98 research outputs found
Testing boson rare decays with , , and in the NMSSM
We study the rare decay process of boson into photon, accompanied by a
CP-even or CP-odd scalar. We present the analytical delineation of the
processes through the model-independent parametrizations of the new physics
couplings and, finally, consider the Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Standard
Model to mark out the parameter space where the branching fraction can have the
maximum value. As a part of the necessary phenomenological and experimental
cross-checks, we aim to fit the anomalous magnetic moment of the muon and
boson mass anomaly through the supersymmetric contributions. We also find that
the decays can serve as an excellent
complementary test to . In fact, to facilitate
future searches, we unveil a few benchmark points that additionally satisfy the
deviation of from the SM value based on the recent
measurements of ATLAS and CMS. Future proposals such as ILC, CEPC, and FCC-ee
are anticipated to operate for multiple years, focusing on center-of-mass
energy near the pole. Consequently, these projects will be capable of
conducting experiments at the Giga- ( of bosons) and Tera-
( of bosons) phases, which may probe the aforesaid rare decay
processes, thus the model as well. These unconventional yet complementary
searches offer different routes to explore the supersymmetric models with
extended Higgs sectors like NMSSM.Comment: 32 pages, 4 figure
Feasibility of a secondary school-based mental health intervention: Reprezents’ On The Level
Aims
There is a need for innovative school-based mental health interventions to promote good mental health, healthy coping strategies, and engagement with support services. Consequently, Reprezent, a youth development organization, with mental health professionals and young people co-developed an online mental health intervention show, On The Level (OTL). This study assessed the acceptability and feasibility of delivering OTL to young people (aged 11–18 years) in 36 secondary schools across London and Essex, UK.
Methods
OTL was delivered online as part of the school curriculum, in classrooms at timepoint 1 (T1, 50 min). Follow-up data was collected at timepoint 2 (T2) 4–6 weeks later, during a 20-min OTL review show. For interactive OTL elements and data collection participants logged into an online survey. Measures of acceptability and engagement, mental health and well-being outcomes and intervention evaluation were taken at T1 and T2. We also assessed the feasibility of implementing the OTL intervention in secondary schools.
Results
10,315 participants received the intervention (T1) and 3369 attended the follow-up session (T2), this high attrition, and potential selection bias, was due to only 30% of schools being able to take part in T2. Rates of acceptability were high among young people and school staff. At T1, 88% found OTL engaging, and 84% felt more confident they had the tools to help them better manage stress and anxiety. At T2, 66% viewed mental health in a more positive way, and 71% had better understanding of how to maintain good mental health. Rates of engagement with mental health tools and services were good, and significant reduction in levels of stress were found 4–6 weeks after the OTL show (T2). The low mental health and well-being indices reported by the school children at baseline strongly support the need and use for a mental health intervention such as OTL in secondary schools.
Conclusion
These findings indicated good feasibility and acceptability of OTL intervention and support the delivery of the OTL mental health intervention at UK-based secondary schools to educate young people about mental health and well-being and give them the necessary tools to support their mental health
A Randomized Trial of E-Cigarettes versus Nicotine-Replacement Therapy
BACKGROUND: E-cigarettes are commonly used in attempts to stop smoking, but evidence is limited regarding their effectiveness as compared with that of nicotine products approved as smoking-cessation treatments. METHODS: We randomly assigned adults attending U.K. National Health Service stop-smoking services to either nicotine-replacement products of their choice, including product combinations, provided for up to 3 months, or an e-cigarette starter pack (a second-generation refillable e-cigarette with one bottle of nicotine e-liquid [18 mg per milliliter]), with a recommendation to purchase further e-liquids of the flavor and strength of their choice. Treatment included weekly behavioral support for at least 4 weeks. The primary outcome was sustained abstinence for 1 year, which was validated biochemically at the final visit. Participants who were lost to follow-up or did not provide biochemical validation were considered to not be abstinent. Secondary outcomes included participant-reported treatment usage and respiratory symptoms. RESULTS: A total of 886 participants underwent randomization. The 1-year abstinence rate was 18.0% in the e-cigarette group, as compared with 9.9% in the nicotine-replacement group (relative risk, 1.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.30 to 2.58; P<0.001). Among participants with 1-year abstinence, those in the e-cigarette group were more likely than those in the nicotine-replacement group to use their assigned product at 52 weeks (80% [63 of 79 participants] vs. 9% [4 of 44 participants]). Overall, throat or mouth irritation was reported more frequently in the e-cigarette group (65.3%, vs. 51.2% in the nicotine-replacement group) and nausea more frequently in the nicotine-replacement group (37.9%, vs. 31.3% in the e-cigarette group). The e-cigarette group reported greater declines in the incidence of cough and phlegm production from baseline to 52 weeks than did the nicotine-replacement group (relative risk for cough, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.9; relative risk for phlegm, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6 to 0.9). There were no significant between-group differences in the incidence of wheezing or shortness of breath. CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarettes were more effective for smoking cessation than nicotine-replacement therapy, when both products were accompanied by behavioral support. (Funded by the National Institute for Health Research and Cancer Research UK; Current Controlled Trials number, ISRCTN60477608 .)
