Deterministic quantum state transfer and remote entanglement using microwave photons.

Sharing information coherently between nodes of a quantum network is fundamental to distributed quantum information processing. In this scheme, the computation is divided into subroutines and performed on several smaller quantum registers that are connected by classical and quantum channels 1 . A direct quantum channel, which connects nodes deterministically rather than probabilistically, achieves larger entanglement rates between nodes and is advantageous for distributed fault-tolerant quantum computation 2 . Here we implement deterministic state-transfer and entanglement protocols between two superconducting qubits fabricated on separate chips. Superconducting circuits 3 constitute a universal quantum node 4 that is capable of sending, receiving, storing and processing quantum information5-8. Our implementation is based on an all-microwave cavity-assisted Raman process 9 , which entangles or transfers the qubit state of a transmon-type artificial atom 10 with a time-symmetric itinerant single photon. We transfer qubit states by absorbing these itinerant photons at the receiving node, with a probability of 98.1 ± 0.1 per cent, achieving a transfer-process fidelity of 80.02 ± 0.07 per cent for a protocol duration of only 180 nanoseconds. We also prepare remote entanglement on demand with a fidelity as high as 78.9 ± 0.1 per cent at a rate of 50 kilohertz. Our results are in excellent agreement with numerical simulations based on a master-equation description of the system. This deterministic protocol has the potential to be used for quantum computing distributed across different nodes of a cryogenic network.

Microwave Quantum Link between Superconducting Circuits Housed in Spatially Separated Cryogenic Systems.

Superconducting circuits are a strong contender for realizing quantum computing systems and are also successfully used to study quantum optics and hybrid quantum systems. However, their cryogenic operation temperatures and the current lack of coherence-preserving microwave-to-optical conversion solutions have hindered the realization of superconducting quantum networks spanning different cryogenic systems or larger distances. Here, we report the successful operation of a cryogenic waveguide coherently linking transmon qubits located in two dilution refrigerators separated by a physical distance of five meters. We transfer qubit states and generate entanglement on demand with average transfer and target state fidelities of 85.8% and 79.5%, respectively, between the two nodes of this elementary network. Cryogenic microwave links provide an opportunity to scale up systems for quantum computing and create local area superconducting quantum communication networks over length scales of at least tens of meters.

Sexual and reproductive health of Syrian refugee women in Turkey: a scoping review within the framework of the MISP objectives.

BACKGROUND: Turkey hosts the world's largest community of Syrians displaced by the conflict. The Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) is a coordinated set of priority reproductive health services. There is not any scoping review assessing the RH situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey within the framework of the MISP objectives. The objectives of this review is to identify the situation of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) among Syrian refugee women in Turkey, and document the health services provided for them in terms of the components of MISP. We hoped to show evidence of gaps and help guide future research to focus on priority areas to improve the range, quality, and access to SRH services and to recommend public health interventions. METHOD: The literature search was conducted in Turkish and English. Multiple electronic databases (Turkish Medline, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, EBSCOHost, CINAHL, and Embase) were searched from January 2011 to May 2018. References published in the peer-reviewed literature, the grey-literature, and on websites were eligible for inclusion if they had conducted research on one or more of the following SRH topics specifically for Syrian women in Turkey: maternal and neonatal health/antenatal care, HIV and sexually transmitted infections, use of contraceptives, sexual violence, and services delivery and accessibility. References were excluded if any of the following criteria were relevant: not specific to Syrian women refugees in Turkey. Firstly, the titles and abstracts of the articles that were found were examined to determine if they met the eligibility criteria. Secondly, if the abstracts and titles met one or more of the eligibility criteria, the full text of the articles have been examined. Finally, standard forms were prepared and used to summarize the articles narratively. The results of the screening were recorded in Excel spreadsheets for comparison, and any disagreements among the researchers were resolved by consensus. The studies were grouped according to the MISP objectives. RESULTS: A total of 24 publications were eligible for inclusion in the review. Consanguineous marriage rate was 56%. The rate of marriage under age 18 were very high. Mean age at first marriage was found to be between 18 and 20. The rate of antenatal care was inadequate. The rate of using a modern contraceptive method was 24% among married and all age groups of Syrian women. The rates of unmet family planning needs were about 35%. Among patients admitted to gynecology outpatient clinics, about half of the applicants were reported to have abnormal vaginal discharge. The reported rates of sexual violence were about 8%. Only 20% of Syrian women had regular gynecological visits. CONCLUSION: Overall, we conclude that early marriage, low modern contraceptive use, unmet need for contraception, sexual and gender-based violence are the major SRH issues reported. There is a need for further studies to identify the barriers limiting service uptake as well as to document successful practices. Long term strategies to improve the SRH status of Syrian refugee women should be developed with participation of all stakeholders. This review is significant in terms of that it is the first scoping review assessing the RH situation of Syrian refugees in Turkey within the framework of the MISP objectives. Based on the data of this review, relevant policy makers should consider to improve the SRH status of Syrian women refugees in Turkey.

