Signatures of Dissipation Driven Quantum Phase Transition in Rabi Model.

By using the worldline Monte Carlo technique, matrix product state, and a variational approach à la Feynman, we investigate the equilibrium properties and relaxation features of the dissipative quantum Rabi model, where a two level system is coupled to a linear harmonic oscillator embedded in a viscous fluid. We show that, in the Ohmic regime, a Beretzinski-Kosterlitz-Thouless quantum phase transition occurs by varying the coupling strength between the two level system and the oscillator. This is a nonperturbative result, occurring even for extremely low dissipation magnitude. By using state-of-the-art theoretical methods, we unveil the features of the relaxation towards the thermodynamic equilibrium, pointing out the signatures of quantum phase transition both in the time and frequency domains. We prove that, for low and moderate values of the dissipation, the quantum phase transition occurs in the deep strong coupling regime. We propose to realize this model by coupling a flux qubit and a damped LC oscillator.

[Severe complications of orotracheal intubation in the Intensive Care Unit: An observational study and analysis of risk factors]. / Complicaciones graves en la intubación orotraqueal en cuidados intensivos: estudio observacional y análisis de factores de riesgo.

OBJECTIVE: A study is made to determine the characteristics of endotracheal intubation (ETI) procedures performed in an Intensive Care Unit, and to describe the associated severe complications and related risk factors. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study involving a 2-year period was carried out. SETTING: The combined clinical/surgical Intensive Care Unit in a secondary university hospital. PATIENTS: All ETIs carried out by intensivists were included. INTERVENTIONS: None. MAIN VARIABLES: We analyzed the data associated with the patient, the procedure and the postoperative complications after intubation. The study of risk factors was performed using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of the ETIs were performed immediately. Most of them were carried out by Intensive Care Units residents (60%). A total of 34% of the procedures had severe complications, including respiratory (16%) or hemodynamic (5%) disorders, or both (10%). Three patients died (1%), and 2% of the subjects experienced cardiac arrest. Logistic regression analysis identified the following independent risk factors for complications: age (OR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.1-1.2), systolic blood pressure≤90mmHg (OR 3.0; 95% CI: 1.4-6.4) and SpO2≤90% (OR 4.4; 95% CI: 2.3-8.1) prior to intubation, the presence of secretions (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-4.6), and the need for more than one ETI attempt (OR 3.5; 95% CI: 1.4-8.7). CONCLUSIONS: ETI in Intensive Care Unit patients is associated with respiratory and hemodynamic complications. The independent risk factors associated with the development of complications were advanced age, hypotension and previous hypoxemia, the presence of secretions, and the need for more than one ETI attempt.

Evidence that severe acute stress and starvation induce rapid atresia of ovarian vitellogenic follicles in Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.) (Osteichthyes: Scombridae).

The effects of different stressors on the atretic degeneration of ovarian vitellogenic follicles, as well as on the ovarian mass, were examined in female Atlantic bluefin tuna, Thunnus thynnus (L.), from the Mediterranean Sea. The stressors taken into consideration were short-term starvation (up to 14 days), long-term cage rearing (1 year) and crowding-induced severe panic frenzy. Wild-caught individuals were used as a control group. Fish subjected to either severe panic frenzy or starvation exhibited a decrease in gonad mass and had significantly higher intensity of α atresia in the vitellogenic follicles (means: 78% and 58%, respectively; range: 36-100%) than either wild or long-term caged individuals (means: 32% and 30%, respectively; range: 19-44%). The extensive atresia in fish stressed by severe panic frenzy was observed as early as 24 h after the stressing event. The present study represents the first evidence of the extreme susceptibility of Atlantic bluefin tuna to severe acute stress during vitellogenesis; it also shows that starvation is associated with progressive reabsorption of vitellogenic oocytes.

Minimal clinically important difference of the 6-min walking test in patients with asthma.

BACKGROUND: The 6-min walking test (6MWT) is responsive to physiological changes and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with asthma. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) has not been established yet.OBJECTIVE: To determine the MCID of 6MWT in patients with asthma.METHODS: Using the perceived change in walking ability and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score as anchors, receiver operating characteristic curves and quantile regression, we evaluated 6MWT before and after PR in these patients. The St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the COPD assessment test (CAT) and other outcome measures were also assessed.RESULTS: Of 142 patients with asthma, 37 were enrolled. After PR, 6MWT increased from 453.4 m ± 88.8 to 493.0 m ± 97.2 (P = 0.0001); other outcome measures also increased. There was a slight correlation between baseline 6MWT and SGRQ, CAT and mMRC. No significant correlations were found between post-PR changes in 6MWT and in other outcome measures. Comparing different methods of assessment, the MCID ranged from 26 m to 27 m.CONCLUSION: The most conservative estimate of the MCID of 6MWT after PR was 26 m in patients with asthma. This estimate may be useful in clinical interpretation of data, particularly in response to intervention studies.

