Superposed Quantum Error Mitigation.

Overcoming the influence of noise and imperfections is a major challenge in quantum computing. Here, we present an approach based on applying a desired unitary computation in superposition between the system of interest and some auxiliary states. We demonstrate, numerically and on the IBM Quantum Platform, that parallel applications of the same operation lead to significant noise mitigation when arbitrary noise processes are considered. We first design probabilistic implementations of our scheme that are plug and play, independent of the noise characteristic and require no postprocessing. We then enhance the success probability (up to deterministic) using adaptive corrections. We provide an analysis of our protocol performance and demonstrate that unit fidelity can be achieved asymptotically. Our approaches are suitable to both standard gate-based and measurement-based computational models.

Collective Operations Can Exponentially Enhance Quantum State Verification.

Maximally entangled states are a key resource in many quantum communication and computation tasks, and their certification is a crucial element to guarantee the desired functionality. We introduce collective strategies for the efficient, local verification of ensembles of Bell pairs that make use of an initial information and noise transfer to few copies prior to their measurement. In this way the number of entangled pairs that need to be measured and hence destroyed is significantly reduced as compared to previous, even optimal, approaches that operate on individual copies. Moreover, the remaining states are directly certified. We show that our tools can be extended to other problems and larger classes of multipartite states.

Detection of Salt Content in Canned Tuna by Impedance Spectroscopy: A Feasibility Study for Distinguishing Salt Levels.

The electrical impedance of dilute aqueous solutions containing extracts from five brands of canned tuna is analyzed using impedance spectroscopy in order to analyze their salt content and detect the potential presence of other salts beyond the well-stated NaCl. A complex electrical impedance is modeled with an equivalent electrical circuit, demonstrating good agreement with experimental data. This circuit accounts for the contribution of ions in the bulk solution, as well as those contributing to electrode polarization. The parameters describing the equivalent circuits, obtained through fitting data to the electrical impedance, are discussed in terms of the various ion contributions to both the electrical double layer at the electrode interface and the electrical conductivity of each solution. The ionic contribution to the electrical impedance is compared with that of a pure NaCl solution at the same concentration range. This comparison, when extended to real samples, allows for the development of a model to estimate the electrical conductivity of canned tuna samples, thereby determining the salt concentration in tuna. The model enables differentiation among the various samples of tuna studied. Subsequently, the potential presence of other ions besides Na+ and Cl- and their contribution to the electrical properties of each canned tuna extract is considered, especially for samples with a higher ratio of the sum of K+ and phosphates to Na+ concentration. This analysis shows the potential of impedance spectroscopy for on-site and rapid analysis of salt content and/or detection of additives in canned tuna fish.

Bronchogenic Cyst: Lessons Learned in 20 Years of Experience at a Tertiary Pediatric Center.

BACKGROUND: Bronchogenic cysts are benign congenital malformations of the primitive ventral foregut. The aim of this study is to analyze and report 20 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of bronchogenic cysts at a tertiary pediatric center. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients diagnosed with a bronchogenic cyst between 2000-2020. Presence of symptoms, cyst location, surgical technique, postoperative complications, need for pleural drainage, and recurrence were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty-five children were included in the study. In 37 patients a partial resection of the cyst was done, followed by cauterization or chemical obliterateration with iodopovidone of the mucosa of the remaining cyst wall that was adherent to the airway. A lobectomy was done in patients who had intrapulmonary cysts (n = 8). Cyst location was subcarinal in 23 (51.1%), paratracheal in 14 (31.1%), and intrapulmonary in eight patients (17.8%). The majority of subcarinal and paratracheal cysts (90%) were approached by thoracoscopy. Complications occurred in seven patients (15%): subcutaneous emphysema after pleural drain removal in one, extubation failure in two, reoperation due to bleeding in one, surgical site infection in one, bronchopleural fistula in one, and pneumothorax in one. Reoperation due to cyst recurrence was necessary in two patients (4.4%). Mean follow-up was 56 months (range, 0-115). CONCLUSION: A minimally invasive approach is a safe option for the management of paratracheal and subcarinal bronchogenic cysts with no history of infection in specialized pediatric surgery center. Thoracoscopic partial resection is a feasible option in most patients with subcarinal and paratracheal bronchogenic cysts with a low complication and reoperation rate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Impact of surface topography on the bacterial attachment to micro- and nano-patterned polymer films.

The development of antimicrobial surfaces has become a high priority in recent times. There are two ongoing worldwide health crises: the COVID-19 pandemic provoked by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the antibiotic-resistant diseases provoked by bacteria resistant to antibiotic-based treatments. The need for antimicrobial surfaces against bacteria and virus is a common factor to both crises. Most extended strategies to prevent bacterial associated infections rely on chemical based-approaches based on surface coatings or biocide encapsulated agents that release chemical agents. A critical limitation of these chemistry-based strategies is their limited effectiveness in time while grows the concerns about the long-term toxicity on human beings and environment pollution. An alternative strategy to prevent bacterial attachment consists in the introduction of physical modification to the surface. Pursuing this chemistry-independent strategy, we present a fabrication process of surface topographies [one-level (micro, nano) and hierarchical (micro+nano) structures] in polypropylene (PP) substrates and discuss how wettability, topography and patterns size influence on its antibacterial properties. Using nanoimprint lithography as patterning technique, we report as best results 82 and 86% reduction in the bacterial attachment of E. coli and S. aureus for hierarchically patterned samples compared to unpatterned reference surfaces. Furthermore, we benchmark the mechanical properties of the patterned PP surfaces against commercially available antimicrobial films and provide evidence for the patterned PP films to be suitable candidates for use as antibacterial functional surfaces in a hospital environment.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on neuropsychiatric disorders.