Assessment of Emergency Obstetric Care Services in Ibadan-Ibarapa Health Zone, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Nigeria's high maternal mortality has been attributed to poor utilization of obstetric care services to handle complications of pregnancy and childbirth. But how available are standard emergency obstetric care services? This facility based cross sectional study assessed the availability and accessibility of emergency obstetric care services in Oyo State, Nigeria. Using a multi-stage sampling technique, 61 primary and 10 secondary health care facilities were selected. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire from the heads of the maternity units. Spatial mapping of the facilities was also produced. Results showed availability of comprehensive emergency obstetric care (CEmOC) facilities (0-3.9/500,000 population) was adequate, however a gross lack of basic emergency obstetric care (BEmOC) facilities (0-5.4/500,000 population) was observed, where available, they were clustered in the urban settlements. Prompt action needs to be taken to upgrade basic emergency obstetric care facilities accessible to the larger rural population dwellers to improve maternal health indices.

Comparison of colistin and colistin/sulbactam for the treatment of multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii ventilator-associated pneumonia.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical and microbiological efficacy of colistin and colistin/sulbactam for the treatment of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii VAP in intensive care units (ICUs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, patients (>16 years-old) who received IV colistin or colistin/sulbactam for the treatment of MDR A. baumannii VAP were evaluated. The clinical and microbiological responses to therapies were assessed on the fifth day and at the end of the therapy. RESULTS: During the study period, 89 patients were enrolled into the study. Fifty-two (58.4 %) patients received colistin and 37 (41.6 %) patients received colistin/sulbactam therapy. The median APACHE II score was higher and diabetes mellitus was more common in the colistin/sulbactam group (p < 0.05). However, other demographic characteristics were not statistically significant between groups. On the fifth day of colistin and colistin/sulbactam therapies, clinical response rates were 40.4 and 43.2 %, respectively. At the end of the therapies, clinical response rates were 29.8 and 40 %, respectively. The bacteriological response rates were 72.3 and 85.7 % in colistin and colistin/sulbactam groups, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical cure rates or bacteriological clearance rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The colistin/sulbactam combination therapy is promising in severe MDR A. baumannii VAP. Although, the difference was not statistically significant, clinical cure rates or bacteriological clearance rates were better in the combination group than colistin monotherapy.

Preferences of different tick species for human hosts in Turkey.

The ticks removed from the patients who applied to the hospitals in Istanbul and neighboring cities, Turkey, with the complaint of tick bite were examined in this study, on account of their species, biological stages, attachment sites on the body, and the age of the affected patients. A total of 16,969 ticks were identified. Encountered species were as follows: 33.6 % Ixodes spp. immature, 25.3 % Hyalomma spp. immature, 24.3 % I. ricinus, 9.5 % Rhipicephalus sanguineus gr., 3.2 % R. bursa, 2.2 % Hyalomma marginatum, 1.96 % Haemaphysalis adults, 1.66 % Hyalomma aegyptium, 0.52 % Dermacentor marginatus, 0.39 % Rhipicephalus spp. nymphs, 0.12 % Dermacentor spp. nymphs, 0.11 % Haemaphysalis spp. nymphs, 0.09 % Hyalomma scupense, and 0.03 % Hyalomma excavatum. The distribution of attachment sites of the species and instars showed significant differences. Furthermore, age data of the patients also revealed that certain tick species were more common within certain age groups.

Evaluation by different mechanisms of the protective effects of vitamin B12 on methotrexate nephrotoxicity.

