Blue Dye Tracer Research Articles

Taxa de aplicação e uso de surfactante siliconado na deposição da pulverização e controle da ferrugem da soja

A eficiência do controle químico da ferrugem-asiática da soja (FAS), além de outros fatores, está associada ao uso da técnica de aplicação de fungicida mais adequada. O trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar tecnologias de aplicação sobre os depósitos da pulverização e controle da FAS nos anos agrícolas de 2009-2010 e 2010-2011. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, e os tratamentos distribuídos no esquema fatorial 3x2 (três taxas de aplicação: 60; 110 e 160 L ha-1 com e sem adição de surfactante siliconado) sobre os depósitos da pulverização, usando como marcador o corante Azul Brilhante, em quatro repetições (Experimento 1). Para avaliação da severidade da doença, peso de mil grãos (PMG) e produtividade, foi adotado o mesmo delineamento do primeiro experimento, com acréscimo de uma testemunha (3x2+1), utilizando a mistura fungicida epoxiconazole associado com azoxistrobina, com quatro repetições (Experimento 2). As taxas de aplicação e o uso do surfactante não influenciaram os níveis dos depósitos da pulverização nas folhas das partes mediana e inferior da planta. Pulverização com a mistura fungicida na taxa de 160 L ha-1proporcionou maior controle da FAS e maior produtividade no ano agrícola de 2010-2011. O controle químico com fungicida, na taxa de aplicação adequada ao estádio de desenvolvimento da planta, torna-se indispensável para a garantia da produtividade na cultura da soja.

True colors – experimental identification of hydrological processes at a hillslope prone to slide

Abstract. This study investigated runoff formation processes of a pre-alpine hillslope prone to slide. The experimental pasture plot (40 m × 60 m) is located in the northern front range of the Swiss Alps on a 30° steep hillslope (1180 m a.s.l., 1500 + mm annual precipitation). A gleysol (H-Go-Gr) overlies weathered marlstone and conglomerate of subalpine molasse. We conducted sprinkling experiments on a subplot (10 m × 10 m) with variable rainfall intensities. During both experiments fluorescein line-tracer injections into the topsoil, and sodium chloride (NaCl) injections into the sprinkling water were used to monitor flow velocities in the soil. The observed flow velocities for fluorescein in the soil were 1.2 and 1.4 × 10−3 m s−1. The NaCl breakthrough occurred almost simultaneously in all monitored discharge levels (0.05, 0.25 and 1.0 m depth), indicating a high-infiltration capacity and efficient drainage of the soil. These initial observations suggested "transmissivity feedback", a form of subsurface stormflow, as the dominant runoff process. However, the results of a brilliant blue dye tracer experiment completely changed our perceptions of the hillslope's hydrological processes. Excavation of the dye-stained soils highlighted the dominance of "organic layer interflow", a form of shallow subsurface stormflow. The dye stained the entire H horizon, vertical soil fractures, and macropores (mostly worm burrows) up to 0.5 m depth. Lateral drainage in the subsoil or at the soil–bedrock interface was not observed, and thus was limited to the organic topsoil. In the context of shallow landslides, the subsoil (Go/Gr) acted as an infiltration and exfiltration barrier, which produced significant lateral saturated drainage in the topsoil (H) and possibly a confined aquifer in the bedrock.

Current Innovations in Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping for the Staging and Treatment of Resectable Lung Cancer

Despite surgical resectability, early-stage lung cancer remains a challenge to cure. Survival outcomes are hindered by variable performance of adequate lymphadenectomy and the limitations of current pathologic nodal staging. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping, a mainstay in the management of breast cancer and melanoma, permits targeted nodal sampling for efficient and accurate staging that can influence both intraoperative and adjuvant treatment decisions. Unfortunately, standard SLN identification techniques with blue dye and radiocolloid tracers have not been shown to be reproducible in lung cancer. In more recent years, intraoperative near-infrared image-guided lung SLN mapping has emerged as promising technology for the identification of the tumor-associated lymph nodes most likely to contain metastatic disease. Additionally, the clinical relevance of SLN mapping for lung cancer remains pressing, as the ability to identify micrometastatic disease in SLNs could facilitate trials to assess chemotherapeutic response and the clinical effect of occult nodal disease. This review outlines the status of lung cancer lymphatic mapping and techniques in development that may help close the gap between translational research in this field and routine clinical practice.

