Safety and efficacy of smart tracheal occlusion device in diaphragmatic hernia lamb model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of the 'smart' tracheal occlusion (Smart-TO) device in fetal lambs with diaphragmatic hernia (DH). METHODS: DH was created in fetal lambs on gestational day 70 (term, 145 days). Fetuses were allocated to either pregnancy continuation until term (DH group) or fetoscopic endoluminal tracheal occlusion (TO), performed using the Smart-TO balloon on gestational day 97 (DH + TO group). On gestational day 116, the presence of the balloon was confirmed on ultrasound, then the ewe was walked around a 3.0-Tesla magnetic resonance scanner for balloon deflation, which was confirmed by ultrasound immediately afterwards. At term, euthanasia was performed and the fetus retrieved. Efficacy of occlusion was assessed by the lung-to-body-weight ratio (LBWR) and lung morphometry. Safety parameters included tracheal side effects assessed by morphometry and balloon location after deflation. The unoccluded DH lambs served as a comparator. RESULTS: Six fetuses were included in the DH group and seven in the DH + TO group. All balloons deflated successfully and were expelled spontaneously from the airways. In the DH + TO group, in comparison to controls, the LBWR at birth was significantly higher (1.90 (interquartile range (IQR), 1.43-2.55) vs 1.07 (IQR, 0.93-1.46); P = 0.005), while on lung morphometry, the alveolar size was significantly increased (mean linear intercept, 47.5 (IQR, 45.6-48.1) vs 41.9 (IQR, 38.8-46.1) µm; P = 0.03); whereas airway complexity was lower (mean terminal bronchiolar density, 1.56 (IQR, 1.0-1.81) vs 2.23 (IQR, 2.14-2.40) br/mm2 ; P = 0.005). Tracheal changes on histology were minimal in both groups, but more noticeable in fetal lambs that underwent TO than in unoccluded lambs (tracheal score, 2 (IQR, 1-3) vs 0 (0-1); P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In fetal lambs with DH, TO using the Smart-TO balloon is effective and safe. Occlusion can be reversed non-invasively and the deflated intact balloon expelled spontaneously from the fetal upper airways. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pet dogs potential transmitters of pathogenic Escherichia coli with resistance to antimicrobials.

Escherichia coli strains are part of the normal biota of humans and animals; however, several clinical reports have implicated E. coli as the etiological agent of diarrhea in humans and companion animals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to know if companion dogs in the city of San Luis Potosi are colonized with virulent potentially harmful E. coli strains. Rectal swabs from 30 dogs, 13 with and 17 without diarrhea were analyzed. Phylogenetic and virulence genes analysis was performed to the E. coli isolates. Additionally, the Kirby-Bauer test was used to analyze the sensitivity to 32 different antimicrobials from 14 families. Eighty-five isolates were identified as E. coli and detected in 97% of healthy and diarrheic dog samples. E. coli isolates from healthy dogs carried several virulence genes, in contrast with those from diarrheic animals that presented only eaeA. In healthy dogs, phylogenetic analysis showed that 57% and 43% of E. coli isolates belonged to commensal (A and B1) and virulent (B2 and D) groups respectively. Meanwhile, diarrheic dogs showed that 69% of the isolates were identified as virulent B2 and D phylogroups. Moreover, E. coli resistant to ß-lactams, aminoglycosides, tetracycline, quinolones, and folate inhibitors were detected in both groups of dogs. The presence of E. coli with eaeA virulence gene in diarrheic dogs, suggest that these strains are associated with the animal´s condition. Finally, major attention must be drawn to the careful handling of dogs because of their capability to harbor and disseminate virulent E. coli strains.

Nanophotonic quantum phase switch with a single atom.

By analogy to transistors in classical electronic circuits, quantum optical switches are important elements of quantum circuits and quantum networks. Operated at the fundamental limit where a single quantum of light or matter controls another field or material system, such a switch may enable applications such as long-distance quantum communication, distributed quantum information processing and metrology, and the exploration of novel quantum states of matter. Here, by strongly coupling a photon to a single atom trapped in the near field of a nanoscale photonic crystal cavity, we realize a system in which a single atom switches the phase of a photon and a single photon modifies the atom's phase. We experimentally demonstrate an atom-induced optical phase shift that is nonlinear at the two-photon level, a photon number router that separates individual photons and photon pairs into different output modes, and a single-photon switch in which a single 'gate' photon controls the propagation of a subsequent probe field. These techniques pave the way to integrated quantum nanophotonic networks involving multiple atomic nodes connected by guided light.

Using the variability of linkage disequilibrium between subpopulations to infer sweeps and epistatic selection in a diverse panel of chickens.

