423 research outputs found
Towards a Generalized Distribution Formalism for Gauge Quantum Fields
We prove that the distributions defined on the Gelfand-Shilov spaces, and
hence more singular than hyperfunctions, retain the angular localizability
property. Specifically, they have uniquely determined support cones. This
result enables one to develop a distribution-theoretic techniques suitable for
the consistent treatment of quantum fields with arbitrarily singular
ultraviolet and infrared behavior. The proofs covering the most general case
are based on the use of the theory of plurisubharmonic functions and
Hormander's estimates.Comment: 12 p., Department of Theoretical Physics, P.N.Lebedev Physical
Institute, Leninsky prosp. 53, Moscow 117924, Russi
Infinite Infrared Regularization and a State Space for the Heisenberg Algebra
We present a method for the construction of a Krein space completion for
spaces of test functions, equipped with an indefinite inner product induced by
a kernel which is more singular than a distribution of finite order. This
generalizes a regularization method for infrared singularities in quantum field
theory, introduced by G. Morchio and F. Strocchi, to the case of singularites
of infinite order. We give conditions for the possibility of this procedure in
terms of local differential operators and the Gelfand- Shilov test function
spaces, as well as an abstract sufficient condition. As a model case we
construct a maximally positive definite state space for the Heisenberg algebra
in the presence of an infinite infrared singularity.Comment: 18 pages, typos corrected, journal-ref added, reference adde
Massless scalar field in two-dimensional de Sitter universe
We study the massless minimally coupled scalar field on a two--dimensional de
Sitter space-time in the setting of axiomatic quantum field theory. We
construct the invariant Wightman distribution obtained as the renormalized
zero--mass limit of the massive one. Insisting on gauge invariance of the model
we construct a vacuum state and a Hilbert space of physical states which are
invariant under the action of the whole de Sitter group. We also present the
integral expression of the conserved charge which generates the gauge
invariance and propose a definition of dual field.Comment: 13 page
A propeller flap for single-stage nose reconstruction in selected patients: supratrochlear artery axial propeller flap
The paramedian forehead flap is the gold standard technique for nose reconstruction. It requires two different surgical operations which prolonged the postoperative dressing and care. We present our 5-year experience with a propeller flap based on the supratrochlear artery, which allows one-stage transfer of the forehead skin to the nose without the need for pedicle division. This technique is indicated in a selected group of patients who are not suitable for multiple-stage reconstructions because they have concurrent medical conditions, reduced mobility, or live far away from specialized medical centers. We have renamed this procedure as supratrochlear artery axial propeller flap, from the acronym STAAP flap, to stress the axial, well known and constant, vascularization of the flap. In the past 5 years, we have been performing 25 STAAP flaps; full-thickness nasal reconstruction was performed in 11 cases. The patients were 16 males and 9 females, with a mean age of 79.5 years. All patients had multiple comorbidities. Complete flap survival was observed in 23 cases and healing was complete in 7 days. In two cases, there was a partial distal necrosis of the flap treated conservatively. Cosmetic results were good and the patient's satisfaction was significant. These results indicate that the STAAP flap is a reliable and useful technique in selected cases, as old or noncompliant patients who benefit from a one-stage technique of nose reconstructio
Gravity of a static massless scalar field and a limiting Schwarzschild-like geometry
We study a set of static solutions of the Einstein equations in presence of a
massless scalar field and establish their connection to the Kantowski-Sachs
cosmological solutions based on some kind of duality transformations. The
physical properties of the limiting case of an empty hyperbolic spacetime
(pseudo-Schwarzschild geometry) are analyzed in some detail.Comment: 13 pages, 4 figure
Conservation laws and scattering for de Sitter classical particles
Starting from an intrinsic geometric characterization of de Sitter timelike
and lightlike geodesics we give a new description of the conserved quantities
associated with classical free particles on the de Sitter manifold. These
quantities allow for a natural discussion of classical pointlike scattering and
decay processes. We also provide an intrinsic definition of energy of a
classical de Sitter particle and discuss its different expressions in various
local coordinate systems and their relations with earlier definitions found in
the literature.Comment: 25 pages, 1 figur
A difficult case of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii
This study reports the case of a 55-year-old woman with diabetes with a necrotizing fasciitis of the right lower limb and the perineum, first admitted at the emergency department for septic shock with cardiac arrest, and later transferred to the department of surgery. Microbiological and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis caused by Acinetobacter baumannii. A broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was administered and later readjusted according to the results of microbiological culture. Intensive hemodynamic support was required. Wounds were dressed daily with a 3 percent boric acid solution and a silver sulfadiazine-impregnated dressing. An extensive surgical debridement was promptly performed and repeated until complete control of the infection. Wounds were finally covered with split-thickness skin grafts. The infection was overcome 35 days after admission. The graft take was 100%. Postoperative rehabilitation was required because of the functional limitation of lower limb movements. Follow-up at 6 months showed no functional deficit and an acceptable aesthetic result. Necrotizing fasciitis is a life-threatening disorder, especially in patients with diabetes, whose clinical diagnosis may sometimes be challenging. Early recognition and treatment represent the most important factors influencing surviva
Skewed Differentiation of Circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T Lymphocytes in Melanoma and Impact on Clinical Outcome
Objective
The aim of this study was to evaluate over time circulating γδ T lymphocytes in melanoma
patients in terms of frequency, effector functions, and relationship with clinical stage and
evolution, by comparing preoperative values to those obtained at a mean follow-up of 36
months or in the event of recurrence or disease progression, and to those of healthy controls.
Also, we correlated the presence of tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes with clinical
evolution of melanoma.
Results
Mean frequencies of circulating γδ T cells before and after melanoma removal were very
similar and comparable to healthy subjects, but patients who progressed to stage III or IV
showed a significantly decreased frequency of circulating Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. The distribution
of Vγ9Vδ2 memory and effector subsets was similar in healthy subjects and melanoma
patients at diagnosis, but circulating γδ T cells of patients after melanoma removal had a
skewed terminally-differentiated effector memory phenotype. Highly suggestive of progressive
differentiation toward a cytotoxic phenotype, Vγ9Vδ2T cells from patients at follow up
had increased cytotoxic potential and limited cytokine production capability, while the opposite
pattern was detected in Vγ9Vδ2T cells from patients before melanoma removal.
Conclusions
Follow-up data also showed that tumor infiltrating γδ T cells were significantly associated
with lower mortality and relapse rates, suggesting that they may serve as a prognostic biomarker,
for human melanom
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Lower Leg: A Rare and Difficult Diagnosis
Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare neoplasm that commonly originates in the pleura. Extrapleural locations are rare and for this reason sometimes difficult to diagnose. Malignant forms with local recurrence or distant metastases have been reported, also as a consequence of inappropriate treatment. In this article, we report the case of an SFT of the lower leg in a 37-year-old man. Leg SFT is a rare occurrence, and differential diagnosis may be difficult because they can mimic a variety of benign and malignant mesenchymal tumors; immunohistochemical analysis for CD34, CD99, vimentin, and Bcl-2 is necessary. Misdiagnosis carries a significant risk of inadequate removal with subsequent increased risk of recurrence and distant metastases
Nicotinamide inhibits melanoma in vitro and in vivo
Background: Even though new therapies are available against melanoma, novel approaches are needed to overcome resistance and high-toxicity issues. In the present study the anti-melanoma activity of Nicotinamide (NAM), the amide form of Niacin, was assessed in vitro and in vivo. Methods: Human (A375, SK-MEL-28) and mouse (B16-F10) melanoma cell lines were used for in vitro investigations. Viability, cell-death, cell-cycle distribution, apoptosis, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide+ (NAD+), Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) levels were measured after NAM treatment. NAM anti-SIRT2 activity was tested in vitro; SIRT2 expression level was investigated by in silico transcriptomic analyses. Melanoma growth in vivo was measured in thirty-five C57BL/6 mice injected subcutaneously with B16-F10 melanoma cells and treated intraperitoneally with NAM. Interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting murine cells were counted with ELISPOT assay. Cytokine/chemokine plasmatic levels were measured by xMAP technology. Niacin receptors expression in human melanoma samples was also investigated by in silico transcriptomic analyses. Results: NAM reduced up to 90% melanoma cell number and induced: I) accumulation in G1-phase (40% increase), ii) reduction in S- A nd G2-phase (about 50% decrease), iii) a 10-fold increase of cell-death and 2.5-fold increase of apoptosis in sub-G1 phase, iv) a significant increase of NAD+, ATP, and ROS levels, v) a strong inhibition of SIRT2 activity in vitro. NAM significantly delayed tumor growth in vivo (p ≤ 0.0005) and improved survival of melanoma-bearing mice (p ≤ 0.0001). About 3-fold increase (p ≤ 0.05) of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) producing cells was observed in NAM treated mice. The plasmatic expression levels of 6 cytokines (namely: Interleukin 5 (IL-5), Eotaxin, Interleukin 12 (p40) (IL12(p40)), Interleukin 3 (IL-3), Interleukin 10 (IL-10) and Regulated on Activation Normal T Expressed and Secreted (RANTES) were significantly changed in the blood of NAM treated mice, suggesting a key role of the immune response. The observed inhibitory effect of NAM on SIRT2 enzymatic activity confirmed previous evidence; we show here that SIRT2 expression is significantly increased in melanoma and inversely related to melanoma-patients survival. Finally, we show for the first time that the expression levels of Niacin receptors HCAR2 and HCAR3 is almost abolished in human melanoma samples. Conclusion: NAM shows a relevant anti-melanoma activity in vitro and in vivo and is a suitable candidate for further clinical investigations
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