Reducing the impact of radioactivity on quantum circuits in a deep-underground facility.

As quantum coherence times of superconducting circuits have increased from nanoseconds to hundreds of microseconds, they are currently one of the leading platforms for quantum information processing. However, coherence needs to further improve by orders of magnitude to reduce the prohibitive hardware overhead of current error correction schemes. Reaching this goal hinges on reducing the density of broken Cooper pairs, so-called quasiparticles. Here, we show that environmental radioactivity is a significant source of nonequilibrium quasiparticles. Moreover, ionizing radiation introduces time-correlated quasiparticle bursts in resonators on the same chip, further complicating quantum error correction. Operating in a deep-underground lead-shielded cryostat decreases the quasiparticle burst rate by a factor thirty and reduces dissipation up to a factor four, showcasing the importance of radiation abatement in future solid-state quantum hardware.

Carbon disulfide mediated self-assembly of Laccase and iron oxide nanoparticles on gold surfaces for biosensing applications.

A simple one-step methodology was explored to prepare enzyme-modified nanostructured electrodes for the development of biosensing interfaces. Magnetite type nanoparticles conjugated with Laccase were immobilized on gold surfaces. This approach relies on the reaction between carbon disulfide and amine groups of biomolecules to form dithiocarbamate (DTC) moieties, as well as on the strong affinity between sulfur species and metals. Special emphasis was given to demonstrate DTC formation in aqueous solution and further attachment to iron oxide nanoparticles and to gold electrodes. UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the functionalization of nanoparticles by DTC using a model secondary amine (N-hexylmethylamine). The direct attachment of modified iron oxide nanoparticles (with ca. 20 or 40nm mean sizes) to gold electrodes was investigated using the hormone epinephrine, with well-known electrochemical properties. A high amount of immobilized epinephrine and a facilitated redox conversion was observed for modified electrodes containing iron oxide nanoparticles. The success of this simple and robust method was confirmed by X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy. Finally, the catalytic activity of modified gold with iron oxide nanoparticles and Laccase was evaluated toward 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt (ABTS). Chronoamperometric studies revealed a significant catalytic activity of immobilized Laccase in the presence of the nanoparticles, in particular for the largest ones (40nm), with a sensitivity for ABTS oxidation of 100mAM-1cm-2.

Quantitative determinations and imaging in different structures of buried human bones from the XVIII-XIXth centuries by energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence - Postmortem evaluation.

In this work, a non-commercial triaxial geometry energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) setup and a benchtop µ-XRF system were used to identify postmortem contamination in buried bones. For two of the individuals, unusually high concentrations of Cu and Pb, but also Zn (in one individual) were observed. The pigments of the burial shroud coverings have been identified as the source of contamination. Accurate and precise quantitative results were obtained by nondestructive process using fundamental parameters method taking into account the matrix absorption effects. A total of 30 bones from 13 individuals, buried between the mid-XVIIIth to early XIXth centuries, were analyzed to study the elemental composition and elemental distribution. The bones were collected from a church in Almada (Portugal), called Ermida do Espírito Santo, located near the Tagus River and at the sea neighbourhood. The triaxial geometry setup was used to quantify Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr and Pb of powder pressed bone pellets (n=9 for each bone). Cluster analysis was performed considering the elemental concentrations for the different bones. There was a clear association between some bones regarding Fe, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb content but not a categorization between cortical and trabecular bones. The elemental distribution of Cu, Zn and Pb were assessed by the benchtop µ-analysis, the M4 Tornado, based on a polycapillary system which provides multi-elemental 2D maps. The results showed that contamination was mostly on the surface of the bone confirming that it was related to the burial shroud covering the individuals.

