Reachability Deficits in Quantum Approximate Optimization.

The quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA) has rapidly become a cornerstone of contemporary quantum algorithm development. Despite a growing range of applications, only a few results have been developed towards understanding the algorithm's ultimate limitations. Here we report that QAOA exhibits a strong dependence on a problem instances constraint to variable ratio-this problem density places a limiting restriction on the algorithms capacity to minimize a corresponding objective function (and hence solve optimization problem instances). Such reachability deficits persist even in the absence of barren plateaus and are outside of the recently reported level-1 QAOA limitations. These findings are among the first to determine strong limitations on variational quantum approximate optimization.

Primer design to assess bacterial degradation of glyphosate and other phosphonates.

Phosphonates are organic phosphorous (P) compounds frequently detected in the environment due to a very stable CP bond that render them relatively recalcitrant. Glyphosate [N-phosphonomethyl glycine] is the most widely used and best-known synthetic phosphonate, and one of the most concerning herbicides in the world today. Microbial degradation of glyphosate and organophosphonates in general, is the main dissipation mechanism operating in most environments. One microbial metabolic pathway in this process is the CP lyase pathway, entailing an enzymatic complex encoded by about 14 genes (the Phn operon). Our goal was to develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for a key enzyme, the CP lyase that breaks down the CP bond, via quantification of the codifying phnJ gene. The primers designed in this study fulfill the requirements for a successful qPCR assay, with high efficiency and sensitivity, as well as specific detection of the target sequence in a wide range of taxonomic groups. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of primers designed to target phnJ in both pure cultures and metagenomic DNA from different environmental sources. Direct quantification of phnJ may be a cost-effective proxy to determine glyphosate degradation potential in different matrixes.

Design, development and characterization of buccal bioadhesive films of Doxepin for treatment of odontalgia.

Tricyclic antidepressants, as doxepin hydrochloride (DH), may have analgesic local effect due to its biochemical mechanism of action. Delivery of DH directly to the oral cavity could be an interesting alternative for toothache due to its analgesic local effect. One problem associated with the mucosal administration routes is the short residence time of the dosage form on the mucosal membranes. In this sense, we have developed new doxepin mucoadhesive films able of reducing pain and increasing the effectiveness of treatment. For this purpose, we tested three different polymers: chitosan, sodium hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) in film elaboration. The results obtained show that all films are hydrophilic matrices that absorb water when placed in an aqueous media. All the films hydrated very quickly, reaching high percentage of swelling after just few minutes (5 min for SCMC, 2 min for HPMC and 30 min for chitosan). Moreover, the SCMC and HPMC films were dissolved whereas chitosan was not dissolved. Dissolution also leads to viscous liquids with a higher retention time over mucosal surfaces what may lead to adhesive interactions. In vitro permeation studies showed that for all the formulations studied, SCMC (19.91%), HPMC (69.5%) and chitosan (24.17%), the percentage of drug permeated increased compared to the drug solution (8.26%). Specifically the HPMC film presents greater amounts of doxepin permeated (49.27 ± 4.47 µg/cm(2)).

Sensibilidad y especificidad del examen directo micológico con blanco de calcoflúor para el diagnóstico de onicomicosis / Sensitivity and specificity of mycological direct examination with calcofluor white for the diagnosis of onychomycosis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La creciente importancia de la onicomicosis, no sólo por el aumento en su frecuencia sino también por el incremento de patógenos emergentes, plantea un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio comparativo, abierto, observacional y transversal de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de onicomicosis y se comparó la utilidad diagnóstica del examen directo con KOH-negro de clorazol y el blanco de calcoflúor, tomando como estándar de oro la biopsia de la porción distal de la lámina ungueal teñida con PAS. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 165 pacientes (70% mujeres), el 79,4% fueron positivos para onicomicosis (OSDL 50,9%) en uñas de pies (89%) con 6años de evolución. Se reportó una sensibilidad: KOH-negro de clorazol 90,12% (95% CI: 81,46%-95,63%) vs blanco de calcoflúor 86,42% (95% CI:76,99%-93,01%) y una especificidad de 50% para KOH-negro de clorazol (95% CI: 38,89%-61,11%) vs 60,71% para blanco de calcoflúor (95% CI:49,45%-71,20%). Así mismo, se registró un VPP de 63,48% para KOH-negro de clorazol (95% CI: 53,99%-72,26%) y de 67,96% para blanco de calcoflúor (95% CI: 58,04%-76,81%) y un VPN de 84% (95% CI: 70,88%- 92,81%) y 82,26% (95% CI: 70,46%-90,78%), respectivamente. Comentario: El examen directo con blanco de calcoflúor resulta una buena herramienta diagnóstica debido a que es altamente sensible, requiere de poca experiencia por parte del observador, se realiza mediante un procesamiento sencillo, que consume poco tiempo y es de bajo costo

INTRODUCTION: The growing importance of onychomycosis, not only by the increase in frequency but also by the rise of emerging pathogens poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comparative, open, observational, transversal, which included patients with clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis and compared the diagnostic utility of direct examination of KOH-chlorazol black and calcofluor white, on the gold standard biopsy of the distal portion of the nail plate stained with PAS. RESULTS: We included 165 patients (70% women), 79.4% were positive for onychomycosis (OSDL 50.9%) in toenails (89%) with 6 years of evolution. They reported a sensitivity: KOH-black of chlorazol 90.12% (95% CI: 81.46% -95.63%) vs86.42% calcofluor white (95% CI: 76.99% -93.01%) and aspecificity of 50% KOH-black of chlorazol (95% CI: 38.89% -61.11%) vs 60.71% for calcofluor white (95% CI: 49.45% -71.20%). Also, there was aPPV of 63.48% for chlorazol KOH-black (95% CI: 53.99% -72.26%) and 67.96% for calcofluor white (95% CI: 58.04% -76.81%) and a NPV of 84%(95% CI: 70.88% - 92.81%) and 82.26% (95% CI: 70.46% -90.78%), respectively. Comment: The direct examination with calcofluor white is a good diagnostic tool because it is highly sensitive, requires little expertise on the part of the observer, is performed by simple processing, which consumes little time and is inexpensive

Aspergillus niger time to growth in dried tomatoes.

Individual and combined effects of aw and incorporation of selected concentrations of Mexican oregano essential oil on the time to growth (TTG) of Aspergillus niger intentionally inoculated into dried tomatoes were studied during storage at 25°C for 100 days. For aw 0.96, 1,000 ppm of Mexican oregano essential oil inhibited A. niger growth during 100 days, whereas 500 ppm were sufficient at aw 0.91 and 250 ppm for tomatoes with aw 0.78. A. niger growth was evident at different incubation times depending on tested tomato aw and concentration of essential oil; these data were utilized to model TTG. Regression analysis revealed good agreement between experimental and predicted data with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.98. Analysis of mold growth data through TTG models makes possible to include observations detected as no growth and can be utilized to predict mold time to growth for specific preservation factor combinations or to select preservation factor levels for an expected shelf-life based on A. niger growth.

Thermal inactivation of Botrytis cinerea conidia in synthetic medium and strawberry puree.

Botrytis cinerea is one of the most important post-harvest molds that cause quality deterioration of strawberries and other fruits even during refrigeration storage. This research studied the effects of thermal inactivation of B. cinerea in synthetic medium and strawberry puree using hot water baths at different temperatures. These media were studied in order to determine if results obtained in a solution with the major components of the fruit (synthetic media), are comparable to the ones obtained in fruit purees. The results demonstrated that B. cinerea spores can be inactivated by heat treatments using relatively low temperatures (42-46 °C). Inactivation curves were well described by first order kinetics (R² 0.91-0.99). B. cinerea conidia inoculated in synthetic medium required less time to achieve one log reduction in population than those inoculated in the fruit puree. D values were 22, 8.5, 4 and 1.4 min at 42, 44, 46 and 48 °C, respectively, in synthetic medium; while D values in strawberry puree were 44.9, 13.8, 4.7 and 1.4 min at 42, 44, 46 and 48 °C, respectively. The z values obtained were 4.15 and 5.08 °C for the strawberry puree and synthetic medium respectively, showing higher sensitivity of B. cinerea in fruit purees than in the synthetic medium. Thus, a change in the medium composition had a marked difference in the heat inactivation of B. cinerea conidia, and the results obtained in synthetic medium are not accurate to describe the behavior of the microorganism in the fruit.

Childhood overweight and obesity prevention interventions among Hispanic children in the United States: systematic review.

