1 Since then many terms were employed to describe cases of pancre

1 Since then many terms were employed to describe cases of pancreatitis with similar characteristics until 1995 when, for the first time, the term autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) was applied.2 From this date, many advances in the understanding of this entity have been recorded. At the same SB431542 research buy time, an increased incidence of pancreatic diseases in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported, namely with ulcerative colitis (UC). This may be drug-related or due to the increased incidence of cholelithiasis among IBD patients.3 However rarer forms of chronic pancreatitis

are described, and its association with AIP is underlined by different case reports, although the true incidence is still unknown.3, 4 and 5 We present the case of a 34-year-old white man with no past medical history who developed malaise, fatigue, persistent epigastric discomfort and one month later jaundice. There was no history of alcohol intake, drug abuse or medication. The physical exam was unremarkable except for jaundice and epigastric pain. Laboratory evaluation was remarkable for abnormal liver function tests with cholestasis and slight hepatic cytolysis (alkaline phosphatase, 340 UI/L; gamma-glutamyl high throughput screening compounds transferase, 191 UI/L; total bilirubin, 5.57 mg/dl; aspartate aminotransferase, 86 UI/L;

oxyclozanide alanine aminotransferase, 102 UI/L). Abdominal ultrasound was consistent with extra-hepatic cholestasis and an abdominal computed tomography (CT) documented common bile duct (CBD) narrowing at the pancreatic level, which was described as normal. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) confirmed the intra-pancreatic regular CBD stenosis without further changes of the extra-pancreatic bile structures (Fig. 1A). Biliary citology was

negative for malignancy. Pancreatic duct canulation was unsuccessful and a 10 Fr biliary stent was placed (Fig. 1B). For further evaluation a magnetic resonance imaging-cholangiopancreatography (MRI-CP) was ordered, which revealed discrete pancreatic head heterogeneity, with no main pancreatic duct (MPD) abnormalities. An endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) showed an abnormal pancreatic head, overall hypoechoic, heterogeneity and slightly increased, with no MPD visualization (Fig. 2). This was felt suggestive of AIP and fine needle aspiration with a 19 g Trucut needle (Cook) at the pancreatic neck was performed. Histology showed extensive pancreatic fibrosis, marked ductopenia, diffuse lymphocytic infiltration predominantly periductal as well as peri-venular lymphocytic infiltrates (Fig. 3). These findings were felt to support the diagnosis of AIP. Additional laboratory evaluation showed increase of IgG4 (212 mg/dl).

01) were detected for TGW at both locations and for GY in Hangzho

01) were detected for TGW at both locations and for GY in Hangzhou, whereas a marginal effect (P = 0.0622) was observed for GY in Lingshui. The directions of allelic effect were consistent across the two locations, with alleles from MY46

increasing TGW and enhancing GY. In the same population, no significant effect was detected for HD or NP, but significant effects (P < 0.05) were detected for NGP in Lingshui. These results indicated that QTL for grain weight and yield were located ABT-737 cell line in the target interval and the allelic difference between ZS97 and MY46 was detected in the background of ZS97. In addition, the QTL had little effect on HD. Linkage maps covering the three segregating regions were constructed, spanning 25.0, 49.4 and 43.7 cM in populations I, II and III, respectively. QTL for TGW and HD were determined with Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5. None of the regions showed significant effects on HD, but QTL were detected selleck for TGW in all the three populations (Table 3). In population III, the MY46 allele increased TGW by 0.62 g, explaining 39.1% of the phenotypic variance. These effects were consistent with estimates in the previous generation, verifying

the segregation of a QTL for TGW in this population. In populations I and II, the MY46 alleles decreased and increased TGW by 0.26 g and 0.27 g, explaining 9.2% and 9.8% of the phenotypic variance, respectively. These effects were much lower than those detected in population III. Together with the small sample size in BC2F5, it is not surprising that the effects in populations I and II were not detected in the previous experiment. Comparison among the allelic effects and their directions

