[Quantitative assess the efficacy of congenital idiopathic nystagmus surgery by digital eye tracker]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of independently developed digital eye tracker in determining the efficacy of congenital idiopathic nystagmus (CIN) surgery.

METHODS

Aprospective selfpairing study. The surgical efficacy was evaluated by independently developed eye tracker in 16 CIN patients. The null zone and the frequency, amplitude, intensity of nystagmus in various gazing position were recorded with eye tracker pre and post operatively. The consistency of null zone determined by digital eye tracker and clinical investigation were evaluated. The preoperative and postoperative rectification of horizontal and vertical nystagmus in the horizontal direction of individual patient were compared by paired samples t-test. The improvement or aggravation quantity were recorded by comparing preoperative and postoperative intensity of nystagmus every 5° within 25°.

RESULT

The null zone got from digital eye tracker and clinical investigation were highly consistent (r = 0.952, P < 0.01). The horizontal and vertical intensity improved in 9 patients (t = 2.335-6.609, P < 0.05) and 5 patients (t = 2.176-5.471, P < 0.05) respectively after surgery. There were 67.63% (117/173) horizontal intensity and 69.94% (121/173) vertical intensity improvement.

CONCLUSION

The independently developed digital eye tracker can quantitatively evaluate the pre and post-operative nystagmus and analyze the surgical efficacy for CIN patients.

Measurement of pion, kaon and proton production in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] TeV

The measurement of primary [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] production at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text] 0.5) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 7 TeV performed with a large ion collider experiment at the large hadron collider (LHC) is reported. Particle identification is performed using the specific ionisation energy-loss and time-of-flight information, the ring-imaging Cherenkov technique and the kink-topology identification of weak decays of charged kaons. Transverse momentum spectra are measured from 0.1 up to 3 GeV/[Formula: see text] for pions, from 0.2 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for kaons and from 0.3 up to 6 GeV/[Formula: see text] for protons. The measured spectra and particle ratios are compared with quantum chromodynamics-inspired models, tuned to reproduce also the earlier measurements performed at the LHC. Furthermore, the integrated particle yields and ratios as well as the average transverse momenta are compared with results at lower collision energies.

[Contributions of human rods and cones pathway to different components of oscillatory potentials in time and frequency domain]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the contributions of human rods and cones pathway to different components of oscillatory potentials (OP) in time and frequency domain.

METHODS

Case-control study. Twenty subjects were divided into two groups, normal groups (NG) and cones pathway abnormal groups (CAG). All eyes were investigated by dark-adapted (DA) and light-adapted (LA) 3.0 ERG recommended by ISCEV. Data were output into the computer and processed and analyzed by the software Matlab7.0. First, to extract the OP by filter, then to get the frequency-amplitude relationship by FFT, after that the relationship was fitted by equations and lastly we statistic and analyze the parameters gotten from the equations.

RESULTS

Compared with normal group [(48.63 ± 4.29), (158.00 ± 32.75), (69.27 ± 30.31), (38.5 ± 15.28) µV], the amplitudes of the first two components of dark-adapted OP in the CAG [(4.12 ± 3.20), (71.25 ± 25.43), (48.96 ± 20.05), (36.84 ± 14.26) µV] were significant decreased (t = 16.68, 5.77, P < 0.01). Frequency domain of LA and DA OP in the two groups was comprised with two components (harmonic and subharmonic). Compared with normal group, harmonic components of CAG were dramatic decreased (t = 2.72, P < 0.05; Z = -2.24, P < 0.05). The value of subharmonic component in CAG was lowest in DA OP compared with NG (t = 4.20, P < 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Cones and rods pathway all contributed to the DA and LA OP Cones pathway mainly contributes to the earlier and faster components of OP while the rods pathway to the later and slower components.

The mitochondrial thioredoxin is required for liver development in zebrafish

Thioredoxins (Trxs) are a class of small molecular redox proteins that play an important role in scavenging abnormally accumulated reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thioredoxin 2 (Trx2) is one member of this family located in mitochondria. Trx2 protects cells from increased oxidative stress and has anti-apoptosis function. Knockout of Trx2 in mice led to early embryonic lethality. However, the essential role of Trx2 during embryogenesis remains unclear. To further investigate the role of Trx2 during embryonic development, we performed Trx2 knockdown in zebrafish and investigated the regulation role of Trx2 during embryonic development. Our results indicate that Trx2 had a high expression in early zebrafish embryos and its knockdown in zebrafish led to defective liver development mainly due to increased hepatic cell death. The increased ROS and the imbalance of members of the Bcl-2 family were involved in cell death induced by Trx2 suppression in zebrafish. The dysregulation of Bax, puma and Bcl-xl promoted the reduction of mitochondrial trans-membrane potential and the mitochondria membrane permeabilization (MMP), which initiated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Additionally, we found that the increase of relocated GAPDH in mitochondria may be another factor responsible for the mitochondrial catastrophe.

Quality of life of Chinese urologists: a cross-sectional study using WHOQOL-BREF

OBJECTIVES

In recent years, Chinese hospital settings are under violent threats. The exact status of quality of life of Chinese doctors under these disastrous situations remains obscure. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of Chinese urologists and analyse its potential affecting factors.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Beijing, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Overall, 1000 participants from more than 30 areas of China, who participated in the 20th National Urology Conference in Beijing in 2013, were surveyed. The brief version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) Chinese version was used to assess the quality of life among these urologists. The relationship between quality of life and the affecting factors was analysed.

