The association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and vertebral fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes

Vitamin D is an important regulator of bone health. Previous studies examining the association between vitamin D deficiency and osteoporotic fractures have reported conflicting results. The relationship between vitamin D status and risk of vertebral fractures in diabetic patients is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine whether low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were associated with vertebral fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 161 postmenopausal women and 180 men with type 2 diabetes. Serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were measured and the presence of vertebral fracture was assessed using lateral plain radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine. Women had lower 25(OH)D levels than men (31.3 ± 17.7 vs. 41.3 ± 26.5 ng/mL, p<0.001). Vertebral fractures were found in 16% of patients. Men with a serum 25(OH)D concentration greater than 30 ng/mL showed a lower prevalence of vertebral fractures compared to those with 20-29.9 ng/mL or those with less than 20 ng/mL (9.4% vs. 17.9% vs. 21.7%, p for trend=0.036). However, there was no significant association between vitamin D status and the prevalence of vertebral fractures in women (14.4% vs. 19.2% vs. 26.6%, p for trend=0.111). After adjusting for multiple confounding factors, men with a serum 25(OH)D concentration of less than 20 ng/mL were associated with an increased risk of vertebral fractures (OR 7.87; 95% CI 1.69-36.71), but not women. In conclusion, serum 25(OH)D levels below 20 ng/mL were associated with an increased vertebral fracture risk in men with type 2 diabetes.

Comparison between the LMA Classic™ and New I-gel™ Supraglottic Airway Device: A Manikin Study

Objective

It is nowadays well established that the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is an alternative airway to endotracheal intubation for prehospital environment. However, problems have been reported and many other kinds of supraglottic airway devices (SGDs) were introduced. The I-gel™ is one of the latest SGD, and it has been designed for easy and fast insertion with non-inflatable cuff. We compared the efficacy between LMA Classic™ and I-gel™ by using both normal and difficult airway conditioned manikin.

Methods

One hundred and two non-experienced volunteers made out of students and nurses participated in the airway management educational program that was held in the emergency medical center of Gwangmyeong Sungae Hospital. After finishing the program, the participants were tested on their performance skills (insertion time) on using the two devices in both normal and difficult airway conditioned manikin. A structured questionnaire was used to measure the knowledge, attitude and preference about each device on a 5-point scale.

Results

In the LMA Classic™ and I-gel™ groups, it took 28.3±8.3 and 10.0±3.7 seconds with normal airway conditioned manikin (p<0.001), and 29.1±8.2 and 10.3±3.0 seconds elapsed with difficult airway conditioned manikin to achieve adequate airway management (p<0.001) in the corresponding order. The attitude and preference scale of the I-gel™ was higher than those of the LMA Classic™ (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The insertion time of the I-gel™ was shorter than that of the LMA Classic™ in both normal and difficult airway conditioned manikin, and I-gel™ had a higher positive response for attitude and preference.

Conjugated linoleic acid synthesis-related protein proteasome subunit α 5 (PSMA5) is increased by vaccenic acid treatment in goat mammary tissue

This study was conducted to identify proteins associated with the endogenous synthesis of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) from trans-vaccenic acid (TVA; trans-11 C18:1, a precursor for CLA endogenous synthesis) in mammary tissues. Six lactating goats were divided into 2 groups. One group was given an intravenous bolus injection of TVA (150mg) twice daily over 4 d; the other group received saline injections. Treatment with TVA increased the concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and TVA in goat milk. Additionally, TVA treatment increased the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) in mammary tissue. Using 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, 3 proteins affected by infusions of TVA were identified. Proteasome (prosome, macropain) subunit α type 5 (PSMA5) was upregulated, whereas peroxiredoxin-1 and translationally controlled tumor protein 1 were downregulated in TVA-treated animals compared with the vehicle-injected controls. Only the effect of TVA on PSMA5 could be confirmed by Western blot analysis. To further explore the regulation of PSMA5 in mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA, we used a differentiated bovine mammary epithelial cell line treated with TVA for 6h. Changes in cis-9,trans-11 CLA concentrations and mRNA expression patterns of both SCD and PSMA5 were monitored. The concentration of cis-9,trans-11 CLA increased after TVA treatment. The mRNA expression level of PSMA5 was significantly elevated to 6h, but SCD mRNA expression only increased in 2h after TVA treatment. These results indicate that PSMA5 is highly expressed in goat mammary tissue and bovine mammary epithelial cells when TVA is converted into CLA. Our data suggest that PSMA5 protein is associated with CLA biosynthesis in mammary tissue.

Evidence for the η(b)(2S) and observation of h(b)(1P)→η(b)(1S)γ and h(b)(2P)→η(b)(1S)γ

We report the first evidence for the η(b)(2S) using the h(b)(2P)→η(b)(2S)γ transition and the first observation of the h(b)(1P)→η(b)(1S)γ and h(b)(2P)→η(b)(1S)γ transitions. The mass and width of the η(b)(1S) and η(b)(2S) are measured to be m(η(b)(1S))=(9402.4±1.5±1.8) MeV/c(2), m(η(b)(2S))=(9999.0±3.5(-1.9)(+2.8)) MeV/c(2), and Γ(η(b)(1S))=(10.8(-3.7-2.0)(+4.0+4.5)) MeV. We also update the h(b)(1P) and h(b)(2P) mass measurements. We use a 133.4 fb(-1) data sample collected at energies near the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider.

