Quantum multifractality as a probe of phase space in the Dicke model.

We study the multifractal behavior of coherent states projected in the energy eigenbasis of the spin-boson Dicke Hamiltonian, a paradigmatic model describing the collective interaction between a single bosonic mode and a set of two-level systems. By examining the linear approximation and parabolic correction to the mass exponents, we find ergodic and multifractal coherent states and show that they reflect details of the structure of the classical phase space, including chaos, regularity, and features of localization. The analysis of multifractality stands as a sensitive tool to detect changes and structures in phase space, complementary to classical tools to investigate it. We also address the difficulties involved in the multifractal analyses of systems with unbounded Hilbert spaces.

Persistent pulmonary abnormalities after 18 months of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe persistent pulmonary abnormalities detected on HRCT after 18 months of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, and to determine their extension and correlation with pulmonary function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study with an initial cohort of 90 patients in follow-up due to persisting lung abnormalities on imaging, functional respiratory impairment and/or respiratory symptoms. Of these, 31 (34%) were selected for analysis due to the persistence of their lung abnormalities on HRCT at 18 months after infection. A double reading was performed for each HRCT (62 observations). RESULTS: Of the 31 patients included: 20 (65%) were men; mean age was 67 years; 17 (55%) were smokers/ex-smokers. The mean hospitalisation time was 38 days. Eighteen (58%) patients were admitted to intensive care units. Five patients (16%) suffered an acute pulmonary thromboembolism and three (9.7%) had a pneumothorax. The mean time between the onset of pneumonia and the follow-up HRCT was 20.34 months. Nineteen percent of patients suffered from total lung function abnormalities; and ground-glass opacities and reticulation were present in 12% and 4.5% respectively. The findings of the 62 readings were: ground-glass opacities (100%), reticulation (83%), subpleural curvilinear lines (62%), parenchymal bands (34%), traction bronchiectasis (69%), displacement of vessels/fissures (46%) and honeycombing (4.9%). Pulmonary function 18 months after the acute episode revealed a mean FVC of 92% of predicted value, with an FVC < 80% of predicted value in 11 patients (35.4%). Mean DLCO was 71% of predicted value, with a DLCO < 80% in 22 patients (70%). We observed a statistically significant relationship between total lung function abnormalities on HRCT and FVC (P < 0.05), and a trend towards statistical significance with DLCO (P = 0.051); there was a statistically significant relationship between the presence of ground-glass opacities and FEV1/FVC (P < 0.01). The relationships between reticulation and FVC, FVC%, FEV1, FEV1% and DLCO% were also considered statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Persistent interstitial lung abnormalities are seen on HRCT for a subset of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Seventy percent of these patients suffered a slight decrease in DLCO.

A lifestyle adjustments program in long COVID-19 improves symptomatic severity and quality of life. A randomized control trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a therapeutic intervention based on self-adjustment strategies for improving of symptomatic severity and quality of life. METHODS: The study was a randomised single-blind clinical trial. Quality of life, disability, and functional impairment were collected. The control group received a leaflet with information on the main symptoms of Long-COVID-19 syndrome, in addition to standard medical treatment. The intervention group received treatment following a dual approach; on the one hand, monitoring and recognition of symptomatology and on the other hand, adaptation and functional improvement. RESULTS: A total of 54 participants were included, 27 were included in the intervention group and 27 in the control group. At the beginning of the study, no significant differences were found between groups. After intervention, the quality of life variable showed significant differences between groups in the self-care and anxiety/depression dimensions. Significant between-groups differences were also found for the self-care subscale of the disability variable. The intervention group showed significant differences from baseline on some subscales of the quality of life, disability, and functional impairment variables. CONCLUSION: Strategies based on lifestyle adjustments are adequate for the improvement of quality of life and symptom severity in the long COVID-19 population. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: The findings suggest that applying an intervention focused in self-adjustment for long COVID patients can have positive effects.

Real-world EGFR testing practices for non-small-cell lung cancer by thoracic pathology laboratories across Europe.

