QCD and strongly coupled gauge theories : challenges and perspectives

We highlight the progress, current status, and open challenges of QCD-driven physics, in theory and in experiment. We discuss how the strong interaction is intimately connected to a broad sweep of physical problems, in settings ranging from astrophysics and cosmology to strongly coupled, complex systems in particle and condensed-matter physics, as well as to searches for physics beyond the Standard Model. We also discuss how success in describing the strong interaction impacts other fields, and, in turn, how such subjects can impact studies of the strong interaction. In the course of the work we offer a perspective on the many research streams which flow into and out of QCD, as well as a vision for future developments.Peer reviewe

K469E polymorphism of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 gene in Egyptians with coronary heart disease

<b>Background and Objectives:</b> The initial step in atherosclerosis is the adhesion of leukocytes to activated endothelial cells mediated by intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). This study aimed to investigate the association of K469E polymorphism of the ICAM-1 gene and soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) serum level with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Egyptian subjects. <b>Patients and Methods:</b> Using a case-control design, we studied 100 patients with CHD, including 73 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and 27 with unstable angina (UA). The control group consisted of 50 healthy subjects with normal left ventricular function. All participants were genotyped for the ICAM-1 polymorphism by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Serum sICAM-1 was measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). <b>Results:</b> In CHD patients, the frequencies of K genotype (KK and EK) were significantly higher when compared to controls (<i>P</i>&lt;.001) and were associated with an increased risk of disease development (OR=3.8, 95&#x0025; CI: 1.7 to 8.5; <i>P</i>=.001). K genotype frequencies in patients with MI showed no significant difference when compared to patients with UA (<i>P</i>= .121). Serum sICAM-1 levels were comparable between CHD patients and controls (<i>P</i>= .37) and between MI and UA patients (<i>P</i>=.23). There were no significant differences in sICAM-1 levels among patients with different genotypes (<i>P</i>=.532). Men presented with higher sICAM-1 levels than women (<i>P</i>=.004). <b>Conclusion:</b> ICAM-1 gene polymorphism in codon 469 is associated with a risk for CHD development in Egyptian subjects. Serum sICAM-1 is not influenced by this polymorphism and is not necessarily elevated in CHD

Hereditary angioedema in women

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Women with hereditary angioedema (HAE) are more likely to be symptomatic that men. Hormonal factors (puberty, contraception, pregnancy,....) play a significant role in the precipitation or worsening of the condition in women. So, combined contraceptive pills are not indicated and progestogen pill must be preferred. During pregnancy, attack rate can increase (38-48% of women). C1Inhibitor concentrate and tranexamic acid can be used during pregnancy. Attenuated androgens for long term prophylaxis are effective but side effects appear more often in female patients. These side effects are dose dependant and can be attenuated by titrating the dose down the lowest effective level.</p