Enhancement of progesterone biosynthesis via kisspeptin stimulation: Upregulation of steroidogenic transcripts and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2) expression in the buffalo luteal cells

The presence of Kisspeptin (Kp) and its receptors in the corpus luteum (CL) of buffalo has recently been demonstrated. In this study, we investigated the role of Kp in the modulation of progesterone (P4) synthesis in vitro. The primary culture of bubaline luteal cells (LCs) was treated with 10, 50, and 100 nM of Kp and Kp antagonist (KpA) alongside a vehicle control. The combined effect of Kp and KpA was assessed at 100 nM concentration. Intracellular response to Kp treatment in the LCs was assessed by examining transcript profiles (LHR, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and ERK1/2) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). In addition, the immunolocalization of ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) in the LCs was studied using immunocytochemistry. Accumulation of P4 from the culture supernatant was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results indicated that LCs had a greater p-ERK1/2 expression in the Kp treatment groups. A significant increase in the P4 concentration was recorded at 50 nM and 100 nM Kp, while KpA did not affect the basal concentration of P4. However, the addition of KpA to the Kp-treated group at 100 nM concentration suppressed the Kp-induced P4 accumulation into a concentration similar to the control. There was significant upregulation of ERK1/2 and CYP11A1 expressions in the Kp-treated LCs at 100 nM (18.1 and 37fold, respectively, p < 0.01). However, the addition of KpA to Kp-treated LCs modulated ERK1/2, LHR, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1 at 100 nM concentration. It can be concluded that Kp at 100 nM stimulated P4 production, while the addition of KpA suppressed Kp-induced P4 production in the buffalo LCs culture. Furthermore, an increment in p-ERK1/2 expression in the LCs indicated activation of the Kp signaling pathway was associated with luteal steroidogenesis.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials and Their Interactions with Lipid Membranes

Graphene-based nanomaterials (GNMs) have captured increasing attention in the recent advancement of materials science and nanotechnology owing to their excellent physicochemical properties. Despite having unquestionable advances, the application of GNMs in biological and medical sciences is still limited due to the lack of knowledge and precise control over their interaction with the biological milieu. The cellular membrane is the first barrier with which GNMs interact before entering a cell. Therefore, understanding how they interact with cell membranes is important from the perspective of safe use in biological and biomedical fields. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent efforts in predicting the interactions between GNMs and model cellular membranes. This review provides insights into how GNMs interact with lipid membranes and self-assemble in and around them. Both the computational simulations and experimental observations are summarized. The interactions are classified depending on the physicochemical properties (structure, chemistry, and orientation) of GNMs and various model membranes. The thermodynamic parameters, structural details, and supramolecular forces are listed to understand the interactions which would help circumvent potential risks and provide guidance for safe use in the future. At the end of this review, future prospective and emerging challenges in this research field are discussed.

Ionic Liquid-Induced Assembly of DNA at Air-Water Interface

DNA nanotechnology is the future of many products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Self-assembly of this negatively charged biopolymer at surfaces and interfaces is an essential step to elaborate its field of applications. In this study, the ionic liquid (IL) monolayer-assisted self-assembly of DNA macromolecules at the air-water interface has been closely monitored by employing various quantitative techniques, namely, surface pressure-area (π-A) isotherms, surface potential, interfacial rheology, and X-ray reflectivity (XRR). The π-A isotherms reveal that the IL 1,3-didecyl 3-methyl imidazolium chloride induces DNA self-assembly at the interface, leading to a thick viscoelastic film. The interfacial rheology exhibits a notable rise in the viscoelastic modulus as the surface pressure increases. The values of storage and loss moduli measured as a function of strain frequency suggest a relaxation frequency that depends on the length of the macromolecule. The XRR measurements indicate a considerable increase in DNA layer thickness at the elevated surface pressures depending on the number of base pairs of the DNA. The results are considered in terms of the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, allowing a quantitative conclusion about the arrangement of DNA strands underneath the monolayer of the ILs at the air-water interface.

Measurements of Groomed-Jet Substructure of Charm Jets Tagged by D^{0} Mesons in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Understanding the role of parton mass and Casimir color factors in the quantum chromodynamics parton shower represents an important step in characterizing the emission properties of heavy quarks. Recent experimental advances in jet substructure techniques have provided the opportunity to isolate and characterize gluon emissions from heavy quarks. In this Letter, the first direct experimental constraint on the charm-quark splitting function is presented, obtained via the measurement of the groomed shared momentum fraction of the first splitting in charm jets, tagged by a reconstructed D^{0} meson. The measurement is made in proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, in the low jet transverse-momentum interval of 15≤p_{T}^{jet ch}<30  GeV/c where the emission properties are sensitive to parton mass effects. In addition, the opening angle of the first perturbative emission of the charm quark, as well as the number of perturbative emissions it undergoes, is reported. Comparisons to measurements of an inclusive-jet sample show a steeper splitting function for charm quarks compared with gluons and light quarks. Charm quarks also undergo fewer perturbative emissions in the parton shower, with a reduced probability of large-angle emissions.

A General Assessment of India's Extremely Low Number of Transgender Cancer Patients

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Physiological transgender (TJ) is one of the most marginalized and oppressed community in the Indian subcontinent. The observable percentage of physiological transgender (TJ) cancer patients is extremely low. This concise report aims to assess the factors that contribute to the scarcity of transgender cancer patients.

MATERIALS/METHODS

The hospital database (2012-2021) of 2 centers in New Delhi (population 32 million) & 1 in Kolkata (15 million) were evaluated. In addition, 28 senior oncologists (ONC) and 17 trans women (TWs) completed a six-point questionnaire. ONC was asked how many TJ patients they had seen in their career, as well as histopathology/site. Furthermore, the data was extrapolated to account for all clinicians' cumulative years of experience. The questions for TWs were age and where they go if you have a disease or illness. And, do they know any TJ cancer patients?

RESULTS

India's last census (2011) revealed a half-million TJ population. TJ density must be at least 1 million to be comparable to the rest of the world. Hospital databases counted 10,486 patients, with no patient identified as TJ. A total of 37 TJ cancer patients were reported by 28 ONC with an average and collective years of their medical service of 23.1±4.1 and 646 years; distributed in 3 metropolis of 67 million (combined) population (Kolkata, New Delhi, and Mumbai). The average lifetime number of TJ cancer patients/oncologist was 1.3±1.1. Total 12 cases were head neck cancers, with 4 caused by human papillomavirus. The remaining 25 patients have 5 lung, 5 gynecological, 4 breast, 3 brain cancers, 2 soft tissue sarcomas, and 6 cases of unknown origin. The density of 5-year prevalent cancer cases in India is 0.2%, with an estimated 0.007% of TJ cancer patients. TW could not identify any cancer patients in their community.

CONCLUSION

Being transgender is a social taboo in this part of the world. Their legal rights and classification as the third gender are uncommon. TJs are denied access to standard education, mainstream occupations, and social respect. Although the exact number has never been determined, it is estimated that a large proportion (≈90%) of TJ people are forced to choose roadside begging and working as cheap sex workers. There is no clinical reason why TJs should have fewer cancer incidents, they should be more susceptible to cancer due to unhealthy living conditions, unprotected sex, lack of medical care, proper nutrition, and all other factors associated with their very low socioeconomic status. Nonetheless, it's difficult to find single TJ cancer patients in both public and private hospital OPD. They may be unable to access a traditional clinic due to social discrimination, financial constraints, or they may be unwilling to disclose their true sex. Even TJ's do not show up at free public clinics. The disclosure of true sex may be beneficial in obtaining better treatment, but the more prevalent reason is social unacceptability, which can be overcome through proper education and community economic growth.

