Search for doubly charged Higgs boson pair production in the decay to mu(+)mu(+)mu(-)mu(-) in p(p)over-bar collisions at root s=1.96 TeV

A search for pair production of doubly charged Higgs bosons in the process p (p) over bar -->H++H---->mu(+)mu(+)mu(-)mu(-) is performed with the D0 run II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. The analysis is based on a sample of inclusive dimuon data collected at an energy of roots=1.96 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 113 pb(-1). In the absence of a signal, 95% confidence level mass limits of M(H-L(+/-+/-))>118.4 GeV/c(2) and M(H-R(+/-+/-))>98.2 GeV/c(2) are set for left-handed and right-handed doubly charged Higgs bosons, respectively, assuming 100% branching into muon pairs.

Search for supersymmetry with gauge-mediated breaking in diphoton events at D0

We report the results of a search for supersymmetry (SUSY) with gauge-mediated breaking in the missing transverse energy distribution of inclusive diphoton events using 263 pb(-1) of data collected by the D0 experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in 2002-2004. No excess is observed above the background expected from standard model processes, and lower limits on the masses of the lightest neutralino and chargino of about 108 and 195 GeV, respectively, are set at the 95% confidence level. These are the most stringent limits to date for models with gauge-mediated SUSY breaking with a short-lived neutralino as the next-to-lightest SUSY particle.

A novel method for modeling the recoil in W boson events at hadron colliders

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Measurement of the W Boson Mass

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Direct Measurement of the W Boson Width

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Electrophoretic and chromatographic profile for S-like hemoglobin

Hemoglobin variants originate mainly by simple amino acid substitutions, the result of nucleotide sequence changes. Recently, the number of known abnormal hemoglobins has increased due to improvement in analysis methodologies; however, many laboratories are not prepared to correctly identify mutants. Hb S is a very well-characterized hemoglobin variant that varies in prevalence in different regions of Brazil. However, there is a type of Hb that presents electrophoretic migration in alkaline pH similar to Hb S, named S-like Hb, which can be incorrectly diagnosed; therefore, its frequency is underestimated. We obtained reference ranges for Hb S by HPLC, and we examined the electrophoretic and chromatographic profiles of S-like Hb. Hb Hasharon, Hb D-Los Angeles, Hb Korle-Bu, Hb Lepore, Hb D-Iran, Hb G-like, Hb Queens, Hb Montgomery, and Hb Q-India were found. Cases of association between two beta chain mutants were also found. Electrophoresis in alkaline and acid pH was utilized to initially screen these Hb variants, and globin chain electrophoresis at both high and low pH was performed to identify the globin chain mutant. Chromatographic analysis permitted the identification of the hemoglobin variant and also facilitated the quantification of these variants. Therefore, an association of classical laboratory diagnostic methodologies is fundamental for the correct identification of suspect Hb variants. The S and S-like hemoglobin profiles determined in this study will help in the diagnosis of these variants in health care services.

Double-blind comparison of venlafaxine and amitriptyline in outpatients with major depression with or without melancholia

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine and amitriptyline in outpatients with major depression with or without melancholia. This was an 8-week, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison of venlafaxine and amitriptyline. Outpatients with DSM-IV major depression, a minimum score of 20 on the 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and depressive symptoms for at least 1 month were eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to venlafaxine or amitriptyline, both drugs titrated to a maximum of 150 mg/day until study day 15. The primary efficacy variables were the final on-therapy scores on the HAM-D, Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression severity scales. Data were evaluated on an intent-to-treat basis using the LOCF method. One hundred and 16 patients were randomized, and 115 were evaluated for efficacy. Both drugs showed efficacy in the treatment of depression with or without melancholia. No significant differences were noted between treatments for any efficacy parameter. However, significantly (p < 0.05) more patients in the amitriptyline group had at least one adverse event. These results should support the efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine in comparison with amitriptyline for treating major depression with or without melancholia.

Search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay Bs 0 → μ+ μ- pp̄ Collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV with the DO Detector

We present the results of a search for the flavor-changing neutral current decay Bs 0 → μ+ μ-. using a data set with integrated luminosity of 240 pb-1 of pp̄ collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV collected with the D0 detector in run II of the Fermilab Tevatron collider. We find the upper limit on the branching fraction to be B(Bs 0 → μ+ π-) ≤ 5.0 × 10-7 at the 95% C.L. assuming no contributions from the decay Bd 0 → μ+ μ- in the signal region. This limit is the most stringent upper bound on the branching fraction Bs 0 → μ+ μ- to date. © 2005 The American Physical Society.

Efficacy of hormone therapy with and without methyltestosterone augmentation of venlafaxine in the treatment of postmenopausal depression: A double-blind controlled pilot study

