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O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os níveis de Cortisol e Alfa-amilase salivar, relacionando-os com o nível de estresse e desempenho acadêmico de calouros do curso de Enfermagem, durante a primeira avaliação prática da disciplina de Anatomia Humana. Os procedimentos de coleta de saliva foram realizados antes e após a aplicação da avaliação prática de Anatomia Humana. As concentrações de Cortisol e Alfa-amilase salivar foram avaliadas pelo método ELISA. Foi utilizada a versão reduzida do questionário de Avaliação de Estresse em Estudantes de Enfermagem. Resultados: Foi observado que a concentração média de cortisol salivar foi de 0,421 ± 0,076 µg/dL e final de 0,572 ± 0,096 µg/dL, caracterizando aumento significativo de 35,8% (p

Augusto Lombardi,1 Elena Pastore,1 Stefano Maggi,1 Gianluca Stanzani,2 Valeria Vitale,2 Camilla Romano,1 Laura Bersigotti,1 Andrea Vecchione,3 Claudio Amanti11Breast Surgery, Università La Sapienza, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Rome, Italy; 2Breast Surgery, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Rome, Italy; 3Department of Pathology, Università La Sapienza, Ospedale Sant’Andrea, Rome, ItalyBackground: The primary goal in conservative breast cancer surgery is the complete excision of the tumor, but at the same time attempting to obtain a satisfactory postoperative esthetic result. The notion of “No Ink on Tumor” that indicates exclusively the presence of tumor cells on the inked surface of the surgical specimen is now the gold standard; however, the problem of the free margin is still a fundamental topic of debate that has not yet found a definitive solution.Methods: Our retrospective analysis takes into account 1440 patients undergoing breast conservative surgery, from October 2004 to November 2018, all treated at the breast unit of our institution.Results: Positive margins (R1) rate was 10.2% (147 cases out of 1440). Overall survival was 95% at 5 years and 89% at 10years. No differences in mortality and local recurrence rate between R0 and R1 patients were found. Half of the R1 patients underwent secondary surgery with enlargement of margins, while in the other half we performed direct mastectomy. Among the analyzed variables, age, histological size, histological type, grading, multifocality, lympho-vascular invasion and lymph node status were significantly correlated with the R1 status. The multivariate analysis shows the association of age and surgical technique (oncoplastic) with R1 status.Conclusion: Further studies will allow the creation of a statistical model, for better pre-operative prediction of patients with higher risk of R1 and better selection of patients to be candidates for conservative surgery.Keywords: breast-conserving therapy, margin status, age, oncoplastic surgery

Objective: To evaluate the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical changes in interstitial cells and ovarian follicles of rats treated with metformin during and after induction of permanent estrus. Methods: Thirty-two adult-female rats with regular estrous cycle were equally divided into four groups: 1) GCtrl - at estrous phase. 2) GPCOS - at permanent-estrous phase. 3) GMet1 - rats and daily treated with metformin (12.5 mg/Kg) during 60 consecutive days, as preventive form and 4) GMet2 - PCOS rats, which remained exposed to 60 days of continuous illumination and treated with metformin. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the ovaries were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E. for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 (Casp-3) detections. Results: The GPCOS showed lack of corpus luteum and several ovarian cysts, as well as interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum and a significant increase in primary and antral follicles were observed in Mel-treated groups, which also showed a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts and in the area occupied by interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum along with an increase in the number of primary follicles in the Met2 group were noticed (p

Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da melatonina, metformina e citrato de clomifeno no endométrio de ratas modelo de síndrome dos ovários policísticos. Métodos: Setenta e oito ratas foram divididas em 13 grupos e dois experimentos (prevenção e tratamento). Após as exposições todos os animais foram anestesiados e tiveram retirados os cornos uterinos e submetidos a coloração pela hematoxilina e eosina e imunoistoquímica (Ki-67 e Vegf). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (p

