Experimental certification of contextuality, coherence, and dimension in a programmable universal photonic processor.

Quantum superposition of high-dimensional states enables both computational speed-up and security in cryptographic protocols. However, the exponential complexity of tomographic processes makes certification of these properties a challenging task. In this work, we experimentally certify coherence witnesses tailored for quantum systems of increasing dimension using pairwise overlap measurements enabled by a six-mode universal photonic processor fabricated with a femtosecond laser writing technology. In particular, we show the effectiveness of the proposed coherence and dimension witnesses for qudits of dimensions up to 5. We also demonstrate advantage in a quantum interrogation task and show it is fueled by quantum contextuality. Our experimental results testify to the efficiency of this approach for the certification of quantum properties in programmable integrated photonic platforms.

The Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Medicinal Plants on Fungi Isolated From Toilet and Nursery Surfaces in a Daycare Center: An In Vitro Study.

Background Brazil has the most extensive plant genetic biodiversity in the world. Knowledge regarding the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants obtained through popular medicine has been accrued over centuries. Such empirical knowledge often symbolizes the only therapeutic resource for various ethnic communities and groups. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hydroalcoholic extracts of medicinal plants in controlling isolated fungi found in bathrooms and nurseries of a daycare center in the northwestern region of São Paulo state. Methodology This is an in vitro study carried out in the microbiology laboratory. The analyzed fungi were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum, and Candida albicans. These fungi were exposed to the hydroalcoholic extracts of rosemary, citronella, rue, neem, and lemon. Results Rue extract was more effective against Candida albicans at a concentration of 12.5%. Citronella was effective against Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton mentagrophytes at a concentration of 6.25%. Lemon was effective against Fusarium spp. at a concentration of 6.25%. Conclusions The hydroalcoholic extracts showed antifungal activity. The in vitro evaluation of medicinal plants showed that the extracts of rue, citronella, and lemon showed a fungicide effect.

Postmortem Retrograde Contrasted Infusion in Thoracic Duct Outflow: Imaging Effectiveness Analysis.

Background Thoracic duct (TD) anomaly can be quite variable and dangerous in surgical interventions in the neck region as there are numerous variations in its formation and topography. This highlights the importance of full knowledge about the TD and its anatomical variations. Thus, it is important to emphasize that the lack of anatomical-clinical knowledge or surgical skill during an intervention can significantly hamper successful results. The present study aimed to perform radiopaque contrast infusion into the TD of intact cadavers, either formalinized or refrigerated, to evaluate possible lymphatic architecture patterns via reverse lymphography. Methodology TD dissection was performed on 13 cadaveric specimens. After isolating the lymphatic vessel, it was cannulated with an nº 4 urethral probe fixed with cordonnet cotton. Then, a 10 mL syringe was attached to the urethral probe and the radiopaque iodinated contrast was injected into the TD under constant and gradual manual pressure. Results TD outflow was detected on the posterior surface of the junction between the internal jugular and the left subclavian veins, either as direct outflow (in 10 cases) or as an arc (in three cases). Reverse contrast progression was impossible in each of the attempts, probably due to valvular resistance and lumen obliteration, which completely prevented pressure infusion into the thoracic and abdominal parts of the TD. Conclusions We emphasize the impracticality of obtaining postmortem radiopaque images via retrograde contrast injection into the TD in formalinized or refrigerated bodies.

Updated checklist of caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the state of Piauí, Northeast Brazil, including a new species and new geographical records.

Some regions, such as the Northeast Region of Brazil, are still severely understudied and the trichopteran fauna of this region is not entirely known, mainly in areas from Cerrado and Caatinga biomes. Currently, 25 species have been reported from Piauí State, but most of these records are concentrated from one locality. This study aimed to update the knowledge of Trichoptera diversity in this state, including the description of a new species and new geographic records for the Northeast region and Brazil. The samples were collected in seven municipalities, using various traps. Specimens were also received from the municipality of Bom Jesus. Thirty-two species were added for Trichoptera fauna of Piauí, 14 of these represent new records for Northeast Brazil; furthermore, Neotrichia palma Flint 1982 is a new record for Brazil. Additionally, a new species, Cernotina longa sp. nov., is describe and illustrate, being the third nominal record of the genus for the Caatinga biome. Thus, with the contribution of this study, 57 species, 20 genera and seven families of caddisflies are known for Piauí State.

