First look at the PYTHIA8 hadronization program for neutrino interaction generators

8 pages, 4 figures, proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions in the Few-GeV Region (NuInt15), Osaka, Japan, 16-21 November 2015. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1412.43018 pages, 4 figures, proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Neutrino-Nucleus Interactions in the Few-GeV Region (NuInt15), Osaka, Japan, 16-21 November 2015. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1412.4301Current and future neutrino oscillation experiments utilize information of hadronic final states to improve sensitivities on oscillation parameters measurements. Among the physics of hadronic systems in neutrino interactions, the hadronization model controls multiplicities and kinematics of final state hadrons from the primary interaction vertex. For relatively high invariant mass events, neutrino interaction generators rely on the PYTHIA6 hadronization program. Here, we show a possible improvement of this process in neutrino event generators, by utilizing expertise from the HERMES experiment. Next, we discuss the possibility to implement the PYTHIA8 program in neutrino interaction generators, including GENIE and NEUT. Finally, we show preliminary comparisons of PYTHIA8 predictions with neutrino hadron multiplicity data from bubble chamber experiments within the GENIE hadronization validation tool

Early MRI diagnostics for suspected scaphoid fractures subsequent to initial plain radiography

Aim In the United Kingdom, diagnostic management of patients presenting to emergency department with a scaphoid injury varies. Follow-up plain radiographs, after an initial inconclusive X-ray, are common practice. We optimised the diagnostic pathway for these patients by focusing on the most appropriate diagnostic modality and on minimising the time to follow-up diagnostics. Materials and methods A baseline audit in the period 2008–2009 involving a total of 184 patients was conducted, and after the introduction of new local guidelines for scaphoid injury diagnostics, a follow-up audit involving 79 patients was undertaken in 2010–2012. Results In the original audit, 130 patients had only scaphoid radiographs, of which 23 underwent initial and follow-up X-rays, and 107 initial-only radiographs. Of those 23, just one single patient (4 %) displayed a scaphoid fracture. Others underwent three imaging procedures: initial radiographs, follow-up radiographs and either bone scan (41 patients) or MRI (13 patients). A further 6/41 (15 %) and 4/13 (31 %) fractures were detected by bone scan and MRI, respectively. In the re-audit, when MRI replaced follow-up X-rays and bone scans, 7 out of 77 (9 %) patients were diagnosed with scaphoid fracture. Time from initial plain radiograph to follow-up MRI was reduced from an original mean of 36 to 14 days during the re-audit period. Conclusion The introduction of early MRI enhances scaphoid injury diagnostics and accelerates patient management. We therefore endorse the introduction of this approach on a wider scale through an update of the clinical guidelines for scaphoid injuries

Authorship pattern and growth of scholar contributions for PHFI: A Bibliometric Analysis

The purpose of this research study is to identify the authorship patterns and degree of collaboration and growth of Public health foundation of India in Public Health research related with a total of 1941 records of publications authored by 12523 authors during the period 2011– 2020 derived from SCOPUS database. Validation of determine chronological growth, authorship pattern, core sources for research communication, and encouragement of productivity by citations received, various indicators, and indices and bibliometric laws i.e. Authorship pattern, RGR, Dt, CAI, DC, Bradford’s Law of distributions, and more have been applied appropriately. Additionally, used deferent software of like ‘MS-Excel’ and ‘bibliometrix’ & ‘biblioshiny’ of R-Package software and VOSviwer software applied for detailed and reliable analysis. Evaluated data figured out Average yearly contribution 194 research however accounted Mean RGR(P) ‘0.34’; Mean Dt (P) ’2.74 reveals inconsistent growth of research output. Average of ‘Collaboration index’ (CI) ‘5.60’ A total Average yearly citations were received for research occurrence in the span with an average of 10.46, Prabhakaran. D., was published highest papers 260 and got received highest citation also 4958 and total link strength 1457. For PHFI and individual research scholars. PHFI has to make more effort to promote research and create quality culture, attention of developing better policies to enhance and enrich the research performance of individuals