To evaluate the histomorphometric and immunohistochemical changes in interstitial cells and ovarian follicles of rats treated with clomiphene citrate during and after induction of permanent estrus.Twenty four adult-female rats with regular estrous cycle were equally divided into three groups: (1) GCtrl-at estrous phase. (2) GPCOS-at permanent-estrous phase. (3) GCC-PCOS rats, which remained exposed to 60 days of continuous illumination and treated with Clomiphene Citrate. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the ovaries were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E. for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 detections.The GPCOS showed lack of corpus luteum and several ovarian cysts, as well as interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum and a significant increase in primary and antral follicles were observed in GCC, which also showed a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts and in the area occupied by interstitial-like cells, as well as a decrease in nuclear volume of interstitial cells. The percentage of cell proliferation was significantly higher in granulosa cells of the GCC. On the other hand, the percentage of apoptosis was significantly higher in the granulosa cells of GPCOS than the GCC.The ovaries of rats treated with clomiphene citrate showed a decrease in the number of cysts, an increase in the number of ovarian follicles, the presence of corpus luteum along with a decrease in the nuclear volume in the area occupied by interstitial cells.

Objective Activation of the trunk and lower limb muscles, namely the multifidus, rectus abdominis, rectus femoris, and tibialis anterior, was analyzed using surface electromyographyin 40 young, healthy, and sedentary individuals. Methods Data were collected from sneaker-clad subjects with independent gait and during hippotherapy using saddles and blankets, with the feet in and out of the stirrups. Results Surface electromyography results demonstrated a statistically significantly greater activation of the rectus femoris comparison to tibialis anterior muscle during hippotherapy. No statistically significant differences were observed when comparing variables related to the mount materials used in hippotherapy and human gait. Conclusion In this study, similarities were observed between activation of the trunk and lower limb muscles during hippotherapy and human gait. In addition, the mount materials and practices used in hippotherapy did not influence muscle activity.

Objective: To carry out morphometric, topographic, incidence analysis of retromolar foramina in dry adult human mandibles, and relate the findings to Dental practice. Methods: 265 mandibles were evaluated simultaneously by two researchers. With the aid of metal wires, each retromolar foramen was classified regarding diameter. Foramina with a diameter smaller than 0.5mm were not taken into account. Results: Retromolar foramina were observed in 23.4% of cases, with a higher bilateral incidence (with distinction of both antimeres), and up to 4 of them located in the same mandible. Furthermore, most foramina had a diameter between 0.5 and 1mm. Conclusion: The retromolar foramina are clinically relevant findings and should never be underestimated by clinicians. RESUMO Objetivo: Realizar análises morfométrica, topográfica e de incidência de forames retromolares em mandíbulas humanas maceradas de adultos, correlacionando os achados com a prática clínica odontológica. Métodos: 265 mandíbulas foram avaliadas simultaneamente por dois observadores. Com o auxílio de fios de metal, cada forame retromolar foi classificado quanto ao diâmetro. Forames inferiores a 0.5mm não foram contabilizados. Resultados: Observaram-se forames retromolares em 23.4% dos casos, com maior incidência bilateral (com distinção dos antímeros) e podendo ocorrer em número de até 4 em uma mesma peça anatômica. Além do mais, a grande maioria apresentou diâmetro entre 0.5 e 1mm. Conclusão: Os forames retromolares são achados consistentes e clinicamente relevantes, não devendo ser subestimados pelos clínicos.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ovarian effects of melatonin (Mel) in a rat model of polycystic-ovary-syndrome (PCOS) before and after permanent estrus induction. METHODS Thirty-two adult-female rats with regular estrous cycle were equally divided into four groups: 1) GCtrl – at estrous phase. 2) GPCOS - at permanent-estrous phase. 3) GMel1 – treated for 60 days with Mel (0.4 mg/Kg) during permanent estrus induction and 4) GMel2 – rats with PCOS and treated for 60 days with Mel. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the ovaries were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E. for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 (Casp-3) detections. RESULTS The GPCOS showed lack of corpus luteum and several ovarian cysts, as well as interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum and a significant increase in primary and antral follicles were observed in Mel-treated groups, which also showed a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts and in the area occupied by interstitial-like cells. These results were more evident in GMel1. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was significantly higher in the Mel-treated groups, mainly in the GMel2, as compared to GPCOS. On the other hand, the percentage of Casp-3-positive cells was significantly lower in granulosa cells of GMel1, whereas it was significantly higher in the interstitial-like cells of GMel2, in comparison to GPCOS. CONCLUSION Melatonin administration prevents the permanent estrus state in the PCOS rat model. This effect is more efficient when melatonin is administered before permanent estrus induction. RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar os efeitos ovarianos da melatonina (Mel) em ratas com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) antes e após a indução do estro-permanente. MÉTODOS Trinta e duas ratas com ciclos estrais regulares foram igualmente divididas em quatro grupos: 1) GCtrl - fase de estro. 2) GSOP - fase de estro-permanente. 3) GMel1 – tratadas por 60 dias com Mel (0,4 mg/kg) durante a indução do estro-permanente e 4) GMel2 – ratas com SOP e tratadas com Mel. Após eutanásia dos animais, os ovários foram processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes foram corados com H.E ou submetidos à imuno-histoquímica para detecção de Ki-67 e caspase-3 clivada (Casp-3). RESULTADOS O GSOP mostrou ausência de corpos lúteos e vários cistos ovarianos, além de inúmeras células intersticiais. A presença de corpos lúteos e o aumento significativo dos folículos primários e antrais foram observados nos grupos tratados com Mel, os quais também mostraram diminuição no número de cistos ovarianos e na área ocupada pelas células intersticiais. Esses resultados foram mais evidentes no GMel1 do que no GMel2. A porcentagem de células Ki-67 positivas foi significativamente maior no GMel1 e no GMel2, sendo mais evidente no GMel2, em comparação ao GSOP. Por outro lado, a porcentagem de células positivas à Casp-3 foi menor nas células da granulosa do GMel1 e maior nas células intersticiais do GMel2, em comparação ao GSOP. CONCLUSÃO A administração de melatonina previne o estado de estro-permanente em ratas com SOP. Esse efeito é mais eficiente quando a melatonina é administrada após indução do estado de estro-permanente.

O objetivo foi avaliar a modulação autonômica da frequência cardíaca em estímulos musicais em indivíduos musicalizados (GM) e não musicalizados (GNM). Foram avaliados 96 voluntários. Quatro músicas diferentes (M1, M2, M3 e M4) foram executadas. A análise dos dados foi feita no domínio do tempo pelos índices de RMSSD (raiz quadrada da média do quadrado das diferenças entre intervalos da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca consecutivos. Este parâmetro fornece uma quantificação das variações abruptas da variabilidade) e pNN50 (NN50: quantidade absoluta (contagem) de intervalos NN que diferem mais de 50ms em relação ao intervalo anterior - pNN50: porcentagem de NN50 em relação à quantidade total de intervalos NN), e no domínio da frequência pelos índices de baixa frequência - LF (atividade simpática), alta frequência - HF (atividade parassimpática) e LF/HF (balanço simpático-vagal). Resultados: O GM apresentou menor atividade parassimpática durante a exposição a diferentes tipos de música, independente do sexo (p

O objetivo foi verificar o impacto do programa pré-esportivo da equoterapia na flexibilidade, força e equilíbrio de pessoas com deficiência intelectual. Participaram do estudo seis indivíduos com idade média de 17,5 ± 2,07 anos. Os atendimentos foram realizados uma vez por semana, por 30 minutos, a sela inglesa foi utilizada com o cavalo ao trote. O bloco de Wells foi usado para a avaliação da flexibilidade, o teste de Sentar e Levantar e o dinamômetro lombar para a avaliação de força muscular, e o teste Clínico de Integração Sensorial do Equilíbrio. As diferenças com valor p igual ou inferior a 5% foram consideradas estatisticamente significativas. Os resultados apresentaram significância na flexibilidade muscular (p=0,026), força muscular por meio do teste de Sentar e Levantar (p=0,004), dinamômetro lombar (p=0,014) e equilíbrio (p=0,045), após 10 atendimentos. Concluímos que o programa pré esportivo da equoterapia contribuiu para o desenvolvimento e desempenho físico desses sujeitos.

Equoterapia é um método terapêutico que utiliza o cavalo como ferramenta de tratamento em diversos comprometimentos físicos e intelectuais, complementando a reabilitação física e/ou social e promovendo resultados funcionais. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo e quantitativo, que teve como objetivo realizar mapeamento científico sobre a equoterapia, durante todo o período, por meio da análise bibliométrica. A busca apresentou resultados de 1972-2020, foram encontrados 360 artigos, 945 palavras chaves, 1.265 autores, com média de 3,37 por documento e 4,06 para coautores. A média de publicação foi 5,32 totalizando 12.532 referências. A análise permitiu descrever as palavras chaves mais citadas, fontes mais relevantes, publicação científica anual, autores mais citados, autores mais relevantes, estudos mais citados localmente, estudos mais citados globalmente, classificação de periódicos segundo fator de impacto e países mais citados. Promovendo mapeamento científico sobre a equoterapia e contribuindo para pesquisas futuras.

