Unequivocal Identification of Spin-Triplet and Spin-Singlet Superconductors with Upper Critical Field and Flux Quantization

Spin-triplet superconductors play central roles in Majorana physics and quantum computing but are difficult to identify. We show the methods of kink-point upper critical field and flux quantization in superconducting rings can unequivocally identify spin-singlet, spin-triplet in centrosymmetric superconductors, and singlet-triplet admixture in noncentrosymmetric superconductors, as realized in γ-BiPd, β-Bi_{2}Pd, and α-BiPd, respectively. Our findings are essential for identifying triplet superconductors and exploring their quantum properties.

Associations between paternal versus maternal parenting behaviors and child and adolescent internalizing problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis

There is a large evidence base supporting an important role of parenting behavior in influencing youth mental health; however, this literature often fails to capture the potentially unique and interactive role of mothers and fathers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of maternal and paternal parenting behaviors in relation to child and adolescent internalizing problems. Following PRISMA (2020) guidelines, 88 studies were identified. Of these, 47 studies and upward of 65 parent-behavior and child-outcome combinations were examined. Findings indicated a unique role of maternal overprotection in the prediction of child anxiety symptoms. For other parenting behaviors, largely similar associations were found for maternal and paternal parenting behaviors with child and adolescent anxiety, depressive symptoms and broader internalizing problems. There was preliminary support for the interaction of maternal and paternal parenting being important in predicting youth symptoms. Although findings did not strongly substantiate differences in the effects of maternal and paternal parenting practices, with only one significant difference identified, further research would benefit from stronger representation of fathers, to enable a more rigorous and comprehensive understanding of each parent's role, and their interactive influence on internalizing outcomes of their children.

Analysis of Skin Dose and Position Stability for a New Personalized Device for Breast Radiotherapy

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Whole breast irradiation is the standard treatment for patients with early-stage breast cancer. We previously developed a personalized breast support device (PERSBRA) that reduced heart and lung radiation exposure. However, the skin dose was concerned for the device due to its thickness. In this study, we designed the new honeycomb structures to reduce the dose to the skin and maintain stable breast position with this device.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Three different structures of PERSBRA were designed. They were solid structure, honeycomb structures with 3.5 mm wall thickness and honeycomb structures with 4.5 mm wall thickness respectively. Those patients who scheduled to receive whole breast irradiation were enrolled for anthropometric breast position analysis. Stability of breast position in supine with PERSBRA were analyzed by scanning with a 3D infrared scanner. The distances between the nipples, between the nipple and the xiphoid process, and between the nipple and the inframammary fold were used to be the index. 32 patients were enrolled for anthropometric breast position analysis. The skin dose was simulated using the thermoluminescent dosimeter (TLD) positioned on the phantom with PERSBRA in the treatment scenario.

RESULTS

The displacements between two nipples, the nipple and the infra mammary point, and the nipple and the xiphoid process were 1.4%, 1.2%, and 0.4% for 3.5 mm honeycomb structure. Meanwhile, these displacements were 0.8%, 0.7% and 0.2% for solid 10% structure. Compared to these results, there were no significant difference for the two designations. The surface dose simulating the treatment scenario were 78.27%, 89.39% and 91.9% of prescribed dose for the 3.5mm, 4.5 mm honeycomb structure and the solid 10% filled structure, respectively. The 3.5 mm honeycomb structure reduce the surface dose significantly compared to another two designations.

CONCLUSION

The honeycomb structures do not jeopardize mechanical properties of PERSBRA or the breast positional stability support. Moreover, honeycomb structure with 3.5 mm thickness effectively reduces skin surface dose on a breast phantom. These data encourage further clinical studies to investigate the effects of such design on radiation dermatitis during whole breast irradiation.

New insights on commemoration of the dead through mortuary and architectural use of pigments at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey

The cultural use of pigments in human societies is associated with ritual activities and the creation of social memory. Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Turkey, 7100–5950 cal BC) provides a unique case study for the exploration of links between pigments in burials, demographic data and colourants in contemporary architectural contexts. This study presents the first combined analysis of funerary and architectural evidence of pigment use in Neolithic Anatolia and discusses the possible social processes underlying the observed statistical patterns. Results reveal that pigments were either applied directly to the deceased or included in the grave as a burial association. The most commonly used pigment was red ochre. Cinnabar was mainly applied to males and blue/green pigment was associated with females. A correlation was found between the number of buried individuals and the number of painted layers in the buildings. Mortuary practices seem to have followed specific selection processes independent of sex and age-at-death of the deceased. This study offers new insights about the social factors involved in pigment use in this community, and contributes to the interpretation of funerary practices in Neolithic Anatolia. Specifically, it suggests that visual expression, ritual performance and symbolic associations were elements of shared long-term socio-cultural practices.

Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle inhibits IL-6 and MAPK-mediated cardiac hypertrophy during STZ-induced diabetes in rats

Escherichia coli Nissle (EcN), a probiotic bacterium protects against several disorders. Multiple reports have studied the pathways involved in cardiac hypertrophy. However, the effects of probiotic EcN against diabetes-induced cardiac hypertrophy remain to be understood. We administered five weeks old Wistar male (271±19.4 g body weight) streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with 10⁹ cfu of EcN via oral gavage every day for 24 days followed by subjecting the rats to echocardiography to analyse the cardiac parameters. Overexpressed interleukin (IL)-6 induced the MEK5/ERK5, JAK2/STAT3, and MAPK signalling cascades in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Further, the upregulation of calcineurin, NFATc3, and p-GATA4 led to the elevation of hypertrophy markers, such as atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides. In contrast, diabetic rats supplemented with probiotic EcN exhibited significant downregulated IL-6. Moreover, the MEK5/ERK5 and JAK2/STAT3 cascades involved during eccentric hypertrophy and MAPK signalling, including phosphorylated MEK, ERK, JNK, and p-38, were significantly attenuated in diabetic rats after supplementation of EcN. Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed the significant downregulation of NFATc3 and downstream mediators, thereby resulting in the impairment of cardiac hypertrophy. Taken together, the findings demonstrate that supplementing probiotic EcN has the potential to show cardioprotective effects by inhibiting diabetes-induced cardiomyopathies.