BACKGROUND: Testing for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is an essential recommendation in guidelines for metastatic non-squamous non-small-cell lung cancer, and is considered mandatory in European countries. However, in practice, challenges are often faced when carrying out routine biomarker testing, including access to testing, inadequate tissue samples and long turnaround times (TATs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: To evaluate the real-world EGFR testing practices of European pathology laboratories, an online survey was set up and validated by the Pulmonary Pathology Working Group of the European Society of Pathology and distributed to 64 expert testing laboratories. The retrospective survey focussed on laboratory organisation and daily EGFR testing practice of pathologists and molecular biologists between 2018 and 2021. RESULTS: TATs varied greatly both between and within countries. These discrepancies may be partly due to reflex testing practices, as 20.8% of laboratories carried out EGFR testing only at the request of the clinician. Many laboratories across Europe still favour single-test sequencing as a primary method of EGFR mutation identification; 32.7% indicated that they only used targeted techniques and 45.1% used single-gene testing followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS), depending on the case. Reported testing rates were consistent over time with no significant decrease in the number of EGFR tests carried out in 2020, despite the increased pressure faced by testing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. ISO 15189 accreditation was reported by 42.0% of molecular biology laboratories for single-test sequencing, and by 42.3% for NGS. 92.5% of laboratories indicated they regularly participate in an external quality assessment scheme. CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the strong heterogeneity of EGFR testing that still occurs within thoracic pathology and molecular biology laboratories across Europe. Even among expert testing facilities there is variability in testing capabilities, TAT, reflex testing practice and laboratory accreditation, stressing the need to harmonise reimbursement technologies and decision-making algorithms in Europe.

Antibacterial Effect of Ethanolic Extracts of Dodonaea viscosa L. Jacq. and Mammea americana L. against Staphylococci Isolated from Skin Lesions.

Background: The resistance to antibiotics shown by some dermatological pathogenic microorganisms has increased the interest of pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in developing natural products that possess different biological activities, including antimicrobial effects. Methods: In the present investigation, the antibacterial activity of ethanolic extracts of Dodonaea viscosa aerial part and Mammea americana leaves and seed was evaluated against resistant strains of Staphylococcus isolated from skin lesions and against S. aureus ATCC 25923 (reference strain). Column chromatography (CC) and preparative thin-layer chromatography (PTLC) were used to obtain separate fractions of the seed extract of M. americana. We also determined the antimicrobial resistance of the strains against antibiotics using the agar disc diffusion assay. In addition, phytochemical screening was performed by colorimetric standard techniques. Results: M. americana seed extract showed the highest antibacterial activity with MBC from 2.3 µg/mL to 19.5 µg/mL without differences with gentamicin (p = 0.998). The isolated strain S. epidermidis I showed the highest antimicrobial resistance against the tested antibiotics. PTLC-fractions of M. americana seed extract showed MBC from 3.2 µg/mL to 40.7 µg/mL against S. epidermidis I and S. aureus 25923 (reference), respectively, which suggests a synergistic effect of the secondary metabolites present in the crude ethanolic extract compared to its active PTLC-fractions, where only coumarins and compounds with lactone groups were detected in the phytochemical screening. Conclusion: M. americana seed extract has promising effects that should be considered in further studies as an alternative or adjuvant in treating skin infections caused by staphylococci.

Discovery of Gamma Rays from the Quiescent Sun with HAWC.

We report the first detection of a TeV γ-ray flux from the solar disk (6.3σ), based on 6.1 years of data from the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) observatory. The 0.5-2.6 TeV spectrum is well fit by a power law, dN/dE=A(E/1 TeV)^{-γ}, with A=(1.6±0.3)×10^{-12} TeV^{-1} cm^{-2} s^{-1} and γ=3.62±0.14. The flux shows a strong indication of anticorrelation with solar activity. These results extend the bright, hard GeV emission from the disk observed with Fermi-LAT, seemingly due to hadronic Galactic cosmic rays showering on nuclei in the solar atmosphere. However, current theoretical models are unable to explain the details of how solar magnetic fields shape these interactions. HAWC's TeV detection thus deepens the mysteries of the solar-disk emission.

Microsurgical clipping as a retreatment strategy for previously ruptured aneurysms treated with the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device: a mono-institutional case series.

BACKGROUND: Since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2018, the flow disruptor Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device has become increasingly popular for the endovascular treatment of unruptured and ruptured cerebral aneurysms. However, the occlusion rates seem rather low and the retreatment rates rather high compared to other treatment methods. For initially ruptured aneurysms, a retreatment rate of 13 % has been reported. A variety of retreatment strategies has been proposed; however, there is a paucity of data concerning microsurgical clipping of WEB-pretreated aneurysms, especially previously ruptured ones. Thus, we present a single-center series of five ruptured aneurysms treated with the WEB device and retreated with microsurgical clipping. METHODS: A retrospective study including all patients presenting with a ruptured aneurysm undergoing WEB treatment at our institution between 2019 and 2021 was performed. Subsequently, all patients with an aneurysm remnant or recurrence of the target aneurysm retreated with microsurgical clipping were identified. RESULTS: Overall, five patients with a ruptured aneurysm treated with WEB and retreated with microsurgical clipping were included. Besides one basilar apex aneurysm, all aneurysms were located at the anterior communicating artery (AComA) complex. All aneurysms were wide-necked with a mean dome-to-neck ratio of 1.5. Clipping was feasible and safe in all aneurysms, and complete occlusion was achieved in 4 of 5 aneurysms. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical clipping for initially ruptured WEB-treated aneurysms is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment method in well-selected patients.

SPATIAL VARIATION IN HELMINTH PARASITE COMMUNITIES OF THE FRENCH GRUNT, HAEMULON FLAVOLINEATUM (TELEOSTEI: HAEMULIDAE), FROM THE YUCATAN PENINSULA.

The French grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum, is an abundant fish and a good model for studying parasite communities. Specimens were collected at 4 localities between the Campeche Bank (within the Gulf of Mexico) and the Mexican Caribbean Sea to describe and compare the differences and similarities between localities and regions in the communities of parasitic helminths. Thus, we calculated the Hill numbers associated with species richness (q = 0) and the dominance estimator (q = 2) using rarefaction and extrapolation curves to provide asymptotic estimators of diversity. A 2-way PERMANOVA was used to determine whether there was a significant difference in parasite assemblage structure between localities or regions. A total of 11 helminth taxa (species level) were recorded in 104 individuals of H. flavolineatum, consisting of 8 digenean trematodes species, 2 acanthocephalan species, and 1 nematode species. Our findings include new reports of 7 parasite taxa and new geographical records for some parasites in H. flavolineatum. The highest dissimilarities in parasite composition were observed between the most distant locations (Banco Chinchorro vs. Cayo Arcas) that were each located in different regions. Species richness was similar between regions, although the most dominant helminths were Postmonorchis orthopristis and Dollfustrema sp. in the Mexican Caribbean and Campeche Bank regions, respectively. Future studies should explore how patterns in parasite community structure are affected by currents running south to north by the Yucatan Current through the Yucatan Channel and easterly to Campeche Bank.

Temporal reflection and refraction in the presence of a zero-nonlinearity wavelength.

We put forth a theoretical model allowing for the analysis of short-pulse interactions at time boundaries in waveguides with arbitrary frequency-dependent nonlinear profiles, in particular those exhibiting a zero-nonlinearity wavelength. Moreover, this is performed within a photon-conserving framework, thus circumventing use of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in such scenarios, as it may lead to unphysical outcomes. Results indicate that the waveguide zero-nonlinearity wavelength has a great influence on said interactions, specifically by defining spectral bands where either signal total reflection or signal transmission can occur. We believe these findings to be of relevance in the area of all-optical switching schemes based on the interaction of short pulses in nonlinear media.

Evaluation of stress response in black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in arid regions from colonies in Chihuahua Mexico.

Among all the regulatory homeostatic networks in vertebrates, the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal axis during the stress response, has gained considerable attention, and the measurement of fecal glucocorticoids (FGC) has become an invaluable tool to assess adrenocortical activity related to stressful events in wild and captive animals. However, the use of FGC requires the validation of measurement techniques and the proper selection of the specific hormone according to the study species. The main objective of this study was to identify the dominant glucocorticoid (GC) hormone in the stress response of black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) in an arid grassland of Chihuahua, Mexico. A capture stress challenge in the field was developed to determine if the levels of glucocorticoids (cortisol and corticosterone) both in serum and fecal samples could be attributed to stress in Cynomys ludovicianus. The samples were analysed with the technique of liquid phase radioimmunoassay , and this study showed that both cortisol and corticosterone are present at measurable levels in serum and fecal samples of black-tailed prairie dogs. We found that both GCs were present in similar concentrations in serum, however, corticosterone concentration in fecal samples was higher than cortisol. Likewise, biochemical validations performed in this study to test the assay reached acceptable levels of reliability. Therefore, we confirm that fecal analysis can be implemented as a method to measure stress responses in wild prairie dogs.