E-cigarettes compared with nicotine replacement therapy within the UK Stop Smoking Services : the TEC RCT
© Queen’s Printer and Controller of HMSO 2019. Background: Over the past few years, a large number of smokers in the UK have stopped smoking with the help of e-cigarettes. So far, UK Stop Smoking Services (SSSs) have been reluctant to include e-cigarettes among their treatment options because data on their efficacy compared with the licensed medications are lacking. Objective: The objective was to compare the efficacy of refillable e-cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, when accompanied by weekly behavioural support. Design: A randomised controlled trial comparing e-cigarettes and NRT. Setting: Three sites that provide local SSSs. Participants: The participants were 886 smokers seeking help to quit smoking, aged ≥ 18 years, not pregnant or breastfeeding, with no strong preference to use or not to use NRT or e-cigarettes in their quit attempt, and currently not using NRT or e-cigarettes. A total of 886 participants were randomised but two died during the study (one in each study arm) and were not included in the analysis. Interventions: The NRT arm (n = 446) received NRT of their choice (single or combination), provided for up to 12 weeks. The e-cigarette arm (n = 438) received an e-cigarette starter pack and were encouraged to buy addtional e-liquids and e-cigarette products of their choice. Both arms received the same standard behavioural support. Participants attended weekly sessions at their SSS and provided outcome data at 4 weeks. They were then followed up by telephone at 6 and 12 months. Participants reporting abstinence or at least 50% reduction in cigarette consumption at 12 months were invited to attend for carbon monoxide (CO) validation. Participants/ researchers could not be blinded to the intervention.Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was CO-validated sustained abstinence rates at 52 weeks. Participants lost to follow-up or not providing biochemical validation were included as non-abstainers. Secondary outcomes included abstinence at other time points, reduction in smoke intake, treatment adherence and ratings, elicited adverse reactions, and changes in self-reported respiratory health. A cost-efficacy analysis of the intervention was also conducted. Results: The 1-year quit rate was 9.9% in the NRT arm and 18.0% in the e-cigarette arm (risk ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.30 to 2.58; p < 0.001). The e-cigarette arm had significantly higher validated quit rates at all time points. Participants in the e-cigarette arm showed significantly better adherence and experienced fewer urges to smoke throughout the initial 4 weeks of their quit attempt than those in the NRT arm, and gave their allocated product more favourable ratings. They were also more likely to be still using their allocated product at 1 year (39.5% vs. 4.3%, Χ2 = 161.4; p < 0.001). Participants assigned to e-cigarettes reported significantly less coughing and phlegm at 1 year than those assigned to NRT (controlling for smoking status). A detailed economic analysis confirmed that, because e-cigarettes incur lower NHS costs than NRT and generate a higher quit rate, e-cigarette use is more cost-effective. Limitations: The results may not be generalisable to other types of smokers or settings, or to cartridge-based e-cigarettes. Conclusions: Within the context of multisession treatment for smokers seeking help, e-cigarettes were significantly more effective than NRT. If SSSs provide e-cigarette starter packs, it is likely to boost their success rates and improve their cost-efficacy
Nicotine preloading for smoking cessation: the Preloading RCT
Background: Nicotine preloading means using nicotine replacement therapy prior to a quit date while
smoking normally. The aim is to reduce the drive to smoke, thereby reducing cravings for smoking after
quit day, which are the main cause of early relapse. A prior systematic review showed inconclusive and
heterogeneous evidence that preloading was effective and little evidence of the mechanism of action, with
no cost-effectiveness data.
Objectives: To assess (1) the effectiveness, safety and tolerability of nicotine preloading in a routine NHS
setting relative to usual care, (2) the mechanisms of the action of preloading and (3) the cost-effectiveness
of preloading.
Design: Open-label randomised controlled trial with examination of mediation and a cost-effectiveness
analysis.
