High frequency of transition to transversion ratio in the stem region of RNA secondary structure of untranslated region of SARS-CoV-2

Introduction

The propensity of nucleotide bases to form pairs, causes folding and the formation of secondary structure in the RNA. Therefore, purine (R): pyrimidine (Y) base-pairing is vital to maintain uniform lateral dimension in RNA secondary structure. Transversions or base substitutions between R and Y bases, are more detrimental to the stability of RNA secondary structure, than transitions derived from substitutions between A and G or C and T. The study of transversion and transition base substitutions is important to understand evolutionary mechanisms of RNA secondary structure in the 5'  and 3'  untranslated (UTR) regions of SARS-CoV-2. In this work, we carried out comparative analysis of transition and transversion base substitutions in the stem and loop regions of RNA secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2.

Methods

We have considered the experimentally determined and well documented stem and loop regions of 5' and 3' UTR regions of SARS-CoV-2 for base substitution analysis. The secondary structure comprising of stem and loop regions were visualized using the RNAfold web server. The GISAID repository was used to extract base sequence alignment of the UTR regions. Python scripts were developed for comparative analysis of transversion and transition frequencies in the stem and the loop regions.

Results

The results of base substitution analysis revealed a higher transition (ti) to transversion (tv) ratio (ti/tv) in the stem region of UTR of RNA secondary structure of SARS-CoV-2 reported during the early stage of the pandemic. The higher ti/tv ratio in the stem region suggested the influence of secondary structure in selecting the pattern of base substitutions. This differential pattern of ti/tv values between stem and loop regions was not observed among the Delta and Omicron variants that dominated the later stage of the pandemic. It is noteworthy that the ti/tv values in the stem and loop regions were similar among the later dominant Delta and Omicron variant strains which is to be investigated to understand the rapid evolution and global adaptation of SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Our findings implicate the lower frequency of transversions than the transitions in the stem regions of UTRs of SARS-CoV-2. The RNA secondary structures are associated with replication, translation, and packaging, further investigations are needed to understand these base substitutions across different variants of SARS-CoV-2.

Incorporation of transition to transversion ratio and nonsense mutations, improves the estimation of the number of synonymous and non-synonymous sites in codons

A common approach to estimate the strength and direction of selection acting on protein coding sequences is to calculate the dN/dS ratio. The method to calculate dN/dS has been widely used by many researchers and many critical reviews have been made on its application after the proposition by Nei and Gojobori in 1986. However, the method is still evolving considering the non-uniform substitution rates and pretermination codons. In our study of SNPs in 586 genes across 156 Escherichia coli strains, synonymous polymorphism in 2-fold degenerate codons were higher in comparison to that in 4-fold degenerate codons, which could be attributed to the difference between transition (Ti) and transversion (Tv) substitution rates where the average rate of a transition is four times more than that of a transversion in general. We considered both the Ti/Tv ratio, and nonsense mutation in pretermination codons, to improve estimates of synonymous (S) and non-synonymous (NS) sites. The accuracy of estimating dN/dS has been improved by considering the Ti/Tv ratio and nonsense substitutions in pretermination codons. We showed that applying the modified approach based on Ti/Tv ratio and pretermination codons results in higher values of dN/dS in 29 common genes of equal reading-frames between E. coli and Salmonella enterica. This study emphasizes the robustness of amino acid composition with varying codon degeneracy, as well as the pretermination codons when calculating dN/dS values.

Engineering biomaterials to 3D-print scaffolds for bone regeneration: practical and theoretical consideration

There are more than 2 million bone grafting procedures performed annually in the US alone. Despite significant efforts, the repair of large segmental bone defects is a substantial clinical challenge which requires bone substitute materials or a bone graft. The available biomaterials lack the adequate mechanical strength to withstand the static and dynamic loads while maintaining sufficient porosity to facilitate cell in-growth and vascularization during bone tissue regeneration. A wide range of advanced biomaterials are being currently designed to mimic the physical as well as the chemical composition of a bone by forming polymer blends, polymer-ceramic and polymer-degradable metal composites. Transforming these novel biomaterials into porous and load-bearing structures via three-dimensional printing (3DP) has emerged as a popular manufacturing technique to develop engineered bone grafts. 3DP has been adopted as a versatile tool to design and develop bone grafts that satisfy porosity and mechanical requirements while having the ability to form grafts of varied shapes and sizes to meet the physiological requirements. In addition to providing surfaces for cell attachment and eventual bone formation, these bone grafts also have to provide physical support during the repair process. Hence, the mechanical competence of the 3D-printed scaffold plays a key role in the success of the implant. In this review, we present various recent strategies that have been utilized to design and develop robust biomaterials that can be deployed for 3D-printing bone substitutes. The article also reviews some of the practical, theoretical and biological considerations adopted in the 3D-structure design and development for bone tissue engineering.

Malaria, COVID-19 and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2: what does the available population data say?