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of childhood obesity interventions among Hispanic children in the United States. An electronic search was conducted to identify articles published in the PubMED, CINAHL and EBSCO databases. Keyword that used included "Latino", "Hispanic", "childhood", "obesity", "interventions". The inclusion criteria were: published in English from January 2001 to January 2012, studies equal or longer than 6 months of follow-up, Hispanic children and obesity prevention studies (RCT or Quasi-experimental studies). We found 10 studies for inclusion in this review, seven RCT and three Quasi-experimental studies, published from 2005 to January 2012. Overall, improvements in BMI and z-BMI across studies were inconsistent. Only two studies had a follow-up of 3 years, and the most recent study showed an increase in the proportion of children classified as obese. The overall quality rate of evidence with respect to reducing BMI or the prevalence of childhood obesity was low.

[Evidence of social support as therapy for weight loss: a systematic review]. / Evidencias del soporte social como terapia para la pérdida de peso: una revisión sistemática.

INTRODUCTION: Social Support (SS) therapy can be an effective method of weight loss compared with conventional treatment (CT). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate RCT's using SS therapy on weight in subjects with overweight or obesity. METHODOLOGY: We reviewed all original articles published in MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EBSCO, Google Scholar, from 2000 to August 2011, and one referred in a previous metanalisis, of RCT's of the effect of SS therapy on weight loss, with at least five months of treatment, compared with another therapy or a CT. RESULTS: Eight articles were analyzed. It was observed heterogeneity in the design, differences in the components of the interventions, and cultural characteristics of the population. The difference between groups in weight loss in five out of seven studies, ranged from 2.3 kg (24 m) to 8.3 kg (12 m). However, the treatment in the control groups did not meet the accepted recommended guidelines. There was no allocation concealment in two studies, and no blindness in four. Most studies showed large dispersion in the results. Therefore, the quality of the evidence is low. CONCLUSIONS: These results warrant further and better design and longer term studies to generate higher quality evidence.

[Intervention programs to promote physical activity in school children: systematic review]. / Programas de intervención para la promoción de actividad física en niños escolares: revisión sistemática.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess physical activity promotion programs in school children from 6 to 12 years old. METHODS: Randomized and non-randomized controlled trials of physical activity studies with an intervention period equal to or more than 12 months, published in the databases of MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, EBSCO and SPORTDiscus through may 2010 were searched. RESULTS: Seven studies were analyzed. Overall, the study design, the follow-up periods, the ethnic characteristics of the population, and the instruments used to evaluate the interventions were heterogeneous. The outcomes showed moderate impact of intervention programs to increase the physical activity in children and adolescents. In two of the studies was observed an increase in the physical activity and in five of the studies no significant difference in the physical activity assessed with accelerometers and pedometers. CONCLUSION: In five out of seven studies it was not shown statistical differences in cpm, including the longest experimental study. These results suggest the need of designing studies including modifications in different environments.

Lipid-based drug delivery systems for cancer treatment.

It is a fact that chemotherapy agents have little specificity for cancer cells, this leading to low concentrations into the tumor interstititum and severe side effects on healthy tissues. The formulation of lipid-based nanomedicines against cancer has been hypothesized to improve drug localization into the tumor tissue and to increase the anticancer efficacy of concentional drugs, while minimizing their systemic adverse effects. In this review, special attention is devoted to the analysis of the state-of-the-art in the development of lipid-based drug carriers against cancer. Specifically, the most significant in vitro and in vivo results on the use of niosomes, liposomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles are revised. It is concluded that biodistribution profiles of chemotherapy agents can be controlled by their loading to such nanoplatforms. Lipid-based nanomedicines offer an interesting approach to the delivery of anticancer drugs to brain tumors, and to reverse multi-drug resistance of cancer cells. Finally, a deep evaluation of the applicability of drug delivery strategies in the formulation of lipid-based nanoplatforms is carried out. They involve active drug targeting (including ligand-mediated delivery, and stimuli-sensitive carriers), and passive drug targeting (through the enhanced permeability and retention effect) to tumors.

Oral suspensions of morphine hydrochloride for controlled release: rheological properties and drug release.

Recent developments in pharmaceutical technology have facilitated the design and production of modified release formulas for drugs whose physical, chemical or biological properties impede release and thus might compromise their efficacy or safety. One such drug is morphine, whose short half-life requires repeated doses at short intervals. The use of biocompatible polymers such as ethylcellulose has made it possible to develop microencapsulated formulations which facilitate liquid, sustained-release pharmaceutical formulas for oral administration. We developed a stable final formulation of morphine with an acceptable release profile by comparing the rheological properties and stability of formulations with different thickeners (xanthan gum, Carbopol, and carboxymethylcellulose with microcrystalline cellulose) at different concentrations from 0.25% to 1.0%. Release assays in a Franz-type cell were done to determine the most suitable release profile for the formulation.