The molecular functions of Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate in lipopolysaccharide-induced inflamed dental pulp cells

AIM

To explore the proliferation, adhesion and differentiation response and the underlying mechanisms that occur in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflamed dental pulp cells (DPCs) in contact with Biodentine and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).

METHODOLOGY

The DPCs were isolated from three healthy donors and named DPC-H1 to DPC-H3. The DPCs were pre-cultured with 2 or 5 μg mL^-1 LPS for 24 h to induce inflammation. The expression of inflammation marker miR-146a was detected by q-PCR. The normal and LPS-induced DPCs were further treated with 0.14 mg mL^-1 Biodentine or 0.13 mg mL^-1 MTA for 24 h. MTT assay and adhesion assay were used to analyse the changes of cell phenotypes. DSPP, AKT and ERK expressions were detected by Western blotting. The data were analysed by Mann-Whitney test or two-way anova. Differences were considered statistically significant when P < 0.05.

RESULTS

In LPS-induced DPCs, Biodentine and MTA treatment neither induced nor aggravated LPS-induced inflammation, but their presence did increase the expression of the odontogenic differentiation marker DSPP. Under 2 or 5 μg mL^-1 LPS-induced inflammation, Biodentine and MTA promoted the proliferation of DPC cells, and significantly in DPC-H2 (P < 0.0001 for both reagents). With the treatment of 2 μg mL^-1 LPS, the cell adhesion of DPCs on the fibronectin-coated culture plates was increased significantly by Biodentine (P = 0.0413) and MTA (P < 0.0001). Biodentine and MTA regulated cell adhesion on the fibronectin-coated culture plates (P < 0.0001 for both reagents) and proliferation (P < 0.0001 for both reagents) via the AKT pathway. However, the AKT pathway was not involved in the expression of DSPP induced by Biodentine and MTA.

CONCLUSION

Biodentine and MTA enhanced the proliferation, adhesion and differentiation of LPS-induced DPCs. The proliferation and adhesion process induced by Biodentine and MTA was via the AKT pathway. However, the cellular differentiation process might not use the same pathway, and this needs to be explored in future studies.

Intraductal Carcinoma of Salivary Gland Originating from an Intraparotid Lymph Node: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Salivary gland intraductal carcinoma (IDC) is rare. We present the second case of IDC originating from an intraparotid lymph node (LN) with a more detailed description of the histogenesis, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and updated molecular information.

CASE REPORT

An 87-year-old male had a tumour nodule over the left parotid tail for about 20 years. Physical examinations revealed a 4.5 cm soft, non-tender and fixed mass. After the left parotidectomy, pathology confirmed the diagnosis of IDC arising within an intraparotid lymph node. The cystic component of the tumour was lined by single to multilayered ductal cells with micropapillary growth pattern. The solid part showed intraductal proliferation of neoplastic cells in solid, cribriform, micropapillary and Roman bridge-like structure. By immunohistochemistry (IHC), the tumour cells were positive for S-100, CK (AE1/AE3), mammaglobin, SOX10, and estrogen receptor (ER), with myoepithelial cell rimming highlighted by positive p63 and calponin IHC stains. The prognosis of this patient is excellent after complete excision.

DISCUSSION

The mechanism of salivary gland tumour arising in the intra-parotid gland LN was assumed to be related to salivary duct inclusion within the intraparotid gland LN which is a normal occurrence during embryology development. Although the terminology may raise some confusion about the relationship between IDC and conventional salivary duct carcinoma (SDA), they are different in immunophenotype and clinicopathologic features. IDC is characterised by S100 (+) ER (+) with predominant intraductal growth and excellent prognosis; while SDC features S100 (-) androgen receptor (+) with predominant invasive growth and aggressive behavior. Recent discovery of recurrent RET gene rearrangement in IDC but not SDC also supports that IDC is not precursor lesion of the SDC.

Measurement of the Soft-Drop Jet Mass in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Jet substructure observables have significantly extended the search program for physics beyond the standard model at the Large Hadron Collider. The state-of-the-art tools have been motivated by theoretical calculations, but there has never been a direct comparison between data and calculations of jet substructure observables that are accurate beyond leading-logarithm approximation. Such observables are significant not only for probing the collinear regime of QCD that is largely unexplored at a hadron collider, but also for improving the understanding of jet substructure properties that are used in many studies at the Large Hadron Collider. This Letter documents a measurement of the first jet substructure quantity at a hadron collider to be calculated at next-to-next-to-leading-logarithm accuracy. The normalized, differential cross section is measured as a function of log_{10}ρ^{2}, where ρ is the ratio of the soft-drop mass to the ungroomed jet transverse momentum. This quantity is measured in dijet events from 32.9  fb^{-1} of sqrt[s]=13  TeV proton-proton collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector. The data are unfolded to correct for detector effects and compared to precise QCD calculations and leading-logarithm particle-level Monte Carlo simulations.

Search for Low-Mass Dijet Resonances Using Trigger-Level Jets with the ATLAS Detector in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV

Searches for dijet resonances with sub-TeV masses using the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider can be statistically limited by the bandwidth available to inclusive single-jet triggers, whose data-collection rates at low transverse momentum are much lower than the rate from standard model multijet production. This Letter describes a new search for dijet resonances where this limitation is overcome by recording only the event information calculated by the jet trigger algorithms, thereby allowing much higher event rates with reduced storage needs. The search targets low-mass dijet resonances in the range 450-1800 GeV. The analyzed data set has an integrated luminosity of up to 29.3  fb^{-1} and was recorded at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. No excesses are found; limits are set on Gaussian-shaped contributions to the dijet mass distribution from new particles and on a model of dark-matter particles with axial-vector couplings to quarks.

