Ray optics hamiltonian approach to relativistic self focusing of ultraintense lasers in underdense plasmas

The relativistic self focusing of an ultraintense laser propagating through an underdense plasma is analyzed from a geometrical optics point of view, exploiting the classical hamiltonian formalism. The distribution of the laser intensity along the self-generated plasma channel is studied and compared to measurements

Reduction of hospitalizations for myocardial infarction in Italy in the COVID-19 era

Aims: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patient admissions to Italian cardiac care units (CCUs). Methods and results: We conducted a multicentre, observational, nationwide survey to collect data on admissions for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at Italian CCUs throughout a 1 week period during the COVID-19 outbreak, compared with the equivalent week in 2019. We observed a 48.4% reduction in admissions for AMI compared with the equivalent week in 2019 (P < 0.001). The reduction was significant for both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction [STEMI; 26.5%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 21.7-32.3; P = 0.009] and non-STEMI (NSTEMI; 65.1%, 95% CI 60.3-70.3; P < 0.001). Among STEMIs, the reduction was higher for women (41.2%; P = 0.011) than men (17.8%; P = 0.191). A similar reduction in AMI admissions was registered in North Italy (52.1%), Central Italy (59.3%), and South Italy (52.1%). The STEMI case fatality rate during the pandemic was substantially increased compared with 2019 [risk ratio (RR) = 3.3, 95% CI 1.7-6.6; P < 0.001]. A parallel increase in complications was also registered (RR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-2.8; P = 0.009). Conclusion: Admissions for AMI were significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic across Italy, with a parallel increase in fatality and complication rates. This constitutes a serious social issue, demanding attention by the scientific and healthcare communities and public regulatory agencies

Vinorelbine plus 3-weekly trastuzumab in metastatic breast cancer: a single-centre phase 2 trial

BACKGROUND: After two studies reporting response rates higher than 70% in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer with weekly trastuzumab and vinorelbine, we planned a phase 2 study to test activity of the same combination, with trastuzumab given every 3 weeks. METHODS: Patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (3+ at immunohistochemistry or positive at fluorescence in situ hybridization), PS ≤2, normal left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and no more than one chemotherapy line for metastatic disease were eligible. Vinorelbine (30 mg/m(2)) was given on days 1&8 every 21 and trastuzumab (8 mg/kg day 1, then 6 mg/kg) every 21 days). A single-stage phase 2 design, with p(0 )= 0.45, p(1 )= 0.65, type I and II error = 0.10, was applied; 22 objective responses were required in 39 patients. RESULTS: From Nov 2002 to May 2005, 50 patients were enrolled, with a median age of 54 years (range 31–81). Among 40 patients eligible for response assessment, there were 7 complete and 13 partial responses (overall response rate 50%; 95% exact CI 33.8–66.2); 11 patients had disease stabilization, lasting more than 6 months in 10 cases. Response rate did not vary according to patients and tumor characteristics, type and amount of previous chemotherapy. Within the whole series, median progression-free survival was 9.6 months (95% CI 7.3–12.3), median overall survival 22.7 months (95% CI 19.5-NA). Fifteen patients (30%) developed brain metastases at a median time of 12 months (range 1–25). There was one toxic death due to renal failure in a patient receiving concomitant pamidronate. Twenty-three patients (46%) had grade 3–4 neutropenia, 2 (4%) grade 3 anemia, 4 (8%) febrile neutropenia. Two patients stopped treatment because of grade 2 decline of LVEF and one patient because of grade 2 liver toxicity concomitant with a grade 1 decline of LVEF. One patient stopped trastuzumab after 50 cycles because of grade 1 decline of LVEF. CONCLUSION: Although lower than in initial studies, activity of 3-weekly trastuzumab plus vinorelbine fell within the range of results reported with weekly schedules. Toxicity was prevalently manageable. This combination is safe and active for metastatic breast cancer patients who received adjuvant taxanes with anthracyclines

Combined Oral Contraceptives Increase High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein but Not Haptoglobin in Female Athletes.