The azygos system has a wide range of anatomical variations and its knowledge is essential for anatomists, thoracic surgeons and radiologists. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the main anatomical variations of the azygos system in the main anatomy textbooks available in the literature and in embalmed cadavers. 14 anatomy books available in the literature and 13 embalmed cadavers and previously dissected were analyzed. The data collected both in the literature and in the embalmed cadavers demonstrated that the veins of the azygos system have many variations of origin, course, number of tributaries, anastomoses and termination. Such variations are extremely relevant from a surgical and radiological point of view. The results found will contribute to the education and training of professionals and students in addition to supporting future research.

Molecular analysis of

Objective: to evaluate the immunohistochemical expression of proliferative, apoptotic and steroidogenic enzyme markers in the ovaries of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: twenty rats were divided into two groups: GCtrl - estrous phase, and PCOS - with polycystic ovaries. The GCtrl animals were subjected to a lighting period from 7 am to 7 pm, while the animals with PCOS group remained with continuous lighting for 60 days. Subsequently, the animals were anesthetized, the ovaries were removed and fixed in 10% formaldehyde, prior to paraffin embedding. Sections were stained using H.E. or subjected to immunohistochemical methods for the detection of Ki-67, cleaved caspase-3, CYP11A1, CYP17A1 and CYP19A1. The results were analyzed using Student's t-test (p < 0,05). Results: morphological results showed evidence of interstitial cells originating from the inner theca cells of degenerating ovarian cysts in PCOS. Immunoexpression of Ki-67 was higher in the granulosa cells in GCtrl, and the theca interna cells in PCOS, while cleaved caspase-3 was higher in granulosa cells of ovarian cysts from PCOS and in the theca interna cells of GCtrl. Immunoreactivity of CYP11A1 in the theca interna, granulosa and interstitial cells was similar between the two groups, while CYP17A1 and CYP19A1 were higher in the granulosa and interstitial cells in the PCOS group. Conclusion: the results indicate that the interstitial cells are derived from the theca interna and that enzymatic changes occur in the theca interna and interstitial cells in ovaries of rats with PCOS, responsible for the high levels of androgens and estradiol.

Within European Partitioning & Transmutation research programs, infrastructures specifically dedicated to the study of funda- mental reactor physics and engineering parameters of future fast-neutron-based reactors are very important, being some of these features not available in present zero-power prototypes. This presentation will illustrate the conceptual design of an ADS with high safety standards, but ample flexibility for measurements. The design assumes as base option the 70 MeV, 0.75 mA proton cyclotron facility planned to be constructed at the INFN National Laboratory in Legnaro, Italy and a Beryllium target, with Helium gas as core coolant. Safety is guaranteed by limiting the thermal power to 200 kW, with a neutron multiplication coefficient around 0.94, loading the core with fuel containing Uranium enriched at 20% and a solid-lead diffuser. The small decay heat can be passively removed by thermal radiation from the vessel. Such a system could be used to study, among others, some specific aspects of neutron diffusion in lead, beam-core coupling, target cooling and could serve as a training facility.

The purpose of this study was to carry out morphologic and topographic analyses of retromolar canals on cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) scans, comparing findings to others obtained from the corresponding digital panoramic radiographs. Sixty-one CBCT scans were analysed digitally, as well as their corresponding digital panoramic radiographs. The prevalence and distribution of these canals, foramen diameters, and intraosseous communications were also evaluated. On CBCT scans, we found that 24.6% of individuals had at least one retromolar canal. The mean foramen diameter was slightly higher than 1 mm and we could not determine the intraosseous anatomical connections in most cases. The morphology and topography of the retromolar canals were not affected by gender and antimere. In addition, only 22.2% of all tomographically identified canals could be confirmed on digital panoramic radiographs (26.7% of such patients). Regarding all sample, 6.6% of individuals showed retromolar canals on digital panoramic radiographs. We may consider that these structures are clinically relevant findings and, due to the low accuracy of the panoramic radiographs, high-quality tomographic exams should always be asked for presurgical treatment planning.