Search for the Decay of the Higgs Boson to Charm Quarks with the ATLAS Experiment

A direct search for the standard model Higgs boson decaying to a pair of charm quarks is presented. Associated production of the Higgs and Z bosons, in the decay mode ZH→ℓ^{+}ℓ^{-}cc[over ¯] is studied. A data set with an integrated luminosity of 36.1  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13TeV recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC is used. The H→cc[over ¯] signature is identified using charm-tagging algorithms. The observed (expected) upper limit on σ(pp→ZH)×B(H→cc[over ¯]) is 2.7 (3.9_{-1.1}^{+2.1}) pb at the 95% confidence level for a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV, while the standard model value is 26 fb.

Search for a Structure in the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} Invariant Mass Spectrum with the ATLAS Experiment

A search for the narrow structure, X(5568), reported by the D0 Collaboration in the decay sequence X→B_{s}^{0}π^{±}, B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ, is presented. The analysis is based on a data sample recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC corresponding to 4.9  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at 7 TeV and 19.5  fb^{-1} at 8 TeV. No significant signal was found. Upper limits on the number of signal events, with properties corresponding to those reported by D0, and on the X production rate relative to B_{s}^{0} mesons, ρ_{X}, were determined at 95% confidence level. The results are N(X)<382 and ρ_{X}<0.015 for B_{s}^{0} mesons with transverse momenta above 10 GeV, and N(X)<356 and ρ_{X}<0.016 for transverse momenta above 15 GeV. Limits are also set for potential B_{s}^{0}π^{±} resonances in the mass range 5550 to 5700 MeV.

Search for High-Mass Resonances Decaying to τν in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

A search for high-mass resonances decaying to τν using proton-proton collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV produced by the Large Hadron Collider is presented. Only τ-lepton decays with hadrons in the final state are considered. The data were recorded with the ATLAS detector and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 36.1  fb^{-1}. No statistically significant excess above the standard model expectation is observed; model-independent upper limits are set on the visible τν production cross section. Heavy W^{'} bosons with masses less than 3.7 TeV in the sequential standard model and masses less than 2.2-3.8 TeV depending on the coupling in the nonuniversal G(221) model are excluded at the 95% credibility level.

Search for Heavy Higgs Bosons A/H Decaying to a Top Quark Pair in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

A search for heavy pseudoscalar (A) and scalar (H) Higgs bosons decaying into a top quark pair (tt[over ¯]) has been performed with 20.3  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s]=8  TeV. Interference effects between the signal process and standard model tt[over ¯] production, which are expected to distort the signal shape from a single peak to a peak-dip structure, are taken into account. No significant deviation from the standard model prediction is observed in the tt[over ¯] invariant mass spectrum in final states with an electron or muon, large missing transverse momentum, and at least four jets. The results are interpreted within the context of a type-II two-Higgs-doublet model. Exclusion limits on the signal strength are derived as a function of the mass m_{A/H} and the ratio of the vacuum expectation values of the two Higgs fields, tanβ, for m_{A/H}>500  GeV.

Search for Dark Matter Produced in Association with a Higgs Boson Decaying to bb[over ¯] Using 36 fb^{-1} of pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Several extensions of the standard model predict associated production of dark-matter particles with a Higgs boson. Such processes are searched for in final states with missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson decaying to a bb[over ¯] pair with the ATLAS detector using 36.1  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV at the LHC. The observed data are in agreement with the standard model predictions and limits are placed on the associated production of dark-matter particles and a Higgs boson.

Search for the Dimuon Decay of the Higgs Boson in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the dimuon decay of the Higgs boson was performed using data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 36.1  fb^{-1} collected with the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at sqrt[s]=13  TeV at the Large Hadron Collider. No significant excess is observed above the expected background. The observed (expected) upper limit on the cross section times branching ratio is 3.0 (3.1) times the Standard Model prediction at the 95% confidence level for a Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV. When combined with the pp collision data at sqrt[s]=7  TeV and sqrt[s]=8  TeV, the observed (expected) upper limit is 2.8 (2.9) times the Standard Model prediction.

microRNA-142-3p inhibits apoptosis and inflammation induced by bleomycin through down-regulation of Cox-2 in MLE-12 cells

microRNA (miR)-142-3p is implicated in malignancy and has been identified as a biomarker for aggressive and recurrent lung adenocarcinomas. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of miR-142-3p on apoptosis and inflammation induced by bleomycin in MLE-12 cells. MLE-12 cells were first transfected either with miR-142-3p mimic or miR-142-3p inhibitor and then the cells were exposed to 50 μg/mL of bleomycin. Thereafter, cell viability, apoptosis and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were assessed using CCK-8, flow cytometry, RT-PCR and western blot analyses. Cox-2, PI3K, AKT and mTOR expressions were detected by western blotting after bleomycin was administered together with NS-398 (an inhibitor of Cox-2). As a result, cell viability was significantly decreased, as well as apoptosis and the expression of IL-1 and TNF-α were remarkably increased after 50 and 100 μg/mL of bleomycin administration. miR-142-3p overexpression alleviated bleomycin-induced apoptosis and overproduction of these two pro-inflammatory cytokines, while miR-142-3p suppression exhibited completely opposite results. Up-regulation of Cox-2 and inactivation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR were found in bleomycin-pretreated cells, while these abnormal regulations were partially abolished by miR-142-3p overexpression and NS-398. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that miR-142-3p overexpression protected bleomycin-induced injury in lung epithelial MLE-12 cells, possibly via regulating Cox-2 expression and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings provide evidence that miR-142-3p may be a therapeutic strategy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) treatment.