3noBACKGROUND: No studies have examined the effects of oral hormonal contraception on chronic low-grade inflammation as assessed by stratified levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in athletes. We explored the impact of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) on serum hsCRP, haptoglobin, triglycerides and cholesterol in white female athletes. METHODS: Italian sportswomen (n = 205; mean age 24 ± 5.3 years; body mass index 21 ± 2.2 kg m-2; sport activity 8.7 ± 3.65 h week-1) were analyzed according to OC use. RESULTS: Progressive hsCRP levels were evaluated in OC users (n = 53) compared to non-OC users (n = 152). Levels of hsCRP from 3.0 to <10.0 mg L-1 (at high risk of future cardiovascular events) were found in 26.4 % (14/53) of OC users and only in 2.6 % (4/153) of non-OC users (OR = 13.3, 95 % CI 4.14-42.6, P < 0.001). Risky hsCRP levels ≥1.0 mg L-1 were found in 62.3 % of OC users versus 13.2 % non-OC users (OR = 10.9, 95 % CI 5.26-22.5, P < 0.001). Protective hsCRP levels (<0.5 mg L-1) were found in 17.0 % of OC users and in 64.5 % of non-OC users (OR = 0.11, 95 % CI 0.05-0.25, P < 0.001). OC use increased serum triglycerides (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P = 0.027) and HDL cholesterol (P = 0.018), whereas haptoglobin was unaffected. Hours of exercise week-1 had a mild inverse association with hsCRP (P = 0.048) in non-OC users only. CONCLUSIONS: OC use markedly elevated chronic low-grade inflammation in athletes, which could predispose to a higher inflammatory response to physical stress and elevate cardiovascular risk. Physical activity without OC use seemed to favor low hsCRP. Further research is needed to extend our results and to elucidate the potential effects on athletic performance of chronically elevated hsCRP. Our findings would be useful for sport physicians interpreting blood tests in athletes.reservedmixedCauci, S.; Francescato, M.P.; Curcio, F.Cauci, Sabina; Francescato, Maria Pia; Curcio, Francesc

Ray optics hamiltonian approach to relativistic self focusing of ultraintense lasers in underdense plasmas

The relativistic self focusing of an ultraintense laser propagating through an underdense plasma is analyzed from a geometrical optics point of view, exploiting the classical hamiltonian formalism. The distribution of the laser intensity along the self-generated plasma channel is studied and compared to measurements

Ray optics hamiltonian approach to relativistic self focusing of ultraintense lasers in underdense plasmas

The relativistic self focusing of an ultraintense laser propagating through an underdense plasma is analyzed from a geometrical optics point of view, exploiting the classical hamiltonian formalism. The distribution of the laser intensity along the self-generated plasma channel is studied and compared to measurements

An ultra short pulse reconstruction software applied to the GEMINI high power laser system

The GRENOUILLE traces of Gemini pulses (15 J, 30 fs, PW, shot per 20 s) were acquired in the Gemini Target Area PetaWatt at the Central Laser Facility (CLF), Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). A comparison between the characterizations of the laser pulse parameters made using two different types of algorithms: Video Frog and GRenouille/FrOG (GROG), was made. The temporal and spectral parameters came out to be in great agreement for the two kinds of algorithms. In this experimental campaign it has been showed how GROG, the developed algorithm, works as well as VideoFrog algorithm with the PetaWatt pulse class

MYC chromosomal aberration in differential diagnosis between Burkitt and other aggressive lymphomas

Myc oncogenetic deregulation is abundantly described in several solid human cancer and lymphomas. Particularly, Burkitt's lymphoma belongs to the family of B Non Hodgkin aggressive lymphomas. Although it is morphologically characterized, immunophenotypic and cytogenetic diagnosis remains complex. In 2008, the WHO has introduced a new diagnostic class of aggressive B-cell lymphomas with features intermediate between BL and DLBCL. This diagnostic class represents a temporary container of aggressive B-cell lymphomas, not completely belonging to the BL and DLBCL categories. The importance of establishing a correct diagnosis would allow a better prognostic classification and a better therapeutic approach. In this review, we summarize the main diagnostic approaches necessary for appropriate diagnoses and we emphasize the importance of cytogenetic analysis of the oncogene Myc in the histopathological diagnosis and the prognostic/predictive stratification. In this contest, Myc represents the more involved gene in the development of these lymphomas. Therefore, we analyze the genetic aberrations causing its over-expression and the concomitant deregulation of molecular pathways related to it. We also propose a FISH approach useful in the diagnosis of these lymphomas

The oldest Society of Cardiology in Italy meets the ESC

History of the Italian Society of Cardiology