Reddening and Extinction Toward the Galactic Bulge from OGLE-III: The Inner Milky Way's Rv ~ 2.5 Extinction Curve

We combine VI photometry from OGLE-III with VVV and 2MASS measurements of E(J-K_{s}) to resolve the longstanding problem of the non-standard optical extinction toward the Galactic bulge. We show that the extinction is well-fit by the relation A_{I} = 0.7465*E(V-I) + 1.3700*E(J-K_{s}), or, equivalently, A_{I} = 1.217*E(V-I)(1+1.126*(E(J-K_{s})/E(V-I)-0.3433)). The optical and near-IR reddening law toward the inner Galaxy approximately follows an R_{V} \approx 2.5 extinction curve with a dispersion {\sigma}_{R_{V}} \approx 0.2, consistent with extragalactic investigations of the hosts of type Ia SNe. Differential reddening is shown to be significant on scales as small as as our mean field size of 6', with the 1{\sigma} dispersion in reddening averaging 9% of total reddening for our fields. The intrinsic luminosity parameters of the Galactic bulge red clump (RC) are derived to be (M_{I,RC}, \sigma_{I,RC,0}, (V-I)_{RC,0}, \sigma_{(V-I)_{RC}}, (J-K_{s})_{RC,0}) = (-0.12, 0.09, 1.06, 0.121, 0.66). Our measurements of the RC brightness, brightness dispersion and number counts allow us to estimate several Galactic bulge structural parameters. We estimate a distance to the Galactic center of 8.20 kpc, resolving previous discrepancies in distance determinations to the bulge based on I-band observations. We measure an upper bound on the tilt {\alpha} \approx 40{\deg}. between the bar's major axis and the Sun-Galactic center line of sight, though our brightness peaks are consistent with predictions of an N-body model oriented at {\alpha} \approx 25{\deg}. The number of RC stars suggests a total stellar mass for the Galactic bulge of 2.0*10^{10} M_{\odot}, if one assumes a Salpeter IMF.Comment: 61 Pages, 21 Figures, 4 Tables, Submitted to The Astrophysical Journal and modified as per a referee report. Includes reddening, reddening law, differential reddening, mean distance, dispersion in distance, surface density of stars and errors thereof for ~9,000 bulge sightlines. For a brief video explaining the key result of this paper, see http://www.youtube.com/user/OSUAstronom

Apophis planetary defense campaign

We describe results of a planetary defense exercise conducted during the close approach to Earth by the near-Earth asteroid (99942) Apophis during 2020 December–2021 March. The planetary defense community has been conducting observational campaigns since 2017 to test the operational readiness of the global planetary defense capabilities. These community-led global exercises were carried out with the support of NASA's Planetary Defense Coordination Office and the International Asteroid Warning Network. The Apophis campaign is the third in our series of planetary defense exercises. The goal of this campaign was to recover, track, and characterize Apophis as a potential impactor to exercise the planetary defense system including observations, hypothetical risk assessment and risk prediction, and hazard communication. Based on the campaign results, we present lessons learned about our ability to observe and model a potential impactor. Data products derived from astrometric observations were available for inclusion in our risk assessment model almost immediately, allowing real-time updates to the impact probability calculation and possible impact locations. An early NEOWISE diameter measurement provided a significant improvement in the uncertainty on the range of hypothetical impact outcomes. The availability of different characterization methods such as photometry, spectroscopy, and radar provided robustness to our ability to assess the potential impact risk

Molecular type and maximal metastasis diameter influence risk of axillary recurrence in breast cancer patients after positive sentinel lymph node biopsy

Background: Breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) may be spared axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in favour of irradiation. The aim of the study was to estimate local control probability in the axilla (axLCP). Materials and methods: We identified 1832 invasive breast cancer patients who had undergone SLNB at our centre. We measured maximal metastasis diameter (SLDmax) in the sentinel lymph nodes and lymph node metastasis volume (VALN) from ALND in 246 patients with one or two positive SLNs. We calculated axLCP after irradiation and systemic treatment for different molecular types. Results: VALN values are higher for high grade tumours and larger metastases in SLNs ( > 5 mm). It is smaller in luminal A tumours. axLCP is high, nearly 100%, in all molecular types in radiation sensitive tumours (SF2Gy = 0.45), except luminal B. Expected axLCP is relatively low (67%) in luminal B radiation sensitive tumours with no chemotherapy and nearly 100% with chemotherapy. Conclusion: VALN values differ among molecular tumour types. They depend on SLNDmax and tumour grade. New prognostic factors are needed for selected luminal B breast cancer patients (i.e. high grade tumours, large metastases in SLNs) after positive SLNB intended to be spared ALND and chemotherapy