Structural characterization and stability of dimethylaminoethanol and dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate for possible use in cosmetic firming.

2-Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) (also known as deanol) has been used as an ingredient in skin care, and in cognitive function- and mood-enhancing products. It is marketed as a free base or salt, and in theory, the two forms should be equally effective and able to substitute for each other in pharmaceutical formulations. Detecting possible alterations in the active principle is a basic part of preformulation studies. Accordingly, this study compared DMAE and DMAE bitartrate to identify potential alterations or differences between the free base and the salt that might compromise the long-term stability of cosmetic preparations at different temperatures, and also compared the behavior of the base substance and derivative alone and in solution. Samples were analyzed with different physicochemical methods such as differential scanning calorimetry, ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Motivos de elección de una asignatura por parte de los alumnos / Some reasons which could induce to the students to choose an academic subject

El motivo de elección de una determinada asignatura por parte de los alumnos, ha sidofrecuentemente interpretado bajo diferentes puntos de vista. En esta comunicación nuestro objetivo hasido analizar los motivos de elección en distintos tipos de asignaturas con características peculiarescada una de ellas, concretamente dos de ellas son de libre configuración, siendo una de impartición enel campus andaluz virtual –Fotoprotección- y la otra en el campus virtual de la Universidad deGranada –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolor-. Latercera asignatura seleccionada es una optativa -Farmacia Práctica- que se imparte actualmente en laLicenciatura en Farmacia. Se ha realizado un análisis de los diferentes motivos que impulsan a unalumno a la elección de una disciplina frente a otra, para ello se ha utilizado una de las herramientas demayor uso, la encuesta anónima a todos aquellos que estaban matriculados. Las conclusiones de esteestudio son diversas pero ante todo cabe señalar en el caso de las virtuales la facilidad de acceso yrealización de las asignaturas virtuales, y destacar también que un título atractivo es fundamental en suelección. En el caso de la optativa el motivo fundamental ha sido aprender algo nuevo relacionado consu licenciatura y seguido muy de cerca por la facilidad de horario. Por tanto como conclusióndefinitiva es interesante destacar que tanto en un caso como en otro el alumno desea aprender algoatractivo y que se acomode fácilmente a su horario de estudio(AU)

The reason why a specific subject is chosen by the students has been frequently interpretedfrom several points of view. The aim of this study is to analyze the reasons why different types ofsubjects with particular characteristics are chosen. Specifically, two of these subjects are freeelectives: one of them –Fotoprotección- is imparted through the Andalusian Virtual Campus, and theother one –Aplicación de la Tecnología Farmacéutica en el tratamiento del cáncer y del dolorthroughthe virtual campus of the University of Granada. The third subject chosen is optional -Farmacia Práctica- and it is at present imparted within the Degree in Pharmacy. The different reasonswhy a student chooses one subject against other have been analyzed using one of the most used tools:an anonymous survey to all the students enrolled. The conclusions of this study are diverse, but it ismainly to be remarked in the case of the virtual subjects their accessibility and easy implementation aswell as the importance of an attractive title for the selection of a subject. The main reason in the caseof the optional subject is to learn something new in relation to their Degree, followed very closely byits timetable. Therefore, as final conclusion, it is interesting to remark that the students want in bothcases to learn something attractive that can be easily adapted to their study schedule(AU)

Development of oral suspensions of microparticles of ethylcellulose with tramadol.

BACKGROUND: Although tramadol has less analgesic power than morphine, it presents fewer side effects and consequently is currently considered as a drug of choice in the treatment of chronic pain. The objective of this work was to obtain a sustained-release liquid preparation for oral administration, using pseudolatex of ethylcellulose as a delivery vehicle of the active principle. METHODS: Once an appropriate microencapsulation had been achieved, different formulations with different viscosing agents were designed and subsequently subjected to in vitro release studies, using Franz-type diffusion cells. RESULTS: The pseudolatex with tramadol showed an encapsulation efficiency of 82% but was found to be dependent on the quantity of the drug. The images obtained through scanning electron microscopy showed sphere-shaped particles with a porous surface and diameter sizes of 3.5 and 5.5 microm. Infrared spectrophotometry and calorimetric analysis revealed the formation of a drug-polymer complex. Of the formulations proposed, that with xanthan gum released 46% of the drug, whereas Carbopol, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and Avicel gave 50% and 55%, respectively. All followed a release kinetic of cube root, with the release mechanism of the active principle occurring through anomalous transport. CONCLUSIONS: In accordance with the studies performed, we can confirm a liquid pharmaceutical preparation for oral use, capable of providing a sustained release of tramadol.

