Anomalous spin precession systematic effects in the search for a muon EDM using the frozen-spin technique.

At the Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), we are developing a high-precision apparatus with the aim of searching for the muon electric dipole moment (EDM) with unprecedented sensitivity. The underpinning principle of this experiment is the frozen-spin technique, a method that suppresses the spin precession due to the anomalous magnetic moment, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio for EDM signals. This increased sensitivity enables measurements that would be difficult to achieve with conventional g-2 muon storage rings. Given the availability of the 125MeV/c muon beam at PSI, the anticipated statistical sensitivity for the EDM after a year of data collection is 6×10-23e·cm. To achieve this goal, it is imperative to do a detailed analysis of any potential spurious effects that could mimic EDM signals. In this study, we present a quantitative methodology to evaluate the systematic effects that might arise in the context of the frozen-spin technique utilised within a compact storage ring. Our approach involves the analytical derivation of equations governing the motion of the muon spin in the electromagnetic (EM) fields intrinsic to the experimental setup, validated through numerical simulations. We also illustrate a method to calculate the cumulative geometric (Berry's) phase. This work complements ongoing experimental efforts to detect a muon EDM at PSI and contributes to a broader understanding of spin-precession systematic effects.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.20 ppm.

We present a new measurement of the positive muon magnetic anomaly, a_{µ}≡(g_{µ}-2)/2, from the Fermilab Muon g-2 Experiment using data collected in 2019 and 2020. We have analyzed more than 4 times the number of positrons from muon decay than in our previous result from 2018 data. The systematic error is reduced by more than a factor of 2 due to better running conditions, a more stable beam, and improved knowledge of the magnetic field weighted by the muon distribution, ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, and of the anomalous precession frequency corrected for beam dynamics effects, ω_{a}. From the ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with precisely determined external parameters, we determine a_{µ}=116 592 057(25)×10^{-11} (0.21 ppm). Combining this result with our previous result from the 2018 data, we obtain a_{µ}(FNAL)=116 592 055(24)×10^{-11} (0.20 ppm). The new experimental world average is a_{µ}(exp)=116 592 059(22)×10^{-11} (0.19 ppm), which represents a factor of 2 improvement in precision.

Coronavirus peplomer interaction.

By virtue of their lack of motility, viruses rely entirely on their own temperature (Brownian motion) to position themselves properly for cell attachment. Spiked viruses use one or more spikes (called peplomers) to attach. The coronavirus uses adjacent peplomer pairs. These peplomers, identically charged, repel one another over the surface of their convex capsids to form beautiful polyhedra. We identify the edges of these polyhedra with the most important peplomer hydrodynamic interactions. These convex capsids may or may not be spherical, and their peplomer population declines with infection time. These peplomers are short, equidimensional, and bulbous with triangular bulbs. In this short paper, we explore the interactions between nearby peplomer bulbs. By interactions, we mean the hydrodynamic interferences between the velocity profiles caused by the drag of the suspending fluid when the virus rotates. We find that these peplomer hydrodynamic interactions raise rotational diffusivity of the virus, and thus affect its ability to infect.

A Deadly Herbicide 'Paraquat Poisoning' and Miserable Death of a 19 Years Boy.

Poisoning by paraquat herbicide now a days is a major medical problem in many parts of Asia as well as in Bangladesh. Already it has been banned in the European Union and some other countries for several years. Paraquat is highly toxic if ingested, with clinical features including oral burns, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhoea, progressing to pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis and multi-organ failure. Recently we dealt with many cases of paraquat poisoning in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital and here we report one case. A 19 years old student intentionally ingested 10 ml of paraquat herbicide and presented with multi organ failure. His renal function was supported with 4 session's hemodialysis and regain normal renal function. But he also developed Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and liver dysfunction, was supported with ionotropic and invasive ventilation and couldn't save. On 14th day of poisoning he died.

Immune signatures underlying post-acute COVID-19 lung sequelae.

Severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia survivors often exhibit long-term pulmonary sequelae, but the underlying mechanisms or associated local and systemic immune correlates are not known. Here, we have performed high-dimensional characterization of the pathophysiological and immune traits of aged COVID-19 convalescents, and correlated the local and systemic immune profiles with pulmonary function and lung imaging. We found that chronic lung impairment was accompanied by persistent respiratory immune alterations. We showed that functional severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)­specific memory T and B cells were enriched at the site of infection compared with those of blood. Detailed evaluation of the lung immune compartment revealed that dysregulated respiratory CD8+ T cell responses were associated with the impaired lung function after acute COVID-19. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identified the potential pathogenic subsets of respiratory CD8+ T cells contributing to persistent tissue conditions after COVID-19. Our results have revealed pathophysiological and immune traits that may support the development of lung sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia in older individuals, with implications for the treatment of chronic COVID-19 symptoms.