Mycophenolic acid regulates spleen tyrosine kinase to repress tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced monocyte chemotatic protein-1 production in cultured human aortic endothelial cells

Atherosclerosis develops from cascades of inflammatory processes. Spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and monocyte chemotatic protein-1 (MCP-1) play important roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) has an anti-inflammatory effect. We have investigated whether MPA regulates Syk to repress tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced MCP-1 production in cultured human aortic endothelial cells. Expression of MCP-1 mRNA and its protein were measured by real time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were measured using 2'7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Activation of AP-1 and NF-κB were assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk was examined by Western blot analysis. TNF-α increased MCP-1 at both mRNA and protein levels. TNF-α-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression was inhibited by N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Syk inhibitor, Syk-siRNA and MPA. TNF-α-induced MCP-1 protein production was also inhibited by Syk inhibitor and MPA. TNF-α increased DNA binding activity of AP-1 and NF-κB, whereas both AP-1 and NF-κB decoy oligodeoxynucleotides downregulated TNF-α-induced MCP-1 mRNA expression. TNF-α increased ROS generation, which was inhibited by NAC and MPA, but not by Syk inhibitor. TNF-α increased tyrosine phosphorylation of Syk, which was attenuated by NAC and MPA. MPA and Syk inhibitor attenuated TNF-α-induced DNA binding activity of NF-κB and AP-1. TNF-α induced MCP-1 expression via activation of AP-1 and NF-κB. AP-1 and NF-κB were mediated through ROS, followed by Syk. MPA exerts anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting MCP-1 expression via suppression of ROS and Syk.

Polymer encapsulated inorganic black pigment nanoparticles and their electrophoretic characteristics

Black inorganic pigment modified with poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) was fabricated via dispersion polymerization, and then the synthesized hybrid nanoparticles were examined by SEM to confirm their morphology, while their density and size were studied using a gas pycnometer and electrophoretic light scattering apparatus, respectively. We also confirmed their chemical structure and coated state via FT-IR and TGA. Electrophoretic characteristics including the zeta potential were examined via an electrophoretic light scattering apparatus, while the movement of particles was directly observed by an optical microscopy under an electric field applied. The hybrid nanoparticles were confirmed to possess an electrophoretic property as a potential candidate for the microcapsule-type electrophoretic display.

Measurements of the top-quark mass and the tt cross section in the hadronic τ+jets decay channel at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

We present the first direct measurement of the top-quark mass using tt events decaying in the hadronic τ+jets decay channel. Using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.2 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV at the Fermilab Tevatron, we measure the tt cross section, σ(tt), and the top-quark mass, M(top). We extract M(top) from a likelihood based on per-event probabilities calculated with leading-order signal and background matrix elements. We measure σ(tt) = 8.8 ± 3.3(stat) ± 2.2(syst) pb and M(top) = 172.7 ± 9.3(stat) ± 3.7(syst) GeV/c(2).

Search for the standard model Higgs Boson produced in association with top quarks using the full CDF data set

A search is presented for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with top quarks using the full Run II proton-antiproton collision data set, corresponding to 9.45 fb(-1), collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab. No significant excess over the expected background is observed, and 95% credibility-level upper bounds are placed on the cross section σ(ttH → lepton + missing transverse energy+jets). For a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV/c(2), we expect to set a limit of 12.6 and observe a limit of 20.5 times the standard model rate. This represents the most sensitive search for a standard model Higgs boson in this channel to date.

Measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase in the full CDF data set

We report a measurement of the bottom-strange meson mixing phase β(s) using the time evolution of B(s)(0)→J/ψ(→μ(+)μ(-))φ(→K(+)K(-)) decays in which the quark-flavor content of the bottom-strange meson is identified at production. This measurement uses the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at √s=1.96 TeV collected by the Collider Detector experiment at the Fermilab Tevatron, corresponding to 9.6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. We report confidence regions in the two-dimensional space of β(s) and the B(s)(0) decay-width difference ΔΓ(s) and measure β(s)∈[-π/2,-1.51]∪[-0.06,0.30]∪[1.26,π/2] at the 68% confidence level, in agreement with the standard model expectation. Assuming the standard model value of β(s), we also determine ΔΓ(s)=0.068±0.026(stat)±0.009(syst) ps(-1) and the mean B(s)(0) lifetime τ(s)=1.528±0.019(stat)±0.009(syst) ps, which are consistent and competitive with determinations by other experiments.

Precision top-quark mass measurement at CDF

We present a precision measurement of the top-quark mass using the full sample of Tevatron √s = 1.96 TeV proton-antiproton collisions collected by the CDF II detector, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.7 fb(-1). Using a sample of tt¯ candidate events decaying into the lepton+jets channel, we obtain distributions of the top-quark masses and the invariant mass of two jets from the W boson decays from data. We then compare these distributions to templates derived from signal and background samples to extract the top-quark mass and the energy scale of the calorimeter jets with in situ calibration. The likelihood fit of the templates from signal and background events to the data yields the single most-precise measurement of the top-quark mass, M(top)=172.85±0.71(stat)±0.85(syst) GeV/c(2).

Connective tissue growth factor regulates retinal neovascularization through p53 protein-dependent transactivation of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 gene

BACKGROUND

The role of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) in pathological angiogenesis in the retina is unknown.

RESULTS

CTGF/CCN2 stimulates retinal neovascularization through transactivation of p53 target genes such as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2.

CONCLUSION

CTGF/CCN2 effects on abnormal vessel formation in the retina are mediated by p53 and MMP-2.