Response to “Sentinel lymph node biopsy versus elective neck dissection in patients with cT1-2N0 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma”

Objective This study aimed to compare the value of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) with that of elective neck dissection (END) for the prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with clinically diagnosed T1-2N0 (cT1-2N0) oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC), and it aimed to examine the prognostic value of individualized treatment in sentinel lymph node (SLN)-negative patients. Study Design The study entailed a retrospective review of 82 patients with cT1-2N0 OTSCC. Thirty patients underwent SLNB, and 52 patients underwent END. Results There was a significant difference between the SLNB and END groups in the incidence of occult cervical lymph node metastasis in initial specimens (30% vs 11.5%; P = .037). However, there were no significant differences between the groups for 10-year overall and cervical recurrence-free survival rates and 10-year overall survival rate. Conclusions SLNB is superior to END for the prediction of cervical lymph node metastasis in patients with cT1-2N0 OTSCC. Neck dissection may be reduced for SLN-negative patients, owing to the comparable prognosis of SLNB.

The effects of hyperbaric air and hyperbaric oxygen on blood–brain barrier integrity in rats

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment yields conflicting results on blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity under various pathological conditions and the effects of HBO on healthy brain is poorly understood. In this experimental study, the effects of HBO on BBB integrity were investigated in comparison with hyperbaric air (HBA) in intact rats. Four sessions of HBA or HBO were applied to intact rats in 24h. BBB integrity was functionally and structurally evaluated by determining extravasation of Evans blue (EB) dye and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracers. In immunohistochemical evaluation, relative staining intensity for occludin, a tight junction (TJ) protein, and aquaporin 4 (AQP4), a water-channel protein, was detected in the barrier type of microvessels of brain by image analysis. BBB permeability to EB dye significantly increased in animals in HBO treatment group compared to those in HBA and control groups (p<0.05). The immunoreactivity of occludin, a tight junction protein, remained essentially unaltered in capillaries of hippocampus in all groups. In animals exposed to HBO, AQP4 immunoreactivity significantly increased in parietal cortex compared to those in HBA and control groups (p<0.01). Ultrastructurally, frequent vesicles containing HRP reaction products were observed in capillary endothelial cells in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats subjected to both HBA and HBO. Our results indicate that the HBO administration to intact rats increased BBB permeability to both EB and HRP while HBA increased only HRP extravasation in these animals. The results of this study suggest that HBA also impairs the BBB integrity in intact rats as well as HBO.

A practical and sensitive method of quantitating lymphangiogenesis in vivo

To address the inadequacy of current assays, we developed a directed in vivo lymphangiogenesis assay (DIVLA) by modifying an established directed in vivo angiogenesis assay. Silicon tubes (angioreactors) were implanted in the dorsal flanks of nude mice. Tubes contained either growth factor-reduced basement membrane extract (BME)-alone (negative control) or BME-containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-D (positive control for lymphangiogenesis) or FGF-2/VEGF-A (positive control for angiogenesis) or a high VEGF-D-expressing breast cancer cell line MDA-MD-468LN (468-LN), or VEGF-D-silenced 468LN. Lymphangiogenesis was detected superficially with Evans Blue dye tracing and measured in the cellular contents of angioreactors by multiple approaches: lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (Lyve1) protein (immunofluorescence) and mRNA (qPCR) expression and a visual scoring of lymphatic vs blood capillaries with dual Lyve1 (or PROX-11 or Podoplanin)/Cd31 immunostaining in cryosections. Lymphangiogenesis was absent with BME, high with VEGF-D or VEGF-D-producing 468LN cells and low with VEGF-D-silenced 468LN. Angiogenesis was absent with BME, high with FGF-2/VEGF-A, moderate with 468LN or VEGF-D and low with VEGF-D-silenced 468LN. The method was reproduced in a syngeneic murine C3L5 tumor model in C3H/HeJ mice with dual Lyve1/Cd31 immunostaining. Thus, DIVLA presents a practical and sensitive assay of lymphangiogenesis, validated with multiple approaches and markers. It is highly suited to identifying pro- and anti-lymphangiogenic agents, as well as shared or distinct mechanisms regulating lymphangiogenesis vs angiogenesis, and is widely applicable to research in vascular/tumor biology.