RESULTS

Of the 1000 questionnaires, 856 were completed and returned, and 708 questionnaires were valid for analysis. Approximately 46% of the respondents came from provincial capitals, 54.2% of them felt stress from medical environment, while 76.0% felt stress from research work, and 85.3% from promotion. Cronbach's α coefficient of the instrument was 0.825, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure was 0.841, and P value of Bartlett's sphericity was <0.001. The results of binary logistic regression indicated gender, work years, and medical environment as potential affecting factors of quality of life only influenced one domain. In contrast, research work and promotion influenced three domains of the WHOQOL-BREF.

CONCLUSIONS

The study indicated that the WHOQOL-BREF may be a reliable and valid tool to assess quality of life of Chinese urologists. In China it is true that the deteriorative medical environment negatively affects medical practice according to previous studies, and policies are recommended to improve the situation. Nevertheless, we should not be too pessimistic about it, as in today's context research work and promotion may be the most extensive and significant affecting factors on doctors' quality of life.

Production of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] 7 TeV

The production of the strange and double-strange baryon resonances ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) has been measured at mid-rapidity ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 7 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. Transverse momentum spectra for inelastic collisions are compared to QCD-inspired models, which in general underpredict the data. A search for the [Formula: see text] pentaquark, decaying in the [Formula: see text] channel, has been carried out but no evidence is seen.

Exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons in ultraperipheral p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

We present the first measurement at the LHC of exclusive J/ψ photoproduction off protons, in ultraperipheral proton-lead collisions at sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV. Events are selected with a dimuon pair produced either in the rapidity interval, in the laboratory frame, 2.5<y<4 (p-Pb) or -3.6<y<-2.6 (Pb-p), and no other particles observed in the ALICE acceptance. The measured cross sections σ(γ+p→J/ψ+p) are 33.2±2.2(stat)±3.2(syst)±0.7(theor)  nb in p-Pb and 284±36(stat)_{-32}^{+27}(syst)±26(theor)  nb in Pb-p collisions. We measure this process up to about 700 GeV in the γp center of mass, which is a factor of two larger than the highest energy studied at HERA. The data are consistent with a power law dependence of the J/ψ photoproduction cross section in γp energies from about 20 to 700 GeV, or equivalently, from Bjorken x scaling variable between ∼2×10^{-2} and ∼2×10^{-5}, thus indicating no significant change in the gluon density behavior of the proton between HERA and LHC energies.

Measurement of prompt D-meson production in p-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The p_{T}-differential production cross sections of the prompt charmed mesons D^{0}, D^{+}, D^{*+}, and D_{s}^{+} and their charge conjugate in the rapidity interval -0.96<y_{cms}<0.04 were measured in p-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s_{NN}]=5.02  TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The nuclear modification factor R_{pPb}, quantifying the D-meson yield in p-Pb collisions relative to the yield in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions, is compatible within the 15%-20% uncertainties with unity in the transverse momentum interval 1<p_{T}<24  GeV/c. No significant difference among the R_{pPb} of the four D-meson species is observed. The results are described within uncertainties by theoretical calculations that include initial-state effects. The measurement adds experimental evidence that the modification of the momentum spectrum of D mesons observed in Pb-Pb collisions with respect to pp collisions is due to strong final-state effects induced by hot partonic matter.

KCNE1 112G>a polymorphism and atrial fibrillation risk: a meta-analysis

KCNE1, a membrane protein that spans the membrane once is responsible for modulating potassium channel functions and plays an important role in the etiology of arrhythmia. Emerging evidence indicates that a common polymorphism (112G>A; rs1805127 G>A) in the KCNE1 gene contributes to atrial fibrillation (AF) risk; however, these studies showed inconclusive results. In this meta-analysis, we derived a more precise estimation of the association between the KCNE1 112G>A polymorphism and AF risk. The following databases were searched: Web of Science (1945-2013), the Cochrane Library Database (Issue 12, 2013), PubMed (1966-2013), EMBASE (1980-2013), CINAHL (1982-2013), and the Chinese Biomedical Database (1982-2013). The crude odds ratios with their 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Nine case-control studies were included, with a total of 1792 AF patients and 1924 healthy controls. The meta-analysis results indicated that the KCNE1 112G variant is associated with an increased risk of AF. Further subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed significant associations between the KCNE1 112G variant and an increased risk of AF among both Asians and Caucasians. No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis. In conclusion, our results indicate that the KCNE1 112G polymorphism may be a risk factor for AF. KCNE1 112G>A may be useful as a biomarker for predicting the development of AF.

Measurement of quarkonium production at forward rapidity in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text]TeV

The inclusive production cross sections at forward rapidity of [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text](1S) and [Formula: see text](2S) are measured in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The analysis is based on a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.35 pb[Formula: see text]. Quarkonia are reconstructed in the dimuon-decay channel and the signal yields are evaluated by fitting the [Formula: see text] invariant mass distributions. The differential production cross sections are measured as a function of the transverse momentum [Formula: see text] and rapidity [Formula: see text], over the ranges [Formula: see text] GeV/c for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] GeV/c for all other resonances and for [Formula: see text]. The measured cross sections integrated over [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], and assuming unpolarized quarkonia, are: [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text]b, [Formula: see text] nb and [Formula: see text] nb, where the first uncertainty is statistical and the second one is systematic. The results are compared to measurements performed by other LHC experiments and to theoretical models.