SIGNIFICANCE

CTGF/CCN2 and its downstream effectors are potential targets in the development of new antiangiogenic treatments. Pathological angiogenesis in the retina is driven by dysregulation of hypoxia-driven stimuli that coordinate physiological vessel growth. How the various components of the neovascularization signaling network are integrated to yield pathological changes has not been defined. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2) is an inducible matricellular protein that plays a major role in fibroproliferative disorders. Here, we show that CTGF/CCN2 was dynamically expressed in the developing murine retinal vasculature and was abnormally increased and localized within neovascular tufts in the mouse eye with oxygen-induced retinopathy. Consistent with its propitious vascular localization, ectopic expression of the CTGF/CCN2 gene further accelerated neovascularization, whereas lentivirus-mediated loss-of-function or -expression of CTGF/CCN2 harnessed ischemia-induced neovessel outgrowth in oxygen-induced retinopathy mice. The neovascular effects of CTGF/CCN2 were mediated, at least in part, through increased expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, which drives vascular remodeling through degradation of matrix and non matrix proteins, migration and invasion of endothelial cells, and formation of new vascular patterns. In cultured cells, CTGF/CCN2 activated the MMP-2 promoter through increased expression and tethering of the p53 transcription factor to a highly conserved p53-binding sequence within the MMP-2 promoter. Concordantly, the neovascular effects of CTGF/CCN2 were suppressed by p53 inhibition that culminated in reduced enrichment of the MMP-2 promoter with p53 and decreased MMP-2 gene expression. Our data identified new gene targets and downstream effectors of CTGF/CCN2 and provided the rational basis for targeting the p53 pathway to curtail the effects of CTGF/CCN2 on neovessel formation associated with ischemic retinopathy.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection with sentinel node navigation surgery for early gastric cancer

We combined endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and sentinel node navigation surgery with the purpose of achieving complete resection of early gastric cancer while preserving the organ and assessing pathological nodal status. A total of 13 patients with cT1( ≤ 3 cm)N0 early gastric cancer underwent combined ESD and sentinel node navigation surgery (ESN) at a single tertiary referral center. Sentinel node navigation surgery using indocyanine green was performed during ESD and all suspected sentinel nodes were removed laparoscopically and examined intraoperatively. ESN was converted to gastrectomy with D2 dissection if there was evidence of metastasis on frozen section. ESN was completed in 12 patients and in 1 patient was converted to gastrectomy after sentinel node navigation surgery. En bloc tumor resection was achieved in all cases. Two patients underwent additional gastrectomy because they had tumor-positive vertical margins. In all cases ESN was conducted without intraoperative or postoperative adverse events. ESN is a feasible minimally invasive procedure that allows en bloc tumor resection to be achieved while assessing the pathological status of the lymph nodes.

Utility of Basal luteinizing hormone levels for detecting central precocious puberty in girls

The hallmark of puberty is the progressive increase in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) activity, reflected by an increase in the circulating concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH). The GnRH stimulation test is widely used in the evaluation of precocious puberty. The aim of our study was to assess the diagnostic utility of basal LH for the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. A total of 803 girls were referred to Ajou University Hospital for evaluation of precocious puberty between 2008 and 2011. All subjects underwent GnRH-stimulation tests as part of their evaluation. Serum LH and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured by immunoradiometric assay before and after the GnRH injection. Of the 803 subjects, 505 (62.9%) were included in the pubertal response group and 298 (37.1%) were in the prepubertal response group. Basal LH level was identified as a significant predictor for CPP. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cut off point of basal LH related to 'pubertal response' was 1.1 IU/l, which was associated with 69.1% sensitivity and 50.5% specificity, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.620 (95% CI, 0.581-0.660). It is concluded that a single basal LH measurement can be used as a screening test to identify girls with CPP and to determine who should undergo GnRH stimulation test.

Observation of direct-photon collective flow in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV

The second Fourier component v(2) of the azimuthal anisotropy with respect to the reaction plane is measured for direct photons at midrapidity and transverse momentum (p(T)) of 1-12 GeV/c in Au + Au collisions at √s(NN)] = 200 GeV. Previous measurements of this quantity for hadrons with p(T) < 6 GeV/c indicate that the medium behaves like a nearly perfect fluid, while for p(T) > 6 GeV/c a reduced anisotropy is interpreted in terms of a path-length dependence for parton energy loss. In this measurement with the PHENIX detector at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider we find that for p(T) > 4 GeV/c the anisotropy for direct photons is consistent with zero, which is as expected if the dominant source of direct photons is initial hard scattering. However, in the p(T) < 4 GeV/c region dominated by thermal photons, we find a substantial direct-photon v(2) comparable to that of hadrons, whereas model calculations for thermal photons in this kinematic region underpredict the observed v(2).

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with one charged lepton and large missing transverse energy using the full CDF data set

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a W boson in sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV pp collision data collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the W boson to an electron or muon and a neutrino, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the WH production cross section times the H→bb branching ratio as a function of Higgs boson mass. At a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), we observe (expect) a limit of 4.9 (2.8) times the standard model value.

Measurement of the difference in CP-violating asymmetries in D(0)→K(+)K(-) and D(0)→π(+)π(-) decays at CDF

We report a measurement of the difference (ΔA(CP)) between time-integrated CP-violating asymmetries in D(0)→K(+)K(-) and D(0)→π(+)π(-) decays reconstructed in the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions collected by the Collider Detector at Fermilab, corresponding to 9.7  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity. The strong decay D(*+)→D(0)π(+) is used to identify the charm meson at production as D(0) or D[over ¯](0). We measure ΔA(CP)=[-0.62±0.21(stat)±0.10(syst)]%, which differs from zero by 2.7 Gaussian standard deviations. This result supports similar evidence for CP violation in charm-quark decays obtained in proton-proton collisions.

