This work reports an in situ strategy for the synthesis of hybrid sub‐millispheres as carriers for encapsulating and controlling the release of hydrophilic pharmaceutical compounds in both neutral and acidic media. An organic–inorganic hydrogel is prepared by ionotropic gelation, and its efficiency for entrapping hydrophilic molecules is investigated. Two biopolymers, namely chitosan or alginate, are used to generate a scaffold network, in which the formation of silica nanoparticles takes place in situ by a sol–gel process. Model hydrophilic molecules (erioglaucine disodium salt and ephedrine hydrochloride) are encapsulated within polymer matrix, and the subsequent release is controlled by tailoring the hybrid network structure. Kinetic studies demonstrate that the release of the active substance is slower in the presence of silica, which increases as well the structural stability of the carrier in both neutral and acidic media. As a result, by incorporating nanostructured silica into the polymer matrix, the presented system overcomes the limitations of the ionotropic method for entrapping hydrophilic substances.

Hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) in breast cancer treatment regimen (40 Grey /15 fractions/3 weeks) is more convenient for patients, especially those coming from remote areas to radiotherapy facilities and for healthcare providers, than conventional fractionation (50 Gy/25 fractions/5weeks). So the effectof radiotherapy interruption on treatment outcome (loco-regional control (LRC)& overall survival (OS)) during hypofractionated schedule is the issue of our study.Materials and Methods: We studied retrospectively 174 female patients with breast cancer who received PORT at the Clinical Oncology & Nuclear Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt, from January-2012 to December-2016. We determined the treatment outcome (OS&LRC) from the follow-up (FU) of the studied patients, as the patient still survived or died, and recurrence till now occurred or not, and were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) method and Logrank test, respectively. Then we calculated surviving fraction (SF) and tumor control probability (TCP) with regard to biologically effective dose (BED), for all patients, using breast cancer radiobiological parameters.Results: When comparing patients without radiotherapy gap with patients with radiotherapy gaps, the results showed a decrease in LRC rate in patients with radiotherapy treatment interruptions by 15 % (P=0.019, a significant value), but no detrimental effect on OS because of the very limited number of the studied patients. Curves of the relationship between (SF&OTT) and (TCP&OTT) confirmed the detrimental effect of unscheduled gap during radiotherapy fractions on the treatment outcome. Also we found a significant-P value for (marital status, start day of radiotherapy fractions, time, number, and duration of gaps); it means these factors affect LRC during radiotherapy interruptions.Conclusions: Interruptions during postoperative hypofractionated irradiation of breast cancer (40 Gy/15 fractions/3weeks) should be avoided and if they are inevitable, they should not be prolonged more than two days, as they will adversely affect the treatment outcome (LRC).

The main objective of the presented study was to estimate the influence of Adaptive Statistical Iterative Reconstruction (ASIR) algorithm on image and dose Image Quality in Chest CT (Computed tomography) examination compared with the FBP (Filter back projection) techniques.

BackgroundPerforator flaps are the latest development in reconstructive surgery. Pedicled chest wall perforator flaps can be utilized in many cases of partial breast reconstruction. This research compares the outcome and technique of Thoracodorsal Artery Perforator Flap (TDAP) and the Lateral Intercostal Artery Perforator Flap (LICAP) in reconstruction of partial breast defects.MethodsPatient records were reviewed for the time period between 2011-2019 at the breast unit of the National Cancer Institute of Cairo University. Eighty three patients were accessible for the study. (46 cases of TDAP flap and 37 cases of LICAP flap). Relevant clinical data were extracted from patients’ records. A special visit was organized for all 83 patients ,where a digital photograph was taken in an antro-posterior view. The photographs were later processed via BCCT.core software to obtain an objective cosmetic outcome assessment.ResultsComplication rates and cosmetic outcome were comparable for both techniques. TDAP flap flap proved to require more tedious dissection and preoperative Doppler mapping to localize perforator vessels. On the other hand LICAP was technically easier with more consistent perforators.ConclusionPedicled chest wall perforator flaps constitute an excellent reconstructive option in partial breast defects. They have replaced musculocutaneous flaps to a large extent.