Solute transport as affected by surface land characteristics in gravely calcareous arid soils

Gravely calcareous soils cover approximately most of arid lands (in percent); however, the solute transport behavior in these soils remains a current issue. This research aimed at estimating and correlating the solute transport parameters in gravely calcareous soils as being affected by different land uses through the knowledge of the soil mor- phological, physical, and chemical properties. Four different land use sites were selected: irrigated trees and bare, range, and alluvial sediment lands. Solute transport parameters of soil pore water velocity (V), dispersion coefficient (D), and retardation factor (R) were estimated using bromide break- through curve tests for surface soil columns. In addition, field Brilliant Blue FCF dye tracing experiment was conducted to determine the maximum dimensional move- ments. Soil morphological analysis was able to explain the heterogeneity in the solute transport parameters. Conductive solute transport mechanism with V of 17.99 m/day was favored in a high continuous pore system observed under tree lands. Presence of high gravel and CaCO3 contents under range lands increased pore system tortuosity and thus increased D magnitude up to 1,339.88 cm 2 /day. Existence of thin surface crusts at both bare soils and alluvial sediments had considerably restricted V down to 1.46 m/day. Dye staining technique aided the explanation of the existing variations by providing visual evidence on the preferential flow paths and patterns governing the solute transport mech- anism at each site.

EvaluatingE. coliTransport Risk in Soil using Dye and Bromide Tracers

Dye and bromide tracers are established methods of assessing the presence, function, and extent of hydrological pathways in soil. Prediction of E. coli transport pathways in soil, using brilliant blue (BB) dye and bromide tracers, was investigated using in situ field trials on three grassland soil types, under different moisture regimes. Passive transport through preferential flow routes was the dominant mechanism of vertical E. coli transport in the soils studied. However, lateral movement of E. coli from macropores to the soil matrix was also observed. E. coli transport was mainly associated with visualized infiltration patterns but there was some evidence of differential transport of BB and E. coli. Maximum E. coli depth was found not to co-occur with BB and bromide tracers in 44 and 71% of samples, respectively. Soil type and season of application were important in the distribution and maximum depth of E. coli, and the relationship between the bacterium and its tracers. Moisture content was found to be important for the relationship between E. coli and BB, and the extent of this effect varied with soil type. There was a trend of increasing E. coli concentrations to a peak sample moisture concentration of 0.3 to 0.4 g g−1 dry soil followed by a decrease. Overall BB was found to have greater predictive value than Br. Correlation and co-occurrence analysis found that shortly after land application both BB and Br were good predictors of E. coli transport pathways and distribution under certain conditions, but underestimate risk to shallow groundwater.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with breast cancer using superparamagnetic iron oxide and a magnetometer

Some hospitals lack facilities for radioisotopes in sentinel node biopsy. A novel method is used with a superparamagnetic tracer and a magnetometer instead of a radioisotope. Thirty patients were included in the study after obtaining IRB approval. Superparamagnetic iron oxide and patent blue dye were injected in the subareolar breast tissue. Following a few minutes of massage to promote migration of the iron tracer and blue dye throughout the lymphatic vessels, the axillary lymph nodes were detected transdermally using a handheld magnetometer and followed by standard axillary dissection in all patients. Of 30 patients evaluated, sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 90% (27/30) using both blue dye and magnetic tracer. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified using the magnetic method in 23/30 (77%) and blue dye in 24/30 (80%). There was one false-negative sentinel node, resulting in an overall sensitivity of 6/7 (86%). This is the first study to use a magnetic tracer to identify sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. This new technique may alter the role of radioisotopes with further refinement and experience.

