The quantum transition of the two-dimensional Ising spin glass.

Quantum annealers are commercial devices that aim to solve very hard computational problems1, typically those involving spin glasses2,3. Just as in metallurgic annealing, in which a ferrous metal is slowly cooled4, quantum annealers seek good solutions by slowly removing the transverse magnetic field at the lowest possible temperature. Removing the field diminishes the quantum fluctuations but forces the system to traverse the critical point that separates the disordered phase (at large fields) from the spin-glass phase (at small fields). A full understanding of this phase transition is still missing. A debated, crucial question regards the closing of the energy gap separating the ground state from the first excited state. All hopes of achieving an exponential speed-up, compared to classical computers, rest on the assumption that the gap will close algebraically with the number of spins5-9. However, renormalization group calculations predict instead that there is an infinite-randomness fixed point10. Here we solve this debate through extreme-scale numerical simulations, finding that both parties have grasped parts of the truth. Although the closing of the gap at the critical point is indeed super-algebraic, it remains algebraic if one restricts the symmetry of possible excitations. As this symmetry restriction is experimentally achievable (at least nominally), there is still hope for the quantum annealing paradigm11-13.

Shortcuts of Freely Relaxing Systems Using Equilibrium Physical Observables.

Many systems, when initially placed far from equilibrium, exhibit surprising behavior in their attempt to equilibrate. Striking examples are the Mpemba effect and the cooling-heating asymmetry. These anomalous behaviors can be exploited to shorten the time needed to cool down (or heat up) a system. Though, a strategy to design these effects in mesoscopic systems is missing. We bring forward a description that allows us to formulate such strategies, and, along the way, makes natural these paradoxical behaviors. In particular, we study the evolution of macroscopic physical observables of systems freely relaxing under the influence of one or two instantaneous thermal quenches. The two crucial ingredients in our approach are timescale separation and a nonmonotonic temperature evolution of an important state function. We argue that both are generic features near a first-order transition. Our theory is exemplified with the one-dimensional Ising model in a magnetic field using analytic results and numerical experiments.

Multifractality in spin glasses.

We unveil the multifractal behavior of Ising spin glasses in their low-temperature phase. Using the Janus II custom-built supercomputer, the spin-glass correlation function is studied locally. Dramatic fluctuations are found when pairs of sites at the same distance are compared. The scaling of these fluctuations, as the spin-glass coherence length grows with time, is characterized through the computation of the singularity spectrum and its corresponding Legendre transform. A comparatively small number of site pairs controls the average correlation that governs the response to a magnetic field. We explain how this scenario of dramatic fluctuations (at length scales smaller than the coherence length) can be reconciled with the smooth, self-averaging behavior that has long been considered to describe spin-glass dynamics.

Erratum: Numerical test of the replica-symmetric Hamiltonian for correlations of the critical state of spin glasses in a field [Phys. Rev. E 105, 054106 (2022)].

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.105.054106.

Numerical test of the replica-symmetric Hamiltonian for correlations of the critical state of spin glasses in a field.

A growing body of evidence indicates that the sluggish low-temperature dynamics of glass formers (e.g., supercooled liquids, colloids, or spin glasses) is due to a growing correlation length. Which is the effective field theory that describes these correlations? The natural field theory was drastically simplified by Bray and Roberts in 1980. More than 40 years later, we confirm the tenets of Bray and Roberts's theory by studying the Ising spin glass in an externally applied magnetic field, both in four spatial dimensions (data obtained from the Janus collaboration) and on the Bethe lattice.

Slow growth of magnetic domains helps fast evolution routes for out-of-equilibrium dynamics.

Cooling and heating faster a system is a crucial problem in science, technology, and industry. Indeed, choosing the best thermal protocol to reach a desired temperature or energy is not a trivial task. Noticeably, we find that the phase transitions may speed up thermalization in systems where there are no conserved quantities. In particular, we show that the slow growth of magnetic domains shortens the overall time that the system takes to reach a final desired state. To prove that statement, we use intensive numerical simulations of a prototypical many-body system, namely, the two-dimensional Ising model.