Beauveria bassiana infection alters colony development and defensive secretions of the beetles Tribolium castaneum and Ulomoides dermestoides (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

We studied the effect of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana strain GHA on a) colony development of the beetles Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Ulomoides dermestoides (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) under laboratory conditions; and 2) the volatile blend released by both beetles, containing defensive pheromones, by using the solid phase microextraction technique. Colony development of both species was strongly altered 3 mo after treatment with B. bassiana, showing a significant reduction in progeny of 37.5% for T. castaneum and 50.0% for U. dermestoides. We also showed that the volatiles released by T. castaneum diminished close to 20% compared with those of healthy beetles, whereas in U. dermestoides secretions dramatically dropped to 5%, 7 d after immersion in 1 x 10(9) conidia per ml. These results suggest that after infection events take place, fungus-induced diminished secretion of the defensive pheromones may be a physiologic clue for behavioral changes in infected beetles.

Serosurvey on Sheep Unravel Circulation of Rift Valley Fever Virus in Nigeria.

Rift Valley fever is an arboviral zoonoses causing severe morbidity and mortality among humans and animals in many African countries. A cross-sectional study in populations of sheep reared around the Gidan-Waya Forest Reserve located in Jema'a LGA of Kaduna State, Nigeria to determine the serological evidence of exposure to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) using a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the 200 sheep sampled, 9 (4.5%; 95 CI 2.23-8.33) were positive for antibodies to the RVFV. The detection of antibodies suggests a covert circulation among the sheep and may be indicative of a subclinical infection.

Volatile organic compounds released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

The composition of volatile organic compounds (VOC) released by the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycete: Deuteromycotina) utilizing two different carbon sources was investigated. Analyses were performed by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to capillary gas chromatography (CGC) and CGC-mass spectrometry (MS). Major components in glucose-grown cultures were diisopropyl naphthalenes, ethanol, and sesquiterpenes. Alkane-grown fungal VOC switched to a fingerprint with prevalence of n-decane. This is the first report on the volatiles released by entomopathogenic fungi.

Clinical and microbiological outcome in septic patients with extremely low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels at initiation of critical care.

A relationship between vitamin D status and mortality in patients in intensive care units (ICU) has been documented. The present study aims to describe the clinical profile and sepsis-related outcome of critically ill septic patients with extremely low (<7 ng/mL) vitamin D levels at ICU admission. We conducted an observational study in the ICU of a teaching hospital including all patients admitted with severe sepsis/septic shock and undergoing 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) testing within the first 24 hours from admission. We studied 107 patients over 12 months. At ICU admission vitamin D deficiency (≤20 ng/mL) was observed in 93.5% of the patients: 57 (53.3%) showed levels <7 ng/mL. As primary outcome, sepsis-related mortality rate was higher in patients with vitamin D levels <7 ng/mL (50.9% versus 26%). Multivariate regression analysis showed that vitamin D concentration <7 ng/mL on ICU admission (p 0.01) and higher mean SAPS II (p <0.01) score were independent predictors of sepsis-related mortality. Patients with very low vitamin D levels suffered higher rate of microbiologically confirmed infections but a lower percentage of microbiological eradication with respect to patients whose values were >7 ng/mL (80.7% versus 58%, p 0.02; 35.3% versus 68%; p 0.03, respectively). Post hoc analysis showed that, in the extremely low vitamin D group, the 52 patients with pneumonia showed a longer duration of mechanical ventilation (9 days (3.75-12.5 days) versus 4 days (2-9 days), p 0.04) and the 66 with septic shock needed vasopressor support for a longer period of time (7 days (4-10 days) versus 4 days (2-7.25 days), p 0.02). Our results suggest that in critical septic patients extremely low vitamin D levels on admission may be a major determinant of clinical outcome. Benefits of vitamin D replacement therapy in this population should be elucidated.

Epidemic history of major genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Uruguay.

