In this blog-post, we present our path and thoughts towards using ultra-cold atom experiments for quantum computation. They are the result of a two month internship where we studied the feasibility of such an undertaking in our group. Many associate only universal devices, especially qubit devices, to be valid quantum computers. We show how we think of our ultra-cold atoms in terms of quantum circuits and implement first steps in the software framework PennyLane.

Main document

We report a case of successful management of short bowel syndrome in a young patient with gangrene of most of intestine following ileocecal knotting. Aggressive resuscitations, timely surgical intervention and use of parenteral nutrition have a good outcome. Key words: knotting, intestinal obstruction, shock, short bowel syndrome

Objectives This review provides an assessment of recent published or presented trends of perioperative healthcare of COVID-19 which is hitting the world, to provide refer for the frontline medical staff during the outbreak of epidemic, especially for surgeons and anesthesiologists. Methods Searching and reviewing recent published or presented articles about the COVID-19 from PubMed, COVID-19 center of ScienceDirect, Medline, JAMA, The LANCET, MedRxiv, some main Chinese journals and so on. Results The coronavirus disease 2019 has heightened infectious probability and has caused hundreds of thousands death. How to recognize, treat, and overcome this disease is a problem that all medical staff and all humans need to face. First, we should correctly identify suspicious and diagnosed patients and take protection levels according to the type of patients. Surgery and endoscopy are a serious issue during the epidemic, unless emergency condition. Once COVID-19 patients have to accept surgery, more detailed issues should be considered. Besides, special management methods should be implemented for special COVID-19 patients. Conclusion Safety for patients and healthcare providers is very important, we should do what we can do to cut off the spread of the virus in hospital and reduce the risk of infection.

The patient was a 78 year old man who had undergone thrombolysis and angioplasty LAD.. After 45 days, he returned to the clinic with icterus, after detailed work up,suspecting clopidogrel induced liver injury, the clopidogrel was substituted with ticagrelor. icterus and laboratory abnormality was relieved in 2 weeks.

Hybridization between species is likely to be associated with a new ecological impact. However, in termites, reports of hybridization mostly focus on hybrid zones caused by species invasion or the development of initial-stage colonies. In this study, we combined microsatellite genotyping with mitochondrial DNA sequencing to investigate the hybridization and adaptive introgression between two sympatric, long-differentiated related termite species, Reticulitermes flaviceps and R. chinensis, in nature. Similar levels of mitochondrial and nuclear genetic diversity were found in R. flaviceps and R. chinensis. Asymmetric interspecific genetic differentiation was observed between mitochondrial and nuclear genes, with high genetic divergence found in mitochondrial DNA but low genetic divergence in nuclear genes. Our results indicated a lack of mitochondrial gene exchange in R. flaviceps and R. chinensis but unconstrained nuclear introgression between them. This asymmetric genetic differentiation between nuclear and cytoplasmic material strongly suggests that there is interspecific hybridization between R. flaviceps and R. chinensis in nature, which provides new insight into the dynamics of hybridization and its potential consequences for speciation in termites.

Centrifugal fan blades of high-speed train ventilation and cooling system are subjected to cyclic loading which will shorten the life of fan blades. It could cause an accident of high-speed-train in service. In this study, a modified method based on nominal stress method was proposed and developed for the fatigue life prediction of centrifugal fan blades. The finite element model was firstly introduced to analyze the mode and stress of fan blades based on physical material property. The fatigue life was predicted based on S-N curve, using the Miner's cumulative damage rule to calculate total damage. In order to verify the effectiveness of this method, the experimental tests based on fatigue bench system were conducted on fan blades, which were typical structure of the ventilation cooling system of high-speed-train. The damage mechanism of blades was deduced from the fracture fractographs. Relatively good correlation was achieved between the prediction model and actual experimental results, testifying the practicability and effectiveness of this proposed method. Thus, the research result could reduce the probability of accidents caused by fan blade damage and improve the reliability of ventilation cooling system of high-speed train.

Fatigue tests with solid round bar specimens were carried out to investigate the effect of stress amplitude ratio on the axial-torsion fatigue failure of low carbon steel under a certain equivalent stress. The processing of surface short cracks initiation and propagation were recorded by replica technology. It is observed that all the crack propagation curves based on the criterion of dominant effective short fatigue crack (DESFC) clearly exhibits a similar oscillations tendency caused by the microstructure. In addition, the fatigue life, fracture angle and crack source vary with the value of stress amplitude ratio. Hence, a short crack model incorporating the effects of stress amplitude ratio was used to simulate the short crack growth rate, and the model can directly estimate the biaxial short cracks growth rate under different stress amplitude ratios according to the experimental data of uniaxial short cracks. A good agreement is achieved between simulation results and experimental data.

