Condensation of Lee-Yang zeros in scalar field theory.

We show that, at the critical temperature, there is a class of Lee-Yang zeros of the partition function in a general scalar field theory, which location scales with the size of the system with a characteristic exponent expressed in terms of the isothermal critical exponent δ. In the thermodynamic limit the zeros belonging to this class condense to the critical point ζ=1 on the real axis in the complex fugacity plane while the complementary set of zeros (with Reζ<1) covers the unit circle. Although the aforementioned class degenerates to a single point for an infinite system, when the size is finite it contributes significantly to the partition function and reflects the self-similar structure (fractal geometry, scaling laws) of the critical system. This property opens up the perspective to formulate finite-size scaling theory in effective QCD, near the chiral critical point, in terms of the location of Lee-Yang zeros.

Simultaneous detoxification and bioethanol fermentation of furans-rich synthetic hydrolysate by digestate-based pyrochar.

Pyrolysis is a sustainable pathway to transform renewable biomasses into both biofuels and advanced carbonaceous materials (i.e. pyrochar) which can be used as adsorbent of furan compounds. In particular, the aim of this study was to: i) evaluate the effect of vibro-ball milling on physical characteristics of pyrochar and its consequent performance on solely detoxification of a synthetic medium, containing furans and soluble sugars; ii) study the simultaneous detoxification and bioethanol fermentation, by adding activated pyrochar into fermentation medium. Results demonstrated that, compared to untreated pyrochar, the use of milled pyrochar increased by 52% furfural removal from the synthetic medium. Furfural removal rate was also increased (adsorption kinetic constant increased from 0.015 min-1 up to 0.215 min-1), at a pyrochar loading of 40 g L-1. Although, the simultaneous addition of pyrochar into the fermentation medium did not improve the bioethanol yield of the synthetic medium, it has significantly increased the bioethanol production rate.

Pyrochars from bioenergy residue as novel bio-adsorbents for lignocellulosic hydrolysate detoxification.

The robust supramolecular structure of biomass often requires severe pretreatments conditions to produce soluble sugars. Nonetheless, these processes generate some inhibitory compounds (i.e. furans compounds and aliphatic acids) deriving mainly from sugars degradation. To avoid the inhibition of the biological process and to obtain satisfactory sugars conversion level into biofuels, a detoxification step is required. This study investigates the use of two pyrochars derived from solid anaerobic digestates for the detoxification of lignocellulosic hydrolysates. At a pyrochar concentration of 40gL(-1), more than 94% of 5-HMF and 99% of furfural were removed in the synthetic medium after 24h of contact time, whereas sugars concentration remained unchanged. Furfural was adsorbed faster than 5-HMF by both pyrochars and totally removed after 3h of contact. Finally, the two pyrochars were found efficient in the detoxification of corn stalks and Douglas fir wood chips hydrolysates without affecting the soluble sugars concentrations.

Analysis of good practices, barriers and drivers for ELTs pyrolysis industrial application.

Boosting of eco-innovative solutions for End of Life Tyres (ELTs) management, under the principles of the EU Resource Efficiency Roadmap and the Waste Framework Directive, can not only diminish the environmental hazards and the consequent societal cost, but also result to the establishment of a novel perception regarding ELTs; thus, a valuable stock of resources that can be exploited. Despite the extensive scientific research of the previous years on ELTs depolymerisation via pyrolysis highlighting its eco-innovative characteristics, the use of pyrolysis to process scrap tyres has not yet achieved a broad commercial success, with economic viability and product standardization to constitute the primary impediments. More specifically, pyrolysis was not applied to an extensive industrial scale so far, due to deficient market analysis, legislative barriers, economic instability and sometimes public acceptance. All the above issues are addressed by the present study. Modifications on current EU legislation can prevent or reduce delays or derailment of efforts on pyrolysis, through its differentiation from incineration. The attainment of economic viability could be realized through the valorization of the pyrolytic char towards activated carbon production for environmental depollution applications; needless to say, the penetration on niche and well-organised markets is more than essential.

Classical evolution of fractal measures on the lattice.

We consider the classical evolution of a lattice of nonlinear coupled oscillators for a special case of initial conditions resembling the equilibrium state of a macroscopic thermal system at the critical point. The displacements of the oscillators define initially a fractal measure on the lattice associated with the scaling properties of the order parameter fluctuations in the corresponding critical system. Assuming a sudden symmetry breaking (quench), leading to a change in the equilibrium position of each oscillator, we investigate in some detail the deformation of the initial fractal geometry as time evolves. In particular, we show that traces of the critical fractal measure can be sustained for large times, and we extract the properties of the chain that determine the associated time scales. Our analysis applies generally to critical systems for which, after a slow developing phase where equilibrium conditions are justified, a rapid evolution, induced by a sudden symmetry breaking, emerges on time scales much shorter than the corresponding relaxation or observation time. In particular, it can be used in the fireball evolution in a heavy-ion collision experiment, where the QCD critical point emerges, or in the study of evolving fractals of astrophysical and cosmological scales, and may lead to determination of the initial critical properties of the Universe through observations in the symmetry-broken phase.

Mild ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome coexisting with ectopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization.

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an entity arising in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART). The simultaneous presence of two different clinical complications such as OHSS and ectopic pregnancy (EP) is not frequent. The diagnosis of an extrauterine pregnancy can be obscured by the stimulated ovaries and ascites, and actually be missed, especially in women with increased body mass index. We report a case of a woman who presented with mild OHSS after in vitro fertilization (IVF), (intracytoplasmatic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer). The ectopic pregnancy was ascertained soon after by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) and right salpingectomy was performed.

Critical opalescence in baryonic QCD matter.

We show that critical opalescence, a clear signature of second-order phase transition in conventional matter, manifests itself as critical intermittency in QCD matter produced in experiments with nuclei. This behavior is revealed in transverse momentum spectra as a pattern of power laws in factorial moments, to all orders, associated with baryon production. This phenomenon together with a similar effect in the isoscalar sector of pions (sigma mode) provide us with a set of observables associated with the search for the QCD critical point in experiments with nuclei at high energies.

Angiomyofibroblastoma of the vagina in a postmenopausal breast cancer patient treated with tamoxifen: clinicopathologic analysis of a case and review of the literature.

Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor. This study presents the clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical features of an angiomyofibroblastoma of the vagina occurring in an 80-year-old breast cancer patient under prolonged treatment with tamoxifen. Histologically, the tumor was characterized by alternating hypercellular and hypocellular edematous zones and small- to medium-sized blood vessels, which were characteristically thin walled. The tumor cells were spindle shaped (mainly) or round shaped (occasionally) arranged in cords and nests. The stroma was edematous and contained inflammatory cells, especially lymphocytes and mast cells. Immunohistochemistry of the tumor cells revealed diffuse and intense immunoreactivity for vimentin and desmin. The staining for estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors was positive, with a percentage of 70% and 40%, respectively. In conclusion, the tumor was diagnosed as an angiomyofibroblastoma based on its typical histologic and immunohistochemical features. The expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors suggests that it might arise as a neoplastic proliferation of hormonally responsible mesenchymal cells. Tamoxifen may exert stimuli effects upon mesenchymal cells.

Aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva: our experience of a rare case with review of the literature.

Aggressive angiomyxoma is a rare, benign but locally aggressive mesenchymal neoplasm, which occurs almost exclusively during the reproductive years of women. A 28-year-old woman developed an aggressive angiomyxoma within the left labium minus of the vulva. The tumor was excised, but the lesion was expanded to the surgical margins. Microscopically, sections showed many walled vessels of various sizes, a loose myxoid and collagenous stroma and stellate and spindle-shaped neoplasmatic cells. Immunohistochemically, the neoplasmatic cells showed strong positivity for vimentin and desmin and moderate positivity for CD34 and estrogen receptors. In conclusion, aggressive angiomyxoma of the vulva should be distinguished from the benign and malignant myxoid tumors or tumor-like conditions of vulva. The pathologic and immunohistochemic characteristics, the difficulties in determining the surgical margins and the treatment of this tumor are discussed. Also, the international literature is reviewed.