Methotrexate is used for cure of many cancer types. It has many side effects. For this reason, obtaining a nephroprotective agent is obligatory. In the study, our aim is to determine probable effects of Vitamin B12 on MTX caused kidney damages in rats. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including 8 animals in each group. Control group, VitB12 group (3 µg-kg-ip B12 throughout 15 days), MTX group (at the 8th day of experiment, a single dose of 20 mg-kg-ip MTX), Vit B12 + MTX group (3 µg-kg-ip B12 throughout 15 days and at the 8th day of experiment, a single dose of 20 mg-kg-ip MTX) Animals were anesthetized and kidney tissues were removed to evaluate biochemically, immunohistochemically and histopathologycally. There were histopathological deteriorations, rises of apoptotic cells, expressions of heat shock proteins, endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation markers in the MTX group. In the MTX group, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) and Catalase (CAT) levels decreased, but Total Oxidant Status TOS, Malondialdehyde (MDA) and interleukin-6 (IL6) levels increased. In addition, there was amelioration in kidney tissue in Vit B12 + MTX group compared to the MTX group. We suggest that Vit B12 can be used to reduce the toxic effects of MTX.

The effects of intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine on early renal function after percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may interfere with renal function because of continuous fluid irrigation and compression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine on renal function in patients undergoing PCNL. METHODS: This study included 40 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years who underwent PCNL. After induction of anesthesia, we administered 100 ml of normal saline to the patients in the control group (n=20) and 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine in 100 ml of normal saline to the patients in the dexmedetomidine group (n=20) over 10 min. Throughout the surgery, 1 mcg/kg/h dexmedetomidine and 1 ml/kg/h normal saline infusions were given to the dexmedetomidine and control groups, respectively. Renal function, electrolytes, serum levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cystatin C were analyzed after induction and post-operatively at 2, 8 and 24 h. Renin levels and blood gas analyses were performed after induction and before extubation. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to renal function, creatinine clearance (CrCl), NGAL, cystatin C and serum electrolyte levels at 0, 2, 8 and 24 h post-operatively. End-surgery renin levels in the dexmedetomidine group were significantly lower than the baseline levels in the control group. CONCLUSION: In PCNL, an intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine was not found to have beneficial effects on CrCl, NGAL or cystatin C levels early after the procedure; however, it reduced renin levels.

Intact neurovascular coupling during executive function in migraine without aura: interictal near-infrared spectroscopy study.

An altered neurovascular coupling has been proposed in migraine. We aimed to investigate neurovascular coupling during a mental task interictally in patients with migraine without aura (MO) by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Twelve migraineurs and 12 healthy controls were included. Using NIRS, we recorded the magnitude and latency of cortical changes in oxyhaemoglobin (HbO(2)) and deoxyhaemoglobin (Hb) during the colour-word matching Stroop test via 16 channels covering the forehead. We found no differences in the magnitude of responses between migraineurs and healthy subjects in the incongruent Stroop task subtracted by the neutral Stroop task on either side of the frontal cortex for HbO(2) (left, P = 0.984; right, P = 0.406) or Hb (left, P = 0.689; right, P = 0.406) values. No differences in error rate (P = 0.611) or reaction time (P = 0.936) were found between healthy subjects and MO patients for incongruent tasks. The present study suggests that vascular reactivity and oxygen supply during a mental task in patients with MO are intact interictally.

A biosensor utilizing quince (Cydonia vulgaris) tissue homogenate for dopamine determination in pharmaceutical preparations.

Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter occurring in a wide variety of animals, including both vertebrates and invertebrates. Chemically, it is a phenethylamine. Dopamine can be supplied as a medication that acts on the sympathetic nervous system, producing effects such as increased heart rate and blood pressure. However, since dopamine cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, dopamine given as a drug does not directly affect the central nervous system. To increase the amount of dopamine in the brains of patients with diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Dopa-Responsive Dystonia, L-DOPA (levodopa), which is the precursor of dopamine, can be given because it can cross the blood-brain barrier. In this study, a biosensor based on quince tissue homogenate was constructed for determination of dopamine. For the best results, some optimization studies such as the amount of quince tissue homogenate, gelatin and glutaraldehyde percentage, optimum temperature and pH were carried out. A linear range from 5 microM to 200 microM dopamine was obtained. Moreover, repeatability, and operational and storage stability of the biosensor were determined. Finally, the biosensor was applied to a real drug sample for the determination of dopamine content.