Frequency of whole breast irradiation (WBRT) after intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is strongly influenced by institutional protocol qualification criteria

BackgroundAccelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a promising method of adjuvant radiotherapy for select patients. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) is a form of APBI, and appropriate patient selection is important.AimThe aim of our study was to analyse the influence of our protocol on the frequency of WBRT after IORT and our protocol's correlation with the reported use of WBRT according to TARGIT guidelines. We also aimed to verify how changes in our protocol influenced the frequency of WBRT.Material and methodsBetween April 20, 2010 and May 10, 2017, we identified 207 patients irradiated with IORT for APBI.ResultsNinety-one patients (44%) met the criteria for APBI only, while 116 (56%) should have been offered additional WBRT. Retrospective analysis showed that WBRT was applied statistically significantly less frequently compared with strict protocol indications: 99 patients (47.8%) received APBI only and 108 (51.2%) underwent adjuvant WBRT (p[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]

Analiza czynników rokowniczych u chorych z miejscowo zaawansowanym rakiem krtani

Purpose. Results of treatment of locally advanced larynx cancer T3-4No-4 are unsatisfied. The aim of study is analysis of risk factors. Methods and Materials. 112 patients with larynx cancer after radical surgical treatment had postoperative radiotherapy (conventional or accelarated). Results. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 58%. Margin status and numer of risk factors had impast on OS. The 3-year locoregional control (LRC) was 80%. Number of risk factors, level of hemoglobin, overall treatment time and dose were significantly associated with LRC. Incidence of distant metastases was asssociated with G3 suamous cell carcinoma and index of nalignancy H. Glanz

Evaluation of the rectal V30 parameter in patients diagnosed with postoperative endometrial cancer

Background: The present paper reports on analysis of 184 patients who were diagnosed with endometrial cancer. The main objective of this study was to address parameter Vrec(30Gy) which determines a volume of the rectum irradiated with a dose of 30 Gy during radiotherapy. Materials and methods: All patients were irradiated with an IMRT technique on linear accelerators. The planning target volume (PTV) contour was determined by a radiation oncologist. The clinical target volume (CTV) was drawn on CT images obtained in a prone position. For statistical analysis, appropriate tests (e.g. the Shapiro-Wilk, Wilcoxon) were used. Results and discussion: The performed analysis showed that the recommended condition for Vrec(30Gy) is met only in 3% of patients and the observed median value exceeds 90%. The obtained results were compared with the studies in which the Vrec(30Gy) values were related to various radiotherapy techniques. Conclusions: The analysis showed that the condition for Vrec(30Gy) is satisfied in the case of only 3% of patients. Due to the difficulty with meeting the condition, it should be reconsidered based on real results.

Analiza zmienności rytmu serca w trakcie chemioterapii z antracykliną u pacjentek z rakiem piersi

Wstęp: Kardiotoksyczność leczenia raka piersi jest powikłaniem potencjalnie zagrażającym życiu. Według naszej wiedzy, jak dotąd żadne badanie nie opisywało zmian parametrów zmienności rytmu serca (HRV) ocenianych natychmiast po zakończeniu wlewu chemioterapii. Cel: Celem przedstawionego badania jest wczesna analiza zmian HRV w trakcie chemioterapii u pacjentek z rakiem piersi – oceniana za pomocą 24-godzinnego zapisu EKG metodą Holtera. Materiał i metody: Do badania włączono 44 kobiety z rozpoznanym rakiem piersi bez wcześniej stwierdzanej niewydolności serca, u których zaplanowano chemioterapię w schemacie z antracykliną. W trakcie obserwacji wykonano badania EKG metodą Holtera oraz badanie echokardiograficzne w schemacie: w momencie włączenia do badania, 24 godziny po pierwszym cyklu chemioterapii oraz 24 godziny po ostatnim cyklu chemioterapii. Zmierzone zostały następujące parametry HRV: odchylenie standardowe odstępów RR (SDNN), odchylenie standardowe średnich ze wszystkich 5-min przedziałów RR (SDANN), średnia ze wszystkich odstępów RR dla wszystkich 5-min przedziałów (SDNN index), pierwiastek ze średniej kwadratów różnic między kolejnymi odstępami RR (rMSSD), odsetek kolejnych odstępów RR różniących się od odstępu poprzedzającego o ponad 50 ms. Dodatkowo wykonano analizę częstotliwościową HRV.Wyniki: SDNN, SDNN index oraz SDANN istotnie zmniejszyły się 24 godziny po zakończeniu wlewu chemioterapii (p odpowiednio dla kolejnych wskaźników: <0.01; <0.01 oraz 0.01). Zmiany te utrzymywały się aż do końca chemioterapii. Dla porównania częstotliwość rytmu serca, rMSSD oraz pNN50 nie zmieniły się istotnie w trakcie obserwacji.Wnioski: Parametry HRV takie jak: SDNN, SDANN i SDNN index, są istotnie niższe krótko po zakończeniu wlewu antracyklin w porównaniu do wartości przed rozpoczęciem leczenia i zmiany te utrzymują się aż do zakończenia leczenia onkologicznego