Hydatid disease of the tarsal bones. A case report.

Hydatid disease is caused by the larval form of the tapeworm Echinococcus. Osseous cysts are rare and very few cases of foot infestation have been reported. We present the case of a 51-year-old woman who developed a palpable mass at the medial dorsal aspect of the right midfoot. Radiological examination showed cystic lesions in the cuneiforms and the navicular. The lesion was explored and several small cysts containing clear fluid were found. They were evacuated and the bone was curetted. The diagnosis of E. granulosus infestation was made histologically. After 15 years' follow-up there were no signs of recurrence. Osseous echinococcosis is a rare disease that may present as infective or neoplastic pathology. A high index of suspicion is necessary for its diagnosis, especially in patients who live in or travel to sheep-raising areas where hydatid disease is endemic.

Pelvic retroperitoneal schwannoma presenting as a gynecologic mass: case report.

Schwannomas of the sacral plexus are retroperitoneal tumors, usually benign, that result from proliferation of perineural cells. They are rare, pelvic, well defined tumors that present infrequently as gynecologic masses. Misdiagnosis is not uncommon in these cases, since these masses are not often encountered in clinical practice and preoperative imaging methods can be only suggestive of the diagnosis. Furthermore, these masses are not often encountered in clinical practice. We report a case of a 28-year-old woman who presented with a pelvic mass and obscure clinical signs. Imaging methods suggested that this tumor was most probably an ovarian mass of embryonic origin. After dissection by laparotomy, the microscopic examination showed typical futures of a neurilemoma (ancient schwannoma). The goal of the operating intervention is to excise the tumor avoiding major trauma, thus cooperation between surgeons is indispensable. The patient has had no motor or sensory disturbances after surgery.

Combination of docetaxel, estramustine phosphate, and zoledronic acid in androgen-independent metastatic prostate cancer: efficacy, safety, and clinical benefit assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Docetaxel is an effective agent for the treatment of androgen-independent prostate cancer (AIPC). Its combination with estramustine phosphate (EMP) has shown promising results in AIPC but the toxicity remains considerable. In an effort to minimize toxicity, we designed an every-2-week docetaxel administration regimen with a 3-day low-dose EMP regimen. Patients with bone metastases also received zoledronic acid. METHODS: A total of 54 patients with AIPC received docetaxel at 45 mg/m2 and EMP (140 mg orally every 8 hours for nine doses) every 2 weeks. Zoledronic acid was administered at 4 mg every 28 days. RESULTS: Of the 49 assessable patients, 22 (45%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 31% to 60%) had a prostate-specific antigen response. Of 24 patients with measurable disease, 9 (38%, 95% CI 19% to 59%) had a response to therapy (one complete response and eight partial responses). The median time to progression was 4.4 months (95% CI 2.7 to 6), and overall survival was 13.3 months (95% CI 9 to 17.6). Toxicity was mild, with only 5 cases of grade 3 or 4 toxicity. The pain score improved by 1 point in 21 (54%) of 39 symptomatic patients, and 14 (40%) of 38 patients who used analgesics discontinued analgesic consumption by the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of an every-2-week regimen of docetaxel, EMP, and zoledronic acid is an effective, well-tolerated regimen that results in symptomatic improvement in a significant proportion of patients with AIPC.

Ruptured heterotopic pregnancy with successful obstetrical outcome: a case report and review of the literature.

Emergency medicine has encountered in the last decades a gradual increase in cases of heterotopic pregnancy (HP) with rupture of the ectopic part. The rise of this entity is mainly due to ovulation induction performed in women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART), but in natural cycles is still rare and unexpected. Diagnosis is often delayed especially in cases where no predisposing factors exist, causing life threatening situations. We report a case of a ruptured heterotopic pregnancy presenting at seven weeks of gestation that was treated with immediate laparotomy. The rest of the pregnancy course was uneventful with spontaneous vaginal delivery of a healthy infant at 39 weeks of gestation. A review of the diagnosis and management of heterotopic pregnancy is also given.