Scaling Law Describes the Spin-Glass Response in Theory, Experiments, and Simulations.

The correlation length ξ, a key quantity in glassy dynamics, can now be precisely measured for spin glasses both in experiments and in simulations. However, known analysis methods lead to discrepancies either for large external fields or close to the glass temperature. We solve this problem by introducing a scaling law that takes into account both the magnetic field and the time-dependent spin-glass correlation length. The scaling law is successfully tested against experimental measurements in a CuMn single crystal and against large-scale simulations on the Janus II dedicated computer.

Estadio evolutivo de los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer que acuden a la consulta especializada en España. Estudio EACE / Clinical stages of patients with Alzheimer disease treated in specialist clinics in Spain. The EACE study

Introducción: Estamos asistiendo a un cambio en el paradigma del diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA), de modo que tiende a realizarse en fases más precoces de la evolución, incluso antes de la aparición del síndrome completo de demencia. En nuestro entorno no se conoce en qué situación clínica se está realizando el diagnóstico de la EA. Por ese motivo, se ha llevado a cabo este estudio, para describir el estadio evolutivo de los pacientes con EA en el momento del diagnóstico. Métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, observacional y transversal. Se incluyeron pacientes que cumplían criterios NINCDS-ARDRA de EA probable, atendidos en consultas de Atención Especializada en España. Se recogieron los datos sobre los tiempos asistenciales y de evolución de la EA según el MMSE, el cuestionario NPI y la escala CDR. Resultados: Participaron 437 especialistas de todas las Comunidades Autónomas, que incluyeron un total de 1.707 pacientes, de los cuales 1.694 fueron incluidos en el análisis. La puntuación media del MMSE fue de 17,6±4,8 (IC 95%: 17,4-17,9). El 64% de los pacientes presentaban deterioro cognitivo moderado (MMSE entre 10 y 20) y el 6% grave (MMSE < 10). El tiempo medio desde los primeros síntomas hasta la primera consulta a Atención Primaria fue de 10,9±17,2 meses (IC 95%: 9,9-11,8), y hasta el diagnóstico de la EA fue de 28,4±21,3 meses. Conclusiones: Los resultados del EACE ponen de manifiesto que en nuestro entorno la mayor parte de los pacientes con EA acuden a Atención especializada en un estado evolutivo moderado (AU)

Introduction: The diagnostic paradigm of Alzheimer disease (AD) is changing; there is a trend toward diagnosing the disease in its early stages, even before the complete syndrome of dementia is apparent. The clinical stage at which AD is usually diagnosed in our area is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the clinical stages of AD patients at time of diagnosis. Methods: Multicentre, observational and cross-sectional study. Patients with probable AD according to NINCDS-ARDRA criteria, attended in specialist clinics in Spain, were included in the study. We recorded the symptom onset to evaluation and symptom onset to diagnosis intervals and clinical status of AD (based on MMSE, NPI questionnaire, and CDR scale). Results: Participants in this study included 437 specialists representing all of Spain’s autonomous communities and a total of 1,707 patients, of whom 1,694 were included in the analysis. Mean MMSE score was 17.6±4.8 (95% CI: 17.4-17.9). Moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE between 10 and 20) was detected in 64% of the patients, and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE<10) in 6%. The mean interval between symptom onset and the initial primary care visit was 10.9±17.2 months (95% CI: 9.9-11.8), and the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis with AD was 28.4±21.3 months. Conclusions: Results from the EACE show that most AD patients in our are area have reached a moderate clinical stage by the time they are evaluated in a specialist clinic (AU)

Utilidad del puerto único en la apendicectomía laparoscópica / Single port utility in laparoscopic appendectomy

