Measurement of the Bottom-Strange Meson Mixing Phase in the Full CDF Data Set

We report a measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase \beta_s using the time evolution of B0_s -> J/\psi (->\mu+\mu-) \phi (-> K+ K-) decays in which the quark-flavor content of the bottom-strange meson is identified at production. This measurement uses the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt(s)= 1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron, corresponding to 9.6 fb-1 of integrated luminosity. We report confidence regions in the two-dimensional space of \beta_s and the B0_s decay-width difference \Delta\Gamma_s, and measure \beta_s in [-\pi/2, -1.51] U [-0.06, 0.30] U [1.26, \pi/2] at the 68% confidence level, in agreement with the standard model expectation. Assuming the standard model value of \beta_s, we also determine \Delta\Gamma_s = 0.068 +- 0.026 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps-1 and the mean B0_s lifetime, \tau_s = 1.528 +- 0.019 (stat) +- 0.009 (syst) ps, which are consistent and competitive with determinations by other experiments.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figures, Phys. Rev. Lett 109, 171802 (2012

Endocannabinoid Regulation of Acute and Protracted Nicotine Withdrawal: Effect of FAAH Inhibition

Evidence shows that the endocannabinoid system modulates the addictive properties of nicotine. In the present study, we hypothesized that spontaneous withdrawal resulting from removal of chronically implanted transdermal nicotine patches is regulated by the endocannabinoid system. A 7-day nicotine dependence procedure (5.2 mg/rat/day) elicited occurrence of reliable nicotine abstinence symptoms in Wistar rats. Somatic and affective withdrawal signs were observed at 16 and 34 hours following removal of nicotine patches, respectively. Further behavioral manifestations including decrease in locomotor activity and increased weight gain also occurred during withdrawal. Expression of spontaneous nicotine withdrawal was accompanied by fluctuation in levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA) in several brain structures including the amygdala, the hippocampus, the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex. Conversely, levels of 2-arachidonoyl-sn-glycerol were not significantly altered. Pharmacological inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for the intracellular degradation of AEA, by URB597 (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg, i.p.), reduced withdrawal-induced anxiety as assessed by the elevated plus maze test and the shock-probe defensive burying paradigm, but did not prevent the occurrence of somatic signs. Together, the results indicate that pharmacological strategies aimed at enhancing endocannabinoid signaling may offer therapeutic advantages to treat the negative affective state produced by nicotine withdrawal, which is critical for the maintenance of tobacco use

Are we working towards global research priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles?

This is the final version. Available from Inter Research via the DOI in this recordThere is another ORE record for this publication: http://hdl.handle.net/10871/24817In 2010, an international group of 35 sea turtle researchers refined an initial list of more than 200 research questions into 20 metaquestions that were considered key for management and conservation of sea turtles. These were classified under 5 categories: reproductive biology, biogeography, population ecology, threats and conservation strategies. To obtain a picture of how research is being focused towards these key questions, we undertook a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature (2014 and 2015) attributing papers to the original 20 questions. In total, we reviewed 605 articles in full and from these 355 (59%) were judged to substantively address the 20 key questions, with others focusing on basic science and monitoring that may lead to innovations or inform subsequent interpretation of effectiveness of conservation interventions and/or severity of threats. Progress to answering the 20 questions was not uniform and there were biases regarding focal turtle species, geographic scope and publication outlet. Whilst it offers some meaningful indications as to effort, quantifying peer-reviewed literature output is obviously not the only, and possibly not the best, metric for understanding research progress towards informing key conservation and management goals. Along with the literature review, an international group based on the original project consortium, with additional members, were assigned in groups of two or three (based on core expertise) to critically summarise recent progress towards answering each of the 20 questions. We found that significant research is being expended towards global priorities for management and conservation of sea turtles. Although highly variable, there has been significant progress in all the key questions identified in 2010. Undertaking this critical review has highlighted that it may be timely to undertake one or more new prioritizing exercises. For this to have maximal benefit we make a range of recommendations for its execution. These include a far greater engagement with social sciences, widening the pool of contributors and focussing the questions, perhaps disaggregating ecology and conservation.K.R.W-S is supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. DGE-125252

Optimism for mitigation of climate warming impacts for sea turtles through nest shading and relocation

Increasing incubation temperatures may threaten the viability of sea turtle populations. We explored opportunities for decreasing incubation temperatures at a Caribbean rookery with extreme female-biased hatchling production. To investigate the effect of artificial shading, temperatures were measured under simple materials (white sheet, white sand, palm leaves). To test natural drivers of incubation temperature, temperatures were measured at average nest depths with shading on two beaches. Results from a pilot experiment suggest the most effective material was palm leaves. Shading decreased temperatures by a mean of 0.60 °C (SE = 0.10 °C, N = 20). Variation between beaches averaged 1.88 °C (SE = 0.13 °C, N = 20). We used long-term rookery data combined with experimental data to estimate the effect on sex ratio: relocation and shading could shift ratios from current ranges (97-100% female) to 60-90% female. A conservation mitigation matrix summarises our evidence that artificial shading and nest relocation are effective conservation strategies to mitigate impacts of climate warming for sea turtles

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in depressed patients with suicidal behavior: a systematic review /

Background: Inflammatory biomarkers are reportedly increased in depressed patients. Several studies have been conducted using neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR). The objective of this systematic review was to study the relationship between these peripheral biomarkers and suicidality in depressed patients with/without suicidal behavior, including suicide attempts and ideation, and healthy controls. Methods: We searched the following relevant terms in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases published in the last five years. We ssessed the methodological quality of included studies using the Oxford criteria and reviewed the evidence following PRISMA guidelines. Results: Eleven studies were retained for the data synthesis, with a total sample of 1,701 participants, of which the majority (819) were patients with depression and suicidal behavior, 494 were depressed patients without suicidal behavior, and only 388 were healthy participants. Our results reinforce the idea that NLR could be an attractive, convenient, and cost-ffective trait marker of suicidal vulnerability in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Conclusion: Future large-scale replication studies are needed to examine the apparently understudied role of PLR and MLR in depressed patients in greater depth