The etiopathogenesis of COVID-19 and its differential geographic spread suggest some populations are apparently 'less affected' through many host-related factors that involve angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) protein, which is also the entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The role of ACE2 has been well studied in COVID-19 but not in the context of malaria and COVID-19. We have previously suggested how malaria might intersect with COVID-19 through ACE2 mutation and here we evaluate the currently available data that could provide a link between the two diseases. Based on the existing global and Indian data on malaria, COVID-19 and the suggested ACE2 mutation, the association could not be examined robustly, neither accepting nor refuting the suggested hypothesis. We strongly recommend targeted evaluation of this hypothesis through carefully designed robust molecular epidemiological studies.

Science-Based Strategies of Antiviral Coatings with Viricidal Properties for the COVID-19 Like Pandemics

The worldwide, extraordinary outbreak of coronavirus pandemic (i.e., COVID-19) and other emerging viral expansions have drawn particular interest to the design and development of novel antiviral, and viricidal, agents, with a broad-spectrum of antiviral activity. The current indispensable challenge lies in the development of universal virus repudiation systems that are reusable, and capable of inactivating pathogens, thus reducing risk of infection and transmission. In this review, science-based methods, mechanisms, and procedures, which are implemented in obtaining resultant antiviral coated substrates, used in the destruction of the strains of the different viruses, are reviewed. The constituent antiviral members are classified into a few broad groups, such as polymeric materials, metal ions/metal oxides, and functional nanomaterials, based on the type of materials used at the virus contamination sites. The action mode against enveloped viruses was depicted to vindicate the antiviral mechanism. We also disclose hypothesized strategies for development of a universal and reusable virus deactivation system against the emerging COVID-19. In the surge of the current, alarming scenario of SARS-CoV-2 infections, there is a great necessity for developing highly-innovative antiviral agents to work against the viruses. We hypothesize that some of the antiviral coatings discussed here could exert an inhibitive effect on COVID-19, indicated by the results that the coatings succeeded in obtaining against other enveloped viruses. Consequently, the coatings need to be tested and authenticated, to fabricate a wide range of coated antiviral products such as masks, gowns, surgical drapes, textiles, high-touch surfaces, and other personal protective equipment, aimed at extrication from the COVID-19 pandemic.

<b>The seasonal occurrence of the Whale Shark <I>Rhincodon typus</I> (Smith, 1828) (Orectolobiformes: Rhincodontidae) along the Odisha coast, India</b>

This article gives a description about the seasonal occurrence of Whale Shark in the southern Odisha coast by taking into account of the current observed data and published literatures. The present report claims the sighting of whale sharks during offshore surveys on 13th March 2016 and 15th March 2016, 8 km (19° 15’ 38” N, 85° 01’32” E) and 4.5 km (19º 15’ 69” N, 85° 00’ 58” E) off the coast of Gopalpur Port, Odisha respectively. Most of the earlier reports of whale shark sightings along Odisha coast are from the coastal waters off Rushikulya river mouth or Gopalpur during the month of February-March. Continuous records of whale sharks along southern Odisha coast during February and March suggest the probability of seasonal migration of this giant fish during the period.

Fungemia due to Trichosporon mucoides in a diabetes mellitus patient: a rare case report

Trichosporon species are widely distributed in nature and can occasionally belong to the human microbiota. For many years, Trichosporon beigelii, the only species of this genus, was found as the aetiological agent of superficial skin infection called white piedra. However, many cases of invasive trichosporonosis caused by different newly delineated species of Trichosporon have been published in increasing numbers in recent past years, especially in immunocompromised persons. We report a rare case of fungemia due to Trichosporon mucoides in a diabetes mellitus patient, which will add to the emerging list of trichosporonosis infections.

Drug resistant tuberculosis: a diagnostic challenge

Tuberculosis (TB) is responsible for 1.4 million deaths annually. Wide-spread misuse of anti-tubercular drugs over three decades has resulted in emergence of drug resistant TB including multidrug-resistant TB and extensively drug-resistant TB globally. Accurate and rapid diagnosis of drug-resistant TB is one of the paramount importance for instituting appropriate clinical management and infection control measures. The present article provides an overview of the various diagnostic options available for drug resistant TB, by searching PubMed for recent articles. Rapid phenotypic tests still requires days to weeks to obtain final results, requiring biosafety and quality control measures. For newly developed molecular methods, infrastructure, training and quality assurance should be followed. Successful control of drug resistant TB globally will depend upon strengthening TB control programs, wider access to rapid diagnosis and provision of effective treatment. Therefore, political and fund provider commitment is essential to curb the spread of drug resistant TB.

HIV counseling and testing in a tertiary care hospital in Ganjam district, Odisha, India

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) counseling and testing (HCT) conducted at integrated counseling and testing centers (ICTCs) is an entry point, cost-effective intervention in preventing transmission of HIV.