Variants -250G/A and -514C/T in the LIPC gene are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Chinese women

We examined the influence of the promoter polymorphisms -250G/A (rs2070895) and -514C/T (rs1800588) in the human hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene on dyslipidemia and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in a Chinese population. Clinically defined HDCP patients (N = 321) and healthy pregnant women (N = 331) were recruited and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the two LIPC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results showed significant relationships between HDCP and triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), which confirmed that HDCP was accompanied by dyslipidemia. The results also demonstrated that in gestational hypertension (GH) patients, both total cholesterol (TC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were related to the two SNPs (P ≤ 0.004), although no significant association was found between HDCP and LIPC genotypes or alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium of the two SNPs was found in both HDCP patients (R(2) = 0.867) and controls (R(2) = 0.91). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with -250G/A in women with mild preeclampsia (MPE) (P = 0.01). Carriers of the mutant homozygote -250AA genotype presented higher BMI in the MPE group. In conclusion, the LIPC -250G/A and -514C/T variants influenced TC and SBP levels in GH patients and the BMI level in the MPE group, although there was no evidence to validate an association between HDCP and LIPC allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies.

RIPK3-mediated necroptosis regulates cardiac allograft rejection

Cell death results in tissue damage and ultimately donor graft rejection and can occur as an active molecular process through apoptotic, necrotic and newly identified receptor interacting protein 1 and 3 kinase (RIPK1/3)-mediated necroptotic pathways. Necroptosis leads to the release of inflammatory molecules which can activate host immune cells. This pathway has yet to be studied in heart transplantation. We have found that necroptosis was induced in murine cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (MVEC) under anti-apoptotic condition following tumor necrosis factor alpha treatment. Necroptotic cell death and release of the danger molecule high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) were inhibited by the RIPK1 inhibiting molecule necrostatin-1 and by genetic deletion of RIPK3. In addition, tissue necrosis, release of HMGB1 and graft cell infiltrate were attenuated in RIPK3 null heart allografts following transplantation. Finally, a brief sirolimus treatment markedly prolonged RIPK3 null cardiac allograft survival in allogeneic BALB/c recipients as compared to WT C57BL/6 donor grafts (95 ± 5.8 vs. 24 ± 2.6 days, p < 0.05). This study has demonstrated that RIPK1/3 contributes to MVEC death and cardiac allograft survival through necroptotic death and the release of danger molecules. Our results suggest that targeting RIPK-mediated necroptosis may be an important therapeutic strategy in transplantation.

Dietary supplementation with long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in pregnant guinea pigs has sex-dependent effects on growth and bone outcomes in offspring

Long chain PUFA enhance bone mass in non-pregnant mammals. We examined the effects of arachidonic (AA; 20:4n-6) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6n-3) acid on bone mass of mothers and neonates. Guinea pig sows (n=15) were fed control, DHA or AA+DHA diets from mating to weaning. Measurements included: osteocalcin (OC), deoxypyridinoline (DPD), areal bone mineral density (aBMD) in sows and neonates; and volumetric density (vBMD) in neonates. Only vertebral aBMD and OC:DPD ratio declined during reproduction and only DHA reduced OC:DPD. Male pup weight was reduced by DHA and female weight elevated by AA+DHA. Whole body and femur aBMD were reduced by DHA and AA+DHA; whereas tibia vBMD was reduced by DHA in males. Female whole body, tibia and vertebrae aBMD plus tibia vBMD were elevated by AA+DHA; and DHA elevated whole body, tibia and vertebrae aBMD. Dietary AA+DHA and DHA elicit sex-dependent effects on neonatal bone, with minimal impact on mothers.

Randomised clinical trial: L-ornithine-L-aspartate reduces significantly the increase of venous ammonia concentration after TIPSS

BACKGROUND

Use of TIPSS is associated with increases in ammonia concentration and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) risk. L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA) is effective in reducing ammonia concentration.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of LOLA on venous ammonia concentration after TIPSS.

METHODS

The included patients were randomised to receive LOLA or no-LOLA treatment for 7 days. Fasting and post-prandial venous ammonia levels were the primary outcomes. Psychometric performance, post-TIPSS HE, and liver and renal function were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Of 133 cirrhotic patients who received successful TIPSS between November 2011 and June 2012, 40 met the inclusion criteria and were randomised to the LOLA (n = 21) or control (n = 19) groups. Change in fasting ammonia significantly favoured the LOLA group at days 4 (P = 0.001) and 7 (P = 0.003). Changes in post-prandial ammonia concentration significantly favoured the LOLA group at days 1, 4 and 7 as well. During the study period, patients in the LOLA group had better improvement in psychometric tests than those in the control group. Overt HE during treatment was observed in one patient in the LOLA group and three patients in the control group (P = 0.331). There were no differences in complications, adverse events or mortality between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic use of LOLA infusion after TIPSS is safe and effective in significantly reducing the increase of venous ammonia concentration, and can benefit the patient's mental status as well.

Game-Theoretic Patrolling with Dynamic Execution Uncertainty and a Case Study on a Real Transit System

Attacker-Defender Stackelberg security games (SSGs) have emerged as an important research area in multi-agent systems. However, existing SSGs models yield fixed, static, schedules which fail in dynamic domains where defenders face execution uncertainty, i.e., in domains where defenders may face unanticipated disruptions of their schedules. A concrete example is an application involving checking fares on trains, where a defender's schedule is frequently interrupted by fare evaders, making static schedules useless. To address this shortcoming, this paper provides four main contributions. First, we present a novel general Bayesian Stackelberg game model for security resource allocation in dynamic uncertain domains. In this new model, execution uncertainty is handled by using a Markov decision process (MDP) for generating defender policies. Second, we study the problem of computing a Stackelberg equilibrium for this game and exploit problem structure to reduce it to a polynomial-sized optimization problem. Shifting to evaluation, our third contribution shows, in simulation, that our MDP-based policies overcome the failures of previous SSG algorithms. In so doing, we can now build a complete system, that enables handling of schedule interruptions and, consequently, to conduct some of the first controlled experiments on SSGs in the field. Hence, as our final contribution, we present results from a real-world experiment on Metro trains in Los Angeles validating our MDP-based model, and most importantly, concretely measuring the benefits of SSGs for security resource allocation.