Diagnosing sickle cell disease and iron deficiency anemia in human blood by Raman spectroscopy.

This work proposed the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and sickle cell disease (SCD) in human blood caused by iron deficiency and hemoglobin S (HbS), which are among the most common anemias, by means of Raman spectroscopy. Whole blood samples from patients diagnosed with IDA and HbS, as well as from normal subjects (HbA), were obtained and submitted to Raman spectroscopy (830 nm, 150 mW, 400-1800 cm-1 spectral range, 4 cm-1 resolution). Difference spectra of IDA-HbA showed spectral features of hemoglobin with less intensity in the IDA, whereas the difference spectra of SCD-HbA showed spectral features of deoxyhemoglobin increased and of oxyhemoglobin decreased in SCD. An exploratory analysis by principal components analysis (PCA) showed that the peaks referred to oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin markedly differentiated SCD and HbA, as well as the increased amount of hemoglobin features in the SCD group, suggesting increased erythropoiesis. The IDA group showed hemoglobin features with lower intensities as well as peaks referred to the iron bonding to the porphyrin ring with reduced intensities when compared to the HbA. Discriminant analysis based on partial least squares (PLS-DA) and PCA (PCA-DA) showed that the IDA and SCD anemias could be discriminated from the HbA spectra with 95.0% and 93.8% of accuracy, for the PLS and PCA respectively, with sensitivity/specificity of 93.8%/95.7% for the PLS-DA model. The iron depletion and the sickling of erythrocytes could be identified by Raman spectroscopy and a spectral model based on PLS accurately discriminated these IDA and SCD samples from the normal HbA.

Marilia caramuru sp. nov. and Marilia paraguassu sp. nov. (Trichoptera: Odontoceridae), two new species from Maranhão State, Northeast Brazil.

Although the world species diversity of Marilia Müller 1880 is not great, knowledge about this group may be underestimated, since several areas are poorly studied, especially in Northeast Region, Brazil. Two new species are described and illustrated here based on specimens collected in Maranhão State, from which the genus has not been reported previously. Despite the similarity of Marilia caramuru sp. nov. with M. elongata Martynov 1912, differences between them are observed especially in segment X and preanal appendages, in addition to details of wing venation. The unique set of spiniform projections on endotheca, and the wrinkled prominence on sternum VIII distinguish Marilia paraguassu sp. nov. from all other species in the genus. The material examined has been deposited in the Coleção Entomológica Professor José Alfredo Pinheiro Dutra, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and in the Coleção Zoológica do Maranhão, UEMA, Maranhão, Brazil.

[Intoxications in Children and Adolescents in Germany]. / Deutschlandweites Vergiftungsspektrum im Kindes- und Jugendalter.

BACKGROUND: In Germany, intoxications cause the bulk of emergencies in children, to be prevented or attenuated by preventive measures. Therefore, knowledge about intoxications is essential for pediatricians. The present work provides general and epidemiologic data about intoxications and most frequent categories and single toxicants. METHODS: Data of intoxications in children and adolescents from 6 German poison centers (2012-2016 and 2002-2016) were retrospectively analyzed. Categorical data are given as mean±standard deviation, most frequent toxicants as a score. RESULTS: Calls, especially from non-professionals, increased since 2002. Two third of intoxications occurred in small and pre-school children, more frequently in boys (50%) than girls (44%), in adolescents girls predominated (>60%).<14 years intoxications occur mainly at home, day care or school (>95%), in adolescents suicide attempts and abuse come to the fore (13%). 90% of the cases are asymptomatic or mild, with increasing symptoms at higher ages (adolescents 13% vs. small children 1%). Intoxications with drugs are predominantly in adolescents, surfactant containing cleaning agents and cosmetics, sanitary cleaner, tobacco, glow lights and solute descaler in children. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Increasing incoming calls from professionals and non-professionals point out the importance of the poison centers. Although intoxications in children and adolescents mainly proceed without or mild symptoms, the relevance of preventive measures especially for children<7 should not be underestimated.

Self-sterilizing ormosils surfaces based on photo-synzthesized silver nanoparticles.