Worldwide, more than 170 million people are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and every year die more than 350,000 people from HCV-related liver diseases. Recently, HCV was reclassified into seven major genotypes and 67 subtypes. Some subtypes as 1a, 1b and 3a, have become epidemic as a result of the new parenteral transmission routes and are responsible for most HCV infections in Western countries. HCV 1a subtype have been sub-categorized into two separate sub clades. Recent studies based on the analysis of NS5B genome region, reveal that HCV epidemics in Argentina and Brazil are characterized by multiple introductions events of subtypes 1a, 1b and 3a, followed by subsequent local dispersion. There is no data about HCV genotypes circulating in Uruguay and their evolutionary and demographic history. To this end, a total of 153 HCV NS5B gene sequences were obtained from Uruguayan patients between 2005 and 2011. 86 (56%) sequences grouped with subtype 1a, 40 (26%) with subtype 3a and 27 (18%) with subtype 1b. Furthermore, subtype 1a sequences were distributed among both clades, 1 (n=62, 72%) and 2 (n=24, 28%). Four local HCV clades were found: UY-1a(I), UY-1a(II), UY-1a(III) and UY-3a; comprising a 39% of all HCV viruses analyzed in this study. HCV epidemic in Uruguay has been driving by multiple introductions of subtypes 1a, 1b and 3a and by local dissemination of a few country-specific strains. The evolutionary and demographic history of the major Uruguayan HCV clade UY-1a(I) was reconstructed under two different molecular clock rate models and displayed an epidemic history characterized by an initial phase of rapid expansion followed by a more recent reduction of growth rate since 2000-2005. This is the first comprehensive study about the molecular epidemiology and epidemic history of HCV in Uruguay.

Association of pulmonary function testing abnormalities and severe veno-occlusive disease of the liver after marrow transplantation.

We investigated an association between pulmonary function testing (PFT) before bone marrow transplantation and the development of severe veno-occlusive disease (VOD) of the liver. We previously noted that reductions in diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (corrected for hemoglobin) (D(L)COc) were associated with mortality after transplantation, but this was not caused by respiratory failure. We performed a case-series review of prospectively collected data from 307 marrow recipients who underwent PFT within 2 weeks of transplantation. Of these, 170 (56%) developed VOD; 39 (13%) mild, 81 (26%) moderate, and 50 (16%) severe or fatal. Both total lung capacity (TLC) and D(L)COc were associated with severe VOD in univariate analysis (P = 0.006 for each). However, D(L)COc entered logistic regression models that contained variables for all known risk factors for severe VOD, while TLC did not contribute additional predictive information. The odds ratio (OR) associated with a D(L)COc below the lower limits of normal (70% of predicted) was 2.4 (95 % CI, 1.0 to 5.4; P = 0.04). We conclude that reduced diffusion capacity of the lung measured before marrow transplantation is an independent risk for severe hepatic VOD. We speculate that the decreased D(l)COc indicates pre-existing systemic endothelial cell damage and a susceptibility to severe hepatic injury from chemotherapy.

Rabbit models of pneumonia, peritoneal sepsis, and lung injury.

To study the mechanisms that link sepsis with ARDS, many animal models have been developed. In this chapter, a rabbit model of sepsis secondary to an intrapulmonary or intraabdominal infection has been described. One advantage of the rabbit model of sepsis is that this species produces the C-X-C chemokine, IL-8. In contrast, rodents, which are often used in studies of sepsis and ARDS, lack this important chemokine. A second advantage is the rabbit's size. This species is large enough so that the measurement of physiological parameters (e.g., mean arterial pressure, heart rate, etc.) is not difficult, but they are not so large that they require large quantities of precious reagents (e.g., recombinant proteins and MAbs). A disadvantage of the rabbit model is that there are fewer reagents (e.g., recombinant cytokines and MAbs) available for the study of inflammation in rabbits when compared to mice.

Combined pregnancy: the Mount Sinai experience.

Nine recent cases of coexisting intra- and extrauterine pregnancy at The Mount Sinai Medical Center are presented. The myriad of clinical presentations is exemplified in the postabortal, endometriosis, posttreatment; ovulation induction, and routine "rule-out ectopic" situations. A brief review of the literature follows detailing historical reports of diagnostic inaccuracy and delayed diagnosis. Several studies are cited supporting the difficulty of correctly diagnosing heterotopic pregnancy as well as factors which may predispose to it. The advantages and pitfalls of ultrasonography are mentioned as well as recommendations for early laparoscopic intervention when clinical history and ultrasound are suggestive. Caution is advised in those infertility patients who may undergo "routine" curettage at laparoscopy for ectopic pregnancy and thus, be at risk for inadvertent termination of an otherwise salvageable intrauterine pregnancy. This report further supports several other reviews in noting that the incidence of combined pregnancy may be much greater than formerly appreciated.