Trichilemmal carcinoma of the groin area of unknown primary site

The authors present a case of a 49-year-old patient with a trichilemmal carcinoma of an unknown primary site. The groin tumour graduallyenlarged over 6 months to a diameter of about 6 cm and was treated as an inguinal hernia. Specimens were taken from the tumourfor histopathological examination, which revealed squamous cell carcinoma. In the meantime, ulceration of the tumour with leakage ofpus appeared. The patient was referred for a computed tomography (CT) scan. A computed tomography scan exposed enlarged lymphnodes in the groin on the side of the tumour. Surgical treatment was undertaken involving excision of the tumour and a lymphadenectomyalong the iliac vessels. Carcinoma was detected from the hair sheath. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were undertaken. After fourmonths, there were no signs of local recurrence or distant metastasis. The authors discuss the diagnostic difficulties encountered and thevarious treatment options for trichilemmal carcinoma

Risk factors for seroma evacuation in breast cancer patients treated with intraoperative radiotherapy

BackgroundNovel techniques in oncology provide new treatment opportunities but also introduce different patterns of side effects. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) allows a shortened overall treatment time for early breast cancer either combined with whole breast radiotherapy (WBRT), or alone. Although the early side effects of IORT are well known, data on clinically important late side effects, which require medical intervention, are scarce.AimIn this study, we analyze risk factors for seroma evacuation more than 6 months after IORT.Materials and methodsWe evaluated 120 patients with a mean follow-up of 27.8 months (range: 7–52 months). Fifty-one patients received IORT only and 69 were additionally treated with WBRT.ResultsSeroma evacuation was performed 6–38 months after IORT. Two (3.9%) events were observed in the IORT group and 14 (20%) in the IORT[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]+[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]WBRT group. Univariate (Kaplan–Meier) analysis showed that addition of WBRT to IORT increased the risk of seroma evacuation [hazard ratio[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]=[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]5.5, 95% confidence interval: 2.0–14.7, P[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]=[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]0.011]. In a multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards regression), WBRT and axillary lymph node dissection were significant risk factors for seroma evacuation (model P value[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]=[[ce:hsp sp="0.25"/]]0.0025).ConclusionsWBRT applied after IORT is associated with increased risk of seroma evacuation, which might be considered as a late side effect

Combined Modality Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: How (Should) We Do It? A Narrative Review

Organ-sparing combined-modality treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer remains underutilized despite high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and preservation of quality of life. It may be offered to patients unwilling to undergo radical cystectomy, as well as those unfit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The treatment plan should be tailored to each patient’s characteristics, with more intensive protocols offered to patients who are fit for surgery but opt for organ-sparing. After a thorough, debulking transurethral resection of the tumor and neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the response evaluation should trigger further management with either chemoradiation or early cystectomy in non-responders. A hypofractionated, continuous radiotherapy regimen of 55 Gy in 20 fractions with concurrent radiosensitizing chemotherapy with gemcitabine, cisplatin, or 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C is currently preferred based on clinical trials. The response should be evaluated with repeated transurethral resections of the tumor bed and abdominopelvic-computed tomography after chemoradiation, with quarterly assessments during the first year. Salvage cystectomy should be offered to patients fit for surgery who failed to respond to treatment or developed a muscle-invasive recurrence. Non-muscle-invasive bladder recurrences and upper tract tumors should be treated in line with guidelines for respective primary tumors. Multiparametric magnetic resonance can be used for tumor staging and response monitoring, as it may distinguish disease recurrence from treatment-induced inflammation and fibrosis