Medical device-related infections represent a major healthcare complication, resulting in potential risks for the patient. Antimicrobial materials comprise an attractive strategy against bacterial colonization and biofilm proliferation. However, in most cases these materials are only bacteriostatic or bactericidal, and consequently they must be used in combination with other antimicrobials in order to reach the eradication condition (no viable microorganisms). In this study, a straightforward and robust antibacterial coating based on Phosphotungstate Ormosil doped with core-shell (SiO2@TiO2) was developed using sol-gel process, chemical tempering, and Ag nanoparticle photoassisted synthesis (POrs-CS-Ag). The coating was characterized by X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and X-ray Photoelectron Microscopy (XPS). The silver free coating displays low antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, in opposition to the silver loaded ones, which are able to completely eradicate these strains. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of these substrates remains high until three reutilization cycles, which make them a promising strategy to develop self-sterilizing materials, such as POrs-CS-Ag-impregnated fabric, POrs-CS-Ag coated indwelling metals and polymers, among other materials.

Fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to in vivo discrimination of distinctive skin disorders.

BACKGROUND: Fast and non-invasive analytical methods, as in fluorescence spectroscopy, have potential applications to detect modifications of biochemical and morphologic properties of malignant tissues. In this study, we propose to analyze the fluorescence spectra using k-Nearest Neighbours algorithm (k-NN) and ratio of the fluorescence intensity (FI) to differentiate skin disorders of distinctive etiologies and morphologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser-induced autofluorescence spectra upon excitation at 408nm were collected from basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes (n=45/212 spectra), psoriasis (PS) (n=37/193 spectra) and Bowen's disease (BD) (n=04/19 spectra) lesions and respective normal skin at sun-exposed (EXP) and non-exposed (NEXP) sites of the same patient. RESULTS: The mean ratios of FI values at selected wavelengths of emission (FI600nm/FI500nm) were significantly lower in BCC and PS lesions compared to EXP [P=0.0001; P=0.0002, respectively]; but there were no significant differences between abnormal conditions. The analysis of fluorescence spectra using k-NN can discriminate normal or abnormal skin conditions (EXP, BCC, BD, PS) of distinctive etiology, neoplastic or inflammatory (BCC, BD and PS) and morphologies (nodular and superficial BCC, BD and PS) as high as 88% and 93% sensitivity and specificity means, respectively; also, similar erythematous-squamous features (superficial BCC, BD and PS) with 98% and 97% sensitivity and specificity means, respectively. The k-NN computational analysis appears to be a promising approach to distinguish skin disorders.

Taxonomic study of the genus Oxyethira Eaton 1873 (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from Northeast Brazil: Eleven new species and distributional records.

The genus Oxyethira comprises over 200 species distributed worldwide. In Brazil, 23 species have been recorded, mostly from the North Region, but this number is still an underestimate. To date, six species have been recorded from the Northeast Region of Brazil (from Ceará, Piauí, and Pernambuco states). In this work, we describe and illustrate 11 new species from this region: Oxyethira calori sp. nov., O. diplospissa sp. nov., O. guariba sp. nov., O. iannuzzae sp. nov., O. maranhensis sp. nov., O. rafaeli sp. nov., O. gracilianoi sp. nov., O. retrosa sp. nov., O. septentrionalis sp. nov., O. singularis sp. nov., O. una sp. nov. Additionally, new distributional records for five other species are given. These results increase the number of Oxyethira species in Brazil from 23 to 35.

Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) from Maranhão State, Northeast Region, Brazil: A new species, checklist, and new geographical records.

In order to improve knowledge of Trichoptera diversity in Northeast Region, Brazil, we present here the first checklist of caddisflies from Maranhão State with a description of a new species and geographical records for the Northeast Region and for all of Brazil. Collections were made in 16 sites distributed in three municipalities of Maranhão State. A total of 54 caddisflies species, 26 genera and 10 families were recorded, including one new species of Leptoceridae, Triplectides maranhensis sp. nov., which is described and illustrated. All species listed here are recorded for the first time for the state, 23 of which are new records for the Northeast Region, as well as five new species for Brazil. These results increase the number of species reported from the Northeast Region from 167 to 221.

Automated algorithm for actinic cheilitis diagnosis by wide-field fluorescence imaging.

Actinic cheilitis (AC) is a disease caused by prolonged and cumulative sun exposure that mostly affects the lower lip, which can progress to a lip squamous cell carcinoma. Routine diagnosis relies on clinician experience and training. We investigated the diagnostic efficacy of wide-field fluorescence imaging coupled to an automated algorithm for AC recognition. Fluorescence images were acquired from 57 patients with confirmed AC and 46 normal volunteers. Three different algorithms were employed: two based on the emission characteristics of local heterogeneity, entropy and intensity range, and one based on the number of objects after K-mean clustering. A classification model was obtained using a fivefold cross correlation algorithm. Sensitivity and specificity rates were 86% and 89.1%, respectively.