Combined search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair using the full CDF data set

We combine the results of searches for the standard model (SM) Higgs boson based on the full CDF Run II data set obtained from sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV pp collisions at the Fermilab Tevatron corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). The searches are conducted for Higgs bosons that are produced in association with a W or Z boson, have masses in the range 90-150  GeV/c(2), and decay into bb pairs. An excess of data is present that is inconsistent with the background prediction at the level of 2.5 standard deviations (the most significant local excess is 2.7 standard deviations).

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with no charged leptons and large missing transverse energy using the full CDF data set

We report on a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a vector boson in the full data set of proton-antiproton collisions at sqrt[s]=1.96  TeV recorded by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). We consider events having no identified charged lepton, a transverse energy imbalance, and two or three jets, of which at least one is consistent with originating from the decay of a b quark. We place 95% credibility level upper limits on the production cross section times standard model branching fraction for several mass hypotheses between 90 and 150  GeV/c(2). For a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), the observed (expected) limit is 6.7 (3.6) times the standard model prediction.

Search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a bb pair in events with two oppositely charged leptons using the full CDF data set

We present a search for the standard model Higgs boson produced in association with a Z boson in data collected with the CDF II detector at the Tevatron, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9.45  fb(-1). In events consistent with the decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-quark pair and the Z boson to electron or muon pairs, we set 95% credibility level upper limits on the ZH production cross section times the H→bb branching ratio as a function of Higgs boson mass. At a Higgs boson mass of 125  GeV/c(2), we observe (expect) a limit of 7.1 (3.9) times the standard model value.

Serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol is associated with diabetic retinopathy in Type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To determine whether there is a relationship between 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG), a marker of postprandial hyperglycaemia and glycaemic variability, and the presence of diabetic retinopathy and albuminuria in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

METHODS

Five hundred and sixty-seven patients with Type 2 diabetes (serum creatinine < 133 μmol/l), who were enrolled in the Seoul Metro-City Diabetes Prevention Program (SMC-DPP), were cross-sectionally assessed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

After controlling for age, sex, binary HbA(1c) levels, duration of diabetes, triglyceride, systolic blood pressure, smoking status, history of hypertension and dyslipidaemia, and the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker medication, the odds ratios (95% CI) of diabetic retinopathy were 2.86 (1.12-7.25) for the first (lowest) quartile of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, 2.87 (1.25-6.61) for the second quartile and 0.88 (0.35-2.22) for the third quartile compared with the fourth quartile (P for trend = 0.010). Conversely, the associations between 1,5-anhydroglucitol and clinical albuminuria were non-significant after adjustment. Subjects with low 1,5-anhydroglucitol (< 10.0 μg/ml) were more likely to experience diabetic retinopathy than those with high 1,5-anhydroglucitol (≥ 10.0 μg/ml) under moderate glucose control (HbA(1c) < 8%, 64 mmol/mol) and there were no significant differences in the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy between the subgroup with HbA(1c) < 8% (64 mmol/mol) and low 1,5-anhydroglucitol and the subgroup with HbA(1c) ≥ 8% (64 mmol/mol).

CONCLUSIONS

1,5-Anhydroglucitol levels show close associations with diabetic retinopathy, especially among patients under moderate glucose control, but not with albuminuria. These results suggest that 1,5-anhydroglucitol might be a complementary marker for targeting higher risk group.

High control rate for lymph nodes in cervical cancer treated with high-dose radiotherapy using helical tomotherapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether bulky lymphadenopathy located in the abdominopelvic cavity in cervical cancer can be controlled without severe toxicity by increasing radiation dose using helical tomotherapy. From January 2007 to December 2010, 26 patients with cervical cancer with metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) having at least one short diameter > 1.5 cm were treated with helical tomotherapy. A total of 58 LN sites were treated and the largest LN of each site was evaluated for response. Median follow-up time was 28 months (4-50 months). Median short diameter of the LNs was 1.7 cm (0.7-4.2 cm) with median radiation dose of 62.6 Gy(10) in 2 Gy equivalent dose (53.3-77.9 Gy(10)). Initial LN response was evaluated on imaging obtained within 4 months after radiotherapy. Initial complete response (CR), partial response (PR), and stable disease (SD) were observed in 54, 2 and 2 lesions, respectively. Recurrence occurred in two with CR and progression in one with PR. Therefore, final CR, PR, SD, and progression of disease were observed in 52, 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Actuarial 3-year LN progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 63% and 65%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed final LN response (CR vs. non-CR) as a strong prognostic factor for OS (p = 0.016). Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 2 or more acute and late toxicity was observed in 8 and 1 patients, respectively. The treatment of bulky lymphadenopathy using helical tomotherapy in advanced cervical cancer is highly effective and has acceptable toxicity.