Impact of maternal BMI and sampling strategy on the concentration of leptin, insulin, ghrelin and resistin in breast milk across a single feed: a longitudinal cohort study

We tested the hypothesis that there is a positive association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and the concentration of appetite-regulating hormones leptin, insulin, ghrelin and resistin in breast milk. We also aimed to describe the change in breast milk hormone concentration within each feed, and over time.Mothers were recruited from the postpartum ward at a university hospital in London. Breast milk samples were collected at the participants homes.We recruited 120 healthy, primiparous, breastfeeding mothers, aged over 18 years. Mothers who smoked, had multiple births or had diabetes were excluded. Foremilk and hindmilk samples were collected from 105 women at 1 week postpartum and 92 women at 3 months postpartum.We recorded maternal and infant anthropometric measurements at each sample collection and measured hormone concentrations using a multiplex assay.The concentration of leptin in foremilk correlated with maternal BMI at the time of sample collection, at 7 days (r=0.31, p=0.02) and 3 months postpartum (r=0.30, p=<0.00). Foremilk insulin correlated with maternal BMI at 3 months postpartum (r=0.22, p=0.04). Breast milk ghrelin and resistin were not correlated with maternal BMI. Ghrelin concentrations at 3 months postpartum were increased in foremilk compared with hindmilk (p=0.01). Concentrations of ghrelin were increased in hindmilk collected at 1  week postpartum compared with samples collected at 3 months postpartum (p=0.03). A trend towards decreased insulin concentrations in hindmilk was noted. Concentrations of leptin and resistin were not seen to alter over a feed.A positive correlation between maternal BMI and foremilk leptin concentration at both time points studied, and foremilk insulin at 3 months postpartum was observed. This may have implications for infant appetite regulation and obesity risk

CCR5 antagonism impacts vaccination response and immune profile in HIV-1 infection.

Maraviroc (MVC) is the first licensed antiretroviral therapeutic agent to target a host cell surface molecule, and successful HIV-1 entry blockade by this C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5)-antagonist potentiates immunomodulation. We hypothesized that MVC intensification impacts immunization responses, T-cell phenotype, function and delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in HIV-1+ subjects. A 24-wk, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of the addition of MVC to suppressive antiretroviral therapy in HIV-1+ persons was performed. Subjects received DTH tests, intramuscular tetanus, meningococcal and oral cholera immunizations. Antibody titers, T-cell function and phenotype were assessed. Of 157 patients referred, 47 were randomized 1:1; MVC:placebo. MVC enhanced meningococcal neo-immunization, blunted cholera response and expedited lymphoproliferation to tetanus boost, without affecting recall humoral response. Anti-HIV-1 group-specific antigen (Gag) and tetanus toxoid (TTox) function improved significantly, HIV-1-associated CD8 T-cell skewing normalized, and the percentage of late-stage and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II expressing CD4 T-cells increased. Activated CD4+ CD38+ human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR+ T-cells declined, and costimulation shifted to coinhibition. DTH was unchanged. Maraviroc intensification, through antagonism of the cell surface molecule CCR5, favorably influences immune profiles of HIV-1+ patients, supporting its immunomodulatory use in HIV-1 infection and potentially in other immunologically relevant settings

Bibliometric study of SAARC Countries Research Trends in Public Health using Scopus database

Public health is facing a current covid-19 crisis situation in the world. This study aims to analyze particular the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries\u27 public health research interest and growth. This bibliometric study selected the Public Health keyword from Scopus database geographical area selected was only SAARC countries in the title only and retrieved 1720 published articles. The time period selected was from 1957 to March 2021. 5758 authors were identified to published relevant studies on total over an average of 7.34 years in public health. The data retrieval most productive three main publishing countries India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Most productive institutions and authors are from India. Bibliometric analysis showed growth in international collaboration with the USA among most SAARC countries. The most productive journal was found to be “Indian Journal of Public Health” and the most productive author Ramasam, Y. J having a total of publication 57. This bibliometric analysis provides an inclusive overview of the public health research conducted in SAARC countries, which helps researchers, policy makers, and practitioner better understand the development of public health care and possible practice implications. Future Public health research should be dedicated to filling in the gaps between SAARC Countries health care research