detected in the three populations, two QTL for TGW could be resolved (Fig. 2). While qTGW1.1 was located in the interval RM11437–RM11615 and had a smaller effect with the enhancing allele from ZS97, qTGW1.2 was located in RM11615–RM11800 and had a larger effect with the enhancing allele from MY46. Population I segregated for qTGW1.1 only, with a smaller effect and the enhancing allele coming from ZS97. Population III segregated for qTGW1.2 only, with a larger effect and the enhancing allele coming from MY46. Populations II segregated for both qTGW1.1 and qTGW1.2, thus a residual effect with the enhancing allele from MY46 was detected. The detection of over-dominance in population II and partial dominance in the two other populations Fossariinae ( Table 3) provided evidence for segregation of two QTL in population II. The NIL sets in BC2F7 were identical to those in BC2F5 in the segregating regions, but they included more lines with a more homogenous background. Two-way ANOVA for phenotypic difference between two homozygous genotypic groups in each of the three NIL sets are shown in Table 4. As expected, major effects were detected for TGW in all the three populations, with the largest effect observed in population III and the enhancing alleles from ZS97 in population I but from MY46 in the two other populations.

Certification is not always viable, and other governance mechanis

Certification is not always viable, and other governance mechanisms may be more practical for small producers. Nonetheless, there remains room to improve many socio-economic and environmental aspects found in the small producer sector. For these reasons it is worth considering if separate VietG.A.P. Guidelines for small producers could make sense11. Small producers face higher transaction costs, reduced marketing capacities,

and limited access to efficient production technology; additionally, they face real sustainability challenges (i.e., use of wild feed and seed, misuse of chemicals). Any small producer standard should reflect the sustainability challenges facing small producers,

and provide sustainability requirements with which small producers can work towards. While taking on a less rigorous approach may be viewed as undermining Olaparib molecular weight the goal of sustainable aquaculture practices, the inclusion of more small producers holds the potential to increase the overall sustainability of the sector, and therefore, is an important starting point. This Navitoclax cost is consistent with Jonell et al. [13] who argue that excluding small producers could limit the benefits of certification, particularly in light of the number of small producers found in Southeast Asia. Key to a modified VietG.A.P. for small producers12 is determining eligibility. Eligibility needs to be determined before developing a small producer standard, and should address factors pertaining to pond size (surface area), production intensity (volumes produced), species mix (certifying monoculture and polyculture, see footnote

12), and the number of labourers on any given farm. These aspects are key determinants of what it means to be a small producer. And, while the notion of small producer typically varies from region to region, and across species, the Vietnamese government׳s definition for small producer shrimp farmers is a good starting point (a shrimp farmer is considered to be Chlormezanone small-scale if they operate less than two hectares of ponds using limited inputs or less than one hectare if using inputs more intensively) [22], although this definition is likely to evolve over time. Table 5 suggests prioritized requirements across social, environmental, economic and management dimensions. These prioritized requirements would enable farmers to work towards sustainability, and when compliance is achieved, could then expand to include more rigorous requirements through a phased in approach. While the key issues covered in GLOBALG.A.P., ShAD and VietG.A.P listed in Table 2 include a number of requirements to measure performance against a specific sustainability theme, the categories in Table 5 involve only one specific requirement.

The seasonal variability of gross primary production in the south

The seasonal variability of gross primary production in the southern Baltic Sea in the course of a year for 1965–1998 (average) and the scenario for 2050 in the upper layer are presented in Figure 1. The seasonal dynamics of primary production in the upper layer at the study sites in 1965–1998 is characterized by

two peaks: a sharp one during the spring bloom (ca 12 mgC m−3 h−1 in April – GdD, ca 8 mgC m−3 h−1 in the second half of April – GtD and ca 9 mgC m−3 h−1 in late April and early May – BD) and another one at the end of summer, slightly higher than the first one in the upper layer (ca 9 and 9.5 mgC m−3 h−1 in GtD and BD respectively) (Figure 1). The increase in primary production in the scenario for 2050 as compared to 1965–1998 can be attributed to changed nutrient, temperature and radiation conditions (Dzierzbicka-Głowacka learn more 2005, Kuliński et al. 2011). Typical features of the seasonal dynamics of primary production are well reflected in the annual primary production cycles. In particular, a well developed spring bloom (April), and a somewhat less intensive but Navitoclax supplier prolonged late summer/autumn bloom (August and September)

