ZZ-boson polarization as a model-discrimination analyzer

Determining the spin of any new particle is critical in identifying the true theory among various extensions of the Standard Model (SM). The degree of $Z$-boson polarization in any two-body decay process $A\to B Z$ is sensitive to the spin assignments of two new particles $A$ and $B$. Considering all possible spin-0, 1/2 and 1 combinations in a renormalizable field theory, we demonstrate that $Z$-boson polarization can indeed play a role of a decisive and universal analyzer in distinguishing the different spin assignments.Comment: 10 pages, 3 figures, 1 tabl

Association of epicardial adipose tissue with different stages of coronary artery disease:A cross-sectional UK Biobank cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging substudy

Objective: Increased epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has been identified as a risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the exact role of EAT in the development of CAD is unclear. This study aims to compare EAT volumes between healthy controls and individuals with stable CAD and a history of myocardial infarction (MI). Furthermore, associations between clinical and biochemical parameters with EAT volumes are examined.& nbsp;Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 171 participants from the United Kingdom Biobank (56 healthy controls; 60 stable CAD; 55 post MI), whom were balanced for age, sex and body mass index (BMI). EAT volumes were quantified on end-diastolic cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging short-axis slices along the left and right ventricle and indexed for body surface area (iEAT) and iEAT volumes were compared between groups.& nbsp;Results: iEAT volumes were comparable between control, CAD and MI cases (median [IQR]: 66.1[54.4-77.0] vs. 70.9[55.8-85.5] vs. 67.6[58.6-82.3] mL/m(2), respectively (p > 0.005 for all). Increased HDL-cholesterol was associated with decreased iEAT volume (8 =-14.8, CI =-24.6 to-4.97, p = 0.003) and suggestive associations (P-value = 0.005) were observed between iEAT and triglycerides (beta = 3.26, CI = 0.42 to 6.09, p = 0.02), Apo-lipoprotein A (beta =-16.3, CI =-30.3 to-2.24, p = 0.02) and LDL-cholesterol (beta = 3.99, CI =-7.15 to-0.84, p = 0.01).& nbsp;Conclusions: No significant differences in iEAT volumes were observed between patients with CAD, MI and healthy controls. Our results indicate the importance of correcting for confounding by CVD risk factors, including circulating lipid levels, when studying the relationship between EAT volume and CAD. Further mechanistic studies on causal pathways and the role of EAT composition are warranted

IVF with or without ICSI and the impact on human embryonic brain development: The Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort

STUDY QUESTION: Does IVF with or without ICSI (IVF/ICSI) treatment impact the development of embryonic brain structures? SUMMARY ANSWER: Our results show associations between IVF/ICSI treatment, smoking and slightly increased sizes of early human embryonic brain structures. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The number of IVF/ICSI procedures is increasing worldwide and is associated with higher risks of obstetric and perinatal complications in pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: One hundred seventy-five women with a singleton pregnancy were included in the Rotterdam Periconceptional Cohort (Predict study). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Self-reported questionnaires, verified by a research assistant at enrollment, provided information on periconceptional maternal characteristics and mode of conception. Three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) examinations were performed at 9 and 11 weeks of gestational age (GA). Diencephalon total diameter (DTD), mesencephalon total diameter (MTD) and telencephalon thickness on the left and right site (TTL/TTR) were measured offline in standardized planes using 4D View software. Linear regression models with adjustment for GA, maternal age, body mass index, moment of initiation of folic acid supplement use and smoking were used to study associations between mode of conception and embryonic brain measurements at 9 and 11 weeks of GA. MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE: A total of 276 3D-US scans of 166 participants, of which 50 conceived through IVF/ICSI, were included for embryonic brain measurements. Success rates of the DTD and MTD measurements were between 67% and 73% and of the TTL/TTR between 52% and 57%. In the fully adjusted model, we found that at 11 weeks of GA, the MTD (ß = 0.264, 95% CI = 0.101; 0.427, P < 0.01) and TTR (ß = 0.075, 95% CI = 0.001; 0.149, P < 0.05) sizes were larger in IVF/ICSI pregnancies. In addition, smoking also resulted in larger TTL measurements at 11 weeks of GA (ß = 0.095, 95% CI= 0.005; 0.186, P < 0.05). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The implications of these small deviations on brain functioning need further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Enlargement of attention for prenatal brain development and postnatal neurodevelopmental outcome after IVF/ICSI treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: This study was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC, and Sophia research foundation for Medical Research, Rotterdam, the Netherlands (SSWO grant number 644). No competing interests are declared. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/

