Exploring SMEFT Couplings Using the Forward-Backward Asymmetry in Neutral Current Drell-Yan Production at the LHC

Neutral current Drell-Yan (DY) lepton-pair production is considered in the framework of the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). Using the open-source fit platform xFitter, we investigate the impact of high-statistics measurements of the neutral current DY (NCDY) forward-backward asymmetry $A_{\rm{FB}}$ near the weak boson mass scale in the present and forthcoming stages of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). Besides recovering earlier results on the $A_{\rm{FB}}$ sensitivity to parton distribution functions, we analyze the precision determination of $Z$-boson couplings to left-handed and right-handed $u$-quarks and $d$-quarks, and explore Beyond-Standard-Model contributions using the SMEFT framework. We comment on the role of the $A_{\rm{FB}}$ asymmetry for the electroweak SMEFT fit and precision $Z$-boson physics at the LHC and high-luminosity HL-LHC

Preferential expression of CD200 and Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase-1 (IDO-1) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with Relapse

Background & Objectives: Defect in Immune responses, such as immunosuppression is one of the major causes of AML pathogenesis and progression which could be targeted for immunotherapy of these patients. CD200 and IDO are immunoregulatory factors which are overexpressed in some solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Distinct researches have shown that CD200 and IDO expressions are associated with AML progression. In the current study, we simultaneously examined the expression of these molecules, as the two important factors including in immunosuppression, in the newly diagnosed and relapse AML patients to investigate their correlation with each other. Methods: In this study, 48 Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) samples of newly diagnosed and relapsed AML patients were tested and also 32 PBMCs of normal subjects were employed as normal controls. CD200 expression level was examined on the cells by Flowcytometry and quantitative real time RT-PCR was used to determine the IDO-1 gene expression. Finally data were analyzed statistically by Spss 17 software. Results: Our data showed that CD200 (P=0.02) and IDO-1 (P=0.44) were overexpressed in AML samples especially in relapsed patients. Comparison between FAB AML subgroups demonstrated no statistical differences regarding CD200 level but expression of IDO-1 was slightly increased only in M4 subgroup in comparison to M3 (P=0.01). Correlation analyses showed strong association between the expressions of CD200 and IDO-1 in all patients particularly in relapsed AML, whereas no significant correlation was found in normal subjects.   Conclusion: According to the role and overexpression of CD200 and IDO-1 in AML patients and also their two-way correlation with T-reg lymphocytes in disease induction and progression, simultaneous assessment of these parameters are so valuable for more exact prognosis detection. Also inhibition of all these immunoregulatory pathways could be so useful for immunotherapy outcome, especially in relapsed AML

The effects of protein, amino acid, and dietary electrolyte balance on broiler chicken performance and blood parameters under heat stress

ABSTRACT The effect of crude protein (CP), amino acid (AA), and dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) were evaluated on blood parameters, carcass traits, and broiler performance under heat stress (29-34°C). A total of 540 male chickens (Ross 308) were allocated to 12 diets with factorial arrangement 2 × 2 × 3, using a completely randomized design with three replicates of 15 chickens in grower (13 to 26 days) and finisher (27 to 42 days) periods. and 120, 220, and 320 mEq kg-1 DEB. The level of 21% CP increased body weight gain (BWG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) at grower period (p < 0.05). In contrast, 20% CP level decreased BWG and increased FCR at finisher period (p < 0.05). Further, 20% CP level reduced blood sodium and blood electrolyte balance (p < 0.05). The highest blood electrolyte balance was achieved by DEB 320 mEq kg-1 diet (p < 0.05). Broiler response to DEB in heat stress depended on the age of bird, length of exposure to high temperature and CP level of the diet. Under heat stress (29-34°C), the 21% CP level at grower period and 17% CP level at finisher period improved broiler BWG and FCR

Copernicus data to boost raw material source management: Illustrations from the RawMatCop programme

Earth Observation (EO) data can become an essential tool in the transformation of a raw materials sector that aims to reconfigure its model of operation. The high demand for the mineral resources necessary for the transition to a carbon neutral and circular economy conflicts with the increasing difficulties of finding new deposits. As the sector heads towards embracing circularity and reducing the environmental impacts, a clear focus has been set on developing appropriate tools to boost the efficiency of mineral resource management, both technologically and economically. In this scenario, the Sentinel satellites of the European Copernicus program come into play. Despite being satellites considered medium resolution, they provide great temporal and spatial coverage in a continuous record, which makes them tools with great potential for the raw materials sector. However, the lack of applications in the raw materials sector suggests that these technological advances have remained underrated by sectoral actors. The RawMatCop program was designed to bridge this gap. This program, co-funded by the European Commission and EIT RawMaterials, aims to develop applications and promote the use of Copernicus data in the raw materials sector to contribute to a safe and sustainable supply of mineral resources. The presented applications can be grouped into three categories covering the whole mining cycle from exploration to exploitation and post-mining. Two of the presented case studies cover the study of primary sources including exploration of Iron Oxide Copper Gold mineralisations to identify high-potential mining areas and mapping of informal gold mining and its environmental impacts. Another project focused on secondary sources tackled data applications for grade mapping and sample optimisation in mining residues. And the forth project focused on monitoring ground stability related to mining activity. The results demonstrate the high cost-effectiveness of Sentinel 1 and 2 in extending ground-based measurements to larger areas, especially when these are hard-to-reach areas. Finally, the presented projects examine the industrial and social impacts of technological innovations, as well as contribute to the achievement of prominent European Union policy objectives and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.This paper includes four research projects related to the RawMatCop Programme (2018-2019), funded by the European Commission and EIT RawMaterials. Special thanks to Serge Monturet, the LifeLong learning manager for his support. The authors would like to thank Dr. Rima Dapous, Wesley Crock, Dr. Patrick Nadoll, Ms. Eliane Furuyama and Sven Kreigenfeld from EIT RawMaterials and supervisors: Professor Roberto Bruno and Professor Emanuele Mandanici from University of Bologna, Dr. Efthymios Balomenos from Mytilineous S.A, Professor Thorkild Maack Rasmussen from Lulea University of Technology, Professor Eric Pirard from University of Liege, Dr. Pierre Lacroix from the University of Geneva and UNEP/GRID-Geneva, Mr. David Jensen, Ms. Inga Peterson, Mr. Juan Bello, and Ms. Luisa Lema from UNEP, Mr. Rafael Sanchez the secretary of mines at El Bagre, Ms. Janneth Zoraida Duque Quintero and Ms. Ana Castana from Corantioquia, Professor Jose Fern ' andez and Mr. Joaquin Escayo from IGEO-CSIC, Professor Ramon Carbonell and Dr. Martin Schimmel, for their important feedback and suggestions; and the Atalaya Mining company for their support. Finally we would like to thank Dr.Francesco Tinti for the encouragement behind the paper creation.Peer reviewe

Gene Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Strategies to Select Therapeutic Genes

Significant advances have been achieved in recent years to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in animal models using gene therapy approaches rather than biological treatments. Although biological agents serve as antirheumatic drugs with suppressing proinflammatory cytokine activities, they are usually accompanied by systemic immune suppression resulting from continuous or high systemic dose injections of biological agents. Therefore, gene transfer approaches have opened an interesting perspective to deliver one or multiple genes in a target‐specific or inducible manner for the sustained intra‐articular expression of therapeutic products. Accordingly, many studies have focused on gene transferring methods in animal models by using one of the available approaches. In this study, the important strategies used to select effective genes for RA gene therapy have been outlined. Given the work done in this field, the future looks bright for gene therapy as a new method in the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases such as RA, and by ongoing efforts in this field, we hope to achieve feasible, safe, and effective treatment methods

Radiofrequency Ablation and Intrauterine Transfusion in a Delayed Diagnosed Acardiac Twin Pregnancy

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) sequence or acardiac twin is a rare and severe complication of monochorionic multiple pregnancies. Acardiac twin accounts for 10% of all TRAP sequences, which is the most morphologically developed acardius. We present an undiagnosed TRAP sequence case up to 24 weeks of gestation who underwent successful amnioreduction, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and intrauterine transfusion (IUT). During follow-up, hydrops of surviving co-twin disappeared, and fetal heart function improved. Finally, a healthy girl weighing 2400 g was born at 36 weeks of gestation. To our knowledge, this is the first reported acardiac twin pregnancy, which requires IUT, in addition to RFA, due to late diagnosis. Therefore, this case report presents successful management options for TRAP sequence cases diagnosed late in pregnancy