Objective: This study evaluated the augmentation of venlafaxine with hormone therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal depression. The hormones evaluated were estrogen (0.625 mg) in combination with medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg) and methyltestosterone (2.5 mg). Design: Seventy-two menopausal women (mean age: 53.6 ± 4.27 years) diagnosed with depression (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale [MADRS] scores ≥ 20) were treated with venlafaxine and one of the following hormone therapy combinations, in a double-blind regimen: estrogen + medroxyprogesterone + methyltestosterone (group 1, n = 20); estrogen + medroxyprogesterone acetate (group 2, n = 20); methyltestosterone only (group 3, n = 16); and no hormone therapy (group 4, n = 16). Study duration was 24 weeks. Primary efficacy outcome was remission according to the MADRS, whereas secondary efficacy measures included the Clinical Global Impression (CGI), Blatt-Kupperman Index, and Women's Health Questionnaire (WHQ). Results: Forty-eight patients completed the study. All groups showed significant improvement from baseline. Group 3 demonstrated significant improvement on the MADRS compared with placebo (group 4) at weeks 20 (P = 0.048) and 24 (P = 0.030); effect size 8.04 (0.83; 15.26) (P = 0.029), but also had the highest dropout rate. Groups 1 and 3 had significant CGI improvement rates compared with placebo: 42.23% (P = 0.012) and 44.45% (P = 0.08), respectively. There were no differences in the WHQ or BKI scores among the groups. Conclusions: Methyltestosterone 2.5 mg had the highest effect size compared with placebo, but the high dropout rate prevented its efficacy from being determined. Estrogen plus medroxyprogesterone, combined with methyltestosterone or otherwise, demonstrated a trend toward increased efficacy of venlafaxine. Further larger-scale clinical trials are needed to elucidate the findings of this pilot study. © 2006 by The North American Menopause Society.

Sertralina no tratamento de pacientes com depressão maior leve e moderada: Estudo multicêntrico brasileiro

Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sertraline for the treatment of Brazilian patients with mild to moderate major depression. Patients and methods: Patients were 18 years old or older treated on an out-patient basis. Previous medications were stopped for a 2-week washout period. Afterwards, patients received sertraline, initial dose of 50 mg/day up to the 4 th week. The dose could then be increased up to 200 mg/day according to the efficacy and tolerability. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated with the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton scale for depression (HAM-D), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Results: 51 patients (42 women) were evaluated regarding efficacy and safety. Treatment with sertraline significantly decreased scores of MADRS, HAM-D e ICGfrom 15.7 ± 6.1; 12.2 ± 3.9 e 3.5 ± 0.6 to 6.2 ± 6.5; 5.4 ± 4.7 e 2.3 ± 1.0 (P < 0.0001), respectively. Sertraline was well tolerated. Gastro-intestinal upset (N=14; 24.6%), headache (N=7; 12.3%), sleep alterations (H-7; 12.3%), dizziness (N-4; 7.0%), and anorexia (N=4; 7.0%) were the most common adverse events. Six patients discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Conclusion: Sertraline is efficient and presents a favorable safety and tolerability profile for the treatment of Brazilian patients with mild to moderate major depression. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora.

Measurement of the W boson mass with the D0 detector

We present a measurement of the W boson mass using data corresponding to 4.3fb -1 of integrated luminosity collected with the D0 detector during Run II at the Fermilab Tevatron pp̄ collider. With a sample of 1677394 W→eν candidate events, we measure M W=80.367±0. 026GeV. This result is combined with an earlier D0 result determined using an independent Run II data sample, corresponding to 1fb -1 of integrated luminosity, to yield M W=80.375±0.023GeV. © 2012 American Physical Society.

Perfil eletroforético e cromatográfico das hemoglobinas S-like

Pós-graduação em Genética - IBILCE

Dixie Music Score - Accession 1398 - M690 (746)

This collection consists of an autographed copy of Herman F. Arnold’s “Dixie”. The music scale is inscribed with “At the request of Miss Minnie Parker the copy of Dixie is presented to Winthrop College [in 1923] by Prof. Herman F. Arnold + the score in 159 of + who wrote Dixie and was made the war tune of the south at the inauguration of Jefferson Davis Feb. 18th 1861 at Montgomery, Ala.” There is also a note stating that this score is “One of the Four Autograph Copies of the Score of Dixie.” Minnie Barker was curator of the Winthrop museum and the music score was displayed there until Tillman Science Building was razed in 1962 which housed the museum.

Dixie Music Score Collection - Accession 268 - M114 (146)

The “Dixie” Music Score Collection consists of two photographs of one of the four original autographed copies of the musical score Dixie which was presented to Winthrop College in 1923 by Professor Herman F. Arnold and a photograph of Professor Herman F. Arnold. The Dixie Score is inscribed "At the request of Miss Minnie Barker the copy of Dixie is presented to Winthrop College by Prof. Herman F. Arnold who wrote Dixie and was made the war tune of the south at the inauguration of Jefferson Davis Feb 18th 1861 at Montgomery, Ala." Minnie Barker was curator of the Winthrop museum and the music score was displayed there until Tillman Science Building was razed in 1962 which housed the museum. The collection also contains newspaper clippings and correspondence relating to the controversy surrounding Dixie and whether it is racially insensitive.

A Silent Enzootic of an Orthopoxvirus in Ghana, West Africa: Evidence for Multi-Species Involvement in the Absence of Widespread Human Disease

Human monkeypox has never been reported in Ghana, but rodents captured in forested areas of southern Ghana were the source of the monkeypox virus introduced into the United States in 2003. Subsequent to the outbreak in the United States, 204 animals were collected from two commercial trapping sites in Ghana. Animal tissues were examined for the presence of orthopoxvirus (OPXV) DNA using a real-time polymerase chain reaction, and sera were assayed for antibodies against OPXV. Animals from five genera (Cricetomys , Graphiurus , Funiscirus, and Heliosciurus ) had antibodies against OPXV, and three genera (Cricetomys , Graphiurus , and Xerus) had evidence of OPXV DNA in tissues. Additionally, 172 persons living near the trapping sites were interviewed regarding risk factors for OPXV exposure, and their sera were analyzed. Fifty-three percent had IgG against OPXV; none had IgM. Our findings suggest that several species of forest-dwelling rodents from Ghana are susceptible to naturally occurring OPXV infection, and that persons living near forests may have low-level or indirect exposure to OPXV-infected animals, possibly resulting in sub-clinical infections.