Thymoquinone is a protective agent that reduces the negative effects of doxorubicin in rat testis.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin (DOX) is used for treatment of many cancer types. Thymoquinone (THQ) is a powerful antioxidant agent used for reducing side effects of several drugs. The aim of this study is to determine possible therapeutic effects of THQ on doxorubicin-induced testicular toxicity in rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into five groups (n = 8): control, THQ, olive oil, DOX (a single dose of 15 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) on seventh day of the experiment), and DOX + THQ (10 mg/kg THQ per day and 15 mg/kg DOX i.p. on seventh day). Animals were euthanized, and testis tissues were evaluated histopathologically. Caspase 3 and HSP90 immunostaining were performed to determine the expression levels of these proteins among groups. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase 2'-deoxyuridine, 5'-triphosphate nick-end labeling method was used for evaluation of apoptotic index. Moreover, serum testosterone levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) in testicular tissue were measured by ELISA assay. RESULTS: The DOX group had histopathological deterioration compared to the control group. There was an increase in apoptotic index, caspase 3 and HSP90 expressions in the DOX group. While TAS level of the DOX group decreased, TOS level increased when compared with the other groups. Serum testosterone levels in the DOX group decreased compared to the control group. However, there was improvement in testicular tissue in DOX + THQ group compared to the DOX group. There was a decrease in apoptotic index, caspase 3, and HSP90 expressions in DOX + THQ group compared to the DOX group. Testosterone level of DOX + THQ significantly increased compared to the DOX group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that THQ can be used as a protective agent to reduce the toxic effects of DOX.

The evaluation of displacement resistance of glass FRC posts to root dentine using a thin slice push-out test.

AIM: To investigate and compare the displacement resistance of glass fibre reinforced composite (FRC) posts to root dentine after luting with different adhesive systems. METHODOLOGY: A total of 32 noncarious extracted human mandibular premolars were prepared for post-cementation using the FRC Postec system (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and divided into four groups (n = 8). The posts in each group were luted with one or other of the following materials. Group 1: Variolink II/Excite DSC (etch-and-rinse, dual-curing), group 2: Clearfil Esthetic Cement/ED Primer II (self-etch, dual-curing), group 3: Multilink/Multilink Primer (self-etch, chemical-curing) and group 4: Multilink Sprint (self-adhesive, dual-curing). Specimens were sectioned to obtain slices with the post in the centre and with the root dentine overlaid by the autopolymerizing acrylic resin on each side. The displacement resistance was measured using a Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min(-1). The displacement resistance of the specimens were calculated and expressed in MPa. Data were analysed with one-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey's test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Mean (SD) values of displacement resistance data in MPa are as follows: group 1, 12.08 (2.13); group 2, 12.39 (2); group 3, 11.3 (1.23); group 4, 14.29 (1.84). There were statistically significant differences amongst the groups (P = 0.021). A statistically significant difference was observed for the displacement resistance values between groups 3 and 4 (P = 0.015), that is between Multilink/Multilink Primer and Multilink Sprint. CONCLUSIONS: Glass FRC posts luted with self-adhesive luting system exhibited higher displacement resistance than when luted with chemical-curing self-etch luting system.

Treatment characteristics in elderly asthmatics.

In this study, we evaluated the effect of ageing on treatment response by comparing two groups of patients with asthma. All asthmatic patients in the study were assessed on repeated occasions once admitted to the hospital: soon after admission (0 h), and then at 5th, 10th, 24th, 48th, 72nd hour, 7th day and in stable period. We compared two groups of patients: younger asthmatics, which had 33 younger aged <60, and elderly asthmatics, comprised of 29 elderly aged >or=60 years. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was used to assess health-related quality of life in study. The increases in FEV1% values observed soon after the hospital admission (0 h), and at 5th, 10th, 24th, 48th, 72nd hour, 7th day and in stable period in younger group were similar that in elderly group. The Borg scores observed soon after the hospital admission (0 h), and 5th, 10th, 24th, 48th and 72nd hour in elderly asthmatics was usually higher than that in younger asthmatics. However, symptom scores observed in elderly asthmatics soon after the hospital admission and at 72nd hour were higher than those in younger asthmatics. Furthermore, decreases in the total AQLQ score and asthma severity score from exacerbation to stable period in both asthmatics were not different. Present study indicated that the airways obstruction, AQLQ and other diseases characteristics of younger and elderly asthmatics could improve at similar rates with treatment. In addition, similar exacerbation severity in elderly asthmatics was perceived more intense than younger asthmatics.