A whole-genome scan for identifying selection acting on pairs of linked loci is proposed and implemented. The scan is based on , one of Ohta's 1982 measures of between-population linkage disequilibrium (LD). An approximate empirical null distribution for the statistic is suggested. Although the partitioning of LD into between-population components was originally used to investigate epistatic selection, we demonstrate that values of may also be influenced by single-locus selective sweeps with linkage but no epistasis. The proposed scan is implemented in a diverse panel of chickens including 72 distinct breeds genotyped at 538 298 single-nucleotide polymorphisms. In all, 1723 locus pairs are identified as putatively corresponding to a selective sweep or epistatic selection. These pairs of loci generally cluster to form overlapping or neighboring signals of selection. Known variants that were expected to have been under selection in the panel are identified, as well as an assortment of novel regions that have putatively been under selection in chickens. Notably, a promising pair of genes located 8 MB apart on chromosome 9 are identified based on as demonstrating strong evidence of dispersive epistatic selection between populations.

Efficient readout of a single spin state in diamond via spin-to-charge conversion.

Efficient readout of individual electronic spins associated with atomlike impurities in the solid state is essential for applications in quantum information processing and quantum metrology. We demonstrate a new method for efficient spin readout of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond. The method is based on conversion of the electronic spin state of the NV to a charge-state distribution, followed by single-shot readout of the charge state. Conversion is achieved through a spin-dependent photoionization process in diamond at room temperature. Using NVs in nanofabricated diamond beams, we demonstrate that the resulting spin readout noise is within a factor of 3 of the spin projection noise level. Applications of this technique for nanoscale magnetic sensing are discussed.

Hallauer's Tusón: a decade of selection for tropical-to-temperate phenological adaptation in maize.

Crop species exhibit an astounding capacity for environmental adaptation, but genetic bottlenecks resulting from intense selection for adaptation and productivity can lead to a genetically vulnerable crop. Improving the genetic resiliency of temperate maize depends upon the use of tropical germplasm, which harbors a rich source of natural allelic diversity. Here, the adaptation process was studied in a tropical maize population subjected to 10 recurrent generations of directional selection for early flowering in a single temperate environment in Iowa, USA. We evaluated the response to this selection across a geographical range spanning from 43.05° (WI) to 18.00° (PR) latitude. The capacity for an all-tropical maize population to become adapted to a temperate environment was revealed in a marked fashion: on average, families from generation 10 flowered 20 days earlier than families in generation 0, with a nine-day separation between the latest generation 10 family and the earliest generation 0 family. Results suggest that adaptation was primarily due to selection on genetic main effects tailored to temperature-dependent plasticity in flowering time. Genotype-by-environment interactions represented a relatively small component of the phenotypic variation in flowering time, but were sufficient to produce a signature of localized adaptation that radiated latitudinally, in partial association with daylength and temperature, from the original location of selection. Furthermore, the original population exhibited a maladaptive syndrome including excessive ear and plant heights along with later flowering; this was reduced in frequency by selection for flowering time.

Coherent optical transitions in implanted nitrogen vacancy centers.

We report the observation of stable optical transitions in nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers created by ion implantation. Using a combination of high temperature annealing and subsequent surface treatment, we reproducibly create NV centers with zero-phonon lines (ZPL) exhibiting spectral diffusion that is close to the lifetime-limited optical line width. The residual spectral diffusion is further reduced by using resonant optical pumping to maintain the NV(-) charge state. This approach allows for placement of NV centers with excellent optical coherence in a well-defined device layer, which is a crucial step in the development of diamond-based devices for quantum optics, nanophotonics, and quantum information science.

Current status of prenatal diagnosis in Cuba: causes of low prevalence of Down syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis in Cuba and to analyze possible causes leading to a low Down syndrome prevalence in a country where the triple test is not available. METHODS: An analysis of the Cuban program in prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis from 1984 to 2012 was conducted. Results are described, with particular emphasis on indications, abnormal results, types of invasive procedures, and terminations of pregnancy. RESULTS: Cytogenetic prenatal diagnostic analyses (n = 75,095) were conducted; maternal age was the indication for 77.9% of the amniocenteses and chorionic villus samplings. The detection rate of chromosomally abnormal pregnancies was 2.3% for maternal age and increased to 8-9% for other indications. When a chromosomal abnormality was identified, 88.5% terminated the pregnancy. In 2002, the live birth prevalence of Down syndrome was 8.4 per 10,000 live births, and in 2012, 7 per 10,000. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis in Cuba has contributed to a significant reduction in chromosomal aberrations. The impact increased because of the demographic trends of the population, the high index of terminations of pregnancy, and the establishment of a network of cytogenetic laboratories throughout Cuba.

