Mass spectra of neutral mesons K0, π0, η, η′K_0,\ \pi_0,\ \eta,\ \eta' at finite magnetic field, temperature and baryon chemical potential

The mass spectra of neutral mesons $K_0, \pi_0, \eta, \eta'$ on temperature-quark chemical potential $(T-\mu)$ plane in the presence of a constant magnetic field is investigated in the $SU(3)$ NJL model. As a Goldstone boson of chiral symmetry breaking, the mass of $K_0$ meson increases with temperature and/or quark chemical potential, and we observe two kinds of mass jumps of $K_0$ meson in media, which is induced by the mass jump of constituent quarks and the magnetic field, respectively. Due to the breaking of isospin symmetry between $u$ and $d$ quarks in magnetic fields, the mixing of $\pi_0-\eta- \eta'$ mesons occurs and this leads to rich structures of their mass spectra. For instance, $\pi_0$ mass is influenced by the strange quark. There appear the change of increase ratio of $\pi_0$ mass at high $\mu$ and vanishing $T$ and the $\pi_0$ mass jump crossing over the threshold of two times of strange quark mass at finite $T$ and $\mu$. The mass ordering of $\pi_0, \ \eta,\ \eta'$ mesons varies in media, due to their mass jumps, which are induced by the mass jump of constituent quarks or the magnetic field.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Chaos: a bridge from microscopic uncertainty to macroscopic randomness

It is traditionally believed that the macroscopic randomness has nothing to do with the micro-level uncertainty. Besides, the sensitive dependence on initial condition (SDIC) of Lorenz chaos has never been considered together with the so-called continuum-assumption of fluid (on which Lorenz equations are based), from physical and statistic viewpoints. A very fine numerical technique (Liao, 2009) with negligible truncation and round-off errors, called here the "clean numerical simulation" (CNS), is applied to investigate the propagation of the micro-level unavoidable uncertain fluctuation (caused by the continuum-assumption of fluid) of initial conditions for Lorenz equation with chaotic solutions. Our statistic analysis based on CNS computation of 10,000 samples shows that, due to the SDIC, the uncertainty of the micro-level statistic fluctuation of initial conditions transfers into the macroscopic randomness of chaos. This suggests that chaos might be a bridge from micro-level uncertainty to macroscopic randomness, and thus would be an origin of macroscopic randomness. We reveal in this article that, due to the SDIC of chaos and the inherent uncertainty of initial data, accurate long-term prediction of chaotic solution is not only impossible in mathematics but also has no physical meanings. This might provide us a new, different viewpoint to deepen and enrich our understandings about the SDIC of chaos.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figure

Visceral obesity and anastomotic leakage rates in colorectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundNumberous studies have heatedly discussed whether obesity is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage (AL) because of the increasing number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases and high incidence of CRC in patients with obesity.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore the relationship between visceral obesity(VO) and AL after CRC surgery. The databases of Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for relevant data and articles published until November 1, 2022. We identified the difference in the incidence of AL after CRC surgery between patients with and without VO. The quality of included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle- Ottawa Scale, and odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were used to assess the association between VO and AL.ResultsThis meta-analysis included 7 studies with 2,136 patients. The OR of patients with VO versus those without VO was 2.15 (95%CIs = 1.46–3.15, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.29, I2 = 18%) based on the fixed-effect model in seven studies. Notably, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (Z = 3.91 P < 0.0001). Patients with VO in the colon cancer group exhibited a higher incidence of AL (OR = 2.88, 95% CIs = 1.38–5.99, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.27, I2 = 20%) than those in the rectal cancer group (OR = 2.74, 95% CIs = 1.13–6.65, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.20, I2 = 38%). In the studies in the relevant literature, heterogeneity was low. Regarding patients with VO, four Asian studies reported increased morbidity due to AL (OR = 2.79, 95% CIs = 1.35–5.78, test for heterogeneity: P = 0.35, I2 = 9%) compared with three non-Asian studies.ConclusionsOur findings confirmed the significant relationship between VO and AL. Thus, VO could be considered a reliable risk factor of surgery for colon cancer

Translational high-dimensional drug Interaction discovery and validation using health record databases and pharmacokinetics models

