Looking backward: From Euler to Riemann

We survey the main ideas in the early history of the subjects on which Riemann worked and that led to some of his most important discoveries. The subjects discussed include the theory of functions of a complex variable, elliptic and Abelian integrals, the hypergeometric series, the zeta function, topology, differential geometry, integration, and the notion of space. We shall see that among Riemann's predecessors in all these fields, one name occupies a prominent place, this is Leonhard Euler. The final version of this paper will appear in the book \emph{From Riemann to differential geometry and relativity} (L. Ji, A. Papadopoulos and S. Yamada, ed.) Berlin: Springer, 2017

Neutrophils in cancer: neutral no more

Neutrophils are indispensable antagonists of microbial infection and facilitators of wound healing. In the cancer setting, a newfound appreciation for neutrophils has come into view. The traditionally held belief that neutrophils are inert bystanders is being challenged by the recent literature. Emerging evidence indicates that tumours manipulate neutrophils, sometimes early in their differentiation process, to create diverse phenotypic and functional polarization states able to alter tumour behaviour. In this Review, we discuss the involvement of neutrophils in cancer initiation and progression, and their potential as clinical biomarkers and therapeutic targets

Observation of Two New Excited Ξb0 States Decaying to Λb0 K-π+

Two narrow resonant states are observed in the Λb0K-π+ mass spectrum using a data sample of proton-proton collisions at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, collected by the LHCb experiment and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6 fb-1. The minimal quark content of the Λb0K-π+ system indicates that these are excited Ξb0 baryons. The masses of the Ξb(6327)0 and Ξb(6333)0 states are m[Ξb(6327)0]=6327.28-0.21+0.23±0.12±0.24 and m[Ξb(6333)0]=6332.69-0.18+0.17±0.03±0.22 MeV, respectively, with a mass splitting of Δm=5.41-0.27+0.26±0.12 MeV, where the uncertainties are statistical, systematic, and due to the Λb0 mass measurement. The measured natural widths of these states are consistent with zero, with upper limits of Γ[Ξb(6327)0]<2.20(2.56) and Γ[Ξb(6333)0]<1.60(1.92) MeV at a 90% (95%) credibility level. The significance of the two-peak hypothesis is larger than nine (five) Gaussian standard deviations compared to the no-peak (one-peak) hypothesis. The masses, widths, and resonant structure of the new states are in good agreement with the expectations for a doublet of 1D Ξb0 resonances

Diet therapy with FODMAPS restriction has benefits in Fibromyalgia?

Rationale: The effects of a diet restriction in FODMAPs (Fermentable oligo-di-monosaccharides polyols) is being studied on the symptoms of Fibromyalgia (FM) and its impact on quality of life (QOL) besides the effect on gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. High prevalence of functional GI disorders is found in FM and Low FODMAP Diet has growing scientific evidence as IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) therapy. Methods: Interventional study with 36 patients with FM according to the American College Rheumatology criteria on a controlled restricted FODMAPs diet for 4 weeks. Assessed before (Moment1) and after (Moment2) dietary intervention by VAS (Visual Analogic Scale), RFIQ (Revised Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), IBS_SSS (Severity Score System) and Euro-QOL. The daily consumption of FODMAPs was quantified in the diets. T-student tests applied. Results: The preliminary results show significant improvement in the GI symptoms (35 patients with IBS criterion), improvement in pain symptoms and in FM Impact associated with QOL. Average scores respectively evaluated at 1 and 2 moments: IBS_SSS 269 and 137 (p < 0. 05), VAS Pain score 6.8 and 5.2 (p < 0.05), RFIQ score 64.8 and 50.3 (p < 0. 05); Euro-QOL of 46.7 and 57 (p < 0.05). FODMAPs intake without restriction is average 25 gr/day and with restriction 2.5 g/day (p < 0.05). The average rate of compliance to the diet was 86% and satisfaction with the diet was 77%. Consumption of diet FODMAPs compared with the prescribed FODMAP values confirmed measured adherence to the diet by no significant difference between them (p = 0.114) Conclusion: There is a very positive impact on GI and pain symptoms of FM and on the QOL of such patients by prescription of a diet therapy with FODMAPs restriction. This is a stimulus for larger studies in this area of diet therapy as complementary therapy in fibromyalgia