Single-site laparoscopy in gynecology: preliminary study of a series of 50 cases / Laparoscopia por portal único em ginecologia: estudo preliminar de uma série de 50 casos

Objective: to describe the initial experience of a gynecology team, at a tertiary care center, when performing single-port laparoscopic surgery. Methods: this is a retrospective study reviewing the medical records of 50 patients treated at the outpatient gynecology clinic of our institution between June 2012 and July 2013 who underwent single-port laparoscopic surgery. This study was approved by the institution’s Ethics in Research Committee. Results: the mean age of patients is 37.8 years, ranging from 18 to 70 years, and the most frequent surgical indications were adnexal mass (72%) and chronic pelvic pain (24%). The mean operative time was 94.4 minutes with a mean hospital stay of 25.8 hours. There were no perioperative complications. We recorded two conversions to laparotomy due to technical difficulties during the procedure. All cases of conversion had pelvic adhesions. All operative complications were successfully treated and none were considered severe. Conclusion: this is one of the largest case series in the literature regarding surgical treatment by single-port laparoscopy in gynecology and presents evidence on reduction of surgical morbidity and satisfactory cosmetic results. We conclude that single-port laparoscopy is a viable minimally invasive technique, and that it contributes to the construction of a new scenario in modern gynecological surgery. .

Objetivo: descrever a experiência inicial da equipe de ginecologia, em um centro de referência, na realização de cirurgia laparoscópica por portal único. Métodos: trata-se de estudo retrospectivo, com a revisão dos prontuários de 50 pacientes atendidas no ambulatório de ginecologia do Hospital da Baleia – Fundação Benjamin Guimarães, entre junho de 2012 e julho de 2013, e que foram submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico laparoscópico por portal único. Este trabalho foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Resultados: a idade média das pacientes incluídas no estudo é de 37,8 anos, variando entre 18 e 70 anos, e as indicações cirúrgicas mais frequentes foram massa anexial (72%) e dor pélvica crônica (24%). O tempo médio cirúrgico foi de 94,4 minutos, com tempo de internação médio de 25,8 horas. Em nenhum caso ocorreu qualquer tipo de complicação perioperatória. Registraram-se duas conversões para laparotomia por dificuldade técnica durante o procedimento. Todos os casos de conversão apresentavam aderências pélvicas. Todas as complicações operatórias foram tratadas com sucesso e nenhuma delas foi considerada grave. Conclusão: esta é uma das maiores séries de casos da literatura em relação ao tratamento cirúrgico por laparoscopia de portal único em ginecologia e apresenta resultados que sugerem a redução da morbidade cirúrgica e resultados estéticos satisfatórios. Concluímos que a laparoscopia por portal único é uma técnica minimamente invasiva viável e que traz importante contribuição à construção de um novo cenário na cirurgia ginecológica moderna. .

Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries for prediction of pre-eclampsia / Dopplerfluxometria de artérias oftálmicas para predição de pré-eclâmpsia

Background: central nervous system (CNS) hyperperfusion is one of the events that constitute the pathophysiological basis for the clinical manifestations and complications of pre-eclampsia (PE). Detecting the increased flow in the CNS through Doppler flowmetry of the ophthalmic artery might precede the clinical onset of PE and could be used as a marker for subsequent development of PE. Objective: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. Objective: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. Methods: a total of 73 patients with risk factors for the development of PE were selected from the prenatal service at the HC-UFMG. They were submitted to ophthalmic artery Doppler flowmetry between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and monitored until the end of the pregnancy to verify the occurrence of PE. ROC curves were created to determine the predictive characteristics of the OARI. Results: fourteen of the patients selected developed PE and 59 remained normotensive until the postpartum period. Patients with subsequent development of PE presented OARI values lower than patients that remained normotensive (0.682±0.028 X 0.700±0.029, p=0.044). Considering the development of PE as an outcome, the area under the OARI curve was 0.694 (CI 0.543 to 0.845), with no points obtaining good values of sensitivity or specificity. Conclusion: Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy did not present itself as a good exam for predicting PE. .