are clearly distinguishable. The curve representing primary production integrated over the whole upper water layer exhibits a slightly less intensive spring peak in BD and GtD (Figure 1), obviously because of the limited primary production in the subsurface water layer. Time series scenarios of the state variables Phyt, Zoop, DetrP and POC are presented in Figure 2 (Gdańsk Deep, upper layer), while simulated monthly and seasonal averages for phytoplankton, zooplankton, pelagic detritus and POC in the all three areas (GdD, BoD, GtD) for 1965–1998 and 2050 are presented in Figures 3 and 4. In 1968–1998 (Figure 2), phytoplankton, zooplankton, detritus and POC increase and decrease in the upper layer of GdD; their first-spring concentration

maxima are 200 mgC m−3 for phytoplankton biomass in April, 110 mgC m−3 for zooplankton biomass in June and 360 mgC m−3 for pelagic detritus at the end of May. The POC concentration reaches a level of about 410 mgC m−3 in the upper layer from April to November. The POC concentrations in the 2050 scenario are twice those Urease characteristic of the scenario for 2010 and are 2.5 times larger than in 1965–1998. The annual cycles of POC and the contributions of phytoplankton (Phyt), zooplankton (Zoop) and detritus (DetrP) in the whole upper water layer ( Figure 2) indicate large POC concentrations in early summer resulting from the Phyt bloom and the detritus due to Phyt mortality. Zoop contributes little, if anything, to the POC pool until late June. Between July and November, zooplankton is the smallest of the three POC components. The contribution of Phyt to POC is close to that of detritus.

, 2009 and dos Santos et al , 2011a) Therefore, the hydrophobic

, 2009 and dos Santos et al., 2011a). Therefore, the hydrophobic channel was demonstrated to be involved in one of the steps required for Lys49-PLA2s action mechanism (dos Santos et al., 2009 and dos Santos et al., 2011a). It is also interesting to highlight that if the alternative dimer is considered as biological dimer, the myotoxic sites from both monomers are aligned at the same plane (side by side) for the complexed structures (active state) and an interchain Tyr119-Tyr119 hydrogen bond is formed (Table 3) which increasing the toxin potency (dos Santos et al., 2009). The sequence alignment of bothropic Lys49-PLA2s (Fig. 4) shows that the residues of the myotoxic site (Lys20, Lys115 Selleck Roxadustat and Arg118) and Tyr119 are

conserved in MjTX-II, however, the interchain Tyr119–Tyr119 hydrogen bond is not present in its dimeric interface (these residues are at a distance of 4.7 Å). Analyzing MjTX-II sequence (Fig. 4) it is possible to observe that the C-terminal region of this toxin presents some particularities as an insertion of a residue at position 120 and a mutation at position 121 (His→Tyr) if compared to other bothropic Lys49-PLA2s whose structures are known. Therefore, Asn120 insertion may be the responsible for a diversion of this region as evidenced by the lack of Tyr119-Tyr119 Selleck BGB324 hydrogen bond which is probably compensated by the creation of two new hydrogen bonds with the participation

of Tyr121 residue (Table 3). Then, taking into account these facts (Asn120 insertion and mutations of residues 32 and 121) and their consequences to PEG4Ks mode of binding,

it is reasonable to suggest that MjTX-II may require specific or modified inhibitors when compared to molecules that are able to inhibit bothropic Lys49-PLA2s by interaction with their hydrophobic channels. This is due to the different profile of ligand binding presented at this region oxyclozanide (Fig. 1C.) and may have implications when considering structure-based ligand design for Lys49-PLA2s. As discussed in the last two sections, MjTX-II structure was solved in the oligomeric assembly known as “alternative dimer” given that it has higher probability of occurrence in solution due to bioinformatic analyses and also due to several experimental and functional reasons (dos Santos et al., 2011a, dos Santos et al., 2009, Fernandes et al., 2010, Marchi-Salvador et al., 2009, Murakami et al., 2005 and Murakami et al., 2007). However, as discussed in a recent review in this field (Lomonte and Rangel, 2012), this subject is still controversial for some authors. Although no experiment was able to definitively prove the correct assembly adopted by Lys49-PLA2s toxins, MjTX-II structure added an important experimental evidence for the choice of the alternative dimer as the probable quaternary assembly found in solution for these proteins. As shown in the Fig. 2, the PEG 3 binds simultaneously to both monomers of the protein.

