Negative Quasiprobabilities Enhance Phase Estimation in Quantum-Optics Experiment.

Operator noncommutation, a hallmark of quantum theory, limits measurement precision, according to uncertainty principles. Wielded correctly, though, noncommutation can boost precision. A recent foundational result relates a metrological advantage with negative quasiprobabilities-quantum extensions of probabilities-engendered by noncommuting operators. We crystallize the relationship in an equation that we prove theoretically and observe experimentally. Our proof-of-principle optical experiment features a filtering technique that we term partially postselected amplification (PPA). Using PPA, we measure a wave plate's birefringent phase. PPA amplifies, by over two orders of magnitude, the information obtained about the phase per detected photon. In principle, PPA can boost the information obtained from the average filtered photon by an arbitrarily large factor. The filter's amplification of systematic errors, we find, bounds the theoretically unlimited advantage in practice. PPA can facilitate any phase measurement and mitigates challenges that scale with trial number, such as proportional noise and detector saturation. By quantifying PPA's metrological advantage with quasiprobabilities, we reveal deep connections between quantum foundations and precision measurement.

Fracture resistance force of primary molar crowns milled from polymeric computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufactured resin blocks.

Purpose: To compare fracture resistance force (FRF) and failure types of crowns milled from resin nanoceramic (Lava Ultimate)-, and modified polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) (Vita computer-aided design (CAD)-Temp)-, and PMMA (Telio CAD)-based CAD/computer-assisted manufactured (CAM) blocks. Materials and Methods: Three experimental groups of 10 milled crowns were arranged: Group-1 (Lava Ultimate), Group-2 (Vita CAD-Temp), and Group-3 (Telio CAD). Crowns were machined in sizes similar to a primary second molar stainless steel crown (SSC) and stored in water at 37°C for 30 days. The crowns were seated on Cr-Co dies. Their FRFs were measured using a universal test machine until fracture. FRFs and failure types were recorded and statistically analyzed (P < 0.05). Results: There were statistically significant differences among the groups for both FRFs and failure types. The sources of significant differences for FRFs and failure types were Group-3 and Group-1, respectively. CONCLUSION: Crowns milled from different chemical structural CAD/CAM blocks may be used for restoration of primary molar teeth.

Evaluation of candida albicans biofilm formation on various dental restorative material surfaces.

AIMS: Candida adhesion to any oral substrata is the first and essential stage in forming a pathogenic fungal biofilm. In general, yeast cells have remarkable potential to adhere to host surfaces, such as teeth or mucosa, and to artificial, nonbiological surfaces, such as restorative dental materials. This study compared the susceptibility of six dental restorative materials to Candida albicans adhesion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cylindrical samples of each material were made according to the manufacturersa instructions. The antifungal effect of the samples on C. albicans was determined with the disc-diffusion method. The samples were put in plates with sterile Mueller Hinton and Sabouraud dextrose agar previously seeded with C. albicans. After the incubation period, the inhibition zone around each sample was evaluated. To evaluate the biofilm formation, the XTT technique and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. RESULTS: No inhibition zone was observed around the samples. According to the XTT assays, the amalgam samples revealed the lowest quantity of biofilm formation (P > 0.001). The highest median XTT values, significantly higher than the other materials (P < 0.001), were found for the composite and the compomer samples. Within the SEM examination, the amount of candidal growth was significantly lower on the resin-modified glass ionomer and glass-ionomer cement samples. The compomer and the composite samples showed more candidal adhesion. CONCLUSION: This finding emphasizes the use of glass ionomer restorative cements and amalgam to reduce C. albicans adhesion to dental restorative materials especially in people with weakened immune systems, neutropenia, and cancer.

Analysing Biological Rhythms in Fibromyalgia Syndrome.