Quality of HIV care in the United Kingdom: key indicators for the first 12 months from HIV diagnosis

OBJECTIVES

Prompt HIV diagnosis and treatment are associated with increased longevity and reduced transmission. The aim of the study was to examine late diagnoses and to assess the quality of care following diagnosis.

METHODS

National surveillance and cohort data were used to examine late HIV diagnoses and to assess the quality of care received in the 12 months following HIV diagnosis.

RESULTS

In 2011, 79% (4910/6219) of persons (15 years and over) diagnosed with HIV infection had CD4 counts reported within 3 months; of these, 49% were diagnosed late (CD4 count < 350 cells/μL). Adults aged 50 years and over were more likely to be diagnosed late (67%) compared with those aged 15-24 years (31%). Sixty-four per cent of heterosexual men were diagnosed late compared with 46% of women and 36% of men who have sex with men (MSM) (P < 0.01). The percentage of late diagnoses was highest among black African adults (66%) compared with other ethnicities; 96% of black African adults diagnosed late were born abroad. Overall, 88% and 97% of patients were linked to care within 1 and 3 months of diagnosis, respectively, with little variation by demographics and exposure category. The crude 1-year mortality rate was 31.6 per 1000 persons diagnosed in 2010. It was highest among adults diagnosed late (40.3/1000 versus 5.2/1000 for prompt diagnoses) and particularly among those aged 50 years and over. Excluding deaths, 85% of the 5833 diagnosed in 2010 were retained in care in 2011; 92% of the 2264 adults diagnosed late in 2010 received antiretroviral therapy by the end of 2011.

CONCLUSIONS

The National Health Service provides high-quality care to persons newly diagnosed with HIV infection in the UK, with no evidence of health inequalities. Despite excellent care, half of adults are diagnosed late according to the threshold at which national guidelines recommend treatment should begin. Such patients have an 8-fold increased risk of 1-year mortality compared with those diagnosed promptly. Reducing late diagnosis of HIV infection remains a public health priority in the UK.

Curcumin induces human SKOV3 cell apoptosis via the activation of Rho-kinase

OBJECTIVE

Curcumin has been showed anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effect in various cancer cells such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and so on. However the pro-apoptosis effect and the mechanism of curcumin in ovarian cell is still not very clear. In this study, the authors demonstrated that curcumin induced human SKOV3 cell apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanism concerning Rho A/Rho-kinase pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human SKOV3 cell was performed with MTT assay to measure the cell viability with curcumin. The cell was treatment with 15 microM or 30 microM curcumin and flow cytometry. Cell apoptosis analysis was performed to measure the cell apoptosis level. In order to explore the mechanism concerning pro-apoptosis activity of curcumin, the cells were pre-treatment with Y-27632, a specific Rho-kinase inhibitor, before curcumin was added. Then the expression of activated caspase-3 and Rho A, Rho-kinase was detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Treatment with 15 microM or 30 microM curcumin significantly promoted the apoptosis of SKOV3 cell (p < 0.05) and the apoptosis rate is dose-dependent. Curcumin also activated the expression of Rho A and Rho-kinase in a dose-dependent effect. When pre-treatment with Y-27632, the expression of activated caspase-3 was significantly decreased compared to the group without Y-27632 pre-treatment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Curcumin induced human SKOV3 cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent effect. The pro-apoptosis effect of curcumin is partly mediated via the activation of Rho A/Rho-kinase signal pathway. This may help to further clarify the mechanisms of curcumin in ovarian cancer therapy.

Corneal refractive surgery and phakic intraocular lens for treatment of amblyopia caused by high myopia or anisometropia in children

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of literature was performed to compare various visual function parameters including the final visual acuity outcome and/or adverse events between corneal refractive surgery (CLRS) and phakic intraocular lens implantation (p-IOLi) in the treatment of refractive amblyopic children.

DATA SOURCES

Two reviewers independently searched the PubMed, EMBASE, and Controlled Trials Register databases for publications from 1991 to 2013.

STUDY SELECTION

There were 25 articles, including 597 patients and 682 eyes, was included in CLRS group. Among them, 21 articles reported the use of CLRS in the treatment of myopic anisometropia for 318 patients (13 photorefractive keratectomy or laser epithelial keratomileusis and eight laser in situ keratomileusis). And 11 articles had the results of CLRS in treating hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia children. Eleven articles reported the effect of p-IOLi for treating high myopia or anisometropic amblyopia, including 61 patients (75 eyes). Age, pre- and postoperation best-corrected vision acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalent (SE) were compared in CLRS and p-IOLi groups.

RESULTS

The average age of CLRS group and p-IOLi group has no statistically significant difference. The SE in CLRS group for myopic anisometropia amblyopia patients was (-10.13 ± 2.73) diopters (D) and for hyperopic anisometropia amblyopia patients was (5.58 ± 1.28) D. In p-IOLi group the SE was (-14.01 ± 1.93) D. BCVA was improved significantly in both groups, and even better in p-IOLi group. Refractive errors were corrected in both groups, but there was no clinically significant difference in final SE between each group. More than one-half of the children had improved binocular fusion and stereopsis function in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Both CLRS group and p-IOLi group showed their advantage in treating refractive amblyopia in children. In comparing p-IOLi with CLRS for treatment of refractive amblyopia, no statistically significant difference in final BCVA was observed.

