Nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT1)-induced permissive chromatin modification facilitates nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)-mediated interleukin-9 (IL-9) transactivation

IL-9 regulates diverse inflammatory immune responses. Although the functional importance of IL-9 has been investigated in various pathophysiological conditions, molecular mechanisms by which TCR stimulation induced IL-9 gene expression are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the functional importance of the NFAT1 and NF-κB (p65) in IL-9 gene transcription in CD4(+) T cells. In vivo binding of NFAT1 and NF-κB (p65) to the IL-9 promoter was observed. NFAT1 binding induced a transcriptionally active chromatin configuration at the IL-9 promoter locus, whereas NF-κB (p65) binding transactivated the IL-9 promoter. Mouse deficient in NFAT1 shows a significant down-regulation of IL-9 expression that resulted from an inaccessible chromatin configuration at the IL-9 promoter. In parallel, knockdown of NF-κB (p65) also resulted in reduced IL-9 expression. In this process, NFAT1 plays a pivotal role as a core protein that creates an accessible platform for the assembly of transcription activators. The presence of NFAT1 correlates with recruitment of NF-κB (p65), p300, and active histone markers on the IL-9 promoter, resulting in a transcriptionally competent promoter. NFAT1 deficiency significantly reduced the recruitment of the above activation complex to the IL-9 promoter. In summary, our data suggest that functional cooperation of NFAT1 and NF-κB synergistically enhances IL-9 transcription in CD4(+) T cells.

Measurement of ZZ production in leptonic final states at sqrt[s] of 1.96 TeV at CDF

In this Letter, we present a precise measurement of the total ZZ production cross section in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV, using data collected with the CDF II detector corresponding to an integrated luminosity of approximately 6  fb(-1). The result is obtained by combining separate measurements in the four-charged (ℓℓℓ' ℓ') and two-charged-lepton and two-neutral-lepton (ℓℓνν) decay modes of the Z boson pair. The combined measured cross section for pp → ZZ is 1.64(-0.38)(+0.44)  pb. This is the most precise measurement of the ZZ production cross section in 1.96 TeV pp collisions to date.

Blockade of cannabinoid receptor 1 improves insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice

The endocannabinoid system is important in the pathogenesis of obesity-related metabolic disorders. However, the effect of inhibiting the endocannabinoid system in type 2 diabetic nephropathy is unclear. Therefore, we examined the effect of the cannabinoid (CB)1 receptor antagonist, SR141716, on insulin resistance and diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice. Six-week-old db/db mice were treated with the CB1-specific antagonist SR141716 (10 mg/kg · d) for 3 months. Treatment with SR141716 significantly improved insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities. Concomitantly, CB1 antagonism improved cardiac functional and morphological abnormality, hepatic steatosis, and phenotypic changes of adipocytes into small differentiated forms, associated with increased adiponectin expression and decreased lipid hydroperoxide levels. CB1 receptor was overexpressed in diabetic kidneys, especially in podocytes. Treatment with the SR141716 markedly decreased urinary albumin excretion and mesangial expansion and suppressed profibrotic and proinflammatory cytokine synthesis. Furthermore, SR141716 improved renal lipid metabolism and decreased urinary 8-isoprostane levels, renal lipid hydroperoxide content, and renal lipid content. In cultured podocytes, high-glucose stimulation increased CB1 receptor expression, and SR141716 treatment abolished high-glucose-induced up-regulation of collagen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 synthesis. Additionally, knockdown of CB1 receptor expression by stealth small interfering RNA abolished high-glucose-induced sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1 expression in podocytes. These findings suggest that CB1 blockade improves insulin resistance and protect against renal injury through both metabolic and antifibrotic effects in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Targeting CB1 blockade could therefore provide a new therapeutic target to prevent type 2 diabetic nephropathy.