Objetivo: Describir la utilidad del puerto único en la apendicectomía laparoscópica en pacientes con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda que ingresan a la emergencia del Hospital General del Este "Dr. Domingo Luciani" entre junio 2011 y octubre 2012. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, monocéntrico de seguimiento con el objeto de evaluar la utilidad del puerto único en la apendicectomía laparoscópica, además de sus beneficios y complicaciones, cuya muestra estuvo constituida por 25 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de apendicitis aguda. Resultados: Se realizaron 25 apendicectomías por puerto único durante un período de 16 meses. El tiempo de evolución del cuadro clínico en su mayoría fue de 24 ± 8 horas, predominando las apéndices flegmonosas en un 64% en relación a los hallazgos quirúrgicos. El tiempo quirúrgico fue de 37 ± 8 minutos.No se requirió conversión a cirugía abierta ni se necesitó la colocación de otros trócares adicionales. La intensidad del dolor fue reportada a través de la escala visual análoga (EVA) donde el valor máximo a la 1era hora fue de 3, a las 6 horas de 10, a las 12 horas de 8, y a las 24 horas de 3. La incidencia de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue baja con un 4% en cuanto a las complicaciones postoperatorias se obtuvo un 20% que representan 5 casos con infección del sitio quirúrgico y 1 caso con dehiscencia del muñón apendicular . La ligadura de la base de la apéndice se realizó en un 80% con endoloop® y un 20% máquina articulable endolineal cortante echelon® de 60 mm con carga azul. La estancia hospitalaria media fue de 37±8 horas.Conclusión:La apendicectomía laparoscópica se puede lograr a través de una sola incisión umbilical y con instrumentos convencionales, además es una técnica sencilla, eficaz y fácilmente reproducible que disminuye considerablemente el dolor postoperatorio y la estancia hospitalaria(AU)

Objective: To describe the utility of single port laparoscopic appendectomy in patients with acute appendicitis admitted to Hospital General del Este Dr. Domingo Luciani, between June 2011 and October 2012. Method: A descriptive, prospective, single-center monitoring in order to evaluate the usefulness of single port laparoscopic appendectomy in addition to its benefits and complications, whose sample consisted of 25 patients with clinical diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Results: There were 25 single port appendectomies for a period of 16 months. The time of onset of symptoms in the majority was 24 ± 8 hours, predominantly flegmonous appendices by 64% compared to surgical findings. The operative time was 37 ± 8 minutes. Not required conversion to open surgery was needed or placing additional trocars other. Pain intensity was reported by the visual analog scale (VAS) where the maximum to the 1st hour was 3 to 6 hours of 10, after 12 hours of 8, and 24 hours of 3.The incidence of intraoperative complications was low with 4% in terms of postoperative complications was obtained by 20% representing 5 cases with surgical site infection and 1 case with appendiceal stump dehiscence. Ligation of the base of the appendix was performed by endoloop® 80% and 20% endolinear articulable cutting machine echelon® 60 mm blue load. Mean hospital stay was 37 ±8 hours. Conclusion: Laparoscopic appendectomy can be achieved through a single umbilical incision and conventional instruments,it is also a simple, effective and easily reproducible considerably decreases postoperative pain and hospital stay(AU)

[Clinical stages of patients with Alzheimer disease treated in specialist clinics in Spain. The EACE study]. / Estadio evolutivo de los pacientes con enfermedad de Alzheimer que acuden a la consulta especializada en España. Estudio EACE.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic paradigm of Alzheimer disease (AD) is changing; there is a trend toward diagnosing the disease in its early stages, even before the complete syndrome of dementia is apparent. The clinical stage at which AD is usually diagnosed in our area is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to describe the clinical stages of AD patients at time of diagnosis. METHODS: Multicentre, observational and cross-sectional study. Patients with probable AD according to NINCDS-ARDRA criteria, attended in specialist clinics in Spain, were included in the study. We recorded the symptom onset to evaluation and symptom onset to diagnosis intervals and clinical status of AD (based on MMSE, NPI questionnaire, and CDR scale). RESULTS: Participants in this study included 437 specialists representing all of Spain's autonomous communities and a total of 1,707 patients, of whom 1,694 were included in the analysis. Mean MMSE score was 17.6±4.8 (95% CI:17.4-17.9). Moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE between 10 and 20) was detected in 64% of the patients, and severe cognitive impairment (MMSE<10) in 6%. The mean interval between symptom onset and the initial primary care visit was 10.9±17.2 months (95% CI:9.9-11.8), and the interval between symptom onset and diagnosis with AD was 28.4±21.3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Results from the EACE show that most AD patients in our area have reached a moderate clinical stage by the time they are evaluated in a specialist clinic.