Effects of ionic liquids on biomembranes: A review on recent biophysical studies

Ionic liquids (ILs) have been emerged as a versatile class of compounds that can be easily tuned to achieve desirable properties for various applications. The ability of ILs to interact with biomembranes has attracted significant interest, as they have been shown to modulate membrane properties in ways that may have implications for various biological processes. This review provides an overview of recent studies that have investigated the interaction between ILs and biomembranes. We discuss the effects of ILs on the physical and chemical properties of biomembranes, including changes in membrane fluidity, permeability, and stability. We also explore the mechanisms underlying the interaction of ILs with biomembranes, such as electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and van der Waals forces. Additionally, we discuss the future prospects of this field.

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

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

Measurement of the J/ψ Polarization with Respect to the Event Plane in Pb-Pb Collisions at the LHC

We study the polarization of inclusive J/ψ produced in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV at the LHC in the dimuon channel, via the measurement of the angular distribution of its decay products. We perform the study in the rapidity region 2.5 Collapse

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First Measurement of Antideuteron Number Fluctuations at Energies Available at the Large Hadron Collider

The first measurement of event-by-event antideuteron number fluctuations in high energy heavy-ion collisions is presented. The measurements are carried out at midrapidity (|η|<0.8) as a function of collision centrality in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV using the ALICE detector. A significant negative correlation between the produced antiprotons and antideuterons is observed in all collision centralities. The results are compared with a state-of-the-art coalescence calculation. While it describes the ratio of higher order cumulants of the antideuteron multiplicity distribution, it fails to describe quantitatively the magnitude of the correlation between antiproton and antideuteron production. On the other hand, thermal-statistical model calculations describe all the measured observables within uncertainties only for correlation volumes that are different with respect to those describing proton yields and a similar measurement of net-proton number fluctuations.

Cholesterol-Controlled Interaction of Ionic Liquids with Model Cellular Membranes

While ionic liquids (ILs) are considered as prospective ingredients of new antimicrobial agents, it is important to understand the adverse effects of these molecules on human cells. Since cholesterol is the essential component of a human cell membrane, in the present study, the effect of an imidazolium-based IL has been investigated on the model membrane in the presence of cholesterol. The area per sphingomyelin lipid is found to reduce in the presence of the IL, which is quantified by the area-surface pressure isotherm of the lipid monolayer formed at the air-water interface. The effect is considerably diminished in the cholesterol-containing monolayer. Further, the IL is observed to decrease the rigidity of the cholesterol-free monolayer. Interestingly, the presence of cholesterol does not allow any change in this property of the layer at lower surface pressure. However, at a higher surface pressure, the IL increases the elasticity in the cholesterol-induced condensed phase of the lipid layer. The X-ray reflectivity measurement on a stack of cholesterol-free lipid bilayers proved the formation of IL-induced phase-separated domains in the matrix of a pure lipid phase. These domains are found to be formed by interdigitating the chains of the lipids, producing a thinner membrane. Such a phase is less intense in the cholesterol-containing membrane. All of these results indicate that the IL molecules may deform the cholesterol-free membrane of a bacterial cell, but the same may not be harmful to human beings as cholesterol could restrict the insertion in the cellular membrane of a human cell.

Temperature-dependent anomalous viscosity of aqueous solutions of imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic salts with a low melting point compared to inorganic salts. Room temperature ILs are of great importance for their widespread potential industrial applications. The viscosity of aqueous solutions of two imidazolium-based ILs, investigated in the present study, exhibits an anomalous temperature variation. Unlike conventional molecular fluids, the viscosity of 1-methyl-3-octyl imidazolium chloride [OMIM Cl] and 1-methyl-3-decyl imidazolium chloride [DMIM Cl] solutions is found to increase with temperature and then depress. The Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) data suggest that the lattice parameter of the body-centered cubic lattice formed by the spherical micelles of these ILs, and the morphology of the micelles remain intact over the measured temperature range. The molecular dynamics simulation shows the micelles to be more refined with their integrated structure on increasing the temperature. On further increase of the temperature, the structure is found to be loosened, which is corroborated by the simulation work. The ionic conductivity of these IL solutions shows a trend that is opposite to that of the viscosity. The observed anomalous nature of the viscosity is attributed to the trapped dissociated ions in the network of the micellar aggregates.

Discerning perturbed assembly of lipids in a model membrane in presence of violacein: Effects of membrane hydrophobicity

For the lack of effective antibiotics towards antibiotic resisting bacteria, it is required to discover new antibiotics and to understand their antimicrobial mechanism. Violacein is a violet pigment found in several gram-negative bacteria possessing antimicrobial properties to gram-positive bacteria. This present article investigates the insertion ability of this molecule into a model membrane composed of zwitterionic phospholipids. Thermodynamic characterization of lipid monolayers in the presence of violacein was carried out using a single lipid layer formed at air-water interface. The molecule inserts into the layer altering the area occupied by each lipid and the in-plane compressibility of the film. This insertion increases with the hydrophobic chain length of the lipid. The perturbed self-assembly of lipids in a bilayer is quantified using a lipid multilayer system applying the X-ray reflectivity technique. The electron density profile from the reflectivity data shows that the molecule inserts into the fluid phase creating a relatively ordered chain conformation. Further, the insertion into the gel phase is observed to increase with the increased thickness of the hydrophobic core of a bilayer.

Prevalence of the Onodi cell in the Polish adult population: an anatomical computed tomography study

BACKGROUND

Onodi cell is a posterior ethmoid air cell with the optic canal bulging into it; the common position of the bulge is into the sphenoid sinus, usually immediately posterior to the posterior ethmoid air cells. Variable pneumatisation patterns lead to various structures of lamellae and sinuses occasionally exposing important nerves and vessels, such as the optic and vidian nerves, internal carotid artery and cavernous sinus. In clinical practice, special imaging techniques are used to navigate through the paranasal sinuses and hence avoid injury to these structures. This study is aimed to determine the prevalence of the Onodi cell in the Polish population and compare it with other reported occurrences.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of 296 computed tomography (CT) scans of patients treated in Krakow, Poland, using a Siemens Somatom Sensation 16 spiral CT scanner. No contrast medium was administered.

RESULTS

The Onodi cell was found in 31 out of the 296 patients, or approximately 10.5%, consistent with the majority of research reporting on Onodi variants. Additionally, there was one presentation of a bilateral Onodi cell in a male patient. No statistically significant difference was found between the male and female populations with a positive identification of the variant (p = 0.095, Chi2 test).

CONCLUSIONS

This study helped approximate the Onodi variant prevalence of 10.47%, falling within a commonly reported range 8-14%. This gives clinicians and surgeons a better understanding of this variant's structure and significance, and therefore an opportunity to improve treatment outcomes and research.

How to write an umbrella review? A step-by-step tutorial with tips and tricks

The number of meta-analyses (MA) and systematic reviews (SR) on various medical issues has increased during the last two decades. The MA and SR results may differ from one another due to a number of factors such as inaccurate or diverse searches through the databases, discrepancies in the extraction process or in statistical analysis, among others. Some results may even contradict one another, resulting in confusion among readers. Umbrella reviews (UR) have allowed the collection of all available data on a medical issue into one concise study, making it the source of evidence-based medical knowledge to the highest degree. Furthermore, UR can resolve those problems by collecting all data and taking into account both MA and SR, making it the superior tool for physicians. Although the pros of UR are clear and the overall popularity of these types of study has increased tremendously, there is no available step-by-step guide on how to conduct one. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to provide researchers with a detailed tutorial on how to conduct an UR. UR represent the next major step in the advancement of evidence-based medicine, with great practical potential for physicians looking for the most up-to-date data on their topic of interest. We hope that our step-by-step guide may be a useful tool for researchers conducting UR in the future.