Observation of exclusive γγ production in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We have observed exclusive γγ production in proton-antiproton collisions at √s=1.96 TeV, using data from 1.11±0.07 fb(-1) integrated luminosity taken by the Run II Collider Detector at Fermilab. We selected events with two electromagnetic showers, each with transverse energy E(T)>2.5 GeV and pseudorapidity |η|<1.0, with no other particles detected in -7.4<η<+7.4. The two showers have similar E(T) and azimuthal angle separation Δφ~π; 34 events have two charged particle tracks, consistent with the QED process pp¯→p+e(+)e(-)+p¯ by two-photon exchange, while 43 events have no charged tracks. The number of these events that are exclusive π(0)π(0) is consistent with zero and is <15 at 95% C.L. The cross section for pp¯→p+γγ+p¯ with |η(γ)|<1.0 and E(T)(γ)>2.5 GeV is 2.48(-0.35)(+0.40)(stat)(-0.51)(+0.40)(syst) pb.

Measurements of the angular distributions in the decays B→K(*)μ(+)μ(-) at CDF

We report an indirect search for nonstandard model physics using the flavor-changing neutral current decays B→K(*)μ(+)μ(-). We reconstruct the decays and measure their angular distributions, as a function of q(2)=M(μμ)(2)c(2), where M(μμ) is the dimuon mass, in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV using a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.8 fb(-1). The transverse polarization asymmetry A(T)(2) and the time-reversal-odd charge-and-parity asymmetry A(im) are measured for the first time, together with the K* longitudinal polarization fraction F(L) and the muon forward-backward asymmetry A(FB) for the decays B(0)→K(*0)μ(+)μ(-) and B(+)→K(*+)μ(+)μ(-). The B→K*μ(+)μ(-) forward-backward asymmetry in the most sensitive kinematic regime, 1≤q(2)<6 GeV(2)/c(2), is measured to be A(FB)=0.29(-0.23)(+0.20)(stat)±0.07(syst), the most precise result to date. No deviations from the standard model predictions are observed.

Anti-emetic effect of ondansetron and palonosetron in thyroidectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study

BACKGROUND

Palonosetron is a new potent 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 antagonist. Although this drug is thought to be more effective in patients receiving opioid-based patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), clinical data are lacking. This study compared the effects of i.v. ondansetron and palonosetron administered at the end of surgery in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients receiving i.v. PCA after thyroidectomy.

METHODS

A total of 100 female non-smoking subjects were randomly assigned into a palonosetron group or an ondansetron group. Ondansetron was given as an 8 mg bolus and 16 mg was added to the i.v. PCA mixture. In the palonosetron group, 0.075 mg was injected as a bolus only. Fentanyl-based PCA was provided for 24 h after operation. The incidence of nausea and vomiting, severity of nausea, requirement for rescue anti-emetics, and adverse effects were evaluated during 0-2 and 2-24 h.

RESULTS

The incidence of PONV during the 24 h postoperative period was lower in the palonosetron group than in the ondansetron group (42% vs 62%, P=0.045). No differences were observed between the groups during the first 2 h. However, the incidence of nausea and vomiting and nausea severity were significantly lower in the palonosetron group than in the ondansetron group during 2-24 h. The only difference in the use of rescue anti-emetics was at 2-24 h (10% with palonosetron compared with 28% with ondansetron, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Palonosetron is more effective than ondansetron for high-risk patients receiving fentanyl-based PCA after thyroidectomy, especially 2-24 h after surgery.

Chondrocyte-specific ablation of Osterix leads to impaired endochondral ossification

Osterix (Osx) is an essential transcription factor required for osteoblast differentiation during both intramembranous and endochondral ossification. Endochondral ossification, a process in which bone formation initiates from a cartilage intermediate, is crucial for skeletal development and growth. Osx is expressed in differentiating chondrocytes as well as osteoblasts during mouse development, but its role in chondrocytes has not been well studied. Here, the in vivo function of Osx in chondrocytes was examined in a chondrocyte-specific Osx conditional knockout model using Col2a1-Cre. Chondrocyte-specific Osx deficiency resulted in a weak and bent skeleton which was evident in newborn by radiographic analysis and skeletal preparation. To further understand the skeletal deformity of the chondrocyte-specific Osx conditional knockout, histological analysis was performed on developing long bones during embryogenesis. Hypertrophic chondrocytes were expanded, the formation of bone trabeculae and marrow cavities was remarkably delayed, and subsequent skeletal growth was reduced. The expression of several chondrocyte differentiation markers was reduced, indicating the impairment of chondrocyte differentiation and endochondral ossification in the chondrocyte-specific Osx conditional knockout. Taken together, Osx regulates chondrocyte differentiation and bone growth in growth plate chondrocytes, suggesting an autonomous function of Osx in chondrocytes during endochondral ossification.

