A combined non-invasive approach to the study of a mosaic model: First laboratory experimental results

This paper presents first laboratory results of a combined approach carried out by the use of three different portable non-invasive electromagnetic methods: Digital holographic speckle pattern interferometry (DHSPI), stimulated infrared thermography (SIRT) and holographic subsurface radar (HSR), proposed for the analysis of a custom-built wall mosaic model. The model reproduces a series of defects (e.g., cracks, voids, detachments), simulating common deteriorated, restored or reshuffled areas in wall mosaics. DHSPI and SIRT, already well known in the field of non-destructive (NDT) methods, are full-field contactless techniques, providing complementary information on the subsurface hidden discontinuities. The use of DHSPI, based on optical imaging and interferometry, provides remote control and visualization of surface micro-deformation after induced thermal stress, while the use of SIRT allows visualization of thermal energy diffusion in the surface upon the induced thermal stress. DHSPI and SIRT data are complemented by the use of HSR, a contact method that provides localized information about the distribution of contrasts in dielectric permittivity and related possible anomalies. The experimental results, made by the combined use of these methods to the identification of the known anomalies in the mosaic model, are presented and discussed here as a contribution in the development of an efficient non-invasive approach to the in-situ subsurface analysis of ancient wall mosaics

Measurement of stress waves in polymers generated by UV laser ablation

Propagation of stress waves into polymer substrates undergoing UV laser ablation has been studied by means of laser Doppler vibrometry technique. The measurements acquired far from the ablation point demonstrate oscillations of high amplitude and low decay. For all the studied samples, realized in polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate of two different molecular weights, ablation generates mechanical excitation of the structure, which propagates all over the bulk as vibrational modes and stress waves

BRAF-mutant melanoma: treatment approaches, resistance mechanisms, and diagnostic strategies.

BRAF inhibitors vemurafenib and dabrafenib achieved improved overall survival over chemotherapy and have been approved for the treatment of BRAF-mutated metastatic melanoma. More recently, the combination of BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib with MEK inhibitor trametinib has shown improved progression-free survival, compared to dabrafenib monotherapy, in a Phase II study and has received approval by the US Food and Drug Administration. However, even when treated with the combination, most patients develop mechanisms of acquired resistance, and some of them do not achieve tumor regression at all, because of intrinsic resistance to therapy. Along with the development of BRAF inhibitors, immunotherapy made an important step forward: ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, was approved for the treatment of metastatic melanoma; anti-PD-1 agents achieved promising results in Phase I/II trials, and data from Phase III studies will be ready soon. The availability of such drugs, which are effective regardless of BRAF status, has made the therapeutic approach more complex, as first-line treatment with BRAF inhibitors may not be the best choice for all BRAF-mutated patients. The aim of this paper is to review the systemic therapeutic options available today for patients affected by BRAF V600-mutated metastatic melanoma, as well as to summarize the mechanisms of resistance to BRAF inhibitors and discuss the possible strategies to overcome them. Moreover, since the molecular analysis of tumor specimens is now a pivotal and decisional factor in the treatment strategy of metastatic melanoma patients, the advances in the molecular detection techniques for the BRAF V600 mutation will be reported

Treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma with intravenous fotemustine

The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and activity of intravenous fotemustine in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. We report on a series of 25 consecutive patients diagnosed with metastatic uveal melanoma. Fotemustine was administered intravenously as a first-line treatment to all patients. Thrombocytopenia and leukopenia (any grade) were observed in 60 and 52% of patients, respectively. Only two patients discontinued treatment because of toxicity (G3 thrombocytopenia), whereas all other patients were discontinued for progressive disease. Two partial responses were observed. Nine patients had stable disease (disease control rate = 44%). The median survival duration was 13.9 months, and the 1-year survival rate was 60%. Intravenous fotemustine is well tolerated and could improve the outcome of metastatic uveal melanoma patients with or without liver involvement, although a randomized prospective trial is required to confirm these results. Melanoma Res 23:196-198 (c) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins