Realization of GHZ States and the GHZ Test via Cavity QED

In this article we discuss the realization of atomic GHZ states involving three-level atoms and we show explicitly how to use this state to perform the GHZ test in which it is possible to decide between local realism theories and quantum mechanics. The experimental realizations proposed makes use of the interaction of Rydberg atoms with a cavity prepared in a coherent state.Comment: 16 pages and 3 figures. submitted to J. Mod. Op

Gliomatosis cerebri presenting as rapidly progressive dementia and parkinsonism in an elderly woman: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Introduction</p> <p>Dementia is one of the most important neurological disorders in the elderly. Dementia of tumoral origin is rare and parkinsonism of neoplastic origin is unusual. We herein report a case of gliomatosis cerebri, a very rare brain tumor seldom affecting the elderly, which presented as rapidly progressive dementia and parkinsonism.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>An 82-year-old woman very rapidly developed progressive dementia and akineto-rigid parkinsonism. Brain CT scan was normal. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with gadolinium injection highlighted a diffuse tumor-related infiltration involving both lobes, the putamen, the pallidum, the substantia nigra, and the brainstem, corresponding to the specific description and definition of gliomatosis cerebri.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>This atypical presentation of a gliomatosis cerebri, and the infiltration of the substantia nigra by the tumor, merits attention.</p

Acute and sub chronic toxicity study of aqueous extract from the leaves and branches of Campomanesia velutina (Cambess) O. Berg.

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Campomanesia velutina leaves and branches infusions are used in Brazilian folk medicine to treat diarrhea and to ameliorate intestinal cramps, respectively. Aim of the study: Carry out the acute and sub chronic pre-clinical evaluation and thus assess the safety and toxicological potential of the specie. Materials and methods: In vivo toxicity was evaluated by acute and sub chronic toxicity assays conducted according to the guidelines of the Brazilian Agency of National Health Surveillance (Ag?ncia Nacional de Vigil?ncia Sanit?ria ? ANVISA). For acute toxicity evaluation, a single dose of aqueous extracts from the leaves (AEL) and branches (AEB) of Campomanesia velutina were orally administered to mice at doses of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg. Then, the animals were observed for 14 days. In the sub chronic study, the extracts were orally administered to mice for 14 days at doses of 300, 600 and 1200 mg/kg. To assess the toxicological effects, animals were closely observed on general behavior, clinical signs of toxicity, body weight, food and water intake. At the end of the experiment, it was performed biochemical and hematological evaluations, as well as histopathological analysis from the following organs: brain, heart, lungs, liver, stomach, small intestine (section) and left kidney. Preliminary phytochemical analysis was performed using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and colorimetric pharmacognostic tests. Results: In oral acute assay, treatment with AEB at the major dose (1200 mg/kg) caused diarrhea, abdominal cramps and tremors in females. These effects were reversed at 4th hour. Normochromic normocytic anemia was observed in males treated with AEL 300 mg/kg and AEB 600 and 1200 mg/kg as well as in females treated with AEB 300 and 1200 mg/kg. The kidney of all treated animals showed moderate inflammation and a few hemorrhagic points. In sub chronic assay, treatment with AEL 600 mg/kg, AEL 1200 mg/kg and AEB 1200 mg/kg caused hyper excitability in females that was not reversed. Treatments also had impact on weight gain and the relative weight of males? brain was increased on group treated with AEL 300 mg/kg, AEB 300 and AEB 1200 mg/kg. Although changes in hematological parameters were not observed, serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in males treated with AEB 300 mg/kg. Besides, the heart of all treated animals showed intense hyperemia. Preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins and phenolic compounds. Conclusions: Toxicity signs were mainly observed after treatment with AEL and AEB at the two highest tested doses (600 and 1200 mg/kg), suggesting that the extracts are relatively safe at its effective dose (300 mg/kg). However, alterations on hematological and biochemical parameters and on the kidney and heart of the animals were not closely related with the dose, implying caution on its use

Mapping of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Genetic Diversity Profiles in Tanzania and Other African Countries