Interaction of Ets-1 with HDAC1 represses IL-10 expression in Th1 cells

IL-10 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a crucial role in immunity and tolerance. IL-10 is produced by diverse immune cell types, including B cells and subsets of T cells. Although Th1 produce IL-10, their expression levels are much lower than Th2 cells under conventional stimulation conditions. The potential role of E26 transformation-specific 1 (Ets-1) transcription factor as a negative regulator for Il10 gene expression in CD4(+) T cells has been implicated previously. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of Ets-1-mediated Il10 gene repression in Th1 cells. Compared with wild type Th1 cells, Ets-1 knockout Th1 cells expressed a significantly higher level of IL-10, which is comparable with that of wild type Th2 cells. Upregulation of IL-10 expression in Ets-1 knockout Th1 cells was accompanied by enhanced chromatin accessibility and increased recruitment of histone H3 acetylation at the Il10 regulatory regions. Reciprocally, Ets-1 deficiency significantly decreased histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) enrichment at the Il10 regulatory regions. Treatment with trichostatin A, an inhibitor of HDAC family, significantly increased Il10 gene expression by increasing histone H3 acetylation recruitment. We further demonstrated a physical interaction between Ets-1 and HDAC1. Coexpression of Ets-1 with HDAC1 synergistically repressed IL-10 transcription activity. In summary, our data suggest that an interaction of Ets-1 with HDAC1 represses the Il10 gene expression in Th1 cells.

Search for a Higgs boson in the diphoton final state in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96 TeV

A search for a narrow Higgs boson resonance in the diphoton mass spectrum is presented based on data corresponding to 7.0  fb{-1} of integrated luminosity from pp collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV collected by the CDF experiment. No evidence of such a resonance is observed, and upper limits are set on the cross section times branching ratio of the resonant state as a function of Higgs boson mass. The limits are interpreted in the context of the standard model and one fermiophobic benchmark model where the data exclude fermiophobic Higgs bosons with masses below 114  GeV/c{2} at a 95% Bayesian credibility level.

Search for a vectorlike quark with charge 2/3 in t+Z events from pp collisions at √s=7 TeV

A search for pair-produced heavy vectorlike charge-2/3 quarks, T, in pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV, is performed with the CMS detector at the LHC. Events consistent with the flavor-changing-neutral-current decay of a T quark to a top quark and a Z boson are selected by requiring two leptons from the Z-boson decay, as well as an additional isolated charged lepton. In a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.14  fb(-1), the number of observed events is found to be consistent with the standard model background prediction. Assuming a branching fraction of 100% for the decay T→tZ, a T quark with a mass less than 475  GeV/c(2) is excluded at the 95% confidence level.

Measurement of the B(s)0 lifetime in fully and partially reconstructed B(s)0→D(s)(-)(ϕπ(-))X decays in p¯p collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a measurement of the B(s)(0) lifetime in fully and partially reconstructed B(s)(0)→D(s)(-)(ϕπ(-))X decays in 1.3  fb(-1) collected in pp ¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. We measure τ(B(s)(0))=1.518±0.041(stat)±0.027(syst)  ps. The ratio of this result and the world average B(0) lifetime yields τ(B(s)(0))/τ(B(0))=0.99±0.03, which is in agreement with recent theoretical predictions.

Measurement of polarization and search for CP violation in B(s)0→φφ decays

We present the first measurement of polarization and CP-violating asymmetries in a B(s)(0) decay into two light vector mesons, B(s)(0)→φφ, and an improved determination of its branching ratio using 295 decays reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to 2.9 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The fraction of longitudinal polarization is determined to be f(L)=0.348±0.041(stat)±0.021(syst), and the branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→φφ)=[2.32±0.18(stat)±0.82(syst)]×10(-5). Asymmetries of decay angle distributions sensitive to CP violation are measured to be A(u)=-0.007±0.064(stat)±0.018(syst) and A(v)=-0.120±0.064(stat)±0.016(syst).