Feasibility of Sentinel Node Biopsy in Head and Neck Melanoma Using a Hybrid Radioactive and Fluorescent Tracer

PurposeThis study was designed to examine the feasibility of combining lymphoscintigraphy and intraoperative sentinel node identification in patients with head and neck melanoma by using a hybrid protein colloid that is both radioactive and fluorescent.MethodsEleven patients scheduled for sentinel node biopsy in the head and neck region were studied. Approximately 5 h before surgery, the hybrid nanocolloid labeled with indocyanine green (ICG) and technetium-99m (99mTc) was injected intradermally in four deposits around the scar of the primary melanoma excision. Subsequent lymphoscintigraphy and single photon emission computed tomography with computed tomography (SPECT/CT) were performed to identify the sentinel nodes preoperatively. In the operating room, patent blue dye was injected in 7 of the 11 patients. Intraoperatively, sentinel nodes were acoustically localized with a gamma ray detection probe and visualized by using patent blue dye and/or fluorescence-based tracing with a dedicated near-infrared light camera. A portable gamma camera was used before and after sentinel node excision to confirm excision of all sentinel nodes.ResultsA total of 27 sentinel nodes were preoperatively identified on the lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT images. All sentinel nodes could be localized intraoperatively. In the seven patients in whom blue dye was used, 43% of the sentinel nodes stained blue, whereas all were fluorescent. The portable gamma camera identified additional sentinel nodes in two patients. Ex vivo, all radioactive lymph nodes were fluorescent and vice versa, indicating the stability of the hybrid tracer.ConclusionsICG–99mTc-nanocolloid allows for preoperative sentinel node visualization and concomitant intraoperative radio- and fluorescence guidance to the same sentinel nodes in head and neck melanoma patients.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1245/s10434-011-2180-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Exploratory analysis of technical factors that influence sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) performance.

8559 Background: The false negative rate (FNR) for SLNB in patients with cutaneous melanoma is estimated to be approximately 12.5%. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of technical factors, including the selection of blue dye and radioactive tracers as well as pathology techniques, in SLNB performance. Methods: A systematic review of the worldwide literature was previously performed with the objective of assessing measures of test performance of SLNB in patients with melanoma. Dual blind data extraction of selected articles was conducted. We used the extensive database generated by this process to explore the following outcomes: 1) – whether the use of blue dye or the type of radio-tracer [human serum albumin (HSA), Tc-sulfide, Tc-antimony or Tc-rhenium] affect the proportion successfully mapped (PSM) and the number of basin or lymph node detected. 2) – whether the use of multiple antibodies for IHC affect the FNR. Results: A total of 58 studies including 16,173 patients were selected. The average number of patients per study was 279 (min 54; max 1313); 14 (24%) studies came from US and 44 (76%) came from other parts of the world. No significant association was found regarding PSM and use vs. not use of blue dye (P =.15) or the type of radiotracer used (P =.10). The use of blue dye was associated with an increased number of basins detected (P =.04), as was the type of radiotracer chosen (P =.06, for HSA). None of these variables, however, influenced the mean number of lymph node detected per patient. Regarding the pathology variables examined, the use of multiple antibodies for detection of neoplastic cells, in the lymph nodes, do not significantly influence the FNR. Conclusions: None of the factors investigated seem to have much influence in the FNR or other measurements of test performance. The addition of blue dye does not improve significantly the performance of radiotracer alone, any of the four worldwide recognized radiopharmaceuticals derive in similar results and multiple antibodies do not add much accuracy. Other factors, such as volume and surgeon experience, may play a more relevant role.

Lymphoscintigram in sentinel node biopsy: Do we need it?

Introduction: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is used for surgically staging the axilla in breast cancer. This involves injecting blue dye and/or radioisotope tracer to localize the sentinel node/nodes. Lymphoscintigram is used preoperatively but the diagnostic accuracy it adds to the procedure is doubtful. This study aims to compare the number of sentinel nodes seen on histopathology and the results on Lymphoscintigraphy.

