Mammography findings following electron intraoperative radiotherapy or external radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment

Radiotherapy following breast cancer conserving surgery decreases the risks of local recurrence. Because 85% of breast cancers relapse in or around the surgical bed there has been some debate on the need for irradiating the whole breast. Electron intraoperative radiotherapy (ELIOT) has been used as a viable alternative for conventional external radiotherapy (RT). While the former requires a single dose of 21 Gy in the tumoral bed, the latter requires 5-6 weeks of irradiation with a total dose of 50 Gy and a boost of 10 Gy that irradiates the surgical bed. Herein, we investigated whether any significant differences exist between the mammography findings obtained from patients submitted to one of the two techniques. Two groups of 30 patients each were included in this study. All patients had mammographies taken at 12 and 24 months after finishing treatment. The mammography findings evaluated were: cutaneous thickening (>2 mm), architectural distortion secondary to fibrosis, edema, calcifications (both benign and malignant), and fat necrosis. For all variables studied, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. This indicates that the mammography findings obtained in either 12- or 24-month follow-up periods after breast cancer conserving surgery are similar, regardless of which of the two radiotherapy techniques (ELIOT or RT) is employed as a treatment for breast cancer. (C) 2010 Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Magnetic characterization by SQUID and FMR of a biocompatible ferrofluid based on Fe(3)O(4)

Biocompatible superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles of magnetite coated with dextran were magnetically characterized using the techniques of SQUID (superconducting quantum interference device) magnetometry and ferromagnetic resonance (FMR). The SQUID magnetometry characterization was performed by isothermal measurements under applied magnetic field using the methods of zero-field-cooling (ZFC) and field-cooling (FC). The magnetic behavior of the nanoparticles indicated their superparamagnetic nature and it was assumed that they consisted exclusively of monodomains. The transition to a blocked state was observed at the temperature T(B) = (43 +/- 1) K for frozen ferrofluid and at (52 +/- 1) K for the lyophilized ferrofluid samples. The FMR analysis showed that the derivative peak-to-peak linewidth (Delta H(PP)), gyromagnetic factor (g), number of spins (N(S)), and spin-spin relaxation time (T(2)) were strongly dependent on both temperature and super-exchange interaction. This information is important for possible nanotechnological applications, mainly those which are strongly dependent on the magnetic parameters.

Scanning electron microscopy as an auxiliary method in the study of exhumed bones

Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) has been used in forensic science in many ways. The reports of cases in which SEM has been used as an auxiliary method in the investigation of exhumed bones are rare. In this article, we report an exhumation that was made to determine if a seized weapon could have been used in a homicide. We used SEM to analyze a fracture in the interior of the skull of the victim. The findings described in this article showed us that it is possible to develop new researches in this field. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen sulfide augments neutrophil migration through enhancement of adhesion molecule expression and prevention of CXCR2 internalization: Role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels

In this study, we have addressed the role of H2S in modulating neutrophil migration in either innate (LPS-challenged naive mice) or adaptive (methylated BSA (mBSA)-challenged immunized mice) immune responses. Treatment of mice with H S synthesis inhibitors, DL-propargylglycine (PAG) or beta-cyanoalanine, reduced neutrophil migration induced by LPS or methylated BSA (mBSA) into the peritoneal cavity and by mBSA into the femur/tibial joint of immunized mice. This effect was associated with decreased leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and P-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on endothelium. Predictably, treatment of animals with the H2S donors, NaHS or Lawesson`s reagent, enhanced these parameters. Moreover, the NaHS enhancement of neutrophil migration was not observed in ICAM-1-deficient mice. Neither PAG nor NaHS treatment changed LPS-induced CD18 expression on neutrophils, nor did the LPS- and mBSA-induced release of neutrophil chemoattractant mediators TNF-alpha, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and LTB4. Furthermore, in vitro MIP-2-induced neutrophil chemotaxis was inhibited by PAG and enhanced by NaHS treatments. Accordingly, MIP-2-induced CXCR2 internalization was enhanced by PAG and inhibited by NaHS treatments. Moreover, NaHS prevented MIP-2-induced CXCR2 desensitization. The PAG and NaHS effects correlated, respectively, with the enhancement and inhibition of MIP-2-induced G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression. The effects of NaHS on neutrophil migration both in vivo and in vitro, together with CXCR2 internalization and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression were prevented by the ATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP(+)) channel blocker, glybenclamide. Conversely, diazoxide, a K-ATP(+) channel opener, increased neutrophil migration in vivo. Together, our data suggest that during the inflammatory response, H`S augments neutrophil adhesion and locomotion, by a mechanism dependent on K-ATP(+) channels.