0005, 0 005, 0 001) To determine the pattern of midgut proteinas

0005, 0.005, 0.001). To determine the pattern of midgut proteinase activity with respect to pH in fifth instar nymphs of T. brasiliensis the wide-ranging proteinase substrate gelatine was used. Gelatinase activity of electrophoretic separated proteins led to a degradation of the gelatine matrix and appeared in colorless, non-stainable areas in the gel. Only fresh midgut content samples showed proteolytic

activity, samples stored at −20 °C lost the major part of their activity and could not be visualized by the methodology used in the present study (data not shown). Both, the small intestine content ( Fig. 5) and the small intestine tissue samples (data not shown) showed up to four distinct bands of proteolytic degradation, although the selleck screening library activity of the gut content was this website always more intense. Stomach content of unfed fifth instar nymphs never generated proteolytic activity bands (data not shown). Content of small intestine at 5 daf produced three broad proteolytic activity bands corresponding to the molecular weights of cysteine proteinases (about 28–35 kDa), showing the maximum intensity at pH 4.5. Therefore further experiments were carried out at this pH value. Also among the other tested conditions proteolytic degradation of gelatine became visible (Fig. 5A). Only at a pH 3.5 and 4.0 an additional band of about

45 kDa was visible in T. brasiliensis samples. In small intestine homogenates of T. infestans this 45 kDa band remained visible also in all tested pH values in a similar intensity (data not shown). The other activity band detected in the small intestine of T. infestans slightly differed in their molecular weight from those of T. brasiliensis ( Fig. 5B). Using specific proteinase inhibitors, the analysis revealed that the midgut activity contained cysteine like enzymes in small intestine samples at 5 daf (Fig. 5B). E-64 fully inhibited all proteinase

activity bands of T. brasiliensis after 30 min incubation at room temperature, while in T. infestans a residual activity of the 45 kDa band remained ( Fig. 5B). After incubation with the specific cathepsin B inhibitor CA-074, in T. infestans 22.9% and in T. brasiliensis 72.5% of remaining activity was detected. After incubation with E-64 at 4 °C a residual activity was visible in T. brasiliensis Edoxaban small intestine samples, indicating a minor affinity of the inhibitor to the enzyme at low temperatures (data not shown). Cathepsin activity was detected in unfed insects and at 3, 5 and 10 daf, at 15 daf no activity was observed. Proteolytic activity increased at 3 daf and reached its maximum at 5 daf (Fig. 5C). To verify the zymography results of intestinal triatomine cathepsins, the midgut content samples were separated by SDS–PAGE and analyzed by immuno blotting using specific antibodies to Helicoverpa armigera cathepsin L. H. armigera mature cathepsin L amino acid sequence has an identity of 70.0 and 69.6% with that of TBCATL-1 and TBCATL-2, respectively.

, 1998) Moreover, concerning spatial learning, the insect mushro

, 1998). Moreover, concerning spatial learning, the insect mushroom body is equivalent to the vertebrate hippocampus (Capaldi et al., 1999), where the zinc is more abundant in the brain (Slomianka, 1992 and Zimmer, 1973). Our findings show for the first time that histochemically reactive zinc, as determined by the Neo-Timm method, CX-5461 is present in specific regions of the honey bee brain. The optical lobe is involved in the visual and sensorial activities, while the mushroom bodies constitute the main memory center where complex local synaptic circuits have been previously described (Kamikouchi et al., 1998). Therefore, the myosin-Va localization data indicate that

it is widely distributed in the brain. This finding agrees with previous reports, which have used myosin-Va as a neuronal marker for immunohistochemical studies of the honey bee brain (Calabria et al., 2010) and to map brain structures in vertebrates (Martins et al., 1999 and Tilelli et al., 2003). In Panobinostat purchase general, DYNLL1/LC8 and myosin-Va showed similar patterns of immunolocalization. Differences in the staining patterns were found in the monopolar neurons of the fenestrated layer and in the outer and inner chiasms of the optical lobe, whereas myosin-VI and synaptophysin were localized to the retina and monopolar neuron of the lamina.