[Study of the effect of volatile metabolites of Trichoderma hamatum on the growth of phytopathogenic soilborne fungi.]. / Efecto de los metabolitos volátiles de Trichoderma hamatum sobre el crecimiento de hongos fitopatógenos procedentes del suelo.

Volatile compounds produced by Trichoderma hamatum were tested for their capacity to suppress in vitro the growth of Alternaria citri, Bipolaris cynodontis, Bipolaris sorokiniana, Curvularia brachyspora, Curvularia lunata, Curvularia oryzae-sativae, Drechslera tritici-repentis, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotinia minor and Sclerotium rolfsii. The organisms were cultured in an apparatus made with two Erlenmeyer flasks assembled by their top parts. With the aid of the gas chromatographic technique the variation of carbon dioxide, oxygen and ethylene in the internal system was determined. Acetaldehyde and ethanol were not found. Due to the respiratory metabolism of T. hamatum the carbon dioxide level progressively increased while the oxygen content decreased. Ethylene production was low and after three days remained constant. Excepting C. oryzae-sativae and B. cynodontis the other species showed changes in the growth and development. These results suggest the inhibitory volatiles of T. hamatum as one possible mechanism of biological control.

First Report of Colletotrichum dematium on Tomato in Argentina.

Anthracnose of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. pyriforme (Dunal) L.H. Bailey) was observed on ripe fruits of pear-shaped tomato in the postharvest phase during September 1998 to February 1999. Anthracnose causes a rot of ripe fruit that can cause significant losses in the field and during storage. Symptoms occurred on fruits of several cultivars grown in commercial fields at La Plata, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Fruit rot began as small, round (1 to 2 mm diameter), grayish, sunken, watersoaked lesions. The center of the spots became tan and flecked with small black specks. Individual spots enlarged concentrically to approximately 2 cm in diameter and became covered with numerous, submerged, black acervuli that formed in concentric rings and, under wet conditions, produced a mass of slimy salmon-colored spores. In time, total fruit rot often occurred due to coalescence of multiple lesions. Symptoms developed during storage, resulting in diminished fruit quality and marketable value. Colletotrichum dematium (Pers.) Grove was isolated consistently by plating surface-disinfected lesion margins on acidified potato dextrose agar (PDA). Colonies on PDA were gray, olivaceous to black, with abundant acervuli. Conidia were one-celled, hyaline, and falcate, with acute apices measuring 17 to 28 × 2 to 4 µm, consistent with the description of C. dematium (1). Acervuli were superficial, black, and setose. A fungal isolate was selected to complete Koch's postulates. Surface-disinfected ripe fruits of tomato cvs. Perita and Larga Vida were punctured with a sterile needle containing conidia from sporulating cultures. Inoculated fruits were incubated at 25°C for 48 h in a moist chamber. After 3 to 5 days, soft, watery spots developed at the inoculation point on the fruit, and C. dematium was reisolated from the lesions. Fruits that were punctured but not inoculated did not develop symptoms or yield C. dematium. To confirm pathogenicity on leaves, disease-free tomato plants were sprayed with a conidial suspension (2 × 105 spores per ml) of the pathogen. Control plants were sprayed with sterile water. Inoculated plants and controls were left bagged for 48 h and placed in a greenhouse at 20 to 25°C. After 1 week, necrotic leaf spots developed on inoculated plants. Leaf spots were small, circular, and brown. Yellow rings often surrounded the spots. C. dematium was reisolated from lesions on these leaves. This is the first report of C. dematium on tomato in Argentina. Reference: (1) B. C. Sutton. 1980. The Coelomycetes: Fungi Imperfecti with Pycnidia, Acervuli and Stromata. Commonwealth Mycological Institute, Kew, England.

First Report of Phomopsis vexans on Apricot in the Americas.