Search for triboson [Formula: see text] production in pp collisions at [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector

This paper reports a search for triboson [Formula: see text] production in two decay channels ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]) in proton-proton collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 [Formula: see text] at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with exactly three charged leptons, or two leptons with the same electric charge in association with two jets, are selected. The total number of events observed in data is consistent with the Standard Model (SM) predictions. The observed 95% confidence level upper limit on the SM [Formula: see text] production cross section is found to be 730 fb with an expected limit of 560 fb in the absence of SM [Formula: see text] production. Limits are also set on WWWW anomalous quartic gauge couplings.

Paper-based CRP Monitoring Devices

Here, we discuss the development of a paper-based diagnostic device that is inexpensive, portable, easy-to-use, robust, and capable of running simultaneous tests to monitor a relevant inflammatory protein for clinical diagnoses i.e. C-reactive protein (CRP). In this study, we first attempted to make a paper-based diagnostic device via the wax printing method, a process that was used in previous studies. This device has two distinct advantages: 1) reduced manufacturing and assay costs and operation duration via using wax printing method to define hydrophobic boundaries (for fluidic devices or general POC devices); and, 2) the hydrophilicity of filter paper, which is used to purify and chromatographically correct interference caused by whole blood components with a tiny amount of blood sample (only 5 μL). Diagnosis was based on serum stain length retained inside the paper channels of our device. This is a balanced function between surface tension and chromatographic force following immune reactions (CRP assays) with a paper-embedded biomarker.

Measurement of the Inelastic Proton-Proton Cross Section at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector at the LHC

This Letter presents a measurement of the inelastic proton-proton cross section using 60  μb^{-1} of pp collisions at a center-of-mass energy sqrt[s] of 13 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Inelastic interactions are selected using rings of plastic scintillators in the forward region (2.07<|η|<3.86) of the detector. A cross section of 68.1±1.4  mb is measured in the fiducial region ξ=M_{X}^{2}/s>10^{-6}, where M_{X} is the larger invariant mass of the two hadronic systems separated by the largest rapidity gap in the event. In this ξ range the scintillators are highly efficient. For diffractive events this corresponds to cases where at least one proton dissociates to a system with M_{X}>13  GeV. The measured cross section is compared with a range of theoretical predictions. When extrapolated to the full phase space, a cross section of 78.1±2.9  mb is measured, consistent with the inelastic cross section increasing with center-of-mass energy.

Search for Higgs and Z Boson Decays to ϕγ with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the decays of the Higgs and Z bosons to a ϕ meson and a photon is performed with a pp collision data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 2.7  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=13  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. No significant excess of events is observed above the background, and 95% confidence level upper limits on the branching fractions of the Higgs and Z boson decays to ϕγ of 1.4×10^{-3} and 8.3×10^{-6}, respectively, are obtained.

Fabricating Cotton Analytical Devices

A robust, low-cost analytical device should be user-friendly, rapid, and affordable. Such devices should also be able to operate with scarce samples and provide information for follow-up treatment. Here, we demonstrate the development of a cotton-based urinalysis (i.e., nitrite, total protein, and urobilinogen assays) analytical device that employs a lateral flow-based format, and is inexpensive, easily fabricated, rapid, and can be used to conduct multiple tests without cross-contamination worries. Cotton is composed of cellulose fibers with natural absorptive properties that can be leveraged for flow-based analysis. The simple but elegant fabrication process of our cotton-based analytical device is described in this study. The arrangement of the cotton structure and test pad takes advantage of the hydrophobicity and absorptive strength of each material. Because of these physical characteristics, colorimetric results can persistently adhere to the test pad. This device enables physicians to receive clinical information in a timely manner and shows great potential as a tool for early intervention.

Reduced Platelet Adhesion on the Surface of Polyurethane Bearing Structure of Sulfobetaine

Poly(etherurethane)s are widely used as blood-contacting biomaterials due to their good biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Nevertheless, their blood compatibility is still not adequate for the more demanding applications. Surface modification is an effective way to improve the blood compatibility and retain the bulk properties of biomaterials. The purpose of present study was to design and synthesize a novel nonthrombogenic biomaterial by modifying the surface of poly(etherurethane) with zwitterionic monomer. Films of polyurethane were grafted with sulfobetaine by a three-step procedure. In the first step, the film surfaces were treated with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in toluene at 50 C in the presence of di-n-butyl tin dilaurate (DBTDL) as a catalyst. The extent of the reaction was measured by ATR-IR spectra; a maximum number of free NCO group was obtained after a reaction time of 90 min. In the second step, the hydroxyl group of 4-dimethylamino-1-butanol (DMAB) was allowed to react in toluene with isocyanate groups bound on the surface. In the third step, sulfobetaine was formed on the surface through the ring-opening reaction between tertiary amine of DMAB and 1,3- propanesultone (PS). It was characterized by ATR-IR, XPS. The data showed that the grafted surfaces were composed of sulfobetaine. The results of the contact angle measurements showed that they were strongly hydrophilic. The state of platelet adhesion and shape variation for the attached platelets was described. The modified surface shows excellent blood compatibility feature by the low platelet adhesion.