An extended computational approach has been utilized to explore the reactions of acids with carbonyl oxide, also known as Criegee intermediate (CI). The reactions were explored inside water cluster containing 50 water molecules. All possibilities of product formation were considered. Among the considered acids, the rate of 1,4-insertion follows the order - HCOO < HCl < HNO3. The most stable products of the reactions between the considered acids and CI have been identified.

In this work, we are concerned with a sequential nonlinear random differential equation of fractional order with nonlocal conditions. This is the first time in the literature where sequential problems and random ones are combined and considered. An existence and uniqueness of solutions for the problem is obtained by means of an appropriate random fixed point theorem. Then, new concepts on the sequential continuous and fractional derivative dependence are introduced. At the end, some results of stability on random, as well for deterministic, data dependence are discussed.

In our recent work, we study a few nonlinear time evolution equations by the sine-cosine method and obtained a variety of generalized solitary and periodic solutions with distinct physical structures. The solutions include periodic solutions, soliton solutions, symmetric periodic soliton solutions, double periodic solutions, multiple soliton solutions, breather solutions, and kink type solutions.

We recently demonstrated that HepaRG cells encapsulated into 1.5% alginate beads are capable of self-assembling into spheroids. They adequately differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells, with hepatic features observed at day 14 post-encapsulation required for external bioartificial liver applications. Preliminary investigations performed within a bioreactor under shear stress conditions and using a culture medium mimicking acute liver failure (ALF) highlighted the need to reinforce beads with a polymer coating. We demonstrated in a first step that a Poly-L-Lysine coating improved the mechanical stability, without altering the metabolic activities necessary for bioartificial liver applications (such as ammonia and lactate elimination). In a second step, we tested the optimized biomass in a newly-designed perfused dynamic bioreactor (PDB), in the presence of the medium model for pathological plasma for 6 hours. Performances of the biomass were enhanced as compared to the steady configuration, demonstrating its efficacy in decreasing the typical toxins of ALF. This type of bioreactor is easy to scale up as it relies on the number of micro-encapsulated cells, and could provide an adequate hepatic biomass for liver supply. Its design allows it to be integrated into a hybrid artificial/bioartificial liver setup for further clinical studies regarding its impact on ALF animal models.

Coronary artery aneurysms are exceedingly rare and tend to be found incidentally on angiography. We present the case of a 6cm giant coronary artery aneurysm discovered in a 25 year old man. Subsequent workup included cardiac gated MRI, CT angiography and left heart catheterization. Imaging revealed a 6.7 x 6.2 x 6.0 cm aneurysm involving the mid LAD subsequent to the takeoff of a large septal perforator. He was taken electively for operative repair during which the aneurysm was opened, unroofed and ligated at the ostium while taking care to ensuring normal flow in the septal perforator that supplied multiple small collaterals. In this unique case, a coronary artery aneurysm of considerable size was encountered in the LAD of a healthy young adult in which the size of the aneurysm precluded distal revascularization via bypass grafting. Multiple imaging modalities were used to characterize this finding and aid in surgical planning.

Probability distributions have great use in reliability engineering where the researchers try to find the distribution of the different processes. To meet the needs of the reliability engineers, we have proposed a simple probability distribution named as Beta Lehman-2 which may be proved more useful as compare to already existing models of the probability distributions. The aim of the study is to show the performance of the proposed distribution over already existing distributions. In this study, a new Beta Lehmann-2 Power function distribution (BL2PFD) is proposed. We suggest a new generator that will modify the Power function distribution called Beta Lehmann-2 generator (BL2-G). The various properties of the new distribution have been discussed in detail such as moments, vitality function, conditional moments and order statistics etc. We have also characterized the BL2PFD based on conditional variance. This distribution can be used for approximately symmetric data (normal data), positive and negative skewed data. The application of this distribution is illustrated by using data sets from medical and engineering sources. The shape of the new distribution has been studied for applied sciences. After analyzing data, we conclude that the proposed model BL2PFD perform better in all the data sets while compared to different competitor models.