OBJECTIVES

To study the prevalence of HIV among ICTC attendees, sociodemographic characteristics, and risk behaviors of HIV-seropositive clients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was hospital record-based cross-sectional study of 26,518 registered ICTC clients at a tertiary care hospital in Ganjam district, Odisha, India over a 4-year period from January 2009 to September 2012.

RESULTS

A total of 1732 (7.5%) out of 22,897 who were tested for HIV were seropositive. Among HIV-seropositives, 1138 (65.7%) were males, while 594 (34.3%) were females. Majority (88.3%) of seropositives were between the age group of 15-49 years. Client-initiated HIV testing (12.1%) was more seropositive compared to provider-initiated (2.9%). Among discordant couples, majority (95.5%) were male partner/husband positive and female partner/wife negative. Positives were more amongst married, less educated, low socioeconomic status, and outmigrants (P<0.0001). Risk factors included heterosexual promiscuous (89.3%), parent-to-child transmission 5.8%, unknown 3.1%, infected blood transfusion 0.8%, homosexual 0.5%, and infected needles (0.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

There is need to encourage activities that promote HCT in all health facilities. This will increase the diagnosis of new HIV cases. The data generated in ICTC provide an important clue to understand the epidemiology in a particular geographic region and local planning for care and treatment of those infected with HIV and preventive strategies for those at risk especially married, young adults, and outmigrants to reduce new infections.

A Rare case of Subcutaneous Mycosis due to Rhizoctonia solani

Rhizoctonia solani is a very common soil borne pathogen with a great diversity of host plants. A 52 year old lady presented with sole manifestation of subcutaneous swelling over the left leg for 3 months Pus was collected by aspiration revealed septate fungal hyphae. After culture on SDA at 25 C showed white cottony growth initially, progressed to buff colored to black colonies on further incubation. On LPCB mount we found septate hyphae with acute and right angled branching without any conidia and hyphal anastomosis which resembled features of Rhizoctonia solani. Patient was put on Fluconazole and responded well to the treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i2.15060 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(2) 2014 p.228-230

Dipylidium caninum infection in a child: a rare case report

Dipylidiasis is a zoonotic parasitic infestation caused by the dog tapeworm Dipylidium caninum. Human dipylidiasis has been rarely reported in English literature. Young children are mostly at risk of acquiring the infection due to their close association with dogs and cats. We report a rare case of Dipylidium caninum infection in a 4 year old male child. The diagnosis was based on microscopic examination of stool. Confirmation of the proglottid segments was done by histopathological examination. To the best of our knowledge this is the first human case of Dipylidium caninum reported from this part of the country.

Observation of B(s)(0) → D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- using e+ e- collisions and a determination of the B(s)-B(s) width difference ΔΓ(s)

We have made the first observation of B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- decays using 23.6  fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle experiment running on the Υ(5S) resonance. The branching fractions are measured to be B(B(s)(0)→D(s)+ D(s)-)=(1.03(-0.32-0.25)(+0.39+0.26))%, B(B(s)(0)→D(s)(*±) D(s)(∓))=(2.75(-0.71)(+0.83)±0.69)%, and B(B(s)(0)→D(s)*+ D(s)*-)=(3.08(-1.04-0.86)(+1.22+0.85))%; the sum is B[B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)-]=(6.85(-1.30-1.80)(+1.53+1.79))%. Assuming B(s)(0)→D(s)(*)+ D(s)(*)- saturates decays to CP-even final states, the branching fraction determines the ratio ΔΓ(s)/cosφ, where ΔΓ(s) is the difference in widths between the two B(s)-B(s) mass eigenstates, and φ is a CP-violating weak phase. Taking CP violation to be negligibly small, we obtain ΔΓ(s)/Γ(s)=0.147(-0.030)(+0.036)(stat)(-0.041)(+0.042)(syst), where Γ(s) is the mean decay width.

Search for a low mass particle decaying into μ+ μ- in B0 → K*0 X and B0 → ρ0 X at Belle

We search for dimuon decays of a low mass particle in the decays B0→K*0 X and B0→ρ0 X using a data sample of 657×10(6)BB events collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. We find no evidence for such a particle in the mass range from 212  MeV/c2 to 300  MeV/c2 for lifetimes below 10(-12)  s, and set upper limits on its branching fractions. In particular, we search for a particle with a mass of 214.3  MeV/c2 reported by the HyperCP experiment, and obtain upper limits on the products B(B0→K*0 X)×B(X→μ+ μ- )<2.26(2.27)×10(-8) and B(B0→ρ0 X)×B(X→μ+ μ-)<1.73(1.73)×10(-8) at 90% C.L. for a scalar (vector) X particle.