Observation of Long-Range Elliptic Azimuthal Anisotropies in sqrt[s]=13 and 2.76 TeV pp Collisions with the ATLAS Detector

ATLAS has measured two-particle correlations as a function of the relative azimuthal angle, Δϕ, and pseudorapidity, Δη, in sqrt[s]=13 and 2.76 TeV pp collisions at the LHC using charged particles measured in the pseudorapidity interval |η|<2.5. The correlation functions evaluated in different intervals of measured charged-particle multiplicity show a multiplicity-dependent enhancement at Δϕ∼0 that extends over a wide range of Δη, which has been referred to as the "ridge." Per-trigger-particle yields, Y(Δϕ), are measured over 2<|Δη|<5. For both collision energies, the Y(Δϕ) distribution in all multiplicity intervals is found to be consistent with a linear combination of the per-trigger-particle yields measured in collisions with less than 20 reconstructed tracks, and a constant combinatoric contribution modulated by cos(2Δϕ). The fitted Fourier coefficient, v_{2,2}, exhibits factorization, suggesting that the ridge results from per-event cos(2ϕ) modulation of the single-particle distribution with Fourier coefficients v_{2}. The v_{2} values are presented as a function of multiplicity and transverse momentum. They are found to be approximately constant as a function of multiplicity and to have a p_{T} dependence similar to that measured in p+Pb and Pb+Pb collisions. The v_{2} values in the 13 and 2.76 TeV data are consistent within uncertainties. These results suggest that the ridge in pp collisions arises from the same or similar underlying physics as observed in p+Pb collisions, and that the dynamics responsible for the ridge has no strong sqrt[s] dependence.

Measurement of the ZZ Production Cross Section in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=13 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The ZZ production cross section in proton-proton collisions at 13 TeV center-of-mass energy is measured using 3.2  fb^{-1} of data recorded with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The considered Z boson candidates decay to an electron or muon pair of mass 66-116 GeV. The cross section is measured in a fiducial phase space reflecting the detector acceptance. It is also extrapolated to a total phase space for Z bosons in the same mass range and of all decay modes, giving 16.7_{-2.0}^{+2.2}(stat)+0.9/-0.7(syst)+1.0/-0.7(lumi)  pb. The results agree with standard model predictions.

Determination of the Ratio of b-Quark Fragmentation Fractions f(s)/f(d) in pp Collisions at √s=7 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

With an integrated luminosity of 2.47  fb(-1) recorded by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, the exclusive decays B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ and B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0) of B mesons produced in pp collisions at √s=7  TeV are used to determine the ratio of fragmentation fractions f(s)/f(d). From the observed B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ and B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0) yields, the quantity (f(s)/f(d))[B(B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ)/B(B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0))] is measured to be 0.199±0.004(stat)±0.008(syst). Using a recent theory prediction for [B(B(s)(0)→J/ψϕ)/B(B(d)(0)→J/ψK(*0))] yields (f(s)/f(d))=0.240±0.004(stat)±0.010(syst)±0.017(th). This result is based on a new approach that provides a significant improvement of the world average.

Search for Dark Matter in Events with Missing Transverse Momentum and a Higgs Boson Decaying to Two Photons in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Results of a search for new phenomena in events with large missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson decaying to two photons are reported. Data from proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3 fb^{-1} have been collected with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The observed data are well described by the expected standard model backgrounds. Upper limits on the cross section of events with large missing transverse momentum and a Higgs boson candidate are also placed. Exclusion limits are presented for models of physics beyond the standard model featuring dark-matter candidates.

Measurements of the Total and Differential Higgs Boson Production Cross Sections Combining the H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ Decay Channels at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

Measurements of the total and differential cross sections of Higgs boson production are performed using 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions produced by the Large Hadron Collider at a center-of-mass energy of sqrt[s]=8  TeV and recorded by the ATLAS detector. Cross sections are obtained from measured H→γγ and H→ZZ^{*}→4ℓ event yields, which are combined accounting for detector efficiencies, fiducial acceptances, and branching fractions. Differential cross sections are reported as a function of Higgs boson transverse momentum, Higgs boson rapidity, number of jets in the event, and transverse momentum of the leading jet. The total production cross section is determined to be σ_{pp→H}=33.0±5.3 (stat)±1.6 (syst)  pb. The measurements are compared to state-of-the-art predictions.

Lens parameters as predictors of intraocular pressure changes after phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) change after cataract surgery in non-glaucomatous eyes with narrow and open angles (OAs) and its relation to novel lens parameters measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

SETTING

University affiliated hospital, Farabi Eye Hospital, Tehran, Iran.

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 85 non-glaucomatous eyes underwent phacoemulsification and lens implantation. Thirty-nine eyes had OAs and 46 eyes had narrow angles (NAs). IOP and biometric parameters were measured by AS-OCT preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Change in IOP and its relation to biometric parameters, including lens vault (LV), anterior vault (AV), defined as the sum of the LV and the ACD, and relative LV (rLV), defined as the ratio of the LV to the AV, were evaluated. The main outcome measure was degree of IOP change after phacoemulsification.

RESULTS

Of the 85 patients included in the analysis, 35 were male and 50 were female with an overall mean age of 62.2 ± 8.9 years. The average IOP reduction was -4.95 ± 2.26 mm Hg, from a preoperative mean of 17.12 ± 2.47 mm Hg, at 3 months after cataract surgery. The amount of IOP reduction was significantly greater in the NA compared with the OA group. In multivariate linear regression analysis, preoperative IOP and AV were significantly associated with IOP decrease (all ≤ 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Cataract surgery results in IOP reduction in both OA and NA eyes. The amount of IOP reduction is related to AV.

Search for a Heavy Neutral Particle Decaying to eμ, eτ, or μτ in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter presents a search for a heavy neutral particle decaying into an opposite-sign different-flavor dilepton pair, e^{±}μ^{∓}, e^{±}τ^{∓}, or μ^{±}τ^{∓} using 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collision data at sqrt[s]=8  TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The numbers of observed candidate events are compatible with the standard model expectations. Limits are set on the cross section of new phenomena in two scenarios: the production of ν[over ˜]_{τ} in R-parity-violating supersymmetric models and the production of a lepton-flavor-violating Z^{'} vector boson.

Evidence of Wγγ Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV and Limits on Anomalous Quartic Gauge Couplings with the ATLAS Detector

This Letter reports evidence of triple gauge boson production pp→W(ℓν)γγ+X, which is accessible for the first time with the 8 TeV LHC data set. The fiducial cross section for this process is measured in a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1}, collected by the ATLAS detector in 2012. Events are selected using the W boson decay to eν or μν as well as requiring two isolated photons. The measured cross section is used to set limits on anomalous quartic gauge couplings in the high diphoton mass region.