Multimodal investigation of fMRI and fNIRS derived breath hold BOLD signals with an expanded balloon model.

Multimodal investigation of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals, using both functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), may give further insight to the underlying physiological principles and the detailed transient dynamics of the vascular response. Utilizing a breath hold task (BHT), we measured deoxy-hemoglobin (HbR) and oxy-hemoglobin (HbO) changes via fNIRS and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) changes by fMRI. Measurements were taken in four volunteers asynchronously and carefully aligned for comparative analysis. In order to describe the main stimulus in BHT, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO(2)) parameter was integrated into the balloon model as the driving function of cerebral blood flow (CBF) which led to the development of an expanded balloon model (EBM). During BHT, the increase in HbR was observed later than the BOLD peak and coincided temporally with its post-stimulus undershoot. Further investigation of these transients with a PaCO(2) integrated balloon model suggests that post-stimulus undershoot measured by fMRI is dominated by slow return of cerebral blood volume (CBV). This was confirmed by fNIRS measurements. In addition, the BOLD signal decreased with the increase of the initial level of PaCO(2) derived from EBM, indicating an effect of basal CBF level on the BOLD signal. In conclusion, a multimodal approach with an appropriate biophysical model gave a comprehensive description of the hemodynamic response during BHT.

Effect of combined therapy with hyperbaric oxygen and antioxidant on infarct volume after permanent focal cerebral ischemia.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficiency of combination of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and an antioxidant on permanent focal cerebral ischemia. Male Wistar rats underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Then, animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups: the control group (n=9) received no treatment, HBO group (n=9) was treated for 90 min at 2.5 absolute atmosphere for 3 days, the U-74389G group (n=8) received single U-74389G injection (3 mg/kg), the HBO + U-74389G group (n=8) received both HBO and U-74389G treatments. Treatments were initiated within the first 10 min after MCAO. After 3 days, the infarct volumes in rat brains were measured. The infarct ratios were 25.6+/-6.5 % for the control group, 21.9+/-6.4 % for the HBO group, 15.7+/-5.7 % for U-74389G group and 12.5+/-3.8 % for HBO + U74389G group. The infarct volumes were significantly reduced in rats treated with U-74389G (p<0.05) and combination therapy (p<0.05). HBO failed to reduce infarct volume significantly. We concluded that 1) U-74389G is more beneficial than HBO on permanent MCAO in rats, and 2) a combined therapy failed to significantly improve infarct volume more than either single treatment.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on intraocular pressure.

The effects of hyperoxia on intraocular pressure (IOP) have been studied in experiments on human beings and animals. The changes occurring in IOP in patients during routine HBO2 therapy are unknown. In this study we investigated IOP changes arising during the HBO2 therapy at 2.5 ATA. Fifty-six patients receiving HBO2 therapy for various reasons were included in the study. Bilateral IOPs of patients measured with the Tono-pen XL (Medtronic, Solan, USA) tonometer before, during and after HBO2 therapy. Average IOPs were 14.85 +/- 3.17 mmHg (range, 10-24), 13.00 +/- 2.97 mmHg (range, 9-21) and 14.74 +/- 3.12 mmHg (range, 10-22), respectively. IOP was reduced significantly during HBO2 therapy and returned its pre- HBO2 levels after therapy. Our data indicated a statistically significant decrease in IOPs during therapy at 2.5 ATA. This decrease was of minor physiological significance in these patients whose baseline IOP values were within the normal range.

2D layered transport properties from topological insulator Bi2Se3 single crystals and micro flakes.

Low-field magnetotransport measurements of topological insulators such as Bi2Se3 are important for revealing the nature of topological surface states by quantum corrections to the conductivity, such as weak-antilocalization. Recently, a rich variety of high-field magnetotransport properties in the regime of high electron densities (∼10(19) cm(-3)) were reported, which can be related to additional two-dimensional layered conductivity, hampering the identification of the topological surface states. Here, we report that quantum corrections to the electronic conduction are dominated by the surface states for a semiconducting case, which can be analyzed by the Hikami-Larkin-Nagaoka model for two coupled surfaces in the case of strong spin-orbit interaction. However, in the metallic-like case this analysis fails and additional two-dimensional contributions need to be accounted for. Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations and quantized Hall resistance prove as strong indications for the two-dimensional layered metallic behavior. Temperature-dependent magnetotransport properties of high-quality Bi2Se3 single crystalline exfoliated macro and micro flakes are combined with high resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, confirming the structure and stoichiometry. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy proves a single-Dirac-cone surface state and a well-defined bulk band gap in topological insulating state. Spatially resolved core-level photoelectron microscopy demonstrates the surface stability.