Coupling of NV centers to photonic crystal nanobeams in diamond.

The realization of efficient optical interfaces for solid-state atom-like systems is an important problem in quantum science with potential applications in quantum communications and quantum information processing. We describe and demonstrate a technique for coupling single nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers to suspended diamond photonic crystal cavities with quality factors up to 6000. Specifically, we present an enhancement of the NV center's zero-phonon line fluorescence by a factor of ~ 7 in low-temperature measurements.

Nuclear magnetic resonance detection and spectroscopy of single proteins using quantum logic.

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is a powerful tool for the structural analysis of organic compounds and biomolecules but typically requires macroscopic sample quantities. We use a sensor, which consists of two quantum bits corresponding to an electronic spin and an ancillary nuclear spin, to demonstrate room temperature magnetic resonance detection and spectroscopy of multiple nuclear species within individual ubiquitin proteins attached to the diamond surface. Using quantum logic to improve readout fidelity and a surface-treatment technique to extend the spin coherence time of shallow nitrogen-vacancy centers, we demonstrate magnetic field sensitivity sufficient to detect individual proton spins within 1 second of integration. This gain in sensitivity enables high-confidence detection of individual proteins and allows us to observe spectral features that reveal information about their chemical composition.

Parenteral magnesium sulphate restores regional contractile function in the post-ischaemic canine myocardium.

The effects of parenteral magnesium sulphate (MS) on the regional contractile response of stunned myocardium was examined in 45 pentobarbital anaesthetized dogs. The hearts were instrumented to measure left ventricular pressure (LVP), coronary flow velocity (CFV), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and regional contractile function (percent segment shortening, %S; and end-diastolic segment length, EDL). Stunning was produced by a 10 min occlusion of the first descending branch of the left circumflex coronary artery. Immediately upon release of the occlusion, either magnesium sulphate or a dextrose vehicle (D5W, n = 15) was infused. Magnesium sulphate was given intravenously (IV-MS, 100 mg/kg, n = 15) or intracoronarily (IC-MS, 1.5 mg/kg, n = 15). Coronary occlusion was consistently associated with significant decreases in coronary flow velocity and %S in all groups. Following IV-MS, heart rate (HR) and mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly from preocclusion values, whereas end-diastolic segment length tended to increase and left ventricular pressure remained constant. IC-MS did not produce any changes in heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, end- diastolic segment length or left ventricular pressure. At the end of the magnesium sulphate infusion (IV or IC), and for the next 60 min, %S returned to or above pre-occlusion values (P < 0.05 vs. D5W). Dyskinesia and hypokinesia were abolished in the magnesium sulphate groups, but were still present in the D5W group at the end of the 60 min period (P < 0.05 vs. pre-occlusion). We conclude that parenteral magnesium sulphate significantly improves regional contractile function in the stunned myocardium. Data from the IC-MS group would suggest a direct myocardial effect, independent of changes in preload, afterload, heart rate or flow.

[Factors associated with the use and adaptation of hospitalization in people over than 64 years of age]. / Factores asociados con el uso y adecuación de la hospitalización en personas mayores de 64 años.

BACKGROUND: Some social, medical or functional aspects are associated with a greater use of health care resources, although this does not necessarily imply an inappropriate usage of the same. The aim of this research is that of ascertaining the influence of health condition on hospital stays and inappropriate stays among the population over 64 years of age. METHODS: A cohort representative of the population over age 64 in the Judicial District of Toledo (n = 3214) whose health condition had been previously evaluated was studied over an eighteen-month period identifying the income and length of stays at the public hospitals, the appropriateness of which was evaluated by the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol. Associations analyzed were those of the cohort socio-demographic characteristics, health condition-related variables and morbidity with frequency and hospitalization rates and with inappropriate stays and admissions. RESULTS: During the 18 months of study 410 individuals were hospitalized, who generated 546 admissions (frequency rate = 17.0 admissions/100 rooms) and 7015 stay days (hospitalization rate = 218.3 stays/100 rooms), 18.9% of the admissions and 49.9% of the stays were evaluated as inappropriate. Hospitalization was associated with a worse health condition, institutionalization, male sex, certain pathologies and previous health services usage. Patients characteristics were not associated with the percentage of inappropriate stays. 97.5% of inappropriate stays were attributed to hospital scheduling problems and physicians' practices. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-demographic factors, morbidity, health condition and previous health service usage are shown as good hospitalization predictors for senior citizens, but these factors are not related to inappropriate hospitalization usage.

Coupling a single trapped atom to a nanoscale optical cavity.