The occipital-vertebral anastomosis revisited

BACKGROUND

The goal of the study was to provide relevant data about the location and prevalence of the occipital artery-vertebral artery (OA-VA) anastomosis in patients without visible occlusive disease, as well as to thoroughly discuss the clinical significance of these anastomotic channels. Furthermore, the morphometric properties of the OA and its branches were also analysed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out to indicate anatomical variations, their prevalence, and morphometrical data on the OA and its branches. The study was performed on 55 randomly selected computed tomography angiographies (CTA) of the head and neck region. Each CTA result was analysed bilaterally. Thus, 110 results were originally assessed.

RESULTS

The OA median maximal diameter was demonstrated at 4.85 mm (lower quartile [LQ]: 4.11; upper quartile [UQ]: 5.53) and the median maximal diameter of VA at 3.60 mm (LQ: 2.79; UQ: 4.38). The distances between OA and its branches were also measured giving a median result of 21.73, 30.29, 60.84, 34.88, 18.02, 55.16 mm for the lower and upper sternocleidomastoid branch, meningeal branch, mastoid branch, and descending branch, respectively. The median distance between OA and its first anastomosis was set to be 51.15 mm (LQ: 37.20; UQ: 60.10). Moreover, a set of additional measurements was carried out in order to create a three-dimensional anatomical heat-map of the occurrence of the OA-VA anastomosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Knowledge about the anatomy of the OA-VA anastomosis might be of immense importance to avoid potentially fatal complications during embolisation of the OA and its branches.

Effect of endogenous hormones, antisperm antibody and oxidative stress on semen quality of crossbred bulls

The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of factors like hormones, antisperm antibody (ASA), and oxidative stress and its relation with semen quality in crossbred bulls. Ejaculates from two bulls were categorized into good (n = 12) and poor (n = 12) based on initial progressive motility, that is, ≥70% and ≤50%, respectively. The level of hormones like Testosterone (p < 0.05) and PGE₂ (p < 0.01) was significantly higher in good-quality ejaculates compared to poor-quality ejaculates; however, estradiol (p < 0.05), progesterone, oxidative stress, and ASAs were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in poor-quality ejaculates compared to good-quality ejaculates. Therefore, it could be concluded that oxidative stress and hormonal imbalance might have resulted in high number of dead and defective spermatozoa which was ultimately responsible for poor quality semen ejaculates.

Cryoprotection of humanin-like peptides in seminal plasma for ejaculated spermatozoa of crossbred bulls

BACKGROUND

Cryopreservation process negatively affects spermatozoa functions. Humanin, a small polypeptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome, is well known for its role in cell survival.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the endogenous levels of humanin in seminal plasma of crossbred Frieswal bulls and to study its role in cryoprotection. The presence of humanin in bull spermatozoa was also investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 40 semen samples were separated into two groups based on the initial progressive motility (IPM): Good (IPM >70%) and Poor (IPM <50%) groups; and/or based on the post-thaw motility (PTM): Freezable (PTM>50%) and Non-freezable (PTM < 50%) groups. Humanin concentration in seminal plasma (SP-HN) was quantified using ELISA.

RESULTS

SP-HN concentration ranged from undetectable to 67.6 pg/mL with a median level of 35.2 pg/mL. SP-HN level was significantly higher in the good quality semen group than in the poor quality semen group (p<0.001), and also significantly higher in the freezable group than in the non-freezable group (p<0.001). SP-HN level was positively correlated with initial progressive motility, post-thaw semen motility, viability, acrosome intactness and plasma membrane integrity, but negatively correlated the level of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content. Immunochemical localization showed the presence of humanin in the proximal region of the middle piece of spermatozoa.

CONCLUSION

Endogenous humanin level had significant correlation with semen quality and might protect sperm cells against freeze-induced oxidative stress. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110712.

Variations in extra-hepatic biliary tree morphology and morphometry: a narrative review of literature with focus on cystohepatic triangle

The morphometry and morphology of the components of extrahepatic biliary tree show extensive variations. A beforehand recognition of these variations is very crucial to prevent unintended complications while performing surgeries in this region. This study was conducted to analyse the configuration of the extrahepatic biliary tree and its possible variations, as well as measure the components that limit the cystohepatic triangle. Articles were searched in major online indexed databases (Medline and PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) using relevant key words. A total of 73 articles matched the search criteria of which 55 articles were identified for data extraction. The length of left and right hepatic duct in majority of studies was found to be > 10 mm. A wide range of diameters of hepatic ducts were observed between 5 and 43 mm. The average length of cystic duct is around 20 mm. The length and diameter of the common bile duct are 50-150 mm and 3-9 mm, respectively. The most frequently observed pattern of insertion of cystic duct into common hepatic duct is right lateral, rarely anterior, or posterior spiral insertion can present. The results of this study will provide a standard reference range which instead will help to differentiate the normal and pathological conditions.

Hypertriton Production in p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The study of nuclei and antinuclei production has proven to be a powerful tool to investigate the formation mechanism of loosely bound states in high-energy hadronic collisions. The first measurement of the production of _{Λ}^{3}H in p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV is presented in this Letter. Its production yield measured in the rapidity interval -1<y<0 for the 40% highest-multiplicity p-Pb collisions is dN/dy=[6.3±1.8(stat)±1.2(syst)]×10^{-7}. The measurement is compared with the expectations of statistical hadronization and coalescence models, which describe the nucleosynthesis in hadronic collisions. These two models predict very different yields of the hypertriton in charged particle multiplicity environments relevant to small collision systems such as p-Pb, and therefore the measurement of dN/dy is crucial to distinguish between them. The precision of this measurement leads to the exclusion with a significance larger than 6.9σ of some configurations of the statistical hadronization model, thus constraining the theory behind the production of loosely bound states at hadron colliders.

Correlation between dissolved oxygen level, antioxidants and oxidants in semen diluted with partially deoxygenated extender at various stages of cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

Dissolved oxygen (DO) in semen dilutor may lead to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and buffalo sperm may become more prone to deleterious effects of ROS due to the presence of high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in their membranes.

OBJECTIVE

To study the correlation between dissolved oxygen level, antioxidants and oxidants in semen diluted with partially deoxygenated extender at various stages of cryopreservation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Each semen sample was split into two aliquots viz., Aliquot I [diluted with Extender I (control: without deoxygenation)] and Aliquot II [diluted with Extender II: partially deoxygenated by liquid nitrogen (LN) flushing], which were diluted, filled in straws, cryopreserved and evaluated post-thaw.

RESULTS

The DO levels (P < 0.05) decreased significantly after LN flushing of the extender and they increased significantly (P < 0.05) in post-thaw semen. The progressive motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling response, acrosomal integrity, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in both control and treated semen after thawing. SOD and TAC were positively correlated in semen treated with normal extender at the pre-freeze stage; however, in semen treated with partially deoxygenated extender, no correlation was found between SOD and TAC at the pre-freeze stage. ROS and total TAC were negatively correlated in semen treated with partially deoxygenated extender at the pre-freeze stage; however, no correlation was found between ROS and TAC in control semen.

CONCLUSION

The partial deoxygenation of extender affects the correlation between sperm quality parameters, antioxidants, and oxidants during different stages of semen cryopreservation. doi.org/10.54680/fr22310110712.