Observation of B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) π+ and B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+ and measurement of the B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+ longitudinal polarization fraction

First observations of the B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) π+, B(s)(0) → D(s)(-) ρ+ and B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+ decays are reported together with measurements of their branching fractions: B(B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) π+) = [2.4(-0.4)(+0.5)(stat) ± 0.3(syst) ± 0.4(f(s))]×10(-3), B(B(s)(0) → D(s)(-) ρ+) = [8.5(-1.2)(+1.3)(stat) ± 1.1(syst) ± 1.3(f(s))]×10(-3) and B(B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+) = [11.9(-2.0)(+2.2)(stat) ± 1.7(syst) ± 1.8(f(s))]×10(-3) (f(s) = N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))/N(bb)). From helicity-angle distributions, we measured the longitudinal polarization fraction in B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+ decays to be f(L)(B(s)(0) → D(s)(*-) ρ+) = 1.05(-0.10)(+0.08)(stat)(-0.04)(+0.03)(syst). These results are based on a 23.6  fb(-1) data sample collected at the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+ e- collider.

Measurement of |V{ub}| from inclusive charmless semileptonic B decays

We present the partial branching fraction for inclusive charmless semileptonic B decays and the corresponding value of the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa matrix element |V{ub}|, using a multivariate analysis method to access approximately 90% of the B-->X{u}lnu phase space. This approach dramatically reduces the theoretical uncertainties from the b-quark mass and nonperturbative QCD compared to all previous inclusive measurements. The results are based on a sample of 657x10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector. We find that DeltaB(B-->X{u}lnu;p(l){*B}>1.0 GeV/c)=1.963x(1+/-0.088{stat}+/-0.081{syst})x10{-3}. Corresponding values of |V{ub}| are extracted using several theoretical calculations.

Measurement of the Decay B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) and Evidence for B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) in e;(+)e;(-) Annihilation at sqrt[s] approximately 10.87 GeV

We have studied B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) and B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) decays using 23.6 fb;(-1) of data collected at the Upsilon(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e;(+)e;(-) collider. This highly pure B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+) sample is used to measure the branching fraction, B(B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-)pi;(+))=[3.67_(-0.33);(+0.35)(stat)-0.42+0.43(syst)+/-0.49(f_(s))]x10;(-3) (f_(s)=N_(B_(s);((*))B[over ]_(s);((*)))/N_(bb[over ])) and the fractions of B_(s);(0) event types at the Upsilon(5S) energy, in particular N_(B_(s);(*)B[over ]_(s);(*))/N_(B_(s);((*))B[over ]_(s);((*)))=(90.1_(-4.0);(+3.8)+/-0.2)%. We also determine the masses M(B_(s);(0))=(5364.4+/-1.3+/-0.7) MeV/c;(2) and M(B_(s);(*))=(5416.4+/-0.4+/-0.5) MeV/c;(2). In addition, we observe B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-) decays with a significance of 3.5sigma and measure B(B_(s);(0)-->D_(s);(-/+)K;(+/-))=[2.4_(-1.0);(+1.2)(stat)+/-0.3(syst)+/-0.3(f_(s))]x10;(-4).

Evidence for neutral B meson decays to omegaK*0

We present the results of a study of the charmless vector-vector decay B0-->omegaK*0 with 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure the branching fraction to be B(B0-->omegaK*0) = [1.8+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.3(syst)]x 10(-6) with 3.0sigma significance. We also perform a helicity analysis of the omega and K*0 vector mesons, and obtain the longitudinal polarization fraction fL(B0-->omegaK*0) = 0.56+/-0.29(stat) -0.08(+0.18)(syst). Finally, we measure a large nonresonant branching fraction B[B0-->omegaK+pi(-);M Kpi in(0.755,1.250) GeV/c2] = [5.1+/-0.7(stat)+/-0.7(syst)]x 10(-6) with a significance of 9.5sigma.

Observation of a near-threshold enhancement in the e+e- -->Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) cross section using initial-state radiation

We report a measurement of the exclusive e+ e- -->Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) cross section as a function of center-of-mass energy near the Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) threshold. A clear peak with a significance of 8.2sigma is observed in the Lambda+_(c)Lambda-_(c) invariant mass distribution just above threshold. With an assumption of a resonance origin for the observed peak, a mass and width of M=[4634 (+8)_(-7)(stat)(+5)_(-8)(syst)] MeV/c(2) and Gamma_(tot)=[92 (+40)_(-24)(stat)(+10)_(-21)(syst)] MeV are determined. The analysis is based on a study of events with initial-state-radiation photons in a data sample collected with the Belle detector at the Upsilon(4S) resonance and nearby continuum with an integrated luminosity of 695 fb(-1) at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider.

Measurement of branching fractions, isospin, and CP-violating asymmetries for exclusive b-->dgamma modes

We report new measurements of the decays B+-->rho+gamma, B0-->rho0gamma, and B0-->omegagamma using a data sample of 657x10(6) B meson pairs accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+e- collider. We measure branching fractions B(B+-->rho+gamma)=(8.7_-2.7-1.1;+2.9+0.9)x10(-7), B(B0-->rho0gamma)=(7.8_-1.6-1.0;+1.7+0.9)x10(-7), and B(B0-->omegagamma)=(4.0_-1.7;+1.9+/-1.3)x10(-7). We also report the isospin asymmetry Delta(rhogamma)=-0.48_-0.19-0.09;+0.21+0.08 and the first measurement of the direct CP-violating asymmetry ACP(B+-->rho+gamma)=-0.11+/-0.32+/-0.09, where the first and second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively.