Three new species of Stactobiinae (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) with the first record of Orinocotrichia Harris, Flint & Holzenthal from Brazil.

Approximately 300 species are assigned to Stactobiinae, most of them occurring in the Old World. Seven species have been recorded from Brazil, six of Flintiella and one of Bredinia. Herein, three new species are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Maranhão and Piauí states from Northeastern Region of Brazil: Orinocotrichia angelus sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in CZMA: Maranhão State) can be distinguished by the subgenital plate conspicuous, mesally divided; Flintiella pallida sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in CZMA: Maranhão State), differs from its cogeners by the process of the subgenital plate; and F. harrisi sp. nov. (Holotype male deposited in CZMA: Piauí State), recognized by the short process of the phallus. The new species of Orinocotrichia is the third species described in this genus and represents the first record of Orinocotrichia from Brazil. Orinocotrichia angelus sp. nov. and F. pallida sp. nov. are the first microcaddisflies species described from Maranhão State, Brazil.

Description of a new species of Betrichia Mosely 1939 from Brazil and edescription of the type-species (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae: Leucotrichiinae).

Betrichia Mosely 1939 was erected to include a single species, B. zilbra Mosely 1939 from Brazil. The genus has a complicated taxonomy mainly because of the lack of diagnostic characteristics in the original description. Marshall (1979) stated that some features of the antennae, wing venation, and male genitalia are presumably diagnostic, but it remained without a precise diagnosis. Currently, Betrichia comprises 11 Neotropical species (Flint et al. 1999; Oláh & Johanson 2011; Thomson 2012; Oláh & Flint 2012), six of which have been recorded from Brazil (Santos et al. 2015): B. alibrachia Thomson 2012 (Rio de Janeiro State), B. hamulifera Flint 1983 (Pernambuco, São Paulo, and Santa Catarina states), B. kagyla Oláh & Flint 2012 (Amazonas State), B. longistyla Flint 1983 (Santa Catarina State), B. varratlana Oláh & Flint 2012 (Rondônia State), and B. zilbra Mosely 1939 (Santa Catarina State). Herein, we describe and illustrate a new species of the genus and redescribe the type-species of the genus based on topotypical specimens. We also provide new distributional records for Betrichia zilbra, reported here for the first time from Argentina (Misiones) and Bahia and Sergipe states (Brazil), and for Betrichia bispinosa Flint 1974, representing the first record of this species in Brazil (Amapá and Pará states).

First records of Ochrotrichia Mosely, 1934 (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) in Northeastern Brazil: Five new species and two new geographical records.

About 170 species have been assigned to the New World genus Ochrotrichia, only two of which were previously recorded from Brazil. Material collected in Bahia and Ceará states represent the first records of this genus from Northeastern Brazil and reveal five new species of Ochrotrichia. These are described and illustrated in this paper: O. caatinga sp. nov. (O. aldama group, from Ceará), O. priapo sp. nov. (O. aldama group, from Bahia); O. limeirai sp. nov. (O. aldama group, from Ceará), O. constricta sp. nov. (undetermined group, from Bahia), and O. igrapiuna sp. nov. (O. xena group, from Bahia). Ochrotrichia manuensis Flint & Bueno-Soria 1999 is firstly recorded from Brazil and O. patulosa (Wasmund & Holzenthal 2007) is firstly recorded from Northeastern Brazil. 

Fluorescence spectroscopy for the detection of potentially malignant disorders and squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

Oral cancer is a public health problem with relevant incidence in the world population. The affected patient usually presents advanced stage disease and the consequence of this delay is a reduction in survival rates. Given this, it is essential to detect oral cancer at early stages. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that can improve cancer detection in real time. It is a fast and accurate technique, relatively simple, which evaluates the biochemical composition and structure using the tissue fluorescence spectrum as interrogation data. Several studies have positive data regarding the tools for differentiating between normal mucosa and cancer, but the difference between cancer and potentially malignant disorders is not clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fluorescence spectroscopy in the discrimination of normal oral mucosa, oral cancer, and potentially malignant disorders. The fluorescence spectroscopy was evaluated in 115 individuals, of whom 55 patients presented oral squamous cell carcinoma, 30 volunteers showing normal oral mucosa, and 30 patients having potentially malignant disorders. The spectra were classified and compared to histopathology to evaluate the efficiency in diagnostic discrimination employing fluorescence. In order to classify the spectra, a decision tree algorithm (C4.5) was applied. Despite of the high variance observed in spectral data, the specificity and sensitivity obtained were 93.8% and 88.5%, respectively at 406 nm excitation. These results point to the potential use of fluorescence spectroscopy as an important tool for oral cancer diagnosis and potentially malignant disorders.

