Generating functional for the gravitational field: implementation of an evolutionary quantum dynamics

We provide a generating functional for the gravitational field, associated to the relaxation of the primary constraints as extended to the quantum sector. This requirement of the theory, relies on the assumption that a suitable time variable exist, when taking the T-products of the dynamical variables. More precisely, we start from the gravitational field equations written in the Hamiltonian formalism and expressed via Misner-like variables; hence we construct the equation to which the T-products of the dynamical variables obey and transform this paradigm in terms of the generating functional, as taken on the theory phase-space. We show how the relaxation of the primary constraints (which correspond to break down the invariance of the quantum theory under the 4-diffeomorphisms) is summarized by a free functional taken on the Lagrangian multipliers, accounting for such constraints in the classical theory. The issue of our analysis is equivalent to a Gupta-Bleuler approach on the quantum implementation of all the gravitational constraints; in fact, in the limit of small $\hbar$, the quantum dynamics is described by a Schr\"odinger equation, as soon as the mean values of the momenta, associated to the lapse function and the shift vector, are not vanishing. Finally we show how, in the classical limit, the evolutionary quantum gravity reduces to General Relativity in the presence of an Eckart fluid, which corresponds to the classical counterpart of the physical clock, introduced in the quantum theory.Comment: 23 pages, no figures, to appear on International Journal of Modern Physics

miRNAs Expression Analysis in Paired Fresh/Frozen and Dissected Formalin Fixed and Paraffin Embedded Glioblastoma Using Real-Time PCR

miRNAs are small molecules involved in gene regulation. Each tissue shows a characteristic miRNAs epression profile that could be altered during neoplastic transformation. Glioblastoma is the most aggressive brain tumour of the adult with a high rate of mortality. Recognizing a specific pattern of miRNAs for GBM could provide further boost for target therapy. The availability of fresh tissue for brain specimens is often limited and for this reason the possibility of starting from formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) could very helpful even in miRNAs expression analysis. We analysed a panel of 19 miRNAs in 30 paired samples starting both from FFPE and Fresh/Frozen material. Our data revealed that there is a good correlation in results obtained from FFPE in comparison with those obtained analysing miRNAs extracted from Fresh/Frozen specimen. In the few cases with a not good correlation value we noticed that the discrepancy could be due to dissection performed in FFPE samples. To the best of our knowledge this is the first paper demonstrating that the results obtained in miRNAs analysis using Real-Time PCR starting from FFPE specimens of glioblastoma are comparable with those obtained in Fresh/Frozen samples

Pattern of care and effectiveness of treatment for glioblastoma patients in the real world: Results from a prospective population-based registry. Could survival differ in a high-volume center?

BACKGROUND: As yet, no population-based prospective studies have been conducted to investigate the incidence and clinical outcome of glioblastoma (GBM) or the diffusion and impact of the current standard therapeutic approach in newly diagnosed patients younger than aged 70 years. METHODS: Data on all new cases of primary brain tumors observed from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2010, in adults residing within the Emilia-Romagna region were recorded in a prospective registry in the Project of Emilia Romagna on Neuro-Oncology (PERNO). Based on the data from this registry, a prospective evaluation was made of the treatment efficacy and outcome in GBM patients. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-seven GBM patients (median age, 64 y; range, 29-84 y) were enrolled. The median overall survival (OS) was 10.7 months (95% CI, 9.2-12.4). The 139 patients 64aged 70 years who were given standard temozolomide treatment concomitant with and adjuvant to radiotherapy had a median OS of 16.4 months (95% CI, 14.0-18.5). With multivariate analysis, OS correlated significantly with KPS (HR = 0.458; 95% CI, 0.248-0.847; P = .0127), MGMT methylation status (HR = 0.612; 95% CI, 0.388-0.966; P = .0350), and treatment received in a high versus low-volume center (HR = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.328-0.986; P = .0446). CONCLUSIONS: The median OS following standard temozolomide treatment concurrent with and adjuvant to radiotherapy given to (72.8% of) patients aged 6470 years is consistent with findings reported from randomized phase III trials. The volume and expertise of the treatment center should be further investigated as a prognostic factor

Early management of adult traumatic spinal cord injury in patients with polytrauma: a consensus and clinical recommendations jointly developed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) & the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS).

