Transverse Single Spin Asymmetries and Charmonium Production

We estimate transverse spin single spin asymmetry(TSSA) in the process $e+p^\uparrow \to J/\psi +X$ using color evaporation model of charmonium production. We take into account transverse momentum dependent(TMD) evolution of Sivers function and parton distribution function and show that the there is a reduction in the asymmetry as compared to our earlier estimates wherein the $Q^2$ - evolution was implemented only through DGLAP evolution of unpolarized gluon densities.Comment: Proceedings of Light Cone 2012, New Delhi, Indi

Knot Ready: Lessons From India on Delaying Marriage for Girls

Examines trends in and predictors of age at marriage. Assesses the effectiveness of ten program and policy interventions, underlying factors, and lessons for expanding viable strategies: empower girls, mobilize communities, and influence decision makers

Transverse Single Spin Asymmetry in e+p↑→e+J/ψ+Xe+p^\uparrow \to e+J/\psi +X and Transverse Momentum Dependent Evolution of the Sivers Function

We extend our analysis of transverse single spin asymmetry (SSA) in electroproduction of $J/\psi$ to include the effect of the scale evolution of the transverse momentum dependent (TMD) parton distribution functions and gluon Sivers function. We estimate SSA for JLab, HERMES, COMPASS, and eRHIC energies using the color evaporation model of charmonium production, using an analytically obtained approximate solution of TMD evolution equations discussed in the literature. We find that there is a reduction in the asymmetry compared with our predictions for the earlier case considered by us, wherein the $Q^2$ dependence came only from DGLAP evolution of the unpolarized gluon densities and a different parametrization of the TMD Sivers function was used.Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1201.106

Pre-exposure hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for COVID-19 in healthcare workers: a retrospective cohort

Background: While several trials are ongoing for treatment of Corona virus 2019 (COVID-19), scientific research on chemoprophylaxis is still lacking even though it has potential to flatten the curve allowing us time to complete research on vaccines.Methods: This retrospective cohort study explores the potential of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a pre- exposure prophylaxis for COVID-19 among 106 health care workers (HCW) exposed to COVID-19 patients, at a tertiary care hospital in India where there was an abrupt cluster outbreak within on duty personnel. HCWs who had voluntarily taken HCQ prior to exposure were considered one cohort while those who had not were considered to be the Control group. All participants with a verifiable high-risk contact history were tested for COVID-19 by RT- PCR.Results: The two cohorts were comparable in terms of age, gender, co-morbidity and exposure. The primary outcome was incidence rates of RT-PCR positive COVID-19 infection among HCQ users and Controls.106 HCW were examined of whom 54 were HCQ users. The comparative analysis of incidence of infection between the two groups demonstrated that voluntary HCQ usage was associated with lesser likelihood of developing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (4 out of 54 HCW), compared to those who were not on it (20 out of 52 HCW), χ2=14.59, p<0.001. None of the HCQ users noted any serious adverse effects.Conclusions: The study demonstrated that voluntary pre- exposure HCQ prophylaxis by HCWs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in risk of SARS-CoV-2.

Sivers Effect and Transverse Single Spin Asymmetry in e+p↑→e+J/ψ+Xe+p^\uparrow \to e+J/\psi+X

We discuss the possibility of using electroproduction of $J/\psi$ as a probe of gluon Sivers function by measuring single spin asymmetry (SSA) in experiments with transversely polarized protons and electron beams. We estimate SSA for JLab, HERMES, COMPASS and eRHIC energies using the color evaporation model of charmonium production and find asymmetry up to 25% for certain choices of model parameters which have been used earlier for estimating SSA in the SIDIS and Drell-Yan processes

Exploring the therapeutic potential of silver nanocomposition of Catharanthus roseus leaves extract for antimicrobial and antiviral activities: A pilot study

