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Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare subtype of malignant lymphoma (ML). Here, we present a case of IVLBCL initially suspected as invasive fungal rhinosinusitis (IFRS). A 64-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to persistent fever, headache, and rhinorrhea. After admission, her overall condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of septic shock. Blood examination revealed elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and soluble interleukin 2 receptor levels suggestive of ML. Computed tomography revealed a high-density area with calcifications within the sinus cavity. Although IFRS was the primary suspicion, subsequent endoscopic sinus surgery disconfirmed this hypothesis based on histological findings. Unfortunately, the patient succumbed to multiple organ failure 12 days after admission, with an autopsy confirming IVLBCL. It is crucial to consider IVLBCL as a potential differential diagnosis in cases involving fever of unknown origin and progressive deterioration of the general condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, rapid advancement in gene/protein analysis technology has resulted in target molecule identification that may be useful in cancer treatment. Therefore, "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Molecular Tumor Marker, Second Edition" was published in Japan in September 2021. These guidelines were established to align the clinical usefulness of external diagnostic products with the evaluation criteria of the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. The guidelines were scoped for each tumor, and a clinical questionnaire was developed based on a serious clinical problem. This guideline was based on a careful review of the evidence obtained through a literature search, and recommendations were identified following the recommended grades of the Medical Information Network Distribution Services (Minds). Therefore, this guideline can be a tool for cancer treatment in clinical practice. We have already reported the review portion of "Clinical Practice Guidelines for Molecular Tumor Marker, Second Edition" as Part 1. Here, we present the English version of each part of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Molecular Tumor Marker, Second Edition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon ion radiotherapy (CIRT) can deliver high-dose radiation to a tumor with minimum damage to normal tissue. Recently, transoral surgery (TOS) has become a treatment option for locoregional recurrence after radiotherapy for laryngopharyngeal carcinoma, aimed at preserving laryngeal function. A 67-year-old woman with crT2N0M0 adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tongue base, previously cured with CIRT, underwent salvage endoscopic laryngopharyngeal surgery at another hospital. One month after the surgery, she suffered massive pharyngeal bleeding and was transferred to our hospital for emergency hemostasis. We observed massive necrosis of the tongue base, extending to the epiglottic vallecula, and bleeding from the wound. Consequently, surgical debridement and cauterization were performed. Although wound healing took several months, laryngeal function was finally preserved. Careful postoperative observation is required when salvage TOS is performed in patients who previously underwent CIRT. The efficacy and safety of the procedure needs to be carefully evaluated in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to define the indications for sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), the third option for cervical treatment in oral cancer with negative cervical lymph nodes. Methods: The greatest depth of invasion (DOI) and long diameter (LD) of the primary site were used as exposures. SLN metastasis was considered the outcome. Results: In three trials conducted between 2009 and 2016, 158 patients were eligible and reassigned to this study group. The scatterplot based on the respective values of DOI and LD would eventually be divided into three sections. In cases of sections T1, T2, and T3, the proportions of SLN metastasis positivity were 21.3%, 35.3%, and 51.2%, respectively. In certain cases of T1 with 2 mm < DOI ≤ 5 mm and 8 mm < LD ≤ 20 mm, the proportion of SLN metastasis positivity was 40.9%. Conclusions: SLNB‐navigated or assisted neck dissection can be added as an effective procedure for N0 neck control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A multicenter, randomized controlled phase III trial was conducted on sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and elective neck dissection for T1 (depth of invasion ≥ 4 mm)–T2N0M0 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. This study identified factors associated with poor prognosis in patients who underwent SLNB based on a subgroup analysis of this trial. Methods: We analyzed 418 sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) from 132 patients who underwent SLNB. The metastatic SLNs were classified into three categories based on size-isolated tumor cells: < 0.2 mm, micrometastasis: ≥ 0.2 mm and < 2 mm, and macrometastasis: ≥ 2 mm. Three groups were formed based on the number of metastatic SLNs: no metastasis, 1 metastatic node, and ≥ 2 metastatic nodes. The size and number of metastatic SLNs on survival were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Patients with macrometastasis