Polypharmacy increases the risk of drug-drug interactions (DDI's). Combining epidemiological studies with pharmacokinetic modeling, we detected and evaluated high-dimensional DDI's among thirty frequent drugs. Multi-drug combinations that increased risk of myopathy were identified in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and electronic medical record (EMR) databases by a mixture drug-count response model. CYP450 inhibition was estimated among the 30 drugs in the presence of 1 to 4 inhibitors using in vitro in vivo extrapolation. Twenty-eight 3-way and 43 4-way DDI's had significant myopathy risk in both databases and predicted increases in the area under the concentration time curve ratio (AUCR) >2-fold. The HD-DDI of omeprazole, fluconazole and clonidine was associated with a 6.41-fold (FAERS) and 18.46-fold (EMR) increase risk of myopathy (LFDR<0.005); the AUCR of omeprazole in this combination was 9.35.The combination of health record informatics and pharmacokinetic modeling is a powerful translational approach to detect high-dimensional DDI's

Periostin identified as a potential biomarker of prostate cancer by iTRAQ-proteomics analysis of prostate biopsy

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Proteomics may help us better understand the changes of multiple proteins involved in oncogenesis and progression of prostate cancer(PCa) and identify more diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. The aim of this study was to screen biomarkers of PCa by the proteomics analysis using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification(iTRAQ).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The patients undergoing prostate biopsies were classified into 3 groups according to pathological results: benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH, n = 20), PCa(n = 20) and BPH with local prostatic intraepithelial neoplasm(PIN, n = 10). Then, all the specimens from these patients were analyzed by iTRAQ and two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (2DLC-MS/MS). The Gene Ontology(GO) function and the transcription regulation networks of the differentially expressed were analyzed by MetaCore software. Western blotting and Immunohistochemical staining were used to analyze the interesting proteins.</p> <p>Result</p> <p>A total of 760 proteins were identified from 13787 distinct peptides, including two common proteins that enjoy clinical application: prostate specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase(PAP). Proteins that expressed differentially between PCa and BPH group were further analyzed. Compared with BPH, 20 proteins were significantly differentially up-regulated (>1.5-fold) while 26 were significantly down-regulated in PCa(<0.66-fold). In term of GO database, the differentially expressed proteins were divided into 3 categories: cellular component(CC), molecular function (MF) and biological process(BP). The top 5 transcription regulation networks of the differentially expressed proteins were initiated through activation of SP1, p53, YY1, androgen receptor(AR) and c-Myc The overexpression of periostin in PCa was verified by western blotting and immunohistochemical staining.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Our study indicates that the iTRAQ technology is a new strategy for global proteomics analysis of the tissues of PCa. A significant up-regulation of periostin in PCa compared to BPH may provide clues for not only a promising biomarker for the prognosis of PCa but also a potential target for therapeutical intervention.</p

Knee osteoarthritis pendulum therapy : in vivo evaluation and a randomised, single-blind feasibility clinical trial

Background. Exercise is recommended as the first-line management for knee osteoarthritis (KOA); however, it is difficult to determine which specific exercises are more effective. This study aimed to explore the potential mechanism and effectiveness of a leg-swinging exercise practiced in China, called ‘KOA pendulum therapy’ (KOAPT). Intraarticular hydrostatic and dynamic pressure (IHDP) are suggested to partially explain the signs and symptoms of KOA. As such this paper set out to explore this mechanism in vivo in minipigs and in human volunteers alongside a feasibility clinical trial. The objective of this study is 1) to analyze the effect of KOAPT on local mechanical and circulation environment of the knee in experimental animals and healthy volunteers; and 2) to test if it is feasible to run a large sample, randomized/single blind clinical trial. Methods. IHDP of the knee was measured in ten minipigs and ten volunteers (five healthy and five KOA patients). The effect of leg swinging on synovial blood flow and synovial fluid content depletion in minipigs were also measured. Fifty KOA patients were randomly divided into two groups for a feasibility clinical trial. One group performed KOAPT (targeting 1000 swings/leg/day), and the other performed walking exercise (targeting 4000 steps/day) for 12 weeks with 12 weeks of follow-up. Results. The results showed dynamic intra-articular pressure changes in the knee joint, increases in local blood flow, and depletion of synovial fluid contents during pendulum leg swinging in minipigs. The intra-articular pressure in healthy human knee joints was −11.32 ± 0.21 (cmH2O), whereas in KOA patients, it was −3.52 ± 0.34 (cmH2O). Measures were completed by 100% of participants in all groups with 95–98% adherence to training in both groups in the feasibility clinical trial. There were significant decreases in the Oxford knee score in both KOAPT and walking groups after intervention (p < 0.01), but no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion. We conclude that KOAPT exhibited potential as an intervention to improve symptoms of KOA possibly through a mechanism of normalising mechanical pressure in the knee; however, optimisation of the method, longer-term intervention and a large sample randomized-single blind clinical trial with a minimal 524 cases are needed to demonstrate whether there is any superior benefit over other exercises