Prunus armeniaca L. plants with blight symptoms on leaves and twigs were observed near La Plata (Argentina) in 1999. On leaves, symptoms ranged from small (up to 4 mm diameter) and dispersed brown circular spots to irregular blighted areas with numerous pycnidia. Twig blight developed initially on buds as necrosis that expanded and caused shoots to wilt. A Phomopsis sp. was isolated from necrotic tissues. Pathogenicity was assessed by inoculating healthy mature leaves with a spore suspension (1 × 106 conidia per ml). Detached sterile twigs were placed in Roux tubes with water (1) and were infected by needle-stab inoculation. Controls were treated with sterile water. Inoculated leaves and controls were left in bags for 48 h. After 5 to 14 days, symptoms were similar to those described for field samples. The Phomopsis sp. was reisolated from necrotic lesions and characterized as identical to the original isolates. On potato dextrose agar, the fungus had white floccose mycelium and produced numerous black, globose to irregular pycnidia (up to 300 µm). Alpha-conidia were one-celled, hyaline, and ellipsoidal (4.5 to 10.3 µm long × 1.8 to 2.1 µm wide); beta-conidia were one-celled, hyaline, filiform, and straight or curved (16.8 to 27.5 µm long × 1.0 µm wide). A pure culture was identified as Phomopsis vexans (Sacc. & Syd.) Harter based on morphology and host specificity. This is the second report of P. vexans on apricot since the disease was cited in Algeria (2). References: (1) T. A. Gally. Fitopatologia 10:87, 1975. (2) D. V. Narendra et al. FAO Plant Prot. Bull. 27:132, 1979.

First Report of Leaf Rust of Blueberry Caused by Pucciniastrum vaccinii in Argentina.

During March, 1997, a leaf rust was observed on Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Bluegold in Argentina. Leaf lesions began as chlorotic flecks that expanded and developed into necrotic spots with several uredinia. The typical orange pustules of the disease developed mostly on the abaxial sides of leaves. Urediniospores were elliptical to obovate (17 to 28 × 11 to 23 µm) and finely verrucose. Telia were round, covered by the epidermis, slightly elevated, and brown to black. Teliospores were sessile and oblong to columnar (7 to 11 × 14 to 17 µm) with two or more vertical cell walls, and were smooth and brown. Urediniospore and teliospore morphology and dimensions were consistent with the description of Pucciniastrum vaccinii (G. Wint.) Jørst (syn. P. myrtilli Arth.) (1). A pathogenicity test was conducted with 18-month-old cv. Bluegold plants. Fully expanded leaves were sprayed, using a hand-held sprayer, with freshly collected urediniospores (1 mg of spores per ml of 0.05% water solution of Tween 20), covered with plastic bags, and placed in a growth chamber at 20°C for 48 h with 12 h of light per day. The plastic bags were then removed and the plants mantained in a greenhouse. After 10 days, orange rust pustules similar to the original symptoms developed on all plants. As the rust was not reported on ornamental Ericaceae in Argentina, and hemlock, the alternate host, is not present in the area, it is suggested that P. vaccinii is cycling on blueberry. This is the first report of P. vaccinii on blueberry in Argentina. Reference: (1) P. R. Bristow and A. W. Stretch. 1995. Pages 20-22 in: Compendium of Blueberry and Cranberry Diseases. F. L. Caruso and D. C. Ramsdell, eds. American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN.

[A case of gastric lipoma. Diagnostic imaging]. / Presentazione di un caso di lipoma gastrico. Imaging diagnostico.

A case of gastric lipoma which manifested with an episode of acute gastrointestinal hemorrhage is reported. Preoperative diagnosis was based on the US, TC, and MRI findings, as the results of gastrointestinal endoscopy were inconclusive. The role of current imaging methods, and particularly of MRI, is discussed.

Laboratory evaluation of chemical-biological control of the rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae L.) in stored grains.

The virulence of ten different fungal isolates of: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Verticillium lecanii and Paecilomyces farinosus to the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae was tested. A fungal mix of the most efficient isolates, B. bassiana ARSEF 5500+M. anisopliae ARSEF 2974, which caused the highest mortality, was assayed in combination with fenitrothion at a concentration lower (3 ppm) than the normal 6 ppm. Fungal inoculation of insects was done by spraying conidial suspensions of each fungus on wheat. Insecticide formulations were added by spraying wheat. Treated and untreated insects were incubated on durum wheat. Insects were kept in a climatized chamber for 30 days. Observations were performed at 7, 14 and 30 days to record insect mortality. Highly significant differences were demonstrated for B. bassiana 5500 and 5501 and for M. anisopliae 2974. The level of mortality produced by treatments was: 6 ppm insecticide=97.50%, B. bassiana ARSEF 5500+M. anisopliae ARSEF 2974+3 ppm insecticide=74.17%, B. bassiana ARSEF 5500+M.anisopliae ARSEF 2974=50% and 3 ppm insecticide=37.50%. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among treatments.