Penguin Mediated B Decays at BABAR

We report on preliminary results of searches for penguin mediated B decays based on 20.7 fb^{-1} of data collected at the Y(4S) peak with the BABAR detector at PEP-II. The following branching fractions have been measured: BR(B+ --> phi K+) = (7.7^{+1.6}_{-1.4} +- 0.8)*10^{-6}, BR(B0 --> phi K0) = (8.1^{+3.1}_{-2.5} +- 0.8)*10^{-6}, BR(B+ --> phi K*+) = (9.7^{+4.2}_{-3.4} +- 1.7)*10^{-6}, BR(B0 --> phi K*0) = (8.7^{+2.5}_{-2.1} +- 1.1)*10^{-6}, BR(B+--> omega pi+) = (6.6^{+2.1}_{-1.8} +- 0.7)*10^{-6}, BR(B --> eta K^*0) = (19.8^{+6.5}_{-5.6} +-1.7)*10^{-6}, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic. For several other modes we report upper limits on their branching fractions; for example for the following flavor-changing neutral current decays, BR(B--> K l+ l-) K* l+ l-) < 2.5*10^{-6}, at 90% Confidence Level (C.L.).Comment: 9 pages, 6 postscript figues, presented at EPS200

Search for New Physics with Rare Heavy Flavour Decays at LHCb

The LHCb experiment has the potential, during the 2010-11 run, to observe the rare decay $B^0_s\to \mu^+\mu^-$ or improve significantly its exclusion limits. This study will provide very sensitive probes of New Physics (NP) effects. High sensitivity to NP contributions is also achieved by measuring photon polarization by performing a time dependent analysis of $B^0_s \to \phi\gamma$, and by an angular study of the decay $B^0_d \to K^{*0}\mu^+\mu^-$. Preparations for these analyses are presented and studies shown of how existing data, for example prompt $J/\psi$ events, can be used to validate the analysis strategy.Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures, presented at ICHEP conference, Paris 201

Rare Decays With LHCb

Rare decays involving leptons or photons in the final states are studied using 1.0 fb^{-1} of pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of sqrt{s}=7TeV collected by the LHCb experiment in 2011. We present results of measurements of branching ratios, angular distributions, and isospin asymmetries obtained using this data sample.Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures, Proceedings of Rencontres du Vietnam, Beyond The Standard Model of Particle Physics, Qui Nhon, Vietnam July 15-21, 201

Measurements of B- -> D(*)0 K(*)- Decays Related to gamma

We present measurements of branching fractions and CP asymmetries of several B- -> D(*)0 K(*)- decays, with the D(*)0 decaying to CP-even, CP-odd, and flavor eigenstates, that can constrain the CP angle gamma as well as the amplitude ratio rb=A(B -> u)/A(B -> c), using methods proposed by Gronau, London and Wyler or Atwood, Dunietz and Sony. We use data collected with the BABAR detector at the PEP-II asymmetric energy e+e- collider at SLAC.Comment: 6 pages, 9 postscript figures, presented at DPF200

Review of Recent Measurements of the Sides of the CKM Unitarity Triangle

We give a review of the status of the global effort to measure the sides of the CKM Unitarity Triangle.Comment: 9 pages, 10 postscript figures, presented at BEACH200

Oxidative stress inhibition by resveratrol in alcohol dependent mice

Objective uncontrolled ingestion of alcohol has dramatic consequences on the entire organism also associated with the oxidation process induced by alcohol by elevating radical oxygen species (ROS). Resveratrol, a non-flavonoid phenol, shows well-documented antioxidant properties. We investigated the potential antioxidant ability of this natural compound in a mouse model of alcohol addiction. Methods we administered (per os) for two months 10 mg/kg/day of resveratrol in alcoholic adult male mice. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring serum free oxygen radicals defense (FORD) and free oxygen radicals (FORT) levels. Resveratrol metabolites were measured in the serum of mice administered with resveratrol. Finally, the effect of resveratrol on alcohol-induced alteration of BDNF in the liver was investigated. Results prolonged consumption of resveratrol strongly counteracts serum ROS formation caused by chronic alcohol intake, without effects on natural, free oxygen radical defense. The presence of resveratrol metabolites only in the serum of animals supplemented with resveratrol potentiates the evidence that the antioxidant effect observed is due to the ingestion of the natural compound. Moreover, resveratrol supplementation can counteract alcohol-induced BDNF elevation in the liver, the main target of organ alcohol-induced damage. Conclusion the consumption of resveratrol through metabolite formation may play a protective role, by decreasing free radical formation, and by modulating BDNF involved in hepatic disruption induced by chronic alcohol consumption. Further investigation about the mechanism underlying the protective effect could reinforce the potential use of resveratrol as a dietary supplement to prevent damage associated with chronic alcohol abuse

Paternal alcohol exposure in mice alters brain NGF and BDNF and increases ethanol-elicited preference in male offspring

Ethanol (EtOH) exposure during pregnancy induces cognitive and physiological deficits in the offspring. However, the role of paternal alcohol exposure (PAE) on offspring EtOH sensitivity and neurotrophins has not received much attention. The present study examined whether PAE may disrupt nerve growth factor (NGF) and/or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and affect EtOH preference/rewarding properties in the male offspring. CD1 sire mice were chronically addicted for EtOH or administered with sucrose. Their male offsprings when adult were assessed for EtOH preference by a conditioned place preference paradigm. NGF and BDNF, their receptors (p75NTR, TrkA and TrkB), dopamine active transporter (DAT), dopamine receptors D1 and D2, pro-NGF and pro-BDNF were also evaluated in brain areas. PAE affected NGF levels in frontal cortex, striatum, olfactory lobes, hippocampus and hypothalamus. BDNF alterations in frontal cortex, striatum and olfactory lobes were found. PAE induced a higher susceptibility to the EtOH rewarding effects mostly evident at the lower concentration (0.5 g/kg) that was ineffective in non-PAE offsprings. Moreover, higher ethanol concentrations (1.5 g/kg) produced an aversive response in PAE animals and a significant preference in non-PAE offspring. PAE affected also TrkA in the hippocampus and p75NTR in the frontal cortex. DAT was affected in the olfactory lobes in PAE animals treated with 0.5 g/kg of ethanol while no differences were found on D1/D2 receptors and for pro-NGF or pro-BDNF. In conclusion, this study shows that: PAE affects NGF and BDNF expression in the mouse brain; PAE may induce ethanol intake preference in the male offspring