Polarization of Λ and Λ[over ¯] Hyperons along the Beam Direction in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s]_{NN}=5.02 TeV

The polarization of the Λ and Λ[over ¯] hyperons along the beam (z) direction, P_{z}, has been measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV recorded with ALICE at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The main contribution to P_{z} comes from elliptic flow-induced vorticity and can be characterized by the second Fourier sine coefficient P_{z,s2}=⟨P_{z}sin(2φ-2Ψ_{2})⟩, where φ is the hyperon azimuthal emission angle and Ψ_{2} is the elliptic flow plane angle. We report the measurement of P_{z,s2} for different collision centralities and in the 30%-50% centrality interval as a function of the hyperon transverse momentum and rapidity. The P_{z,s2} is positive similarly as measured by the STAR Collaboration in Au-Au collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=200  GeV, with somewhat smaller amplitude in the semicentral collisions. This is the first experimental evidence of a nonzero hyperon P_{z} in Pb-Pb collisions at the LHC. The comparison of the measured P_{z,s2} with the hydrodynamic model calculations shows sensitivity to the competing contributions from thermal and the recently found shear-induced vorticity, as well as to whether the polarization is acquired at the quark-gluon plasma or the hadronic phase.

Variations in the branching pattern of tibial nerve in foot: a review of literature and relevant clinical anatomy

Considerable variations have been reported regarding the branching pattern of tibial nerve (TN) close to its termination in foot. In order to comprehend the clinical anatomy of heel pain awareness of all the possible variations in relation to terminal branching pattern of TN (close to the tarsal tunnel) is essential. The present study was conducted to undertake a comprehensive review of the variations in tibial nerve branches in foot with particular emphasis on the implications for sensory distribution of these branches. Articles were searched in major online indexed databases using relevant key words. The pattern of termination of TN was noted as either trifurcation or bifurcation. Bifurcation pattern was more commonly observed and is associated with the medial calcaneal nerve (MCN) either arising high or low relative to the tarsal tunnel. The most commonly noted type of bifurcation was proximal to malleolar-calcaneal axis but within the tarsal tunnel. Across all five types of bifurcation reported in literature the termination point of TN ranged from 3 cm proximal to 3 cm distal to malleolar-calcaneal axis and therefore the area beyond this region can be considered as safe zone for performing invasive procedures. MCN showed considerable variations in its origin both in trifurcation and bifurcation pattern pertaining to number of branches (one/two/three) at the point of origin. The origin of inferior calcaneal nerve (ICN) was observed to be relatively less variable as it mostly arose as a branch of lateral plantar nerve (LPN) and sometimes as a direct branch from TN before termination. The frequent variation of MCN in the tarsal tunnel should be kept in mind while undertaking decompression measures in medial ankle region.

1,3 Dialkylated Imidazolium Ionic Liquid Causes Interdigitated Domains in a Phospholipid Membrane

Amphiphilic imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) have proven their efficacy in altering the membrane integrity and dynamics. The present article investigates the phase-separated domains in a 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) membrane induced by 1,3 dialkylated imidazolium IL. Isotherm measurements on DPPC monolayers formed at the air-water interface have shown a decrease in the mean molecular area with the addition of this IL. The positive value of the excess Gibbs free energy of mixing indicates an unfavorable mixing of the IL into the lipid. This leads to IL-induced phase-separated domains in the multilayer of the lipid confirmed by the occurrence of two sets of equidistance peaks in the X-ray reflectivity data. The electron density profile along the surface normal obtained by the swelling method shows the bilayer thickness of the newly formed IL-rich phase to be substantially lower (∼34 Å) than the DPPC phase (∼45.8 Å). This IL-rich phase has been confirmed to be interdigitated, showing an enhanced electron density in the tail region due to the overlapping hydrocarbon chains. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements showed that the incorporation of IL enhances the fluidity of the lipid bilayer. Therefore, the study indicates the formation of an interdigitated phase with a lower order compared to the gel phase in the DPPC membrane supplemented with the IL.

Measurement of the Groomed Jet Radius and Momentum Splitting Fraction in pp and Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

This article presents groomed jet substructure measurements in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector. The soft drop grooming algorithm provides access to the hard parton splittings inside a jet by removing soft wide-angle radiation. We report the groomed jet momentum splitting fraction, z_{g}, and the (scaled) groomed jet radius, θ_{g}. Charged-particle jets are reconstructed at midrapidity using the anti-k_{T} algorithm with resolution parameters R=0.2 and R=0.4. In heavy-ion collisions, the large underlying event poses a challenge for the reconstruction of groomed jet observables, since fluctuations in the background can cause groomed parton splittings to be misidentified. By using strong grooming conditions to reduce this background, we report these observables fully corrected for detector effects and background fluctuations for the first time. A narrowing of the θ_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is seen, which provides direct evidence of the modification of the angular structure of jets in the quark-gluon plasma. No significant modification of the z_{g} distribution in Pb-Pb collisions compared to pp collisions is observed. These results are compared with a variety of theoretical models of jet quenching, and provide constraints on jet energy-loss mechanisms and coherence effects in the quark-gluon plasma.

Bioinspired micro/nano structured aluminum with multifaceted applications

Inspired by many biological systems such as lotus leaves, insect wings and rose petals, great attention has been devoted to the study and fabrication of artificial superhydrophobic surfaces with multiple functionalities. In the present study, a simple and ecological synthesis route has been employed for large scale fabrication of self-assembled, sustainable nanostructures on unprocessed and micro imprinted aluminum surfaces named 'Nano' and 'Hierarchy'. The processed samples show extreme wettability ranging from superhydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity depending on post-processing conditions. The densely packed ellipsoidal nanostructures exhibited superhydrophobicity with excellent water, bacterial and dust repellency when modified by low surface energy material 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (FOTES), characterized by a static contact angle of 163 ± 1° and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) ~3°. These coated surfaces show significant corrosion resistance with current density of 6 nA/cm² which is 40 times lower than unprocessed counterpart and retain chemical stability after prolonged immersion in corrosive media. These surfaces show excellent self-cleaning ability with significantly low water consumption (< 0.1 µl/mm²-mg) and prevent biofouling which ensures its applicability in biological environment and marine components. The nanostructured superhydrophilic aluminum shows maximum antibacterial activity due to disruption of cell membrane. This work can offer a simple strategy to large scale fabrication of multifunctional biomimetic metallic surfaces.

Measurement of Prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) Production in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of prompt D^{0}, Λ_{c}^{+}, and Σ_{c}^{0,++}(2455) charmed hadrons are measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV. This is the first measurement of Σ_{c}^{0,++} production in hadronic collisions. Assuming the same production yield for the three Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} isospin states, the baryon-to-meson cross section ratios Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}/D^{0} and Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} are calculated in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) intervals 2<p_{T}<12 and 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. Values significantly larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions are observed, indicating for the first time that baryon enhancement in hadronic collisions also extends to the Σ_{c}. The feed-down contribution to Λ_{c}^{+} production from Σ_{c}^{0,+,++} is also reported and is found to be larger than in e^{+}e^{-} collisions. The data are compared with predictions from event generators and other phenomenological models, providing a sensitive test of the different charm-hadronization mechanisms implemented in the models.

Cryoprotectant with a mitochondrial derived peptide, humanin, improves post-thaw quality of buffalo spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Semen cryopreservation results in deleterious effects on spermatozoa, including lipid peroxidation and a reduction in the total antioxidant components of seminal plasma. The ultimate outcome of these changes is a reduction in post-thaw semen quality. A mitochondrial derived peptide, humanin, a potent cytoprotective and antioxidant agent was used in the present study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of a mitochondrial-derived peptide, humanin to improve the post-thaw quality of buffalo spermatozoa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 ejaculates from three Murrah buffalo bulls (n=6 each) were collected. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots. The first aliquot was diluted with standard EYTG dilutor (Group I, control), whereas the other three aliquots were diluted with EYTG supplemented with 2 µM (Group II), 5 µM (Group III) and 10 µM humanin (Group IV), respectively. Semen was evaluated for physico-morphological and functional attributes such as progressive motility, viability, abnormality, acrosome integrity, plasmamembrane integrity of fresh samples, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. Oxidative stress parameters [lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] were also measured at the pre-freeze and post-thaw stages.