Hodgkin's disease during pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

The simultaneous presence of cancer and pregnancy is rare but occurs, creating extreme scenarios in clinical practice. Hodgkin's disease (HD), affects primarily young adults and therefore obstetricians may confront young women with this type of lymphoma during pregnancy. We report a case of a 27-year-old woman with HD who presented during the 28th week of gestation. After counseling the couple decided to continue with the pregnancy. The patient received conservative treatment with regression of the symptoms and rapid improvement of her general condition. At 36 weeks of gestation a healthy infant was born and the patient underwent chemotherapy after delivery with complete resolution of the disease.

Primary fallopian tube adenocarcinoma: preoperative diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

Preoperative diagnosis of fallopian tube carcinoma is difficult due to the rarity and silent course of this neoplasm. We present herein the case of a 58-year-old woman with primary fallopian tube carcinoma that was diagnosed preoperatively on the basis of a positive for adenocarcinoma Papanicolaou vaginal smear, repeated episodes of vaginal bleeding, negative endocervical and endometrial curettage, characteristic features on ultrasonography and elevated CA-125 levels. The patient was treated by total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpigno-oophorectomy and omentectomy. Pathologic confirmation of primary serous papillary adenocarcinoma of the left fallopian tube was made. Peritoneal washings were positive for malignancy. FIGO stage was considered as IIIb and the patient received six courses of combined carboplatin-taxol chemotherapy. At two years from onset of therapy the patient underwent a modified radical mastectomy and lymphadenectomy because of primary carcinoma of the right breast. The patient was started on tamoxifen therapy, which she is still taking. At 60 months after initial surgery, the patient is alive and well. In conclusion, our study suggests an association between fallopian tube carcinoma and breast cancer and a good response of the patient to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Primary ovarian carcinosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Primary ovarian carcinosarcoma is characterized by an admixture of malignant epithelial and stromal elements. This neoplasm is extremely rare with fewer than 400 cases reported in the English literature. Its histogenesis, clinical features and optimal treatment remain unclear because of the rarity of primary ovarian carcinosarcoma. This study focuses on the clinical, pathological, immunohistochemical features and survival of a 73-year-old patient with primary ovarian carcinocarcoma. The patient was treated with surgery followed by combined chemotherapy with carboplatin and taxol and assigned to FIGO Stage IIIc. She died from the disease 17 months after surgery. In conclusion, ovarian carcinosarcoma is a very aggressive tumor, especially when it is diagnosed at advanced stage.

Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube: a case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube is a very rare condition. It occurs without ipsilateral ovarian involvement associated with pregnancy, haemosalpinx, hydrosalpinx, ovarian or paraovarian cysts and other adnexal alterations or even with an otherwise normal fallopian tube. We document a case of isolated torsion of the right fallopian tube associated with hydrosalpinx. CASE: The patient was a 39-year-old female, para 2, gravida 4, who was presented with acute pelvic pain, nausea and vomiting. Her medical history included an appendectomy and right hydrosalpinx diagnosed five months before admission by hysterosalpingography because of investigation for secondary infertility. The urinary pregnancy test was negative. Pelvic ultrasonography showed a dilated folded right tubular structure measuring 7.8 x 2.7 cm with thickened echogenic walls and mucosal folds protruding into the lumen; the ovaries and uterus were unremarkable. No free fluid in the cul-de-sac was noted. Preoperatively, a diagnosis of twisted right fallopian tube was suspected and an exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of isolated torsion of the oviduct. The ipsilateral ovary appeared normal, but the fallopian tube was gangrenous and right salpingectomy was performed. The patient became pregnant three months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Isolated torsion of the fallopian tube should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with acute abdomen and previous medical history of hydrosalpinx.