The First Residue of the PWWP Motif Modulates HATH Domain Binding, Stability, and Protein-Protein Interaction

Hepatoma-derived growth factor (hHDGF) and HDGF-related proteins (HRPs) contain conserved N-terminal HATH domains with a characteristic structural motif, namely the PWWP motif. The HATH domain has attracted attention because of its ability to bind with heparin/heparan sulfate, DNA, and methylated histone peptide. Depending on the sequence of the PWWP motif, HRP HATHs are classified into P-type (Pro-His-Trp-Pro) and A-type (Ala-His-Trp-Pro) forms. A-type HATH is highly unstable and tends to precipitate in solution. We replaced the Pro residue in P-type HATHHDGF with Ala and evaluated the influence on structure, dynamics, and ligand binding. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) hydrogen/deuterium exchange and circular dichroism (CD) measurements revealed reduced stability. Analysis of NMR backbone (15)N relaxations (R1, R2, and nuclear Overhauser effect) revealed additional backbone dynamics in the interface between the β-barrel and the C-terminal helix bundle. The β1-β2 loop, where the AHWP sequence is located, has great structural flexibility, which aids HATH-HATH interaction through the loop. A-type HATH, therefore, shows a stronger tendency to aggregate when binding with heparin and DNA oligomers. This study defines the role of the first residue of the PWWP motif in modulating HATH domain stability and oligomer formation in binding.

Search for a new resonance decaying to a W or Z boson and a Higgs boson in the [Formula: see text] final states with the ATLAS detector

A search for a new resonance decaying to a W or Z boson and a Higgs boson in the [Formula: see text] final states is performed using 20.3 fb[Formula: see text] of pp collision data recorded at [Formula: see text] 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The search is conducted by examining the WH / ZH invariant mass distribution for a localized excess. No significant deviation from the Standard Model background prediction is observed. The results are interpreted in terms of constraints on the Minimal Walking Technicolor model and on a simplified approach based on a phenomenological Lagrangian of Heavy Vector Triplets.

Search for Scalar Charm Quark Pair Production in pp Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV with the ATLAS Detector

The results of a dedicated search for pair production of scalar partners of charm quarks are reported. The search is based on an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1} of pp collisions at sqrt[s]=8  TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. The search is performed using events with large missing transverse momentum and at least two jets, where the two leading jets are each tagged as originating from c quarks. Events containing isolated electrons or muons are vetoed. In an R-parity-conserving minimal supersymmetric scenario in which a single scalar-charm state is kinematically accessible, and where it decays exclusively into a charm quark and a neutralino, 95% confidence-level upper limits are obtained in the scalar-charm-neutralino mass plane such that, for neutralino masses below 200 GeV, scalar-charm masses up to 490 GeV are excluded.

Measurement of spin correlation in top-antitop quark events and search for top squark pair production in pp collisions at √s=8 TeV using the ATLAS detector

A measurement of spin correlation in tt[over ¯] production is presented using data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider in proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 20.3  fb^{-1}. The correlation between the top and antitop quark spins is extracted from dilepton tt[over ¯] events by using the difference in the azimuthal angle between the two charged leptons in the laboratory frame. In the helicity basis the measured degree of correlation corresponds to A_{helicity}=0.38±0.04, in agreement with the standard model prediction. A search is performed for pair production of top squarks with masses close to the top quark mass decaying to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino, the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 191 GeV are excluded at the 95% confidence level.

Search for Higgs and Z Boson Decays to J/ψγ and ϒ(nS)γ with the ATLAS Detector

A search for the decays of the Higgs and Z bosons to J/ψγ and ϒ(nS)γ (n=1,2,3) is performed with pp collision data samples corresponding to integrated luminosities of up to 20.3  fb^{-1} collected at sqrt[s]=8  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. No significant excess of events is observed above expected backgrounds and 95% C.L. upper limits are placed on the branching fractions. In the J/ψγ final state the limits are 1.5×10^{-3} and 2.6×10^{-6} for the Higgs and Z boson decays, respectively, while in the ϒ(1S,2S,3S)γ final states the limits are (1.3,1.9,1.3)×10^{-3} and (3.4,6.5,5.4)×10^{-6}, respectively.

Ex-PRESS glaucoma filter: an MRI compatible metallic orbital foreign body imaged at 1.5 and 3T

AIM

To report on the MRI compatibility of the Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device, a tiny metallic implant placed into the anterior chamber of the eye that is much smaller than traditional glaucoma shunts, and to educate the radiology community regarding its appearance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seven patients with Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration devices were identified that had undergone MRI at San Francisco General Hospital/University of California San Francisco Medical Center by searching and cross-referencing the radiology reporting system and the electronic medical record. MRI images were reviewed for artefact interfering with interpretation. Ophthalmology examinations were reviewed for evidence of complications.

RESULTS

Eighteen individual MRI examinations were performed during 12 unique MRI events on these 7 patients. 13/18 individual MRI examinations and 7/12 MRI events were performed at 3 T with the others performed at 1.5 T. Mean time from Ex-PRESS implantation to MRI was 17.5 months. Mean time from MRI to first ophthalmology examination was 1.1 months and from MRI to latest ophthalmology examination was 6.6 months. Susceptibility artefact did not interfere with image interpretation and no complications related to MRI were encountered.

CONCLUSION

The Ex-PRESS glaucoma filtration device appears to be safe for MRI at 1.5 and 3 T and does not produce significant susceptibility artefact to affect diagnostic interpretation adversely.