AIM: This study evaluated biological rhythm disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). METHODS: The study enrolled 82 patients with FMS and 82 controls. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The psychological conditions of the patients were evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The Biological Rhythms Interview of Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (BRIAN) was used to assess disturbances in biological rhythms (ie sleep, activity, social and eating patterns). RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups at baseline (all p > 0.05). The BDI, BRIAN total, sleep, activity, social, and eating scores were higher in patients with FMS than in the controls (all p < 0.001). Further, a significant correlation was found between biological rhythms and BDI scores (p < 0.001) and there were positive correlations between the VAS score and BRIAN total, sleep, and eating and BDI in patients with FMS (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: There are marked biological rhythm disturbances in FMS. There is an important relationship between rhythm disorders and FMS. The disturbances in sleep, functional activities, social participation, and disordered rhythms like eating patterns show the need for a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with FMS.

Renal impairment and coronary collaterals in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to elucidate the relationship between mild-to-moderate renal impairment and the development of coronary collateral vessels (CCV) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). METHODS: We enrolled 461 patients with ACS who underwent coronary angiography for the first time. The development of CCV was assessed with the Rentrop score. Kidney function was classified according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The Gensini score was used to show the extent of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: The mean eGFR value was 89.9 ± 24.3 U/l for patients with no development of collaterals and 82.7 ± 20.5 for patients who had CCV. The mean age was 59 ± 11 years and 349 patients (75.7 %) were male. Rentrop classifications 1-2-3 (presence of CCV) were determined in 222 (48.1 %) patients. The presence of CCV was significantly associated with low levels of eGFR (p = 0.001), increased serum creatinine levels (p = 0.034), high levels of serum albumin (0.036), and the Gensini score (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the Gensini score was an independent predictor of the presence of CCV (OR = 1.090, 95 % CI: 1.032-1.151, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: We suggest that the association between mild-to-moderate renal impairment and the presence of CCV may be explained by increased myocardial ischemia and severe CAD.

Corneal topometric indices and proclivity toward corneal ectasia in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in topometric corneal indices and proclivity toward corneal ectasia, as well as keratometric indices and anterior chamber dimensions in palpebral vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC). METHODS: This study included 80 patients with clinically established symptoms of grade 0 or grade 1 palpebral VKC (group 1) and 66 healthy participants (group 2). After a comprehensive ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurements and slit-lamp biomicroscopy, pachymetric indices and anterior chamber dimensions were measured using the Pentacam HR rotating Scheimpflug device. Topometric indices, which are particularly useful for determining proclivity toward corneal ectasia, were extracted from a topometric map. RESULTS: In groups 1 and 2, the mean ages were 13.11±5.22 and 16.45±5.09 years, respectively. The mean age at disease onset in group 1 was 10.09±5.03 years, and the mean disease duration was 36.23±8.43 months. Group 1 had significantly higher mean topometric indices than group 2, particularly the index of surface variance (P=0.001), index of vertical asymmetry (P=0.007), center keratoconus index (P=0.050), and Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia total deviation value (P=0.032). Mean posterior corneal astigmatism differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly higher mean topometric indices in VKC indicate a proclivity for corneal ectasia, which could be attributed to general changes in the corneal ultrastructure caused by persistent itching-induced eye rubbing.

Temperature changes in the pulpal chamber and the sealing performance of various methods of direct pulp capping of primary teeth.

AIM: To compare changes in pulpal chamber temperature during the visible-light curing of direct pulp capping compounds and various modes of diode laser irradiation without prior placement of a pulp capping compound and the resultant seals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pulp exposure holes were made in 100 extracted human primary first molars, which were randomly assigned to ten equal groups. The holes were sealed by (a= Group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7) different pulp capping compounds which were cured using various types of visible-light curing units or (b=Group 8, 9 and 10) diode laser irradiation without prior application of a pulp capping compound. Pulpal chamber temperatures were recorded during the procedure, and the resultant seals were examined under a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: Visible-light curing of the pulp capping compounds and diode laser irradiation at a 0.7 W output power can cause non-injurious temperature rises in the pulpal chamber. At higher output powers of the diode laser, the temperature rises are sufficient to cause thermal injury. The seals were complete when pulp capping compounds were used for direct pulp capping, but were incomplete when laser irradiation without prior placement of a pulp capping compound was used for the identical purpose. CONCLUSION: The visible-light curing of pulp capping compounds is not harmful to vital pulp, and provides an effective seal of the pulp exposure hole. Laser irradiation is not an effective sealant, and can cause thermal injury to vital pulp at high output powers.