Evolving data show a variable expression of clinical neurological manifestations in patients suffering with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from early disease onset. The most frequent symptoms and signs are fatigue, dizziness, impaired consciousness, ageusia, anosmia, radicular pain, and headache, as well as others. Based on the high number of series of cases reported, there is evidence for the implication of the immune system in the pathological mechanism of COVID-19. Although the exact role of the immunological mechanism is not elucidated, two main mechanisms are suggested which implicate the direct effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in the central nervous system and neuroinflammation. In the context of neurological manifestations associated with COVID-19, neuropsychiatric disorders show an exacerbation and are described by symptoms and signs such as depression, anxiety, mood alterations, psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, delirium, and cognitive impairment, which appear to be common in COVID-19 survivors. A worsened score on psychopathological measures is seen in those with a history of psychiatric comorbidities. We review the neuropsychiatric manifestations associated with COVID-19 and some critical aspects of the innate and adaptive immune system involved in mental health disorders occurring in COVID-19.

Crisis sintomáticas agudas y epilepsia en niños y adolescentes en época de COVID-19 / Acute symptomatic crisis and epilepsy in children and adolescents in times of COVID-19

Objetivo: Describir los aspectos de mayor relevancia en niños y adolescentes con crisis sintomáticas agudas o diagnóstico de epilepsia, en tiempo de pandemia de la COVID-19. Métodos: La información se obtuvo de las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scielo, y Clinical Key utilizando palabras clave incluidas en el Descriptor de Ciencias de la Salud en idioma inglés o español, sin límite de tiempo, y todo tipo de publicación; se seleccionaron los artículos relacionados con epilepsia, crisis epilépticas, y COVID-19. Resultados: En la literatura se justifica la ocurrencia de crisis epilépticas por varias causas en enfermos con la COVID-19 y se insiste en la conducta terapéutica y la necesidad de vigilancia de las interacciones farmacológicas entre los medicamentos indicados para la prevención de recurrencia de las crisis epilépticas y los específicos para esta nueva enfermedad. Basado en estos criterios, presentamos una propuesta para la conducta a seguir en cada situación. Consideraciones finales: Esta comprobada la posibilidad de que ocurran complicaciones neurológicas en pacientes con la COVID-19 y específicamente en las crisis epilépticas y la epilepsia. El uso de interferón y lopinavir/ritonavir, en caso de estar indicado en los protocolos de actuación, y el mantenimiento del tratamiento previo con los medicamentos para prevenir la recurrencia de crisis en los epilépticos, considerando las posibles interacciones y la vigilancia requerida en cada caso, parece ser la mejor opción en la mayoría de los niños y adolescentes con COVID-19(AU)

Objective: To describe the most outstanding aspects in children and adolescents with acute symptomatic crisis or diagnosis of epilepsy in times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The information was collected in PubMed/Medline, Scielo and Clinical Key databases using the keywords included in the Descriptor of Health Sciences in English or Spanish language, with not time limit, and looking for all kind of publications. There were selected articles related to epilepsy, epileptic seizures and COVID-19. Results: In the consulted literature, it was justified the occurrence of epileptic seizures due to different causes in patients with COVID-19 and it is highlighted the therapeutic behaviour and the need of surveillance of the pharmacologic interactions among the drugs indicated for the prevention of epileptic seizures and the specific of this new disease. Based in these precepts, we present a final proposal for the behaviour to follow in each situation. Final considerations: It is proved the possibility of neurologic complications in patients with COVID-19 and specifically in the epileptic seizures and epilepsy. The use of interferon and lopinavir/ritonavir, in case of being indicated in the action protocols, and to keep the previous treatment with the drugs to prevent the recurrence of crisis in epileptic patients considering the possible interactions and the required surveillance in each case, seems to be the best option in most of the children and adolescents with COVID-19(AU)

Comorbilidad en pacientes con trastornos del neurodesarrollo / Comorbility in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders

Introducción: El término trastornos del neurodesarrollo incluye diferentes combinaciones de deficiencias en las habilidades esperadas para la edad cronológica de un niño, considerando las esferas motoras, del lenguaje, la socialización, sensorial y el control de esfínter, y en los pacientes afectados pueden asociarse algunas enfermedades (comorbilidad). Objetivo: Examinar las principales comorbilidades crónicas que pueden presentarse en pacientes con trastornos del neurodesarrollo. Métodos: Las fuentes de búsquedas fueron las bases de datos computarizadas: PubMed, Ebsco, SciELO. Además, referencias identificadas en los artículos revisados y que se consideraron importantes y con validez científica. con diez años o menos de publicación, 42/59 se publicaron en los últimos cinco años. Se utilizaron para la búsqueda las palabras clave: trastornos del neurodesarrollo, desarrollo infantil, comorbilidad, trastorno autístico; en idioma español, inglés, o francés, en dependencia de la fuente Resultados: Las comorbilidades más frecuentes, o importantes por su implicación en la vida de los pacientes con trastornos del neurodesarrollo son: la epilepsia, los trastornos de la audición y la visión, las enfermedades mentales, las dificultades en la deglución y el estado nutricional deficiente. Consideraciones finales: La ocurrencia de comorbilidad en pacientes con trastornos del neurodesarrollo es frecuente, puede presentarse en el sistema nervioso o en otros sistemas del organismo y contribuye a que la calidad de vida de estos pacientes se afecte en mayor cuantía(AU)

Introduction: The term neurodevelopmental disorder includes different combinations of deficiencies in the abilities expected for the chronological age of a child, taking into account the motor, speech, socialization, sensorial and sphincter control's scopes, and in the affected patients can be related some diseases (comorbility). Objective: To examine the main chronic comorbilities that can present in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: The search sources were computerized databases as: PubMed, Ebsco, SciELO; also references identified in the reviewed articles and that were considered as important and with scientific validity, with ten or less years of being published. 42 of 59 were published in the last five years. There were used for the search the following keywords in Spanish, English and French languages, depending on the source: neurodevelopmental disorders, children development, comorbility, autistic disorder. Results: The most frequent comorbilities or the ones which are important due to their impact in the life of patients with neurodevelopmental disorders are: epilepsy, audition and sight disorders, mental conditions, deglutition difficulty and poor nutritional state. Final considerations: The occurrence of comorbility in patients with neurodevelopmental disorders is frequent; it can be present in the nervous system or in other systems of the body, and it contributes for the life quality of these patients being less affected(AU)

Trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales en Pediatría / Cerebral venous sinus thromboses in Pediatrics

Introducción: la trombosis de los senos venosos cerebrales es un trastorno infrecuente en niños y adolescentes, que en muchas ocasiones es mal diagnosticado o se demora su reconocimiento, y por lo tanto, el inicio del tratamiento. Presentación de casos: se describen las principales características clínicas de 3 pacientes; uno, de 4 años y del sexo masculino, y 2 de 17 años cumplidos y del sexo femenino, con diagnóstico comprobado de trombosis de senos venosos. Se identificaron factores de riesgo en los 3 pacientes, y presentaron signos de focalización neurológica, manifestaciones de hipertensión intracraneal y papiledema (2 de ellos vómitos y cefaleas al inicio del cuadro clínico, y uno presentó inicialmente trastorno de la conciencia). Los 3 fueron tratados con anticoagulación como terapéutica específica y evolucionaron satisfactoriamente. Conclusiones: las trombosis venosas de los senos cerebrales son una forma de presentación poco frecuente, pero grave, de ictus en la infancia. La sospecha clínica debe ser considerada ante todo paciente con factores de riesgo conocidos, con instalación aguda de manifestaciones en que se sospecha un origen vascular, con hipertensión intracraneal y/o convulsiones(AU)

Introduction: cerebral venous sinus thromboses is an infrequent disorder in children and adolescents that in many cases is misdiagnosed or the diagnosis is belated, thus the beginning of the treatment. Cases presentation: clinical characteristics of 3 patients are described: one of 4 years old and male sex, and 2 of 17 years old and female sex, with a confirmed diagnosis of venous sinuses thrombosis. Risk factors were identified in the 3 patients, and they presented signs of neurological focalization, manifestations of intracraneal hypertension and papilledema (two of them vomiting and cephalalgia at the onset of the clinical manifestations, and one of them initially presented consciousness disorders). The 3 cases were treated with anticoagulation as specific therapy, and they evolved satisfactorily. Conclusions: cerebral venous sinuses thromboses are an uncommon but severe manifestation of ictus in childhood. Clinical suspicion most be considered with patients having known risk factors, acute manifestations related to vascular origin, intracranial hypertension and/or convulsions(AU)

Sospecha de enfermedad neuromuscular en el niño asintomàtico con aumento de la transaminasa glutámico-pirúvica o la creatina-fosfocinasa / Suspicion of neuromuscular disease in asymptomatic children with increase of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase or creatinine phosphokinase

El aumento prolongado de la transaminasa glutámico-pirúvica, sin causa demostrada de afectación hepática, o la elevación de los niveles de la creatina-cinasa en niños con pocos síntomas de trastorno neuromuscular o sin ellos, es motivo poco frecuente de consulta en neuropediatría. Se presenta un resumen de lo reportado al respecto en la literatura médica, y se incluyen comentarios al respecto y la propuesta de un algoritmo para el diagnóstico.

A lengthy increase of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, without a proved cause, or rise of creatinine phosphokinase levels in children with a few symptoms of neuromuscular disorder or without them, is an infrequent reason of consultation in Neuropediatrics service. Authors present a summary of features reported in this respect in medical literature, and are included comments, as well as proposal of a algorithm for diagnosis.