Moreover, zinc was amply distributed on the long fibers of the lamina and fenestrated layer, which were also enriched in DYNLL1/LC8 and myosin-Va. The cells of the optical lobe subregions have been shown to be immunoreactive to the serotonin, GABA and catecholamine neurotransmitters (Meyer et al., 1986 and Nassel et al., 1986). Although our data for the antennal lobe indicated that myosin-VI and synaptophysin were restricted to the interneurons, myosin-Va was only found in the fiber terminal fields of the glomeruli, as also revealed for the zinc immunostaining. Digestive enzyme These findings can be explained by the composition and function of

this neuropil, which transmits information to the mushroom bodies and other lobes (Galizia and Menzel, 2000, Kloppenburg, 1995, Menzel and Muller, 1996 and Nassel et al., 1986). The results obtained in our study indicated that myosin-Va is present in the honey bee nervous system in the larvae and adult castes and subcastes. We also showed that DYNLL1/LC8, and myosins -IIb, -VI and -IXb are present in the adult brain, as well as SNARE proteins, such as CaMKII, clathrin, syntaxin, SNAP25, munc-18, synaptophysin and synaptotagmin. Our study revealed increased expression levels of myosin-Va classically associated with neuron function and plasticity when we challenged honey bee brains with melittin, a naturally occurring bee toxin, and NMDA, a synthetic excytotoxin, and open perspective of new studies to determine the mechanisms underlying myosin-Va over-expression and if this is a pro-survival response.

In neonates we scanned 603 cases for developmental dysplasia of t

In neonates we scanned 603 cases for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and found DDH in 142 cases, 14 cases of effusion and 5 cases

soft tissue pathologies. In groin and thigh we scanned 256 cases and we found the pathologies in 217 of soft tissue, vascular pathologies, hernias, lymph node pathologies, tendonitis, tendon tear. We scanned 4852 cases of knee, out of 4794 showed pathologies B-Raf cancer including fluid in suprapatellar recess, infrapatellar tendon pathologies, bursal pathologies, quadriceps tendon pathologies, PCL (Posterior Crutiate Ligament) pathologies, baker’s cyst, popliteal vessels pathologies, MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) pathologies, LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) pathologies, medial meniscal pathologies, lateral meniscal pathologies, soft tissue pathologies, (2 bilateral), osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, Dapagliflozin rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis, and muscle pathologies. In calf we scanned 622 cases out of which 619 had pathologies

including cellulitis, soft tissue pathologies, muscle pathologies, vascular pathologies, osteomyelitis. We also scanned 1290 cases of ankle joint and foot out of which 1252 showed pathologies including tendon tear, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bural pathologies, ligament pathologies, soft tissue pathologies, foot pathologies, and fascial pathologies in foot. In lumbosacral region (back) we scanned 74 cases out of which we had just 21 pathologies including intervertebral

disc prolapse (posterior), vertebral pathologies, muscular tear, muscular spasm, and muscular sprains. Chest wall was scanned anteriorly and posteriorly in 26 patients out of which 9 had pathologies including soft tissue pathologies, rib pathologies, intercostal muscle pathologies, and costochondral joint pathologies. Musculoskeletal ultrasound is a very useful tool in almost all disorders of musculoskeletal system and shall be a necessary tool of a physicians, specially a family physician, orthopedic surgeon, physiotherapist and rheumatologist. This technique also allows to have a correct guidance for therapeutic procedures. “
“The concept of space–time or a four-dimensional (4D) space, combines space and Urease time to a single abstract “space” with three spatial (length, width and height), and one temporal (time) dimensions. Volume 3D/4D ultrasound is mainly used in obstetric sonology during pregnancy, providing space–time images of the fetus. Its application in adult neurology is limited and not well investigated [1] and [2]. The conventional ultrasound imaging, recently introduced for structural and functional evaluation of muscles and nerves in patients with neuromuscular disorders, is mainly of clinical use [3] and [4]. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the capabilities of 4D ultrasound calf muscle imaging in 3 patients with genetically verified types of distal myopathy (DM).