Search for Higgs boson pair production in the γγbb[over ¯] final state using pp collision data at sqrt[s]=8 TeV from the ATLAS detector

Searches are performed for resonant and nonresonant Higgs boson pair production in the γγbb[over ¯] final state using 20  fb^{-1} of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV recorded with the ATLAS detector at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. A 95% confidence level upper limit on the cross section times branching ratio of nonresonant production is set at 2.2 pb, while the expected limit is 1.0 pb. The difference derives from a modest excess of events, corresponding to 2.4 standard deviations from the background-only hypothesis. The limit observed in the search for a narrow X→hh resonance ranges between 0.7 and 3.5 pb as a function of the resonance mass.

Measurements of the Nuclear Modification Factor for Jets in Pb+Pb Collisions at √(s)NN]=2.76 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Measurements of inclusive jet production are performed in pp and Pb+Pb collisions at √(s)NN=2.76  TeV with the ATLAS detector at the LHC, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 4.0 and 0.14  nb(-1), respectively. The jets are identified with the anti-k(t) algorithm with R=0.4, and the spectra are measured over the kinematic range of jet transverse momentum 32<p(T)<500  GeV and absolute rapidity |y|<2.1 and as a function of collision centrality. The nuclear modification factor R(AA) is evaluated, and jets are found to be suppressed by approximately a factor of 2 in central collisions compared to pp collisions. The R(AA) shows a slight increase with p(T) and no significant variation with rapidity.

Association between use of FK506 and prevalence of post-transplantation diabetes mellitus in kidney transplant patients

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus (FK506) use has been suggested as a risk factor for post-transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) because it can impair insulin secretion. This association warrants further investigation. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of PTDM and its association with FK506 use in kidney transplant recipients. The study also aimed to examine the relationship of FK506 use and diabetes-related biologic markers.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was used to collect data at a medical center in northern Taiwan from September 2003 to February 2012. PTDM was defined with the use of the criteria of the American Diabetes Association.

RESULTS

Among 166 patients included in the analysis, PTDM was reported in 49 patients (29.5%). A total of 93 patients used the FK506 regimen, of whom 34 (36.6%) were PTDM cases. Logistic regression showed that FK506 use (odds ratio [OR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.20-6.11; P = .016) and older age (OR,1.08; 95% CI, 1.03-1.13; P = .001) were significant risk factors for PTDM. In addition, FK506 use in PTDM cases was associated with a significantly higher hemoglobin A1c level (7.55 vs 5.81; P = .01) and a borderline significantly higher insulin resistance index (3.24 vs 1.92; P = .053) than was FK506 use without the presence of PTDM.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age and an FK506 regimen were important predictors of the prevalence of PTDM. Greater early detection and prevention efforts for PTDM are needed for older transplant recipients. PTDM patients with an FK506 regimen had higher hemoglobin A1c levels and insulin resistance index than did patients who did not use FK506. The association of serum indicators with FK506 use in the prevalence of PTDM warrants further investigation.

Observation of an excited Bc(±) meson state with the ATLAS detector

A search for excited states of the Bc(±) meson is performed using 4.9  fb(-1) of 7 TeV and 19.2  fb(-1) of 8 TeV pp collision data collected by the ATLAS experiment at the LHC. A new state is observed through its hadronic transition to the ground state, with the latter detected in the decay Bc(±)→J/ψπ(±). The state appears in the m(Bc(±)π(+)π(-))-m(Bc(±))-2m(π(±)) mass difference distribution with a significance of 5.2 standard deviations. The mass of the observed state is 6842±4±5  MeV, where the first error is statistical and the second is systematic. The mass and decay of this state are consistent with expectations for the second S-wave state of the Bc(±) meson, Bc(±)(2S).

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross-section using [Formula: see text] events with [Formula: see text]-tagged jets in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] and 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The inclusive top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production cross-section [Formula: see text] has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, using [Formula: see text] events with an opposite-charge [Formula: see text] pair in the final state. The measurement was performed with the 2011 7 TeV dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 [Formula: see text] and the 2012 8 TeV dataset of 20.3 [Formula: see text]. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two [Formula: see text]-tagged jets were counted and used to simultaneously determine [Formula: see text] and the efficiency to reconstruct and [Formula: see text]-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section was measured to be: [Formula: see text]where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, knowledge of the integrated luminosity and of the LHC beam energy. The results are consistent with recent theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. Fiducial measurements corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons are also reported, together with the ratio of cross-sections measured at the two centre-of-mass energies. The inclusive cross-section results were used to determine the top quark pole mass via the dependence of the theoretically predicted cross-section on [Formula: see text] giving a result of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] GeV. By looking for an excess of [Formula: see text] production with respect to the QCD prediction, the results were also used to place limits on the pair-production of supersymmetric top squarks [Formula: see text] with masses close to the top quark mass, decaying via [Formula: see text] to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino [Formula: see text], the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 177 GeV are excluded at the 95 % confidence level.

Measurement of the [Formula: see text] production cross-section using [Formula: see text] events with [Formula: see text]-tagged jets in [Formula: see text] collisions at [Formula: see text] and 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

The inclusive top quark pair ([Formula: see text]) production cross-section [Formula: see text] has been measured in proton-proton collisions at [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with the ATLAS experiment at the LHC, using [Formula: see text] events with an opposite-charge [Formula: see text] pair in the final state. The measurement was performed with the 2011 7 TeV dataset corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 4.6 [Formula: see text] and the 2012 8 TeV dataset of 20.3 [Formula: see text]. The numbers of events with exactly one and exactly two [Formula: see text]-tagged jets were counted and used to simultaneously determine [Formula: see text] and the efficiency to reconstruct and [Formula: see text]-tag a jet from a top quark decay, thereby minimising the associated systematic uncertainties. The cross-section was measured to be: [Formula: see text]where the four uncertainties arise from data statistics, experimental and theoretical systematic effects, knowledge of the integrated luminosity and of the LHC beam energy. The results are consistent with recent theoretical QCD calculations at next-to-next-to-leading order. Fiducial measurements corresponding to the experimental acceptance of the leptons are also reported, together with the ratio of cross-sections measured at the two centre-of-mass energies. The inclusive cross-section results were used to determine the top quark pole mass via the dependence of the theoretically predicted cross-section on [Formula: see text] giving a result of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text] GeV. By looking for an excess of [Formula: see text] production with respect to the QCD prediction, the results were also used to place limits on the pair-production of supersymmetric top squarks [Formula: see text] with masses close to the top quark mass, decaying via [Formula: see text] to predominantly right-handed top quarks and a light neutralino [Formula: see text], the lightest supersymmetric particle. Top squarks with masses between the top quark mass and 177 GeV are excluded at the 95 % confidence level.