The forward-emitted low energy tail of the neutron spectrum generated by the $^{7}\mathrm{Li}(p,n)^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ reaction on a thick target at a proton energy of 1893.6 keV was measured by time-of-flight spectroscopy. The measurement was performed at BELINA (Beam Line for Nuclear Astrophysics) of the Laboratori Nazionali di Legnaro. Using the reaction kinematics and the proton on lithium stopping power the shape of the excitation function is calculated from the measured neutron spectrum. Good agreement with two reported measurements was found. Our data, along with the previous measurements, are well reproduced by the Breit-Wigner single-resonance formula for $s$-wave particles. The differential yield of the reaction is calculated and the widely used neutron spectrum at a proton energy of 1912 keV was reproduced. Possible causes regarding part of the 6.5% discrepancy between the $^{197}\mathrm{Au}(n,\ensuremath{\gamma})$ cross section measured at this energy by Ratynski and Kappeler [Phys. Rev. C 37, 595 (1988)] and the one obtained using the Evaluated Nuclear Data File version B-VII.1 are given.

BACKGROUND The anterior region of the mandible is generally considered to be a safe region to invasive procedures; however, on its internal face, uncountable penetrating canals may be encountered. OBJECTIVE To perform morphometrical and topographical analysis of endosseous canals located at the inner side of the mandibular anterior region, using cone-beam computed tomography. METHODS Forty-six examinations were digitally analyzed. Localization of canals in relation to the midline, trajectories, communications between other anatomic structures and relation with teeth were evaluated. Longitudinal and transversal diameters of the canals and distances to the lower edge and symphysis of the mandible were also measured. RESULTS All individuals had at least 1 canal, with a mean of 2.3 and higher prevalence in the midline region. The adjacent teeth to the canals were usually the incisors but the authors could not determine the connected anatomical structure in most patients. Both the mean diameters were quite similar, about 1 mm; however, the trajectories and distances to the lower edge and symphysis of mandible showed a remarkable heterogeneity among the individuals. CONCLUSIONS These endosseous canals are consistent and clinically relevant findings and should never be underestimated by professionals.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a histomorfometria das células intersticiais dos ovários, bem como analisar a concentração sanguínea de esteroides sexuais de ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela luz contínua. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratas foram divididas em dois grupos: ratas na fase de estro (GCtrl ) e ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela iluminação contínua (GOP). Os animais do GCtrl permaneceram com período de luz das 7:00 s 19:00 horas, e os animais do GOP, com iluminação contínua (400 Lux), durante um período de 60 dias. Ao final desse período todos os animais foram anestesiados, foi coletado o sangue, para determinação dos níveis séricos de estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) e testosterona (T), seguido da retirada dos ovários que foram fixados em formol a 10% e processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes histológicos com 5 µm corados pela hematoxilina e eosina foram utilizados para análise histomorfométrica. As análises morfológicas, contagem de cistos, determinação da concentração e do volume nuclear das células intersticiais foram realizadas com o auxílio de microscópio de luz adaptado a uma câmera de alta resolução (AxioCam), cujas imagens foram transmitidas e analisadas em computador com software AxioVision Rel 4.8 (Carl Zeiss). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (pGCtrl=73,2±6,5; pGCtrl=80,6±3,9; pGOP=4,2±1,5; pGCtrl=63,6±16,5; pGCtrl=6,9±3,2; pPURPOSES: To evaluate the histomorphometry of ovarian interstitial cells, as well as the blood sex steroid concentrations of female rats with polycystic ovaries induced by continuous light. METHODS: Twenty female rats were divided into two groups: Control Group - in the estrous phase (CtrlG), and a group of rats with polycystic ovaries induced by continuous illumination (POG). CtrlG animals were maintained on a light period from 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m., and POG animals with continuous illumination (400 Lux) for 60 days. After this period all animals were anesthetized and blood was collected for the determination of serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T), followed by removal of the ovaries that were fixed in 10% formalin and processed for paraffin embedding. Five-µm histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and used for histomorphometric analysis. Morphological analyses, cyst count, determination of concentration and of the nuclear volume of interstitial cells were performed with the aid of a light microscope adapted to a high resolution camera (AxioCam), whose images were transmitted to and analyzed by the computer using AxioVision Rel 4.8 software (Carl Zeiss). Data were analyzed statistically by the Student's t-test (pCtrlG=73.2±6.5, pCtrlG=80.6±3.9, pPOG=4.2±1.5, pCtrlG=63.6±16.5, pCtrlG=6.9±3.2, p