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from natural sources offer promising solutions for combating microbial and viral infections. Catharanthus roseus (Periwinkle), renowned for its diverse pharmacological properties, provides a sustainable and eco-friendly method for producing AgNPs with significant antimicrobial and antiviral effects. This study explores the cytotoxic potential of AgNPs derived from C. roseus and their antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-HIV activities, highlighting the novelty of employing a green synthesis approach. AgNPs from C. roseus leaf extract (AgNP-CR) were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to determine their physicochemical properties. The antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR was assessed against clinically relevant bacterial strains, and antifungal activity was evaluated against common fungal pathogens. Additionally, anti-HIV activity was investigated through in vitro assays using HIV-infected cells. Results demonstrated significant antibacterial activity of AgNP-CR against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, AgNP-CR exhibited antifungal activity against pathogenic Aspergillus species. Importantly, AgNP-CR showed promising anti-HIV activity by inhibiting viral replication and cytopathic effects in infected cells. Cytotoxicity assays were also conducted to ensure the safety profile of the nanoparticles. Overall, this pilot study underscores the therapeutic potential of AgNPs synthesized from C. roseus in addressing bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Further research is warranted to elucidate their mechanisms of action and optimize formulations for clinical applications

Addison's disease presenting with idiopathic intracranial hypertension in 24-year-old woman: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Idiopathic intracranial hypertension can rarely be associated with an underlying endocrine disorder such as Cushing's syndrome, hyperthyroidism, or with administration of thyroxine or growth hormone. Though cases of idiopathic intracranial hypertension associated with Addison's disease in children have been reported, there is only one documented case report of this association in adults. We describe a case of an acute adrenal insufficiency precipitated by idiopathic intracranial hypertension in a Caucasian female.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>A 24-year-old Caucasian woman was acutely unwell with a background of several months of generalised fatigue and intermittent headaches. She had unremarkable neurological and systemic examination with a normal computerised tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Normal cerebrospinal fluid but increased opening pressure at lumbar puncture suggested intracranial hypertension. A flat short synacthen test and raised level of adrenocorticotrophic hormone were consistent with primary adrenal failure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Addison's disease can remain unrecognised until precipitated by acute stress. This case suggests that idiopathic intracranial hypertension can rarely be associated with Addison's disease and present as an acute illness. Idiopathic intracranial hypertension is possibly related to an increase in the levels of arginine vasopressin peptide in serum and cerebrospinal fluid secondary to a glucocorticoid deficient state.</p

Community health and medical provision: impact on neonates (the CHAMPION trial)

BACKGROUND: The trial aims to evaluate whether neonatal mortality can be reduced through systemic changes to the provision and promotion of healthcare. Neonatal mortality rates in India are high compared to other low income countries, and there is a wide variation of rates across regions. There is evidence that relatively inexpensive interventions may be able to prevent up to 75% of these deaths. One area with a particularly high rate is Mahabubnagar District in Andhra Pradesh, where neonatal mortality is estimated to be in the region of 4-9%. The area suffers from a vicious cycle of both poor supply of and small demand for health care services. The trial will assess whether a package of interventions to facilitate systemic changes to the provision and promotion of healthcare may be able to substantially reduce neonatal mortality in this area and be cost-effective. If successful, the trial is designed so that it should be possible to substantially scale up the project in regions with similarly high neonatal mortality throughout Andhra Pradesh and elsewhere. METHODS/DESIGN: This trial will be a cluster-randomised controlled trial involving 464 villages in Mahabubnagar District. The package of interventions will first be introduced in half of the villages with the others serving as controls. The trial will run for a period of three years. The intervention in the trial has two key elements: a community health promotion campaign and a system to contract out healthcare to non-public institutions. The health promotion campaign will include a health education campaign, participatory discussion groups, training of village health workers and midwives, and improved coordination of antenatal services. The intervention group will also have subsidized access to pregnancy-related healthcare services at non-public lth centres (NPHCs). The primary outcome of the trial will be neonatal mortality. Secondary outcomes will include age at and cause of neonatal death, neonatal morbidity, maternal mortality and morbidity, health service usage, costs and several process and knowledge outcomes. DISCUSSION: The trial will be run by independent research and service delivery arms and supervised by a trial steering committee. A data monitoring committee will be put in place to monitor the trial and recommend stopping/continuation according to a Peto-Haybittle rule. The primary publication for the trial will follow CONSORT guidelines for cluster randomised controlled trials. Criteria for authorship of all papers, presentations and reports resulting from the study will conform to ICMJE standards