Measurement of the Positive Muon Anomalous Magnetic Moment to 0.46 ppm.

We present the first results of the Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL) Muon g-2 Experiment for the positive muon magnetic anomaly a_{µ}≡(g_{µ}-2)/2. The anomaly is determined from the precision measurements of two angular frequencies. Intensity variation of high-energy positrons from muon decays directly encodes the difference frequency ω_{a} between the spin-precession and cyclotron frequencies for polarized muons in a magnetic storage ring. The storage ring magnetic field is measured using nuclear magnetic resonance probes calibrated in terms of the equivalent proton spin precession frequency ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'} in a spherical water sample at 34.7 °C. The ratio ω_{a}/ω[over ˜]_{p}^{'}, together with known fundamental constants, determines a_{µ}(FNAL)=116 592 040(54)×10^{-11} (0.46 ppm). The result is 3.3 standard deviations greater than the standard model prediction and is in excellent agreement with the previous Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) E821 measurement. After combination with previous measurements of both µ^{+} and µ^{-}, the new experimental average of a_{µ}(Exp)=116 592 061(41)×10^{-11} (0.35 ppm) increases the tension between experiment and theory to 4.2 standard deviations.

Significance of lysogeny for the metabolism of Desulfovibrio spp. strains isolated from aquatic environments of Georgia.

AIMS: Sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are ecologically important group of anaerobic micro-organisms that can reduce sulphate to form hydrogen sulphide-a toxic gas causing iron corrosion on metal surfaces. In this work, SRB strains were isolated from aquatic environments in the country of Georgia to determine their lysogenicity and the role of temperate phages in host metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS: SRB strains were isolated in samples from the Black Sea coast of Georgia. Based on their genetic, cytological and physiological properties of bacteria, 10 Georgian isolates were assigned to the genus Desulfovibrio. Temperate bacteriophages were induced from three out of ten strains by UV-exposure. Comparison of metal (Fe and Cr) reduction and utilization of various carbon sources by the wild-type (lysogenic) bacterial strains and their UV-irradiated counterparts was done. CONCLUSIONS: Temperate phage in the cells of SRB could alter significant functions of bacteria and may have a contribution in the acquisition of different traits by SRB. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This article pointed to a significant role for temperate bacteriophages in the metabolism and metabolic potential of host strains of SRB, which were first isolated from the aquatic environment of Georgia.

Oral probiotics in coronavirus disease 2019: connecting the gut-lung axis to viral pathogenesis, inflammation, secondary infection and clinical trials.

Defined as helpful live bacteria that can provide medical advantages to the host when administered in tolerable amounts, oral probiotics might be worth considering as a possible preventive or therapeutic modality to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptom severity. This hypothesis stems from an emerging understanding of the gut-lung axis wherein probiotic microbial species in the digestive tract can influence systemic immunity, lung immunity, and possibly viral pathogenesis and secondary infection co-morbidities. We review the principles underlying the gut-lung axis, examples of probiotic-associated antiviral activities, and current clinical trials in COVID-19 based on oral probiotics.

Renal cystic diseases during the perinatal and neonatal period.

Renal cystic diseases are a clinically and genetically diverse group of renal diseases that can manifest in utero, infancy, or throughout childhood and adulthood. These diseases may be unilateral or bilateral with a single cyst or multiple cysts, or with increased echogenicity of the renal cortex without macroscopic cysts. Certain cystic renal diseases are life-threatening, with many developing chronic kidney and hepatic disease if not recognized early enough. Therefore, due to the prevalence and life-altering complications of this specific group of diseases in vulnerable populations, it is crucial for clinicians and healthcare providers to have an overall understanding of cystic diseases and how to pre-emptively detect and manage these conditions. In this review, we discuss in detail the epidemiology, genetics and pathophysiology, diagnosis, presentation, and management of numerous genetic and sporadic renal cystic diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease, multicystic dysplastic kidney, and calyceal diverticula, with an emphasis on prenatal care and pregnancy counseling.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19.

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19.

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Increased endogenous dopamine prevents myopia in mice.