Manga gástrica laparoscópica por puerto único umbilical / Single port laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy

Entre las opciones quirúrgicas de tratamiento de la obesidad, la gastrectomía vertical o manga gástrica ha ganado bastante popularidad, habiéndose reportado hasta la fecha cerca de 100 procedimientos realizados por puerto único. Objetivo: Evaluar la factibilidad técnica de la gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica por puerto único mediante dos casos representativos, realizados en la Unidad de Cirugía Bariátrica y Metabólica del Hospital Domingo Luciani. IVSS, Caracas. Pacientes y métodos: Presentación de dos casos. Resultados: Dos pacientes con indicación de cirugía bariátrica de acuerdo a los estándares aceptados, fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente mediante el abordaje laparoscópico transumbilical. Se respetaron los principios básicos del procedimiento, liberando la curvatura mayor gástrica desde 4 cm del píloro hasta exponer adecuadamente el pilar izquierdo del diafragma. Todas las adherencias de la cara posterior del estómago fueron seccionadas. El diámetro de la manga fue calibrado con una sonda de 36 french, y la línea de grapas reforzada con Seamguard. No hubo complicaciones intraoperatorias ni postoperatorias (30 días). Conclusión: La gastrectomía vertical laparoscópica por puerto único transumbilical es factible desde el punto de vista técnico, pero con dificultades de exposición dado el conflicto externo entre los instrumentos(AU)

Among the surgical treatments options for obesity, sleeve gastrectomy has gained popularity, being actually reported nearly 100 procedures. Objective: Evaluate the single port sleeve gastrectomy technical feasibility presenting two representative cases. Methods: Two cases presentation, performed at Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Unit of the Hospital Domingo Luciani, IVSS, Caracas. Patients and methods: Two clinical cases presentation Results: Two patients with indications for bariatric surgery according international standars, were operated through single port access. All the basic principles of the procedure were respected, releasing the mayor curvature 4 cm from to the pylorus to diaphragmatic left crus for an adequate exposure. All the adhesions between the posterior stomach wall and the pancreas were cut. A 36 french bujie was used to calibrate the sleeve, and the staples were reinforced with seamguard. There were not complications (30 days). Conclusions: Single port sleeve gastrectomy is feasible from a technical point of view, but has exposure difficulties due to the external conflict between the instruments(AU)

Trauma torácico severo (TTS): experiencia en el Hospital Domingo Luciani: Caracas / Severe thoracic trauma (TTS): experience in the Hospital Domingo Luciani: Caracas

Describir la incidencia y manejo del trauma torácico severo en los Servicios de Cirugía del Hospital "Dr. Domingo Luciani" durante el período 2008-2009. Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, transversal. Se seleccionaron pacientes diagnósticados como traumatismo torácico en el centro, que presentaron fracturas del primer, segundo o tercer arco costal, fractura escapular, fractura esternal, ó la combinación de cualquiera de estas, desde enero de 2008 hasta diciembre 2009. Se evaluo edad, sexo, evento traumático, radiología, días hospitalización, toracotomía mínima, valores de laboratorio e ingreso a UTI. El grupo mayormente afectado fue 41 a 50 años con 31,1% y el sexo masculino (68,8%) 44% Accidentes en vehículos 50,9% de los casos evidenciaron fracturas del 2do-3er arco costal, 86,6% de los casos ameritaron drenaje torácico y 11% requirieron manejo en UTI. El TTS es una entidad seria, comprende fracturas de los 3 primeros arcos costales y/o fracturas de esternón y/o fracturas de escapula. Englobamos todas estas como TTS pues hay relación probada entre estas fracturas y traumas de alto impacto, causando lesiones potencialmente fatales. Consideramos la necesidad de redefinir el término de TTS, crear un protocolo de atención y estandarización para optimizar la atención del paciente lesionado.