Evidence for a particle produced in association with weak bosons and decaying to a bottom-antibottom quark pair in higgs boson searches at the tevatron

We combine searches by the CDF and D0 Collaborations for the associated production of a Higgs boson with a W or Z boson and subsequent decay of the Higgs boson to a bottom-antibottom quark pair. The data, originating from Fermilab Tevatron pp collisions at √s = 1.96 TeV, correspond to integrated luminosities of up to 9.7 fb(-1). The searches are conducted for a Higgs boson with mass in the range 100-150 GeV/c(2). We observe an excess of events in the data compared with the background predictions, which is most significant in the mass range between 120 and 135 GeV/c(2). The largest local significance is 3.3 standard deviations, corresponding to a global significance of 3.1 standard deviations. We interpret this as evidence for the presence of a new particle consistent with the standard model Higgs boson, which is produced in association with a weak vector boson and decays to a bottom-antibottom quark pair.

Lacrimal drainage obstruction in gastric cancer patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to determine the incidence and clinical characteristics of lacrimal drainage obstruction (LDO) in patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive 170 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery and received adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy were enrolled. S-1 was administered orally (40 mg/m2 b.i.d. on days 1-28 every 6 weeks) for 1 year. Ophthalmologic examinations were carried out on patients complaining of epiphora.

RESULTS

Thirty-one patients (18%) developed epiphora. Among 31 patients, 25 underwent ophthalmologic examinations and 22 (88%) were diagnosed with LDO. The median time to the onset of LDO was 2.9 months. The most common site of obstruction was the nasolacrimal duct [86% (19/22)]; punctal [23% (5/22)] and canalicular obstruction [14% (3/22)] were also noted. In multivariate analysis, total gastrectomy [versus partial gastrectomy: hazard ratio (HR), 2.9; P=0.014] and creatinine clearance<50 ml/min (versus ≥50 ml/min: HR, 2.9; P=0.038) were independent risk factors for the development of LDO.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high incidence of LDO in patients receiving S-1 chemotherapy, oncologists should be alert to epiphora and cooperate with ophthalmologists in the early stages to improve the quality of life of patients and avoid more complicated ophthalmologic procedures.

Clinical manifestations of hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia after kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Abnormalities of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in end-stage renal disease patients can persist after transplantation. We investigated their natural courses after transplantation, their risk factors for posttransplantation hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia, and their impacts on allograft outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 490 adult patients who underwent kidney transplantations between 2000 and 2009.

RESULTS

The serum calcium continued to increase, and reaching a plateau at around 3 months after transplantation. Thereafter it decreased, reaching a stable level by 2 years. Forty-four patients (9.0%) displayed hypercalcemia within 1 year; it persisted longer than that in 23 subjects (4.7%). Both longer dialysis duration (odds ratio [OR] 1.423; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.192-1.699) and high intact serum parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level before transplantation (OR 1.002; 95% CI, 1.000-1.003) increased the risk for posttransplantation hypercalcemia. After a significant decrease during the first week, the serum phosphorus level increased, becoming stable between 1 and 6 months after transplantation. Hypophsphatemia occurred in 379 patients (77.3%) with 336 patients displaying hypophosphatemia without hypercalcemia. However, neither hypercalcemia nor hypophosphatemia influenced graft outcomes. Eight patients underwent pretransplantation parathyroidectomy, whereas 4 patients underwent posttransplantation parathyroidectomy. Neither group of patients experienced posttransplantation hypercalcemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Both hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia are common after renal transplantation, especially among patients with a long history of dialysis before transplantation. Strict control of hyperparathyroidism including parathyroidectomy before transplantation may be the appropriate approach to these abnormalities.

Evidence for CP violation in the decay D+ → K(S)(0)π+

We observe evidence for CP violation in the decay D+ → K(S)(0)π+ using a data sample with an integrated luminosity of 977  fb(-1) collected by the Belle detector at the KEKB e+ e- asymmetric-energy collider. The CP asymmetry in the decay is measured to be (-0.363±0.094±0.067)%, which is 3.2 standard deviations away from zero, and is consistent with the expected CP violation due to the neutral kaon in the final state.

Observation of new resonant structures in γγ → ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω

The processes γγ → ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω are measured using an 870  fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider. Production of vector meson pairs is clearly observed and their cross sections are measured for masses that range from threshold to 4.0 GeV. In addition to signals from well established spin-zero and spin-two charmonium states, there are resonant structures below charmonium threshold, which have not been previously observed. We report a spin-parity analysis for the new structures and determine the products of the η(c), χ(c0), and χ(c2) two-photon decay widths and branching fractions to ωϕ, ϕϕ, and ωω.

Search for dark matter in events with one jet and missing transverse energy in pp¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present the results of a search for dark matter production in the monojet signature. We analyze a sample of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √s=1.96 TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7 fb(-1) recorded by the CDF II detector. In events with large missing transverse energy and one energetic jet, we find good agreement between the standard model prediction and the observed data. We set 90% confidence level upper limits on the dark matter production rate. The limits are translated into bounds on nucleon-dark matter scattering rates which are competitive with current direct detection bounds on spin-independent interaction below a dark matter candidate mass of 5 GeV/c(2), and on spin-dependent interactions up to masses of 200 GeV/c(2).

Search for a heavy particle decaying to a top quark and a light quark in pp ¯ collisions at √s=1.96 TeV

We present a search for a new heavy particle X produced in association with a top quark, pp[over ¯]→t(X→t[over ¯]q) or pp[over ¯]→t[over ¯](X[over ¯]→tq[over ¯]), where q stands for up quarks and down quarks. Such a particle may explain the recent anomalous measurements of top-quark forward-backward asymmetry. If the light-flavor quark (q) is reconstructed as a jet (j), this gives a t[over ¯]+j or t+j resonance in tt[over ¯]+jet events, a previously unexplored experimental signature. In a sample of events with exactly one lepton, missing transverse momentum and at least five jets, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.7 fb(-1) collected by the CDF II detector, we find the data to be consistent with the standard model. We set cross-section upper limits on the production (pp[over ¯]→Xt or X[over ¯]t[over ¯]) at 95% confidence level from 0.61 pb to 0.02 pb for X masses ranging from 200 GeV/c(2) to 800 GeV/c(2), respectively.

