The axillary versus internal mammary recipient vessel sites for breast reconstruction with diep flaps: A retrospective study of 256 consecutive cases

The aim of this study is to present our experience on the use of various recipient sites for deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction and compare them by means of objective data. Two hundred fifty six DIEP flap breast reconstructions, performed between March 2004 and May 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. Only unilateral reconstructions were included in the study and divided into three groups depending on the recipient site choice: internal mammary vessels (IMV) (n = 52), thoracodorsal vessels (TDV) (n = 109), and circumflex scapular vessels (CSV) (n = 95). Clinical records of each patient were reviewed to acquire relevant data such as operative time, postoperative complications, and use of a second vein anastomosis. CSV group showed a statistically significant lower operative time (4.92 ± 0.54 hours) compared to TDV (5.67 ± 1.01 hours) and IMV groups (6.75 ± 1.09 hours) (P < 0.001). Second vein anastomosis was performed in 84 cases (88.1%) of CSV, in 85 cases (77.9%) of TDV, and in 18 cases (35.1%) of IMV groups (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among groups regarding risk factors and complications (P > 0.05). The axillary vessels seem to be the ideal recipient site because of reduced operative time and increased possibility to perform a second vein anastomosis. Among them, CSV can be safely used due to following advantages: easy dissection, larger vessel caliber, and optimal flap insetting. Moreover, their location does not expose them completely to radiotherapy consequences. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:34–38, 2015.     

Use of N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate (Glubran2?) in Fractures of Orbital-Maxillo-Zygomatic Complex

Introduction

Fractures of the orbital-maxillo-zygomatic complex are among the most common fractures affecting the facial skeleton. Goal of surgical treatment is the realignment of fracture lines for a complete functional and aesthetic rehabilitation.

Materials and Methods

From January 2008 to January 2011 in the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery of Complesso Integrato Columbus of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome, 25 patients, affected by comminute fractures of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus associated with fractures of the orbital-maxillary complex were selected. The synthesis of the larger fracture fragments was performed by plates and screws (1.5 mm) while a biocompatible glue (N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate–Glubran2^®) was applied to treat the comminute fractures of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus.

Results and Conclusion

The aim of our article is to report our experience and a review of the literature on application of–Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate for treatment of comminute fractures of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus. According to the results achieved in our study the N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate can be indicated to treat comminuted fractures of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus which could not easily be treated with internal rigid fixation.     

Stability of di-butyl-dichalcogenide-capped gold nanoparticles: experimental data and theoretical insights

Metals capped with organochalcogenides have attracted considerable interest due to their practical applications, which include catalysis, sensing, and biosensing, due to their optical, magnetic, electrochemical, adhesive, lubrication, and antibacterial properties. There are numerous reports of metals capped with organothiol molecules; however, there are few studies on metals capped with organoselenium or organotellurium. Thus, there is a gap to be filled regarding the properties of organochalcogenide systems which can be improved by replacing sulfur with selenium or tellurium. In the last decade, there has been significant development in the synthesis of selenium and tellurium compounds; however, it is difficult to find commercial applications of these compounds because there are few studies showing the feasibility of their synthesis and their advantages compared to organothiol compounds. Stability against oxidation by molecular oxygen under ambient conditions is one of the properties which can be improved by choosing the correct organochalcogenide; this can confer important advantages for many more suitable applications. This paper reports the successful synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles functionalized with organochalcogenide molecules (dibutyl-disulfide, dibutyl-diselenide and dibutyl-ditelluride) and evaluates the oxidation stability of the organochalcogenides. Spherical gold nanoparticles with diameters of 24 nm were capped with organochalcogenides and were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to show the improved stability of organoselenium compared with organothiol and organotellurium. The results suggest that the organoselenium is a promising candidate to replace organothiol because of its enhanced stability towards oxidation by molecular oxygen under ambient conditions and its slow oxidation rate. The observed difference in the oxidation processes, as discussed, is also in agreement with theoretical calculations.

This study presents the improved stability against oxidation by molecular oxygen under ambient conditions of organoselenium compared with organothiol, and organotellurium.     

Electron beam irradiation for the formation of thick Ag film on Ag3PO4

This study demonstrates that the electron beam irradiation of materials, typically used in characterization measurements, could be employed for advanced fabrication, modification, and functionalization of composites. We developed irradiation equipment using an electron beam irradiation source to be applied in materials modification. Using this equipment, the formation of a thick Ag film on the Ag₃PO₄ semiconductor is carried out by electron beam irradiation for the first time. This is confirmed by various experimental techniques (X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Our calculations demonstrate that, at the earlier stages, metallic Ag growth is initiated preferentially at the (110) surface, with the reduction of surface Ag cations forming metallic Ag clusters. As the (100) and (111) surfaces have smaller numbers of exposed Ag cations, the reductions on these surfaces are slower and are accompanied by the formation of O₂ molecules.

This study demonstrates that the electron beam irradiation of materials, typically used in characterization measurements, could be employed for advanced fabrication, modification, and functionalization of composites.