Search for B+-->D*+pi0 decay

We report on a search for the doubly Cabibbo suppressed decay B+-->D*+pi0, based on a data sample of 657x10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We find no significant signal and set an upper limit of B(B+-->D*+pi0)<3.6x10(-6) at the 90% confidence level. This limit can be used to constrain the ratio between suppressed and favored B-->D*pi decay amplitudes, r<0.051, at the 90% confidence level.

Observation of B{0}-->ppK*0 with a large K*0 polarization

Using a 492 fb{-1} data sample collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider, we observe the decay B{0}-->ppK*0 with a branching fraction of (1.18{-0.25}{+0.29}(stat)+/-0.11(syst))x10{-6}. We study the decay dynamics of B{0}-->ppK*0 and compare with B{+}-->ppK*+. The K*0 meson is found to be almost 100% polarized (with a fraction of (101+/-13+/-3)% in the helicity zero state), while the K*+ meson has a (32+/-17+/-9)% fraction in the helicity zero state. The direct CP asymmetries for B{0}-->ppK*0 and B{+}-->ppK*+ are measured to be -0.08+/-0.20+/-0.02 and -0.01+/-0.19+/-0.02, respectively. In addition, we report improved measurements of the branching fractions B(B{+}-->ppK*+)=(3.38{-0.60}{+0.73}+/-0.39)x10{-6} and B(B{0}-->ppK{0})=(2.51{-0.29}{+0.35}+/-0.21)x10{-6}, which supersede our previous measurements.

Measurement of B(Ds{+}-->mu+nu(mu))

We present a measurement of the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu}) using a 548 fb{-1} data sample collected by the Belle experiment at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider. The D{s} momentum is determined by reconstruction of the system recoiling against DKgammaX in events of the type e{+}e{-}-->D{s}{*}DKX, D{s}{*}-->D{s}gamma, where X represents additional pions or photons from fragmentation. This full-reconstruction method provides high resolution in the neutrino momentum and thus good background separation, equivalent to that achieved by experiments at the tau-charm factories. We obtain the branching fraction B(D{s}{+}-->mu{+}nu{mu})=[6.44+/-0.76(stat)+/-0.57(syst)]x10{-3}, implying a D{s} decay constant of f{D{s}}=[275+/-16(stat)+/-12(syst)] MeV.

The year of magical thinking: Joan Didion and the dialectic of grief

Joan Didion is a prominent American writer. In late 2003, while her only child lay critically ill, her husband, John, died suddenly. Theirs was a marriage of great intimacy and love. Grief enveloped her. Eventually she began to write an account of the first 12 months of her bereavement and the vigil for her child: The year of magical thinking. Raw, insightful and challenging, it is a rich, generous and graceful document. Didion draws on the literature of grief, personal and professional. Here, those readings are examined and reflections are made on the singular, unique grief of the author in the context of current theories on bereavement.

Production of new charmoniumlike states in e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*) at sqrt[s] approximately 10.6 GeV

We report a study of the processes e+e- -->J/psiD*D[over](*). In J/psiD*D[over]* we observe a significant enhancement in the D*D[over]* invariant mass spectrum, which we interpret as a new charmoniumlike state and denote X(4160). The X(4160) parameters are M=(4156(-20)+25+/-15) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(139(-61)+111+/-21) MeV. We also report a new measurement of the X(3940) mass and width: M=(3942(-6)+7+/-6) MeV/c2 and Gamma=(37(-15)+26+/-8) MeV. The analysis is based on a 693 fb(-1) data sample recorded near the Upsilon(4S) resonance by the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy collider.

Intraocular Pressure Changes Associated with Intubation with the Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway Compared with Conventional Laryngoscopy

This open, prospective, randomised study was designed to evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure and haemodynamics after tracheal intubation using either the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) or direct laryngoscopy. Sixty adult patients, ASA physical status 1 or 2 with normal intraocular pressure were randomly allocated to one of the two techniques. Anaesthesia was induced with propofol followed by rocuronium. Tracheal intubation was performed using either the ILMA or Macintosh laryngoscope. Intraocular pressure, heart rate and blood pressure were measured immediately before and after tracheal intubation and then minutely for five minutes. In the laryngoscopy group there was a significant increase in intraocular pressure (from 7.2 ± 1.4 to 16.8 ± 5.3 mmHg, P <0.01), which did not return to pre-intubation levels within five minutes, and also in mean arterial pressure after tracheal intubation, which returned to baseline levels after five minutes. In the ILMA group there were no significant changes in intraocular pressure (from 7.6±1.8 to 10.4±2.8 mmHg, P >0.05) or mean arterial pressure after tracheal intubation. Time to successful intubation was longer with the ILMA, 56.8 ± 7.8 seconds, compared with the laryngoscopy group, 33±3.6 seconds (P <0.01). Mucosal trauma was more frequent with the ILMA (eight of 30) compared with the laryngoscopy group (three of 30) (P <0.01). The postoperative complications were comparable. In terms of minimising increases in intraocular pressure and blood pressure, we conclude that the ILMA has an advantage over direct laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation.