[Effectivity in the use of protein supplements in resistance training: systematic review]. / Efectividad del uso de suplementos de proteína en entrenamientos de fuerza: revisión sistemática.

To increase strength and lean body mass, protein has become one of the most popular supplements among athletes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of protein supplementation on body composition. A systematic review of the randomized controlled trials (RCT), published in MEDLINE/PubMed and SciELO up to April 10, 2009, was conducted. All RCT conducted in healthy subjects with interventions of six or more weeks were included. Nine studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and three of them had level 3 of evidence. Among these studies, the increase of lean mass ranged from 0.8 to 1.9 kg. However, the study with the longest term had duration of 12 weeks. Therefore, the evidence does not support the recommendation for the consumption of protein supplements among healthy individuals.

Study and description of hydrogels and organogels as vehicles for cosmetic active ingredients.

Cellulite, a clinical syndrome mainly affecting women, involves specific changes in conjunctive dermic and subcutaneous tissue, leading to vascular and hypertrophic alterations in adipose tissues and the consequent alteration of tissue structure. This paper describes the design of hydrogels and pluronic-lecithin organogels elaborated as vehicles of Aloe vera (Aloe vera linné) and Hydrocotyle asiatica (Centella asiatica) for the treatment of cellulite. The objective of this work was to carry out a complete evaluation of the proposed formulae through the study of the organoleptic and rheological properties of the formulae. Our work revealed that, in appearance, hydrogels show better organoleptic characteristics than organogels. On the other hand, from a rheological point of view, both hydrogels and organogels display a plastic behavior. However, the main difference between the two is that the more complex internal structure of the organogel bestows it with more viscosity. Finally, in vitro tests with Franz-type diffusion cells revealed that the release of cosmetic active principle from the tested excipients was appropriate, both in terms of magnitude and velocity.

Evaluation of the anti-wrinkle efficacy of cosmetic formulations with an anti-aging peptide (Argireline®)

The purpose of this research was to evaluate, by means of in vivo studies, the efficacy of new cosmetic active ingredients which effect of botox, called Argireline®), so that width and depth of wrinkles could be established. For this, it is prepared two formulations: an emulsion with an external aqueous phase for normal to dry skin, and a gel for oily skin. We likewise study the water content of the skin after the application of both formulas, as this must be one of the priority functions of facial treatments in general, as well as the level of satisfaction from the subjective point of view, fundamental for patients and their continuation of the treatment.After the designed tests, it is possible to verify that there is a remarkable diminution of the wrinkles size tested in each patient during the month of treatment. Besides, it is possible to review how the moisturizing capacity has been increased in all cases.At the end of the visual test, all the volunteers experienced a reduction in the depth of wrinkles, and from the subjective point of view, the appearance and elasticity of the skin were improved. Finally it is possible to conclude that Argireline® (acetyl hexapeptide-8 ) shows a great antiaging capacity in all the cases that have been studied and the tried compounds have increased moisturizing power(AU)

Pressure measurements through image analysis.

Here we propose a new optical method, to our knowledge, to measure the pressure in liquids or gases by means of a flexible lens. Images of an object given by the dynamical lens are analyzed, and through the visibility of those images pressure is inferred.

[Randomized controlled school based interventions to prevent childhood obesity: systematic review from 2006 to 2009]. / Intervenciones aleatorias controladas basadas en las escuelas para prevenir la obesidad infantil: revisión sistemática de 2006 a 2009.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in children has increased to epidemic levels. Several authors have suggested that school is the best place for effective prevention programs. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the evidence of randomized controlled trials concerning long-term (equal to or more than 9 months) observations at schools and published in the database of MEDLINE/Pubmed from January 1st of 2006 to February 28 of 2009. Ten studies were analyzed. Overall, regarding the design, the intervention components, target population age, intervention periods, educational techniques, cultural characteristics of the population, and outcome measures were heterogeneous. The results were modest. The outcomes showed a positive impact on lifestyle as intakes of fruits and vegetables increased, consumption of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages decreased, and sedentary behaviors and adiposity were reduced. Generally, there were no significant reductions for BMI. These results warrant more strategies to achieve parental involvement, reduction of dropouts, and additional studies assessing different educational systems and cultural environments, including those in Latin America. Longer follow-up periods are also required.