Action of 25 microg 17beta-oestradiol vaginal tablets in the treatment of vaginal atrophy in Greek postmenopausal women; clinical study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of intravaginal application of 25 microg micronized oestradiol in postmenopausal women from the Greek population suffering from symptoms related to vaginal atrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 91 women suffering from vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and dyspareunea were treated with 25 microg 17beta-oestradiol vaginal tablets. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. During the first two weeks the women inserted one vaginal tablet intravaginally once daily. Thereafter, the women inserted one tablet twice per week with at least a 3-day interval between treatments to maintain therapeutic response for ten weeks. Efficacy was evaluated by the relief of vaginal symptoms and safety by the concentrations of serum oestradiol (E2) and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH). Pretreatment and post-treatment findings were compared and each patient served as her own control. RESULTS: The rates of symptoms of vaginal dryness, vaginal itching and dyspareunea showed statistically significant differences over the course of the trial (Cochran Q test, p < 0.001). No one complained of vaginal dryness and vaginal itching after four and six weeks of treatment respectively, while in one patient the sensation of dyspareunea remained constant after the fourth week of treatment. Despite the statistically significant increase in blood oestradiol levels in relation to baseline values (ANOVA model of repeated measures, p < 0.001), these levels were within the normal range for postmenopausal women. Also, serum FSH levels were statistically significantly reduced from 47.4 mIU/ml at entry into the study to 45.5 mIU/ml after two weeks of treatment (dependent samples t-test, p < 0.003), but were clearly within the postmenopausal range. CONCLUSIONS: The twice-weekly local single treatment with vaginal tablets containing 25 microg of 17beta-oestradiol was effective and safe for the relief of symptoms related to atrophic vaginitis in postmenopausal women from the Greek population.

Mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary with functioning stroma and virilization in pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

Virilization caused by ovarian tumors with functioning stroma during pregnancy is extremely rare and has been reported in many ovarian tumors. In mucinous cystadenomas with maternal virilization during pregnancy the stromal cells responsible for the hormone secretion resemble lutein or Leydig cells and have been referred to as luteinized stromal cells. We present a case of a 30-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman who presented at approximately the 38th week of pregnancy with features of virilization. At the same time, a cesarean section was performed because of fetal distress and a male weighing 3,030 g without any gross abnormalities was delivered. A large tumor of the right ovary was detected and a right salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Histopathologically, the tumor proved to be a benign mucinous cystadenoma. Masses typically resembling lutein stromal cells or Leydig cells of the testes or ovarian hilus were found in the wall of the cyst below the mucinous epithelium. No crystalloids of Reinke were identified. The stromal component of the tumor was characterized as functioning stroma with luteinized stromal cells. The glandular mucinous epithelium showed focal positivity for human chorionic gonadotrophin. The cytoplasm of the luteinized stromal cells reacted strongly and diffusely with antiserum for vimentin. Also, the cytoplasm of the luteinized stromal cells showed focal intense positivity for synaptophysin, and focal mild positivity for human chorionic gonadotrophin. Staining results for oestrogen and progesterone receptors were negative. In conclusion, we present an unusual case of clinical virilization during pregnancy associated with an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with functioning stroma. The virilizing manifestations disappeared after removal of the ovarian neoplasm, supporting the perception that the functioning ovarian stroma was responsible for the androgen production.

Prenatal diagnosis of congenital cystic adenomatoid lung malformation: case report and review of the literature.

Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the fetal lung is an extremely rare developmental abnormality characterized by excessive overgrowth of the terminal respiratory bronchioles at the expense of the saccular spaces. We present a case of a 33-year-old, gravida 2, para 1, woman with congenital cystic adenomatoid lung malformation-type II diagnosed by ultrasound at the 20th week of gestation. On the right side of the chest an area with a maximum diameter of 18.5 mm and with small cystic lesions was recognized. The maximum diameter of the cysts was 0.5 cm. There were no other fetal abnormalities. The pregnancy was terminated and the postmortem examination confirmed the ultrasonographic findings. The cysts had the appearance of bronchiolus-like structures and were lined with cuboidal and columar epithelium. Distended alveoli were present, while the airways were normal in structure. No other congenital anomalies were found. In conclusion, in this study we describe the ultrasonographic and pathologic findings of an unusual case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of the fetal lung.