Evidence for the charmless annihilation decay mode B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-)

We search for annihilation decay modes of neutral b mesons into pairs of charmless charged hadrons with the upgraded Collider Detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. Using a data sample corresponding to 6 fb(-1) of integrated luminosity, we obtain the first evidence for the B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-) decay, with a significance of 3.7σ, and a measured branching ratio B(B(s)(0)→π(+)π(-))=(0.57±0.15(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6). A search for the B(0)→K(+)K(-) mode in the same sample yields a significance of 2.0σ, and a central value estimate B(B(0)→K(+)K(-))=(0.23±0.10(stat)±0.10(syst))×10(-6).

Measurement of Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios

The decays Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- are reconstructed in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.8  fb-1 collected by the CDF II detector at the Tevatron pp[over ¯] collider. All decay modes are observed with a significance of more than 10σ, and we measure the Bs0 production rate times Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)- branching ratios relative to the normalization mode B0→Ds+D-to be 0.183±0.021±0.017 for Bs0→Ds+Ds-, 0.424±0.046±0.035 for Bs0→Ds*±Ds^∓, 0.654±0.072±0.065 for Bs0→Ds*+Ds*-, and 1.261±0.095±0.112 for the inclusive decay Bs0→Ds(*)+Ds(*)-, where the uncertainties are statistical and systematic. These results are the most precise single measurements to date and provide important constraints for indirect searches for nonstandard model physics in Bs0 mixing.

Search for a dark matter candidate produced in association with a single top quark in pp collisions at √[s]=1.96 TeV

We report a new search for dark matter in a data sample of an integrated luminosity of 7.7  fb-1 of Tevatron pp[over ¯] collisions at √[s]=1.96  TeV, collected by the CDF II detector. We search for production of a dark-matter candidate, D, in association with a single top quark. We consider the hadronic decay mode of the top quark exclusively, yielding a final state of three jets with missing transverse energy. The data are consistent with the standard model; we thus set 95% confidence level upper limits on the cross section of the process pp[over ¯]→t+D as a function of the mass of the dark-matter candidate. The limits are approximately 0.5 pb for a dark-matter particle with mass in the range of 0-150  GeV/c2.

First observation of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'

We report first observations of B(s)(0) → J/ψη and B(s)(0) → J/ψη'. The results are obtained from 121.4  fb(-1) of data collected at the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB e+ e- collider. We obtain the branching fractions B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη)=[5.10±0.50(stat)±0.25(syst)(-0.79)(+1.14)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4), and B(B(s)(0) → J/ψη')=[3.71±0.61(stat)±0.18(syst)(-0.57)(+0.83)(N(B(s)(*) B(s)(*))]×10(-4). The ratio of the two branching fractions is measured to be (B(B(s) → J/ψη'))/(B(B(s) → J/ψη))=0.73±0.14(stat)±0.02(syst).

Prognostic value of preoperative radiological staging assessed by computed tomography in patients with nonmetastatic colon cancer

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the prognostic value of preoperative locoregional staging in patients with colon cancer and who underwent curative resection.

METHODS

A total of 536 consecutive patients who underwent curative resection for colon cancer from February 1999 to November 2007 were prospectively enrolled. The clinicopathological variables, including the radiological staging using computed tomography, were analyzed for the prognostic significance.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival rates of the patients with radiological T1, T2, T3, and T4 were 96%, 89%, 75%, and 79%, respectively (P = 0.028). The 5-year overall survival rates were 83%, 76%, and 54%, respectively, for patients with radiological N0, N1, and N2 disease (P < 0.001). The 5-year overall survival rates of the patients with radiological TNM (tumor-node-metastasis) stages I, II, and III were 90%, 81%, and 70%, respectively (P < 0.001) and the 5-year overall survival rates of the patients with pathological TNM stages I, II, and III were 93%, 80%, and 70%, respectively (P = 0.001). On multivariate analysis, the radiological T and N categories remained independent prognostic factors for both overall survival and disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

Radiological staging is an independent predictor of long-term survival in the preoperative setting.

Precise measurement of the CP violation parameter sin2φ1 in B0→(cc¯)K0 decays

We present a precise measurement of the CP violation parameter sin2φ1 and the direct CP violation parameter A(f) using the final data sample of 772×10(6) BB[over ¯] pairs collected at the Υ(4S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. One neutral B meson is reconstructed in a J/ψK(S)(0), ψ(2S)K(S)(0), χ(c1)K(S)(0), or J/ψK(L)(0) CP eigenstate and its flavor is identified from the decay products of the accompanying B meson. From the distribution of proper-time intervals between the two B decays, we obtain the following CP violation parameters: sin2φ1=0.667±0.023(stat)±0.012(syst) and A(f)=0.006±0.016(stat)±0.012(syst).

