Search for new phenomena in final states with an energetic jet and large missing transverse momentum in pp collisions at √ s = 8 TeV with the ATLAS detector

Results of a search for new phenomena in final states with an energetic jet and large missing transverse momentum are reported. The search uses 20.3 fb−1 of √ s = 8 TeV data collected in 2012 with the ATLAS detector at the LHC. Events are required to have at least one jet with pT > 120 GeV and no leptons. Nine signal regions are considered with increasing missing transverse momentum requirements between Emiss T > 150 GeV and Emiss T > 700 GeV. Good agreement is observed between the number of events in data and Standard Model expectations. The results are translated into exclusion limits on models with either large extra spatial dimensions, pair production of weakly interacting dark matter candidates, or production of very light gravitinos in a gauge-mediated supersymmetric model. In addition, limits on the production of an invisibly decaying Higgs-like boson leading to similar topologies in the final state are presente

Circulating Microbial Products and Acute Phase Proteins as Markers of Pathogenesis in Lymphatic Filarial Disease

Lymphatic filariasis can be associated with development of serious pathology in the form of lymphedema, hydrocele, and elephantiasis in a subset of infected patients. Dysregulated host inflammatory responses leading to systemic immune activation are thought to play a central role in filarial disease pathogenesis. We measured the plasma levels of microbial translocation markers, acute phase proteins, and inflammatory cytokines in individuals with chronic filarial pathology with (CP Ag+) or without (CP Ag−) active infection; with clinically asymptomatic infections (INF); and in those without infection (endemic normal [EN]). Comparisons between the two actively infected groups (CP Ag+ compared to INF) and those without active infection (CP Ag− compared to EN) were used preliminarily to identify markers of pathogenesis. Thereafter, we tested for group effects among all the four groups using linear models on the log transformed responses of the markers. Our data suggest that circulating levels of microbial translocation products (lipopolysaccharide and LPS-binding protein), acute phase proteins (haptoglobin and serum amyloid protein-A), and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-12, and TNF-α) are associated with pathogenesis of disease in lymphatic filarial infection and implicate an important role for circulating microbial products and acute phase proteins

Lobe Specific Ca2+-Calmodulin Nano-Domain in Neuronal Spines: A Single Molecule Level Analysis

Calmodulin (CaM) is a ubiquitous Ca2+ buffer and second messenger that affects cellular function as diverse as cardiac excitability, synaptic plasticity, and gene transcription. In CA1 pyramidal neurons, CaM regulates two opposing Ca2+-dependent processes that underlie memory formation: long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). Induction of LTP and LTD require activation of Ca2+-CaM-dependent enzymes: Ca2+/CaM-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and calcineurin, respectively. Yet, it remains unclear as to how Ca2+ and CaM produce these two opposing effects, LTP and LTD. CaM binds 4 Ca2+ ions: two in its N-terminal lobe and two in its C-terminal lobe. Experimental studies have shown that the N- and C-terminal lobes of CaM have different binding kinetics toward Ca2+ and its downstream targets. This may suggest that each lobe of CaM differentially responds to Ca2+ signal patterns. Here, we use a novel event-driven particle-based Monte Carlo simulation and statistical point pattern analysis to explore the spatial and temporal dynamics of lobe-specific Ca2+-CaM interaction at the single molecule level. We show that the N-lobe of CaM, but not the C-lobe, exhibits a nano-scale domain of activation that is highly sensitive to the location of Ca2+ channels, and to the microscopic injection rate of Ca2+ ions. We also demonstrate that Ca2+ saturation takes place via two different pathways depending on the Ca2+ injection rate, one dominated by the N-terminal lobe, and the other one by the C-terminal lobe. Taken together, these results suggest that the two lobes of CaM function as distinct Ca2+ sensors that can differentially transduce Ca2+ influx to downstream targets. We discuss a possible role of the N-terminal lobe-specific Ca2+-CaM nano-domain in CaMKII activation required for the induction of synaptic plasticity

Computer work and musculoskeletal disorders of the neck and upper extremity: A systematic review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>This review examines the evidence for an association between computer work and neck and upper extremity disorders (except carpal tunnel syndrome).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A systematic critical review of studies of computer work and musculoskeletal disorders verified by a physical examination was performed.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A total of 22 studies (26 articles) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results show limited evidence for a causal relationship between computer work per se, computer mouse and keyboard time related to a diagnosis of wrist tendonitis, and for an association between computer mouse time and forearm disorders. Limited evidence was also found for a causal relationship between computer work per se and computer mouse time related to tension neck syndrome, but the evidence for keyboard time was insufficient. Insufficient evidence was found for an association between other musculoskeletal diagnoses of the neck and upper extremities, including shoulder tendonitis and epicondylitis, and any aspect of computer work.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>There is limited epidemiological evidence for an association between aspects of computer work and some of the clinical diagnoses studied. None of the evidence was considered as moderate or strong and there is a need for more and better documentation.</p

Avaliação antropométrica e do ângulo quadricipital na osteoartrite de joelho em mulheres obesas

A osteoartrite (OA) é uma doença articular degenerativa, caracterizada por processo inflamatório, dor e deformidades; um de seus fatores preditivos é a obesidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar possíveis correlações entre medidas antropométricas, o ângulo quadricipital (Q) e a osteoartrite de joelho. A amostra foi composta por 50 voluntárias obesas (30 com OA de joelho e 20 sem OA), com idade entre 40 e 60 anos. Foram mensurados, além do IMC (índice de massa corporal), circunferência abdominal (CA), perímetros de cintura e quadril para cálculo da relação cintura-quadril e o ângulo Q; a osteoartrite foi diagnosticada clinicamente e por meio de radiografia da articulação do joelho. Foram encontradas correlações positivas fracas entre IMC e ângulo Q e entre tempo de obesidade e grau de degeneração articular. A CA apresentou correlação positiva fraca com o grau de degeneração articular e o de gravidade da OA. O cálculo da razão de chance (OR) indica que as voluntárias com IMC>34 kg/m² e CA>110 cm tiveram 3,7 e 7 vezes, respectivamente, mais chance de apresentarem OA. A obesidade central, seu grau e duração possivelmente contribuem para a incidência da OA de joelhos em mulheres obesas. A circunferência abdominal foi a medida que melhor se correlacionou com a presença e grau de OA em obesas, o que aponta para a relevância de sua mensuração na avaliação clínica.Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by inflammatory process, pain, and deformity; one of its main predictive factors is obesity. The aim of this study was to search for possible correlations between anthropometric measures, the Q angle and knee osteoarthritis. A sample of 50 obese women (30 with knee osteoarthritis and 20 with no joint disease), aged between 40 to 60 years, were assessed as to BMI (body mass index), abdominal circumference (AC), waist and hip perimeters (so as to calculate waist-hip ratio), and the Q angle; osteoarthritis was diagnosed by clinical exam and knee joint radiography. Results showed a positive, poor correlation between BMI and Q angle, as well as between time of obesity onset and degree of joint degeneration. AC was found to positively, though weakly, correlate with the degree of joint degeneration and of OA severity. Adjusted odds ratio for OA showed that women with BMI>34 kg/m² and AC>110 cm were respectively 3.7 and 7 times more likely to develop OA. The degree and duration of central obesity possibly contribute to incidence of knee OA in obese women. Abdominal circumference was the measure that most correlated with the degree of joint degeneration and of OA severity, which suggests it should be used in clinical evaluation