Realization and characterization of a 2-photon 4-qubit linear cluster state

We report on the experimental realization of a 4-qubit linear cluster state via two photons entangled both in polarization and linear momentum. This state was investigated by performing tomographic measurements and by evaluating an entanglement witness. By use of this state we carried out a novel nonlocality proof, the so-called ``stronger two observer all versus nothing'' test of quantum nonlocality.Comment: 4 pages, 4 figure

Il ritratto del bellus homo in Mart. 3, 63: realismo e retorica

Gli artifici della retorica sembrano lontani dal realismo della poesia di Marziale. Al contrario, un’attenta analisi degli epigrammi mostra come il meccanismo comico e la vivezza descrittiva che li caratterizzano siano debitori di molti procedimenti espressivi illustrati dai manuali tecnici. Infatti, lo studio del mordace ritratto di un dandy (il bellus homo di 3,63) rivela in filigrana la rielaborazione di un esercizio di scrittura diffuso nelle scuole. Ne scaturisce una nuova possibile chiave di lettura del brillante epigramma.Il semble que les artifices de la rhétorique soient étrangers au réalisme de la poésie de Martial. Au contraire, l’analyse des épigrammes montre comment le mécanisme comique et la vivacité de la description résultent des procédés d’écriture qui ont été illustrés par les artes rhetoricae. En fait, l’étude d’un tableau qui représente un dandy (bellus homo) révèle une élaboration textuelle très habile, qui joue sur la structure d’un exercice scolaire, la description des caractères (éthopée). Cela permet de donner à l’épigramme une nouvelle interprétation.It seems likely that Martial intended to write a realistic poetry far from rhetorical artificialities. On the contrary, by analyzing the epigrams, one can show how the comic mechanisms and the vivid descriptions are the result of the rules illustrated by the artes rhetoricae. The depiction picture of a dandy (bellus homo) shows a very clever textual elaboration based upon a school exercise, the ethopoiea. This may shed a new light on the meaning of this epigram

Physical activity scale for the elderly: translation, cultural adaptation, and validation of the Italian version

Objective. The aim of the study was to translate and culturally adapt the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly into Italian (PASE-I) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in the Italian older adults healthy population. Methods. For translation and cultural adaptation, the "Translation and Cultural Adaptation of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measures" guidelines have been followed. Participants included healthy individuals between 55 and 75 years old. The reliability and validity were assessed following the "Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments" checklist. To evaluate internal consistency and test-retest reliability, Cronbach's α and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were, respectively, calculated. The Berg Balance Score (BBS) and the PASE-I were administered together, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated for validity. Results. All the PASE-I items were identical or similar to the original version. The scale was administered twice within a week to 94 Italian healthy older people. The mean PASE-I score in this study was 159±77.88. Cronbach's α was 0.815 (p < 0.01) and ICC was 0.977 (p < 0.01). The correlation with the BBS was 0.817 (p < 0.01). Conclusions. The PASE-I showed positive results for reliability and validity. This scale will be of great use to clinicians and researchers in evaluating and managing physical activities in the Italian older adults population

Recurrence following anastomotic leakage after surgery for carcinoma of the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. a systematic review

BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is the ninth most common cancer. The only potentially curative treatment is surgical resection, which unfortunately is still associated with major complications, the most important being anastomotic leakage, currently with an overall rate of up to 26% morbidity. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the relationship between anastomotic leakage and recurrence of disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was systematically performed. Seven out of 312 articles dated between 2009 and 2018 fulfilled the selection for a total of 5,433 patients. RESULTS: The frequency of anastomotic leakage ranged from 7.2 to 11.2%. Patients affected by anastomotic leakage had a recurrence rate of 9-56%. CONCLUSION: Closer follow-up or even more aggressive oncological therapy should be considered for patients affected by anastomotic leakage after surgery for carcinoma of the distal esophagus and gastroesophageal junction

Management of duodenal stump fistula after gastrectomy for gastric cancer: systematic review

AIM: To identify the most effective treatment of duodenal stump fistula (DSF) after gastrectomy for gastric cancer. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CILEA Archive, BMJ Clinical Evidence and UpToDate databases were analyzed. Three hundred eighty-eight manuscripts were retrieved and analyzed and thirteen studies published between 1988 and 2014 were finally selected according to the inclusion criteria, for a total of 145 cases of DSF, which represented our group of study. Only patients with DSF after gastrectomy for malignancy were selected. Data about patients' characteristics, type of treatment, short and long-term outcomes were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: In the 13 studies different types of treatment were proposed: conservative approach, surgical approach, percutaneous approach and endoscopic approach (3 cases). The overall mortality rate was 11.7% for the entire cohort. The more frequent complications were sepsis, abscesses, peritonitis, bleeding, pneumonia and multi-organ failure. Conservative approach was performed in 6 studies for a total of 79 patients, in patients with stable general condition, often associated with percutaneous approach. A complete resolution of the leakage was achieved in 92.3% of these patients, with a healing time ranging from 17 to 71 d. Surgical approach included duodenostomy, duodeno-jejunostomy, pancreatoduodenectomy and the use of rectus muscle flap. In-hospital stay of patients who underwent relaparotomy ranged from 1 to 1035 d. The percutaneous approach included drainage of abscesses or duodenostomy (32 cases) and percutaneous biliary diversion (13 cases). The median healing time in this group was 43 d. CONCLUSION: Conservative approach is the treatment of choice, eventually associated with percutaneus drainage. Surgical approach should be reserved for severe cases or when conservative approaches fail

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental health systems: a qualitative systematic review to inform a policy framework

