Lymphatic mapping and sentinel node biopsy in gynecological cancers: a critical review of the literature

Although it does not have a long history of sentinel node evaluation (SLN) in female genital system cancers, there is a growing number of promising study results, despite the presence of some aspects that need to be considered and developed. It has been most commonly used in vulvar and uterine cervivcal cancer in gynecological oncology. According to these studies, almost all of which are prospective, particularly in cases where Technetium-labeled nanocolloid is used, sentinel node detection rate sensitivity and specificity has been reported to be 100%, except for a few cases. In the studies on cervical cancer, sentinel node detection rates have been reported around 80–86%, a little lower than those in vulva cancer, and negative predictive value has been reported about 99%. It is relatively new in endometrial cancer, where its detection rate varies between 50 and 80%. Studies about vulvar melanoma and vaginal cancers are generally case reports. Although it has not been supported with multicenter randomized and controlled studies including larger case series, study results reported by various centers around the world are harmonious and mutually supportive particularly in vulva cancer, and cervix cancer. Even though it does not seem possible to replace the traditional approaches in these two cancers, it is still a serious alternative for the future. We believe that it is important to increase and support the studies that will strengthen the weaknesses of the method, among which there are detection of micrometastases and increasing detection rates, and render it usable in routine clinical practice

Structural and phase transformation in a TWIP steel subjected to high pressure torsion

We report on the changes in microstructure and phase composition in a high-Mn steel due to severe plastic deformation realized via high pressure torsion at different temperatures. Severe straining conducted at 20 degrees C and 300 degrees C allowed producing nanostructural states with a mean grain size less than 100 nm. Besides, straining at room temperature leaded to formation of strain-induced e-martensite while at 300 degrees C fully austenite state was produced. Despite the revealed differences both states demonstrated similar, notably increased level of hardness up to similar to 580 Hv. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.1199sciescopu