RESULTS

Humanin supplementation resulted in significantly higher (p < 0.05) post-thaw motility in all treatment groups and, higher (p < 0.05) viability in Groups III and IV in comparison to the control at the post-thaw stage. Spermatozoa with intact acrosome and plasma membrane were higher (p < 0.05) in Groups III and IV as compared to Groups I and II. The LPO levels at the post-thaw stage were found to be lower (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups versus the control group, whereas, higher (p≤0.05) TAC values were recorded in Groups III and IV in comparison to the control and Group II.

CONCLUSION

Humanin supplementation in the extender improved the freezabilty of buffalo spermatozoa.

Measurement of the Cross Sections of Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} Baryons and of the Branching-Fraction Ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+}) in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

The p_{T}-differential cross sections of prompt charm-strange baryons Ξ_{c}^{0} and Ξ_{c}^{+} were measured at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The Ξ_{c}^{0} baryon was reconstructed via both the semileptonic decay (Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e}) and the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}) channels. The Ξ_{c}^{+} baryon was reconstructed via the hadronic decay (Ξ^{-}π^{+}π^{+}) channel. The branching-fraction ratio BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}e^{+}ν_{e})/BR(Ξ_{c}^{0}→Ξ^{-}π^{+})=1.38±0.14(stat)±0.22(syst) was measured with a total uncertainty reduced by a factor of about 3 with respect to the current world average reported by the Particle Data Group. The transverse momentum (p_{T}) dependence of the Ξ_{c}^{0}- and Ξ_{c}^{+}-baryon production relative to the D^{0} meson and to the Σ_{c}^{0,+,++}- and Λ_{c}^{+}-baryon production are reported. The baryon-to-meson ratio increases toward low p_{T} up to a value of approximately 0.3. The measurements are compared with various models that take different hadronization mechanisms into consideration. The results provide stringent constraints to these theoretical calculations and additional evidence that different processes are involved in charm hadronization in electron-positron (e^{+}e^{-}) and hadronic collisions.

Partitioning of a Hybrid Lipid in Domains of Saturated and Unsaturated Lipids in a Model Cellular Membrane

The cellular membranes are composed of hundreds of components such as lipids, proteins, and sterols that are chemically and physically distinct from each other. The lipid-lipid and lipid-protein interactions form domains in this membrane, which play vital roles in membrane physiology. The hybrid lipids (HLs) with one saturated and one unsaturated chain can control the shape and size of these domains, ensuring the thermodynamic stability of a membrane. In this study, the thermodynamics of mixing of a HL and its structural effects on the phase separated domains in a model membrane composed of a saturated and an unsaturated lipid have been investigated. The HL is observed to mix into an unsaturated lipid reducing the Gibbs free energy, whereas the mixing is unfavorable in a saturated lipid. The presence of an HL in an unsaturated lipid tends to increase its area fraction, which is reflected in the enhanced correlation length across the bilayers in a multilayered sample. There is a feeble effect on the domain structure of the saturated lipid due to the presence of the HLs at the phase boundary. This study concludes that the HLs preferentially participate in the unsaturated lipid regions compared to that of a saturated lipid.

Self-Assembly of Graphene Oxide Nanoflakes in a Lipid Monolayer at the Air-Water Interface

The graphene family, especially graphene oxide (GO), has captured increasing prospects in the biomedical field due to its excellent physicochemical properties. Understanding the health and environmental impact of GO is of great importance for guiding future applications. Although their interactions with living organisms are omnipresent, the exact molecular mechanism is yet to be established. The cellular membrane is the first barrier for a foreign molecule to interact before entering into the cell. In the present study, a model system consisting of a lipid monolayer at the air-water interface represents one of the leaflets of this membrane. Surface pressure-area isotherms and advanced synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques have been employed to comprehend the interaction by varying the electrostatics of the membrane. The results depict a strong GO interaction with positively charged phospholipids, weak interaction with zwitterionic lipids, and interestingly negligible interaction with negatively charged lipids. GO flakes induce significant changes in the out-of-plane organization of a positively charged lipid monolayer with a minor influence on in-plane assembly of lipid chains. This interaction is packing-specific, and the influence of GO is much stronger at lower surface pressure. Even though for zwitterionic phospholipids, the GO flakes may partly insert into the lipid chains, the X-ray scattering results indicate that the flakes preferentially lie horizontally underneath the positively charged lipid monolayer. This in-depth structural description may pave new perspectives for the scientific community for the development of GO-based biosensors and biomedical materials.

Interaction of cyclotide Kalata B1 protein with model cellular membranes of varied electrostatics

A uni-molecular layer of lipids at air-water interface mimicking one of the leaflets of the cellular membrane provides a simple model to understand the interaction of any foreign molecules with the membrane. Here, the interactions of protein Kalata B1 (KB1) of cyclotide family with the phospholipids 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) sodium salt (DPPG), and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine chloride salt (DSEPC) have been investigated. The addition of KB1 induces a change in pressure of the lipid monolayers. The characteristic time of the change in pressure is found to be dependent on the electrostatic nature of the lipid. Even though the protein is weakly surface active, it is capable of modifying the phase behavior and elastic properties of lipid monolayers with differences in their strength and nature making the layers more floppy. The KB1-lipid interaction has been quantified by calculating the excess Gibb's free energy of interaction and the 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) binding studies. The interaction with zwitterionic DPPC and negatively charged DPPG lipids are found to be thermodynamically favorable whereas the protein shows a weaker response to positively charged DSEPC lipid. Therefore, the long ranged electrostatic is the initial driving force for the KB1 to recognize and subsequently attach to a cellular membrane. Thereafter, the hydrophobic region of the protein may penetrate into the hydrophobic core of the membrane via specific amino acid residues.

Morphometry and morphological analysis of carotico-clinoid foramen: an anatomical study with clinical implications

BACKGROUND

The dural fold between anterior and middle clinoid processes on mineralisation leads to the formation of caroticoclinoid foramen (CCF). Different morphology of this foramen presents with different clinical features. The present study reports the frequency of CCF in the population of Bihar, while providing an account of assimilated information from previous literature regarding the association of caroticoclinoid ligament ossification with age and human genetics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study was conducted on 100 adult dry human skulls of unknown age and sex, and 50 lateral view radiographs of the head.

RESULTS

Of the 100 dry skull bones, 9 presented with different forms of CCF. Bilateral complete foramina were noticed in 2 (2%) skull bones, while the incomplete foramina were observed bilaterally in 3 (3%) and unilaterally in 4 (4%) skulls. The lateral view radiograph data (n = 50) presented with a bilateral foramen in one subject and unilateral complete CCF in two different subjects. On measurements of the diameters of the complete CCF the mean values observed were 4.06 mm and 4.51 mm on the right side, while that on the left side were 5.15 mm and 4.14 mm. For the incomplete foramina, the mean values for the vertical diameter were 4.48 mm on the right and 4.19 mm on the left side, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of CCF in the present study population of Bihar was much lesser than that of previously studied populations. However, the variation in frequency of different morphological types of CCF was observed to be the same across populations. The variations in CCF's metric data could help in predicting the morphological changes it causes to the clinoidal segment of the internal carotid artery, as well as in distinguishing its varieties.

