Correlation of optical reflectivity with numerical calculations for a two-dimensional photonic crystal designed in Ge

A two dimensional photonic crystal (2DPhC) with triangular symmetry is investigated using optical reflectivity measurements and numerical calculations. The system has been obtained by direct laser writing, using a pulsed laser (λ = 775 nm), perforating an In-doped Ge wafer. A lattice of holes with well-defined symmetry has been designed. Analyzing the spectral signature of PBGs recorded experimentaly with finite difference time domain theoretical calculations one was able to prove the relation between the geometric parameters (hole format, lattice constant) of the system and its ability to trap and guide the radiation in specific energy range. It was shown that at low frequency and telecommunication ranges of transvelsal electric modes photonic band gap occur. This structure may have potential aplications in designing photonic devices with applications in energy storage and conversion as potential alternative to Si-based technology

Development and Performance of Bioactive Compounds-Loaded Cellulose/Collagen/Polyurethane Materials

Here we present a new biomaterial based on cellulose, collagen and polyurethane, obtained by dissolving in butyl imidazole chloride. This material served as a matrix for the incorporation of tannin and lipoic acid, as well as bioactive substances with antioxidant properties. The introduction of these bioactive principles into the base matrix led to an increase of the compressive strength in the range 105–139 kPa. An increase of 29.85% of the mucoadhesiveness of the film containing tannin, as compared to the reference, prolongs the bioavailability of the active substance; a fact also demonstrated by the controlled release studies. The presence of bioactive principles, as well as tannins and lipoic acid, gives biomaterials an antioxidant capacity on average 40%–50% higher compared to the base matrix. The results of the tests of the mechanical resistance, mucoadhesiveness, bioadhesiveness, water absorption and antioxidant capacity of active principles recommend these biomaterials for the manufacture of cosmetic masks or patches

Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy, Combined Treatment for Unresectable Mucosal Melanoma with Vaginal Origin

Gynecologic melanomas are uncommon and malignant mucosal melanomas with vaginal origin are extremely rare, treatment strategies are limited and extrapolated from those of cutaneous melanoma. A better understanding of the vulvovaginal melanoma’s biology and its risk factors is needed. Therapeutic strategies include surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy. For vulvovaginal melanoma, surgery is selected as the primary treatment. Immunotherapy and target treatment have recently enhanced the systemic therapy for cutaneous melanoma (CM). Immunotherapy and new target agents demonstrated a better survival of melanoma and might be considered as treatment of vulvovaginal melanoma. Radiotherapy is included in the therapeutic arsenal for mucosal melanoma and may be performed on selected patients who may receive concurrent checkpoints and inhibition neoadjuvant radiotherapy with the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality

Radiotherapy and Immunotherapy, Combined Treatment for Unresectable Mucosal Melanoma with Vaginal Origin

Gynecologic melanomas are uncommon and malignant mucosal melanomas with vaginal origin are extremely rare, treatment strategies are limited and extrapolated from those of cutaneous melanoma. A better understanding of the vulvovaginal melanoma’s biology and its risk factors is needed. Therapeutic strategies include surgery, systemic therapy and radiotherapy. For vulvovaginal melanoma, surgery is selected as the primary treatment. Immunotherapy and target treatment have recently enhanced the systemic therapy for cutaneous melanoma (CM). Immunotherapy and new target agents demonstrated a better survival of melanoma and might be considered as treatment of vulvovaginal melanoma. Radiotherapy is included in the therapeutic arsenal for mucosal melanoma and may be performed on selected patients who may receive concurrent checkpoints and inhibition neoadjuvant radiotherapy with the purpose of reducing morbidity and mortality

The Impact of Tocilizumab on Radiological Changes Assessed by Quantitative Chest CT in Severe COVID-19 Patients

(1) Background: We aimed to analyze the characteristics associated with the in-hospital mortality, describe the early CT changes expressed quantitatively after tocilizumab (TOC), and assess TOC timing according to the oxygen demands. (2) Methods: We retrospectively studied 101 adult patients with severe COVID-19, who received TOC and dexamethasone. The lung involvement was assessed quantitatively using native CT examination before and 7–10 days after TOC administration. (3) Results: The in-hospital mortality was 17.8%. Logistic regression analysis found that interstitial lesions above 50% were associated with death (p = 0.01). The other variables assessed were age (p = 0.1), the presence of comorbidities (p = 0.9), the oxygen flow rate at TOC administration (p = 0.2), FiO2 (p = 0.4), lymphocyte count (p = 0.3), and D-dimers level (p = 0.2). Survivors had a statistically significant improvement at 7–10 days after TOC of interstitial (39.5 vs. 31.6%, p p = 0.001) and consolidating (1.7 vs. 1.1%, p = 0.001) lesions. When TOC was administered at a FiO2 ≤ 57.5% (oxygen flow rate ≤ 13 L/min), the associated mortality was significantly lower (4.3% vs. 29.1%, p 2 could be used as a clinical predictor