BACKGROUND: The early management of polytrauma patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) is a major challenge. Sparse data is available to provide optimal care in this scenario and worldwide variability in clinical practice has been documented in recent studies. METHODS: A multidisciplinary consensus panel of physicians selected for their established clinical and scientific expertise in the acute management of tSCI polytrauma patients with different specializations was established. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) and the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) endorsed the consensus, and a modified Delphi approach was adopted. RESULTS: A total of 17 statements were proposed and discussed. A consensus was reached generating 17 recommendations (16 strong and 1 weak). CONCLUSIONS: This consensus provides practical recommendations to support a clinician's decision making in the management of tSCI polytrauma patients

Applying satyrization to insect pest control. The case of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii Matsumura

Simple Summary Satyrization, a form of sexual interaction between males of one species with females of another species, has attracted renewed interest in pest management strategies. By inducing fitness costs in one or both interacting species, satyrization may indeed dramatically affect population dynamics, being a valuable tool to be used alone, or in conjunction with other area-wide control approaches. Here, we aimed to investigate the potential use of satyrization to control the invasive pest Drosophila suzukii by using D. melanogaster males. By realizing courtship tests, spermathecae analysis, and multiple-choice experiments, we showed that D. melanogaster males were able to successfully court, mate and reduce the offspring of D. suzukii females. These results, overall, showed that the use of D. melanogaster males can be an effective tool to control D. suzukii and lay promising foundations for testing the application of this approach in field conditions. Drosophila suzukii represents one of the major agricultural pests worldwide. The identification of safety and long-lasting tools to suppress its populations is therefore crucial to mitigate the environmental and economic damages due to its occurrence. Here, we explore the possibility of using satyrization as a tool to control the abundance of D. suzukii. By using males of D. melanogaster, we realized courtship tests, spermathecae analysis, and multiple-choice experiments to assess the occurrence and extent of pre- and post-zygotic isolation between the two species, as well as the occurrence of fitness costs in D. suzukii females due to satyrization. Our results showed that: (i) D. melanogaster males successfully courted D. suzukii females; (ii) D. melanogaster males significantly affected the total courtship time of D. suzukii males, which reduced from 22.6% to 6.4%; (iii) D. melanogaster males were able to inseminate D. suzukii and reduce their offspring, inducing a high fitness cost. Reproductive interference occurs at different steps between D. melanogaster and D. suzukii, both alone and in combination with other area-wide control approaches

Unusual Trigeminal Autonomic Pain Heralding Hemichorea due to Zoster Sine Herpete Vasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Varicella zoster virus primary infection is responsible for chickenpox, whereas secondary infection or reactivation can lead to a variety of clinical scenarios. If latent infection is established in trigeminal ganglion, the reactivation can determine viral migration to cerebral arteries, which causes a cerebral vasculopathy and subsequently an ischemic stroke. PATIENTS: Here we report on a child experiencing recurrent episodes of headache mimicking a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, in the absence of any skin rash, which were followed by the occurrence of an ipsilateral hemiparesis associated with a choreic movement disorder a month later. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance angiography showed evidence of a right-sided infarction of basal ganglia and anterior limb of the internal capsule, corresponding to the vascular territory of the recurrent artery of Heubner, as a consequence of a focal varicella zoster virus arteriopathy. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that the recognition of this prodromal manifestation, which can be interpreted as a zoster sine herpete, could provide clinicians an extremely useful time window to start promptly with a prophylactic treatment

Unusual trigeminal autonomic pain heralding hemichorea due to Zoster Sine herpete vasculopathy

Background Varicella zoster virus primary infection is responsible for chickenpox, whereas secondary infection or reactivation can lead to a variety of clinical scenarios. If latent infection is established in trigeminal ganglion, the reactivation can determine viral migration to cerebral arteries, which causes a cerebral vasculopathy and subsequently an ischemic stroke. Patients Here we report on a child experiencing recurrent episodes of headache mimicking a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia, in the absence of any skin rash, which were followed by the occurrence of an ipsilateral hemiparesis associated with a choreic movement disorder a month later. Results Magnetic resonance angiography showed evidence of a right-sided infarction of basal ganglia and anterior limb of the internal capsule, corresponding to the vascular territory of the recurrent artery of Heubner, as a consequence of a focal varicella zoster virus arteriopathy. Conclusions We suggest that the recognition of this prodromal manifestation, which can be interpreted as a zoster sine herpete, could provide clinicians an extremely useful time window to start promptly with a prophylactic treatment. © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Tapia's syndrome secondary to laterocervical localization of diffuse large cell lymphoma

The eponym "Tapia's syndrome" indicates an associated unilateral vocal cord and tongue paralysis secondary to a peripheral involvement of the recurrent laryngeal branch and the hypoglossal nerve. Although mainly observed as a complication of surgery or anaesthesia, it can rarely occur secondary to infectious or neoplastic causes. We are presenting a case of a teen-ager with Tapia's syndrome who had been seeking medical assistance for episodes of loss of consciousness and was diagnosed with a high-grade peripheral B-cell lymphoma, an association not previously described. This syndrome should be remembered even outside the surgical contest for its highly localising value. © 2013 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology