Unconventional and conventional quantum criticalities in CeRh0.58_{0.58}Ir0.42_{0.42}In5_5

An appropriate description of the state of matter that appears as a second order phase transition is tuned toward zero temperature, {\it viz.} quantum-critical point (QCP), poses fundamental and still not fully answered questions. Experiments are needed both to test basic conclusions and to guide further refinement of theoretical models. Here, charge and entropy transport properties as well as AC specific heat of the heavy-fermion compound CeRh$_{0.58}$Ir$_{0.42}$In$_5$, measured as a function of pressure, reveal two qualitatively different QCPs in a {\it single} material driven by a {\it single} non-symmetry-breaking tuning parameter. A discontinuous sign-change jump in thermopower suggests an unconventional QCP at $p_{c1}$ accompanied by an abrupt Fermi-surface reconstruction that is followed by a conventional spin-density-wave critical point at $p_{c2}$ across which the Fermi surface evolves smoothly to a heavy Fermi-liquid state. These experiments are consistent with some theoretical predictions, including the sequence of critical points and the temperature dependence of the thermopower in their vicinity.Comment: 21+3 pages, 4+2 figures. Change the title, figures et a

Nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of the heavy fermion system Ce2_2CoAl7_7Ge4_4

We present nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) measurements performed on single crystalline \ccag{}, a member of a recently discovered family of heavy fermion materials Ce$_2M$Al$_7$Ge$_4$ ($M$ = Co, Ir, Ni, or Pd). Previous measurements indicated a strong Kondo interaction as well as magnetic order below $T_M = 1.8$ K. Our NMR spectral measurements show that the Knight shift $K$ is proportional to the bulk magnetic susceptibility $\chi$ at high temperatures. A clear Knight shift anomaly ($K \not\propto \chi$) is observed at coherence temperatures $T^* \sim 17.5$ K for $H_0 \parallel \hat{c}$ and 10 K for $H_0 \parallel \hat{a}$ at the ${}^{59}$Co site, and $T^* \sim 12.5$ K at the ${}^{27}$Al(3) site for $H_0 \parallel \hat{a}$ characteristic of the heavy fermion nature of this compound. At high temperatures the ${}^{59}$Co NMR spin-lattice relaxation rate $T_1^{-1}$ is dominated by spin fluctuations of the 4$f$ local moments with a weak metallic background. The spin fluctuations probed by ${}^{59}$Co NMR are anisotropic and larger in the basal plane than in the $c$ direction. Furthermore, we find $(T_1TK)^{-1} \propto T^{-1/2}$ at the ${}^{59}$Co site as expected for a Kondo system for $T > T^*$ and $T> T_K$. ${}^{59}$Co NQR \slrr{} measurements at low temperatures indicate slowing down of spin fluctuations above the magnetic ordering temperature $T_M \sim 1.8$ K. A weak ferromagnetic character of fluctuations around $\mathbf{q}=0$ is evidenced by an increase of $\chi T$ versus $T$ above the magnetic ordering temperature. We also find good agreement between the observed and calculated electric field gradients at all observed sites

Thoracoscopy in pleural effusion –two techniques: awake single-access video-assisted thoracic surgery versus 2-ports video-assisted thoracic surgery under general anesthesia

Awake single access video-assisted thoracic surgery with local anesthesia improves procedure tolerance, reduces postoperative stay and costs. MATERIALS & METHODS: Local anesthesia was made with lidocaine and ropivacaine. We realize one 20 mm incision for the 'single-access', and two incisions for the '2-trocars technique'. RESULTS: Mortality rate was 0% in both groups. Postoperative stay: 3dd ± 4 versus 4dd ± 5, mean operative time: 39 min versus 37 min (p < 0.05). Chest tube duration: 2dd ± 5 versus 3dd ± 6. COMPLICATIONS: 11/95 versus 10/79. CONCLUSION: Awake technique reduce postoperative hospital stay and chest drainage duration, similar complications and recurrence rate. The authors can say that 'awake single-access VATS' is an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the management of pleural effusions, but above extends surgical indication to high-risk patients

Nodular histiocytic/mesothelial hyperplasia as consequence of chronic mesothelium irritation by sub-phrenic abscess.

Nodular histiocytic/mesothelial hyperplasia (NHMH) is a benign localized alteration, first described in 1975 by Rosai in the hernia sac [1]. Few pulmonary cases have been reported in literature [2–6]. Sometimes it has been reported in the pericardium [7,8] or presenting as an inguinal mass [9]. The ‘mesothelial/monocytic incidental cardiac excrescence’, first described by Weinot et al. in 1994 [10] is now considered a similar lesion to NHMH [11]. It consists of a reactive proliferation of histiocytes and mesothelium secondary to chronic irritation and it has been observed in pleura-damaging processes, such as pneumothorax [5], or as consequence of cardiac catheterization, inflammation, mechanical or tumor stimulation [11]. The rarity of NHMH and the moderate cytological atypia often present, make this lesion difficult to diagnose. It can be easily confused with primary mesothelial lesions and neoplasms such as adenocarcinomas, granulosa cell tumors or Langerhans’ histiocytosis. We report a case of pleural NHMH in a patient with a subphrenic abscess, in which no pulmonary pathogenic noxa was evident. We hypothesize a transdiaphragmatic chronic irritation as a pathogenetic mechanism underlying NHMH

POSSIBLE ROLE OF CRY1 AND CRY2 IN ORAL CARCINOGENESIS

Aim. Dysfunction of the circadian clock is involved in tumorigenesis, and altered expression of some clock genes has been found in cancer patients. It has been shown recently that the occurrence, development, prognosis, and treatment of cancer are closely related to the abnormal expression of certain circadian-clock genes. CRY1 and CRY2 circadian-clock gene plays an important role in the regulation of many normal hysiological rhythms. This proteins act as light-independent inhibitors of CLOCK-BMAL1 components of the circadian clock. It has been revealed recently that abnormal expression of CRY1 and CRY2 correlate closely with the occurrence and development of many cancers. However, the expression and significance of this proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression levels of CRY1 and CRY2 in oral cancer. Materials and methods. CRY1 and CRY2 expression in cancerous and peritumoral tissues (when it was present) from 27 patients with OSCC was detected by immunohistochemistry techniques. Of all samples were received medical records (age, sex, grading, TNM, site of localization of the tumor). Immunohistochemistry was then performed on two sections for each of 27 sample mounted on poly-Llysine-coated glass slides to evaluate respectively the expression of CRY1 and CRY2.Results. In this study, out of the 27 cases, 11 were +/- positive in tumor area for CRY1 (most of which are well (differentiated), while out of 23 cases in which we evaluated the peritumoral tissue present in the section, 18 were positive. Also in the cases of positive tumor, almost always cytoplasmic, the CRY1 appears to be more strongly positive in dysplastic areas or even more in healthy epithelium, with a negative regulation in the areas most undifferentiated. As for the CRY2, out of the 27 cases analyzed, 17 were positive in the tumor area while about 23 cases in which we evaluated in peritumoral tissue present in the sections, 20 cases were positive. In tumor epithelium were found positivity also medium / high, present in tumors of different degree of differentiation, in some cases in other nuclear or cytoplasmic and nuclear/cytoplasmic, but when present the CRY2 is expressed, in most cases, in a manner similar or more intensely in peritumoral dysplastic epithelium. In the case of CRY2, there were no positivity in healthy epithelium (when present), but only in dysplastic epithelium. In addition, the positivity observed especially in peritumoral epithelium were present in states intermediate/surface. Conclusions. In conclusion, abnormal expression levels of CRY1 and CRY2 in OSCC tissue compared to healthy or dysplastic tissue may be related to the process of tumorigenesis. Further research focusing on these genes may, from the perspective of biological rhythms, provide novel ideas and methods for a better understanding of the occurrence and development of tumors, and for treatment of oral cancer

Evaluation of waterborne exposure to heavy metals in innate immune defences present on skin mucus of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Aquatic animals are continuously exposed to chemical pollutants but the effects evoked in mucins and the carbohydrate nature of the glycoproteins in the unicellular glands in fish epidermis skin surfaces, which receive the most direct contact with them, has not been fully studied and characterized. Moreover, microorganisms use lectins to recognize and bind to host terminal carbohydrates to facilitate the infection whilst host lectins bind to pathogen carbohydrates to exert protective effector functions, such as agglutination, immobilization, and complement-mediated opsonization and killing of potential pathogens. Thus, terminal carbohydrate composition and the presence of a fucose binding lectin (FBL) were determined by lectin ELISA and western blot, respectively, in skin mucus of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) specimens exposed to waterborne sublethal dosages of heavy metals [arsenic (As2O3), cadmium (CdCl2) and mercury (CH3HgCl) at 5, 5 and 0.04 μM, respectively] after 2, 10 and 30 days. Results showed little effects of heavy metals in the presence of several terminal carbohydrates with few increments or decrements depending on the sugars, exposure time and heavy metal studied. Moreover, the FBL was undetected in any of the control fish skin mucus but was evident in all the heavy metal exposed fish. Further studies are needed to understand the relation of terminal carbohydrates and lectins in skin mucus fish defense and the implications during contamination exposu

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cirrhotic liver in the era of gadoxetic acid

Gadoxetic acid improves detection and characterization of focal liver lesions in cirrhotic patients and can estimate liver function in patients undergoing liver resection. The purpose of this article is to describe the optimal gadoxetic acid study protocol for the liver, the unique characteristics of gadoxetic acid, the differences between gadoxetic acid and extra-cellular gadolium chelates, and the differences in phases of enhancement between cirrhotic and normal liver using gadoxetic acid. We also discuss how to obtain and recognize an adequate hepatobiliary phase