Introdução: a hiperperfusão do sistema nervoso central (SNC) é um dos eventos que constitui substrato fisiopatológico para as manifestações clínicas e complicações da pré-eclâmpsia (PE). O fluxo aumentado no SNC, detectado por meio da dopplerfluxometria de artérias oftálmicas, poderia anteceder as manifestações clínicas da PE e, consequentemente, ser utilizado como marcador de subsequente desenvolvimento de PE. Objectivo: avaliar os valores do índice de resistência das artérias oftálmicas (Irao) no segundo trimestre gestacional para a predição das manifestações clínicas da PE. Métodos: pacientes com fatores de risco para desenvolvimento de PE foram selecionadas no serviço de pré-natal do Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (HC-UFMG). Elas foram submetidas à dopplerfluxometria de artérias oftálmicas entre 24 e 28 semanas de gestação e acompanhadas até o final da gestação para averiguar a ocorrência de PE. Curvas ROC foram criadas para determinar as características preditivas do Irao. Resultados: das pacientes selecionadas, 14 desenvolveram PE e 59 mantiveram-se normotensas até o puerpério. Pacientes com subsequente desenvolvimento de PE apresentaram valores de Irao menores do que pacientes que se mantiveram normotensas (0,682±0,028 vs. 0,700±0,029, p=0,044). Ao considerar o desenvolvimento de PE como desfecho, a área sobre a curva do Irao foi de 0,694 (IC 0,543-0,845), sem pontos com bons valores de sensibilidade ou especificidade. Conclusão: a dopplerfluxometria de artérias oftálmicas entre 24 e 28 semanas de gestação não se demonstrou um bom exame para a predição de PE. .

Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries for prediction of pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND: central nervous system (CNS) hyperperfusion is one of the events that constitute the pathophysiological basis for the clinical manifestations and complications of pre-eclampsia (PE). Detecting the increased flow in the CNS through Doppler flowmetry of the ophthalmic artery might precede the clinical onset of PE and could be used as a marker for subsequent development of PE. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the ophthalmic artery resistive index (OARI) values in the second trimester of pregnancy for prediction of the clinical manifestations of PE. METHODS: a total of 73 patients with risk factors for the development of PE were selected from the prenatal service at the HC-UFMG. They were submitted to ophthalmic artery Doppler flowmetry between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy and monitored until the end of the pregnancy to verify the occurrence of PE. ROC curves were created to determine the predictive characteristics of the OARI. RESULTS: fourteen of the patients selected developed PE and 59 remained normotensive until the postpartum period. Patients with subsequent development of PE presented OARI values lower than patients that remained normotensive (0.682 ± 0.028 X 0.700 ± 0.029, p = 0.044). Considering the development of PE as an outcome, the area under the OARI curve was 0.694 (CI 0.543 to 0.845), with no points obtaining good values of sensitivity or specificity. CONCLUSION: Doppler flowmetry of ophthalmic arteries between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy did not present itself as a good exam for predicting PE.

Single-site laparoscopy in gynecology: preliminary study of a series of 50 cases.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the initial experience of a gynecology team, at a tertiary care center, when performing single-port laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: this is a retrospective study reviewing the medical records of 50 patients treated at the outpatient gynecology clinic of our institution between June 2012 and July 2013 who underwent single-port laparoscopic surgery. This study was approved by the institution's Ethics in Research Committee. RESULTS: the mean age of patients is 37.8 years, ranging from 18 to 70 years, and the most frequent surgical indications were adnexal mass (72%) and chronic pelvic pain (24%). The mean operative time was 94.4 minutes with a mean hospital stay of 25.8 hours. There were no perioperative complications. We recorded two conversions to laparotomy due to technical difficulties during the procedure. All cases of conversion had pelvic adhesions. All operative complications were successfully treated and none were considered severe. CONCLUSION: this is one of the largest case series in the literature regarding surgical treatment by single-port laparoscopy in gynecology and presents evidence on reduction of surgical morbidity and satisfactory cosmetic results. We conclude that single-port laparoscopy is a viable minimally invasive technique, and that it contributes to the construction of a new scenario in modern gynecological surgery.

Systematic review of Purtscher's and Purtscher-like retinopathies.