Safety and efficacy of bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination in Chinese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension

BACKGROUND

Lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) is currently the only therapeutic approach in primary open-angle glaucoma. and the fixed-combination medications are needed to achieve sufficiently low target IOP. A multicenter prospective study in the Chinese population was needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of Bimatoprost/Timolol Fixed Combination Eye Drop in China. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Bimatoprost/Timolol Fixed Combination with concurrent administration of its components in Chinese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

METHODS

In this multicenter, randomized, double-masked, parallel controlled study, patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who were insufficiently responsive to monotherapy with either topical β-blockers or prostaglandin analogues were randomized to one of two active treatment groups in a 1:1 ratio at 11 Chinese ophthalmic departments. Bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination treatment was a fixed combination of 0.03% bimatoprost and 0.5% timolol (followed by vehicle for masking) once daily at 19:00 P.M. and concurrent treatment was 0.03% bimatoprost followed by 0.5% timolol once daily at 19:00 P.M. The primary efficacy variable was change from baseline in mean diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) at week 4 visit in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population. Primary analysis evaluated the non-inferiority of bimatoprost/ timolol fixed combination to concurrent with respect to the primary variable using a confidence interval (CI) approach. Bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination was to be considered non-inferior to concurrent if the upper limit of the 95% CI for the between-treatment (bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination minus concurrent) difference was ≤ 1.5 mmHg. Adverse events were collected and slit-lamp examinations were performed to assess safety. Between-group comparisons of the incidence of adverse events were performed using the Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Of the enrolled 235 patients, 121 patients were randomized to receive bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination and, 114 patients were randomized to receive concurrent treatment. At baseline the mean value of mean diurnal IOP was (25.20 ± 3.06) mmHg in the bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination group and (24.87 ± 3.88) mmHg in the concurrent group. The difference between the treatment groups was not statistically significant. The mean change from baseline in mean diurnal IOP (± standard deviation) in the bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination group was (-9.38 ± 4.66) mmHg and it was (-8.93 ± 4.25) mmHg in the concurrent group (P < 0.01). The difference between the two treatment groups (bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination minus concurrent) in the change from baseline of mean diurnal IOP was -0.556 mmHg (95% CI: -1.68, 0.57, P = 0.330). The upper limit of the 95% CI was less than 1.5 mmHg, the predefined margin of non-inferiority. Adverse events occurred in 26.4% (32/121) of the bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination patients and 30.7% (35/114) of the concurrent patients. The most frequent adverse event was conjunctival hyperemia, which was reported as treatment related in 16.5% (20/121) in the bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination group and 18.4% (21/114) in the concurrent group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Bimatoprost/Timolol Fixed Combination administered in Chinese patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension was not inferior to concurrent dosing with the individual components. Safety profiles were similar between the treatment groups.

Energy dependence of the transverse momentum distributions of charged particles in pp collisions measured by ALICE

Differential cross sections of charged particles in inelastic pp collisions as a function of p_T have been measured at [Formula: see text] at the LHC. The p_T spectra are compared to NLO-pQCD calculations. Though the differential cross section for an individual [Formula: see text] cannot be described by NLO-pQCD, the relative increase of cross section with [Formula: see text] is in agreement with NLO-pQCD. Based on these measurements and observations, procedures are discussed to construct pp reference spectra at [Formula: see text] up to p_T=50 GeV/c as required for the calculation of the nuclear modification factor in nucleus-nucleus and proton-nucleus collisions.

Directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity relative to the spectator plane in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The directed flow of charged particles at midrapidity is measured in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV relative to the collision symmetry plane defined by the spectator nucleons. A negative slope of the rapidity-odd directed flow component with approximately 3 times smaller magnitude than found at the highest RHIC energy is observed. This suggests a smaller longitudinal tilt of the initial system and disfavors the strong fireball rotation predicted for the LHC energies. The rapidity-even directed flow component is measured for the first time with spectators and found to be independent of pseudorapidity with a sign change at transverse momenta p(T) between 1.2 and 1.7  GeV/c. Combined with the observation of a vanishing rapidity-even p(T) shift along the spectator deflection this is strong evidence for dipolelike initial density fluctuations in the overlap zone of the nuclei. Similar trends in the rapidity-even directed flow and the estimate from two-particle correlations at midrapidity, which is larger by about a factor of 40, indicate a weak correlation between fluctuating participant and spectator symmetry planes. These observations open new possibilities for investigation of the initial conditions in heavy-ion collisions with spectator nucleons.

K(S)0 and Λ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

The ALICE measurement of K(S)(0) and Λ production at midrapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV is presented. The transverse momentum (p(T)) spectra are shown for several collision centrality intervals and in the p(T) range from 0.4 GeV/c (0.6 GeV/c for Λ) to 12 GeV/c. The p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratios exhibits maxima in the vicinity of 3 GeV/c, and the positions of the maxima shift towards higher p(T) with increasing collision centrality. The magnitude of these maxima increases by almost a factor of three between most peripheral and most central Pb-Pb collisions. This baryon excess at intermediate p(T) is not observed in pp interactions at √s=0.9 TeV and at √s=7 TeV. Qualitatively, the baryon enhancement in heavy-ion collisions is expected from radial flow. However, the measured p(T) spectra above 2 GeV/c progressively decouple from hydrodynamical-model calculations. For higher values of p(T), models that incorporate the influence of the medium on the fragmentation and hadronization processes describe qualitatively the p(T) dependence of the Λ/K(S)(0) ratio.