Measurement of the CP-violation parameter sin2φ1 with a new tagging method at the Υ(5S) resonance

We report a measurement of the CP-violation parameter sin2φ1 at the Υ(5S) resonance using a new tagging method, called "B-π tagging." In Υ(5S) decays containing a neutral B meson, a charged B, and a charged pion, the neutral B is reconstructed in the J/ψK(S)(0) CP-eigenstate decay channel. The initial flavor of the neutral B meson at the moment of the Υ(5S) decay is opposite to that of the charged B and may thus be inferred from the charge of the pion without reconstructing the charged B. From the asymmetry between B-π(+) and B-π(-) tagged J/ψK(S)(0) yields, we determine sin2φ1=0.57±0.58(stat)±0.06(syst). The results are based on 121 fb(-1) of data recorded by the Belle detector at the KEKB e(+)e(-) collider.

Measurements of the angular distributions of muons from Υ decays in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96 TeV

The angular distributions of muons from Υ(1S,2S,3S) → μ+ μ- decays are measured using data from pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6.7  fb(-1) and collected with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron. This analysis is the first to report the full angular distributions as functions of transverse momentum p(T) for Υ mesons in both the Collins-Soper and s-channel helicity frames. This is also the first measurement of the spin alignment of Υ(3S) mesons. Within the kinematic range of Υ rapidity |y|<0.6 and p(T) up to 40  GeV/c, the angular distributions are found to be nearly isotropic.

Precise measurement of the W-boson mass with the CDF II detector

We have measured the W-boson mass M(W) using data corresponding to 2.2  fb(-1) of integrated luminosity collected in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 1.96  TeV with the CDF II detector at the Fermilab Tevatron collider. Samples consisting of 470,126 W → eν candidates and 624,708 W → μν candidates yield the measurement M(W) = 80,387 ± 12(stat.) ± 15(syst.) = 80,387 ± 19  MeV/c2. This is the most precise measurement of the W-boson mass to date and significantly exceeds the precision of all previous measurements combined.

The embryo lethality of Escherichia coli isolates and its relationship to the presence of virulence-associated genes

The aims of this study were to determine if the chicken embryo lethality assay and the presence of 9 virulence-associated genes of Escherichia coli were correlated and to discover which virulence genes contributed most to embryo lethality. We examined 58 E. coli strains isolated from visceral organs of chickens with colibacillosis for the presence of 9 virulence genes (fimC, tsh, fyuA, irp2, iucD, cvi/cva, iss, astA, and vat) by PCR. The gene FimC (type I fimbriae) was detected with the highest prevalence in 93.1% of the isolates, followed by iucD (67.24%), iss (58.62%), tsh (34.48%), cvi/cva (34.48%), fyuA (32.76%), astA (31.0%), irp2 (27.59%), and vat (17.24%). The embryo mortality ranged from 5 to 100%; however, most of the isolates were moderately or highly virulent. High positive correlations were observed between the presence of virulence genes and chicken embryo lethality. In addition, presence of the iucD (aerobactin) gene was the trait that best contributed to embryo mortality by using the multivariate model. These results suggest that expression frequency of these 9 virulence genes is associated with embryo mortality, and the gene that best predicted embryo mortality was iucD.

Observation of two charged bottomoniumlike resonances in Υ(5S) decays

We report the observation of two narrow structures in the mass spectra of the π(±)Υ(nS) (n=1, 2, 3) and π(±)h(b)(mP) (m=1, 2) pairs that are produced in association with a single charged pion in Υ(5S) decays. The measured masses and widths of the two structures averaged over the five final states are M(1)=(10,607.2±2.0)  MeV/c2, Γ(1)=(18.4±2.4)  MeV, and M(2)=(10,652.2±1.5)  MeV/c2, Γ(2)=(11.5±2.2)  MeV. The results are obtained with a 121.4  fb(-1) data sample collected with the Belle detector in the vicinity of the Υ(5S) resonance at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e+ e- collider.

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.

Retroperitoneal hemorrhage after endoscopic removal of a fish bone stuck in the duodenum of a patient receiving hemodialysis

Fish bones are often ingested accidently. Most of them passes out through the gastrointestinal tract safely, but serious complications, such as perforation, abscess, obstruction, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, can occur. An ingested fish bone can be easily removed by endoscopy, and surgery is rarely required. However, there may be complications related to the endoscopic procedure including mucosal laceration, bleeding, fever, and perforation. Here, we report a case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage developed after endoscopic removal of a fish bone stuck in the duodenal wall, and then resolved spontaneously by conservative care.

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.

Search for CP violation in D± meson decays to ϕπ±

We search for CP violation in Cabibbo-suppressed charged D meson decays by measuring the difference between the CP-violating asymmetries for the Cabibbo-suppressed decays D(±)→K(+)K(-)π(±) and the Cabibbo-favored decays D(s)(±)→K(+)K(-)π(±) in the K(+)K(-) mass region of the ϕ resonance. Using 955  fb(-1) of data collected with the Belle detector, we obtain A(CP)(D+→ϕπ+)=(+0.51±0.28±0.05)%. The measurement improves the sensitivity of previous searches by more than a factor of 5. We find no evidence for direct CP violation.

Clinical significance of CD151 overexpression in subtypes of invasive breast cancer

Background:

CD151 is a member of the tetraspanin family, which interacts with laminin-binding integrins and other tetraspanins. This protein is implicated in motility, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells, but the prevalence of CD151 expression in subtypes of breast cancers and its influence on clinical outcome remains to be evaluated.

