Thermoreversible gels of hollow silica nanorod dispersions.

Colloidal suspensions of anisotropic particles are ubiquitous in particle-based industries. Consequently, there is a need to quantify the effects of particle shape on equilibrium phases and kinetic state transitions, particularly at lower aspect ratios (L/D ≈ 1-10). We present a new, colloidal system comprised of hollow, octadecyl-coated silica rods with 40 nm diameter with controlled aspect ratio and thermoreversible short-range attractions.

Prognostic factors in Merkel cell carcinoma patients undergoing sentinel node biopsy.

Introduction: Debate remains about prognostic factors in primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). We investigated clinicopathological factors as determinants of survival in patients with MCC submitted to sentinel node biopsy.

Methods: Sixty-four consecutive patients treated for a primary MCC were identified from a prospectively maintained database at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan.

Prediction of survival in patients with thin melanoma: results from a multi-institution study.

Purpose: Cutaneous melanoma incidence is increasing. Most new cases are thin (≤ 1 mm) with favorable prognoses, but survival is nonetheless variable. Our aim was to investigate new prognostic factors and construct a nomogram for predicting survival in individual patients.

Accuracy and prognostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in head and neck melanomas.

Background: Debate remains around the accuracy and prognostic implications of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanoma arising in the head and neck (HN) areas because several analyses have shown discordances between clinically predicted lymphatic drainage pathways and those identified by lymphoscintigraphy. This study assesses the accuracy and prognostic value of SLNB in this critical anatomic region.

Methods: Retrospective review of a prospectively collected melanoma database identified 331 patients with HN melanomas from January 2000 to December 2012.

The use of polytetrafluoroethylene to facilitate the vascular access in recurrent melanoma to limbs.

Introduction: Melanoma with recurrent loco-regional metastases to limbs often makes difficult a second surgical approach because of the adhesions affecting the vascular access. Our aim was to evaluate whether the placement of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane around vessels might facilitate a surgical re-approach.

Presentation Of Case: We reported a case of a 64-year-old male with a melanoma on the left foot who developed in transit metastases after LND.