Charmonium and e+e- pair photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]

The ALICE Collaboration at the LHC has measured the J/ψ and ψ' photoproduction at mid-rapidity in ultra-peripheral Pb-Pb collisions at [Formula: see text]. The charmonium is identified via its leptonic decay for events where the hadronic activity is required to be minimal. The analysis is based on an event sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of about 23 μb-1. The cross section for coherent and incoherent J/ψ production in the rapidity interval -0.9 Collapse

Key Words Collapse

MESH Headings Collapse

Grants Collapse

Diversity of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms isolated from the soil of a ginseng field and their ginsenosides-hydrolysing activity

This research aimed to explore the diversity of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms in ginseng field soil. Fifty-three strains showing β-glucosidase activity were isolated from a ginseng field, using a newly designed Esculin-R2A agar. All the isolated strains belonged to the genus Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Burkholderia, Dyella, Edaphobacter, Luteibacter, Mucilaginibacter, Paenibacillus, Phenylobacterium, Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas and Streptomyces. The main β-glucosidase-producing micro-organisms in the ginseng field soil were Sphingomonas, Burkholderia, Luteibacter and Streptomyces, while concentrations of Agrobacterium, Arthrobacter, Paenibacillus and Pseudomonas were relatively low. Of these micro-organisms, the strain GS 09 could hydrolyse major ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2 and Rc to the active metabolite compound K. The strain GS 09 belonged to the genus Sphingomonas, and its 16S rRNA gene sequence showed 100% similarities with that of Sphingomonas asaccharolytica.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This is the first study to provide information of cultivable β-glycosidase-producing micro-organisms in ginseng field soil. The strain GS 09 has potential to be applied on the preparation for minor ginsenoside C-K in pharmaceutical industry.

J/ψ elliptic flow in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV

We report on the first measurement of inclusive J/ψ elliptic flow v2 in heavy-ion collisions at the LHC. The measurement is performed with the ALICE detector in Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV in the rapidity range 2.5<y<4.0. The dependence of the J/ψ v2 on the collision centrality and on the J/ψ transverse momentum is studied in the range 0≤p(T)<10 GeV/c. For semicentral Pb-Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=2.76 TeV, an indication of nonzero v2 is observed with a largest measured value of v2=0.116±0.046(stat)±0.029(syst) for J/ψ in the transverse momentum range 2≤p(T)<4 GeV/c. The elliptic flow measurement complements the previously reported ALICE results on the inclusive J/ψ nuclear modification factor and favors the scenario of a significant fraction of J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase.

D meson elliptic flow in noncentral Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 Tev

Azimuthally anisotropic distributions of D0, D+, and D*+ mesons were studied in the central rapidity region (|y|<0.8) in Pb-Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV per nucleon-nucleon collision, with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The second Fourier coefficient v2 (commonly denoted elliptic flow) was measured in the centrality class 30%-50% as a function of the D meson transverse momentum pT, in the range 2-16  GeV/c. The measured v2 of D mesons is comparable in magnitude to that of light-flavor hadrons. It is positive in the range 2<pT<6  GeV/c with 5.7σ significance, based on the combination of statistical and systematic uncertainties.

Light-evoked currents in retinal ganglion cells from dystrophic RCS rats

PURPOSE

To study the electrophysiological properties of the light-evoked currents in ganglion cells in situations of retinal degeneration.

METHODS

We investigated light-evoked currents in ganglion cells by performing whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from ganglion cells using a retina-stretched preparation from Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats, a model of retinal degeneration and congenic controls at different ages. Pharmacological inhibitors of the AMPA receptor (NBQX), GABA receptor (BMI), and sodium channels (TTX) were used to identify the components of the light-evoked currents in ON, OFF and ON-OFF retinal ganglion cells.

RESULTS

We found that the light-evoked currents in ganglion cells from control rats were inhibited by NBQX, BMI and TTX, suggesting that AMPA receptors, GABA receptors and sodium channels contribute to these currents in ganglion cells. However, only AMPA receptor-mediated currents were recorded in RCS rats. Light-evoked inward currents were absent in the majority of ganglion cells from RCS rats, particularly at the later stages of retinal degeneration. At earlier stages of retinal degeneration, we found that both the timing and amplitude of light-evoked currents are significantly different in ganglion cells from RCS and control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study furthers the understanding of the electrophysiological characteristics of retinal ganglion cells during retinal degeneration, and provides insight into the optimal timing for the treatment of retinal degeneration.

Autologous transplantation of simple retinal pigment epithelium sheet for massive submacular hemorrhage associated with pigment epithelium detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term outcome of autologous simple RPE sheet transplantation in patients with simultaneous massive submacular hemorrhage and pigment epithelium detachment (PED).

METHODS

Fourteen patients with 10 occult AMD eyes and 4 PCV eyes underwent a surgical procedure including a 180° peripheral temporal retinotomy, choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM) excision, and transplantation of an autologous simple RPE sheet developed from the PED region outside the CNVM lesion. Best-corrected visual acuity, multifocal ERG, and microperimetry were recorded to evaluate macular function. Optical coherence tomography, fundus fluorescein angiography, and an RPE autofluorescence test were performed to observe the status of the transplanted simple RPE sheet.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up duration was 24 ± 6 months. Mean ETDRS score increased from 14.0 ± 23.4 preoperatively to 31.9 ± 23.8 at 18 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). Of 14 eyes, 5 (36%) presented with central fixation postoperatively, whereas only 3 (21%) eyes presented with central fixation preoperatively. Ten grafts (71%) showed normal RPE color. Postoperative complications included one (7%) retinal detachment due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy and one (7%) delayed recurrent submacular hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS

Transplantation of an autologous simple RPE sheet for eyes with massive submacular hemorrhage associated with PED was achieved with a simplified surgical procedure, resulting in increased postoperative visual acuity.