Experimental evidence suggests that dopamine (DA) modulates refractive eye growth. We evaluated whether increasing endogenous DA activity using pharmacological or genetic approaches decreased myopia susceptibility in mice. First, we assessed the effects of systemic L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) injections on form deprivation myopia (FDM) in C57BL/6 J (WTC57) mice. WTC57 mice received daily systemic injections of L-DOPA (n = 11), L-DOPA + ascorbic acid (AA, n = 22), AA (n = 20), or Saline (n = 16). Second, we tested transgenic mice with increased or decreased expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2HI, n = 22; WTHI, n = 18; VMAT2LO, n = 18; or WTLO, n = 9) under normal and form deprivation conditions. VMAT2 packages DA into vesicles, affecting DA release. At post-natal day 28 (P28), monocular FD was induced in each genotype. Weekly measurements of refractive error, corneal curvature, and ocular biometry were performed until P42 or P49. WTC57 mice exposed to FD developed a significant myopic shift (treated-contralateral eye) in AA (-3.27 ± 0.73D) or saline (-3.71 ± 0.80D) treated groups that was significantly attenuated by L-DOPA (-0.73 ± 0.90D, p = 0.0002) or L-DOPA + AA (-0.11 ± 0.46D, p = 0.0103). The VMAT2LO mice, with under-expression of VMAT2, were most susceptible to FDM. VMAT2LO mice developed significant myopic shifts to FD after one week compared to VMAT2HI and WT mice (VMAT2LO: -5.48 ± 0.54D; VMAT2HI: -0.52 ± 0.92D, p < 0.05; WT: -2.13 ± 0.78D, p < 0.05; ungoggled control: -0.22 ± 0.24D, p < 0.001). These results indicate that endogenously increasing DA synthesis and release by genetic and pharmacological methods prevents FDM in mice.

Brachial Plexus Schwannoma: A Case Report with Emphasis on Imaging.

Brachial plexus tumors are rare. Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumors and only about 5% arise from brachial plexus. Diagnosis of these tumors are challenging for radiologists as well as clinicians as they are rare and the anatomy of the neck is complex. We report a case of a middle aged woman who was admitted in Mymensingh Medical College in Neurosurgery Department on 15th December 2017 with right supraclavicular swelling; based on the clinical findings was provisionally diagnosed as supraclavicular lymphadenopathy; Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging suggested schwannoma. Complete excision of the mass through supraclavicular approach showed the origin of it from the brachial plexus, which subsequently was confirmed to be a schwannoma with histopathology.

Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report.

Hepatic hydatid disease is a goonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus and it is endemic in different parts of the world. This infection is an important public health problem. Although it is distributed throughout the world but common in the livestock grazing regions of the world such as in Central Europe, Africa, South America, Central Asia and China. Here we present the case "30 years old female" with the complaints of right upper abdominal pain for 3 months, nausea & occasional vomiting for 1 month and was admitted under general surgery ward at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh, Bangladesh on 12th March 2018. Considering history, physical examination, serological investigations, imaging studies and exploratory laparotomy the diagnosis is hepatic hydatid cyst. Echinococcus granulosus produces cysts in almost every organs of the body most commonly in the liver. Man is the incidental intermediate host where definitive host is carnivores such as dogs. Hydatid cyst always starts as a fluid filled, cyst like structure (stage I), which may proceed to a stage II lesion if daughter cysts and/or matrix develop. In some instances, the stage II lesion becomes hypermature and due to starvation, dies to become a mummified, inert, calcified, stage III lesion. Ultrsound is the preferred firstline imaging but CECT give more precise information regarding the morphology of the cyst. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is particularly useful because of its multiplaner capabilities and more detail anatomical resolution.

Impact of hydrologic boundaries on microbial planktonic and biofilm communities in shallow terrestrial subsurface environments.

Subsurface environments contain a large proportion of planetary microbial biomass and harbor diverse communities responsible for mediating biogeochemical cycles important to groundwater used by human society for consumption, irrigation, agriculture and industry. Within the saturated zone, capillary fringe and vadose zones, microorganisms can reside in two distinct phases (planktonic or biofilm), and significant differences in community composition, structure and activity between free-living and attached communities are commonly accepted. However, largely due to sampling constraints and the challenges of working with solid substrata, the contribution of each phase to subsurface processes is largely unresolved. Here, we synthesize current information on the diversity and activity of shallow freshwater subsurface habitats, discuss the challenges associated with sampling planktonic and biofilm communities across spatial, temporal and geological gradients, and discuss how biofilms may be constrained within shallow terrestrial subsurface aquifers. We suggest that merging traditional activity measurements and sequencing/-omics technologies with hydrological parameters important to sediment biofilm assembly and stability will help delineate key system parameters. Ultimately, integration will enhance our understanding of shallow subsurface ecophysiology in terms of bulk-flow through porous media and distinguish the respective activities of sessile microbial communities from more transient planktonic communities to ecosystem service and maintenance.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cerebral Palsy in the Assessment of Time of Brain Insult.

