Αρχειοθήκη ιστολογίου

Κυριακή 18 Φεβρουαρίου 2018

A systematic classification of the vertebral artery variable origin: clinical and surgical implications

Abstract

Several congenital anomalies regarding the right (RVA) and left (LVA) vertebral artery have been described. The current paper aims to perform a systematic literature review of the variable vertebral artery (VA) origin from the aortic arch (AOA) and its branches. The incidence of these variants and the ensuing AOA branching pattern are highlighted. Atypical origin cases were found more commonly unilaterally, while LVA presented the majority of the aberrancies. The LVA emersion from the AOA (3.6%) and the RVA from the right common carotid artery (RCCA) (0.14%) were the commonest origin variations. Aberrant RVA origin as last branch of the AOA is very rare. Eighteen cases (0.12%) with an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSCA) were found. Among them, the RVA originated from the RCCA and right subclavian artery in 94.4 and 5.6%, respectively. Sporadic cases had an AOA origin bilaterally; RVA and LVA had a double origin in 0.027 and 0.11%, respectively. A dual origin was detected in 0.0069%, bilaterally. The atypical VA origin may coexist with: (i) an ARSCA, (ii) a common origin of brachiocephalic artery and left common carotid artery (the misnomer bovine arch) and (iii) a bicarotid trunk. The aberrant VA origin favors hemodynamic alterations, predisposing to cerebrovascular disorders and intracranial aneurysm formation. Detailed information of VA variants is crucial for both endovascular interventionists and diagnostic radiologists involved in the treatment of patients with cerebrovascular disease. Such information may prove useful to minimize the risk of VA injury in several procedures.



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Prognostic role of high sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 in glioma and meningioma patients

Abstract

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) can be important prognostic indicators of brain tumor patients. We investigated the association of circulating IL-6 and hsCRP concentrations with discharge outcomes and survival of glioma and meningioma patients. One-hundred and sixty-three (115 women; median age 57 years) patients admitted for meningioma (n = 94), high-grade glioma (n = 48) and low-grade glioma (n = 21) surgery were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Serum samples were collected within 24 h of admission. Discharge outcome was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (unfavorable outcome = score from 1 to 3). Follow-up continued until November, 2016. Elevated IL-6 (≥ 2 pg/ml) and hsCRP (≥ 1 mg/l) concentrations were present in 25 and 35% of brain tumor patients, respectively. Elevated IL-6 concentrations were associated with unfavorable outcome at hospital discharge, adjusting for brain tumor histological diagnosis, patient age and gender (OR 2.39, 95% CI 0.97–5.91, p = 0.05). Elevated hsCRP concentrations were not associated with discharge outcome (p = 0.13). In multivariate Cox regression analyses adjusted for patient age, gender, extent of tumor resection and adjuvant treatment, elevated IL-6 concentration was associated with greater mortality risk in high-grade glioma patients (OR 2.623; 95% CI 1.129–5.597; p = 0.01), while elevated hsCRP concentration was associated with greater mortality risk in meningioma patients (OR 3.650; 95% CI 1.038–12.831; p = 0.04). Elevated IL-6 concentration is associated with greater unfavorable outcome risk in brain tumor patients and with greater mortality in high-grade glioma patients, while elevated hsCRP concentration is associated with greater mortality in meningioma patients.



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The Rules of the Game: Contracting, Credentialing and Negotiating with Managed Care in Audiology

This course focuses on the fundamentals of third-party payer/insurance contracting and credentialing. We will explore the steps involved in enrollment and credentialing and how to decide whether or not participation is good for your practice. Figure

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Issue Information



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Development and Assessment of a Helicobacter pylori Medication Adherence and Stomach Cancer Prevention Curriculum for a Chinese American Immigrant Population

Abstract

Chinese American immigrants are at increased risk for Helicobacter pylori infection and stomach cancer. Despite their increased risk, very few prevention strategies exist which target this vulnerable population. The purpose of this article is to present the stakeholder engaged development, review, assessment, refinement, and finalization of a H. pylori treatment adherence and stomach cancer prevention curriculum specifically designed to engage vulnerable, limited English proficient Chinese Americans in New York City.



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On Writing



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Restoration of Facial Form and Lip Competence in a Patient with a Midfacial Defect

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck can be treated with a combination of modalities. There is an esthetic and functional compromise with midfacial defects secondary to ablative surgery and adjuvant therapies for SCC. Osteoradionecrosis, tissue contracture, and trismus, are all negative side effects of treatment and can impact a patient's function and possibly their nutrition. In this report, we describe a procedure for fabrication of a prosthesis that provides cosmetic improvement and labial competence to maintain caloric intake.



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Bicuspid Axial Wall Height Effect on CAD/CAM Crown Fracture Mode on Preparations Containing Advanced Total Occlusal Convergence

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate bicuspid axial wall height effect on the fracture mode of adhesively luted, all-ceramic CAD/CAM crowns with a 20° total occlusal convergence (TOC).