Dye tracer and morphophysical properties to observe water flow in a Gleyic Luvisol

The understanding of the preferential water flow and solute transport is important with regard to losses of nutrients and pesticides that affect the quality of the groundwater or surface water resources. Experiments using the brilliant blue dye tracer, a tension infiltrometer (TI) and a double square infiltrometer (DI) were carried out in the experimental field site located around 15 km southeast of the city of Rostock (North-Eastern Germany) on arable land in a Pleistocene lowland landscape where corn (Zea mays L.) and barley (Hordeum spp.) had been cultivated. One day after dye the infiltration, a pit was dug and vertical profiles were prepared in the TI and DI sites to assess the dye pathways in the subsoil of a Gleyic Luvisol. We wanted to examine if the mottled red and white (bleached) colour-pattern of the Gleyic Luvisol subsoil resulting from temporally stagnant water could be related to flow paths as visualized by dye tracing and if the soil colour could be related to other physical soil properties. Biogenic soil structures were the main transport routes conducting water and solutes into great depth in short time. These pathways had lower bulk density and less cone resistance than the adjacent red or white (bleached) areas of the Gleyic Luvisol subsoil. The red areas were involved in transport because their water contents increased after as compared to before infiltration. However, the measured physical soil properties did not differ between white and red areas. We assume that red areas participate in transport at least by imbibing water from the adjacent biogenic flow paths.

Effect of antecedent soil moisture on preferential flow in a texture-contrast soil

The effect of soil moisture status on preferential flow in a texture-contrast soil was investigated by applying 25 mm Brilliant Blue dye tracer to soil profiles at high and low antecedent soil moisture. Differences in soil morphology and chemistry between soil profiles had little effect on the depth of dye infiltration and dye distribution down the profile. Antecedent soil moisture strongly influenced the type, depth and rate of dye tracer movement. In the wet treatment, the dye tracer infiltrated to depths between 0.24 and 0.40 m, at an average rate of 120 mm h−1. Whilst in the dry treatment, the same volume of dye tracer infiltrated to between 0.85 and 1.19 m depth at an average rate of 1160 mm h−1. In dry antecedent conditions, finger flow developed in the A1 horizon as a result of water repellency. In the wet treatment, the wetting front developed permutations but did not break into fingers. Despite similar particle size distributions, flow in the A2e was slower than the A1 horizon, due to the absence of macropores. In the dry treatment, the dye tracer ponded on the upper surface of the B21 horizon, which then spilled down the sides of the large clay columns as rivulets, at rates of between 2000 and 3000 mm h−1. The dye tracer accumulated at the base of the columns resulting in backfilling of the inter column shrinkage cracks, at an estimated rate of 750 mm h−1. In the subsoil, water movement occurred via shrinkage cracks which resulted in flow by-passing 99% of the soil matrix in the B21 horizon and 94% of the soil matrix in the B22 horizon. Evidence of rapid and deep infiltration in ‘dry’ texture-contrast soils has implications for water and solute management. This knowledge could be used to: (i) improve irrigation and fertilizer efficiency (ii) explain variations in crop yield (iii) reduce salinity through improved leaching practices, (iv) reduce the risk of agrochemicals contaminating shallow groundwater.

Sentinel-lymph-node resection compared with conventional axillary-lymph-node dissection in clinically node-negative patients with breast cancer: overall survival findings from the NSABP B-32 randomised phase 3 trial