TREATMENT OF CLASS I MALOCCLUSION WITH FRANKEL APPLIANCE

Aim. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the effect of the Frankel in child with class I malocclusion, maxillary and mandibular contraction, and anterior teeth crowding. Materials and methods. 5 patients with a class I division I malocclusion, maxillary and mandibular contraction and anterior crowding was enrolled in the present study. All patients presented with a stage CS2, CS3 or CS4. Patients with CS5 were not enrolled in the study. Before wearing the Frankel, on each patient head radiographs were taken in lateral plane with the head fixed in a cephalostat with a filmfocus distance of 4 m and a midsagittal-to-film distance of 0,1 m. Cephalometric analysis and casts analysis was performed before phase 1 treatment (T1), and immediately following phase 2 treatment (T2). In addition to standard cephalometric evaluation, another analysis, based on the distance of the basion, A and B to the T line, was done. Patients were instructed to wear the Frankel for 16 hours per day, during the night and afternoon, removing it only to eat and brush. Active treatment lasted 24 months for all patients. A statistical analysis of cephalometric and casts values before and after treatment was done.Results. After 24 months of treatment the cephalometric effects observed were: an increase of the anterior facial height (mean 3,8 mm), an increase of the distance of the basion to the T line (mean 3,6 mm), a incisors tip control (upper incisors mean 0°, lower incisors - 3,2°) and a sagittal maxillary growth control (the mean distance of A to T line was 0°, the mean distance of B to T line was of - 2,2 mm). On cast authors observed an expansion of the upper and lower arches (anterior upper arch expansion mean 2 mm, posterior upper arch expansion mean 2,5 mm; lower arch mean 1 mm) with anterior crowding resolution and incisors sagittal control. Conclusions. Authors evaluated that Frankel had a great repeal to control jaw growth, an increase of maxillary and mandibular expansion, an increase of the anterior facial height with a good control of incisors inclination

Mediastinal syndrome from plasmablastic lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus and human herpes virus 8 negative patient with polycythemia vera: a case report

Background: Plasmoblastic lymphoma is a rare and aggressive subtype of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which occurs usually in the jaw of immunocompromised subjects. Case presentation: We describe the occurrence of plasmoblastic lymphoma in the mediastinum and chest wall skin of an human immunodeficiency virus-negative 63-year-old Caucasian man who had had polycytemia vera 7 years before. At admission, the patient showed a superior vena cava syndrome, with persistent dyspnoea, cough, and distension of the jugular veins. Imaging findings showed a 9.7 × 8 × 5.7 cm mediastinal mass. A chest wall neoformation biopsy and ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinal mass allowed diagnosis of plasmoblastic lymphoma and establishment of an immediate chemotherapeutic regimen, with rapid remission of compression symptoms. Conclusions: Plasmoblastic lymphoma is a very uncommon, difficult to diagnose, and aggressive disease. The presented case represents the first rare mediastinal plasmoblastic lymphoma in a human immunodeficiency virus-/human herpesvirus-8-negative patient. Pathologists should be aware that this tumor does appear in sites other than the oral cavity. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a low-cost, repeatable, easy-to-perform technique, with a high diagnostic accuracy and with very low complication and mortality rates. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy could represent the right alternative to surgery in those patients affected by plasmoblastic lymphoma, being rapid and minimally invasive. It allowed establishment of prompt medical treatment with subsequent considerable reduction of the neoplastic tissue and resolution of the mediastinal syndrome

Long range order and two-fluid behavior in heavy electron materials

The heavy electron Kondo liquid is an emergent state of condensed matter that displays universal behavior independent of material details. Properties of the heavy electron liquid are best probed by NMR Knight shift measurements, which provide a direct measure of the behavior of the heavy electron liquid that emerges below the Kondo lattice coherence temperature as the lattice of local moments hybridizes with the background conduction electrons. Because the transfer of spectral weight between the localized and itinerant electronic degrees of freedom is gradual, the Kondo liquid typically coexists with the local moment component until the material orders at low temperatures. The two-fluid formula captures this behavior in a broad range of materials in the paramagnetic state. In order to investigate two-fluid behavior and the onset and physical origin of different long range ordered ground states in heavy electron materials, we have extended Knight shift measurements to URu$_2$Si$_2$, CeIrIn$_5$ and CeRhIn$_5$. In CeRhIn$_5$ we find that the antiferromagnetic order is preceded by a relocalization of the Kondo liquid, providing independent evidence for a local moment origin of antiferromagnetism. In URu$_2$Si$_2$ the hidden order is shown to emerge directly from the Kondo liquid and so is not associated with local moment physics. Our results imply that the nature of the ground state is strongly coupled with the hybridization in the Kondo lattice in agreement with phase diagram proposed by Yang and Pines.Comment: 9 pages, 13 figure