On-chip III-V monolithic integration of heralded single photon sources and beamsplitters

We demonstrate a monolithic III-V photonic circuit combining a heralded single photon source with a beamsplitter, at room temperature and telecom wavelength. Pulsed parametric down-conversion in an AlGaAs waveguide generates counterpropagating photons, one of which is used to herald the injection of its twin into the beamsplitter. We use this configuration to implement an integrated Hanbury-Brown and Twiss experiment, yielding a heralded second-order correlation $g^{(2)}_{\rm her}(0)=0.10 \pm 0.02$ that confirms single-photon operation. The demonstrated generation and manipulation of quantum states on a single III-V semiconductor chip opens promising avenues towards real-world applications in quantum information

Role of Neurotrophins in Orofacial Pain Modulation: A Review of the Latest Discoveries

Orofacial pain represents a multidisciplinary biomedical challenge involving basic and clinical research for which no satisfactory solution has been found. In this regard, trigeminal pain is described as one of the worst pains perceived, leaving the patient with no hope for the future. The aim of this review is to evaluate the latest discoveries on the involvement of neurotrophins in orofacial nociception, describing their role and expression in peripheral tissues, trigeminal ganglion, and trigeminal nucleus considering their double nature as “supporters” of the nervous system and as “promoters” of nociceptive transmission. In order to scan recent literature (last ten years), three independent researchers referred to databases PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science to find original research articles and clinical trials. The researchers selected 33 papers: 29 original research articles and 4 clinical trials. The results obtained by the screening of the selected articles show an interesting trend, in which the precise modulation of neurotrophin signaling could switch neurotrophins from being a “promoter” of pain to their beneficial neurotrophic role of supporting the nerves in their recovery, especially when a structural alteration is present, as in neuropathic pain. In conclusion, neurotrophins could be interesting targets for orofacial pain modulation but more studies are necessary to clarify their role for future application in clinical practice

Bilateral reconstruction of the mandibular body with symphyseal preservation using a single fibula free flap: operative technique

Background: Mandibular osteonecrosis may occur in 5% of the patients who undergo radiotherapy for the treatment of head and neck malignancies. Resection and microvascular reconstruction is the treatment of choice in complicated osteoradionecrosis, however multifocal presentation may complicate the management of the disease given the poor quality and limited availability of adequate recipient vessels. Operative technique: A 74-year-old man affected by multifocal severe osteoradionecrosis of the mandible underwent bilateral resection of the mandibular bodies while preserving the symphysis. The defects were reconstructed with a single fibula flap composed by two bony segments connected by a central segment, corresponding to the symphyseal region, in which the bone was dissected and removed. The anastomosis was performed on a single side of the neck. Healing was uneventful and the adopted technique allowed for a quick functional and esthetic recovery. Conclusion: The presented technique provided a safe and efficacious, although technically challenging, solution in a case presenting multifocal osteonecrosis of the jaw. The morbidity of the procedure was limited because the tissue resection and reconstruction processes were minimized. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the voice handicap index into Italian

Objectives. To evaluate the internal consistency, reliability, and clinical validity of the Italian version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Study Design. Cross-sectional survey study was carried out. Methods. One hundred and seventy-five patients with voice disorders, divided in four groups according to the etiology of the disease (neurogenic, structural, functional, and inflammatory), and 84 asymptomatic subjects were included in the study. Internal consistency was analyzed through Cronbach alpha coefficient. For the VHI test-retest reliability analysis, the Italian VHI was filled twice by 56 patients and 56 control subjects. The test-retest reliability was assessed through the Pearson correlation test. For the clinical validity assessment, the scores obtained in the pathological group were compared with those found in asymptomatic individuals through the Kruskal-Wallis test. Also, the correlation between VHI and the grade of voice disorder was assessed. Finally, the effect of age and gender on overall VHI and its three subscales was analyzed. Results. Optimal internal consistency was found (alpha = 0.93); the test-retest reliability in both groups was high (r > 0.86). Nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance for the overall VHI score and its three domains revealed a significant main effect for group (P = 0.000). The control group scored significantly lower than the four groups of voice-disordered patients. The overall VHI score positively correlated with the grade of voice disorder (r = 0.43). In the voice-disorder group, age and gender were not correlated to the overall VHI score and to their three domains. Conclusion. The Italian VHI is highly reproducible, and exhibits excellent clinical validity

Decoration of nanovesicles with pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) for targeted delivery

Acidity at surface of cancer cells is a hallmark of tumor microenvironments, which does not depend on tumor perfusion, thus it may serve as a general biomarker for targeting tumor cells. We used the pH (low) insertion peptide (pHLIP) for decoration of liposomes and niosomes. pHLIP senses pH at the surface of cancer cells and inserts into the membrane of targeted cells, and brings nanomaterial to close proximity of cellular membrane. DMPC liposomes and Tween 20 or Span 20 niosomes with and without pHLIP in their coating were fully characterized in order to obtain fundamental understanding on nanocarrier features and facilitate the rational design of acidity sensitive nanovectors. The samples stability over time and in presence of serum was demonstrated. The size, ζ-potential, and morphology of nanovectors, as well as their ability to entrap a hydrophilic probe and modulate its release were investigated. pHLIP decorated vesicles could be useful to obtain a prolonged (modified) release of biological active substances for targeting tumors and other acidic diseased tissues

Efeito de diferentes temperaturas na sobrevivência e no crescimento de mudas de guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess.).

São muitas as necessidades e as justificativas para o reflorestamento utilizando essências florestais nativas, especialmente com árvores de uso múltiplo em monocultivo ou em sistemas agroflorestais, visando, entre outros, à produção de madeiras nobres. O guanandi, uma espécie nativa, que fornece madeira de boa qualidade e ótimo valor econômico, tem sido muito utilizado neste sentido e, por muitas vezes, cultivado em condições climáticas desfavoráveis e/ou prejudiciais ao desenvolvimento da espécie. Neste trabalho objetivou-se avaliar as conseqüências de diferentes temperaturas na sobrevivência e no crescimento de mudas de guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliense Cambess.). O experimento foi conduzido no laboratório de Fisiologia Vegetal da Embrapa Gado de Corte, em Campo Grande, MS, de março até maio de 2009. Utilizaram-se mudas de guanandi, com seis meses de idade, que foram transplantadas para recipientes plásticos de 500 mL, contendo substrato comercial e solução nutritiva completa. Após aclimatação em temperatura constante de 27ºC, as mudas foram submetidas a três regimes de temperatura: 27/17ºC, 17/10ºC e 10/6ºC, durante 50 dias, em câmara climática do tipo B.O.D., com fotoperíodo de 12 horas. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições, sendo que cada repetição foi constituída de cinco plantas. Avaliou-se a sobrevivência das plantas (%), a altura (cm) e o diâmetro do colo (mm), as taxas de fotossíntese (μmol/m²/s) e a condutância estomática (μmol/m²/s). Os melhores resultados, para todas as variáveis mensuradas, foram obtidos para as plantas submetidas à temperatura entre 27/17ºC. Para as plantas submetidas às temperaturas 27/17ºC e 17/10ºC obteve-se 100% de sobrevivência. Pode-se concluir que a temperatura afeta a sobrevivência e o crescimento do guanandi, porque a espécie se mostrou intolerante ao regime de temperatura 10/6ºC, de modo que ao final do experimento houve morte das plantas