Λ_{c}^{+} Production and Baryon-to-Meson Ratios in pp and p-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV at the LHC

The prompt production of the charm baryon Λ_{c}^{+} and the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} production ratios were measured at midrapidity with the ALICE detector in pp and p-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. These new measurements show a clear decrease of the Λ_{c}^{+}/D^{0} ratio with increasing transverse momentum (p_{T}) in both collision systems in the range 2<p_{T}<12  GeV/c, exhibiting similarities with the light-flavor baryon-to-meson ratios p/π and Λ/K_{S}^{0}. At low p_{T}, predictions that include additional color-reconnection mechanisms beyond the leading-color approximation, assume the existence of additional higher-mass charm-baryon states, or include hadronization via coalescence can describe the data, while predictions driven by charm-quark fragmentation processes measured in e^{+}e^{-} and e^{-}p collisions significantly underestimate the data. The results presented in this Letter provide significant evidence that the established assumption of universality (colliding-system independence) of parton-to-hadron fragmentation is not sufficient to describe charm-baryon production in hadronic collisions at LHC energies.

Experimental Evidence for an Attractive p-ϕ Interaction

This Letter presents the first experimental evidence of the attractive strong interaction between a proton and a ϕ meson. The result is obtained from two-particle correlations of combined p-ϕ⊕ p[over ¯]-ϕ pairs measured in high-multiplicity pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV by the ALICE Collaboration. The spin-averaged scattering length and effective range of the p-ϕ interaction are extracted from the fully corrected correlation function employing the Lednický-Lyuboshits approach. In particular, the imaginary part of the scattering length vanishes within uncertainties, indicating that inelastic processes do not play a prominent role for the p-ϕ interaction. These data demonstrate that the interaction is dominated by elastic p-ϕ scattering. Furthermore, an analysis employing phenomenological Gaussian- and Yukawa-type potentials is conducted. Under the assumption of the latter, the N-ϕ coupling constant is found to be g_{N-ϕ}=0.14±0.03(stat)±0.02(syst). This work provides valuable experimental input to accomplish a self-consistent description of the N-ϕ interaction, which is particularly relevant for the more fundamental studies on partial restoration of chiral symmetry in nuclear medium.

Adrenal Myelolipoma Mimics Ectopic Adrenal or Renal Tissue: An Incidental Finding During Cadaveric Dissection

Context

On naked eye examination adrenal myelolipoma (AML) tissue appears to be an ectopic adrenal or renal tissue, based on the similarity to their external texture. This necessitates a histo-pathological study for confirming the origin of the tissue.

Objective

To establish the origin and histological features of the incidental AML tissue found during cadaveric dissection and review the literature for similar findings with clinical picture and treatment description.

Subjects and Methods

Unilateral adrenal gland obtained from cadaveric dissection was subjected to histological study by H & E staining of the slides prepared. The literature review was done from articles published in PubMed indexed journals.

Case report

A case of an incidental finding of AML during cadaveric dissection is presented which on naked eye examination was appearing to be an ectopic adrenal or renal tissue, based on the similarity to their external texture. On histological examination, a thin rim of adrenocortical tissue, surrounding the mature adipose tissue, and attenuated by islets of myeloid, erythroid and megakaryocytic cell lines in varying proportions, resembling the mature bone marrow morphology, was observed. The literature review on PubMed explains similar incidental post-mortem autopsy findings due to the asymptomatic nature of the tumor. The incidence of AML varied between 0.08% and 0.2% in the last decade of the 20^th century, which increased up to 10 - 15% of incidental adrenal masses due to the widespread use of non-invasive imaging modalities leading to an increase in the diagnosis of the pathology.

Conclusions

Before considering the ectopic incidence of tissue during cadaveric dissection, a histo-pathological examination is mandatory for confirmation. Adreno-myelolipoma is an asymptomatic post-mortem finding in 10-15% of cases of adrenal tissue which mimics ectopic adrenal gland or renal tissue due to its external texture.

AFCNNet: Automated detection of AF using chirplet transform and deep convolutional bidirectional long short term memory network with ECG signals

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common type of cardiac arrhythmia and is characterized by the heart's beating in an uncoordinated manner. In clinical studies, patients often do not have visible symptoms during AF, and hence it is harder to detect this cardiac ailment. Therefore, automated detection of AF using the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals can reduce the risk of stroke, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular complications. In this paper, a novel time-frequency domain deep learning-based approach is proposed to detect AF and classify terminating and non-terminating AF episodes using ECG signals. This approach involves evaluating the time-frequency representation (TFR) of ECG signals using the chirplet transform. The two-dimensional (2D) deep convolutional bidirectional long short-term memory (BLSTM) neural network model is used to detect and classify AF episodes using the time-frequency images of ECG signals. The proposed TFR based 2D deep learning approach is evaluated using the ECG signals from three public databases. Our developed approach has obtained an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 99.18% (Confidence interval (CI) as [98.86, 99.49]), 99.17% (CI as [98.85 99.49]), and 99.18% (CI as [98.86 99.49]), respectively, with 10-fold cross-validation (CV) technique to detect AF automatically. The proposed approach also classified terminating and non-terminating AF episodes with an average accuracy of 75.86%. The average accuracy value obtained using the proposed approach is higher than the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), discrete-time continuous wavelet transform (DT-CWT), and Stockwell transform (ST) based time-frequency analysis methods with deep convolutional BLSTM models to detect AF. The proposed approach has better AF detection performance than the existing deep learning-based techniques using ECG signals from the MIT-BIH database.

Multiharmonic Correlations of Different Flow Amplitudes in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=2.76 TeV

The event-by-event correlations between three flow amplitudes are measured for the first time in Pb-Pb collisions, using higher-order symmetric cumulants. We find that different three-harmonic correlations develop during the collective evolution of the medium when compared to correlations that exist in the initial state. These new results cannot be interpreted in terms of previous lower-order flow measurements since contributions from two-harmonic correlations are explicitly removed in the new observables. A comparison to Monte Carlo simulations provides new and independent constraints for the initial conditions and system properties of nuclear matter created in heavy-ion collisions.

Soft-Dielectron Excess in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

A measurement of dielectron production in proton-proton (pp) collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC, is presented in this Letter. The data set was recorded with a reduced magnetic solenoid field. This enables the investigation of a kinematic domain at low dielectron (ee) invariant mass m_{ee} and pair transverse momentum p_{T,ee} that was previously inaccessible at the LHC. The cross section for dielectron production is studied as a function of m_{ee}, p_{T,ee}, and event multiplicity dN_{ch}/dη. The expected dielectron rate from hadron decays, called hadronic cocktail, utilizes a parametrization of the measured η/π^{0} ratio in pp and proton-nucleus collisions, assuming that this ratio shows no strong dependence on collision energy at low transverse momentum. Comparison of the measured dielectron yield to the hadronic cocktail at 0.15<m_{ee}<0.6  GeV/c^{2} and for p_{T,ee}<0.4  GeV/c indicates an enhancement of soft dielectrons, reminiscent of the "anomalous" soft-photon and soft-dilepton excess in hadron-hadron collisions reported by several experiments under different experimental conditions. The enhancement factor over the hadronic cocktail amounts to 1.61±0.13(stat)±0.17(syst,data)±0.34(syst,cocktail) in the ALICE acceptance. Acceptance-corrected excess spectra in m_{ee} and p_{T,ee} are extracted and compared with calculations of dielectron production from hadronic bremsstrahlung and thermal radiation within a hadronic many-body approach.

Evolution of the fabric of cardiovascular science: Saga of an enduring process of refinement

BACKGROUND

The core elements of cardiovascular science have been established by scholarly pursuits of numerous scientists across centuries. In this article, we have tried to trace the evolutionary journey of cardiovascular science from a rudimentary form in ancient period to a robust scientific discipline in modern times.