Observation of a resonancelike structure in the pi +- psi' mass distribution in exclusive B-->Kpi +- psi' decays

A distinct peak is observed in the pi +/- psi' invariant mass distribution near 4.43 GeV in B-->K pi +/- psi' decays. A fit using a Breit-Wigner resonance shape yields a peak mass and width of M=4433+/-4(stat)+/-2(syst) MeV and Gamma=45-13+18(stat)-13+30(syst) MeV. The product branching fraction is determined to be B(B 0-->K -/+Z+/-(4430)) x B(Z+/-(4430)-->pi+/-psi')=(4.1+/-1.0(stat)+/-1.4(syst)) x 10(-5), where Z+/-(4430) is used to denote the observed structure. The statistical significance of the observed peak is 6.5 sigma. These results are obtained from a 605 fb(-1) data sample that contains 657 x 10(6) BB pairs collected near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider.

Observation of B_(s)(0)-->phigamma and search for B_(s)(0)-->gammagamma decays at Belle

We search for the radiative penguin decays B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma and B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma in a 23.6 fb{-1} data sample collected at the Upsilon(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} asymmetric-energy collider. We observe for the first time a radiative penguin decay of the B_{s}{0} meson in the B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma mode and we measure B(B_{s}{0}-->varphigamma)=(57_{-15}{+18}(stat)-11+12(syst))x10{-6}. No significant B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma signal is observed and we set a 90% confidence level upper limit of B(B_{s}{0}-->gammagamma)<8.7x10{-6}.

Measurement of time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->K_(S)(0)K_(S)(0) decays

We report a measurement of the CP-violating parameters in B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decays based on a data sample of 657x10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e;{+}e{-} collider. In this Letter, one neutral B meson is fully reconstructed in the B;{0}-->K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0} decay mode, and the flavor of the accompanying B meson is identified by its decay products. The CP-violating parameters are measured from the asymmetry in the distributions of the proper-time interval between the two B decays: S_K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38_{-0.77}{+0.69}(stat)+/-0.09(syst) and A_{K_{S}{0}K_{S}{0}}=-0.38+/-0.38(stat)+/-0.05(syst).

Observation of anomalous upsilon(1S)pi+pi(-) and upsilon(2S)pi+pi(-) production near the upsilon(5S) resonance

We report the first observation of e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, and first evidence for e;{+}e;{-}-->Upsilon(3S)pi;{+}pi;{-}, Upsilon(1S)K+K-, near the peak of the Upsilon(5S) resonance at sqrt[s] approximately 10.87 GeV. The results are based on a data sample of 21.7 fb;{-1} collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e;{+}e;{-} collider. Attributing the signals to the Upsilon(5S) resonance, the partial widths Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(1S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.59+/-0.04(stat)+/-0.09(syst) MeV and Gamma(Upsilon(5S)-->Upsilon(2S)pi;{+}pi;{-})=0.85+/-0.07(stat)+/-0.16(syst) MeV are obtained from the observed cross sections. These values exceed by more than 2 orders of magnitude the previously measured partial widths for dipion transitions between lower Upsilon resonances.

Observation of a new DsJ meson in B+-->D0D0K+ decays

We report the observation of a new DsJ meson produced in B+-->D0DsJ-->D0D0K+. This state has a mass of M=2708+/-9(-10)(+11) MeV/c2, a width Gamma=108+/-23(-31)(+36) MeV/c2 and a 1- spin-parity. The statistical significance of this observation is 8.4 sigma. The results are based on an analysis of 449 x 10(6) BB events collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider.

Observation of the psi(4415)-->DD2*(2460) decay using initial-state radiation

We report measurements of the exclusive cross section for e(+)e(-)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) over the center-of-mass energy range 4.0 GeV to 5.0 GeV with initial-state radiation and the first observation of the decay psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+). From a study of the resonant substructure in psi(4415) decay we conclude that the psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+) decay is dominated by psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460). We obtain B(psi(4415)-->D(0)D(-)pi(nonresonant)(+))/B(psi(4415)-->DD(2)(*)(2460)-->D(0)D(-)pi(+))<0.22 at 90% C.L. The analysis is based on a data sample collected with the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 673 fb(-1).

