Off-shell effects in dilepton production from hot interacting mesons

The production of dielectrons in reactions involving a_1 mesons and pions is studied. We compare results obtained with different phenomenological Lagrangians that have been used in connection with hadronic matter and finite nuclei. We insist on the necessity for those interactions to satisfy known empirical properties of the strong interaction. Large off-shell effects in dielectron production are found and some consequences for the interpretation of heavy ion data are outlined. We also compare with results obtained using experimentally-extracted spectral functions.Comment: 14 pages, LaTeX2e, 2 figure

Old English macian, Its Origin and Dissemination

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/66612/2/10.1177_007542428601900105.pd

HIV-1 suppression and durable control by combining single broadly neutralizing antibodies and antiretroviral drugs in humanized mice

Effective control of HIV-1 infection in humans is achieved using combinations of antiretroviral therapy (ART) drugs. In humanized mice (hu-mice), control of viremia can be achieved using either ART or by immunotherapy using combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs). Here we show that treatment of HIV-1–infected hu-mice with a combination of three highly potent bNAbs not only resulted in complete viremic control but also led to a reduction in cell-associated HIV-1 DNA. Moreover, lowering the initial viral load by coadministration of ART and immunotherapy enabled prolonged viremic control by a single bNAb after ART was withdrawn. Similarly, a single injection of adeno-associated virus directing expression of one bNAb produced durable viremic control after ART was terminated. We conclude that immunotherapy reduces plasma viral load and cell-associated HIV-1 DNA and that decreasing the initial viral load enables single bNAbs to control viremia in hu-mice

Standards in semen examination:publishing reproducible and reliable data based on high-quality methodology

Biomedical science is rapidly developing in terms of more transparency, openness and reproducibility of scientific publications. This is even more important for all studies that are based on results from basic semen examination. Recently two concordant documents have been published: the 6th edition of the WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen, and the International Standard ISO 23162:2021. With these tools, we propose that authors should be instructed to follow these laboratory methods in order to publish studies in peer-reviewed journals, preferable by using a checklist as suggested in an Appendix to this article.Peer reviewe

Tibetan vibratory connections

In Tibet sounds can heal, make ill, protect, challenge, appease, defile, purify, seduce or even liberate from worldly attachments. Sounds of the natural environment merge with human-made music and chanting in soundscapes that are intimately interconnected. While the spiritual features and healing powers of Buddhist ritual music have been often described, what is perhaps less known is the kaleidoscope of natural and human sounds against which it has been developed and performed for centuries. In this portfolio we explore some of these sacred soundscapes, their history and impacts

The Significance of Organic Horticulture in Mitigating Climate Change and Promoting the Production of Healthier Fruits and Vegetables

Organic horticulture is a holistic management system that follows good production practices and should be considered the cornerstone of mitigating climate change and producing healthier fruits and vegetables. This agroecosystem practice not only benefits the green economy but promotes and enhances soil biological activity, biodiversity, and other biological cycles in the sphere. The last decade has observed a rise in the production and consumption of organically certified agricultural products, and the biggest growth was registered in France (18%) due to its higher nutritional value of vitamin C (27%) and polyphenol content (72%), with a lowered risk of exposure to harmful chemicals of up to 70% and improved organoleptic properties. Between 2012 and 2020, the European Union’s organic sector experienced significant growth, with a 56% expansion in organic land area, a 40% increase in organic producers, and a 114% increase in retail sales. The aim of this review was to evaluate the significant impact of organic horticulture on mitigating climate change and meeting consumer needs by examining key research areas, including Soil Health and Management, Pest and Disease Management, Climate Resilience and Adaptation, Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation, Market and Consumer Preferences, and Policy and Institutional Support. The outcome of this review demonstrates that there are still numerous research studies required to evaluate how different farming systems and pedoclimatic conditions can contribute to more efficient horticultural practices

Effective wound management and wellbeing: guidance for clinicians, organisations and industry

In February 2011, a multidisciplinary group of clinicians and researchers met at the Wounds International conference in Cape Town, South Africa, ahead of a consensus meeting in Brussels in May 2011. The aim of the meeting was to explore patient wellbeing in relation to wound management. Several themes were discussed and are presented in this article. The key points raised will form the starting point of the consensus meeting which will aim to provide three key stake holders — clinicians, healthcare organisations and industry — with a framework to ensure that patient wellbeing is optimised when delivering effective wound management

Tolerability of the dexamethasone–corticotropin releasing hormone test in major depressive disorder

The dexamethasone–corticotropin releasing hormone (Dex–CRH) test may differentially predict which depressed patients will respond to antidepressant medication. However, a comprehensive analysis of the safety of this test in psychiatric patients has not previously been performed. We conducted a pooled analysis of depressed patients in four clinical studies. Observed and subjectively reported side-effects in 454 patients were collected for 90 minutes following CRH administration. Pre-test electrocardiograms were available in 250 patients to assess cardiac safety. Descriptive statistics were performed to evaluate these safety data. Eight-six (18.9%) subjects experienced no side-effects from the procedure. The mean number of side-effects per subject was 1.4 ± 1.0. The most frequent adverse events were: flushing ( n = 216, 47.6%), feeling of warmth (144, 31.7%), hyperpnea/tachypnea (108, 23.8%), palpitations (37, 8.1%), and tachycardia (28, 6.2%). Side-effects were consistently mild and brief in duration. There were no serious adverse events. The Dex–CRH test produces a mild, predictable side-effect profile, characterized by flushing, feelings of warmth, hyperpnea/tachypnea, palpitations, and tachycardia. These results provide reassurance that the Dex–CRH test is well tolerated in psychiatric patients