To describe the incidence and management of severe thoracic trauma (STT) in General Surgery Service of Hospital "Dr. Domingo Luciani" during 2008-2009 period. A retrospective study descriptive, trasnversal. Patients diagnosed with severe thoracic trauma, (first, second or third rib fracture, sternal or scapular fracture or a combination of any), during January 2008 to December 2009. We reviewed, age, sex, traumatic event, radiologic images, hospitalization time, chest tube drainage, laboratory values and ICU admission. Group most affected was 41 to 50 years (31,1%) and males (68,8%). Traffic accidents caused 44% of trauma. In 50,9%, 2nd and 3rd rib fractures was present. 86,6% Needed chest tube dranage and 11% required ICU admission. The STT is a serious entity. It is defined by fracture of any of the 3 first ribs and/or sternal or scapular fracture. We included all these injuries as STT because there is a relationship between these fractures and high energy trauma, leading to potentially fatal consequences. We consider the need of redefining the STT term, creating an approach protocol and setting it up for optimizing the injured patient attention.

Bypass gástrico laparoscópico para el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida: primeros 140 casos / Laparoscopic gastric bypass for treatment of morbid obesity: first 140 cases

La obesidad mórbida es una enfermedad crónica y degenerativa cuyo tratamiento médico no ha sido satisfactorio, siendo la cirugía bariátrica el tratamiento más efectivo actualmente. Caracterizar los resultados obtenidos con el bypass gástrico en Y de Roux para el tratameinto de la obesidad mórbida, en el Hospital General del Este Dr. Domingo Luciani, Caracas-Venezuela. Estudio descriptivo y observacional. 144 pacientes fueron intervenidos entre agosto 2008 y septiembre del 2010. La mayoría del sexo femenino, con edad de 35,7 ± 8,6 años e índice de Masa Corporal de 45,7 ± 6,3 kg/mt2 y al menos un comórbido asociado (67.4%). Se obtuvo una perdida del 71,5 ± 13,9% del exceso de peso al final del primer año, y de 72,5 ± 18,1% al final del segundo año. La curva de aprendizaje se superó con 80 casos aproximadamente. No hubo mortalidad operatoria, y la morbilidad fue de 9,72%, siendo las hemorragias postoperatorias las más frecuentes (4,16%). El bypass gástrico en Y de Roux es un procedimiento efectivo en el tratamiento de la obesidad mórbida, con morbilidad y mortalidad aceptables.

Morbid obesity is a chronic and degenerative disease, with an unsatisfactory medical treatment, being bariatric surgery the most effective actually. Characterize the results of gastric bypass surgery in morbid obesity treatment, at the Hospital General del Este Dr. Domingo Luciani, Caracas. Descriptive and observational study. 144 patients were operated between August 2008 and September 2010. Most were female, with 35,7 ± 8,6 years old, Body Mass Index 45,7 ± 6,3 Kg/mt" and at léast one comorbid associated (67,4%). The patients lost 71,5 ± 13,9% of excess weight at the first postoperative year, and 72,5 ± 18,1% at the end of the second year. There were no operative mortality, and morbidity was 9,72%, being postoperative bleeding, the most frequent (4,16%). Roux en-Y gastric bypas surgery is an effective treatment of morbid obesity, with acceptable mortality and morbidity rates.

