Association between cardiovascular risk factors and atrial fibrillation

BackgroundThe most prevalent sustained arrhythmia in medical practice, atrial fibrillation (AF) is closely associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, the risk of AF associated with cardiovascular risk factors has not been well elucidated. We pooled all published studies to provide a better depiction of the relationship among cardiovascular risk factors with AF.MethodsStudies were searched in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases since initiation until January 15, 2022. Prospective cohort studies assessing the relationship a minimum of single cardiovascular risk factors to AF incidence were included if they contained adequate data for obtaining relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Random-effects models were utilized to perform independent meta-analyses on each cardiovascular risk factor. PROSPERO registry number: CRD42022310882.ResultsA total of 17,098,955 individuals and 738,843 incident cases were reported for data from 101 studies included in the analysis. In all, the risk of AF was 1.39 (95% CI, 1.30–1.49) for obesity, 1.27 (95% CI, 1.22–1.32) per 5 kg/m2 for increase in body mass index, 1.19 (95% CI, 1.10–1.28) for former smokers, 1.23 (95% CI, 1.09–1.38) for current smokers, 1.31 (95% CI, 1.23–1.39) for diabetes mellitus, 1.68 (95% CI, 1.51–1.87) for hypertension, and 1.12 (95% CI, 0.95–1.32) for dyslipidemia.InterpretationAdverse cardiovascular risk factors correlate with an increased risk of AF, yet dyslipidemia does not increase the risk of AF in the general population, potentially providing new insights for AF screening strategies among patients with these risk factors.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, PROSPERO identifier (CRD42022310882)

A two-base encoded DNA sequence alignment problem in computational biology

The recent introduction of instruments capable of producing millions of DNA sequence reads in a single run is rapidly changing the landscape of genetics. The primary objective of the "sequence alignment" problem is to search for a new algorithm that facilitates the use of two-base encoded data for large-scale re-sequencing projects. This algorithm should be able to perform local sequence alignment as well as error detection and correction in a reliable and systematic manner, enabling the direct comparison of encoded DNA sequence reads to a candidate reference DNA sequence. We will first briefly review two well-known sequence alignment approaches and provide a rudimentary improvement for implementation on parallel systems. Then, we carefully examin a unique sequencing technique known as the SOLiDTM System that can be implemented, and follow by the results from the global and local sequence alignment. In this report, the team presents an explanation of the algorithms for color space sequence data from the high-throughput re-sequencing technology and a theoretical parallel approach to the dynamic programming method for global and local alignment. The combination of the di-base approach and dynamic programming provides a possible viewpoint for large-scale re-sequencing projects. We anticipate the use of distributed computing to be the next-generation engine for large-scale problems like such

A novel endurance prediction method of series connected lithium-ion batteries based on the voltage change rate and iterative calculation.

High-power lithium-ion battery packs are widely used in large and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles and other fields, but there is a safety hazard problem with the application that needs to be solved. The generation mechanism and prevention measurement research is carried out on the battery management system for the unmanned aerial vehicles and the lithium-ion battery state monitoring. According to the group equivalent modeling demand of the battery packs, a new idea of compound equivalent circuit modeling is proposed and the model constructed to realize the accurate description of the working characteristics. In order to realize the high-precision state prediction, the improved unscented Kalman feedback correction mechanism is introduced, in which the simplified particle transforming is introduced and the voltage change rate is calculated to construct a new endurance prediction model. Considering the influence of the consistency difference between battery cells, a novel equilibrium state evaluation idea is applied, the calculation results of which are embedded in the equivalent modeling and iterative calculation to improve the prediction accuracy. The model parameters are identified by the Hybrid Pulse Power Characteristic test, in which the conclusion is that the mean value of the ohm internal resistance is 20.68mΩ. The average internal resistance is 1.36mΩ, and the mean capacitance value is 47747.9F. The state of charge prediction error is less than 2%, which provides a feasible way for the equivalent modeling, battery management system design and practical application of pack working lithium-ion batteries