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a histomorfometria das células intersticiais dos ovários, bem como analisar a concentração sanguínea de esteroides sexuais de ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela luz contínua. MÉTODOS: Vinte ratas foram divididas em dois grupos: ratas na fase de estro (GCtrl ) e ratas portadoras de ovários policísticos induzidos pela iluminação contínua (GOP). Os animais do GCtrl permaneceram com período de luz das 7:00 s 19:00 horas, e os animais do GOP, com iluminação contínua (400 Lux), durante um período de 60 dias. Ao final desse período todos os animais foram anestesiados, foi coletado o sangue, para determinação dos níveis séricos de estradiol (E2), progesterona (P4) e testosterona (T), seguido da retirada dos ovários que foram fixados em formol a 10% e processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes histológicos com 5 µm corados pela hematoxilina e eosina foram utilizados para análise histomorfométrica. As análises morfológicas, contagem de cistos, determinação da concentração e do volume nuclear das células intersticiais foram realizadas com o auxílio de microscópio de luz adaptado a uma câmera de alta resolução (AxioCam), cujas imagens foram transmitidas e analisadas em computador com software AxioVision Rel 4.8 (Carl Zeiss). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste t de Student (pGCtrl=73,2±6,5; pGCtrl=80,6±3,9; pGOP=4,2±1,5; pGCtrl=63,6±16,5; pGCtrl=6,9±3,2; pCtrlG=73.2±6.5, pCtrlG=80.6±3.9, pPOG=4.2±1.5, pCtrlG=63.6±16.5, pCtrlG=6.9±3.2, p

Aims and Background Discordance of intraoperative analysis with definitive histology of the sentinel lymph node in breast cancer leads to completion axillary lymph node dissection, which only in 35–50% shows additional nodal metastases. The aim of the study was to identify individual patient risk for non-sentinel lymph node metastases by validating several statistical methods present in the recent literature and by developing a new tool with the final goal of avoiding unnecessary completion axillary lymph node dissection. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 593 primary breast cancer patients. Completion axillary lymph node dissection was performed in 139 with a positive sentinel lymph node. The predictive accuracy of five published nomograms (MSKCC, Tenon, Cambridge, Stanford and Gur) was measured by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. We then developed a new logistic regression model to compare performance. Our model was validated by the leave-one-out cross-validation method. Results In 53 cases (38%), we found at least one metastatic non-sentinel lymph node. All the selected nomograms showed values greater than the 0.70 threshold, and our model reported a value of 0.77 (confidence interval = 0.69–0.86 and error rate = 0.28) and 0.72 (confidence interval = 0.63–0.81, error rate = 0.28) after the validation. With a 5% cutoff value, sensitivity was 98% and specificity 9%, for a cutoff of 10%, 96% and 2%, respectively. Conclusions All the nomograms were good discriminators, but the alternative developed model showed the best predictive accuracy in this Italian breast cancer sample. We still confirm that these models, very accurate in the institution of origin, require a new validation if used on other populations of patients.

The detection of the 1809 keV emission line associated with the decay of 26 Al in the interstellar medium provides a direct evidence of recent nucleosynthesis events in our galaxy. 26 Al is thought to be mainly produced in massive stars, but in order to have a quantita- tive understanding of the 26 Al distribution, the cross section of all the nuclear reactions involved in its production should be accurately known. A recent sensitivity study demonstrated that the 25 Mg( ,n) 28 Si is the reaction with the strongest impact on the synthesis of 26 Al during explosive Neon and Carbon burning (4). In order to improve the experimental knowledge of the 25 Mg( ,n) 28 Si cross section, a new direct measurement has been performed at Legnaro National Laboratories. The experimental setup, the data analysis and preliminary results are discussed.