PURPOSE: (1) To describe the clinical characteristics of Purtscher and Purtscher-like retinopathies, including etiologies, fundoscopic signs, results of complementary investigation, treatments, and outcomes. (2) To compare visual acuity (VA) of patients receiving corticosteroids for PuR compared with observation. METHODS: Systematic review of several databases (1980-2010): Medline, EMBASE, ISI, EBSCO, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Study selection criteria included: (A) Studies of PuR with ophthalmology assessments; (B) ≥3 of 5 diagnostic criteria of PuR; (C) Quantified VA at presentation. For quantitative assessment (purpose 2), we selected only studies that reported whether corticosteroids were administered, and with vision assessments after at least 1 month. RESULTS: (1) From 670 studies initially found, 40 were included (68 cases, 110 eyes): 1 prospective, 5 case series, and 34 case reports. Mean VA at presentation was 1.3 logMAR (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) (<20/200; range: 20/20-light perception). Purtscher flecken were underreported. Trauma and acute pancreatitis were the most frequent etiologies. There were six deaths, all with systemic associations. (2) There was no statistically significant difference between VA improvement for patients treated with corticosteroids compared with observation. Visual prognostic factors identified included etiology (pancreatitis and trauma were associated with higher probability of visual improvement) and male gender. CONCLUSION: Due to limitations of case reports and series, the presented data are only useful as broad characterizations of the clinical course of PuR. Further studies, possibly including trials to assess the effectiveness of corticosteroids use, and larger prospective cohort studies, are necessary, but may not be feasible to conduct.

Clonal success of piliated penicillin nonsusceptible pneumococci.

Antibiotic resistance in pneumococci is due to the spread of strains belonging to a limited number of clones. The Spain(9V)-3 clone of sequence type (ST)156 is one of the most successful clones with reduced susceptibility to penicillin [pneumococci nonsusceptible to penicillin (PNSP)]. In Sweden during 2000-2003, a dramatic increase in the number of PNSP isolates was observed. Molecular characterization of these isolates showed that a single clone of sequence type ST156 increased from 40% to 80% of all serotype 14, thus causing the serotype expansion. Additionally, during the same time period, we examined the clonal composition of two serotypes 9V and 19F: all 9V and 20% of 19F isolates belonged to the clonal cluster of ST156, and overall approximately 50% of all PNSP belonged to the ST156 clonal cluster. Moreover, microarray and PCR analysis showed that all ST156 isolates, irrespective of capsular type, carried the rlrA pilus islet. This islet was also found to be present in the penicillin-sensitive ST162 clone, which is believed to be the drug-susceptible ancestor of ST156. Competitive experiments between related ST156 serotype 19F strains confirmed that those containing the rlrA pilus islet were more successful in an animal model of carriage. We conclude that the pilus island is an important biological factor common to ST156 isolates and other successful PNSP clones. In Sweden, a country where the low antibiotic usage does not explain the spread of resistant strains, at least 70% of all PNSP isolates collected during year 2003 carried the pilus islet.

[Romberg's facial hemiatrophy: a case report]. / Hemiatrofia facial de Romberg: relato de caso.

The authors report the case of a 45-years-old female patient, with progressive hemiatrophy of the left face and tongue. The laboratorial and image studies were normal, including routine blood exams, cerebral-spinal fluid, hepatic function tests, renal and rheumatic; besides X ray, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance of skull. The electroneuromyography showed peripheral neurogenic alterations of motor trigeminal and hypoglossal nerves, markedly on the left side. Those findings are compatible with Romberg's facial hemiatrophy diagnosis, motivating discussion of several aspects of this rare disease according to the account and literature.

[Vascular stroke of the brain stem. Study of 21 cases]. / Acidente vascular de tronco encefálico. Estudo de 21 casos.

A prospective study was designed to follow patients with syndromes of brain stem during 12 months (in 1991-1992). The aim was to correlate clinical and radiologic findings and comparing them with the classical descriptions of brain stem syndromes. Twenty one consecutive patients were admitted at the Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal. The diagnosis and the follow up were carried out by neurological examination and neuroradiologic images: CT (100%), angiography (24%, 5) and MRI (5%, 1). Hypertension and old age were the most important risk factors and hemorrhage at pons with extension to midbrain was the most frequent finding. Coma at admission was associated to a poor outcome. The outcome was defined by the Glasgow Outcome Scale: 28% rated 5, 24% rated 4, 5% rated 3, 28% rated 2 and 14% rated 1. Our results show that the clinical presentation of ischemic strokes and hemorrhages of the brain stem very frequently follow a mixed pattern, which do not conciliate with the classical of these syndromes.

Granuloma facial: relato de um caso e revisäo bibliográfica / Facial granuloma: report of case and review of literature

Os autores relatam um caso de granuloma facial, em adulto branco, masculino, com 38 anos de idade. A lesäo inicial e as duas outras que surgiram após o tratamento, na regiäo nasal, apresentavam aspecto nodular, cor purpúrea e a consistência moderadamente firme. Realizaram shaving, seguido de curetagem simples e eletrocoagulaçäo. Complementaram a observaçäo com revisäo bibliográfica.