and ≥ 2 metastatic SLNs had worse overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) after adjustment for potential confounders (HR for OS: macrometastasis, 4.85; 95% CI 1.34–17.60; ≥ 2 metastatic SLN, 3.63; 95% CI 1.02–12.89; HR for DFS: macrometastasis, 2.94; 95% CI 1.16–7.44; ≥ 2 metastatic SLN, 2.97; 95% CI 1.18–7.51). Conclusions: In patients who underwent SLNB, a poorer prognosis was associated with macrometastasis or having ≥ 2 metastatic SLNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Vocal cord palsy, injection laryngoplasty, calcium phosphate cement, vocal fold medialization, recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy METHODS Indications Patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis who can undergo general anesthesia are eligible for this surgery. We have established a novel injection laryngoplasty technique using calcium phosphate cement (CPC, BIOPEX-R, Hoya, Tokyo, Japan) since 2003.2 CPC has been commercially available as a kit for bone graft substitutes in Japan since 2000. Keywords: Vocal cord palsy; injection laryngoplasty; vocal fold medialization; calcium phosphate cement; recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy EN Vocal cord palsy injection laryngoplasty vocal fold medialization calcium phosphate cement recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy 1099 1103 5 04/13/22 20220501 NES 220501 INTRODUCTION Following the use of paraffin injection by Brunings in 1911,1 various materials such as liquid silicone, fat, fascia, atelocollagen, and hyaluronic acid have been used for injection laryngoplasty. [Extracted from the article]

Although tremendous research investigations on organogelators and hydrogelators have been conducted, the reports about the ambidextrous gelators capable of gelating both organic solvents, especially, apolar solvents and water are very limited. In order to create efficient ambidextrous gelators it should be necessary to take a bottom‐up approach. Thus, according to molecular design the amphiphilic compounds consisting of glutamate‐based structure having two long alkyl chains and the ethanolamine moiety have been prepared. The compounds having C6 and C7 alkyl chains have been found out to work as an excellent ambidextrous capability because they can only gelate water and apolar solvents. Although the compounds having C9 and C10 alkyl chain showed no gelation in water, by introduction of an ammonium cation into these compounds ambidextrous properties were gained. Ambidextrous ability can be imparted to the compound having no ambidextrous properties by mixing with a small amount of an authentic ambidextrous gelator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracheal stenosis is a refractory and recurrent disease induced by excessive cell proliferation within the restricted tracheal space. We investigated the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), which mediates a broad range of intracellular signal transduction processes in tracheal stenosis and the therapeutic effect of the MEK inhibitor which is the upstream kinase of ERK. We histologically analyzed cauterized tracheas to evaluate stenosis using a tracheal stenosis mouse model. Using Western blot, we analyzed the phosphorylation rate of ERK1/2 after cauterization with or without MEK inhibitor. MEK inhibitor was intraperitoneally injected 30 min prior to cauterization (single treatment) or 30 min prior to and 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after cauterization (daily treatment). We compared the stenosis of non-inhibitor treatment, single treatment, and daily treatment group. We successfully established a novel mouse model of tracheal stenosis. The cauterized trachea increased the rate of stenosis compared with the normal control trachea. The phosphorylation rate of ERK1 and ERK2 was significantly increased at 5 min after the cauterization compared with the normal controls. After 5 min, the rates decreased over time. The daily treatment group had suppressed stenosis compared with the non-inhibitor treatment group. p-ERK1/2 activation after cauterization could play an important role in the tracheal wound healing process. Consecutive inhibition of ERK phosphorylation is a potentially useful therapeutic strategy for tracheal stenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sentinel node navigation surgery using indocyanine green (ICG‐SNNS) can be performed in the operation room. The combination of minimally invasive transoral surgery (TOS) with ICG‐SNNS can provide functional preservation options for both primary lesions and lymph node (LN) metastasis. This multicenter feasibility study of this strategy was conducted in Japan. Methods: Patients with clinical T1 or T2, N0 oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, or supraglottic cancer were enrolled. The identification rate of sentinel nodes, delayed cervical LN metastasis in 2 years, and survival rate were assessed. Results: Twenty‐two patients (10 oropharynx, 8 hypopharynx, 4 supraglottic cancer) were enrolled. The identification rate was 100%. One case had delayed nodal metastasis. The accuracy was 95.5%, sensitivity was 75%, and specificity was 100%. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 100%, overall survival was 72.3%, and disease‐free survival was 60.5%. Conclusions: The combination of TOS with ICG‐SNNS is feasible as a minimally invasive strategy and has favorable oncological outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magnetic and transport properties of a single crystal of YbNiGe with an orthorhombic TiNiSi-type structure are presented here. The experimental results indicate that YbNiGe undergoes two successive antiferromagnetic transitions at TN = 3.6 K and Tm = 3.0 K at zero field. The magnetic susceptibility and magnetization for the three principal axes show large anisotropy with the magnetic easy-axis along the a-axis, reflecting the orthorhombic crystal structure. The electrical resistivity for the current along the three principal axes shows a metallic behavior with a Kondo increase below around 50 K. The magnetic entropy released at TN is 54% of R ln 2 for the Kramers doublet ground state. The Sommerfeld coefficient \(\gamma \) is estimated to be 83.3 mJ/mol K2 below 1 K. The obtained value of \(A/\gamma ^{2}\) , where A is the coefficient of the T2 dependence of the resistivity at low temperatures, is larger than the universal value of the Kadowaki–Woods relation for heavy-fermion systems, i.e., \(A/\gamma ^{2}\) = 1.0 × 10−5 µΩ·cm(mol·K/mJ)2. Furthermore, this paper discusses the possible nature of two successive antiferromagnetic transitions of YbNiGe in comparison with related isostructural YbTGe compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was designed to assess the therapeutic effect of urokinase‐targeted recombinant oncolytic Sendai virus, termed "BioKnife," on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Methods: Urokinase activity was investigated in human ATC cell lines, and BioKnife cytotoxicity against the cell lines was evaluated in vitro. Orthotopic mouse models of ATC were treated with three intratumoral injections of BioKnife, control virus, or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and were observed daily until >20% weight loss occurred. Results: All three ATC cell lines showed a high level of urokinase activity. BioKnife induced urokinase‐dependent cell fusion and cytotoxicity in all cell lines. Orthotopic models treated with BioKnife showed significantly prolonged survival compared with models treated with control virus or PBS (BioKnife 41.6 ± 15.0, control virus 17.0 ± 2.9, PBS 17.7 ± 6.3 days). Conclusions: BioKnife exerted therapeutic effects in orthotopic ATC mouse models. Thus, BioKnife represents a possible treatment option for ATC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objectives of this study were to demonstrate anti‐metastatic effect of BioKnife, uPA activity‐dependent oncolytic Sendai virus, after BioKnife treatment for primary tumor, and analyze its mechanisms in a simulated metastasis mouse model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: We established a simulated metastasis mouse model using a murine HNSCC cell line "SCCVII." We assessed a tumor size and an induction of tumor‐specific immunoresponses using cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) assay, flow cytometry (FCM) in spleen and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in secondary tumor. Results: Secondary tumors were significantly smaller in BioKnife‐treated group. CTL activities were significantly improved in BioKnife group. FCM revealed that induction of dendritic cells and CD4+/CD8+ lymphocytes was significantly higher in BioKnife group. IHC showed that CD8+ lymphocytes invaded secondary tumor. Conclusion: Tumor‐specific immunoresponses induced by BioKnife has great potential to be a novel, safe, and less invasive option for control and prevention of metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chemoselective demethylation method for various methoxypyridine derivatives has been developed. Treatment of 4-methoxypyridine with L -selectride in THF for 2 h at reflux temperature afforded 4-hydroxypyridine in good yield; no reaction to anisole occurred. The utility of our method was demonstrated by the efficient synthesis of the metabolic substances of the antiulcer agent omeprazole. Chemoselective demethylation at the site of 3,5-dimethyl-4-methoxypyridine in the presence of 4-methoxybenzimidazole was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim It has been well established that patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) have an elevated risk of developing a second primary cancer (SPC), owing to the common carcinogenic risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, and inactive aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 genotype. Here we investigated the current state of SPC in Japanese HNC patients. Methods We retrospectively investigated the incidence and treatment outcomes of synchronous and metachronous SPCs among 434 newly diagnosed HNC patients. Moreover, the associations between various carcinogenic risk factors and SPC were also assessed. Results Fifty-two (12.0%) and 104 patients (24.0%) had synchronous and metachronous SPCs, respectively. The cases with SPC were associated with high rates of smoking and alcohol histories (81.1% and 74.6%, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 47.5% of all oropharyngeal cancer cases showed positive p16 expression, and there was no significant difference between p16-positive and -negative cases in terms of the proportions of patients with SPC. The 3-year overall survival rates were 78.8%, 75.3% and 75.9% in patients without, with synchronous, and with metachronous SPC, respectively ( P = 0.4048). Conclusion Given the distinct features of the carcinogenic risk factors for HNC in Japan, care should be taken not to underestimate the frequency of SPC, even for human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal cancer patients. Considering the high incidence of SPC associated with HNC, the appropriate diagnostic strategy to allow for early detection of SPC and a treatment strategy aimed at avoiding unnecessary radiotherapy for the index tumor would contribute to improving the prognosis for HNC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dinuclear (Zn2, Ni2, and NiZn) complexes of fused salphen with acene-type annelation were synthesized from 3,7-diformyl-2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene. The spectroscopic properties of these complexes were compared with those of their constitutional isomers with phene-type annelation. The acene-type complexes exhibited a characteristic absorption band in the near-infrared region that showed a noticeable solvent effect. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations suggested that the absorption arose from a π → π* transition localized at the naphthalene ring, which was perturbed by the adjoining chelate rings. Effects of the connection topology in the fused salphen complexes are discussed by comparison with those of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: The resection of the medial and lateral pyriform sinus was associated with post-operative voice impairment after TOVS. Scar contracture around the cricoarytenoid joint lead to arytenoid fixation toward lateral position, and this wound healing process caused insufficient glottis closure. Although oncological and functional outcomes of TOVS was satisfactory, surgeons should mention the risk of post-operative voice impairment in pre-operative counseling. Objectives: Transoral surgery is a minimally invasive treatment option for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancer. Post-operative vocal function was satisfactory in most cases, but in some cases vocal cord was fixed and occasionally voice impairment persists. Methods: Vocal function of 55 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for hypopharyngeal and supraglottic cancers was evaluated by the GRBAS perceptive scale, aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire. The risk factors for voice impairment were identified. Results: Voice impairment (G score ≧2) was found in 16 cases (29.1%). Univariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0018) and neck dissection (p =.0421) were associated with post-operative voice impairment. Multivariate analysis revealed that the resection of medial and lateral pyriform sinus (p =.0021) was associated with post-operative voice impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/hypothesis: Nerbridge (Toyobo Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) is a novel polyglycolic acid (PGA) tube that is filled with collagen fibers and that facilitates nerve fiber expansion and blood vessel growth. It is biocompatible and commercially available, with governmental approval for practical use in Japan. We hypothesized that the PGA-collagen tube would promote regeneration of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN). This hypothesis was examined in a rat axotomy model of the RLN.Study Design: Prospective animal study.Methods: The axotomy model was established by transection of the left RLN in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. The cut ends of the nerve were bridged using Nerbridge (Toyobo Co., Ltd.) with a 1-mm gap (tube-treatment group) or direct sutures (sutured-control group). Left vocal fold mobility, nerve conduction velocity, morphology, and histology were assessed after 15 weeks.Results: Fifteen weeks after treatment, nerve fiber connections were observed macroscopically in both groups, and more clear myelinated fibers and better prevention of laryngeal muscle atrophy were observed in the tube-treatment group compared with the sutured-control group. However, vocal fold movement recovery was not observed in either group, and the conduction velocity of the RLN did not differ between the two groups.Conclusions: Better nerve regeneration was observed in the tube-treatment group. The combination therapy with molecular or gene therapy might be an effective strategy to improve vocal fold movement. The PGA-collagen tube has the potential to promote regeneration of the RLN and to be a scaffold for drug administration in these combination therapies.Level Of Evidence: N/A. Laryngoscope, 126:E233-E239, 2016. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activator protein-1 (AP-1) is a transcriptional factor that regulates the expression of various genes associated with tumor invasion and migration. The purpose of our study was to assess the therapeutic effects of a novel selective AP-1 inhibitor, T-5224, in preventing lymph node metastasis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in an orthotopic mouse model. We assessed the effect of T-5224 on HNSCC cell invasion, migration, proliferation, and MMP activity by carrying out an in vitro study using an invasion assay, scratch assay, WST-8 assay, and gelatin zymography. We also observed morphological changes in HNSCC cells by time-lapse microscopy. Furthermore, cervical lymph node metastasis was assessed using an orthotopic tumor model of human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (HSC-3-M3) injected in the tongue