Dual role of hydrogen sulfide in mechanical inflammatory hypernociception

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gas involved in several biological functions, including modulation of nociception. However, the mechanisms involved in such modulation are not fully elucidated. The present Study demonstrated that the pretreatment of mice with PAG, a H2S synthesis inhibitor, reduced LPS-induced mechanical paw hypernociception. This inhibition of hypernociception was associated with the prevention of neutrophil recruitment to the plantar tissue. Conversely, PAG had no effect on LPS-induced production of the hypernociceptive cytokines, TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and CXCL1/KC and on hypernociception induced by PGE(2), a directly acting hypernociceptive mediator. In contrast with the pro-nociceptive role of endogenous H2S. systemic administration of NaHS, a H2S donor, reduced LPS-induced mechanical hypernociception in mice. Moreover, this treatment inhibited mechanical hypernociception induced by PGE(2), suggesting a direct effect of H2S on nociceptive neurons. The antinociceptive mechanism of exogenous H2S depends on K-(ATP)(+) channels since the inhibition of PGE(2) hypernociception by NaHS was prevented by glibenclamide (K-(ATP)(+) channel blocker). Finally, NaHS did not alter the thermal nociceptive threshold in the hot-plate test, confirming that its effect is mainly peripheral. Taken together, these results suggest that H2S has a dual role in inflammatory hypernociception: 1. an endogenous pro-nociceptive effect due to up-regulation of neutrophil migration. and 2. an antinociceptive effect by direct blockade of nociceptor sensitization modulating K-(ATP)(+) channels. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrogen Sulfide Improves Neutrophil Migration and Survival in Sepsis via K(ATP)(+) Channel Activation

Rationale Recovering the neutrophil migration to the infectious focus improves survival in severe sepsis. Recently, we demonstrated that the cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) pathway increased neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory focus during sterile inflammation. Objectives: To evaluate if H(2)S administration increases neutrophil migration to infectious focus and survival of mice. Methods. Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) Measurements and Main Results. The pretreatments of mice with H2S donors (NaHS or Lawesson`s reagent) improved leukocyte rolling/adhesion in the mesenteric microcirculation as well as neutrophil migration. Consequently, bacteremia levels were reduced, hypotension and lung lesions were prevented, and the survival rate increased from approximately 13% to approximately 80% Even when treatment was delayed (6 h after CLP), a highly significant reduction in mortality compared with untreated mice was observed Moreover, H(2)S pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of CXCR2 and L-selectin and the up-regulation of CD11b and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in neutrophils during sepsis. H(2)S also prevented the reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the endothelium of the mesenteric microcirculation in severe sepsis Confirming the critical role of H(2)S on sepsis outcome, pretreatment with dl-propargylglycine (a CSE inhibitor) inhibited neutrophil migration to the infectious focus, enhanced lung lesions, and induced high mortality in mice subjected to nonsevere sepsis (from 0 to similar to 80%). The beneficial effects of H(2)S were blocked by glibenclamide (a ATP-dependent K(+) channel blocker). Conclusions: These results showed that H(2)S restores neutrophil migration to the infectious focus and improves survival outcome in severe sepsis by an ATP-dependent K(+) channel-dependent mechanism.

Hydrogen Sulfide Prevents Ethanol-Induced Gastric Damage in Mice: Role of ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channels and Capsaicin-Sensitive Primary Afferent Neurons

The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice and the influence of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, capsaicin-sensitive sensory afferent neurons, and transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 receptors on such an effect. Saline and L-cysteine alone or with propargylglycine, sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS), or Lawesson`s reagent were administrated for testing purposes. For other experiments, mice were pretreated with glibenclamide, neurotoxic doses of capsaicin, or capsazepine. Afterward, mice received L-cysteine, NaHS, or Lawesson`s reagent. After 30 min, 50% ethanol was administrated by gavage. After 1 h, mice were sacrificed, and gastric damage was evaluated by macroscopic and microscopic analyses. L-Cysteine, NaHS, and Lawesson`s reagent treatment prevented ethanol-induced macroscopic and microscopic gastric damage in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of propargylglycine, an inhibitor of endogenous H(2)S synthesis, reversed gastric protection induced by L-cysteine. Glibenclamide reversed L-cysteine, NaHS, or Lawesson`s reagent gastroprotective effects against ethanol-induced macroscopic damage in a dose-dependent manner. Chemical ablation of sensory afferent neurons by capsaicin reversed gastroprotective effects of L-cysteine or H(2)S donors (NaHS or Lawesson`s reagent) in ethanol-induced macroscopic gastric damage. Likewise, in the presence of the TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine, the gastroprotective effects of L-cysteine, NaHS, or Lawesson`s reagent were also abolished. Our results suggest that H(2)S prevents ethanol-induced gastric damage. Although there are many mechanisms through which this effect can occur, our data support the hypothesis that the activation of K(ATP) channels and afferent neurons/TRPV1 receptors is of primary importance.