Sentinel-lymph-node (SLN) surgery was designed to minimise the side-effects of lymph-node surgery but still offer outcomes equivalent to axillary-lymph-node dissection (ALND). The aims of National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) trial B-32 were to establish whether SLN resection in patients with breast cancer achieves the same survival and regional control as ALND, but with fewer side-effects. NSABP B-32 was a randomised controlled phase 3 trial done at 80 centres in Canada and the USA between May 1, 1999, and Feb 29, 2004. Women with invasive breast cancer were randomly assigned to either SLN resection plus ALND (group 1) or to SLN resection alone with ALND only if the SLNs were positive (group 2). Random assignment was done at the NSABP Biostatistical Center (Pittsburgh, PA, USA) with a biased coin minimisation approach in an allocation ratio of 1:1. Stratification variables were age at entry (≤ 49 years, ≥ 50 years), clinical tumour size (≤ 2·0 cm, 2·1-4·0 cm, ≥ 4·1 cm), and surgical plan (lumpectomy, mastectomy). SLN resection was done with a blue dye and radioactive tracer. Outcome analyses were done in patients who were assessed as having pathologically negative sentinel nodes and for whom follow-up data were available. The primary endpoint was overall survival. Analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. All deaths, irrespective of cause, were included. The mean time on study for the SLN-negative patients with follow-up information was 95·6 months (range 70·1-126·7). This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00003830. 5611 women were randomly assigned to the treatment groups, 3989 had pathologically negative SLN. 309 deaths were reported in the 3986 SLN-negative patients with follow-up information: 140 of 1975 patients in group 1 and 169 of 2011 in group 2. Log-rank comparison of overall survival in groups 1 and 2 yielded an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1·20 (95% CI 0·96-1·50; p=0·12). 8-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for overall survival were 91·8% (95% CI 90·4-93·3) in group 1 and 90·3% (88·8-91·8) in group 2. Treatment comparisons for disease-free survival yielded an unadjusted HR of 1·05 (95% CI 0·90-1·22; p=0·54). 8-year Kaplan-Meier estimates for disease-free survival were 82·4% (80·5-84·4) in group 1 and 81·5% (79·6-83·4) in group 2. There were eight regional-node recurrences as first events in group 1 and 14 in group 2 (p=0·22). Patients are continuing follow-up for longer-term assessment of survival and regional control. The most common adverse events were allergic reactions, mostly related to the administration of the blue dye. Overall survival, disease-free survival, and regional control were statistically equivalent between groups. When the SLN is negative, SLN surgery alone with no further ALND is an appropriate, safe, and effective therapy for breast cancer patients with clinically negative lymph nodes. US Public Health Service, National Cancer Institute, and Department of Health and Human Services.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy is Precise After Primary Systemic Therapy in Stage II–III Breast Cancer Patients

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) without axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in SLN negative patients is a standard of care for most breast cancer patients. SLNB for axillary staging after primary systemic therapy (PST) is still under discussion because of possibly reduced accuracy, while data are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of SLNB after PST. A total of 185 breast cancer patients were treated with PST; 160 patients received preoperative chemotherapy, and 25 patients received preoperative endocrine therapy. Thus, 143 of 160 patients with preoperative chemotherapy and 22 of 25 patients with preoperative endocrine therapy were eligible for evaluation. The combination of blue dye and radioactive tracer was used for identification of SLNs. All patients received SLNB and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Pathologic assessment of SLNs was performed and compared to non-SLN status. Pathologic complete response rates and breast conserving therapy rates were 15.4 and 78.3% in the preoperative chemotherapy group and 0 and 77.3% in the preoperative endocrine therapy group, respectively. Identification rate, sensitivity, overall accuracy, and false-negative rate were 81.1% (116 of 143), 91.7% (55 of 60), 95.7% (111 of 116), and 8.3% (5 of 60) in the preoperative chemotherapy group and 77.3% (17 of 22), 90.0% (9 of 10), 94.1% (16 of 17), and 10.0% (1 of 10) in the preoperative endocrine therapy group, respectively. SLNB after primary systemic therapy is accurate, and the results are comparable to those of primary SLNB. SLNB after PST could spare ALND in up to 40% of patients with primary positive axillary lymph nodes and should be considered as a standard for axillary staging in those patients.

