Particle yields in heavy ion collisions and the influence of strong magnetic fields

It is expected that the magnetic field in the surface of magnetars do not exceed $10^{15}$ G. However, in heavy ion collisions, this value is expected to be much higher. We investigate the effects of a magnetic fields varying from $10^{18}$, to $10^{20}$ G in strange matter (composed of $u$, $d$ and $s$ quarks). We model matter as a free gas of baryons and mesons under the influence of an external magnetic field. We study the effects of such strong fields through a $\chi^2$ fit to some data sets of the STAR experiment. For this purpose we solve the Dirac, Rarita-Schwinger, Klein-Gordon and Proca equations subject to magnetic fields in order to obtain the energy expressions and the degeneracy for spin 1/2, spin 3/2, spin 0 and spin 1 particles, respectively. Our results show that a field of the order of $10^{19}$ G produces an improved fitting to the experimental data as compared to the calculations without magnetic field.Comment: 20 pages, 16 figures, 4 table

Landau parameters for isospin asymmetric nuclear matter based on a relativistic model of composite and finite extension nucleons

We study the properties of cold asymmetric nuclear matter at high density, applying the quark meson coupling model with excluded volume corrections in the framework of the Landau theory of relativistic Fermi liquids. We discuss the role of the finite spatial extension of composite baryons on dynamical and statistical properties such as the Landau parameters, the compressibility, and the symmetry energy. We have also calculated the low lying collective eigenfrequencies arising from the collisionless quasiparticle transport equation, considering both unstable and stable modes. An overall analysis of the excluded volume correlations on the collective properties is performed.Comment: 24 pages, 6 figure

The Rarita-Schwinger Particles Under de Influence of Strong Magnetic Fields

In this work, we calculate the solutions of the Rarita-Schwinger equation with the inclusion of the eletromagnetic interaction. Our gauge and coupling prescription choices lead to Dirac-type solutions. One of the consequences of our results are the Landau level occupation of particles, quite different from the usual spin 1/2 particle system occupation numbers.Comment: 12 page

Time-restricted eating effects on performance, immune function, and body composition in elite cyclists: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Although there is substantial interest in intermittent fasting as a dietary approach in active individuals, information regarding its effects in elite endurance athletes is currently unavailable. The present parallel randomized trial investigated the effects of a particular intermittent fasting approach, called time-restricted eating (TRE), during 4 weeks of high-level endurance training. Methods: Sixteen elite under-23 cyclists were randomly assigned either to a TRE group or a control group (ND). The TRE group consumed 100% of its estimated daily energy needs in an 8-h time window (from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) whilst energy intake in the ND group was distributed in 3 meals consumed between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Fat and fat-free mass were estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis and VO2max and basal metabolism by indirect gas analyzer. In addition, blood counts, anabolic hormones (i.e. free testosterone, IGF-1) and inflammatory markers (i.e. IL-6, TNF-α) were assessed. Results: TRE reduced body weight (− 2%; p = 0.04) and fat mass percentage (− 1.1%; p = 0.01) with no change in fat-free mass. Performance tests showed no significant differences between groups, however the peak power output/body weight ratio (PPO/BW) improved in TRE group due to weight loss (p = 0.02). Free testosterone and IGF-1 decreased significantly (p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively) in TRE group. Leucocyte count decreased in ND group (p = 0.02) whilst the neutrophils-to-lymphocytes ratio (NLR) decreased significantly (p = 0.03) in TRE group. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a TRE program with an 8-h feeding window elicits weight loss, improves body composition and increases PPO/BW in elite cyclists. TRE could also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and may have a protective effect on some components of the immune system. Overall, TRE could be considered as a component of a periodized nutrition plan in endurance athletes. Trial registration: This trial was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04320784 on 25 March 2020

Draft Genome Sequences of Eight Bacilli Isolated from an Ancient Roman Amphora

Paleomicrobiology, the study of ancient microbiological material, allows us to understand different evolutionary phenomena in bacteria. In this study, eight bacilli isolated from an ancient Roman amphora, which dates to the IV to V sec. AD, were sequenced and functionally annotated

Sperm cryopreservation during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Purpose: Sperm cryopreservation is fundamental in the management of patients undergoing gonadotoxic treatments. Concerns have risen in relation to SARS-CoV-2 and its potential for testicular involvement, since SARS-CoV-2-positive cryopreserved samples may have unknown effects on fertilization and embryo safety. This study therefore aimed to analyze the safety of sperm cryopreservation for cancer patients after the onset of the pandemic in Italy, through assessment of the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure and viral RNA testing of semen samples. Methods: We recruited 10 cancer patients (mean age 30.5 ± 9.6 years) referred to our Sperm Bank during the Italian lockdown (from March 11th to May 4th 2020) who had not undergone a nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 testing. Patients were administered a questionnaire on their exposure to COVID-19, and semen samples were taken. Before cryopreservation, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was extracted from a 150 µl aliquot of seminal fluid in toto using QIAamp viral RNA kit (Qiagen) and amplified by a real time RT PCR system (RealStar SARS-CoV2 RT PCR, Altona Diagnostics) targeting the E and S genes. Results: The questionnaire and medical interview revealed that all patients were asymptomatic and had had no previous contact with COVID-19 infected patients. All semen samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Conclusion: This preliminary assessment suggests that a thorough evaluation (especially in the setting of a multidisciplinary team) and molecular confirmation of the absence of SARS-CoV-2 in seminal fluid from asymptomatic cancer patients may assist in ensuring the safety of sperm cryopreservation

Study on a fermented whole wheat: Phenolic content, activity on PTP1B enzyme and in vitro prebiotic properties

Fermented cereals, staple foods in Asia and Africa, are recently receiving a growing interest in Western countries. The object of this work is the characterization of a fermented wheat used as a food ingredient and dietary supplement. To this aim, the phenolic composition, the activity on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), an enzyme overexpressed in type-II diabetes, the in vitro prebiotic properties on Lactobacillus reuteri and the microbial composition were investigated. Basic and acidic hydrolysis were tested for an exhaustive recovery of bound phenols: the acidic hydrolysis gave best yields. Methyl ferulate and neocarlinoside were identified for the first time in wheat. The inhibitory power of the extracts of several batches were investigated on PTP1B enzyme. The product was not able to inhibit the enzyme, otherwise, for the first time, a complete inhibition was observed for schaftoside, a major C-flavonoid of wheat. The microbial composition was assessed identifying Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Pediococcus as the main bacterial species. The fermented wheat was a suitable substrate for the grown of L. reuteri, recognized for its health properties in the human gut. The proposed method for phenols is easier compared to those based on strong basic hydrolysis; our results assessed the bound phenols as the major fraction, differently from that suggested by the literature for fermented cereals