Search for scalar diphoton resonances in the mass range 65-600 GeV with the ATLAS detector in pp collision data at √s=8 TeV

A search for scalar particles decaying via narrow resonances into two photons in the mass range 65-600 GeV is performed using 20.3  fb(-1) of √s 8 TeV pp collision data collected with the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. The recently discovered Higgs boson is treated as a background. No significant evidence for an additional signal is observed. The results are presented as limits at the 95% confidence level on the production cross section of a scalar boson times branching ratio into two photons, in a fiducial volume where the reconstruction efficiency is approximately independent of the event topology. The upper limits set extend over a considerably wider mass range than previous searches.

Evidence for electroweak production of W±W±jj in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents the first study of W(±)W(±)jj, same-electric-charge diboson production in association with two jets, using 20.3 fb(-1) of proton-proton collision data at sqrt[s] = 8  TeV recorded by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider. Events with two reconstructed same-charge leptons (e(±)e(±), e(±)μ(±), and μ(±)μ(±)) and two or more jets are analyzed. Production cross sections are measured in two fiducial regions, with different sensitivities to the electroweak and strong production mechanisms. First evidence for W(±)W(±)jj production and electroweak-only W(±)W(±)jj production is observed with a significance of 4.5 and 3.6 standard deviations, respectively. The measured production cross sections are in agreement with standard model predictions. Limits at 95% confidence level are set on anomalous quartic gauge couplings.

Measurements of four-lepton production at the Z resonance in pp collisions at sqrt[s] = 7 and 8 TeV with ATLAS

Measurements of four-lepton (4ℓ, ℓ=e,μ) production cross sections at the Z resonance in pp collisions at the LHC with the ATLAS detector are presented. For dilepton and four-lepton invariant mass regions m(ℓ+ℓ(-)) > 5 GeV and 80<m(4ℓ) < 100 GeV, the measured cross sections are 76 ± 18(stat) ± 4(syst) ± 1.4(lumi) fb and 107 ± 9(stat) ± 4(syst) ± 3.0(lumi) fb at sqrt[s] = 7 and 8 TeV, respectively. By subtracting the nonresonant 4ℓ production contributions and normalizing with Z → μ(+)μ(-) events, the branching fraction for the Z boson decay to 4ℓ is determined to be (3.20 ± 0.25(stat) ± 0.13(syst)) × 10(-6), consistent with the standard model prediction.

Search for quantum black hole production in high-invariant-mass lepton+jet final states using pp collisions at √s=8 TeV and the ATLAS detector

This Letter presents a search for quantum black-hole production using 20.3 fb-1 of data collected with the ATLAS detector in pp collisions at the LHC at √s = 8 TeV. The quantum black holes are assumed to decay into a final state characterized by a lepton (electron or muon) and a jet. In either channel, no event with a lepton-jet invariant mass of 3.5 TeV or more is observed, consistent with the expected background. Limits are set on the product of cross sections and branching fractions for the lepton+jet final states of quantum black holes produced in a search region for invariant masses above 1 TeV. The combined 95% confidence level upper limit on this product for quantum black holes with threshold mass above 3.5 TeV is 0.18 fb. This limit constrains the threshold quantum black-hole mass to be above 5.3 TeV in the model considered.

Effect of CDH1 gene methylation on transforming growth factor (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in alveolar epithelial cell line A549

The aim of this study was to investigate the specific molecular mechanism of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in a lung cancer cell line, and to provide new ideas for targeting therapy of lung cancer. A549 cells were treated with different concentrations of TGF-β and 5-aza-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC). The morphological changes after the intervention were observed. The change in the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin (E-cad) was detected by Western blot. The proliferation of A549 cells was measured using the MTT assay. Cell movement and invasion capacity was evaluated with the cell scratch test and invasion test. TGF-β induced A549 cells to transform to a mesenchymal cell morphology and downregulated the expression of E-cad, and 5-aza-dC inhibited this phenomenon. Compared with the control group, the number of transmembrane cells was higher and cell migration was markedly increased in the experimental group with continued culture in the presence of 10 ng/mL TGF-β, showing significant differences (P < 0.05). CDH1 gene methylation is involved in TGF-β-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in the alveolar epithelial cell line A549.

Age-related macular degeneration and protective effect of HMG Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins): results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2008

PURPOSE

To determine the association of hydroxymethylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG Co-A) reductase inhibitor (statin) use with the prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 5604 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2008, ≥ 40 years of age, who were ascertained with regard to the diagnosis of AMD, the use of statins, and comorbidities and health-related behaviors such as smoking.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants denying or confirming a history of AMD was 68 (SEM 0.90) and 55 (SEM 0.36) years, respectively. Individuals 68 years of age or older who were classified as long-term users of statins had statistically significant less self-reported AMD (odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49-0.84; P=0.002), after adjusting for potential confounding variables. No significant association was found between the prevalence of AMD and statin consumption among subjects between 40 and 67 years of age (OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.85-3.03; P=0.137).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest a possible beneficial effect of statin intake for the prevention of AMD in individuals 68 years of age or older.