Beech Forest Density Control on the Dominant Water Flow Types in Andic Soils

Silvicultural operations increasingly aim to achieve desired water‐related ecological services of forests and forest soils. Therefore, the effects of forest stand density, site, and soil depth on the water flow types were studied by conducting dye tracer experiments in two montane beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests located in the Western Carpathian Volcanic Range, Central Slovakia. Prevalent flow types were identified under usual weather conditions. Brilliant Blue FCF dye tracer was periodically applied in powder form on 1‐m2 plots in forest stands with natural and reduced stand densities, as well as in clear‐cuts. When cumulative precipitation reached approximately 100 mm, soil pits were excavated. The dye patterns on the exposed profiles were photographed, and dye coverage, relative dye concentration, and stain widths were determined at various soil depths using image analysis. These patterns were used to discriminate two flow types. Continuous vertical dye plumes were interpreted as an indicator of surface‐controlled flow type, which includes heterogeneous infiltration and macropore flow. The matrix‐controlled flow type includes both homogeneous and heterogeneous matrix flow, as well as fingering. The log‐linear analysis revealed that forest stand density and soil depth were significantly related to the soil water flow type. Preferential flow resulted from heterogeneous infiltration and fingering in the clear‐cuts, from heterogeneous infiltration in the natural stands, and from macropore flow in the shelterwood stands. Distinct humus forms and skeleton fraction played a crucial role for various flow patterns observed in these beech stands.

Endoscopic Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer Surgery: Feasibility and Accuracy of the Combined Radioisotope and Blue Dye

액와부림프절전이가없는조기유방암이증가하여우리나라에서 Purpose: Since its introduction in the mid-1990s, sentinel lymph node biopsy has been rapidly and widely adopted for the axillary staging of clinically node-negative breast cancer patients. However, there is some controversy in the clinical application because of its various identification rates and its false negative rates. The objective of this study was to assess the usefulness of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy (ESNB) and to compare the value of two methods for identification of ESNB using blue dye only or a combination of blue dye and radioisotope. Methods: This study was carried out in 137 breast cancer patients (bilateral breast cancer, 3 cases) who underwent ESBN, at the Department of Surgery in Soonchunhyang University from May of 2007 to August of 2008. The technique involved the injection of 5 mL of 0.5% indigocarmine or Tc-99m tin colloid into subareolar plexus. The Visiport docked with a telescope was inserted through a low transverse axillary incison (1.0 cm in size) lateral to the pectoralis major. During the dissection, we identified sentinel nodes by following blue-stained lymphatic duct directly into blue-stained lymph nodes. We compared the value of two methods for identification of ESNB using blue dye only or a combination of blue dye and radioactive tracer. Results: The mean number of sentinel nodes was 1.27 (range, 1-4). The identification rate and false negative rate of the sentinel node were 94.3% (132/140) and 6.9% (3/43), respectively. We compared ESNB with using blue dye only (n=77) vs. a combination of blue dye and radioactive tracer (n=63). Sentinel lymph node identification rate were 90.9% (70/77) vs. 98.4% (62/63) (p=0.043). Conclusion: The endoscopic technique of sentinel node biopsy can keep better operative visual fields and is less invasive. The combination of blue dye and radioactive tracer was superior to blue dye only for identification rates.

CT Based Lymphatic Mapping and Localization – A New Method To Detect Sentinel Lymph Node in Breast Cancer Patients.