Search for a heavy toplike quark in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for pair production of a heavy toplike (t') quark decaying to Wq final states using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 5.6 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at √s=1.96 TeV. We perform parallel searches for t'→Wb and t'→Wq (where q is a generic down-type quark) in events containing a lepton and four or more jets. By performing a fit to the two-dimensional distribution of total transverse energy versus reconstructed t' quark mass, we set upper limits on the t't' production cross section and exclude a standard model fourth-generation t' quark decaying to Wb (Wq) with mass below 358 (340) GeV/c(2) at 95% C.L.

Top-quark mass measurement using events with missing transverse energy and jets at CDF

We present a measurement of the top-quark mass using a sample of t ̄t events in 5.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity from p ̄p collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron with √s=1.96 TeV and collected by the CDF II Detector. We select events having large missing transverse energy, and four, five, or six jets with at least one jet tagged as coming from a b quark, and reject events with identified charged leptons. This analysis considers events from the semileptonic t ̄t decay channel, including events that contain tau leptons. The measurement is based on a multidimensional template method. We fit the data to signal templates of varying top-quark masses and background templates, and measure a top-quark mass of M(top)=172.32±2.4(stat)±1.0(syst)  GeV/c(2).

Cytokine response in pediatric patients with pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 virus infection and pneumonia: comparison with pediatric pneumonia without H1N1 2009 infection

OBJECTIVES

We investigated serum cytokine levels in pediatric patients with pandemic influenza H1N1 2009 virus (H1N1) infection-pneumonia and in pediatric patients with pneumonia but without H1N1 infection, and examined correlations between cytokine levels and clinical/laboratory findings.

METHODS

Fifty-seven cases of infection by H1N1 were confirmed by RT-PCR and enrolled. Of these 57 cases, 26 had a severe H1N1 infection (group 1), and 31 had a mild H1N1 infection (group 2). Sera from 18 cases with pneumonia without H1N1 infection (group 3) were used as controls. The serum levels of 10 cytokines were determined by multiplex assay.

RESULTS

The serum levels of IFN-α, IL-6, and IP-10 were significantly higher in H1N1 infected cases than in group 3, and levels of IL-6 and IP-10 were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. The level of IL-10 was significantly higher in groups 1 and 3 than in group 2. However, levels of IFN-γ and IL-17 were not significantly different between the three groups. IL-1β, IL-4, and MIP-1α were not detectable in most patients. IP-10 and IL-6 levels were found to show negative correlations with lymphocyte count and oxygen saturation.

CONCLUSIONS

We found higher levels of cytokines (IFN-α, IL-6, IP-10) of innate immunity than those of acquired immunity in pediatric H1N1 infection. Of the cytokines found to be increased in cases with H1N1 infection, IP-10 and IL-6 were found to be correlated with disease severity (lymphopenia and hypoxia). IP-10 and IL-6 may be important markers in pediatric H1N1 infection.

Search for supersymmetry at the LHC in events with jets and missing transverse energy

A search for events with jets and missing transverse energy is performed in a data sample of pp collisions collected at √s=7 TeV by the CMS experiment at the LHC. The analyzed data sample corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 1.14 fb(-1). In this search, a kinematic variable α(T) is used as the main discriminator between events with genuine and misreconstructed missing transverse energy. No excess of events over the standard model expectation is found. Exclusion limits in the parameter space of the constrained minimal supersymmetric extension of the standard model are set. In this model, squark masses below 1.1 TeV are excluded at 95% C.L. Gluino masses below 1.1 TeV are also ruled out at 95% C.L. for values of the universal scalar mass parameter below 500 GeV.

A trial for the use of qigong in the treatment of pre and mild essential hypertension: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Hypertension is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and the prevalence of hypertension tends to increase with age. Current treatments for hypertension have side effects and poor adherence. Qigong has been studied as an alternative therapy for hypertension; however, the types of qigong used in those studies were diverse, and there have not been many well-designed randomized controlled trials.

Our objectives are the following: 1) To evaluate the effects of qigong on blood pressure, health status and hormone levels for pre- or mild hypertension. 2) To test the methodological appropriateness of this clinical trial and calculate a sample size for future randomized trials.

Methods

Forty subjects with pre- or mild hypertension will be randomized to either the qigong exercise group or the non-treated group. Participants in the qigong group will conduct qigong exercises 5 times per week for 8 weeks, and participants in the non-treated group will maintain their current lifestyle, including diet and exercise. The use of antihypertensive medication is not permitted. The primary endpoint is a change in patient blood pressure. Secondary endpoints are patient health status (as measured by the SF-36 and the MYMOP2 questionnaires) and changes in hormone levels, including norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol.