Inhibition of hydrogen sulphide formation reduces cisplatin-induced renal damage

Background. Cisplatin (CP)-induced renal damage is associated with inflammation. Hydrogen sulphide (H(2)S) is involved in models of inflammation. This study evaluates the effect of DL-propargylglycine (PAG), an inhibitor of endogenous H(2)S formation, on the renal damage induced by CP. Methods. The rats were injected with CP (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or PAG(5 mg/kg twice a day, i.p.) for 4 days, starting 1 h before CP injection. Control rats were injected with 0.15 M NaCl or PAG only. Blood and urine samples were collected 5 days after saline or CP injections for renal function evaluation. The kidneys were removed for tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha quantification, histological, immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis. The cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) activity and expression were assessed. The direct toxicity of H(2)S in renal tubular cells was evaluated by the incubation of these cells with NaHS, a donor of H(2)S. Results. CP-treated rats presented increases in plasma creatinine levels and in sodium and potassium fractional excretions associated with tubulointerstitial lesions in the outer medulla. Increased expression of TNF-alpha, macrophages, neutrophils and T lymphocytes, associated with increased H(2)S formation rate and CSE expression, were also observed in the outer medulla from CP-injected rats. All these alterations were reduced by treatment with PAG. A direct toxicity of NaHS for renal tubular epithelial cells was not observed. Conclusions. Treatment with PAG reduces the renal damage induced by CP. This effect seems to be related to the H2S formation and the restriction of the inflammation in the kidneys from PAG+CP-treated rats.

Dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve: a light and electron microscopy histometric study

This study describes the normal morphology and morphometry of the dorsal cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve (DCBU) in humans. Fourteen nerves of eight donors were prepared by conventional techniques for paraffin and epoxy resin embedding. Semiautomatic morphometric analysis was performed by means of specific computer software. Histograms of the myelinated and unmyelinated fiber population and the G-ratio distribution of fibers were plotted. Myelinated fiber density per nerve varied from 5,910 to 10,166 fibers/mm(2), with an average of 8,170 +/- 393 fibers/mm(2). The distribution was bimodal with peaks at 4.0 and 9.5 mu m. Unmyelinated fiber density per nerve varied from 50,985 to 127,108, with an average of 78,474 +/- 6, 610 fibers/mm(2), with a unimodal distribution displaying a peak at 0.8 mu m. This study thus adds information about the fascicles and myelinated and unmyelinated fibers of DCBU nerves in normal people, which may be useful in further studies concerning ulnar nerve neuropathies, mainly leprosy neuropathy.

Characteristics of Filiform, Fungiform and Vallate Papillae and Surface of Interface Epithelium-Connective Tissue of the Maned Sloth Tongue Mucosa (Bradypus torquatus, Iliger, 1811): Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The study of lingual surfaces and the surface of interface epithelium-connective tissue of the tongue of Bradypus torquatus was performed by employing the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results revealed that the rostral part of the tongue presents a round apex and covered by filiform and fungiform lingual papillae and a ventral smooth surface. It was observed that the epithelial layer of the dorsal surface possesses the basal, spinosum, granular and cornified epithelial cells. The lamina propria is characterized by a dense connective tissue forming the long, short and round papillae. Numerous typical filiform papillae are located especially in the rostral part intermingled for few fungiform papillae, which were revealed in three-dimensional SEM images. Usually, the fungiform papillae are located in the border of rostral apex of the tongue exhibiting the rounded form. They are covered by keratinized epithelial cells. In the fungiform papillae, several taste pores were observed on the surface. The vallate papillae presented numerous taste buds in the wall of epithelial cells, being that the major number of taste buds is located on the superior half of vallate papilla. The taste pores are surrounded by several laminae of keratinized epithelial cells. The samples treated with NaOH solution and examined by SEM revealed, after removal of the epithelial layer, the dense connective core in original disposition, presenting different sizes and shapes. The specimens stained with Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed the connective tissue, indicating the collagen fibres type I and type III.

Three-dimensional Characteristics of the Interface Epithelium-Connective Tissue Surface of Finger`s Lamina Propria of Cebus apella Monkey: Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

In the present paper were analysed the three-dimensional characteristics of the interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of finger prints of Cebus apella monkey employing the scanning electron microscopic methods. The connective tissue core (CTC) and epithelial papillae were examined verifying the three-dimensional configuration of the tissue projections. The samples were fixed in Bouin solsution for histologic preparations and in modified Karnovsky for examine to observe in scanning electron microscopy. After treatment in the 10% NaOH solution during 3 to 5 days, the surface of finger prints revealed a distribution of CTC of lamina propria in situ showing original three-dimensional SEM images. The linear and circular dispositions CTC, and the furrows were clearly identified. Each pointed papilla presented a large base and longitudinal disposition of thick collagen fiber bundles and in some areas with a complex reticular formations. The longitudinal furrows between the pointed papillae exhibited a dense layer of connective tissue and showed only low CTC or laminar in shape. The presence of numerous foramina of sweat gland were noted in three-dimensional SEM images.