The paper deals with the asymptotical mean-square stability of the linear θ-methods under variable stepsize and transformation approach for stochastic pantograph differential equations. A limiting equation for the analysis of numerical stability is introduced by Kronecker products. Under the condition which guarantee the stability of exact solutions, the optimal stability region of the linear θ-methods under variable stepsize is given by using the limiting equation, i.e., θ ∈ (1/ 2,1], which is the same to the deterministic problems. Moreover the linear θ-methods under the transformation approach are also considered and the result of the stability is improved for θ = 1 /2. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the asymptotical meansquare stability under variable stepsize and transformation approach.

Post appendicectomy abscess formation is uncommon in patients with non-perforated appendicitis. Diagnosis via imaging is essential to provide swift treatment and resolution of underlying infection, which we demonstrate in our case.

We report here the case of a 51-year-old man presented with inflammatory neck pain and fever. Inflammatory biomarkers were increased. The magnetic resonance imaging showed synovitis of atlanto-odontoid joint, anterior epidural collection, and cerebral vein thrombosis affecting sigmoid sinus and internal jugular venous.

In this paper we consider a class of second-order impulsive stochastic functional differential equations driven simultaneously by a Rosenblatt process and standard Brownian motion in a Hilbert space. We prove an existence and uniqueness result under non-Lipschitz condition which is weaker than Lipschitz one and we establish some conditions ensuring the controllability for the mild solution by means of the Banach fixed point principle. At the end we provide a practical example in order to illustrate the viability of our result.\end{abstract}

Introduction: The number of disabilities due to age is expected to double by 2060. In this scenario, the development of sarcopenia is an important risk factor for the development of frailty, loss of independence and physical disability in the elderly and is associated with lower survival in critically ill patients. In this sense, the decline in fat-free mass correlates with the decline associated with the age of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Thus, GH secretagogue (MK-677) as the first orally active ghrelin mimetic may increase pulsatile GH secretion in the elderly. Objective: The main objectives were to determine whether oral MK-677 in healthy elderly would increase GH and IGF-I levels, prevent the decline of FFM and decrease abdominal visceral fat (AVF) with acceptable tolerability. Methods: A total of 18 articles were found involving MK-677, GH secretagogue, sarcopenia, insulin-like growth factor-1, safety, and efficacy. Initially, it was held the existing exclusion title and duplications following the interest described in this work. After this process, 5 articles were included and discussed in this study. The present study was elaborated according to the rules of systematic review- PRISMA (Transparent reporting of systematic reviews and meta-analysis- http://www.prisma-statement.org/). Results: In a clinical study, MK-677 neutralized three important factors contributing to the development of sarcopenia, which is reduced GH secretion, fat-free mass loss, and inadequate food intake. A recent study looked at the safety and efficacy of the oral GH secretagogue (MK-677) in humans, showing that MK-677 promotes pulsatile GH release that is subject to negative feedback and may prevent supra-therapeutic levels. of GH and its sequelae. Available studies indicate that MK-677 is well tolerated, however, there is a bias in decreased insulin sensitivity. There were no adverse effects attributable to MK-677. However, MK-677 had an unfavorable safety profile in individuals with congestive heart failure. Conclusion: The most confirmed sarcopenia treatment methods are nutritional overfeeding and resistance training, but studies have shown that supplementation with MK-677 can significantly reduce three important factors contributing to the development of sarcopenia, which is reduced secretion. GH loss, fat-free mass loss, and inadequate food intake, safely and effectively. However, it is imperative to increase randomized clinical trials to establish a consensus treatment. Keywords: MK-677. Ibutamoren. GH secretagogue. Sarcopenia. Elderly.

Objective: This study measured the cortisol levels of professional athletes during a CrossFit® championship. Then, it evaluated the physiological response caused by cortisol. Increased cortisol levels may interfere with the athletes’ performance and muscle recovery. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of eight female professional athletes, aged between 20 and 34 years, enrolled in the 2017 Brazil CrossFit Championship (TCB), held in Valinhos, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The salivary samples were obtained during the three days of the championship in two different moments: in the morning, before athletes’ warm-up, and 15 minutes after the last workout of each day. Results: Before warming up, the mean values of salivary cortisol were 15.9 ng/mL, 13.2 ng/mL, and 13.1 ng/mL, respectively. After the last workout, the mean values for cortisol were 6.4 ng/mL, 9.6 ng/mL, and 7.1 ng/mL, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found on the first day of competition.  The results presented the expected diurnal cycle of this hormone.  Conclusion: CrossFit® is a sport that alternates medium- to high-intensity exercises, including gymnastics, metabolic conditioning, and weight lifting. This competitive sport presents a variability of stressors, which may increase cortisol production and secretion according to different studies. This study found that the physiological stress of a CrossFit® championship affects the production of cortisol and increases the stimulation of the hypothalamic axis. However, the normal cortisol secretion response suggests a physiological adaptation or alteration in the cortisol receptor in the athletes studied.  Further studies carried out with a larger sample are necessary to assess these neuroendocrine changes.Keywords: CrossFit®. Cortisol. Physical activity. Women.