[Hemifacial spasm and basilar impression associated with Arnold-Chiari deformity. Report of a case]. / Espasmo hemifacial e impressão basilar associados a malformação de Arnold-Chiari. Relato de caso.

The authors report a case of symptomatic basilar impression and Arnold-Chiari malformation being presented as the first symptom of hemifacial spasm. The surgical treatment of the malformation resulted in improvement of the clinical manifestation with reduction of the hemifacial spasm. The need for the aetiological therapy for the hemifacial spasm is emphasized, before symptomatic treatment with botulinum toxin is tried.

Heavy metal contents of paddy fields of Alcácer do Sal, Portugal.

Recent claims of metal contamination in the lower reaches of the Sado River, in the Alcácer do Sal region, Portugal, a major rice-producing area were investigated by carrying out metal surveys in the area. The elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb were measured in the soil and in rice plant parts--roots, shoots and grain--as well as in some weeds growing in the Sado banks, near the paddy fields. Results showed that the metal contents of paddy soils were similar to background concentrations, with the exception of Zn and Cu, which were above those concentrations and reached their highest levels at Vale de Guizo, the monitored station located furthest upstream in the Sado River. At some sites, plant roots accumulated relatively large amounts of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu, but the shoot levels of these metals were within the normal range for rice plants. It is possible that varying, but significant, amounts of Fe associated with the roots were in the form of ferric hydroxide plaque covering their surfaces. Copper levels in the shoots of rice were below the normal contents cited for this plant in the literature. Metal levels of river sediments collected near Vale de Guizo seem to corroborate the possibility of some metal contamination in the Sado River, most probably derived from pyrites mining activity in the upper zone of the Sado basin.

[Raeder's syndrome caused by dissecting carotid aneurysm]. / Sindrome de raeder causada por aneurisma dissecante da carótida.

The authors report a case of Raeder's paratrigeminal syndrome and make some comments about the diagnosis: a dissecant aneurysm of internal carotid artery.

[Bilateral palpebral ptosis with unilateral paralysis of upward gaze: a case report]. / Ptose palpebral bilateral com paralisia unilateral do olhar vertical para cima: registro de caso.

The authors report a case of bilateral ptosis with miosis, paralysis of upward gaze and of smooth pursuit movements to the right, as well as a slowly regressive state of lassitude. This syndrome followed a haemorrhagic brain stem infarction. After a review of the pathophysiology of ptosis and of vertical eye movements, together with analysis of data provided by computerized tomography studies--since the case was not fatal--explanations are offered for each clinical sign and it is proposed that the lesion, a paramedian, slightly deviated to the right haemorrhagic focus in the midbrain, with a diameter of 15 mm, might have involved several structures, namely the rostral interstitial nucleus of the medial longitudinal fasciculus, the mesencephalic reticular formation, as well as cortico-nuclear and sympathetic pathways.

O ketoconazole por via sistemica em candidiase vulvovaginal: estudo multicentrico. / Ketoconazol by systemic route in vulvovaginal candidiasis: multicenter study

Neste estudo avaliou-se a acao terapeutica de ketoconazole por via sistemica em 105 pacientes com candidiase vulvovaginal, nas formas aguda e cronica. O ketoconazole foi administrado na dose de dois comprimidos de 200 mg por dia, durante cinco dias consecutivos. Realizou-se exame micologico a fresco (microscopia) e cultura em meio de Nickerson, antes do tratamento (para confirmacao diagnostica) e sete e trinta dias apos o termino do mesmo (para comprovacao da cura). Foi observado um percentual de cura micologica da ordem de 75,5%. Ocorreram efeitos colaterais em 19 pacientes (18,1%), tornando necessaria a interrupcao do tratamento em tres pacientes, sendo em um caso por cefaleia, vomitos e astenia moderados, e em dois casos por nausea e mal-estar tambem de grau moderado. Os investigadores consideraram o tratamento da candidiase vulvovaginal entre bom e excelente em 78,4% dos casos, enquanto que para as pacientes tal conceito situou-se em 81,2% dos casos