A Step Beyond the Bounce: Bubble Dynamics in Quantum Phase Transitions

We study the dynamical evolution of a phase interface or bubble in the context of a \lambda \phi^4 + g \phi^6 scalar quantum field theory. We use a self-consistent mean-field approximation derived from a 2PI effective action to construct an initial value problem for the expectation value of the quantum field and two-point function. We solve the equations of motion numerically in (1+1)-dimensions and compare the results to the purely classical evolution. We find that the quantum fluctuations dress the classical profile, affecting both the early time expansion of the bubble and the behavior upon collision with a neighboring interface.Comment: 12 pages, multiple figure

Inhibited enzymatic reaction of crosslinked lactate oxidase through a pH-dependent mechanism

Lactate oxidase (LOx), recognized to selectively catalyze the lactate oxidation in complex matrices, has been highlighted as preferable biorecognition element for the development of lactate biosensors. In a previous work, we have demonstrated that LOx crosslinking on a modified screen-printed electrode results in a dual range lactate biosensor, with one of the analysis linear range (4 to 50 mM) compatible with lactate sweat levels. It was advanced that such behavior results from an atypical substrate inhibition process. To understand such inhibition phenomena, this work relies in the study of LOx structure when submitted to increased substrate concentrations. The results found by fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering of LOx solutions, evidenced conformational changes of the enzyme, occurring in presence of inhibitory substrate concentrations. Therefore, the inhibition behavior found at the biosensor, is an outcome of LOx structural alterations as result of a pH-dependent mechanism promoted at high substrate concentrations.Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MICINN), Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) (TEC20013-40561-P and MUSSEL RTC-2015-4077-2). Hugo Cunha-Silva would like to acknowledge funding from the Spanish Ministry of Economy (BES-2014-068214

Paediatric and adult congenital cardiology education and training in Europe

Background: Limited data exist on training of European paediatric and adult congenital cardiologists. Methods: A structured and approved questionnaire was circulated to national delegates of Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology in 33 European countries. Results: Delegates from 30 countries (91%) responded. Paediatric cardiology was not recognised as a distinct speciality by the respective ministry of Health in seven countries (23%). Twenty countries (67%) have formally accredited paediatric cardiology training programmes, seven (23%) have substantial informal (not accredited or certified) training, and three (10%) have very limited or no programme. Twenty-two countries have a curriculum. Twelve countries have a national training director. There was one paediatric cardiology centre per 2.66 million population (range 0.87-9.64 million), one cardiac surgical centre per 4.73 million population (range 1.63-10.72 million), and one training centre per 4.29 million population (range 1.63-10.72 million population). The median number of paediatric cardiology fellows per training programme was 4 (range 1-17), and duration of training was 3 years (range 2-5 years). An exit examination in paediatric cardiology was conducted in 16 countries (53%) and certification provided by 20 countries (67%). Paediatric cardiologist number is affected by gross domestic product (R-2 = 0.41). Conclusion: Training varies markedly across European countries. Although formal fellowship programmes exist in many countries, several countries have informal training or no training. Only a minority of countries provide both exit examination and certification. Harmonisation of training and standardisation of exit examination and certification could reduce variation in training thereby promoting high-quality care by European congenital cardiologists.Developmen

Physiological and growth responses of several genotypes of common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) under mediterranean semi-arid conditions

Common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is a drought-tolerant weed cultivated for its fresh leaves and stems. In the present study, a field experiment was conducted to determine plant development and photosynthesis of several common purslane genotypes in a high-density planting system. The experiment was carried out according to randomized complete block design with four replications per treatment. Four local populations and two commercial cultivars of common purslane were studied. During the experiment, plant biomass, plant height, leaf relative chlorophyll content (SPAD values), stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic rate (A) were recorded. From the results of our study significant differences in plant height and biomass were observed among the studied genotypes. The lowest height and biomass were found in genotype 'Domokos' whose growth was prostrate to semi-prostrate, whereas all the other genotypes had erect growth. Differences were also observed in physiological parameters. In particular, the relative chlorophyll content (SPAD value) was the highest for genotype 'Domokos', whereas stomatal conductance and photosynthetic rates were the lowest for the same genotype. Biomass yield had also positive and significant correlation with photosynthetic rate and plant height. Our results indicate that the tested genotypes had significant differences in growth habit and physiological parameters. Comparing the tested genotypes, it could be suggested that apart from genotype 'Domokos' which had lower biomass yield due to its growth habit, the rest of the genotypes could be suitable for commercial purposes and proposed as an alternative crop in semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean basin

The importance of screening for critical and severe congenital cardiac diseases by pulse oximetry in the early neonatal age - Position statement of the Hellenic Society of Perinatal Medicine (HSPM)

Background: From its first reported use in 2002, the efficiency of pulse oximetry (POX) screening in detecting critical and severe congenital heart disease (c/s-CHD) in term neonates in early days after delivery has been proved by numerous studies. It is low-cost, non-invasive, easy to use, repeatable, time-saving, applicable by even less-skilled nursing staff, proven to have excellent sensitivity and high specificity. When used in addition to the initial physician's examination before dismissing a newborn home, this postnatal test can increase the clinical accuracy of detecting c/s-CHD. In this sense, it must be used as an early detecting screening test. Its use is more important during the period in which the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) conceals the signs and symptoms of low cardiac output syndrome (LCOs) or severe cyanosis that will lead to notably hypoxia and acidosis. These free-of-symptoms babies that leave maternity units although critically ill, as well as those that are born at home and assessed by primary care, will benefit the most through a compulsory use of this test. Despite the benefits, it has failed to become a universal screening test for early detection of c/s-CHD, especially in Europe. Aim: To discuss the existing evidence on safe, effective, and efficient screening, using POX in combination with initial pre-discharge physical examination at the end of its stay under maternity services, including births out of medical facilities, for every term baby as a compulsory health screening test in Greece. Methods: The authors, members of the Hellenic Society of Perinatal Medicine (HSPM), reviewed the existing up-to-date literature and the trend of using this test worldwide and especially in European countries. They also consulted with pioneers and experts in the field. Results: Based on published data, the authors clarify existing policies of using POX and initial clinical assessment, aiming to a standardized approach of screening and diagnostic follow-up, when needed. Key issues for future research and evaluation were identified and addressed. Conclusions: The authors clarify existing policies in the use of POX, aiming to suggest the most appropriate way of using the test for compulsory screening term newborns during the early neonatal period in Greece. Special conditions of screening are being discussed. Public health organizations and private health agencies will have an important role in quality assurance and surveillance of this screening test aiming to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality from c/s-CHD in Greece. © 2021. All Rights Reserved

Efficacy and selectivity of pre- and post-emergence herbicides in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) under mediterranean semi-arid conditions

In the present study, the selectivity and efficacy of several post and pre-emergence herbicides in chia (Salvia hispanica L.) were examined. Field experiments were conducted at two locations with different soil types and environmental conditions. Our results showed that the pre-emergence application of pendimethalin, oxyfluorfen and linuron reduced total weed density by 71-74%, 74-82% and 53-55%, respectively. Despite their high effectiveness against specific weed species, the abovementioned herbicides had a negative effect on plant density and biomass yield. In addition, herbicides bentazon and fluazifopp- butyl which applied post-emergence did not affect significantly plant height and biomass yield. In conclusion, the herbicides linuron, pendimethalin and oyxfluorfen do not seem to be a viable option for weed control in chia crop, whereas the postemergence applied herbicides did not affect significantly plants' growth. Further evaluation of chia tolerance to herbicides is needed under different application rates in order to make safe suggestions for chemical control of weeds. © 2018 Academic Press

Chemical composition and bioactive properties of: Sanguisorba minor Scop. under Mediterranean growing conditions

Sanguisorba minor Scop. is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region which exhibits several medicinal activities. In the present study, plant growth, chemical composition, and antitumor and antimicrobial properties of S. minor plants were evaluated under different growing conditions. In particular, plants were grown on different substrates, namely (A) peat, (B) peat:perlite (1:1) and (C) peat:perlite (2:1). The dry weight of the aerial parts and roots was higher for the peat treatment (A), whereas plant growth was severely affected in the peat:perlite (1:1) treatment (B). The major detected sugars were fructose and glucose, while the peat:perlite (2:1) treatment resulted in a significant increase of α-tocopherol, glucose and total sugars content, especially in the aerial parts. Oxalic acid and citric acid were the major organic acids detected, with a varied effect of growth substrate on organic acid profile. Growth substrate and plant part also had a significant effect on fatty acid composition, especially on linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid content which was higher in the peat:perlite (1:1) treatment in both aerial parts and roots. An impact on the composition of phenolic compounds was also observed, where the plants grown on peat:perlite (2:1) and peat:perlite (1:1) substrates had the highest content of individual and total phenolic compounds in their aerial parts and roots, respectively. Moreover, roots contained significantly higher amounts of phenolic compounds than the aerial parts. Moreover, plant extracts exhibited antiproliferative activity against four tumor cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, MCF-7 and NCI-H460) and a primary culture of porcine liver cells (PLP2), as well as significant antimicrobial properties. In conclusion, S. minor presented significant bioactive properties, while growth substrates affected the nutritional value, chemical composition, antitumor and antimicrobial properties of the species which could be probably attributed to the higher phenolic compound content and different compositions of phenolic compounds. Therefore, although the species is commonly found in the Mediterranean region, it is underexploited yet and its plant tissues could be a potential source of natural bioactive compounds with further use in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications. © 2019 The Royal Society of Chemistry

Late-onset cardiomyopathy among survivors of childhood lymphoma treated with anthracyclines: a systematic review

Medical advances in pediatric oncology have led to increases in survival but the long-term adverse effects of treatment in childhood cancer survivors have not yet been examined in depth. In this systematic review, we aimed to study the prevalence and risk factors of late-onset cardiomyopathy (LOCM) among survivors of childhood lymphoma treated with anthracyclines. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines we searched Pubmed/Medline, abstracted data and rated studies on quality regarding late-onset (>1 year following treatment) cardiotoxicity of anthracyclines in survivors of childhood lymphoma. Across 22 identified studies, the prevalence of anthracycline-induced LOCM among survivors of childhood lymphoma ranges from 0 to 40%. Anthracycline dose, administration and dose of mediastinal radiation, patient's age and era of diagnosis and evaluation, follow-up duration as well as disease relapse have been reported as risk factors for LOCM, whereas administration of dexrazoxane seems to act protectively. There was significant between-study heterogeneity with regards to lymphoma subtypes, follow-up duration, definition of outcomes, and anthracycline-based treatment protocols. The rates of anthracycline-induced LOCM among survivors of childhood lymphoma are high and dependent on study design. Future studies should explore whether modifying risk factors and suggested supportive care could decrease its prevalence among childhood lymphoma survivors. Until then, lifelong follow-up of these patients aiming to determinate the earliest signs of cardiac dysfunction is the most important measure towards primordial prevention of LOCM. © 2018 Hellenic Society of Cardiolog