Genetic Fingerprint Concerned with Lymphatic Metastasis of Human Lung Squamous Cancer

Background and objective With the most recent introduction of microarray technology to biology, it becomes possible to perform comprehensive analysis of gene expression in cancer cell. In this study the laser microdissection technique and cDNA microarray analysis were combined to obtain accurate molecular profiles of lymphatic metastasis in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. Methods Primary lung squamous cancer tissues and regional lymph nodes were obtained from 10 patients who underwent complete resection of lung cancer. According to the source of lung cancer cells, the samples were classified into three groups: the primary tumor with lymphatic metastasis (TxN+, n=5), the primary tumor without lymphatic metastasis (TxN-, n=5) and matched tumor cells from metastatic lymph nodes (N+, n=5). Total RNA was extracted from laser microdissected tumor samples. Adequate RNA starting material of mRNA from primary tumor or metastatic nodes were labeled and then hybridized into the same microarray containing 6 000 known, named human genes/ESTs. After scanning, data analysis was performed using GeneSpringTM6.2. Results A total of 37 genes were found to be able to separate TxN+ from TxN-. TxN+ have higher levels of genes concerned with structural protein, signal transducer, chaperone and enzyme. TxN- have higher levels of genes coding for cell cycle regulator, transporter, signal transducer and apoptosis regulator. Interestingly, there were no differentially expressed genes between N+ and TxN+. Conclusion The acquisition of the metastatic phenotype might occur early in the development of lung squamous cancer. We raise the hypothesis that the gene-expression signature described herein is valuable to elucidate the molecular mechanisms regarding lymphatic metastasis and to look for novel therapeutic targets

Tetra­aqua­bis(2-oxo-1,2-dihydro­quinoline-4-carboxyl­ato-κO 4)nickel(II)

In the title compound, [Ni(C10H6NO3)2(H2O)4], the central NiII atom is located on an inversion center and coordinated in a slightly distorted octa­hedral geometry by two O atoms from two 2-oxo-1,2-dihydro­quinoline-4-carboxyl­ate ligands and four water mol­ecules, all of which act as monodentate ligands. The crystal structure features an extensive network of inter­molecular hydrogen-bonding inter­actions (O—H⋯O and N—H⋯O) and offset face-to-face π–π stacking inter­actions [centroid–centroid distances = 3.525 (3) and 3.281 (5) Å]

Improving QCD with fermions: the 2 dimensional case of QCD with Sea Quarks

We study QCD in 2 dimensions using the improved lattice fermionic Hamiltonian proposed by Luo, Chen, Xu and Jiang. The vector mass and the chiral condensate are computed for various $SU(N_C)$ gauge groups. We do observe considerable improvement in comparison with the Wilson quark case.Comment: LATTICE98(improvement

Increased plasma apoM levels in the patients suffered from hepatocellular carcinoma and other chronic liver diseases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Objective</p> <p>To determine plasma apolipoprotein M (apoM) levels and other lipid profiles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients compared to other chronic liver diseases and normal subjects.</p> <p>Materials and methods</p> <p>36 HCC, 68 chronic hepatitis, 29 liver cirrhosis patients and 64 normal controls were subjected in the present study. Serum lipids, lipoproteins, apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) and apoB were determined by the conventional methods. Plasma apoM levels were semi-quantitatively determined by both dot-blotting and western blotting analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Serum levels of triglycerides (TG), HDL-cholesterol, apoAI and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were significantly lower in the HCC patients than in the normal subjects, whereas there were no obvious differences on serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and apoB between HCC patients and normal subjects. However, plasma apoM levels in HCC patients were significantly increased than those in the normal subjects, but lower than those in the chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis patients.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>It is concluded that serum TG, apoAI, HDL-C and Lp(a) were significantly decreased in HCC patients than in controls, whereas plasma apoM levels were significantly increased in the HCC patients. Decreased serum TG, apoAI, HDL-C and Lp(a) may reflect the liver damage in HCC patients, whereas the clinical significance of increased plasma apoM levels in relation to HCC is not clear.</p

Determination of heavy metals in chinese prickly ash from different production areas using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Purpose: To determine the heavy metal content of Chinese prickly ash (CPA) produced in various areas of China.Methods: CPA samples collected from different production areas in China were subjected to microwave digestion, and the contents of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), tin (Sn), and antimony (Sb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).Results: Heavy metal levels in the CPA samples followed the order: Cu (3.29-24.17 mg/kg) &gt; Cr (0.04-7.33 mg/kg) &gt; Ni (0.88-6.86 mg/kg) &gt; Pb (0.00-3.84 mg/kg) &gt; As (0.0011-1.08 mg/kg) &gt; Cd (0.029-0.211 mg/kg) &gt; Sb (0.03-0.21 mg/kg) &gt; Sn (0.00-0.15 mg/kg) &gt; Hg (0.000-0.032 mg/kg). Metal-to-metal correlation studies showed that there were significant correlations between Cu-Cr (p = -4.02), Cu-Ni (p = 0.561), Cu-As (p = 0.554) and Ni-As (p = 0.428) at the 0.01 level. Also, some metal-to-metal correlations were observed in Pb-Cr (p = 0.351), Pb-Cu (p = -0.310), Sb-Cd (p = 0.322), Sb-Hg (p = 0.311) and Cd-Sn (p = 0.309) at the 0.05 level. The highest concentrations of Pb and As in CPA exceeded the maximum permissible limits in China. Based on current safety standards, the concentrations of heavy metals in these CPA samples mean they are safe for human consumption.Conclusions: The status of heavy metal concentrations of CPA should be further investigated in Sichuan, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Jiangsu. In addition, ICP-MS is a reliable and rapid technique for the determination of the heavy metals in CPA.Keywords: Chinese prickly ash, Heavy metals, Inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, Food safet

Moxibustion treatment modulates the gut microbiota and immune function in a dextran sulphate sodium-induced colitis rat model

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of moxibustion in rats with ulcerative colitis. METHODS: A rat colitis model was established by administering 4% dextran sulphate sodium solution. Seventy male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: Healthy controls (HC), ulcerative colitis model group (UC), UC with 7 d of moxibustion (UC-7), UC with 14 d of moxibustion (UC-14), UC with mesalazine gavage (UC-W), HC with 7 d of moxibustion (HC-7), HC with 14 d of moxibustion (HC-14). Moxibustion was applied to the bilateral Tianshu (ST25). Gut microbiome profiling was conducted by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and PCR and ELISA determined the expression of inflammatory cytokines in colon mucosa and serum, respectively. RESULTS: Moxibustion treatment restored the colonic mucosa and decreased submucosal inflammatory cell infiltration in colitis rats. Rats treated with moxibustion and mesalazine had significantly lower levels of the dominant phyla Proteobacteria and the genera Saccharibacteria, Sphingomonas and Barnesiella than colitis rats, and they could restore the microbiome to levels similar to those observed in healthy rats. UC rats had reduced alpha diversity, which could be alleviated by moxibustion therapy, and UC-7 had a higher alpha diversity than UC-14. This finding suggests that short-term (7 d) but no longer term (14 d) moxibustion treatment may significantly affect the gut microbiome. The potential bacterial functions affected by moxibustion may be ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. Compared with HC group, the levels of the cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) (P < 0.05) and IL-6, IL-17, IL-23, interferon-γ, lipopolysaccharide, IgA, tumour necrosis factor-α and its receptors 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2 (P < 0.01) were all increased, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 and IL-10 (P < 0.01) and transforming growth factor-β (P < 0.05) were decreased in UC rats. These changes were reversed by moxibustion. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that moxibustion exerts its therapeutic effect by repairing mucosal tissue damage and modulating the gut microbiome and intestinal mucosal immunity