A two-year clinical evaluation of glass ionomer and ormocer based fissure sealants.

UNLABELLED: The objective of the present study provides further data comparing retention, marginal integrity and caries preventive effects of two fissure sealants (glass ionomer based; GC Fuji VII Capsule [Fuji VII] and ormocer based; Admira Seal [AS]) in children. This study was designed as a randomized single-blind clinical trial. The permanent first molars (PFMs) of 50 children, 7-13 years of age (mean age: 8.9 +/- 1.3 years), were sealed with a split-mouth design. Fissure sealants applied to the PFMs according to the manufacturer's recommendations by one pediatric dentist. Clinical evaluation of the sealants was carried out to record retention, marginal integrity and presence of caries at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after placement by the other pediatric dentist. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox's regression models were used to estimate the probability of two sealants success. RESULTS: Alpha and Bravo retention rates at the end of follow-up were 13% and 80% for Fuji VII and 3% and 83% for AS, respectively. For retention and marginal integrity between fissure sealants was found similar survival rates (p > 0.05). After 24 months, presence of caries was 16% for Fuji VII and 32% for AS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fuji VII and AS exhibited similar retention and marginal integrity during 24 months. However Fuji VII was showed better results than AS for caries preventive effect. Consequently, Fuji VII sealants may be a better choice for preventing occlusal caries.

Urgent surgical management of a prenatally diagnosed midgut volvulus with malrotation.

Midgut volvulus is a life-threatening condition that commonly presents during the first year of life rarely antenatally. Here we report successful urgent surgical management of an unusual case with malrotation exhibiting the sonographic findings of volvulus in utero that leads to premature birth. This 34-wk, 2700 g infant was born via spontaneous vaginal delivery. Prenatal ultrasound showed polyhydramnios and 30 x 40 mm cystic lesion showing whirlpool sign in abdomen that made us think midgut volvulus. The patient had distended abdomen with skin discoloration. An emergency surgical management was performed showing malrotation, volvulus and a 15 cm ischemic necrotic region of terminal ileum.

A case of fetal carbamazepine syndrome with right hemihypoplasia of the entire body.

Anticonvulsant drugs taken by pregnant women to prevent seizures are among the most common causes of potential harm to the fetus. It has been suggested that carbamazepine was less teratogenic than the other drugs. Here, we report a case of fetal carbamazepine syndrome presenting with facial dysmorphism, congenital heart defect, skeletal abnormalities, renal agenesis, ambiguous genitalia, anal atresia, and right hemihypoplasia of the entire body. To the best of our knowledge this is the most severe case of fetal carbamazepine syndrome in the literature. This case can provide useful data about teratogenicity of carbamazepine therapy during the pregnancy.

The acute-phase response in differentiating sepsis from inflammation in neonates who require abdominal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In neonates, the influence of surgery on the inflammatory response has not been fully characterized and it remains difficult to differentiate an inflammatory response from sepsis. In this study, we evaluated changes in interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in neonates undergoing different major abdominal surgeries who had a normal postoperative course without infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In total, 43 neonates undergoing major abdominal surgery owing to congenital malformations involving the gastrointestinal tract, and who did not show blood culture positivity were enrolled in the study. As a control group, 40 neonates with proven sepsis were enrolled in the study over the same period. Blood samples for IL-6, CRP, and white blood cell count (WBC) determination were drawn before surgery and 48, 96, and 144 h [postoperative days (POD) 2,4, and 6] after surgery. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant increase in IL-6 concentrations on POD 2 compared with preoperative levels (p < 0.05). After POD 2, IL-6 levels decreased to preoperative levels. There was a statistically significant increase in CRP concentrations on POD 2, 4, and 6 (p < 0.05). Levels of CRP tended to be higher after surgery, and began to fall by the 6th day, but were still statistically higher than preoperative levels. In the sepsis group, CRP concentrations on day 6 were lower than in the surgery group (p < 0.05). White blood cell counts did not show statistically significant differences preoperatively versus postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to previous studies, our results show high levels of IL-6 on POD 2 and CRP on POD 6. It is important to differentiate between the diagnoses of sepsis and postoperative inflammation, because of the need to treat the infection. High levels of IL-6 and CRP are not always associated with sepsis after major abdominal surgeries, but may instead be associated with the inflammatory response and multiorgan dysfunction. Further studies are needed to better differentiate sepsis from inflammatory responses in patients undergoing other surgeries.

