Immediate reconstruction following breast-conserving surgery: Management of the positive surgical margins and influence on secondary reconstruction

The efficacy of breast-conserving Surgery for the local control of early breast cancer has been repeatedly evidenced. Although immediate reconstruction following breast-conserving Surgery has been described, little information is available regarding surgical management in reoperative settings due to positive margins. We studied the influence of intraoperatively assessed and postoperatively controlled Surgical margin status on the type of breast-conserving Surgery and report our results regarding complications in a reoperative breast reconstruction scenario. All patients were seen by a multidisciplinary team who recommended breast-conserving surgery. According to the breast volume, ptosis and tumor size/location, the patients were also evaluated by a plastic Surgeon, who recommended reconstruction with the appropriate technique. Intraoperative assessment Of Surgical margins was determined by histological examination of frozen sections. The mean follow-up time was 48 months. Two hundred and eighteen patients (88.5%) underwent breast-conserving Surgery and immediate reconstruction. Twelve (5.5%) patients had a positive tumor margin after review of the permanent section. All patients underwent re-exploration. In 1.3%, a second reconstructive technique was indicated and in 2.2% a skin-sparing mastectomy with total reconstruction was performed. Our findings support the important role of the intraoperative assessment of surgical margins and its interference in the selection of reconstruction techniques and negative margins: however, it will not guarantee complete excision of the tumor. Success depends on coordinated planning with the oncologic Surgeon and careful intraoperative management, (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An Alternative Section Method for Casting and Posterior Laser Welding of Metallic Frameworks for an Implant-Supported Prosthesis

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of fit of three types of implant-supported frameworks cast in Ni-Cr alloy: specifically, a framework cast as one piece compared to frameworks cast separately in sections to the transverse or the diagonal axis, and later laser welded. Materials and Methods: Three sets of similar implant-supported frameworks were constructed. The first group of six 3-unit implant-supported frameworks were cast as one piece, the second group of six were sectioned in the transverse axis of the pontic region prior to casting, and the last group of six were sectioned in the diagonal axis of the pontic region prior to casting. The sectioned frameworks were positioned in the matrix (10 N(.)cm torque) and laser welded. To evaluate passive fit, readings were made with an optical microscope with both screws tightened and with only one-screw tightened. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer`s test (p < 0.05). Results: When both screws were tightened, no differences were found between the three groups (p > 0.05). In the single-screw-tightened test, with readings made opposite to the tightened side, the group cast as one piece (57.02 +/- 33.48 mu m) was significantly different (p < 0.05) from the group sectioned diagonally (18.92 +/- 4.75 mu m) but no different (p > 0.05) from the group transversally sectioned (31.42 +/- 20.68 mu m). On the tightened side, no significant differences were found between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Results of this study showed that casting diagonally sectioned frameworks lowers misfit levels of prosthetic implant-supported frameworks and also improves the levels of passivity to the same frameworks when compared to structures cast as one piece.

Modified section method for laser-welding of ill-fitting cp Ti and Ni-Cr alloy one-piece cast implant-supported frameworks