The Debye length and anionic transport properties of composite membranes based on supported ionic liquid-like phases (SILLPS).

An analysis of the ionic transport properties of BMIM [NTf2] in supported ionic-liquid-like phase (SILLP)-based membranes has been carried out based on experimental impedance spectroscopy measurements. The direct current (dc)-conductivity was analyzed to determine the temperature and frequency dependence. The fit of the loss tangent curve data with the Cole-Cole approximation of the electrode polarization model provides the conductivity, diffusivity, and density of charge carriers. Among these quantities, a significant increase in conductivity is observed when an ionic liquid is added to the polymeric matrix containing imidazolium fragments. The use of a recent generalization of Eyring's absolute rate theory allowed the elucidation of how the local entropy restrictions, due to the porosity of the polymeric matrix, control the conductive process. The fit of the conductivity data as a function of temperature manifests the behavior of the excess entropy with respect to the temperature. The activation entropy and enthalpy were also determined. Our results correlate the Debye length (LD) with the experimental values of conductivity, electrode polarization relaxation time, and sample relaxation time involved. Our work provides novel insights into the description of ionic transport in membranes as the diffusivity, mobility, and free charge density depend on the LD. Moreover, we discuss the behavior of the polarization relaxation time, the sample relaxation time, and the static permittivity as a function of the temperature.

Neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica en pacientes con neumonía grave por SARS-CoV-2 / Ventilation associated pneumonia in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

Introducción: Los pacientes con COVID-19 pueden evolucionar hacia una falla respiratoria aguda grave y requerir ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI). La complicación más frecuente en estos pacientes es la neumonía asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM), con incidencias reportadas más altas que en la época pre-COVID. El objetivo de este estudio es reportar la incidencia, tasa de incidencia y microbiología de la NAVM en pacientes en VMI con COVID-19. Métodos: Se incluyeron a todos los pacientes con neumonía grave y PCR (+) para SARS-CoV-2 que ingresaron y requirieron VMI entre marzo y julio del 2021 en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT). Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y de laboratorio de la ficha electrónica. Se registraron y caracterizaron los casos de neumonía asociado a la ventilación mecánica. Resultados: Se incluyeron 112 pacientes de los cuales el 42,8% presentó NAVM, con una tasa de incidencia de 28,8/1.000 días de VMI. Los microorganismos aislados más frecuentes fueron Klebsiella pneumoniae (29,6%), Staphylococcus aureus (21,8%) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12,5%). Los pacientes que cursaron NAVM estuvieron casi el doble de tiempo en VMI, pero sin presentar aumento de la mortalidad. Conclusión: La NAVM es una complicación frecuente en los pacientes con neumonía grave asociada a COVID-19. La microbiología de estas entidades no ha cambiado respecto a la era pre-pandémica. Estos resultados cobran relevancia en el inicio y suspensión de antibióticos en este grupo de pacientes.

Introduction: Patients with COVID-19 can progress to severe acute respiratory failure and require invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). The most frequent complication in these patients is ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), with higher reported incidences than in the pre-COVID era. The objective of this study is to report the prevalence, incidence rate and microbiology of VAP in patients on IMV with COVID-19. Methods: Patients with severe pneumonia and PCR (+) for SARS-CoV-2 who were admitted to IMV between march and july 2021 at the Instituto Nacional del Tórax (Chile) were included. Demographic, clinical and laboratory data from electronic records were collected. Cases of pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation were recorded and characterized. Results: 112 patients were included, 42.8% of them presented VAP with an incidence rate of 28.8/1,000 IMV days. The most frequent isolated microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (29.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (21.8%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.5%). Patients who underwent VAP spent almost twice as long on IMV, although they had not increase in mortality. Conclusion: VAP is a common complication in patients with severe pneumonia associated with COVID-19. The microbiology of these entities has not changed from the pre-pandemic era. These results become relevant in the initiation and suspension of antibiotics in this group of patients.

Rapidly progressive orbital intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia in a newborn.

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as "vegetant intravascular haemangioendothelioma", is a rare benign proliferation of vascular endothelial cells secondary to intravascular thrombosis and thrombus organisation. It can develop from vascular lesions such as haemangiomas, pyogenic granulomas or varicose veins. This vascular tumour of the skin and subcutaneous tissue may exhibit rapid and progressive growth, and is usually located in the neck or head. Ocular presentation is unusual and orbital involvement is even rarer. We report a case of a preterm newborn male with a rapidly growing left orbital mass that was histologically diagnosed as intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. He was successfully managed with total excision of the tumour and propranolol therapy and remains recurrence free after an eight-year follow-up.

Hiperplasia endotelial papilar intravascular orbitaria rápidamente progresiva en un recién nacido / Rapidly progressive orbital intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia in a newborn

La hiperplasia endotelial papilar intravascular (IPEH), también conocida como «hemangioendotelioma vegetante intravascular», es una proliferación benigna y rara de células endoteliales vasculares, secundaria a trombosis intravascular u organización del trombo. Puede desarrollarse a partir de lesiones vasculares como hemangiomas, granulomas piógenos o várices. Este tumor vascular de la piel y del tejido subcutáneo puede presentarse como crecimiento rápido y progresivo, y es usualmente localizado en cuello o cabeza. La presentación ocular es inusual y la afectación orbitaria es todavía más rara. Presentamos un caso de un varón recién nacido pretérmino, el cual presentó una masa orbitaria izquierda de crecimiento rápidamente progresivo y se obtuvo el diagnóstico por histología de hiperplasia endotelial papilar intravascular. El paciente fue exitosamente tratado mediante una escisión total del tumor y terapia con propranolol. Actualmente, después de un seguimiento de ocho años, ha permanecido sin recurrencias (AU)

Intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), also known as “vegetant intravascular haemangioendothelioma”, is a rare benign proliferation of vascular endothelial cells secondary to intravascular thrombosis and thrombus organisation. It can develop from vascular lesions such as haemangiomas, pyogenic granulomas or varicose veins. This vascular tumour of the skin and subcutaneous tissue may exhibit rapid and progressive growth, and is usually located in the neck or head. Ocular presentation is unusual and orbital involvement is even rarer. We report a case of a preterm newborn male with a rapidly growing left orbital mass that was histologically diagnosed as intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia. He was successfully managed with total excision of the tumour and propranolol therapy and remains recurrence free after an eight-year follow-up (AU)

Risky business in Georgia's wild birds: contact rates between wild birds and backyard chickens is influenced by supplemental feed.

Backyard chickens are increasingly popular, and their husbandry varies widely. How backyard chickens are housed may influence the accessibility of chicken feed and water to wild birds, and thus, the contact rates between both groups. Increased contacts have implications for pathogen transmission; for instance, Newcastle disease virus or avian influenza virus may be transmitted to and from backyard chickens from contaminated water or feed. Given this potentially increased pathogen risk to wild birds and backyard chickens, we examined which wild bird species are likely to encounter backyard chickens and their resources. We performed a supplemental feeding experiment followed by observations at three sites associated with backyard chickens in North Georgia, USA. At each site, we identified the species of wild birds that: (a) shared habitat with the chickens, (b) had a higher frequency of detection relative to other species and (c) encountered the coops. We identified 14 wild bird species that entered the coops to consume supplemental feed and were considered high-risk for pathogen transmission. Our results provide evidence that contact between wild birds and backyard chickens is frequent and more common than previously believed, which has crucial epidemiological implications for wildlife managers and backyard chicken owners.

Comparison of 2 Anesthetic Techniques in Onychocryptosis Surgery of the Great Toe: A Randomized Clinical Trial. / Comparación de 2 técnicas de bloqueo anestésico en el tratamiento quirúrgico de onicocriptosis del primer dedo del pie.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Surgery for an ingrown toenail of the great toe is a common procedure that requires an anesthetic neuromuscular blockade of the entire digit. Various digital block techniques have been described, but no evidence-based recommendations on the best choice have emerged. We aimed to compare the V block to the H block in this type of surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Multicenter randomized clinical trial in patients undergoing onychocryptosis surgery between February 2018 and February 2020. We recorded sex, age, foot intervened, type of blockade used (H block or V block), efficacy 10 and 20minutes after injection of the anesthetic, and number of attempts. RESULTS: A total of 140 surgeries to treat ingrown toenails were assigned to 2 groups (H block or V block) of 70 patients each. The same anesthetic, dose, and volume were used in all cases. The V technique produced a better neuromuscular block in 7.2% more cases at 10minutes and in 12.8% more at 20minutes. CONCLUSIONS: Both block techniques are safe and effective. The V block is a good alternative to the H block in patients undergoing surgery to treat an ingrown toenail.