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to find out the role of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the assessment of time of brain insult in cerebral palsy (CP). The study was conducted in the Department of Radiology & Imaging, Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, Mymensingh and a total number of 35 patients with were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2016. Maximum patients (57.2%) were under five years followed by 34.3% were of 5 to <8 years and 8.7% were of 8 to <12 years of age and mean age was 4.7 years. Majority of the patients were male 28(80%) and female were 7(20%). Among the patients 23(65.7%) came from poor, whereas 11(31.4%) came from middle class and only one (2.9%) from rich socioeconomic group. According to gestational age of the patients, 26(74.3%) were term (≥37weeks) at delivery and rest (25.7%) were preterm (<37 weeks). Delayed cry after birth were present in 32 (80%) patients. Regarding types of cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, spastic quadriplegia, hemiplegia and extrapyramidal were found 3(8.6%), 25(71.4%), 4(11.4%) and 3(8.6%) respectively. Abnormal MRI was reported in 94.2% patients and gave clues to time of insult in 79.9% (excluding the 14.3% miscellaneous findings). The findings were mal-developments (5.7%), periventricular white matter lesions (25.7%), cortical or deep grey matter lesions (48.6%), miscellaneous (14.3%) and normal (5.7%). Brain mal-developments were more seen in term than in preterm born children (5% vs. 0%). Periventricular white matter lesions were seen significantly more in preterm than in term born children (77.8% vs. 3.9%). Cortical or deep grey matter lesions occurred significantly more in term than in preterm born children (60% vs. 20%). Based on the study it can be concluded that Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can help in the assessment of time of insult to the developing brain in cerebral palsy (CP).

Outcomes of maintenance therapy with lenalidomide or bortezomib in multiple myeloma in the setting of early autologous stem cell transplantation.

Post-transplant maintenance is widely used in multiple myeloma (MM); however, there is a lack of data on real-world outcomes. We have analyzed 577 patients with newly diagnosed MM undergoing early auto-transplantation between 2010 and 2015. A total of 341, 132 and 104 patients received no, lenalidomide (Len) or bortezomib (Bort) maintenance, respectively. Patients receiving Len or Bort maintenance had a higher incidence of high-risk cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization (31% (Len) vs 58% (Bort) vs 8% (No); P<0.001). Len maintenance led to a superior progression-free survival (PFS) compared with no maintenance (median, 37 vs 28 months, respectively; P=0.002; adjusted hazard ratio 0.48 (95% CI, 0.35-0.66)), including in subgroups with ISS stage III disease (median, 40 vs 24 months; P=0.008) and high-risk cytogenetics (median, 27 vs 16 months; P=0.032). Bort maintenance did not confer PFS benefit for the entire cohort, but improved PFS in the high-risk cytogenetic subgroup (median, 28 vs 16 months; P=0.035). Discontinuation due to toxicity was seen in 17 and 7% of patients receiving Len or Bort maintenance, respectively. Our results indicate that post-transplant maintenance with Len or Bort is well tolerated in clinical practice and improves PFS in high-risk subgroups of MM patients.

Elevated pre-transplant C-reactive protein identifies a high-risk subgroup in multiple myeloma patients undergoing delayed autologous stem cell transplantation.

The significance of elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) prior to autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) has not been studied. We analyzed 1111 MM patients who underwent ASCT at Mayo Clinic from 2007 to 2015. A total of 840 patients (76%) received early ASCT (⩽12 months from diagnosis) and 271 patients (24%) received delayed ASCT (>12 months from diagnosis). Elevated CRP (> upper normal limit (8 mg/L)) was seen in 14% and 22% of patients undergoing early and delayed ASCT, respectively (P=0.003). There was no correlation of CRP with pre-transplant response, bone marrow plasma cell percentage or labeling index. Patients with an elevated CRP had a higher likelihood of having circulating plasma cells prior to ASCT (33 vs 19%; P<0.001). In the early ASCT cohort, the median overall survival (OS) in patients with normal and elevated CRP was not reached and 91 months respectively (P=0.011). In the delayed ASCT cohort, the median OS in respective groups were 73 and 30 months respectively (P<0.001), with elevated CRP being an independent prognostic marker on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.8; P=0.045). Elevated pre-transplant CRP identifies a high-risk population especially in patients undergoing delayed ASCT and should be incorporated in the pre-transplant evaluation.

Global genetic variation of select opiate metabolism genes in self-reported healthy individuals.

CYP2D6 is a key pharmacogene encoding an enzyme impacting poor, intermediate, extensive and ultrarapid phase I metabolism of many marketed drugs. The pharmacogenetics of opiate drug metabolism is particularly interesting due to the relatively high incidence of addiction and overdose. Recently, trans-acting opiate metabolism and analgesic response enzymes (UGT2B7, ABCB1, OPRM1 and COMT) have been incorporated into pharmacogenetic studies to generate more comprehensive metabolic profiles of patients. With use of massively parallel sequencing, it is possible to identify additional polymorphisms that fine tune, or redefine, previous pharmacogenetic findings, which typically rely on targeted approaches. The 1000 Genomes Project data were analyzed to describe population genetic variation and statistics for these five genes in self-reported healthy individuals in five global super- and 26 sub-populations. Findings on the variation of these genes in various populations expand baseline understanding of pharmacogenetically relevant polymorphisms for future studies of affected cohorts.