P>This study aimed to verify the effect of modified section method and laser-welding on the accuracy of fit of ill-fitting commercially pure titanium (cp Ti) and Ni-Cr alloy one-piece cast frameworks. Two sets of similar implant-supported frameworks were constructed. Both groups of six 3-unit implant-supported fixed partial dentures were cast as one-piece [I: Ni-Cr (control) and II: cp Ti] and evaluated for passive fitting in an optical microscope with both screws tightened and with only one screw tightened. All frameworks were then sectioned in the diagonal axis at the pontic region (III: Ni-Cr and IV: cp Ti). Sectioned frameworks were positioned in the matrix (10-Ncm torque) and laser-welded. Passive fitting was evaluated for the second time. Data were submitted to anova and Tukey-Kramer honestly significant difference tests (P < 0 center dot 05). With both screws tightened, one-piece cp Ti group II showed significantly higher misfit values (27 center dot 57 +/- 5 center dot 06 mu m) than other groups (I: 11 center dot 19 +/- 2 center dot 54 mu m, III: 12 center dot 88 +/- 2 center dot 93 mu m, IV: 13 center dot 77 +/- 1 center dot 51 mu m) (P < 0 center dot 05). In the single-screw-tightened test, with readings on the opposite side to the tightened side, Ni-Cr cast as one-piece (I: 58 center dot 66 +/- 14 center dot 30 mu m) was significantly different from cp Ti group after diagonal section (IV: 27 center dot 51 +/- 8 center dot 28 mu m) (P < 0 center dot 05). On the tightened side, no significant differences were found between groups (P > 0 center dot 05). Results showed that diagonally sectioning ill-fitting cp Ti frameworks lowers misfit levels of prosthetic implant-supported frameworks and also improves passivity levels of the same frameworks when compared to one-piece cast structures.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF FROZEN GROUND BEEF AND AGED BEEF MEAT FROM BOS INDICUS STEERS SUPPLEMENTED WITH alpha-TOCOPHEROL ACETATE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with vitamin E on the physical and chemical characteristics of ground, frozen and stored or aged Quadriceps femoris (QF) and Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles from Nellore steers fed high concentrate diets. Muscles were obtained from 24 animals that were 30 months old with a mean live weight of 279 kg. Half of the animals received daily doses of 1,000 mg of alpha-tocopherol acetate (VIT E) per head per day that was added to 100 g of corn meal. The other half received 100 g of corn meal without the antioxidant. Twenty-four hours after slaughtering, QF samples from each animal were ground, frozen and stored for up to 6 months. In addition, 4 samples from the LD of each animal were vacuum packed individually and kept for 21 days. All samples were analyzed to determine the pH, color and water-holding-capacity. The VIT E supplementation improved only the water loss characteristics of frozen ground QF and did not have any positive effect on the physical-chemical characteristics of the aged LD.

Phase transitions of frozen camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) McVaugh) pulp: Effect of cryostabilizer addition

Camu-camu is a tropical fruit with very high vitamin C content and commercialized as frozen pulp. Enthalpies of freezing, temperatures of the onset of ice melting, and glass transition temperatures of the maximally freeze-concentrated phase (T`(g)) of camu-camu pulp and of samples containing maltodextrin (DE20) and sucrose were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. Maltodextrin exhibited the largest freeze stabilization potential, increasing T`(g) from -58.2 degrees C (natural pulp) to -39.6 degrees C when 30% (w/w) maltodextrin DE 20 was added. Sucrose showed negligible effect on T`(g) but enhanced considerably the freezing point depression and less amount of ice was formed.

Taxonomic survey of Paepalanthus section Diphyomene (Eriocaulaceae)

Paepalanthus is the largest genus in Eriocaulaceae, comprising about 400 species distributed mainly throughout the Neotropics. Through phylogenetic studies it has been demonstrated that the genus is polyphyletic, although many of its infrageneric categories are monophyletic. In an attempt to clarify the nomenclature and classification of Paepalanthus, we present a taxonomic survey of Paepalanthus section Diphyomene. This group consists of 10 species restricted to South America and is defined by inflorescences being arranged in the form of a tribotryum with terminal dibotryum, a terminal basic unit and pherophylls subtending the lateral dibotrya. Further important distinguishing characteristics are dimerous flowers, pistillate flowers with dolabriform sepals, bifid stigmatic branches and absent staminodes, and staminate flowers with an elongated anthophore. We hereby propose 19 new synonyms, six lectotypifications, one new status, one neotypification and one epitypification.

Five New and Narrowly Distributed Species of Paepalanthus Section Diphyomene (Eriocaulaceae) from Central Brazil

Five new species of Paepalanthus section Diphyomene are described and illustrated: P. brevis, P. flexuosus, P. longiciliatus, P. macer, and P. stellatus. Paepalanthus brevis, similar to P. decussus, is easily distinguished by its short reproductive axis, and pilose and mucronate leaves. Paepalanthus flexuosus, morphologically related to P. urbanianus, possesses a distinctive short and tortuous reproductive axis. Paepalanthus longiciliatus, morphologically similar to P. weddellianus, possesses long trichomes on the margins of the reproductive axis bracts, considered a diagnostic feature. Paepalanthus macer shares similarities with P. amoenus, differing by its sulfurous capitula and adpressed reproductive axis bracts. Paepalanthus stellatus also has affinity with P. decussus, but possesses unique, membranaceous, reproductive-axis bracts and a punctual inner-capitulum arrangement of pistillate flowers. Four of the described species are narrowly distributed in the state of Goias, whereas P. brevis is endemic to Distrito Federal. All are considered critically endangered. Detailed comparisons of these species are presented in tables. Comments on phenology, distribution, habitat and etymology, along with an identification key, are provided.