Current treatments of Alzheimer disease: are main caregivers satisfied with the drug treatments received by their patients?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A full comparison of the satisfaction with treatment using the current Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapies from the perspective of caregivers has not yet been done. The aim of this study was thus to find out the degree of satisfaction with the main available drug treatments in monotherapy for AD from this point of view. METHODS: A cross-sectional, multicentre study of patients with possible/probable AD according to DSM-IV/NINCDS-ADRDA criteria, on monotherapy with donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine or memantine, was carried out. Treatment satisfaction was measured by a caregiver proxy-administration of the generic SATMED-Q questionnaire [range: 0 (not satisfied at all) to 100 (totally satisfied)], overall and in 6 domains: tolerability, efficacy, medical care, ease and convenience, impact on daily activities and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 829 patients were included: 63.3% women, aged 78.2 +/- 6.8 years; 546 (67.3%) on donepezil, 106 (13.1%) on rivastigmine, 99 (12.2%) on galantamine and 60 (7.4%) on memantine. SATMED-Q scores p values were adjusted by MMSE and treatment duration. Caregivers of patients on donepezil showed significantly higher SATMED-Q total (71.8 +/- 12.3; p < 0.05) and overall satisfaction domain scores (81.6 +/- 18.4; p < 0.01) than those of patients on any other drugs, as well as significantly higher ease and convenience of use domain (81.5 +/- 17.4; p < 0.01) and undesirable effects domain (96.0 +/- 12.9; p < 0.05) scores than those of rivastigmine- and galantamine-treated patients. Of the caregivers of donepezil-treated patients, 76.7% were satisfied with treatment versus 68.7, 61.4 and 46.7% of those caregivers whose patients were treated with galantamine, rivastigmine and memantine, respectively (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSION: Caregivers of AD patients undergoing donepezil monotherapy seem to be more satisfied with treatment than those of patients receiving the other usual AD treatments in this study, particularly due to the ease and convenience of use of this drug. The higher level of satisfaction of these caregivers could be explained by the fact that, within the donepezil group, a high percentage of patients were treated with orally disintegrating tablets, which are easier for the patient to swallow.

Colecistectomía transvaginal asistida por minilaparoscopia: con uso de instrumental convencional: experiencia inicial / Transvaginal cholecystectomy assisted with minilaparoscopy: with conventional instruments: initial experience

Describir la técnica quirúrgica en la colecistectomía transvaginal sin cicatriz visible con el uso de instrumental laparoscópico convencional, en el Hospital “Dr. Domingo Luciani”. Caracas. Se presenta caso de paciente femenina de 52 años de edad, con litiasis vesicular sintomática a quien se le practica colecistectomía transvaginal. Se realizó colecistectomía transvaginal sin complicaciones intraoperatorias. No se administraron analgésicos orales ni parenterales, el alta hospitalaria se dio a las 12 horas del procedimiento. Evolución satisfactoria de la paciente con un seguimiento de 30 días. La cirugía asistida por minilaparoscopia puede considerarse intermedia entre el NOTES, y la cirugía laparoscópica. El siguiente caso demuestra la factibilidad y seguridad del procedimiento realizado por cirujanos generales con entrenamiento laparoscópico y con el uso de instrumental convencional.

Describe the surgical technique in the transvaginal cholecystectomy without a scar using conventional laparoscopic instruments, in the “Dr. Domingo Luciani” Hospital. Caracas. Presents female patient 52 years old, with sintomatic gallstones who is practicing transvaginal cholecystectomy. Was performed transvaginal cholecystectomy without intraoperative complications. No analgesics were administered oral or parenteral, was discharged at 12 hours of the procedure. There was a satisfactory progress of the patient with a follow upof 30 days. Minilaparoscopy assisted surgery can be considered intermediate between NOTES, and laparoscopic surgery. The following case demonstrates the feasibility and safety of the procedure performed by general surgeons with laparoscopic training and the use of conventional instruments.

Colostomía perineal pseudocontinente / Pseudocontinent perineal colostomy

Presentar la técnica quirúrgica de la colostomía perineal continente, como una alternativa en la operación de Miles, realizada en el Servicio de Cirugía II del Hospital Domingo Luciani. IVSS-Caracas. Se trata de un paciente masculino de 63 años, quien consultó por sangrado rectal y trastornos evacuatorios. Al examen físico se evidenció una lesión exofítica y friable a 1,5 cms del margen anal y que ocupaba el 50 por ciento de la luz. La biopsia reportó un adenocarcinoma de recto moderadamente diferenciado infiltrante. Diagnóstico: adenocarcinoma del canal anal T3N2M0. Recibió neoadyuvancia. Se practicó en un primer tiempo quirúrgico resección abdónimo-perineal más una colostomía perineal y en un segundo tiempo la maduración de la colostomía. Evoluciona satisfactoriamente con un manejo adecuado de la colostomía. La colostomía perianeal es una buena alternativa en la operación de Miles. Se debe reservar para pacientes jóvenes o mayores, en buenas condiciones físicas, buen nivel cognoscitivo y sin radioterapia postoperatoria.