Sex Differences in Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in China

Background: Despite improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic interventions to combat cardiovascular disease (CVD) in recent decades, there are significant ongoing access gaps and sex disparities in prevention that have not been adequately quantified in China. Methods: A representative, cross-sectional, community-based survey of adults (aged ≥45 years) was conducted in 7 geographic regions of China between 2014 and 2016. Logistic regression models were used to determine sex differences in primary and secondary CVD prevention, and any interaction by age, education level, and area of residence. Data are presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Results: Of 47 841 participants (61.3% women), 5454 (57.2% women) had established CVD and 9532 (70.5% women) had a high estimated 10-year CVD risk (≥10%). Only 48.5% and 48.6% of women and 39.3% and 59.8% of men were on any kind of blood pressure (BP)-lowering medication, lipid-lowering medication, or antiplatelet therapy for primary and secondary prevention, respectively. Women with established CVD were significantly less likely than men to receive BP-lowering medications (OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.65-0.95]), lipid-lowering medications (OR, 0.69 [95% CI, 0.56-0.84]), antiplatelets (OR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.45-0.62]), or any CVD prevention medication (OR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.52-0.73]). Women with established CVD, however, had better BP control (OR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.14-1.50]) but less well-controlled low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.57-0.76]), and were less likely to smoke (OR, 13.89 [95% CI, 11.24-17.15]) and achieve physical activity targets (OR, 1.92 [95% CI, 1.61-2.29]). Conversely, women with high CVD risk were less likely than men to have their BP, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and bodyweight controlled (OR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.38-0.55]; OR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.52-0.69]; OR, 0.55 [95% CI, 0.48-0.63], respectively), despite a higher use of BP-lowering medications (OR, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.01-1.45]). Younger patients (<65 years) with established CVD were less likely to be taking CVD preventive medications, but there were no sex differences by area of residence or education level. Conclusions: Large and variable gaps in primary and secondary CVD prevention exist in China, particularly for women. Effective CVD prevention requires an improved overall nationwide strategy and a special emphasis on women with established CVD, who have the greatest disparity and the most to benefit

The Antimicrobial Peptide Mastoparan X Protects Against Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection, Inhibits Inflammation, and Enhances the Intestinal Epithelial Barrier

Escherichia coli can cause intestinal diseases in humans and livestock, destroy the intestinal barrier, exacerbate systemic inflammation, and seriously threaten human health and animal husbandry development. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the antimicrobial peptide mastoparan X (MPX) was effective against E. coli infection. BALB/c mice infected with E. coli by intraperitoneal injection, which represents a sepsis model. In this study, MPX exhibited no toxicity in IPEC-J2 cells and notably suppressed the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) released by E. coli. In addition, MPX improved the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin and enhanced the wound healing of IPEC-J2 cells. The therapeutic effect of MPX was evaluated in a murine model, revealing that it protected mice from lethal E. coli infection. Furthermore, MPX increased the length of villi and reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells into the jejunum. SEM and TEM analyses showed that MPX effectively ameliorated the jejunum damage caused by E. coli and increased the number and length of microvilli. In addition, MPX decreased the expression of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, p-p38, and p-p65 in the jejunum and colon. Moreover, MPX increased the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and MUC2 in the jejunum and colon, improved the function of the intestinal barrier, and promoted the absorption of nutrients. This study suggests that MPX is an effective therapeutic agent for E. coli infection and other intestinal diseases, laying the foundation for the development of new drugs for bacterial infections