Baccharis scopulorum, a new species of section Caulopterae (Asteraceae: Astereae) from rocky cliffs of southern Brazil

A new species of Baccharis sect. Caulopterae endemic to rocky cliffs in southern Brazil, is here described as Baccharis scopulorum. This new species is characterized by the general presence of basal and persistent leaves, mostly solitary capitula born at the tips of the branches, and many flowered capitula, the pistillate capitula with an urceolate to campanulate involucres. The new species is morphologically most similar to B. altimontana and B. opuntioides, both inhabiting mountain summits in eastern Brazil. A description of B. scopulorum, together with illustrations, a distribution map, habitat description, conservation assessment and diagnostic comparison with B. altimontana and B. opuntioides is presented.

A new species of Croton section Cleodora (Euphorbiaceae s.s.) from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Molecular phylogenetics and character evolution of the ""sacaca"" clade: Novel relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Euphorbiaceae)

Phylogenetic relationships of Croton section Cleodora (Klotzsch) Baill. were evaluated using the nuclear ribosomal ITS and the chloroplast trnl-F and trnH-psbA regions. Our results show a strongly supported clade containing most previously recognized section Cleodora species, plus some other species morphologically similar to them. Two morphological synapomorphies that support section Cleodora as a clade include pistillate flowers in which the sepals overlap to some degree, and styles that are connate at the base to varying degrees. The evolution of vegetative and floral characters that have previously been relied on for taxonomic decisions within this group are evaluated in light of the phylogenetic hypotheses. Within section Cleodora there are two well-supported clades, which are proposed here as subsections (subsection Sphaerogyni and subsection Spruceani). The resulting phylogenetic hypothesis identifies the closest relatives of the medicinally important and essential oil-rich Croton cajucara Benth. as candidates for future screening in phytochemical and pharmacological studies. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Measurement of thermal neutron cross section and resonance integral for the (165)Ho(n, gamma)(166g)Ho reaction

The ground state thermal neutron cross section and the resonance integral for the (165)Ho(n, gamma)(166)Ho reaction in thermal and 1/E regions, respectively, of a thermal reactor neutron spectrum have been measured experimentally by activation technique. The reaction product, (166)Ho in the ground state, is gaining considerable importance as a therapeutic radionuclide and precisely measured data of the reaction are of significance from the fundamental point of view as well as for application. In this work, the spectrographically pure holmium oxide (Ho(2)O(3)) powder samples were irradiated with and without cadmium covers at the IEA-RI reactor (IPEN, Sao Paulo), Brazil. The deviation of the neutron spectrum shape from 1/E law was measured by co-irradiating Co, Zn, Zr and Au activation detectors with thermal and epithermal neutrons followed by regression and iterative procedures. The magnitudes of the discrepancies that can occur in measurements made with the ideal 1/E law considerations in the epithermal range were studied. The measured thermal neutron cross section at the Maxwellian averaged thermal energy of 0.0253 eV is 59.0 +/- 2.1 b and for the resonance integral 657 +/- 36b. The results are measured with good precision and indicated a consistency trend to resolve the discrepant status of the literature data. The results are compared with the values in main libraries such as ENDF/B-VII, JEF-2.2 and JENDL-3.2, and with other measurements in the literature.

GLUON SATURATION AND THE TOTAL PROTON-AIR CROSS SECTION

In this work we propose a simple model for the total proton-air cross section, which is an improvement of the minijet model with the inclusion of a window in the p(T)-spectrum associated to the saturation physics. Our approach introduces a natural cutoff for the perturbative calculations which modifies the energy behavior of this component. The saturated component is calculated with a dipole model. The results are compared with experimental cross sections measured in cosmic ray experiments.