METHODS

A literature search of relevant, peer-reviewed, published articles was undertaken from indexed databases (Medline & Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and Google Scholar).

RESULTS

Cardiovascular science has its roots in antiquity, when Greek scholars mostly relied on philosophical thoughts and ancient texts. This was followed by addition of few structural details to the theory of circulation by Galen based on animal dissection. Arab scholar Ibn al-Nafis provided new insights regarding circulation pathway in humans. Nevertheless, an erroneous concept prevailed into the onset of European Renaissance. Even with legalization of human dissection, little headway could be made till sixteenth century due to persistent reliance of anatomists on ancient Galenic principles. During seventeenth century, the circulatory pathway (as we know it today) was established due to significant contributions from scholars like Harvey and Malpighi. Their efforts were based on findings from experiments and logical conclusions. Eighteenth century witnessed the emergence of autopsy based methods which led to valuable contributions from Vieussens, Thebesius, Morgagni and Hunter regarding normal and pathologic anatomy of cardiovascular system. With structural details mostly established, researchers during nineteenth century focussed on innovations in diagnostic methods based on human experiments. Further development of advanced human experiment models during twentieth century led to emergence of contemporary treatment methods for various cardiac conditions. In the twenty-first century, cardiovascular science is undergoing comprehensive progress at an exponential rate due to technological advances.

CONCLUSION

The evolutionary journey of cardiovascular science as a discipline across centuries has been intriguing and eventful.

Automated accurate emotion recognition system using rhythm-specific deep convolutional neural network technique with multi-channel EEG signals

Emotion is interpreted as a psycho-physiological process, and it is associated with personality, behavior, motivation, and character of a person. The objective of affective computing is to recognize different types of emotions for human-computer interaction (HCI) applications. The spatiotemporal brain electrical activity is measured using multi-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Automated emotion recognition using multi-channel EEG signals is an exciting research topic in cognitive neuroscience and affective computing. This paper proposes the rhythm-specific multi-channel convolutional neural network (CNN) based approach for automated emotion recognition using multi-channel EEG signals. The delta (δ), theta (θ), alpha (α), beta (β), and gamma (γ) rhythms of EEG signal for each channel are evaluated using band-pass filters. The EEG rhythms from the selected channels coupled with deep CNN are used for emotion classification tasks such as low-valence (LV) vs. high valence (HV), low-arousal (LA) vs. high-arousal (HA), and low-dominance (LD) vs. high dominance (HD) respectively. The deep CNN architecture considered in the proposed work has eight convolutions, three average pooling, four batch-normalization, three spatial drop-outs, two drop-outs, one global average pooling and, three dense layers. We have validated our developed model using three publicly available databases: DEAP, DREAMER, and DASPS. The results reveal that the proposed multivariate deep CNN approach coupled with β-rhythm has obtained the accuracy values of 98.91%, 98.45%, and 98.69% for LV vs. HV, LA vs. HA, and LD vs. HD emotion classification strategies, respectively using DEAP database with 10-fold cross-validation (CV) scheme. Similarly, the accuracy values of 98.56%, 98.82%, and 98.99% are obtained for LV vs. HV, LA vs. HA, and LD vs. HD classification schemes, respectively, using deep CNN and θ-rhythm. The proposed multi-channel rhythm-specific deep CNN classification model has obtained the average accuracy value of 57.14% using α-rhythm and trial-specific CV using DASPS database. Moreover, for 8-quadrant based emotion classification strategy, the deep CNN based classifier has obtained an overall accuracy value of 24.37% using γ-rhythms of multi-channel EEG signals. Our developed deep CNN model can be used for real-time automated emotion recognition applications.

Chiral singlet superconductivity in the weakly correlated metal LaPt3P

Chiral superconductors are novel topological materials with finite angular momentum Cooper pairs circulating around a unique chiral axis, thereby spontaneously breaking time-reversal symmetry. They are rather scarce and usually feature triplet pairing: a canonical example is the chiral p-wave state realized in the A-phase of superfluid He³. Chiral triplet superconductors are, however, topologically fragile with the corresponding gapless boundary modes only weakly protected against symmetry-preserving perturbations in contrast to their singlet counterparts. Using muon spin relaxation measurements, here we report that the weakly correlated pnictide compound LaPt₃P has the two key features of a chiral superconductor: spontaneous magnetic fields inside the superconducting state indicating broken time-reversal symmetry and low temperature linear behaviour in the superfluid density indicating line nodes in the order parameter. Using symmetry analysis, first principles band structure calculation and mean-field theory, we unambiguously establish that the superconducting ground state of LaPt₃P is a chiral d-wave singlet.

Elliptic Flow of Electrons from Beauty-Hadron Decays in Pb-Pb Collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02 TeV

The elliptic flow of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity (|y|<0.8) is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The azimuthal distribution of the particles produced in the collisions can be parametrized with a Fourier expansion, in which the second harmonic coefficient represents the elliptic flow, v_{2}. The v_{2} coefficient of electrons from beauty hadron decays is measured for the first time in the transverse momentum (p_{T}) range 1.3-6  GeV/c in the centrality class 30%-50%. The measurement of electrons from beauty-hadron decays exploits their larger mean proper decay length cτ≈500  μm compared to that of charm hadrons and most of the other background sources. The v_{2} of electrons from beauty hadron decays at midrapidity is found to be positive with a significance of 3.75  σ. The results provide insights into the degree of thermalization of beauty quarks in the medium. A model assuming full thermalization of beauty quarks is strongly disfavored by the measurement at high p_{T}, but is in agreement with the results at low p_{T}. Transport models including substantial interactions of beauty quarks with an expanding strongly interacting medium describe the measurement within uncertainties.

Cosmic ray flux and lockdown due to COVID-19 in Kolkata - Any correlation?

Cosmic ray muon flux is measured by the coincidence technique using plastic scintillation detectors in the High Energy Physics Detector Laboratory at Bose Institute, Kolkata. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and nationwide complete lockdown, the laboratory was closed from the end of March 2020 till the end of May 2020. After lockdown, although the city is not in its normal state, we still were able to take data on some days. The lockdown imposed a strict restriction on the transport service other than the emergency ones and also most of the industries were shut down in and around the city. This lockdown has significant effect on the atmospheric conditions in terms of change in the concentration of air pollutants. We have measured the cosmic ray flux before and after the lockdown to observe the apparent change if any, due to change in the atmospheric conditions. In this article, we report the measured cosmic ray flux at Kolkata (22.58∘ N 88.42∘ E and 11 m above the Sea Level) along with the major air pollutants present in the atmosphere before and after the lockdown.

Effect of Mito-TEMPO Incorporated Semen Extender on Physico-morphological Attributes and Functional Membrane Integrity of Frozen Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND

Sperm mitochondria are the major site of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and excess production during freezing-thawing process inflicts oxidative damages to spermatozoa. Buffalo spermatozoa are more prone to oxidative damage due to inherently more polyunsaturated fatty acids and low cholesterol to phospholipids ratio in the plasma membrane. A mitochondrial targeted antioxidant, Mito-TEMPO was used in this study.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender on the post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 ejaculates from three murrah buffalo bulls with ≥70% individual progressive motility were utilized for the study. Each semen sample was equally divided and extended with five groups: Group I (Control, without Mito-TEMPO addition); Group II (10 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group III (50 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group IV (100 µM Mito-TEMPO); Group V (500 µM Mito-TEMPO) to have 80×10⁶ progressive motile sperm/mL of extender, filled and sealed in French mini straws (0.25 mL) and frozen following equilibration. The effect of Mito-TEMPO was assessed at fresh/post-dilution and post-thaw stages by evaluating physico-morphological attributes and functional membrane integrity such as hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST).