Discussion

This study will be the first randomized trial to investigate the effectiveness of qigong exercises for the treatment of pre- and mild hypertension. The results of this study will help to establish the optimal approach for the care of adults with pre- or mild hypertension.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service KCT0000140

Search for new physics with a monojet and missing transverse energy in pp collisions at √s = 7 TeV

A study of events with missing transverse energy and an energetic jet is performed using pp collision data at a center-of-mass energy of 7 TeV. The data were collected by the CMS detector at the LHC, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36 pb(-1). An excess of these events over standard model contributions is a signature of new physics such as large extra dimensions and unparticles. The number of observed events is in good agreement with the prediction of the standard model, and significant extension of the current limits on parameters of new physics benchmark models is achieved.

Observation of the baryonic flavor-changing neutral current decay Λb(0)→Λμ+μ-

We report the first observation of the baryonic flavor-changing neutral current decay Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-) with 24 signal events and a statistical significance of 5.8 Gaussian standard deviations. This measurement uses a pp collisions data sample corresponding to 6.8 fb(-1) at √s = 1.96 TeV collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron collider. The total and differential branching ratios for Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-) are measured. We find B(Λ(b)(0)→Λμ(+)μ(-))=[1.73 ± 0.42(stat) ± (syst)] × 10(-6). We also report the first measurement of the differential branching ratio of B(s)(0)→ϕμ(+)μ(-), using 49 signal events. In addition, we report branching ratios for B(+)→K(+)μ(+)μ(-), B(0)→K(0)μ(+)μ(-), and B→K(*)(892)μ(+)μ(-) decays.

Search for New T' particles in final states with large jet multiplicities and missing transverse energy in p p collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new particle T' decaying to a top quark via T' → t + X, where X goes undetected. We use a data sample corresponding to 5.7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity of p p collisions with sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV, collected at Fermilab Tevatron by the CDF II detector. Our search for pair production of T' is focused on the hadronic decay channel, pp → T'T' → tt + XX → bqq b qq + XX. We interpret our results in terms of a model where T' is an exotic fourth generation quark and X is a dark matter particle. The data are consistent with standard model expectations. We set a limit on the generic production of T'T' → tt + XX, excluding the fourth generation exotic quarks T' at 95% confidence level up to m(T') = 400 GeV/c(2) for m(X) ≤ 70 GeV/c(2).

Search for B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- decays with CDF II

A search has been performed for B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- decays using 7 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected by the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. The observed number of B(0) candidates is consistent with background-only expectations and yields an upper limit on the branching fraction of B(B(0) → μ+ μ-) < 6.0 × 10(-9) at 95% confidence level. We observe an excess of B(s)(0) candidates. The probability that the background processes alone could produce such an excess or larger is 0.27%. The probability that the combination of background and the expected standard model rate of B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- could produce such an excess or larger is 1.9%. These data are used to determine B(B(s)(0)→ μ+ μ-) = (1.8(-0.9) (+1.1)) × 10(-8) and provide an upper limit of B(B(s)(0) → μ+ μ-) < 4.0 × 10(-8) at 95% confidence level.

Search for B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- decays in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV

A search for the rare decays B(s)(0) → μ+ μ- and B(0) → μ+ μ- is performed in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 TeV, with a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.14 fb(-1), collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC. In both cases, the number of events observed after all selection requirements is consistent with expectations from background and standard-model signal predictions. The resulting upper limits on the branching fractions are B(B(s)(0) → μ+ μ-) < 1.9 × 10(-8) and B(B(0) → μ+ μ-)<4.6 × 10(-9), at 95% confidence level.

Search for new physics in high pT like-sign dilepton events at CDF II

We present a search for new physics in events with two high pT leptons of the same electric charge, using data with an integrated luminosity of 6.1 fb(-1). The observed data are consistent with standard model predictions. We set 95% C.L. lower limits on the mass of doubly charged scalars decaying to like-sign dileptons, m(H±±) > 190-245 GeV/c(2), assuming 100% BR to ee, μμ or eμ.