Light and scanning electron microcopy study of the tongue in Rhea americana

Morphological characteristics of the tongue were studied in adult rhea (Rhea americana). The lingual surface and the surface of epithelium-connective tissue interface of rhea tongue were examined macroscopically and by light and scanning electron microscopy. The rhea tongue revealed a triangular aspect, without adjustment of the inferior bill formation, occupying approximately of the length of the oral cavity. Lingual papilla-like structures were not observed over the lingual surface. The tongue mucosa was composed of a thick non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the dorsal and ventral part, supported by a connective tissue core. The submucosa contained numerous glands with cytoplasmic granules, and luminal secretion was positive for histochemical reaction to Alcian Blue in pH 2.5 and PAS, and negative to Alcian Blue in pH 0.5. Despite the rudimentary characteristic of the tongue in rhea, our results suggest an important role of tongue secretions in food lubrication and humidification during the swallowing process, based on the enormous quantity of lingual glands in the submucosa and the histochemical characteristics of their secretions.

Redescription of Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844 (Acari : Ixodidae) based on light and scanning electron microscopy

Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844 is a Neotropical tick, known as the `sloth`s giant tick`, with records from southern Central America to Argentina. It is found almost exclusively on mammals of the families Bradypodidae and Magalonychidae (Xenarthra). Differences exist in discussions with regard to the dentition of the female hypostome being either 3/3 or 4/4. The male was also originally described as having a short spur on coxa IV, but some specimens recently collected from different Brazilian localities have this spur three times longer. These differences beg the question of whether there is more than one species included under this taxon. In order to answer this question and to clarify the taxonomic characters of this species, 258 adult specimens were examined, and a redescription of male and female based on light and scanning electron microscopy is provided. In addition, DNA was extracted from males with either a long or a short spur on coxa IV to help settle this question for future investigations on their taxonomy. The morphological study showed that the dental formula pattern for males and females is 3/3 and 4/4, respectively. When sequenced, the 12 S rDNA genes of both A. varium males with long and short spurs on coxa IV were found to be identical, indicating that the length of the spurs on coxa IV is likely to be an intraspecifically polymorphic character of this species.

Renormalizing the kinetic energy operator in elementary quantum mechanics

In this paper, we consider solutions to the three-dimensional Schrodinger equation of the form psi(r) = u(r)/r, where u(0) not equal 0. The expectation value of the kinetic energy operator for such wavefunctions diverges. We show that it is possible to introduce a potential energy with an expectation value that also diverges, exactly cancelling the kinetic energy divergence. This renormalization procedure produces a self-adjoint Hamiltonian. We solve some problems with this new Hamiltonian to illustrate its usefulness.

Comparative analysis of root surface smear layer removal by different etching modalities or erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser irradiation. A scanning electron microscopy study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser (2.94 mu m) irradiation on the removal of root surface smear layer of extracted human teeth and to compare its efficacy with that of citric acid, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), or a gel containing a mixture of tetracycline hydrochloride (HCl) and citric acid, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thirty human dentin specimens were randomly divided into six groups: G1 (control group), irrigated with 10 ml of physiologic saline solution; G2, conditioned with 24% citric acid gel; G3, conditioned with 24% EDTA gel; G4, conditioned with a 50% citric acid and tetracycline gel; G5, irradiated with Er:YAG laser (47 mJ/10 Hz/5.8 J/cm(2)/pulse); G6, irradiated with Er:YAG laser (83 mJ/10 Hz/10.3 J/cm(2)/pulse). Electron micrographs were obtained and analyzed according to a rating system. Statistical analysis was conducted with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P < 0.05). G1 was statistically different from all the other groups; no statistically significant differences were observed between the Er:YAG laser groups and those undergoing the other treatment modalities. When the two Er:YAG laser groups were compared, the fluency of G6 was statistically more effective in smear layer removal than the one used in G5 (Mann-Whitney test, P < 0.01). Root surfaces irradiated by Er:YAG laser had more irregular contours than those treated by chemical agents. It can be concluded that all treatment modalities were effective in smear layer removal. The results of our study suggest that the Er:YAG laser can be safely used to condition diseased root surfaces effectively. Furthermore, the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on root surfaces should be evaluated in vivo so that its potential to enhance the healing of periodontal tissues can be assessed.