Materials and Methods

Recently extracted premolars were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 12) with all-ceramic crown preparations accomplished using a high-speed handpiece inserted into a milling device. Specimens were prepared containing occlusogingival axial wall heights of 3, 2, and 1 mm as well as a group containing a flat preparation surface with no axial wall height. All preparations contained a 20° TOC. Completed preparation surface area was determined, and preparation features confirmed using a digital measuring microscope. Scanned preparations (CEREC) were fitted with milled and crystallized lithium disilicate full coverage restorations and luted with a self-etching adhesive resin cement after hydrofluoric acid etching and silanation. All manufacturer recommendations were followed. Specimens were stored at 37°C/98% humidity for 24 hours. Specimens were tested to failure at a 45° angle to the long axis of the tooth root on a universal testing machine. Failure load was converted to MPa using the available bonding surface area with mean data analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn's (p = 0.05)

Results

The 3 mm preparation height specimens were similar to the 2 mm specimens, and both demonstrated significantly stronger failure load than the 1 mm axial wall height and flat preparation specimens. The flat preparation and 1 mm axial wall height specimens all failed adhesively, while the 2 mm and 3 mm specimens failed largely due to tooth fracture.

Conclusions

Further evidence is provided that CAD/CAM adhesive techniques may compensate for less than ideal preparation features. Under the conditions of this study, bicuspid preparations with a 20° TOC restored with adhesively luted, CAD/CAM e.max CAD crowns require at least 2 mm of axial wall height, but further planned fatigue studies are necessary before definitive recommendations can be made.



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An In-Vitro Insertion-Force Study of Magnetically Guided Lateral-Wall Cochlear-Implant Electrode Arrays: Erratum

No abstract available

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Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome: clinical and biochemical correlates

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


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A novel paraneoplastic syndrome with acquired lipodystrophy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in an adolescent male with craniopharyngioma

Journal Name: Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
Issue: Ahead of print


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Validity and reliability of outcome measures assessing dexterity, coordination, and upper limb strength in Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Cynthia Gagnon, Isabelle Lessard, Bernard Brais, Isabelle Côté, Caroline Lavoie, Matthis Synofzik, Jean Mathieu
ObjectiveTo document in adults affected by Autosomal Recessive Spastic Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ARSACS) the intra- and interrater reliability, standard error of measurement, agreement, minimal detectable change and construct validity of the Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT), Standardized Finger-to-Nose Test (SFNT), and grip strength.DesignMetrological study.SettingNeuromuscular rehabilitation clinic.ParticipantsGenetically confirmed adult patients with ARSACS (n = 42, 21 females, mean age = 38.6y for intrarater reliability, and n = 33, 18 females, mean age = 40.0y for interrater reliability).InterventionsNot applicable.Main outcome measuresIntra- and interrater reliability was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was determined by assessing the capacity of the NHPT, SFNT, and grip strength to distinguish between participants based on sex, mobility stages, and age groups, and on performance on the Archimedes spiral and Alternating hand movement tests.ResultsAll three tests have shown excellent reliability (ICC = 0.90-0.98). However, the limit of agreement was influenced by the participant's performance on the NHPT, and the minimal detectable change was very different for both hands (right = 9.7 vs left = 28.0). Construct validity was confirmed for the SFNT and NHPT, but was not demonstrated for grip strength.ConclusionsGiven the metrological properties assessed in this study, the SFNT is an excellent measure to assess upper limb coordination, while the NHPT must be used with caution. The grip strength is reliable but does not seem to reflect disease severity.



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Long-term hearing results of stapedotomy: analysis of factors affecting outcome.

Related Articles

Long-term hearing results of stapedotomy: analysis of factors affecting outcome.

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Feb 16;:

Authors: Ingeborg D, Stéphanie D, Thomas M, David L, Helen VH

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term hearing results of stapedotomy and analyze the influence of patient-, disease-, and procedure-related variables.
STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.
SETTING: Tertiary referral center.
PATIENTS: 230 ears (202 patients, 10-74 years) underwent stapedotomy for otosclerosis between January 2008 and August 2014. All cases had early postoperative follow-up (4 weeks post-surgery) and 181 cases had late postoperative follow-up (≥ 1 year, average 32.5 months).
INTERVENTION: Stapedotomy procedure for otosclerosis.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hearing outcome using conventional audiometry. The primary outcome parameter was the postoperative air-bone gap pure-tone average. Postoperative air-bone gap ≤ 10 dB was defined as surgical success. Preoperative, early postoperative and late postoperative hearing results were compared. Influence of patient- and procedure-related variables on hearing outcome was evaluated by logistic regression analysis.
RESULTS: The postoperative air-bone gap was 10 dB or less in 77.0% of cases early post-surgery and in 70.7% of cases in long-term follow-up. Air-bone gap closure within 20 dB was obtained in 95.7 and 92.3%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a larger preoperative air-bone gap (p = 0.041) and positive family history of otosclerosis (p = 0.044) were predictive for less surgical success early postoperatively, but not on the long term. Age, gender, primary versus revision surgery, presence of preoperative tinnitus and preoperative vertigo did not independently and significantly influence postoperative air-bone gap closure.
CONCLUSION: Our series confirms excellent hearing results achieved in stapedotomy surgery, also in long-term follow-up. On the long-term no patient-, disease-, or procedure-related variables were identified as predictors of surgical success.

PMID: 29453620 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Professor Dr. Dr. Rudi Fries

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): John Williams




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Professor Dr. Dr. Rudi Fries

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): John Williams




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High expression of NPRL2 is linked to poor prognosis in patients with prostate cancer

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Zhixiong Chen, Shengjun Luo, Yanlin Chen, Xuemei Xie, Zhongbo Du, Li Jiang
As a tumor suppressor candidate gene, NPRL2 has anti-cancer effects against several cancers, but its potential role in prostate cancer (PCa) has not been reported. The present study aimed to explore the expression of NPRL2 in PCa and its potential clinical significance. Our results showed that expression of NPRL2 in PCa tissues was significantly higher than in non-PCa tissues (P<.001). High NPRL2 expression in PCa tissue was significantly correlated with a high Gleason grade group (P<.001), high pT stage (P<.001), and lymph node metastasis (P=.003). The overall survival of PCa patients with negative to weak NPRL2 expression was significantly higher than that of patients with moderate to strong positive NPRL2 expression. Furthermore, in vitro, we found the up-regulated NPRL2 level in LNCaP and PC3 cells, and forced re-expression of NPRL2 significant promoted the growth of those cells and vice versa. Contrary to existing reports, our results interestingly showed, for the first time, that the expression level of NPRL2 was significantly upregulated in PCa and its high expression was correlated with poor prognosis, suggesting its pivotal role in the progression of PCa. NPRL2 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for PCa patients.



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Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor with undetermined potential: Case study with molecular analysis and literature review

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Human Pathology
Author(s): Ying Zhang, Lin Tao, Can Yin, Weiwei Wang, Hong Zou, Yan Ren, Weihua Liang, Jinfang Jiang, Wenjie Zhang, Wei Jia, Feng Li
Ovarian microcystic stromal tumor is a relatively rare tumor type. This tumor is characterized by a unique microcyst structure and essentially all tumors show benign biological behavior. Here, we report a case with a primary ovarian microcystic stromal tumor that experienced recurrence. Pathological findings showed that the original tumor, relapsed tumor in the ovary, and the recurrent tumor in the iliac fossa presented similar histological features. The tumor mainly consisted of microcysts, solid cellular regions, and a fibrous stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for β-catenin, CD10, vimentin, and WT-1. Mutational analysis revealed a missense mutation (c.1590C > T; pG530E) in exon 15 of the APC gene and another missense mutation (c.740G > A; pA247V) in exon 1 of the KRAS gene. We also reviewed other published cases to evaluate the prognosis and treatment. This is the first report to describe a microcystic stromal tumor of the ovary presenting with undetermined biological potential.



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Management of Skull Base Tumors in the Obstetric Population: a Case Series.

Related Articles

Management of Skull Base Tumors in the Obstetric Population: a Case Series.

World Neurosurg. 2018 Feb 14;:

Authors: Priddy BH, Otto BA, Carrau RL, Prevedello DM

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neoplasms rarely present during pregnancy. However, increase in plasma volume, hormone release induced growth, and tumor hypervascularity, can cause rapid symptoms. These range from not requiring intervention to necessitating emergent operations.
OBJECTIVE: We describe an algorithm for the management of symptomatic neoplasm in the obstetric population, and provide recommendations regarding surgical indications and timing.
METHODS: Patients who presented to a skull base clinic from 2010-2016 at large tertiary care hospital were reviewed to identify patients who presented with a skull base tumor during pregnancy.
RESULTS: Our cohort comprises ten women with skull base tumors during pregnancy. Four presented symptoms that required emergent skull base surgery, six underwent surgery after delivery or continued surveillance. All patients were found to have WHO Grade I or II meningioma or schwannomas. There were no maternal complications. Through this experience, a management algorithm was created.
CONCLUSION: Management of a symptomatic tumor during pregnancy requires balancing the potential to cure the mother and to harm the fetus. Trimester of pregnancy is the most critical factor in evaluating the need for urgent management. Surgery during the second trimester is the optimal time, as it is associated with the least risk for spontaneous abortion or preterm birth. The first and third trimesters are associated with increased risk of miscarriage and preterm labor respectively. Induction of labor for preterm delivery, followed by surgery, may be appropriate in early third trimester. Nonetheless, any pregnant woman with an emergent presentation should be offered surgery, regardless of trimester.

PMID: 29454125 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Cribriform plate width is highly variable within and between subjects.

