Large scale quantum walks by means of optical fiber cavities

We demonstrate a platform for implementing quantum walks that overcomes many of the barriers associated with photonic implementations. We use coupled fiber-optic cavities to implement time-bin encoded walks in an integrated system. We show that this platform can achieve very low losses combined with high-fidelity operations, enabling an unprecedented large number of steps in a passive system, as required for scenarios with multiple walkers. Furthermore the platform is reconfigurable, enabling variation of the coin, and readily extends to multidimensional lattices. We demonstrate variation of the coin bias experimentally for three different values

Photonic quantum information processing: a review

Photonic quantum technologies represent a promising platform for several applications, ranging from long-distance communications to the simulation of complex phenomena. Indeed, the advantages offered by single photons do make them the candidate of choice for carrying quantum information in a broad variety of areas with a versatile approach. Furthermore, recent technological advances are now enabling first concrete applications of photonic quantum information processing. The goal of this manuscript is to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this active field, with a due balance between theoretical, experimental and technological results. When more convenient, we will present significant achievements in tables or in schematic figures, in order to convey a global perspective of the several horizons that fall under the name of photonic quantum information.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figures, 634 references. Updated version with minor changes and extended bibliograph

Clinical value of measuring the renin/aldosterone levels: Optimising the management of uncontrolled/resistant hypertension

Introduction: Resistant hypertension (HT) is a common clinical entity with debilitating cardiovascular consequences. The highly heterogeneous nature of resistant HT requires a meticulous work-up to exclude ‘pseudo-resistance’ and secondary forms of arterial HT. Resistant HT has recently gained wide scientific interest due to the introduction of interventional methods (renal sympathetic denervation and carotid baroreceptor stimulation) for blood pressure (BP) reduction in this patient population. Despite however the recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology and the clinical characteristics of the disease, the appropriate management of resistant HT remains elusive. The marked heterogeneity of BP response to interventional therapy underlines the need for careful patient selection and the identification of ideal candidates for interventional therapy. Conclusion: The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system seems to play a cardinal role in the pathophysiology of resistant HT and requires appropriate management. Furthermore, primary aldosteronism is considered the most common form of secondary HT, with increased prevalence in patients with resistant HT. This review aims to provide a simplified work-up for patients with resistant HT, summarize the rationale for the determination of renin and aldosterone levels, and critically discuss available evidence on when and how to measure renin/aldosterone in resistant HT. © 2018 Bentham Science Publishers

Mediterranean diet is inversely associated with steatosis and fibrosis and decreases ten-year diabetes and cardiovascular risk in NAFLD subjects: Results from the ATTICA prospective cohort study

Background and aims: We assessed the association of Mediterranean diet with NAFLD and their interaction in predicting ten-year diabetes onset and first fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence. Methods: The ATTICA prospective observational study in Athens, Greece included 1,514 men and 1,528 women (>18 years old) free-of-CVD at baseline. Liver steatosis and fibrosis indices were calculated. Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed through MedDietScore. At the ten-year follow-up visit, CVD evaluation was performed in an a priori specified subgroup of n = 2,020 participants and diabetes onset in n = 1,485 free-of-diabetes participants. Results: MedDietScore was inversely associated with steatosis and fibrosis; e.g. in the case of the TyG index the Odds Ratio (OR) of the 3rd vs. 1st MedDietScore tertile was = 0·53, [95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) (0·29, 0·95)] and the associations persisted in multi-adjusted models. NAFLD predicted incident diabetes prospectively over a ten year period [HR = 1·87, 95% CI (0·75, 4·61)] and the association remained significant only in subjects with low MedDietScore (below median) whereas diabetes onset among subjects with higher MedDietScore was not influenced by NAFLD. Similarly, NAFLD predicted CVD [Hazard Ratio (HR) = 3·01, 95%CI(2·28, 3·95)]; the effect remained significant only in subjects with MedDietScore below median [HR = 1·38, 95% CI (1·00, 1·93)] whereas it was essentially null [HR = 1·00,95% CI (0·38, 2·63)] among subjects with higher score. Mediation analysis revealed that adiponectin and adiponectin-to-leptin ratio were the strongest mediators. Conclusions: We report an inverse association between Mediterranean diet and NAFLD. Mediterranean diet protected against diabetes and CVD prospectively among subjects with NAFLD. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolis

Prevalence of non-coronary heart disease in patients with familial hyperc-holesterolemia: An analysis from the HELLAS-FH

Aims: Despite the established link between familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), its association with other common atherosclerotic and metabolic diseases has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) [i.e., common carotid artery disease (CCAD) and lower extremity arterial disease (LEAD)], aortic valve stenosis, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with FH. Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study retrieving data from the Hellenic Familial Hypercholes-terolemia Registry (HELLAS-FH). Results: A total of 1,633 adult patients (850 males) with heterozygous FH (HeFH) were included (mean age 51.3±14.6 years at registration and 44.3±15.9 years at diagnosis). Any common carotid artery stenosis (CCAS) was diagnosed in 124 out of 569 patients with available related data (21.8%), while the prevalence of CCAD (defined as a CCAS ≥50%) was 4.2%. The median (interquartile range-IQR) CCAS was 30% (20-40), whereas the median (IQR) carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was 0.7 (0.1-1.4) mm. LEAD was reported in 44 patients (prevalence 2.7%). The prevalence of aortic valve stenosis and CKD was 2.0% and 6.4%, respec-tively. NAFLD was present in 24% of study participants. Conclusion: HeFH is associated with a relatively high prevalence of any CCAS and CCAD. The prevalence of LEAD, CKD and aortic valve stenosis was relatively low, whereas the prevalence of NAFLD was similar to that of the general population. © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers

Recommendations for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: A clinical guide by the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society

This document presents the consensus recommendations of the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. This clinical guide summarizes the current literature on lipid management and can be of assistance to the physicians treating stroke patients in clinical practice. © 2020 World Stroke Organization

Recommendations for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack: A clinical guide by the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society

This document presents the consensus recommendations of the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. This clinical guide summarizes the current literature on lipid management and can be of assistance to the physicians treating stroke patients in clinical practice. © 2020 World Stroke Organization