Genitourinary toxicity of ketamine

Ketamine is a relatively new recreational drug used by youngsters in recent decades. Its toxic effects on the genitourinary system were first reported in 2007, and now attract extensive attention from urologists, pharmacologists, and toxicologists all over the world. As many front-line health professionals and medical social workers are still unaware of this new clinical entity and an increasing number of the drug users seek help for urological symptoms, this mini-review aimed to summarise the clinical features and possible mechanisms of ketamine-induced genitourinary toxicity. By raising public awareness of these toxic effects, the authors hope that the contents of this review will be widely disseminated not only to medical professionals, but also to relevant government departments and the general public.

[Application of preformed orbital titanium mesh in reconstruction of orbital fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of preformed orbital titanium mesh in the reconstruction of orbital fracture.

METHOD

Twenty-seven cases of blow-out orbital fracture were diagnosed in the period from January 2012 to July 2012, all with serious defect of the orbital wall and herniation of the orbital soft tissues. Preformed orbital titanium mesh was grafted to the traumatic orbital walls. Orbital axial and coronal CT and three-dimension CT scan examination were performed routinely in all cases preoperatively and postoperatively to evaluate the postoperative exophthalmos and orbital wall reconstruction.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up for 3 months. Orbital wall reconstruction was successfully performed in all cases without serious complications. The postoperative enophthalmos was less than 3 mm in 23 of the 27 cases.

CONCLUSION

Preformed orbital titanium mesh allows accurate reconstruction of orbital wall fracture.

Measurement of inelastic, single- and double-diffraction cross sections in proton-proton collisions at the LHC with ALICE

Measurements of cross sections of inelastic and diffractive processes in proton-proton collisions at LHC energies were carried out with the ALICE detector. The fractions of diffractive processes in inelastic collisions were determined from a study of gaps in charged particle pseudorapidity distributions: for single diffraction (diffractive mass MX <200 GeV/c2) [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text], respectively at centre-of-mass energies [Formula: see text]; for double diffraction (for a pseudorapidity gap Δη>3) σDD/σINEL=0.11±0.03,0.12±0.05, and [Formula: see text], respectively at [Formula: see text]. To measure the inelastic cross section, beam properties were determined with van der Meer scans, and, using a simulation of diffraction adjusted to data, the following values were obtained: [Formula: see text] mb at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The single- and double-diffractive cross sections were calculated combining relative rates of diffraction with inelastic cross sections. The results are compared to previous measurements at proton-antiproton and proton-proton colliders at lower energies, to measurements by other experiments at the LHC, and to theoretical models.

Net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76 TeV

We report the first measurement of the net-charge fluctuations in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[sNN]=2.76  TeV, measured with the ALICE detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. The dynamical fluctuations per unit entropy are observed to decrease when going from peripheral to central collisions. An additional reduction in the amount of fluctuations is seen in comparison to the results from lower energies. We examine the dependence of fluctuations on the pseudorapidity interval, which may account for the dilution of fluctuations during the evolution of the system. We find that the fluctuations at the LHC are smaller compared to the measurements at the BNL Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, and as such, closer to what has been theoretically predicted for the formation of a quark-gluon plasma.

Migrant health and infectious diseases in the UK: findings from the last 10 years of surveillance

BACKGROUND

Migrants account for an increasing proportion of the UK population. They are at risk of acquiring infectious diseases in their country of origin (prior to migration or during return visits), during migration, as well as in their destination country. Migrants can therefore have different risk profiles to the indigenous population.

METHODS

UK enhanced surveillance data for TB, HIV, malaria and enteric fever were analysed, with a focus on 2010, for migrant (non-UK born) populations.

RESULTS

South Asia was the most common region of birth for TB and enteric fever cases (57 and 80% of migrant cases, respectively). Sub-Saharan Africa was the predominant region of birth for HIV in heterosexuals and malaria cases (80 and 75% of migrant cases, respectively). The majority of cases of TB, HIV in heterosexuals, malaria and enteric fever reported in the UK are migrants. Among UK-born cases, ethnic minorities are disproportionately represented.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis highlights the importance of considering, and improving the recording of, country of birth as a risk factor for infection. Consideration of multiple health risks is of value for migrant patients, and this has implications for the design of improved preventative strategies.

Changes in glutamate homeostasis cause retinal degeneration in Royal College of Surgeons rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate glutamate homeostasis in retinal degeneration-induced changes and the potential mechanisms of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity in a rat model. The expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGLUT-1) and protein kinase Cα (PKCα) in wild-type and Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rat retinas, at postnatal Day 15 (P15), P30, P60 and P90, were detected using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The levels of glutamine synthetase (GS) and L-glutamate/L-aspartate transporter (GLAST) were evaluated by western blotting. Compared with wild-type rats, outer nuclear layer thickness was significantly thinner and VGLUT-1 expression was upregulated in a time-dependent pattern in RCS rats. The ratio of VGLUT-1 to PKCα in RCS rats peaked at P60 (p<0.01) and subsequently decreased by P90 (p<0.01), while it remained constant in wild-type rats. The expression of GS increased gradually from P30 to P90 in RCS rats (p<0.01), while it remained constant in wild-type rats at various time-points. No significant difference in GLAST expression was found between RCS and wild-type rats at all stages of retinal degeneration. Our results confirm the occurrence of glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity to RCS rat retinas and provide an experimental foundation for safeguarding the remnant visual function in retinal degenerative disorders.