Setting: NHS smoking cessation clinics.
Participants: People seeking help to stop smoking. Interventions: Nicotine preloading comprised wearing a 21 mg/24 hour nicotine patch for 4 weeks prior to quit date. In addition, minimal behavioural support was provided to explain the intervention rationale and to support adherence. In the comparator group, participants received equivalent behavioural support.
Randomisation was stratified by centre and concealed from investigators.
Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was 6-month prolonged abstinence assessed using the
Russell Standard. The secondary outcomes were 4-week and 12-month abstinence. Adverse events (AEs)
were assessed from baseline to 1 week after quit day. In a planned analysis, we adjusted for the use of
varenicline (Champix®; Pfizer Inc., New York, NY, USA) as post-cessation medication. Cost-effectiveness
analysis took a health-service perspective. The within-trial analysis assessed health-service costs during
the 13 months of trial enrolment relative to the previous 6 months comparing trial arms. The base case
was based on multiple imputation for missing cost data. We modelled long-term health outcomes of
smoking-related diseases using the European-study on Quantifying Utility of Investment in Protection
from Tobacco (EQUIPT) model.
Results: In total, 1792 people were eligible and were enrolled in the study, with 893 randomised to the
control group and 899 randomised to the intervention group. In the intervention group, 49 (5.5%) people
discontinued preloading prematurely and most others used it daily. The primary outcome, biochemically
validated 6-month abstinence, was achieved by 157 (17.5%) people in the intervention group and 129
(14.4%) people in the control group, a difference of 3.02 percentage points [95% confidence interval (CI)
–0.37 to 6.41 percentage points; odds ratio (OR) 1.25, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.62; p = 0.081]. Adjusted for use
of post-quit day varenicline, the OR was 1.34 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.73; p = 0.028). Secondary abstinence
outcomes were similar. The OR for the occurrence of serious AEs was 1.12 (95% CI 0.42 to 3.03).
Moderate-severity nausea occurred in an additional 4% of the preloading group compared with the
control group. There was evidence that reduced urges to smoke and reduced smoke inhalation mediated
the effect of preloading on abstinence. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at the 6-month follow-up
for preloading relative to control was £710 (95% CI –£13,674 to £23,205), but preloading was dominant
at 12 months and in the long term, with an 80% probability that it is cost saving.
Limitations: The open-label design could partially account for the mediation results. Outcome assessment
could not be blinded but was biochemically verified.
Conclusions: Use of nicotine-patch preloading for 4 weeks prior to attempting to stop smoking can
increase the proportion of people who stop successfully, but its benefit is undermined because it reduces
the use of varenicline after preloading. If this latter effect could be overcome, then nicotine preloading
appears to improve health and reduce health-service costs in the long term. Future work should determine
how to ensure that people using nicotine preloading opt to use varenicline as cessation medication.
Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN33031001.NIHR Health Technology Assessment programm
Sinorhizobium meliloti Changes Motility Phenotypes in the Presence of Serum
Sinorhizobium meliloti is a nitrogen-fixing flagellated soil bacterium that engages in a mutual symbiotic relationship with the legume Medicago sativa. Using its flagella, S. meliloti is chemotactic in response to varying environmental cues thereby directed to a target, which is typically the root hairs of M. sativa. Lu et al, 2012 suggested that a signal from the plant can switch S. meliloti from a free-living flagellated microbe to a host-invading non-flagellated microbe, although this signal has not been identified. This switch is thought to occur inside curled root hairs of the plant, and after becoming non-flagellated, S. meliloti starts colonizing. This switch is attributed to the ExoS/ChvI two-component system (TCS), which is composed of a membrane sensor ExoS and a response regulator ChvI. Bacteria belonging to the alphaproteobacteria family have proteins pertaining to the TCS that are homologous, and the findings done in this research can have synonymous implications with other bacteria within the same family. In this research, S. meliloti has been shown to make the switch from swimming to non-swimming in media containing serum, where the swimming could not be recovered with increased calcium. Media made with fractionated serum showed swimming colonies in plates containing small molecules, and a complete suppression of swimming in plates containing large molecules. The swimming seen in whole serum could be suppressed with an ion chelator, although chelation could not completely suppress swimming in plates made with the flow-through of fractionated serum. Increasing glucose and albumin concentration had no effect on S. meliloti motility. With this, the H1 hypothesis states S. meliloti will provide an observable change in phenotype from swimming to non-swimming in the presence of serum, and the H0 hypothesis states that there will not be an observable change in phenotype from swimming to non-swimming in the presence of serum
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