Related Articles

Cribriform plate width is highly variable within and between subjects.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2018 Feb 13;:

Authors: Coelho DH, Pence TS, Abdel-Hamid M, Costanzo RM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: All successful endonasal surgery, including functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), depends on knowledge of both anatomy and the specific variations that can occur between and within patients. Familiarity with these structures is a critical component in preventing complications from these procedures, and failure to understand subtle variation can have disastrous results. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical variations (if any) of the cribriform plate using a large cadaveric sample set. Better understanding of the disparities within and between patients may have important implications for surgical planning.
METHODS: Whole human skull specimens (31 specimens, 62 sides) were examined to obtain dimensional measurements of the cribriform plate on the right and left sides.
RESULTS: The average length of the cribriform plate was 21.28mm (range 15.25-27.73mm, SD 3.30mm). The average width of the cribriform plate (including the crista galli) was 4.53mm (range 1.75-8.03mm, SD 1.20mm). When comparing side differences in individual specimens, there was more variability between widths, relative standard deviation 26.4%, than between lengths, relative standard deviation 15.5%.
CONCLUSION: There is a range of both length and width of the cribriform plate, between and within individuals. This is particularly true for width. In practice, this emphasizes the importance of pre-operative imaging and recognition of anatomic variability for sinus or anterior skull base procedure.

PMID: 29452829 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Coexistent Solid Malignancies in Pemphigus: A Population-Based Study.

Related Articles

Coexistent Solid Malignancies in Pemphigus: A Population-Based Study.

JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Feb 16;:

Authors: Kridin K, Zelber-Sagi S, Comaneshter D, Cohen AD

Abstract
Importance: The association of pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus with comorbid malignancies is yet to be firmly established.
Objective: To estimate the association between pemphigus and a wide range of nonhematologic malignancies using one of the largest cohorts of patients with pemphigus to date.
Design, Setting, and Participants: For this cross-sectional study, we used the computerized database of Clalit Health Services, the largest public health care provider organization in Israel insuring 4.4 million individuals in the settings of general community clinics, primary care and referral centers, and ambulatory and hospitalized health care. The study included 1985 patients with pemphigus and 9874 control patients and was conducted from January 2004 to December 2014.
Main Outcomes and Measures: The prevalence of 17 different solid malignancies was compared between patients diagnosed with pemphigus and age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched control patients; χ2 and t tests were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis. The association was examined following a sensitivity analysis that included only cases treated with long-term pemphigus-specific medications (corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, or rituximab), and following the adjustment for several confounding factors.
Results: Overall, the total sample included 11 859 eligible patients, of whom 1985 were patients with pemphigus (mean [SD] age at presentation, 72.1 [18.5] years; 1188 women [59.8%]). In patients with pemphigus compared with control patients, there was a greater prevalence of esophageal cancers (0.4% vs 0.1%; odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% CI, 1.1-7.4) and laryngeal cancers (0.6% vs 0.3%; OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.0-4.1). No significant associations between pemphigus and other solid malignancies were observed. Estimates were not altered significantly after controlling for comorbidities, health care overutilization, immunosuppressive therapy, and other malignancy-specific risk factors (ie, smoking and alcohol abuse in laryngeal cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease in esophageal cancer).
Conclusions and Relevance: Significant associations were observed between pemphigus and solid malignancies of the larynx and the esophagus. Physicians treating patients with pemphigus should be aware of these findings. Further observational studies are warranted to establish this association in other cohorts.

PMID: 29453868 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Usefulness of reconstructed 3D images for cochlear implantation in a case with a facial nerve anomaly.

Related Articles

Usefulness of reconstructed 3D images for cochlear implantation in a case with a facial nerve anomaly.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2018 Feb 14;:

Authors: Nakamura K, Dias MS, Sasaki T, Sugimoto H, Hatano M, Ito M

Abstract
Facial nerve anomalies are a potential problem in patients with cochleovestibular malformations. A case of cochlear implant (CI) surgery in the presence of intra-temporalbone facial nerve bifurcation is presented. During the first surgery, the facial nerve bifurcation obscured the promontory and round window. It was difficult to perform cochleostomy because of the lack of landmarks of the basal turn of the cochlea, and the first surgical attempt at cochleostomy was abandoned. A repeat CT scan was performed after the first surgery with reconstructed 3D images of the temporal bone and the cochlea, and then the cochlea was successfully opened at revision surgery. Reconstructed 3D CT images were very useful to identify the site of cochleostomy in this case with such difficult temporal bone anatomy.

PMID: 29452830 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Cribriform plate width is highly variable within and between subjects.

Related Articles

Cribriform plate width is highly variable within and between subjects.

Auris Nasus Larynx. 2018 Feb 13;:

Authors: Coelho DH, Pence TS, Abdel-Hamid M, Costanzo RM

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: All successful endonasal surgery, including functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), depends on knowledge of both anatomy and the specific variations that can occur between and within patients. Familiarity with these structures is a critical component in preventing complications from these procedures, and failure to understand subtle variation can have disastrous results. The aim of this study was to characterize the anatomical variations (if any) of the cribriform plate using a large cadaveric sample set. Better understanding of the disparities within and between patients may have important implications for surgical planning.
METHODS: Whole human skull specimens (31 specimens, 62 sides) were examined to obtain dimensional measurements of the cribriform plate on the right and left sides.
RESULTS: The average length of the cribriform plate was 21.28mm (range 15.25-27.73mm, SD 3.30mm). The average width of the cribriform plate (including the crista galli) was 4.53mm (range 1.75-8.03mm, SD 1.20mm). When comparing side differences in individual specimens, there was more variability between widths, relative standard deviation 26.4%, than between lengths, relative standard deviation 15.5%.
CONCLUSION: There is a range of both length and width of the cribriform plate, between and within individuals. This is particularly true for width. In practice, this emphasizes the importance of pre-operative imaging and recognition of anatomic variability for sinus or anterior skull base procedure.

PMID: 29452829 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Single-Arm Phase 2 Trial of Elective Nodal Dose Reduction for Patients With Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Related Articles

Single-Arm Phase 2 Trial of Elective Nodal Dose Reduction for Patients With Locoregionally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017 Dec 28;:

Authors: Maguire PD, Neal CR, Hardy SM, Schreiber AM

Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate a novel chemoradiation therapy (CRT) regimen for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) incorporating a lower intensity modulated radiation therapy dose to electively treated neck lymph nodes than is currently standard.
METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eligible patients had locally advanced SCCHN of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx. The 7-week CRT course consisted of weekly cisplatin at 35 mg/m2 concurrently with sequential-boost intensity modulated radiation therapy: 36 Gy to high- and low-risk planning target volumes followed by a sequential boost to the high-risk planning target volume to 70 Gy. The primary endpoint was elective nodal failure. Secondary endpoints were survival, toxicity, feeding tube duration, and quality of life evaluated by the FACT-HN and QOL-RTI surveys.
RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2014, 54 patients were enrolled, 31 (57%) of whom had human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive disease. Of the patients, 35 (65%) had stage IVa disease. The median follow-up period for survivors was 36 months (range, 12-66 months). Elective nodal failure did not develop in any patient. The actuarial 3-year survival rate for the entire cohort was 91% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.79-0.96); for the HPV-negative group, 85% (95% CI 0.61-0.95); and for the HPV-positive group, 96% (95% CI 0.77-0.99). Common grade 3 toxicities were dysphagia (79%), mucositis and/or stomatitis (41%), nausea (20%), xerostomia (13%), vomiting (11%), and neutropenia (10%). The median feeding tube duration was 142 days. Patient FACT-HN scores were higher at 3, 6, and 12 months versus at the end of treatment (P < .0001). Total FACT-HN scores returned to pretreatment baseline by 6 months. Overall QOL-RTI scores were lower from pretreatment to the end of treatment through 12 months (P = .0001).
CONCLUSIONS: This CRT regimen for patients with advanced SCCHN demonstrated the potential feasibility of reducing the elective dose to the neck, a topic that requires additional study in future clinical trials.

PMID: 29452770 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]



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Coexistence of Cervical Leiomyosarcoma and Gastric-Type Adenocarcinoma In Situ with Extensive Extension to the Endometrium and Fallopian Tube

Cervical leiomyosarcoma is known to be rare from the previous reviews of a large number of malignant cervical tumors. The patient was a 66-year-old woman with irregular vaginal bleeding. She underwent modified radical hysterectomy and bilateral salpingooophorectomy. Histopathologically, we diagnosed the coexistence of uterine cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ with endometrial lesions that had continuous and skip patterns and fallopian tubal lesions with a partial lesion. To the best of our knowledge, cases of synchronous leiomyosarcoma and cancers have not often been reported; only two cases of synchronous cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical squamous cell carcinoma have been published. This case is the first presentation of coincidental primary cervical leiomyosarcoma and cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ. Additionally, we considered cervical gastric-type adenocarcinoma in situ with continuous lesions on the endometrium and skip lesions on the left fallopian tube.

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The effects of an expected twofold perturbation on able-bodied gait: trunk flexion and uneven ground surface

Publication date: Available online 17 February 2018
Source:Gait & Posture
Author(s): Soran AminiAghdam, Reinhard Blickhan
BackgroundAlthough alteration in trunk orientation and ground level potentially affects gait pattern individually, it is plausible to examine the interaction effects of such factors.ObjectiveThe interaction effects between trunk-flexed gait and uneven ground on able-bodied gait pattern.MethodsFor twelve able-bodied participants, we compared the adaptive mechanisms in kinematics, kinetics and spatial-temporal parameters of gait (STPG) with bent postures (30° and 50° of sagittal trunk flexion) across uneven surface (10-cm visible drop at the sight of the second ground contact) with that of upright posture on even ground surface.ResultsSignificant between-posture changes on the uneven surface included a decreased peak ankle dorsiflexion angle and vertical ground reaction force (GRF) 2nd peak as trunk flexion increased. Moreover, significant between-ground surface changes for each individual gait posture were a decreased peak ankle dorsiflexion angle and ankle range of motion irrespective of trunk posture and a reduced trailing step duration and vertical GRF 2nd peak in upright walking. The spatial parameters of gait remained unchanged across uneven surface, but at the expense of pronounced adjustments in temporal parameters, i.e., a more conservative gait strategy, indicating a distinct contribution from spatial and temporal strategies in trunk-flexed gaits. This was associated with greater peak flexion angles across lower limb joints regardless of trunk posture, alongside with an exertion of greater forces at faster rates earlier in stance and attenuated forces at lower rates at the end of the stance (i.e., early-skewed vertical GRF). When considering the main effect of posture, a more crouched gait was executed with reduced temporal parameters (except for cadence) and an early-skewed vertical GRF patterns with increasing trunk flexion.SignificanceThese results may have implications for understanding the nature of compensatory mechanisms in gait pattern of older adults and/or patients with altered trunk orientations while accommodating uneven ground.