The impact of plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D on pulmonary function and exercise physiology in cystic fibrosis: a multicentre retrospective study

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Wiley via the DOI in this recordBackground 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) may exert immunomodulatory effects on respiratory health, which may translate to improvements in exercise physiology. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether plasma 25OHD is associated with lung function and aerobic fitness in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Methods A multi‐centre retrospective review of pwCF (>9 years old) attending the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (Edinburgh) or Wessex CF‐Unit (Southampton) was performed between July 2017 to October 2019. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Plasma 25OHD measured closest in time to clinical cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and/or spirometry (forced expiratory volume FEV1% predicted) was recorded. Pancreatic insufficiency was diagnosed based on faecal elastase of <100 µg/g. We performed multiple‐regression analysis with aerobic fitness outcomes [peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak)] and FEV1% predicted as primary outcomes. Results Ninety pwCF [mean±SD age: 19.1±8.6 years, 54 (60%) children, 48 (53%) males and 88 (98%) Caucasian] were included. 25OHD deficiency and insufficiency was 15 (17%) and 44 (49%) respectively. 25OHD deficiency and insufficiency was significantly associated with pancreatic insufficiency (χ2(4.8); p = 0.02). Plasma 25OHD was not significantly associated with FEV1% predicted [R2 = 0.06; p= 0.42; 95%; CI (‐0.09 ‐ 0.19)] or VO2peak [R2= 0.04; p= 0.07; 95% CI (‐011 ‐ 0.005)] in all pwCF. However, 25OHD was significantly associated with both FEV1% [R2= 0.15; p= 0.02; 95% CI (1.99 ‐ 2.64)] and VO2peak [R2= 0.13; p= 0.05; 95% CI (‐0.26 – (‐0.005)] in the paediatric cohort. Conclusion We showed that 25OHD is associated with improved lung function and aerobic fitness in children and adolescents with CF. Mechanistic and high‐quality prospective studies including both lung function and aerobic fitness as primary outcomes are now warranted.NHS Lothian Research and Development Offic

EpCAM and microvascular obstruction in patients with STEMI: a cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study was funded by “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” and “Fondos Europeos de Desarrollo Regional FEDER” Bachground. Microvascular obstruction (MVO) is negatively associated with cardiac structure and worse prognosis after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), involved in endothelium adhesion, is an understudied area in the MVO setting. Purpose. We aimed to evaluate whether EpCAM is associated with the appearance of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived MVO and long-term systolic function in reperfused STEMI. Methods. We prospectively included 106 patients with a first STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention, quantifying serum levels of EpCAM 24 hours post-reperfusion. All patients underwent CMR imaging 1 week and 6 months post-STEMI. The independent correlation of EpCAM with MVO, systolic volume indices, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated. Results. The mean age of the sample was 59 ± 13 years and 76% were male. Patients were dichotomized according to EpCAM median (4.48 pg/mL). At 1-week CMR, lower EpCAM was related to extensive MVO (p-value = 0.02) and greater infarct size (p-value = 0.02). At presentation, only EpCAM values were significantly associated with the presence of MVO in univariate (Odds Ratio [95% confidence interval] (OR [95% CI]): 0.58 [0.38-0.88], p-value = 0.01) and multivariate logistic regression models (OR [95% CI]: 0.54 [0.34-0.85], p-value = 0.007). Although MVO tends to resolve at chronic phases, decreased EpCAM was associated with worse systolic function: depressed LVEF (p-value = 0.009) and higher left ventricular end-systolic volume (p-value = 0.04). Conclusions. EpCAM is associated with occurrence of CMR-derived MVO at acute phases and long-term adverse ventricular remodeling post-STEMI. Future studies are needed to confirm EpCAM as biomarker, and eventually biotarget in STEMI pathophysiology. </jats:sec

Gut modulatory effects of Daphne oleoides are mediated through cholinergic and Ca++ antagonist mechanisms.

Context: The present study describes the spasmogenic and spasmolytic activities of Daphne oleoides Schreb. (Thymelaeaceae), exploring the possible underlying pharmacological mechanisms. Aim: Pharmacological investigation of Daphne oleoides to provide evidence for its therapeutic application in gastrointestinal motility disorders. Materials And Methods: Methanol crude extract of Daphne oleoides (Do.Cr) was studied in gastrointestinal isolated tissues. Results: In spontaneously contracting rabbit jejunum preparations, Do.Cr at 0.3-3.0 mg/mL caused moderate stimulation, followed by relaxant effect at the next higher concentrations (5.0-10mg/mL). In presence of atropine, spasmogenic effect was blocked and the relaxation was emerged, suggesting that the spasmogenic effect of Daphne oleoides is mediated through activation of muscarinic receptors. When tested against the high K+ (80mM)-induced contractions, Do.Cr (0.3-5.0mg/mL), like verapamil, inhibited the induced contractions, suggesting Ca++ channel blockade (CCB) effect. The CCB effect was further confirmed when pre-treatment of the tissue with Do.Cr shifted the Ca++ concentration-response curves to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. DISCUSSION and Conclusion: These results indicate that Daphne oleoides exhibits gut excitatory and inhibitory effects, occurred via cholinergic and Ca++ antagonistic pathways, respectively