Methods and results:

The immunohistochemistry-based tissue microarray analysis showed that 127 (14.3%) cases overexpressed CD151 among 886 breast cancer patients. CD151 overexpression was found to be significantly associated with larger tumour size, higher nodal stage, advanced stage, absence of oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpression. CD151 overexpression resulted in poorer overall survival (OS) (P<0.001) and disease-free survival (P=0.02), and stage II and III patients with CD151 overexpression demonstrated substantially poorer OS (P=0.0474 and 0.0169). In the five subtypes analyses, CD151 overexpression retained its adverse impact on OS in the Luminal A (P=0.0105) and quintuple-negative breast cancer (QNBC) subtypes, one subgroup of triple-negative breast cancer (P=0.0170). Multivariate analysis that included stage, subtype, and adjuvant chemotherapy showed that CD151 overexpression was independently associated with poor OS in invasive breast cancer.

Conclusion:

CD151 overexpression may be a potential molecular therapeutic target for breast cancer, especially in QNBC subtype and more advanced stages of breast cancer.

Clinical manifestations of foot-and-mouth disease during the 2010/2011 epidemic in the Republic of Korea

We reviewed the clinical signs of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) incidences in the Republic of Korea occurring from November 2010 to April 2011. Profuse salivation, vesiculation, lameness or ataxia, and ulceration were the most commonly observed clinical signs of FMD among the infected animals, irrespective of the species. The clinical signs of FMD manifested more clearly in the dairy cattle and pigs compared to the beef cattle, deer and goats on infected farms. About 54% of the infected dairy farms reported vesicles on the teats as the primary clinical sign, while vesiculation on the nose, including the snout and muzzle, was the major lesion observed in infected beef cattle and pig farms. The teat and feet were the second most frequently vesiculated body parts on infected pigs. Although the average age of the first-to-appear clinical lesion in the animals in the beef and dairy cattle farms subjected to vaccination was higher than that observed in the animals in the farms not subjected to vaccination, a reverse pattern was observed in the pig farms. In this study, the clinical signs of FMD were described on the basis of the subjective observations by the farm workers. The present results highlight the clinical signs expected on specific body parts of different types of susceptible animals, and therefore, they may be useful for generating public awareness, particularly among farm workers, as well as for early detection of future FMD outbreaks.

First observation of the P-wave spin-singlet bottomonium states hb(1P) and hb(2P)

We report the first observations of the spin-singlet bottomonium states h(b)(1P) and h(b)(2P). The states are produced in the reaction e(+)e(-)→h(b)(nP)π(+)π(-) using a 121.4 fb(-1) data sample collected at energies near the Υ(5S) resonance with the Belle detector at the KEKB asymmetric-energy e(+)e(-) collider. We determine M[h(b)(1P)]=(9898.2(-1.0-1.1)(+1.1+1.0)) MeV/c(2) and M[h(b)(2P)]=(10,259.8±0.6(-1.0)(+1.4)) MeV/c(2), which correspond to P-wave hyperfine splittings ΔM(HF)=(+1.7±1.5) and (+0.5(-1.2)(+1.6)) MeV/c(2), respectively. The significances of the h(b)(1P) and h(b)(2P) are 5.5σ and 11.2σ, respectively. We find that the production of the h(b)(1P) and h(b)(2P) is not suppressed relative to the production of the Υ(1S), Υ(2S), and Υ(3S).

High mortality associated with Acinetobacter species infection in liver transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Acinetobacter species have become increasingly important nosocomial pathogens worldwide and can result in a wide range of infections, including bacteremia, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, peritonitis, among others. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical characteristics, mortality, and outcomes among liver transplant recipients with Acinetobacter species infections.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 451 subjects who had undergone living donor liver transplantations between January 2001 and May 2010. Pandrug-resistant (PDR) Acinetobacter species were defined as resistant to all commercially available antibiotics except colistin.

RESULTS

Infectious complications due to Acinetobacter species appeared in 26 patients (5.8%) with a total of 37 episodes. Of the species identified, 34 were Acinetobacter baumannii and 3 Acinetobacter Iwoffiii. The presumed sources of infection were the biliary tract (n = 21, 56.8%), lung (n = 7, 18.9%), intra-abdomen (n = 6, 16.2%), catheter (n = 2, 5.4%), and urinary tract (n = 1, 3.6%). Among the 37 Acinetobacter species, 75.7% (28/37) were PDR species. Age, duration of intensive care unit stay, Child-Pugh score, and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score were not significant risk factors for Acinetobacter species infection. However, the overall mortality among patients with Acinetobacter species infections was 50% (13/26), which was significantly higher than that among those free of infection (50% vs 11.5%, P < .05). Multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model showed that inappropriate antimicrobial treatment was a significant independent risk factor for mortality among patients with Acinetobacter species infections (hazard Ratio = 4.19, 95% confidence interval 1.1-18.7; P = .06).

CONCLUSION

Patients with Acinetobacter species infections after liver transplantation show a significantly worse prognosis. PDR Acinetobacter species have been a major problem in our center.

Measurements of higher order flow harmonics in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV

Flow coefficients ν(n) for n=2, 3, 4, characterizing the anisotropic collective flow in Au+Au collisions at √s(NN)=200 GeV, are measured relative to event planes Ψ(n), determined at large rapidity. We report ν(n) as a function of transverse momentum and collision centrality, and study the correlations among the event planes of different order n. The ν(n) are well described by hydrodynamic models which employ a Glauber Monte Carlo initial state geometry with fluctuations, providing additional constraining power on the interplay between initial conditions and the effects of viscosity as the system evolves. This new constraint can serve to improve the precision of the extracted shear viscosity to entropy density ratio η/s.