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Distinct Genomic Copy Number Alterations Distinguish Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney From Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma With Overlapping Histologic Features

Mucinous tubular and spindle cell carcinoma (MTSCC) of the kidney is a rare type of renal cell carcinoma that frequently exhibits histologic and immunophenotypic features overlapping with type 1 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC). To clarify molecular attributes that can be used for this difficult differential diagnosis, we sought to delineate the genome-wide copy number alterations in tumors displaying classic histologic features of MTSCC in comparison to the solid variant of type 1 PRCC and indeterminate cases with overlapping histologic features. The study included 11 histologically typical MTSCC, 9 tumors with overlapping features between MTSCC and PRCC, and 6 cases of solid variant of type 1 PRCC. DNA samples extracted from macrodissected or microdissected tumor areas were analyzed for genome-wide copy number alterations using an SNP-array platform suitable for clinical archival material. All cases in the MTSCC group exhibited multiple chromosomal losses, most frequently involving chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, and 22, while lacking trisomy 7 or 17. In contrast, cases with overlapping morphologic features of MTSCC and PRCC predominantly showed multiple chromosomal gains, most frequently involving chromosomes 7, 16, 17, and 20, similar to the chromosomal alteration pattern that was seen in the solid variant of type 1 PRCC cases. Morphologic comparison of these molecularly characterized tumors identified histologic features that help to distinguish MTSCC from PRCC, but immunohistochemical profiles of these tumors remained overlapping, including a marker for Hippo-Yes-associated protein signaling. Characteristic patterns of genome-wide copy number alterations strongly support MTSCC and PRCC as distinct entities despite their immunohistochemical and certain morphologic overlap, and help define histologic features useful for the classification of questionable cases. Conflicts of Interest and Source of Funding: Supported by Cycle for Survival of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (Y.-B.C.). L.W., H.A.A.-A., S.W.F., A.G., S.J.S., S.K.T., V.E.R., and Y.-B.C. were funded in part by an NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant (P30 CA008748). The remaining authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article. Correspondence: Ying-Bei Chen, MD, PhD, Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065 (e-mail: cheny@mskcc.org). Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Significance of T1a and T1b Carcinoma Arising in Mucinous Cystic Neoplasm of Pancreas

Mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) of pancreas is one of the precursor lesions of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The 5-year disease-specific survival for noninvasive MCNs was 100% and 20% to 60% for those with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma arising in a MCN. However, the significance of T1a (≤0.5 cm) and T1b (>0.5 and

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Breslow Density is a Novel Prognostic Feature That Adds Value to Melanoma Staging

Histomorphologic prognostic biomarkers that can be measured using only an hematoxylin and eosin stain are very attractive because they are simple and cheap. We conceived an entirely novel biomarker of this type, the Breslow density (BD), which measures invasive melanoma cell density at the site where Breslow thickness (BT) is measured. This study assessed BD's prognostic value. In this study, BD was measured in 1329 melanoma patients. Measurement accuracy and precision was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Survival was assessed with a primary end-point of melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and also overall survival and metastasis-free survival. We found that BD measurement was accurate compared with gold standard image analysis (ICC, 0.84). Precision was excellent for 3 observers with different experience (ICC, 0.93) and for an observer using only written instructions (ICC, 0.93). BD was a highly significant predictor in multivariable analysis for overall survival, MSS, and metastasis-free survival (each, P

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Segmental Spinal Myoclonus Complicating Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

Objective Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection is commonly used for treating lumbar radicular pain. We report a case of segmental spinal myoclonus that developed during lumbar transforaminal epidural injection with local anesthetic and steroid. Case Report A 58-year-old woman with failed back surgery syndrome presented with low back and right L3 and L4 radicular pain. As she had responded well previously to diagnostic selective nerve root injection with local anesthetic at the right L3 and L4 levels, lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection at the same levels was scheduled. During injection of ropivacaine and triamcinolone at the right L3–4 intervertebral foramen, she complained of back pain and immediately developed involuntary contraction of her right hip. The procedure was terminated. No new neurological deficit was detected when she was examined 15 minutes after the procedure. There were no abnormalities from blood tests and magnetic resonance imaging of the lower thoracic and lumbar spine. A neurologist subsequently made the clinical diagnosis of segmental spinal myoclonus. The myoclonus improved over 1 month and eventually resolved completely. Conclusions Segmental spinal myoclonus is a rare complication after lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid and local anesthetic injection. Pain physicians should be aware of this potential complication. Accepted for publication September 20, 2017. Address correspondence to: Chi Wai Cheung, MD, Room 424, Block K, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (e-mail: cheucw@hku.hk). This study was supported by the Department of Anaesthesiology, The University of Hong Kong. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Copyright © 2018 by American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