Time-dependent CP-violating asymmetry in B0-->rho0gamma decays

We report the first measurement of CP-violation parameters in B0-->rho0gamma decays based on a data sample of 657x10(6)BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain the time-dependent and direct CP-violating parameters, Srho0gamma=-0.83+/-0.65(stat)+/-0.18(syst) and Arho0gamma=-0.44+/-0.49(stat)+/-0.14(syst), respectively.

Search for B --> h(*)nunu[over ] decays at Belle

We present a search for the rare decays B --> h(*)nunu[over ], where h(*) stands for a light meson. A data sample of 535 x 10{6} BB[over ] pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB e{+}e{-} collider is used. Signal candidates are required to have an accompanying B meson fully reconstructed in a hadronic mode and signal side particles consistent with a single h(*) meson. No significant signal is observed and we set upper limits on the branching fractions at 90% confidence level. The limits on B{0} --> K{*0}nunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{+}nunu[over ] decays are more stringent than the previous constraints, while the first searches for B{0} --> K{0}nunu[over ], pi{0}nunu[over ], rho{0}nunu[over ], varphinunu[over ] and B{+} --> K{*+}nunu[over ], rho{+}nunu[over ] are reported.

Search for the CP-violating decays Upsilon(4S)-->B0B0-->J/psiKS0+J/psi(etac)KS0

We report the first search for CP-violating decays of the Upsilon(4S) using a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) Upsilon(4S) mesons with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. A partial reconstruction technique is employed to enhance the signal sensitivity. No significant signals were observed. We obtain an upper limit of 4 x 10(-7) at the 90% confidence level for the branching fractions of the CP violating modes, Upsilon(4S)-->B(0)B(0)-->J/psiK(S)(0)+J/psi(eta(c))K(S)(0). Extrapolating the result, we find that an observation with 5sigma significance is expected with a 30 ab(-1) data sample, which is within the reach of a future super B factory.

Observation of B(0)-->D(*-)tau(+)nu(tau) decay at Belle

We report an observation of the decay B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau} in a data sample containing 535x10{6} BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e{+}e{-} collider. We find a signal with a significance of 5.2sigma and measure the branching fraction B(B{0}-->D{*-}tau{+}nu{tau})=(2.02{-0.37}{+0.40}(stat)+/-0.37(syst))%. This is the first observation of an exclusive B decay with a b-->ctaunu{tau} transition.

Measurement of the e+e- -->pi+pi- J/psi cross section via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e(+)e(-)-->pi(+)pi(-)J/psi between 3.8 and 5.5 GeV/c(2) is measured using a 548 fb(-1) data sample collected on or near the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at KEKB. A peak near 4.25 GeV/c(2), corresponding to the so called Y(4260), is observed. In addition, there is another cluster of events at around 4.05 GeV/c(2). A fit using two interfering Breit-Wigner shapes describes the data better than one that uses only the Y(4260), especially for the lower-mass side of the 4.25 GeV enhancement.

Observation of two resonant structures in e+ e- -->pi+ pi- psi(2S) via initial-state radiation at Belle

The cross section for e+ e- --> pi+ pi- psi(2S) between threshold and sqrt[s]=5.5 GeV is measured using 673 fb(-1) of data on and off the Upsilon(4S) resonance collected with the Belle detector at KEKB. Two resonant structures are observed in the pi+ pi- psi(2S) invariant-mass distribution, one at 4361 +/- 9 +/- 9 MeV/c2 with a width of 74 +/- 15 +/- 10 MeV/c2, and another at 4664 +/- 11 +/- 5 MeV/c2 with a width of 48 +/- 15 +/- 3 MeV/c2, if the mass spectrum is parametrized with the coherent sum of two Breit-Wigner functions. These values do not match those of any of the known charmonium states.

Measurement of Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen-type flavor entanglement in Upsilon(4S) --> B0 B0 decays

The neutral B meson pair produced at the Upsilon(4S) should exhibit a nonlocal correlation of the type discussed by Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen. We measure this correlation using the time-dependent flavor asymmetry of semileptonic B(0) decays, which we compare with predictions from quantum mechanics and two local realistic models. The data are consistent with quantum mechanics, and inconsistent with the other models. Assuming that some B pairs disentangle to produce B(0) and B(0) with definite flavor, we find a decoherent fraction of 0.029 +/ -0.057, consistent with no decoherence.

Measurement of D0-D0 mixing parameters in D0 --> Ks pi+ pi- decays

We report a measurement of D0-D(0) mixing parameters in D(0) --> K(s)(0) pi(+) pi(-) decays using a time-dependent Dalitz-plot analysis. We first assume CP conservation and subsequently allow for CP violation. The results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data accumulated with the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider. Assuming negligible CP violation, we measure the mixing parameters x = (0.80 +/- 0.29(-0.07-0.14)(+0.09+0.10))% and y = (0.33+/-0.24(-0.12-0.08)(+0.08+0.06))%, where the errors are statistical, experimental systematic, and systematic due to the Dalitz decay model, respectively. Allowing for CP violation, we obtain the CP-violating parameters |q / p| = 0.86(-0.29-0.03)(+0.30+0.06) +/- 0.08 and arg(q/p) = (-14(-18-3-4)(+16+5+2)) degrees .

Measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays

We report measurements of branching fractions for B --> K pi and B --> pi pi decays based on a data sample of 449 x 10(6) BB[over] pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We also measure the ratios of partial widths for B-->Kpi decays, namely R(c) identical with 2Gamma(B(+) --> K(+) pi(0))/Gamma(B(+) --> K(0) pi(+)) = 1.08+/-0.06+/-0.08 and R(n) identical with Gamma(B(0) --> K(+) pi(-))/2 Gamma(B(0) --> K(0) pi(0)) = 1.08+/-0.08+/-0.08, where the first and the second errors are statistical and systematic, respectively. These ratios are sensitive to enhanced electroweak penguin contributions from new physics; the new measurements are, however, consistent with standard model expectations.

Guidelines for sedation and/or analgesia by non-anaesthesiology doctors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Postoperative nausea and vomiting after craniotomy may increase intracranial pressure and morbidity in children. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blinded study was designed to evaluate the antiemetic efficacy of prophylactic ondansetron after intracranial tumour resections in children.

METHODS

Ninety children were divided into three groups and received saline (Group 1), ondansetron 150 microg kg-1 intravenously at dural closure (Group 2) or two doses of ondansetron 150 microg kg-1 intravenously, the second dose repeated after 6 h (Group 3). Episodes of nausea, emesis and side-effects were noted for 24 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

Overall 24 h incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was not significantly different among the three groups (9 (37.5%) in Group 1 vs. 7 (27%) in Group 2 and 8 (32%) in Group 3, P = 0.73). No difference in rescue antiemetic treatment or postoperative nausea and vomiting at specific time intervals (0-6 and 6-24 h postoperative period) was seen among the three groups. No significant side-effects were noted in any of the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ondansetron, in this study of 90 children, was not very effective in preventing nausea and vomiting after neurosurgical operations.

Evidence for CP violation in B0-->D+D- decays

We report measurements of the branching fraction and CP violation parameters in B(0)-->D+ D- decays. The results are based on a data sample that contains 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected at the Upsilon(4S) resonance, with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+e- collider. We obtain [1.97+/-0.20(stat) +/- 0.20(syst)] x 10(-4) for the branching fraction of B0-->D+D-. The measured values of the CP violation parameters are S=-1.13+/-0.37+/-0.09, A=0.91+/-0.23+/-0.06, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. We find evidence of CP violation in B0-->D+D- at the 4.1sigma confidence level. While the value of S is consistent with expectations from other measurements, the value of the parameter A favors large direct CP violation at the 3.2sigma confidence level, in contradiction to standard model expectations.

Measurement of CP asymmetry in a time-dependent Dalitz analysis of B0-->(rhopi)0 and a constraint on the quark mixing matrix angle phi2

We present a measurement of CP asymmetry using a time-dependent Dalitz plot analysis of B0-->pi+pi-pi0 decays based on a 414 fb(-1) data sample containing 449 x 10(6) BB pairs. The data was collected on the Upsilon(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric energy e+ e- collider. Combining our analysis with information on charged B decay modes, we perform a full Dalitz and isospin analysis and obtain a constraint on the CKM angle phi2, 68 degrees < phi2 < 95 degrees as the 68.3% confidence interval for the phi2 solution consistent with the standard model (SM). A large SM-disfavored region also remains.

Evidence for D0-D0 mixing

We observe evidence for D(0)-D(0) mixing by measuring the difference in the apparent lifetime when a D(0) meson decays to the CP eigenstates K(+)K(-) and pi(+)pi(-) and when it decays to the final state K(-)pi(+). We find the relative difference of the lifetimes y(CP) to be [1.31+/-0.32(stat)+/-0.25(syst)]%, 3.2 standard deviations from zero. We also search for a CP asymmetry between D(0) and D(0) decays; no evidence for CP violation is found. These results are based on 540 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Observation of direct CP violation in B0 --> pi+pi- decays and model-independent constraints on the quark-mixing angle phi2

We report a new measurement of the time-dependent CP-violating parameters in B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) decays with 535 x 10(6) BB pairs collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider operating at the Upsilon(4S) resonance. We find 1464+/-65 B(0)-->pi(+)pi(-) events and measure the CP-violating parameters S(pipi)=-0.61+/-0.10(stat)+/-0.04(syst) and A(pipi)=+0.55+/-0.08(stat)+/-0.05(syst). We observe large direct CP violation with a significance greater than 5 standard deviations for any S(pipi) value. Using isospin relations, we measure the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa quark-mixing matrix angle phi(2)=(97+/-11) degrees for the solution consistent with the standard model and exclude the range 11 degrees <phi(2)<79 degrees at the 95% confidence level.