Background: Despite the potential for improved population mental health and wellbeing, the integration of mental health digital interventions has been difficult to achieve. In this qualitative systematic review, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental healthcare systems, and map these to an implementation framework to inform policy development. Methods: We searched Medline, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for primary research articles published between January 2010 and 2022. Studies were considered eligible if they reported barriers and/or facilitators to the integration of any digital mental healthcare technologies. Data were extracted using EPPI-Reviewer Web and analysed thematically via inductive and deductive cycles. Results: Of 12,525 references identified initially, 81 studies were included in the final analysis. Barriers and facilitators were grouped within an implementation (evidence-practice gap) framework across six domains, organised by four levels of mental healthcare systems. Broadly, implementation was hindered by the perception of digital technologies as impersonal tools that add additional burden of care onto both providers and patients, and change relational power asymmetries; an absence of resources; and regulatory complexities that impede access to universal coverage. Facilitators included person-cantered approaches that consider patients’ intersectional features e.g., gender, class, disability, illness severity; evidence-based training for providers; collaboration among colleagues; appropriate investment in human and financial resources; and policy reforms that tackle universal access to digital health. Conclusion: It is important to consider the complex and interrelated nature of barriers across different domains and levels of the mental health system. To facilitate the equitable, sustainable, and long-term digital transition of mental health systems, policymakers should consider a systemic approach to collaboration between public and private sectors to inform evidence-based planning and strengthen mental health systems. Protocol registration: The protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42021276838

The Impact of Hyaluronic Acid on Tendon Physiology and Its Clinical Application in Tendinopathies

The physical-chemical, structural, hydrodynamic, and biological properties of hyaluronic acid within tendons are still poorly investigated. Medical history and clinical applications of hyaluronic acid for tendinopathies are still debated. In general, the properties of hyaluronic acid depend on several factors including molecular weight. Several preclinical and clinical experiences show a good efficacy and safety profile of hyaluronic acid, despite the absence of consensus in the literature regarding the classification according to molecular weight. In in vitro and preclinical studies, hyaluronic acid has shown physical-chemical properties, such as biocompatibility, mucoadhesivity, hygroscopicity, and viscoelasticity, useful to contribute to tendon healing. Additionally, in clinical studies, hyaluronic acid has been used with promising results in different tendinopathies. In this narrative review, findings encourage the clinical application of HA in tendinopathies such as rotator cuff, epicondylitis, Achilles, and patellar tendinopathy

Development of a patient-centered aggregate score to predict survival after lung resection for non–small cell lung cancer

ObjectiveThe objective of this analysis was to develop a survival aggregate score (SAS), including objective and subjective patient-based parameters, and assess its prognostic role after major anatomic resection for non–small cell lung cancer.MethodsA total of 245 patients underwent major lung resections for non–small cell lung cancer with preoperative evaluation of quality of life (Short-Form 36v2 survey) and complete follow-up. The Cox multivariable regression and bootstrap analyses were used to identify prognostic factors of overall servival, which were weighted to construct the scoring system and summed to generate the SAS.ResultsCox regression analysis showed that the factors negatively associated with overall survival and used to construct the score were 36-item short-form health survey physical component summary score less than 50 (hazard ratio [HR], 1.7; P = .008), aged older than 70 years (HR, 1.9; P = .002), and carbon monoxide lung diffusion capacity less than 70% (HR, 1.7; P = .01). Patients were grouped into 4 risk classes according to their SAS. The 5-year overall survival was 78% in class SAS0, 59% in class SAS1, 42% in class SAS2, and 14% in class SAS3 (log-rank test, P < .0001). SAS maintained its association with overall survival in patients with stages pT1 (log-rank test, P = .01), pT2 (log-rank test, P = .02), or pT3-4 (log-rank test, P = .001), and in those with stages pN0 (log-rank test, P = .0005) or pN1-2 (log-rank test, P = .02). The 5-year cancer-specific survival was 83% in class SAS0, 71% in class SAS1, 63% in class SAS2, and 17% in class SAS3 (log-rank test, P < .0001).ConclusionsThis system may be used to refine stratification of prognosis for clinical and research purposes

Orthotopic Heart Transplantation: Bicaval Versus Biatrial Surgical Technique

In 1967, the first cardiac transplantation was performed in South Africa by Christiaan Barnard, becoming one of the most pioneering events of the human history, comparable to the first step on the moon, 2 years later. Even if Barnard became extremely famous because of this outstanding operation, behind this event there were years and years of studies, experimentations and hard work done by others, in particular by Lower and Shumway. The initial technique, still called ‘standard technique’ is the biatrial one. In the late 1980s, alternatives like the ‘bicaval technique’ were developed in order to get a more anatomical result. In the present chapter, we will throw the reader into the early years of the cardiac transplantation era, describing all the efforts made by the “fathers” of the cardiac surgery in order to standardize techniques inherited by the modern surgeons. Afterwards, we will present a review of the literature to answer the question if the biatrial technique should still be called “standard technique”

N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid effect in periodontal disease: state of art and possible mechanisms involved.

Anti-inflammatory properties have been widely reported for n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and some studies have been focalized on their possible role in the modulation of gingivitis and alveolar bone resorption in periodontal disease (PD). Increased formation of arachidonic acid-derived inflammatory eicosanoids and augmented oxidative stress are two molecular mechanisms pathogenetically involved in the progression of PD and known to be inhibited by n-3 PUFAs in PD setting. The present review will focus also on other molecular pathways and factors known to be altered in the development of PD and known to be subject to n-3 PUFA modulation in other pathological settings different from PD. Overall, the available findings strongly encourage further experimental studies on animals subject to experimental PD and treated with n-3 PUFAs, long term n-3 PUFA intervention studies on PD patients and molecular studies to identify additional potential molecular routes of n-3 PUFA action in PD