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Comparison of Paravertebral Block by Anatomic Landmark Technique to Ultrasound-Guided Paravertebral Block for Breast Surgery Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives Paravertebral block (PVB) is an established technique for providing anesthesia for breast surgery. The primary objective was to compare anatomical landmark technique (ALT) to the ultrasound-guided (USG) PVB block for providing surgical anesthesia. Secondary objectives included comparison of perioperative analgesia and complications. Methods This randomized, controlled, observer-blinded study included 72 females, aged 18 to 65 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II, undergoing elective unilateral breast surgery. Study participants were randomized to the ALT group or USG group. Ipsilateral PVB was performed with the respective technique from T1 to T6. Five milliliters of local anesthetic mixture (0.5% ropivacaine, 5 μg/mL adrenaline, 1 μg/kg clonidine) was administered at each level. Paravertebral catheter was inserted at T4/T3 level. After confirming sensory loss, patients were taken up for surgery with propofol sedation (20–50 μg/kg per minute). Results More patients in the USG group (34/36 [94.44%]) had a successful block as compared with the ALT group (26/36 [72.22%]) (P = 0.024). Difference in proportion was 18.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.15–36.0) (P = 0.024) after adjustment for age. More dermatomes were blocked in the USG group (P = 0.0018) with less sparing of upper T2 and T3 dermatomes (P = 0.003, P = 0.006, respectively). Median time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was 502.5 minutes (range, 195–1440 minutes) in the USG group versus 377.5 minutes (range, 215–1440 minutes) in the ALT group. Pain at rest and movement 2 and 4 hours postoperatively and number of catheter top-ups in 24 hours postoperatively were lesser in the USG group (P = 0.012). Complications were comparable. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided PVB provided better anesthesia and perioperative analgesia than the landmark technique for breast surgery. Clinical Trial Registration The trial was registered retrospectively at the Clinical Trial Registry of India, CTRI/2015/05/005774. Accepted for publication October 22, 2017. Address correspondence to: Anjolie Chhabra, MD, House No. 13, Road No. 61, W Punjabi Bagh, New Delhi 110026, India (e-mail: anjolie5@hotmail.com). Resources used were from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Copyright © 2018 by American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

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Impact of United States Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations on Utilization of Prostate-specific Antigen Screening in Medicare Beneficiaries

Background: Previous studies assessing the impact of United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations on utilization of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening have not investigated longer-term impacts of 2008 recommendations nor have they investigated the impact of 2012 recommendations in the Medicare population. This study aimed to evaluate change in utilization of PSA screening, post-2008 and 2012 USPSTF recommendations, and assessed trends and determinants of receipt of PSA screening in the Medicare population. Methods: This retrospective study of male Medicare beneficiaries utilized Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey data and linked administrative claims from 2006 to 2013. Beneficiaries aged ≥65 years, with continuous enrollment in parts A and B for each year they were surveyed were included in the study. Beneficiaries with self-reported/claims-based diagnosis of prostate cancer were excluded. The primary outcome was receipt of PSA screening. Other measures included age groups (65 to 74 and ≥75), time periods (pre-2008/post-2008 and 2012 recommendations), and sociodemographic variables. Results: The study cohort consisted of 11,028 beneficiaries, who were predominantly white (87.56%), married (69.25%), and unemployed (84.4%); 52.21% beneficiaries were aged ≥75. Declining utilization trends for PSA screening were observed in men aged ≥75 after 2008 recommendations and in both age groups after 2012 recommendations. The odds of receiving PSA screening declined by 17% in men aged ≥75 after 2008 recommendations and by 29% in men aged ≥65 after 2012 recommendations. Conclusions: The 2008 and 2012 USPSTF recommendations against PSA screening were associated with declines in utilization of PSA screening during the study period. USPSTF recommendations play a significant role in affecting utilization patterns of health services. E.O. receives funding from Bayer Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer Inc. and consults Novo Nordisk. M.V.M. is a PCORI Patient Engagement Advisory Panel Member. R.K. declares no conflicts of interest. Reprints: Rahul Khairnar, MS, BPharm, 220 N Arch Street, 12th Floor, Saratoga Office Building, Baltimore, MD 21201. E-mail: rahul.khairnar@umaryland.edu. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Advanced Salivary Gland Carcinoma: Findings of the Phase 1b KEYNOTE-028 Study