Thrombotic risk factors in Chinese Budd-Chiari syndrome patients. An observational study with a systematic review of the literature

In Western countries, thrombotic risk factors for Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) are very common, including factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, myeloproliferative neoplasms, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, etc. However, the data regarding thrombotic risk factors in Chinese BCS patients are extremely limited. An observational study was conducted to examine this issue. A total of 246 BCS patients who were consecutively admitted to our department between July 1999 and December 2011 were invited to be examined for thrombotic risk factors. Of these, 169 patients were enrolled. Neither factor V Leiden mutation nor prothrombin G20210A mutation was found in any of 136 patients tested. JAK2 V617F mutation was positive in four of 169 patients tested. Neither MPL W515L/K mutation nor JAK2 exon 12 mutation was found in any of 135 patients tested. Overt myeloproliferative neoplasms were diagnosed in five patients (polycythemia vera, n=3; essential thrombocythemia, n=1; idiopathic myelofibrosis, n=1). Two of them had positive JAK2 V617F mutation. Both CD55 and CD59 deficiencies were found in one of 166 patients tested. This patient had a previous history of paroxysmal nocturnal haemo-globinuria before BCS. Anticardiolipin IgG antibodies were positive or weakly positive in six of 166 patients tested. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was found in 64 of 128 patients tested. 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T mutation was found in 96 of 135 patients tested. In conclusion, factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin G20210A mutation, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria are very rare in Chinese BCS patients, suggesting that the etiological distribution of BCS might be different between Western countries and China.

Transverse momentum distribution and nuclear modification factor of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 5.02 TeV

The transverse momentum (p(T)) distribution of primary charged particles is measured in minimum bias (non-single-diffractive) p+Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=5.02 TeV with the ALICE detector at the LHC. The p(T) spectra measured near central rapidity in the range 0.5<p(T) <20 GeV/c exhibit a weak pseudorapidity dependence. The nuclear modification factor R(pPb) is consistent with unity for p(T) above 2 GeV/c. This measurement indicates that the strong suppression of hadron production at high p(T) observed in Pb+Pb collisions at the LHC is not due to an initial-state effect. The measurement is compared to theoretical calculations.

Pseudorapidity density of charged particles in p+Pb collisions at √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV

The charged-particle pseudorapidity density measured over four units of pseudorapidity in nonsingle-diffractive p+Pb collisions at a center-of-mass energy per nucleon pair √(s(NN))=5.02 TeV is presented. The average value at midrapidity is measured to be 16.81±0.71 (syst), which corresponds to 2.14±0.17 (syst) per participating nucleon, calculated with the Glauber model. This is 16% lower than in nonsingle-diffractive pp collisions interpolated to the same collision energy and 84% higher than in d+Au collisions at s√(s(NN))=0.2 TeV. The measured pseudorapidity density in p+Pb collisions is compared to model predictions and provides new constraints on the description of particle production in high-energy nuclear collisions.

Charge separation relative to the reaction plane in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

Measurements of charge-dependent azimuthal correlations with the ALICE detector at the LHC are reported for Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV. Two- and three-particle charge-dependent azimuthal correlations in the pseudorapidity range |η| < 0.8 are presented as a function of the collision centrality, particle separation in pseudorapidity, and transverse momentum. A clear signal compatible with a charge-dependent separation relative to the reaction plane is observed, which shows little or no collision energy dependence when compared to measurements at RHIC energies. This provides a new insight for understanding the nature of the charge-dependent azimuthal correlations observed at RHIC and LHC energies.

Pion, kaon, and proton production in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

In this Letter we report the first results on π(±), K(±), p, and p production at midrapidity (|y|<0.5) in central Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV, measured by the ALICE experiment at the LHC. The p(T) distributions and yields are compared to previous results at sqrt[s(NN)] = 200 GeV and expectations from hydrodynamic and thermal models. The spectral shapes indicate a strong increase of the radial flow velocity with sqrt[s(NN)], which in hydrodynamic models is expected as a consequence of the increasing particle density. While the K/π ratio is in line with predictions from the thermal model, the p/π ratio is found to be lower by a factor of about 1.5. This deviation from thermal model expectations is still to be understood.

Measurement of the cross section for electromagnetic dissociation with neutron emission in Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)] = 2.76 TeV

The first measurement of neutron emission in electromagnetic dissociation of ^{208}Pb nuclei at the LHC is presented. The measurement is performed using the neutron zero degree calorimeters of the ALICE experiment, which detect neutral particles close to beam rapidity. The measured cross sections of single and mutual electromagnetic dissociation of Pb nuclei at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV with neutron emission are σ(singleEMD)=187.4 ± 0.2(stat)(-11.2)(+13.2) (syst) b and σ(mutualEMD) = 5.7 ± 0.1(stat) ± 0.4(syst) b, respectively. The experimental results are compared to the predictions from a relativistic electromagnetic dissociation model.

Production of muons from heavy flavor decays at forward rapidity in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76 TeV

The ALICE Collaboration has measured the inclusive production of muons from heavy-flavor decays at forward rapidity, 2.5<y<4, in pp and Pb-Pb collisions at sqrt[s(NN)]=2.76  TeV. The p(t)-differential inclusive cross section of muons from heavy-flavor decays in pp collisions is compared to perturbative QCD calculations. The nuclear modification factor is studied as a function of p(t) and collision centrality. A weak suppression is measured in peripheral collisions. In the most central collisions, a suppression of a factor of about 3-4 is observed in 6<p(t)<10  GeV/c. The suppression shows no significant p(t) dependence.

J/ψ suppression at forward rapidity in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV

The ALICE experiment has measured the inclusive J/ψ production in Pb-Pb collisions at √s(NN) = 2.76 TeV down to zero transverse momentum in the rapidity range 2.5 < y < 4. A suppression of the inclusive J/ψ yield in Pb-Pb is observed with respect to the one measured in pp collisions scaled by the number of binary nucleon-nucleon collisions. The nuclear modification factor, integrated over the 0%-80% most central collisions, is 0.545 ± 0.032(stat) ± 0.083(syst) and does not exhibit a significant dependence on the collision centrality. These features appear significantly different from measurements at lower collision energies. Models including J/ψ production from charm quarks in a deconfined partonic phase can describe our data.