A delayed hypersensitivity reaction to a stainless steel crown: a case report.

Stainless steel crowns are commonly used to restore primary or permanent teeth in pediatric restorative dentistry. Here, we describe a case of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which manifested itself as perioral skin eruptions, after restoring the decayed first permanent molar tooth of a 13-year-old Caucasian girl with a preformed stainless steel crown. The eruptions completely healed within one week after removal of the stainless steel crown. The decayed tooth was then restored with a bis-acryl crown and bridge. Since no perioral skin eruptions occurred during the six-month follow-up, we presume that the cause of the perioral skin eruptions was a delayed hypersensitivity reaction, which was triggered by the nickel in the stainless steel crown.

Comparison of the efficacy of articaine and prilocaine local anaesthesia for pulpotomy of maxillary and mandibular primary molars.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the local anaesthetic efficacy of articaine HCl and prilocaine HCl during an operative procedure after their administration by either mandibular nerve block or maxillary infiltration. STUDY DESIGN: The study was a double-blind clinical study which comprised 162 children (81 boys and 81 girls), who required a pulpotomy on their primary molars. Pain-related behaviours were used to assess the severity of pain during the injection of either prilocaine HCl or articaine HCl and the operative procedures following either a maxillary infiltration or mandibular nerve block of the two local anaesthetic agents. The frequencies of post-procedural adverse events in the prilocaine and articaine anaesthetised groups were also determined. RESULTS: Significantly more discomfort (p<0.05) was observed following maxillary infiltration compared to mandibular nerve block. There were no significant differences in the pain-related behaviours scores between the two local anaesthetic agents administered during the dental operative procedures, except for the removal of the coronal pulp. For this latter procedure, the pain-related behaviour score was 1.5- times higher in the prilocain-anaesthetised children than in the articaine-anaesthetised children. The frequencies of post- procedural adverse events in the prilocaine-treated children were similar to those found in the articaine-treated children. CONCLUSION: We concluded that local anaesthesia following mandibular nerve block is more effective than that following maxillary infiltration in 6-8-year-old children. However, the intensity of pain that was experienced by the children during administration of either prilocaine or articaine and some of the dental procedures after their administration were similar.

Wear and repair of stainless steel crowns.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the wear of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) in children, and compare the extent of microleakage in SSCs that had been repaired using either a cermet glass-ionomer cement (GIC) or a packable composite resin (CR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the first aim, the occlusal surface thickness of 31 harvested SSCs (21 primary first and 10 second molars) and 18 unused SSCs was measured, and then examined under scanning electron microscopy. For the second aim, standardised holes were prepared on the occlusal surfaces of 20 SSCs, and then repaired using either a cermet GIC or packable CR. After their repair, the extent of microleakage was determined using 0.5% basic fuchsin and stereomicroscopy. RESULTS: The thickness of all the harvested SCCs was 5.3 µm less than that of the unused SCCs (p<0.02), and there were no significant differences between the thickness and occlusal wear rates of harvested SSCs from the first and second primary molars. Although neither of the two repair materials completely prevented microleakage, the number of specimens in which microleakage occurred after repair with a cermet GIC was significantly lower than the number of specimens in which a packable CR was used (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We concluded that the occlusal surfaces of SSCs for first and second primary molars display wear. Although perforated SSCs can be repaired using either a cermet GIC or a packable CR, less microleakage occurs in SSCs that were repaired with a cermet GIC than those with a packable CR.

Fryns syndrome with atypical findings--with large midline cleft on forehead but normal cranial MRI findings.

We report a newborn with Fryns syndrome and atypical findings like a large midline cleft on forehead. Abnormal findings included congenital left diaphragmatic hernia, prominent forehead, hypertelorism, broad nasal bridge, anteverted nostrils, cleft palate, low set ears, tapered fingers, macrocephaly, congenital heart defect, midline defects and renal anomalies. This is the first case that has a midline cleft on forehead with normal cranial MRI findings.