Modelling of calcium dynamics in brain energy metabolism and Alzheimer's disease.

Functional imaging techniques play a major role in the study of brain activation by monitoring the changes in blood flow and energy metabolism. In order to interpret functional neuroimaging data better, the existing mathematical models describing the links that may exist between electrical activity, energy metabolism and hemodynamics in literature are thoroughly analyzed for their advantages and disadvantages in terms of their prediction of available experimental data. Then, these models are combined within a single model that includes membrane ionic currents, glycolysis, mitochondrial activity, exchanges through the blood-brain barrier, as well as brain hemodynamics. Particular attention is paid to the transport and storage of calcium ions in neurons since calcium is not only an important molecule for signalling in neurons, but it is also essential for memory storage. Multiple efforts have underlined the importance of calcium dependent cellular processes in the biochemical characterization of Alzheimer's disease (AD), suggesting that abnormalities in calcium homeostasis might be involved in the pathophysiology of the disease. The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate the hypotheses about the physiological or biochemical changes in health and disease and to correlate them to measurable physiological parameters obtained from functional neuroimaging data as in the time course of blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. When calcium dynamics are included in the model, both BOLD signal and metabolite concentration profiles are shown to exhibit temporal behaviour consistent with the experimental data found in literature. In the case of Alzheimer's disease, the effect of halved cerebral blood flow increase results in a negative BOLD signal implying suppressed neural activity.

Irritable bowel syndrome in young and elderly patients with stable asthma.

BACKGROUND: It has been speculated that asthma and irritable bowel syndrome may share common pathophysiological processes. AIM: To estimate the prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in young and elderly patients with stable asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-five young (age < 60 years) and 66 elderly (age > or = 60 years) stable asthmatics, and 119 age-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled. In all participants, presence of irritable bowel syndrome, quality of life and psychological status were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome in asthmatic group was higher than that in the control group (27.5% versus 16.8%; odds ratio, 1.8 [1.0-3.4]; p=0.04). The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome was significantly higher in young asthmatics than in age-matched healthy controls (36.9% versus 20.3%; odds ratio, 2.2 [1.0-5.1]; p=0.04) and than in elderly asthmatics (36.9% versus 18.2%; odds ratio, 0.3 [0.1-0.8]; p=0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified the younger age (odds ratio, 2.1 [1.1-3.8]; p=0.01), and the presence of asthma (odds ratio, 1.9 [1.0-3.5]; p=0.03) as independent risk factors for irritable bowel syndrome in all participants after adjusting for gender. We also found impaired quality of life to be associated with the presence of irritable bowel syndrome and asthma in all participants after adjusting for age and gender. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome appears to be significantly higher in young asthmatics, but not in elderly asthmatics, compared to age-matched healthy counterparts. Potential pathogenic mechanisms of higher irritable bowel syndrome prevalence in young asthmatics need to be explained by further studies.

Feasibility of correlating separation of ternary mixtures of neutral analytes via thin layer chromatography with supercritical fluid chromatography in support of green flash separations.

Method development for normal phase flash liquid chromatography traditionally employs preliminary screening using thin layer chromatography (TLC) with conventional solvents on bare silica. Extension to green flash chromatography via correlation of TLC migration results, with conventional polar/nonpolar liquid mixtures, and packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) retention times, via gradient elution on bare silica with a suite of carbon dioxide mobile phase modifiers, is reported. Feasibility of TLC/SFC correlation is individually described for eight ternary mixtures for a total of 24 neutral analytes. The experimental criteria for TLC/SFC correlation was assumed to be as follows: SFC/UV/MS retention (tR) increases among each of the three resolved mixture components; while, TLC migration (Rf) decreases among the same resolved mixture components. Successful correlation of TLC to SFC was observed for most of the polar organic solvents tested, with the best results observed via SFC on bare silica with methanol as the CO2 modifier and TLC on bare silica with a methanol/dichloromethane mixture.