Analysis of surgical margins in oral cancer using in situ fluorescence spectroscopy.

UNLABELLED: Oral cancer is a public health problem with high prevalence in the population. Local tumor control is best achieved by complete surgical resection with adequate margins. A disease-free surgical margin correlates with a lower rate of local recurrence and a higher rate of disease-free survival. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a noninvasive diagnostic tool that can aid in real-time cancer detection. The technique, which evaluates the biochemical composition and structure of tissue fluorescence, is relatively simple, fast and, accurate. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare oral squamous cell carcinoma lesions to surgical margins and the mucosa of healthy volunteers by fluorescence spectroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 56 individuals, 28 with oral squamous cell carcinoma and 28 healthy volunteers with normal oral mucosa. Thirty six cases (64.3%) were male and the mean age was 60.9 years old. The spectra were classified and compared to histopathology to determine fluorescence efficiency for diagnostic discrimination of tumors. RESULTS: In the analysis of the other cases we observed discrimination between normal mucosa, injury and margins. At two-year follow up, three individuals had local recurrence, and in two cases investigation fluorescence in the corresponding area showed qualitative differences in spectra between the recurrence area and the area without recurrence at the same anatomical site in the same patient. CONCLUSION: In situ analysis of oral mucosa showed the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool that can aid in discrimination of altered mucosa and normal mucosa.

A new species and new records of microcaddisflies (Trichoptera: Hydroptilidae) from northeastern Brazil.

The Hydroptilidae constitute the most diverse and widespread family of Trichoptera in the world. About 90 species of microcaddisflies have been recorded from Brazil, but the northeastern region is one of the least-sampled. In this work we describe a new species of Metrichia from Pernambuco State. Furthermore, we present the first records of Flintiella andreae Angrisano 1995 and Oxyethira bettyae Thomson & Holzenthal 2012 from Brazil, and four other new records from the northeastern region.

Fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to detect and evaluate glucocorticoid-induced skin atrophy.

Topical glucocorticoid (GC) therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of several common cutaneous diseases in clinical practice for a long time, and skin atrophy is one of the most typical cutaneous side effects of this therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of noninvasive fluorescence spectroscopy (FS) technique in the detection and classification of GC-induced skin atrophy. A total of 20 male Wistar rats were used in the experimental protocol under controlled environmental conditions and with free access to food. One group received topical application of clobetasol propionate 0.05% for 14 days to induce cutaneous atrophy (atrophic group) and the other (control) group received only vehicle application following the same protocol and schedule. Histological analyses and FS measurements with laser excitation at both 532 nm and 408 nm were obtained on days 1 and 15. The FS results were classified as "normal" or "atrophic" according by histological analysis. Fluorescence spectra obtained with excitation at 408 nm allowed a clear distinction between the control and atrophic groups, and were more informative than the those obtained at 532 nm. Our results reveal that, if correctly applied, FS allows noninvasive evaluation of corticosteroid-induced skin atrophy, and thus represents an important step towards better monitoring of undesirable side effects of cutaneous therapy.

Pediatric plant exposures in Germany, 1998-2004.

INTRODUCTION: Each year, 80,000 to 100,000 calls to the Poison Information Centres (PIC) concern pediatric exposures in Germany. Plant exposures are the fourth most common category, accounting for 22% of pediatric exposures. METHODS: Information on plant exposures in children (0-14 years) was collected from annual reports of German PIC. The severity of pediatric plant exposures was classified using the number of ingestions and a calculated hazard factor. RESULTS: A total of 58,641 cases involving 248 different plant genera were reported from 1998 to 2004. Most plant exposures were not associated with clinical effects at time of call, but 9.6% of cases had noticeable effects, including 0.4% classified as moderate and major effect. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of plant genera have low hazard factors. Most severe poisoning (highest hazard factors and exposures) in children involved Brugmansia, Laburnum, Phaseolus, and Thuja.