Higher liver stiffness scores are associated with early kidney dysfunction in patients with histologically proven non-cirrhotic NAFLD.

AIM: The association between Liver fibrosis (LF), as assessed by either histology or Liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and the presence of Early kidney dysfunction (EKD) was investigated in this study, as was also the diagnostic performance of LSM for identifying the presence of EKD in patients with Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 214 adults with non-cirrhotic biopsy-proven NAFLD were recruited from two independent medical centres. Their histological stage of LF was quantified using Brunt's criteria. Vibration-controlled Transient elastography (TE), using M-probe (FibroScan®) ultrasound, was performed in 154 patients and defined as significant when LSM was≥8.0kPa. EKD was defined as the presence of microalbuminuria with an estimated glomerular filtration rate≥60mL/min/1.73 m2. Logistic regression modelling was used to estimate the likelihood of having EKD with NAFLD (LSM-EKD model). RESULTS: The prevalence of EKD was higher in patients with vs without LF on histology (22.14% vs 4.82%, respectively; P<0.001) and, similarly, EKD prevalence was higher in patients with LSM≥8.0kPa vs LSM<8.0kPa (23.81% vs 6.59%, respectively; P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the LSM-EKD model for identifying EKD was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.89). LF detected by either method was associated with EKD independently of established renal risk factors and potential confounders. CONCLUSION: LF was independently associated with EKD in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Thus, TE-measured LSM, a widely used technique for quantifying LF, can accurately identify those patients with NAFLD who are at risk of having EKD.

Reversible molecular adsorption based on multiple-point interaction by shrinkable gels.

A general approach is presented for creating polymer gels that can recognize and capture a target molecule by multiple-point interaction and that can reversibly change their affinity to the target by more than one order of magnitude. The polymers consist of majority monomers that make the gel reversibly swell and shrink and minority monomers that constitute multiple-point adsorption centers for the target molecule. Multiple-point interaction is experimentally proven by power laws found between the affinity and the concentration of the adsorbing monomers within the gels.

Baseline and salt-stimulated paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in patients with chronic liver disease: relation to disease severity.

BACKGROUND: It has been recently reported that serum paraoxonase (PON1) and arylesterase (ARE) activities may be significantly reduced in patients with chronic liver disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the relations between serum PON1 and ARE activities and the degree of liver damage in patients with chronic liver injury. METHODS: We studied a total of 75 patients with chronic liver disease (50 patients with cirrhosis and 25 patients with chronic hepatitis) and 25 healthy comparison subjects. Baseline and salt-stimulated PON1 and ARE activities were determined in all study participants. RESULTS: Baseline and stimulated PON1 and ARE activities were significantly lower in patients with chronic liver disease than in controls. Cirrhotic patients in Child-Pugh classes B and C subgroups had significantly reduced PON1 and ARE activities compared with Child-Pugh class A patients (both P-values <0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that serum ARE activity was the most efficient test for identifying the presence and severity of chronic liver injury. CONCLUSION: Baseline and stimulated PON1 and ARE activities are reduced in patients with chronic liver disease. Serum ARE activity could be a suitable biomarker for the evaluation of the presence and severity of chronic liver damage.

Acute arsenic self-poisoning for suicidal purpose in a dentist: a case report.

Arsenic is a classical poison that has been historically used since ancient times for homicidal purposes. More recently, episodes of deliberate or unintentional arsenic self-poisoning have been increasingly reported. We describe here a case of a 77-year old male patient with a history of major depression, who attempted suicide by ingestion of 4 g of arsenic trioxide. The man, a dentist by profession, used arsenic preparations for pulp devitalization. The patient was admitted to our hospital 5 h after arsenic ingestion with nausea and vomiting. Plain radiograph of the abdomen showed radio-opaque material in the stomach and small intestine. Nasogastric lavage, activated charcoal, and chelators were used to remove arsenic. On day 3, endoscopy disclosed the presence of gastritis and superficial ulcers. The patient developed significant anemia (Hb: 8.7 g/dL on day 7) without significant signs of hemolysis. He gradually recovered from anemia within 5 months. The patient did not suffer any adverse outcome in spite of having ingesting 4 g of arsenic, approximately 20 times the lethal dose.