Prenatal influence of congenital heart defects on trajectories of cortical folding of the fetal brain using three-dimensional ultrasound

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the prenatal influence of congenital heart defects (CHD) on trajectories of fetal cortical folding using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US). Method: We included 20 CHD fetuses and 193 controls for studying the fetal brain at 22, 26 and 32 weeks' gestational age (GA). The Sylvian, insula and parieto-occipital fissure (POF) depths were measured using 3D US, and reliability was evaluated. Doppler indices of the umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery were measured to calculate the cerebro-placental ratio. Associations between CHD and cortical folding were estimated using linear mixed models. Results: Brain fissure measurements were successful in over 80% of 3D US scans, except for the POF at 32 weeks' GA (65%). All measurements showed a good reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients > 0.84). Growth trajectories of the left insula depth (ß = −2.753, 95% CI = −5.375; −0.130, p = 0.040) and right POF (ß = −3.762, 95% CI = −7.178; −0.346, p = 0.031) were decreased in CHD compared with controls, whereas growth rates were increased (ß = 0.014, 95% CI = 0.001; 0.027, p = 0.036 and ß = 0.024, 95% CI = 0.007; 0.041, p = 0.006). In contrast to controls, we found no associations between cerebro-placental ratio and cortical folding in CHD. Conclusion: Fetal cortical folding can be evaluated reliably by measuring brain fissure depths. Trajectories of cortical folding between 22 and 32 weeks' GA seem to be influenced by CHD

Periconception Maternal Folate Status and Human Embryonic Cerebellum Growth Trajectories: The Rotterdam Predict Study.

We aimed to investigate whether periconceptional maternal folate status affects human embryonic cerebellar size and growth trajectories. In a prospective periconceptional cohort participants filled out questionnaires and received weekly transvaginal 3D-ultrasounds between 7+0 and 12+6 weeks gestational age (GA). Viable non-malformed singleton pregnancies were selected for cerebellar measurements; transcerebellar diameter, (TCD), left and right cerebellar diameters (LCD, RCD). Linear mixed models were performed to estimate associations between questionnaire data on the timing of maternal folic acid supplement initiation and longitudinal cerebellar measurements as a function of crown-rump length (CRL) and GA. Maternal red blood cell folate concentrations were analysed before 8 weeks GA to validate the associations. A total of 263 serial high quality three-dimensional ultrasound scans of 135 pregnancies were studied. Preconceptional compared to postconceptional initiation of folic acid use was associated with slightly larger cerebellar diameters per millimetre increase of CRL (TCD: β = 0.260mm, 95%CI = 0.023-0.491, p<0.05; LCD: β = 0.171mm, 95%CI = 0.038-0.305, p<0.05; RCD: β = 0.156mm, 95%CI = 0.032-0.280, p<0.05) and with proportional cerebellar growth (TCD/CRL:β = 0.015mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.024, p<0.01; LCD/CRL:β = 0.012mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.018, p<0.01; RCD/CRL:β = 0.011mm/mm, 95%CI = 0.005-0.017, p<0.01). Cerebellar growth was significantly highest in the third quartile of maternal red blood cell folate levels (1538-1813 nmol/L). These first findings show that periconceptional maternal folate status is associated with human embryonic cerebellar development. Implications of these small but significant variations for fetal cerebellar growth trajectories and the child's neurodevelopmental outcome are yet unknown and warrant further investigation

Correction: Periconception Maternal Folate Status and Human Embryonic Cerebellum Growth Trajectories: The Rotterdam Predict Study.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0141089.]