The aim of this study was to assess and characterize Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) genotypic diversity in Tanzania, as well as in neighbouring East and other several African countries. We used spoligotyping to identify a total of 293 M. tuberculosis clinical isolates (one isolate per patient) collected in the Bunda, Dar es Salaam, Ngorongoro and Serengeti areas in Tanzania. The results were compared with results in the SITVIT2 international database of the Pasteur Institute of Guadeloupe. Genotyping and phylogeographical analyses highlighted the predominance of the CAS, T, EAI, and LAM MTBC lineages in Tanzania. The three most frequent Spoligotype International Types (SITs) were: SIT21/CAS1-Kili (n = 76; 25.94%), SIT59/LAM11-ZWE (n = 22; 7.51%), and SIT126/EAI5 tentatively reclassified as EAI3-TZA (n = 18; 6.14%). Furthermore, three SITs were newly created in this study (SIT4056/EAI5 n = 2, SIT4057/T1 n = 1, and SIT4058/EAI5 n = 1). We noted that the East-African-Indian (EAI) lineage was more predominant in Bunda, the Manu lineage was more common among strains isolated in Ngorongoro, and the Central-Asian (CAS) lineage was more predominant in Dar es Salaam (p-value<0.0001). No statistically significant differences were noted when comparing HIV status of patients vs. major lineages (p-value = 0.103). However, when grouping lineages as Principal Genetic Groups (PGG), we noticed that PGG2/3 group (Haarlem, LAM, S, T, and X) was more associated with HIV-positive patients as compared to PGG1 group (Beijing, CAS, EAI, and Manu) (p-value = 0.03). This study provided mapping of MTBC genetic diversity in Tanzania (containing information on isolates from different cities) and neighbouring East African and other several African countries highlighting differences as regards to MTBC genotypic distribution between Tanzania and other African countries. This work also allowed underlining of spoligotyping patterns tentatively grouped within the newly designated EAI3-TZA lineage (remarkable by absence of spacers 2 and 3, and represented by SIT126) which seems to be specific to Tanzania. However, further genotyping information would be needed to confirm this specificity

Aging, lifestyle factors, hormones and bone health in Singaporean men

Purpose. The present study examined how age, bodyweight, body fat, regular exercise and some endocrine factors are associated with osteoporosis, spine bone mineral density (Sbmd) and femoral neck bone mineral density (Fnbmd) in Singaporean men. Methods. Body composition and bone scans of lumbar spine at L2-L4 and hip were carried out with duel-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Anthropometric parameters were measured and demographic data, medical history and exercise schedule were collected via a questionnaire. Results. Osteoporosis prevalence was higher and Sbmd and Fnbmd were lower in men with high percent body fat (PBF) and conversely osteoporosis prevalence was lower and Sbmd and Fnbmd were higher in men with higher body mass index (BMI). Age was negatively associated with Fnbmd but not Sbmd. On the other hand, PBF and insulin levels were negatively associated with both Sbmd and Fnbmd. Body mass index and exercise intensity were positively associated with both Sbmd and Fnbmd. Sex hormones were significantly associated with only Sbmd but not Fnbmd. Both estradiol and DHEAS were positively, while testosterone was negatively associated with Sbmd. Conclusion. The study shows that the prevalence of osteoporosis and some of the determinants of bone mineral density (BMD) in Singaporean men was site-specific. Further, BMI and PBF are opposing predictors of BMD. Therefore, any strategy for improving bone health should include modalities that increase lean and bone mass and decrease fat mass. The bone health of Singaporean men is comparable to non-Hispanic whites and better than some other Asian men

Effect of ellagitannins, ellagic acid and volatile compounds from oak wood on the (+)-catechin, procyanidin B1 and malvidin-3-glucoside content of model wines

Background and Aims: During ageing in oak barrels, wine undergoes changes because of the release of polyphenols and other molecules from wood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of some oak wood-derived volatile compounds, ellagic acid and oak wood extracts on the levels of (+)-catechin, procyanidin B1 and malvidin-3-glucoside. Methods and Results: Phenolics and the oak wood derived volatile compounds studied were quantified by HPLC and by GC, respectively. Additionally, the new compounds formed in the solutions were characterised by their spectral properties. Ellagic acid and/or oak wood extracts slowed the decline in the levels of (+)-catechin and procyanidin B1. In contrast, the decrease in malvidin-3-glucoside was more pronounced in the presence of ellagic acid and oak wood chip extracts. Furfural slowed (+)-catechin degradation, while breakdown of malvidin-3-glucoside was slightly more pronounced in the presence of guaiacol, furfural, vanillin and eugenol. (+)-Catechin, procyanidin B1 and malvidin-3-glucoside did not significantly affect the rate of the degradation of ellagitannins during the storage time studied. Finally, new HPLC peaks were detected in the solutions containing (+)-catechin and ellagic acid, as well as with malvidin-3-glucoside with ellagic acid and oak wood extract. Conclusions: Malvidin 3-glucoside and (+)-catechin and procyanidin B1 presented distinct behaviours during time in the presence of volatile and non-volatile compounds from oak wood. Significance of the Study: This work points out the importance of oak wood components in the degradation of anthocyanins and tannins, as well as the reactions that occur during the ageing of red win