Background and aims: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical syndrome that has been consistently linked with increased morbidity and mortality risk. Prognosis, as well as incidence, varies depending on patients characteristics and health care setting. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of AKI and related outcomes in a population of hospitalised patients taking into account the time of onset and severity of the syndrome. Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2015, who had at least one inpatient serum creatinine (SCr). We distinguished between AKI apparent at admission (CA-) and afterwards during hospitalisation (HA-AKI). Results: The incidence of AKI was 15.2 %, of which 68% of episodes developed during hospital care. Baseline characteristics of CA-AKI and HA-AKI were similar, but CA-AKI patients were more likely to have more severe episodes and shorter length of stay than patients with HA-AKI (30.9% vs 14.5% with AKI stage 3 and 8.1 vs 14.8 days, respectively). We found a strong, gradual association (after multivariate adjustment) between stage of AKI and mortality. Irrespective the type of AKI, stage 3 was related to the five-fold risk of in-hospital death and a two-fold risk of death at the 6th-month in comparison to No AKI. Conclusions: One in six of hospitalised patients experienced AKI, and almost two-thirds of events developed during the hospital stay. There were no differences in short-term mortality between AKI type, but the risk of death related to the severity of the syndrome.

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) prevalence substantially increased over the past two decades with relatively high impact on large dairy herds, raising the concern of regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders, and threatening animal and public health. Lack of resources, together with the economic and social consequences of whole-herd stamping-out, makes depopulation an impractical disease control alternative in these herds. The increase in bTB-prevalence was associated with demographic and management changes in the dairy industry in Uruguay, reducing the efficacy of the current control program (i.e. status quo) based on intradermal serial testing with caudal fold- and comparative cervical- tuberculin test-and slaughter of reactors (CFT-CCT). Here, we aimed to assess the epidemiological effectiveness of six alternative control scenarios based on test-and-slaughter of positive animals, using mathematical modeling to infer bTB-within-herd dynamics. We simulated six alternative control strategies consisting of testing adult cattle (>1 year) in the herd every three months using one test (in-vivo or in-vitro) or a combination in parallel of two tests (CFT, interferon-gamma release assay –IGRA- or Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results showed no significant differences overall in the time needed to reach bTB-eradication (median ranging between 61 to 82 months) or official bovine tuberculosis-free status (two consecutive negative herd-tests) between any of the alternative strategies and the status quo (median ranging between 50 and 59 months). However, we demonstrate how alternative strategies can significantly reduce bTB-prevalence when applied for restricted periods (6, 12, or 24 months), and in the case of IGRAc (IGRA using peptide-cocktail antigens), without incurring on higher unnecessary slaughter of animals (false-positives) than the status quo in the first 6 months of the program (P-value <0.05). Enhanced understanding bTB-within-herd dynamics with the application of different control strategies help to identify optimal strategies to ultimately improve bTB-control and -eradication from dairies in Uruguay and similar endemic settings.

In this article, we study the exponential behavior of 3D stochastic primitive equations driven by fractional noise. Since fractional Brownian motion is essentially different from Brownian motion, the standard method via classic stochastic analysis tools is not available. Here, we develop a method which is close to the method from dynamic system to show that the weak solutions to 3D stochastic primitive equations driven by fractional noise converge exponentially to the unique stationary solution of primitive equations. This method may be applied to other stochastic hydrodynamic equations and other noises including Brownian motion and Lévy noise.

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem for three-dimensional isentropic compressible radiation hydrodynamic equations with density-dependent viscosity coefficients. When the viscosity coefficients are given as power of density ($\rho^\delta$ with $\delta>1$), we establish the local-in-time existence of classical solutions containing a vacuum for large initial data. Here, we point out that the initial layer compatibility conditions are not necessary.