Within European Partitioning & Transmutation research programs, infrastructures specifically dedicated to the study of fundamental reactor physics and engineering parameters of future fast-neutron-based reactors are very important, being some of these features not available in present zero-power prototypes. This presentation will illustrate the conceptual design of an Accelerator-Driven System with high safety standards, but ample flexibility for measurements. The design assumes as base option a 70 MeV, 0.75 mA proton cyclotron, as the one which will be installed at the INFN National Laboratory in Legnaro, Italy and a Beryllium target, with Helium gas as core coolant. Safety is guaranteed by limiting the thermal power to 200 kW, with a neutron multiplication coefficient around 0.94, loading the core with fuel containing Uranium enriched at 20% inserted in a solid-lead diffuser. The small decay heat can be passively removed by thermal radiation from the vessel. Such a system could be used to study, among others, some specific aspects of neutron diffusion in lead, beam-core coupling, target cooling and could serve as a training facility.

To evaluate the histomorphometry of ovarian interstitial cells, as well as the blood sex steroid concentrations of female rats with polycystic ovaries induced by continuous light.Twenty female rats were divided into two groups: Control Group - in the estrous phase (CtrlG), and a group of rats with polycystic ovaries induced by continuous illumination (POG). CtrlG animals were maintained on a light period from 07:00 a.m. to 07:00 p.m., and POG animals with continuous illumination (400 Lux) for 60 days. After this period all animals were anesthetized and blood was collected for the determination of serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T), followed by removal of the ovaries that were fixed in 10% formalin and processed for paraffin embedding. Five-µm histological sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and used for histomorphometric analysis. Morphological analyses, cyst count, determination of concentration and of the nuclear volume of interstitial cells were performed with the aid of a light microscope adapted to a high resolution camera (AxioCam), whose images were transmitted to and analyzed by the computer using AxioVision Rel 4.8 software (Carl Zeiss). Data were analyzed statistically by the Student's t-test (p0.05).Morphological analysis showed the presence of ovarian cysts in POG animals and corpora lutea in CtrlG animals, as well as evidence of the origin of interstitial cells from the internal theca of these cysts. POG animals presented increased serum estradiol levels (pg/mL) compared to CtrlG animals (POG=124.9 ± 4.2CtrlG=73.2 ± 6.5, p0.05), the same occurring with testosterone levels (pg/mL) (POG=116.9 ± 4.6CtrlG=80.6 ± 3.9, p0.05). However, progesterone levels (ng/mL) were higher in CtrlG than in POG animals (CtrlG=16.3 ± 2.0POG=4.2 ± 1.5, p0.05). Morphometry showed a significant increase in nuclear volume in POG animals (POG=102.1 ± 5.2CtrlG=63.6 ± 16.5, p0.05), as well as in the area occupied (%) by interstitial cells (POG=24.4 ± 6.9CtrlG=6.9 ± 3.2, p0.05) compared to CtrlG animals.The interstitial cells of the rat polycystic ovary probably originate from ovarian cysts due to the degeneration of granulosa cells and differentiation of the internal theca cells. The elevations of serum testosterone and estradiol were probably due to the significant increase in cell activity and in the area occupied by interstitial cells.

The post‐acceleration of laser‐generated protons through conventional drift tube linear accelerators has been simulated with the particle code Parmela. The proton source is generated on the rear surface of a target irradiated by an high‐intensity (1019 W⋅cm−2) short‐pulse (350 fs) laser and focused by a microlens that allows selecting collimated protons at 7±0.1 MeV with rms unnormalized emittance of 0.180 mm.mrad. The simulations show that protons can be accelerated by one drift tube linac tank to more than 14 MeV with unnormalized emittance growth of 8 in x and 22.6 in y directions when considering a total proton charge of 0.112 mA. This result shows for the first time that coupling between laser‐plasma accelerators with traditional accelerators is possible, allowing a luminosity gain for the final beam.

Secretory carcinoma of the breast is a rare tumor initially described in children but occurring equally in adult population. This unusual breast cancer subtype has a generally favorable prognosis, although several cases have been described in adults with increased aggressiveness and a risk of metastases. However, surgery is still considered the most appropriate treatment for this pathology. We describe the case of a 50 – year-old woman who has undergone a breast conservative surgery for a little tumor, preoperatively diagnosticated by a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) as a well differentiated infiltrating carcinoma.