Pregnancy gestation impacts on HIV-1-specific granzyme B response and central memory CD4 T cells

Pregnancy induces alterations in peripheral T-cell populations with both changes in subset frequencies and anti-viral responses found to alter with gestation. In HIV-1 positive women anti-HIV-1 responses are associated with transmission risk, however detailed investigation into both HIV-1-specific memory responses associated with HIV-1 control and T-cell subset changes during pregnancy have not been undertaken. In this study we aimed to define pregnancy and gestation related changes to HIV-1-specific responses and T-cell phenotype in ART treated HIV-1 positive pregnant women. Eleven non-pregnant and 24 pregnant HIV-1 positive women were recruited, peripheral blood samples taken, fresh cells isolated, and compared using ELISpot assays and flow cytometry analysis. Clinical data were collected as part of standard care, and non-parametric statistics used. Alterations in induced IFNγ, IL-2, IL-10, and granzyme B secretion by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in response to HIV-1 Gag and Nef peptide pools and changes in T-cell subsets between pregnant and non-pregnant women were assessed, with data correlated with participant clinical parameters and longitudinal analysis performed. Cross-sectional comparison identified decreased IL-10 Nef response in HIV-1 positive pregnant women compared to non-pregnant, while correlations exhibited reversed Gag and Nef cytokine and protease response associations between groups. Longitudinal analysis of pregnant participants demonstrated transient increases in Gag granzyme B response and in the central memory CD4 T-cell subset frequency during their second trimester, with a decrease in CD4 effector memory T cells from their second to third trimester. Gag and Nef HIV-1-specific responses diverge with pregnancy time-point, coinciding with relevant T-cell phenotype, and gestation associated immunological adaptations. Decreased IL-10 Nef and both increased granzyme B Gag response and central memory CD4 T cells implies that amplified antigen production is occurring, which suggests a period of compromised HIV-1 control in pregnancy

Perceived need of, and interest in, HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis amongst men who have sex with men attending three sexual health clinics in London, UK

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) has proven efficacy in reducing the risk of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM), but has not yet been commissioned in the UK. The aim of this study was to investigate perceived need and benefit (or experience of) PrEP among HIV-negative MSM attending sexual health clinics. HIV-negative MSM attending three sexual health centres in London, UK were opportunistically invited to complete a questionnaire. Data collected comprised demographic data and sexual and drug use behaviours as well as questions regarding perceptions of risk and need for PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify variables predicting acceptability of, and intention to use, PrEP. In addition, data were gathered in respondents already taking PrEP. Eight hundred and thirty-nine questionnaires were analysed. The median age of respondents was 35 years (IQR 28–41, range 18–78), 650 (77%) were of white ethnicity and 649 (77%) had a university education. Four hundred and fifty-six (54%) reported at least one episode of condomless anal sex in the preceding three months, 437 (52%) reported recreational drug use in the preceding three months and 311 (37%) had been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection within the preceding six months. Four hundred and sixty-three (64%) of 726 strongly agreed with the statement ‘I think I would benefit from PrEP’. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that having receptive anal intercourse (RAI) without condoms, having an awareness of the risk of unprotected RAI and having belief in the effectiveness of PrEP were independent predictors for someone thinking they would benefit from taking PrEP. Eight percent of respondents (59/724) had already taken or were currently taking PrEP. The results suggest that individuals at risk are likely to perceive themselves as benefiting from PrEP. The majority perceived their risk of acquiring HIV and benefit from PrEP accurately. Overall they appeared to have little concern over the use of PrEP and generally positive attitudes. Further investigation is warranted to understand why those at risk do not perceive benefit from PrEP