Abstract Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy in breast cancer patients has not been extensively accepted in mainland China. The main reason is that radioisotope tracer is not available in many hospitals. The objective of this study is to explore CT based lymphatic mapping and localization. The accuracy will be evaluated comparing SLN found by CT with those found by isotope and blue dye.Methods: 18 breast cancer patients who diagnosed by core needle biopsy or excisional biopsy underwent CT scan to locate the SLN before SLNB at the same day of surgery. When CT examination performed, those patients were in supine position, with the arms stretched upward but bent at the elbow with the hands at the side of the cranium which similar to the surgical position. After local anesthesia, 2mL of iopamidol was injected subcutaneously to the peritumoral and peri-areolar areas followed by gentle massage for about 1 minute. Contiguous 2-mm-thick CT images that included the breast and axilla were obtained prior to administration of the contrast agent. After 3D CT reconstruction, the SLN was identified as the most inferiorly visible nodule in the axilla connected to the lymphatic vessel on the CT imaging monitor. A professional intervention doctor punctured the defined lymph node guided by the CT monitor using the Breast Lesion Localization Needles (interv). The needle would stay in the patient's axilla until the surgery. All the lymph nodes including the CT defined one and which marked by methylene blue dye or 99mTc-sulfur colloid tracers were removed, which then would be tested by touch imprint cytology for the intraoperative diagnosis. Patients who had positive SLN would receive axillary dissection. We evaluated the new method by comparing lymph nodes defined by CT and traditional ways.Results: In this study, the success rate of SLNB was 100% (18/18). 15 of 18 patients (83.3%) showed the direct connection of SLN and lymphatic vessels draining from the injection sites on CT monitor successfully. 13 of 15 patients' SLN localization corresponded well with SLN identified by the traditional SLN mapping. Of the 40 SLNs in 15 patients, 7 SLNs in 3 patients were positive and received the ALND. These 7 SLNs were all clearly visualized on CT monitor. Among 15 SLNs (in 15 patients) punctured by needles, 13 SLNs had the highest radioactivity by DGP-guided probe and 12 are blue dye–stained. All of the 15 SLNs had radioactivity or blue stained. None of these 18 patients showed any adverse events during or after CT examination and surgery. With the assistant of CT location, the mean time of SLNB had been shortened from 20 mins to 16 mins.Conclusion: Comparing with usual tracing method, CT guided axillary SLN mapping and localization showed good specificity and gave concordant results in locating sentinel lymph nodes. These results suggest that CT guided localization would be a valuable tool for identify sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer patients. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(24 Suppl):Abstract nr 1035.

Enhancement Effects of Hypercapnia on the Acute Lung Injury Caused by Acid Aspiration

Acid aspiration or intrapulmonary instillation of gastric particles causes lung inflammation leading to acute lung injury (ALI). Hypercapnia exerts different effects on ALI caused by various insults. The effects of hypercapnia on lung inflammation and injury due to acid aspiration are yet to be determined. The present study was designed to investigate the involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and other mediators in acid-aspiration-induced ALI. We also sought to evaluate the effects of hypercapnia on the lung and associated changes induced by acid aspiration. We used Spague-Dawley rats anesthetized with intraperitioneal pentobarbital (40 mg/kg). Gastric acid particles were prepared from the stomach contents of rats at necropsy. The rats were randomly assigned to receive intratracheal instillation of physiological saline solution (PSS) at pH 7.24 (Control group), PSS at pH 1.25 (Low pH, LPH group), gastric particles (GP group), and GP with low pH PSS (GPLPH group). There were 10 rats in each group. The animals were observed for 6 hrs. To evaluate the effects of hypercapnia, we carried out two series of experiments: one under normocapnia and the other under hypercapnia with alteration of CO2 fraction in inspired air. Arterial pressure (AP) was monitored from the femoral arterial catheter. Heart rate was obtained from AP traicing. We determined the blood gases and acid-base status. Lung weight to body weight (LW/BW) ratio, LW gain (LWG), protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage (PCBAL) and leakage of Evans blue dye tracer were measured. Plasma nitrate/nitrite, methyl guanidine (MG), myeloperoxidase (MPO), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), proinflammatory cytokines were assessed. Histopathological examination of the lung tissue was performed. We employed reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to detect the expression of iNOS mRNA. GP and GPLPH caused hypotension, decreases in PaO2, pH and SaO2, and an increase in PaCO2. The insults also elevated LW/BW, LWG, PCBAL and dye leakage, plasma nitrate/nitrite, MG, MPO, PLA2, tumor necrosis factor(alpha), interleukin-beta and interleukin-6. The lung pathology was characterized by alveolar edema and hemorrhage with inflammatory cells infiltration. Assessment of lung injury score revealed that GP and GPLPH caused ALI. Furthermore, hypercapnia significantly enhanced ALI and associated changes following LPH, GP and GPLPH. Intratracheal instillation of GP in normal or low pH PSS causes ALI accompanied with biochemical changes. The release of nitric oxide via iNOS isoform is detrimental to the lung. Hypercapnia tended to enhance ALI and associated changes induced by gastric acid instillation.