Objectives: Treatment options for patients with unresectable or metastatic salivary gland carcinoma (SGC) are limited. Safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab for SGC expressing programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) were explored. Materials and Methods: A cohort of patients with advanced, PD-L1-positive SGC was enrolled in the nonrandomized, multicohort, phase Ib trial of pembrolizumab in patients with PD-L1-positive advanced solid tumors (KEYNOTE-028; NCT02054806). Key inclusion criteria included recurrent or metastatic disease, failure of prior systemic therapy, and PD-L1 expression on ≥1% of tumor or stroma cells (per a prototype immunohistochemistry assay). Patients received pembrolizumab 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks for ≥2 years or until confirmed disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary end point was objective response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 by investigator review. Results: Twenty-six patients with PD-L1-positive SGC were enrolled and treated; median age was 57 years, 88% were men, and 74% had received prior therapy for recurrent/metastatic disease. Confirmed objective response rate after median follow-up of 20 months was 12% (95% confidence interval, 2%-30%), with 3 patients achieving partial response; there were no complete responses. Median duration of response was 4 months (range, 4 to 21 mo). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 22 patients (85%), resulting in discontinuation in 2 patients and death in 1 (interstitial lung disease); those occurring in ≥15% of patients were diarrhea, decreased appetite, pruritus, and fatigue. Conclusions: Pembrolizumab demonstrated promising antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced, PD-L1-positive SGC. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. The work cannot be changed in any way or used commercially without permission from the journal. http://ift.tt/1hexVwJ Presented in part at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, June 3 to 7, 2016, Chicago, IL. Supported by Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ. R.B.C., S.V.L., P.T.: analysis and acquisition of the data and interpretation of the results. J.P.D., J.G., S.D., C.L.T., E.E., B.K.: acquisition of the data and interpretation of the results. T.D., S.A.P-P., A.P.A., R.-L.H., D.D., A.V., J.W.: acquisition of the data. S.S.: analysis of the data and interpretation of the results. J.C.: conception, design or planning of the study, analysis of the data and interpretation of the results. All authors: critically reviewed or revised the manuscript for important intellectual content and approved the final manuscript for submission. R.B.C. received a research grant from Merck & Co. Inc., paid to the University of Pennsylvania and was a member of an advisory board for Bristol-Myers Squibb. T.D. received research funding from Taiho, Novartis, Merck Serono, Astellas Pharma, Merck & Co. Inc., Janssen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Takeda, Pfizer, Eli Lilly Sumitomo Group, Chugai Pharma, Bayer, Kyowa Hakko Kirin, Daiichi Sankyo, Celgene, and Amgen. S.A.P-P. received research funding to the institution from the National Institutes of Health (grant number P30CA016672). S.V.L. was a member of an advisory board for Genentech, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Ariad, and Pfizer. J.G. received a research grant paid to the institution from Merck & Co. Inc., AstraZeneca, Novartis, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Karyopharm, and Pfizer. A.P.A. received a research grant from Merck & Co. Inc., paid to the institution. C.L.T. was a member of an advisory board for Merck & Co. Inc. S.S., J.C. are employees of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ. P.T. is currently an employee of Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., a subsidiary of Merck & Co. Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, and was previously an employee of Boehringer Ingelheim, from May 2012 to August 2014, and owned stock in Gilead from June 2014 to June 2016. J.P.D., S.D., R.-L.H., D.D., A.V., E.E., J.W., B.K. declare no conflicts of interest. Copyright © 2018 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Cancers, Vol. 10, Pages 55: Towards a Clinical Decision Support System for External Beam Radiation Oncology Prostate Cancer Patients: Proton vs. Photon Radiotherapy? A Radiobiological Study of Robustness and Stability

Cancers, Vol. 10, Pages 55: Towards a Clinical Decision Support System for External Beam Radiation Oncology Prostate Cancer Patients: Proton vs. Photon Radiotherapy? A Radiobiological Study of Robustness and Stability

Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers10020055

Authors: Seán Walsh Erik Roelofs Peter Kuess Yvonka van Wijk Ben Vanneste Andre Dekker Philippe Lambin Bleddyn Jones Dietmar Georg Frank Verhaegen

We present a methodology which can be utilized to select proton or photon radiotherapy in prostate cancer patients. Four state-of-the-art competing treatment modalities were compared (by way of an in silico trial) for a cohort of 25 prostate cancer patients, with and without correction strategies for prostate displacements. Metrics measured from clinical image guidance systems were used. Three correction strategies were investigated; no-correction, extended-no-action-limit, and online-correction. Clinical efficacy was estimated via radiobiological models incorporating robustness (how probable a given treatment plan was delivered) and stability (the consistency between the probable best and worst delivered treatments at the 95% confidence limit). The results obtained at the cohort level enabled the determination of a threshold for likely clinical benefit at the individual level. Depending on the imaging system and correction strategy; 24%, 32% and 44% of patients were identified as suitable candidates for proton therapy. For the constraints of this study: Intensity-modulated proton therapy with online-correction was on average the most effective modality. Irrespective of the imaging system, each treatment modality is similar in terms of robustness, with and without the correction strategies. Conversely, there is substantial variation in stability between the treatment modalities, which is greatly reduced by correction strategies. This study provides a 'proof-of-concept' methodology to enable the prospective identification of individual patients that will most likely (above a certain threshold) benefit from proton therapy.



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