To date no other published acute stroke studies have correlated T

To date no other published acute stroke studies have correlated TCD FD with CT angiographic measures of collateral flow, nor have examined associations with perfusion lesion

volumes and long-term functional outcome. We did not find any significant association between the presence of FD and the total volume of the perfusion lesion despite the admission NIHSS being lower in patients with ACA FD. In contrast, we demonstrated a strong and independent association between FD and the volume of the CTP defined infarct core. This finding suggests the importance of collateral flow and its TCD correlate in predicting acute infarct volume [34] and clinical outcome. Patients with ICA occlusion are more likely to have compromised ACA collateral flow. This was demonstrated AG-014699 purchase in the results, where, 55% of patients with combined ICA + MCA occlusion showed no FD as

opposed to 42% of patients with MCA occlusion showing no FD (derived from Table 2). When accompanied by major reperfusion, FD significantly increased the chances of a favourable outcome in keeping with other reports Epigenetics Compound Library of a potential synergistic effect between LMC and major reperfusion [12] and [16]. In our study, 43% of FD positive patients who did not undergo major reperfusion had a favourable outcome suggesting that LMCs are capable, in some patients, of perfusing the territory of an occluded artery to a level sufficient to avoid infarction even without complete recanalization [11], ACA FD therefore appears to be a rapid onset internal protection mechanism for the ischemic area, mitigating infarct core expansion. TCD is recognised to accurately reflect recanalization status of the MCA when compared to catheter angiography [35] and TCD defined TIBI recanalization grades recognised to correlate with baseline cAMP stroke severity and clinical recovery [36]. There is, however, limited

data describing recanalization characteristics in the initial hours following acute MCA stroke and no data correlating TCD recanalization characteristics with reperfusion status and the extent of early infarction. Alexandrov et al. [37] described a cohort of 65 patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator within 3 h of stroke onset and monitored with TCD post-thrombolysis. Similar to our findings, major improvements in TIBI grades (in this study over time periods of less than 30 min) were associated with significantly lower 24 h post-thrombolysis NIHSS. Using transcranial colour coded duplex (TCCD) the Duplex Sonography in Acute Stroke Study group performed TCCD 30 min and 6 h post-thrombolysis in patients with a variety of ICA and MCA occlusion patterns [38]. In this patient group, cases showing recanalization assessed by TIBI grade change also showed significant improvements in 24 h NIHSS when compared to those without TCCD features of recanalization.

Catheters

may be placed either parallel or perpendicular

Catheters

may be placed either parallel or perpendicular (Fig. 1) to the incision although mixtures with crossed ends can be useful. Parallel catheters usually are fewer and longer than perpendicular catheter arrays and may be most appropriate when the tumor bed contour follows the curvature of the extremity. Dabrafenib Catheters and planes of catheters are placed at 1–1.5-cm intervals to ensure adequate dosimetry. Single-plane implants generally require closer spacing than multiplane volume implants to avoid scalloping of the prescription isodose. It is important to understand that wound closure can affect the catheter configuration through traction and bending as tissues are opposed and sutured together. The wound closure and catheter placement, therefore, must be done in concert to achieve satisfactory coverage of the clinical target volume (CTV). Catheter stabilization is essential for quality treatment delivery. Catheters can be sutured directly into the surgical bed with absorbable sutures and are also anchored to the external skin surface with various devices such as fixing buttons. Another stabilization and spacing method is to thread the implant catheters through Jackson–Pratt drains that can be placed within the wound and on the skin. These drains are oriented perpendicular to the catheters that pass through

the drain holes to create a stable implant unit (Fig. 1) (32). Catheters may be open at one (single leader) or both (double leader) ends, if they run from skin to skin, or they may be blind ended and terminate within the wound. Stabilization of blind-ended tubes is more difficult than for skin-to-skin selleck kinase inhibitor catheter arrangements. The Jackson–Pratt technique fixes the blind-ended tubes within the wound and helps prevent postoperative catheter displacements. Tissue expanders can Vildagliptin be used to protect normal structures from high exposure rates from the radiation sources. Gelfoam, drains, or inflatable (removable) materials can be placed between the catheters and critical structures to prevent normal tissue injury in the very high–dose region. The radiation oncologist must consider the

effect of tissue expanders on target coverage during simulation and dosimetry calculations. Once the catheters are placed and the wound is closed, it is important to check the relationship of the catheters to the wound and ensure that there is sufficient space (∼0.5 cm) between the catheter buttons and the skin to allow for postoperative swelling. The implant should be oriented so the catheters exit the skin in such a way as to easily insert the radiation source. Drains placed at the time of surgery should not be removed (Fig. 2) until after the BT is completed and the implant catheters are taken out to prevent inadvertent displacement of the catheters. This measure may also help decrease the risk of developing a seroma.