Effect of Preterm Birth on Echogenicity in Basal Ganglia

reserved8siIn this study, the influence of prematurity on echogenicity of deep gray matter at 30-wk corrected age was assessed using ultrasound measurements. In an observational cohort study, ultrasound scans of 224 extremely preterm infants were prospectively collected. Gray values were assessed in putamen and globus pallidus. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was analyzed and showed excellent agreement. The globus pallidus to putamen ratio was significantly related to gestational age at birth, adjusted regression coefficient in points per wk: 1.28 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38–2.19) for left and 2.12 (95% CI: 1.23–3.02) for right-side images. At 30-wk corrected age this was still the case, adjusted regression coefficient: 0.45 (95% CI: −0.57 to 1.47) for left and 1.29 (95% CI: 0.10–2.48) for right. The putamen is more hyperechoic with lower gestational age. Measuring ultrasound gray values in deep gray matter seems highly reproducible. Prematurity shows a negative correlation with echogenicity of the putamen, this persists at 30-wk corrected age, suggesting altered maturation.mixedde Goederen R.; Raets M.M.A.; Ecury-Goossen G.M.; de Jonge R.C.J.; Ramenghi L.A.; Koning I.V.; Govaert P.; Dudink J.de Goederen, R.; Raets, M. M. A.; Ecury-Goossen, G. M.; de Jonge, R. C. J.; Ramenghi, L. A.; Koning, I. V.; Govaert, P.; Dudink, J

Periconceptional maternal dairy-rich dietary pattern is associated with prenatal cerebellar growth

<div><p>Background</p><p>Maternal nutrition during pregnancy has been related to intrauterine brain development and neurodevelopmental disabilities in adult life. We aim to investigate associations between periconceptional maternal dietary patterns and prenatal cerebellar growth from the first trimester onwards.</p><p>Materials and methods</p><p>126 women with singleton non-malformed pregnancies were enrolled before 8 weeks of gestation in the Rotterdam periconceptional cohort between 2013 and 2015. Periconceptional maternal dietary patterns were extracted from food frequency questionnaires and associated with blood biomarkers and micronutrient intakes. Serial two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound scans were performed at 9, 11, 22, 26 and 32 weeks of gestation for transcerebellar diameter (TCD) measurement. Linear mixed models were estimated to investigate associations between periconceptional maternal dietary patterns and longitudinal TCD measurements as a function of gestational age.</p><p>Results</p><p>We performed a median of 4 scans per pregnancy, resulting in 570 total datasets. The success rate of TCD measurements was 87% (range 65–100%), depending on gestational age. The Mediterranean, Western, egg-rich and dairy-rich dietary patterns were extracted, explaining 37.2% of the overall variance of food intake in this population. The dairy-rich dietary pattern was positively associated with cerebellar growth trajectories (β = 0.02 (95% CI: 0.01; 0.03) √mm, p = 0.01). Maternal strong adherence to this dietary pattern increased TCD measurements by 0.8 standard deviation scores (SDs) compared to weak adherence, reflected in increased TCD estimates of 0.44 mm at 9 weeks (+6.8%), 0.88 mm at 22 weeks (+3.6%), and 1.17 mm at 32 weeks (+2.8%). No significant associations were detected for the Mediterranean, Western and egg-rich dietary patterns.</p><p>Conclusions</p><p>This study shows a positive association between periconceptional maternal adherence to a dairy-rich dietary pattern and human prenatal TCD measurements as a proxy of cerebellar growth. Next step is the investigation of the impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring.</p></div

Effect estimates from linear mixed models for the associations between periconceptional maternal dietary patterns and embryonic and fetal cerebellar growth trajectories, as a function of gestational age.

<p>Effect estimates from linear mixed models for the associations between periconceptional maternal dietary patterns and embryonic and fetal cerebellar growth trajectories, as a function of gestational age.</p