Hybrid quantum devices, in which dissimilar quantum systems are combined in order to attain qualities not available with either system alone, may enable far-reaching control in quantum measurement, sensing, and information processing. A paradigmatic example is trapped ultracold atoms, which offer excellent quantum coherent properties, coupled to nanoscale solid-state systems, which allow for strong interactions. We demonstrate a deterministic interface between a single trapped rubidium atom and a nanoscale photonic crystal cavity. Precise control over the atom's position allows us to probe the cavity near-field with a resolution below the diffraction limit and to observe large atom-photon coupling. This approach may enable the realization of integrated, strongly coupled quantum nano-optical circuits.

Potential of fermentation byproducts as nitrogen supplements for lactating dairy cows.

Two feeding trials evaluated several byproducts from commercial amino acid fermentations as N supplements for lactating cows. Trial 1 was a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square that used 2-wk periods and 25 Holstein cows (five with ruminal cannulae) fed diets containing [dry matter (DM) basis] 28% alfalfa silage, 31% corn silage, 28% high moisture ear corn plus 4 percentage units of crude protein (CP) from: soybean meal, urea, commercial fermentation byproduct 1 or 2, or a blend of fermentation byproducts plus wheat middlings. Diets averaged 15.1% CP and 32% neutral detergent fiber. Intake of DM, body weight (BW) gain, and yield of milk and milk components were greatest for cows fed soybean meal; animal performance was similar with urea, byproduct 1 and the byproduct blend. Intake, BW change, and yield of milk and protein when cows were fed byproduct 2 were lower than when fed urea. Urine output (estimated with creatinine in spot urine samples) was greater on fermentation byproduct 1 and the byproduct blend. There were no differences due to N source in microbial synthesis (based on estimated purine derivative excretion), in situ digestion of alfalfa hay DM, or molar proportions of ruminal volatile fatty acids. Trial 2 was a replicated 5 x 5 Latin square using 2-wk periods and 10 Holstein cows fed diets containing (DM basis) 37% alfalfa silage, 28% corn silage, 29% high moisture ear corn plus 2 percentage units of CP from urea, fermentation byproduct 1, or one of three blends of fermentation byproducts plus wheat middlings. Except for greater DM intake in cows fed the byproduct blends, performance and urinary metabolite excretion did not differ because of N supplement. Relative to other fermentation byproducts and urea, byproduct 1 resulted in reduced milk urea N in both trials. Under the conditions of these trials, fermentation byproducts were less effective than soybean meal, and no more effective than urea, as N supplements.

Anomalías de la vena cava inferior y dolor pélvico crónico en la mujer / Anomalies of the inferior cava vein and chronic pelvic pain in the woman

Se admite la existencia de una disfunción circulatoria en la pelvis, esencialmente bajo la forma de una congestión pelviana, que explicaría en parte, la génesis del síndrome doloroso Pélvico Crónico. Se seleccionan clínicamente 20 pacientes del sexo femenino que padecían de dolor pélvico crónico a las cuales se realizo estudio Doppler a color abdominal y transvaginal. Los casos con sospecha hemodinámica de várices pélvicas se les realiza Flebografía Pélvica selectiva con la finalidad de confirmar el diagnóstico y tratamiento endovascular en un mismo proceder en los pacientes que meritaban ser tratados. Mostramos 2 anomalías de la Vena Cava Inferior (VCI) en mujeres con dolor pélvico crónico que resultaron ser “hallazgos” de la investigación .En los pacientes estudiados no se pudo precisar por US Doppler ninguna anomalía de la Vena Cava siendo detectada por flebografía una Agenesia de VCI y Vena Cava Doble las cuales fueron confirmadas por Angiotac.. Puede concluirse que tanto la Agenesia de la VCI y Vena Cava Doble producen una insuficiencia venosa centrípeta responsables de la congestión pélvica y por tanto es una causa del dolor pélvico crónico, estas anomalías pueden escapar al diagnóstico clínico y al Us Doppler a color (AU)

A circulatory malfunction is accepted; mainly under the form of pelvic congestion wish explains the genesis of the pelvic painsyndrome to a great extent.. 20 female patients with pelvic pain were clinically chosen. These patients underwent a color abdominal and transvaginal Doppler. The cases pelvic varicose veins pelvic under hemodynamic suspicion undergo a selective pelvic phlebography with the purpose of confirming both the diagnosis and treatment in the same process. Show two anomalies of the lower cava vein in women suffering from pelvic pain. In the patients studied no cava vein anomaly was detected by US Doppler. The agenesis or lack of the lower cava vein and the double cava vein were detected with the phlebography and were confirmed by the Angiotac. We get to the conclusion that both, the lack of the lower cava vein and the double cava vein cause a centripetal venous insufficiency me be responsible for pelvic congestion and chronic pelvic pain. These anomalies may escape clinic diagnosis and US color Doppler (AU)