RESULTS

Initial progressive motility, viability, acrosomal integrity and HOS response was significantly (p<0.05) improved and sperm abnormality was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in extended semen with Mito-TEMPO (50 µM) compared to control at post-thaw stage, although improvement was also observed at 10 and 100 µM in post-thaw samples.

CONCLUSION

Mito-TEMPO incorporated semen extender at 50 µM concentration, could be part of a rationale for improving post-thaw semen quality in buffalo.

Ionic Liquid-Induced Phase-Separated Domains in Lipid Multilayers Probed by X-ray Scattering Studies

A cellular membrane, primarily a lipid bilayer, surrounds the internal components of a biological cell from the external components. This self-assembled bilayer is known to be perturbed by ionic liquids (ILs) causing malfunctioning of a cellular organism. In the present study, surface-sensitive X-ray scattering techniques have been employed to understand this structural perturbation in a lipid multilayer system formed by a zwitterionic phospholipid, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine. The ammonium and phosphonium-based ILs with methanesulfonate anions are observed to induce phase-separated domains in the plane of a bilayer. The lamellar X-ray diffraction peaks suggest these domains to correlate across the bilayers in a smectic liquid crystalline phase. This induced IL-rich lamellar phase has a very low lamellar repeat distance, suggesting the formation of an interdigitated bilayer. The IL-poor phase closely related to the pristine lipid phase shows a decrement in the in-plane chain lattice parameters with a reduced tilt angle. The ammonium and phosphonium-based ILs with a relatively bulky anion, p-toluenemethanesulfonate, have shown a similar effect.

Effect of Cryopreservation on Semen Quality Parameters in Relation to Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Profile in Indian Buffalo

BACKGROUND

Lipid peroxidation (LPO) due to oxidative stress leads to structural and functional changes in spermatozoa.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate any association of various seminal characteristics at the pre- and post-cryopreservation stages with LPO and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Murrah buffalo semen samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five ejaculates from seven bulls were processed for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen.

RESULTS

Only 31 (47.7%) samples were found satisfactory for inclusion in the further artificial insemination. A strong negative correlation was observed between LPO and individual progressive motility, TAC, viability, plasma membrane integrity as well as acrosome integrity of fresh spermatozoa. At the post-thaw stage, post-thaw motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity had strong positive correlation with TAC.

CONCLUSION

The effort to minimize LPO and enhance TAC shall play a pivotal role in improving buffalo semen quality upon cryopreservation.

Enhanced Microscopic Dynamics of a Liver Lipid Membrane in the Presence of an Ionic Liquid

Ionic liquids (ILs) are an important class of emerging compounds, owing to their widespread industrial applications in high-performance lubricants for food and cellulose processing, despite their toxicity to living organisms. It is believed that this toxicity is related to their actions on the cellular membrane. Hence, it is vital to understand the interaction of ILs with cell membranes. Here, we report on the effects of an imidazolium-based IL, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (DMIM[BF4]), on the microscopic dynamics of a membrane formed by liver extract lipid, using quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS). The presence of significant quasielastic broadening indicates that stochastic molecular motions of the lipids are active in the system. Two distinct molecular motions, (i) lateral motion of the lipid within the membrane leaflet and (ii) localized internal motions of the lipid, are found to contribute to the QENS broadening. While the lateral motion could be described assuming continuous diffusion, the internal motion is explained on the basis of localized translational diffusion. Incorporation of the IL into the liver lipid membrane is found to enhance the membrane dynamics by accelerating both lateral and internal motions of the lipids. This indicates that the IL induces disorder in the membrane and enhances the fluidity of lipids. This could be explained on the basis of its location in the lipid membrane. Results are compared with various other additives and we provide an indication of a possible correlation between the effects of guest molecules on the dynamics of the membrane and its location within the membrane.

Rheological properties of synovial fluid due to viscosupplements: A review for osteoarthritis remedy

The synovial fluid is a transparent electrolyte solution included in joints to provide lubrication helping the proper movement. It exhibits complex rheological properties due to the interaction among its constituents i.e. hyaluronic acid, albumin, lubricin and phospholipids. In degenerative osteoarthritis and inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis diseases, the quantity of synovial fluid and lubrication efficiency significantly deteriorates. In that case, viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid may be prescribed to replenish the concentration, the molecular weight and the rheological properties of natural synovial fluid. The present review concentrates on the recent advancements in viscosupplementation with emphasis into their rheological properties, its effects on the rheological behavior of synovial fluid, and finally its clinical effectiveness. Initially, the properties of synovial fluid are summarized, and then a discussion on commercial viscosupplements, the role of polymeric properties and their rheological properties are reviewed. Moreover, a detailed discussion on the clinical effectiveness and challenges of viscosupplements are provided.

Measurement of the Low-Energy Antideuteron Inelastic Cross Section

In this Letter, we report the first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions at low particle momenta, covering a range of 0.3≤p<4  GeV/c. The measurement is carried out using p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon-nucleon pair of sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV, recorded with the ALICE detector at the CERN LHC and utilizing the detector material as an absorber for antideuterons and antiprotons. The extracted raw primary antiparticle-to-particle ratios are compared to the results from detailed ALICE simulations based on the geant4 toolkit for the propagation of (anti)particles through the detector material. The analysis of the raw primary (anti)proton spectra serves as a benchmark for this study, since their hadronic interaction cross sections are well constrained experimentally. The first measurement of the inelastic cross section for antideuteron-nucleus interactions averaged over the ALICE detector material with atomic mass numbers ⟨A⟩=17.4 and 31.8 is obtained. The measured inelastic cross section points to a possible excess with respect to the Glauber model parametrization used in geant4 in the lowest momentum interval of 0.3≤p<0.47  GeV/c up to a factor 2.1. This result is relevant for the understanding of antimatter propagation and the contributions to antinuclei production from cosmic ray interactions within the interstellar medium. In addition, the momentum range covered by this measurement is of particular importance to evaluate signal predictions for indirect dark-matter searches.

Exploring the role of E.coli derived enzyme, Oxyrase, as an oxygen scavenger to improve the cryotolerance of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bull

The current study intended to optimize the concentration of Oxyrase in the semen dilutor and to evaluate its effect on freezability of spermatozoa of Sahiwal bulls. Supplementation of Oxyrase at 0.125 IU/mL concentration significantly reduced dissolved oxygen (DO) in the dilutor to 4 ppm in 16-18 min at 35 °C. For supplementation studies, a total of 24 ejaculates were categorized into poor and good ejaculates categories (n = 12 each) based on their initial progressive motility. Each ejaculate was further divided into two aliquotes. The first aliquote was diluted with tris-egg yolk extender without Oxyrase (control group) whereas, in the treatment group, Oxyrase was supplemented at the concentration of 0.125 IU/mL of extender. The parameters evaluated include cholesterol and plasma membrane phospholipids (PMP) at fresh, while IPM, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, cholesterol, PMP and oxidative stress parameters like lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated at pre-freeze and post-thaw stages. The IPM and acrosomal intactness were higher (p < 0.05) in treatment group at post-thaw stage in good ejaculates. Oxyrase supplementation resulted in lower (p < 0.05) cholesterol leakage in both categories and lower (p < 0.05) LPO in good ejaculates at post-thaw stage. No statistical difference in ROS was observed between control and treatment groups at all stages whereas, level of TAC was higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group compared to control group at post-thaw stage of both categories. Therefore, Oxyrase as an oxygen scavenging agent could preserve the post-thaw quality of Sahiwal bull spermatozoa.