure, respiratory rate, peripheral blood O2 saturation and heart rate were measured at sea level and on arrival at HA. Circulatory levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunoradiometreic assay (IRMA), respectively.

RESULTS

In the placebo group, significant AMS could be detected at 12 h of arrival at HA, peaked by day 1 or 2 of stay and started declining thereafter. As compared to the placebo group, the steroid treated groups showed a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in daily AMS score. When compared with prednisolone 10 mg, 40 mg and dexamethasone groups, the prednisolone 20 mg group showed an optimal response in reduction of AMS symptoms. The O2 saturation showed a significant decline (P < 0.001) on arrival at HA, but the pattern of O2 saturation in placebo and glucocorticoid groups was identical. Similarly, the rise in heart rate and blood pressure and on day 3 of stay at HA was similar in placebo and glucocorticoid-treated groups. An increase in plasma cortisol in placebo group was observed on day 3 of stay at HA and continued to rise till day 8 of observations. The cortisol levels in Pred 10 mg and Pred 20 mg groups on day 1 and 3 of arrival at HA were not significantly different than the SL post-treatment values but were found to be significantly higher on day 8 of stay. Plasma cortisol in Pred 40 mg and dexamethasone groups was significantly lower (P < 0.01) on day 1 and 3 of stay but showed an increase by day 8 of stay. The ACTH levels were increased at HA in placebo group but did not show any significant change till day 3 of stay in steroid treated subjects and were found to be higher in all groups on day 8 of observations.

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that administration of low-dose glucocorticoids can curtail acute mountain sickness significantly without influencing the normal adreno cortical response to hypoxia.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis following glucocorticoid prophylaxis against acute mountain sickness

The pituitary-adrenocortical and adrenomedullary response to high altitude (HA) stress was studied following daily single dose administration of prednisolone as a prophylaxis against altitude-induced acute mountain sickness (AMS). Forty healthy men, randomly divided into two groups of twenty, received placebo or prednisolone 20 mg once a day at 08.00 h for two days prior to induction to HA and during an initial three days stay at an altitude of 3450 m. The AMS score and circulatory levels of ACTH, cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine were measured at sea level (SL) and during residency at HA. The sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in subjects receiving prednisolone therapy was evaluated at SL and on day four of stay at HA. Administration of prednisolone significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the severity of AMS in all the subjects. The steroid dose used did not inhibit endogenous secretion of ACTH, cortisol, epinephrine or norepinephrine, as HA response to adrenocortical and adrenomedullary hormones was identical in placebo and prednisolone treated subjects. The integrity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis was maintained well in subjects receiving low dose prednisolone therapy. These observations suggest that short-term administration of prednisolone is able to curtail AMS without causing suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

A 46,XX fetus with external female and internal male genitalia, facial dysmorphic features and mildly dilated lateral ventricles of the brain: a new syndrome?

The clinical features of a 46,XX fetus with dysmorphic facial features, mild dilatation of the lateral ventricles of the brain, and female external and male internal genitalia are described. This combination of abnormalities does not appear to have been reported previously, and may represent a new syndrome.

A pregnancy following PGD for X-linked dominant [correction of X-linked autosomal dominant] incontinentia pigmenti (Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome): case report

Incontinentia Pigmenti (Bloch-Sulzberger syndrome) is a rare multisystem, ectodermal disorder associated with dermatological, dental and ocular features, and in <10% of cases, severe neurological deficit. Pedigree review suggests X-linked dominance with lethality in affected males. Presentation in female carriers is variable. Following genetic counselling, a mildly affected female carrier diagnosed in infancy with a de novo mutation was referred for preimplantation sexing, unusually selecting for male gender, with an acceptance of either normality or early miscarriage in an affected male. Following standard in-vitro fertilization and embryo biopsy, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) unambiguously identified two male and two female embryos. A single 8-cell, grade 4 male embryo was replaced. A positive pregnancy test was reported 2 weeks after embryo transfer, although ultrasonography failed to demonstrate a viable pregnancy. Post abortive fetal tissue karyotyping diagnosed a male fetus with trisomy 16. This is an unusual report of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) being used for selection of males in an X-linked autosomal dominant disorder and demonstrates the value of PGD where amniocentesis or chorion villus sampling followed by abortion is not acceptable to the patient. This case also demonstrates the importance of follow-up prenatal diagnosis.

Structure-activity relationship studies of flavopiridol analogues

Cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) along with the complementary cyclins form key regulatory checkpoint controls on the cell cycle. Flavopiridol is a synthetic flavone that shows potent and selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory activity. In this paper, we report modifications of the 3-hydroxy-1-methylpiperidinyl (D ring) of flavopiridol and their effect on CDK inhibitory activity.

Ascorbate induced cross-linking of oxyhemoglobin subunits

Ascorbic acid during oxidation in vitro can generate H2O2 which induces non-disulphide covalent cross-linking of coincubated oxyhemoglobin. The cross-linking phenomenon mediated by H2O2 takes place possibly without the involvement of hydroxyl radicals as evident from the failure of radical scavengers like mannitol and dimethyl sulphoxide as well as metal-chelator, to inhibit the process. This pro-oxidant effect of ascorbic acid may have physiological significance in red blood cells in vivo.

Generation of an Ugi library of phosphate mimic-containing compounds and identification of novel dual specific phosphatase inhibitors

The four-component Ugi reaction was utilized to prepare a library of dipeptidic compounds in order to explore the binding requirements of the key cell cycle phosphatase, Cdc25. Several phosphate surrogates were incorporated into the Ugi product to mimic either the mono- or bis-phosphorylated substrate.