of a BALB/c nude mouse. T-5224 (150 mg/kg) or vehicle was given orally every day for 4 weeks. Animals were killed and assessed for lymph node metastasis by H&E staining of resected lymph nodes. T-5224 significantly inhibited the invasion, migration, and MMP activity of HNSCC cells in a dose-dependent manner; there was no significant influence on cell proliferation. The antimetastatic effect of T-5224 was also confirmed in our animal study. The rate of cervical lymph node metastasis in the model was 40.0% in the T-5224-treated group ( n = 30) versus 74.1% in the vehicle-treated group ( n = 27; P < 0.05). In conclusion, T-5224 inhibited the invasion and migration of HNSCC cells in vitro, and prevented lymph node metastasis in head and neck cancer in an animal model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of solid-state luminescent dyes based on 2-phenylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridine (PIP) displaying a wide range of emitting colors from blue to red have been developed. Whereas 2′-methoxy PIP (2′MeOPIP, 10) shows blue luminescence, 2′-hydroxy PIP (HPIP, 1) exhibits emission with large Stokes shift at around 500 nm that is known as the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) luminescence, which can be tuned from blue-green to red by simply introducing aryl group(s) into HPIP through Pd-catalyzed cross coupling reactions. It is shown that the energy of ESIPT luminescence decreases as the electron-withdrawing nature of the para-substituent on the aryl group increases. Varying the substitution position is also an effective tuning method, because the ESIPT luminescence wavelength is in the order 6-aryl ＜ 8-aryl ＜ 6,8-diaryl. Although the quantum yields of these compounds are quite low in organic solutions (Φ∼ 0.01), they generally display a much stronger ESIPT luminescence in the solid state. For all compounds except for 9 having long C6-alkyl chains, the similar emission properties in the dilute frozen matrix and the solid state indicated that ESIPT emission in the solid state is from the monomeric species, even though π-stacked motifs of the HPIP cores and the aryl groups introduced are confirmed by crystallographic analysis. Time-dependent DFT calculations reasonably explained the effect of substitution on ESIPT luminescence in the solid state. The results show that aryl-substitution is a convenient approach to tuning the radiation energy of the ESIPT luminescence of HPIPs without suffering the quenching effect due to intermolecular interactions, and thus a series of PIP compounds that exhibit a wide range of luminescence colors can be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved therapies for individuals with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma ( HNSCC) may be developed by identification of appropriate biomarkers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of serum midkine measurement as a biomarker for HNSCC. Pretreatment serum midkine concentrations were measured in 103 patients with HNSCC and 116 control individuals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Midkine expression in tumor tissues from 33 patients with HNSCC who underwent definitive surgical resection without preoperative treatment was examined by immunohistochemistry. The cut-off serum midkine concentrations for predicting the presence of head and neck malignancy and chemosensitivity to induction chemotherapy, as determined using receiver operating characteristic curves, were 482 and 626 pg/mL, respectively. Spearman bivariate correlations showed positive correlations between serum midkine levels and immunohistochemistry staining score ( r = 0.612, P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of serum midkine concentration for detection of HNSCC were 57.3, 85.3, 77.6, 69.2, and 72.1%, respectively. However, for predicting the response to induction chemotherapy, the values were 84.6, 60.9, 71.0, 77.8, and 73.5%, respectively. Serum midkine concentration was identified as an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, using Cox's proportional hazards model ( P = 0.027). Overexpression of serum midkine yielded a relative risk of death of 3.77, with 95% confidence limits ranging from 1.15 to 17.0. Serum midkine levels in patients with HNSCC were associated with malignancy, chemosensitivity, and prognosis. Serum midkine may be a useful, minimally invasive biomarker for early detection, therapeutic decision-making, and predicting prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Background Transoral surgery is gaining attention as a minimally invasive treatment option for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer. Postoperative swallowing function is satisfactory in most cases, but occasionally dysphagia persists. Methods Swallowing function of 86 patients who underwent transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers was evaluated by the Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) and risk factors for dysphagia were identified. Results FOSS stage was 0 to 1 in 90%, 2 in 5.8%, 3 in 3.5%, and 4 in 1.2% of the patients. Only 1 patient had indication for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Univariate analysis revealed that resection of the pyriform sinus ( p = .0280) and arytenoid ( p = .0139), pulmonary dysfunction ( p = .0353), and large mucosal defect ( p = .0223) were associated with postoperative dysphagia. Conclusion Although the rate of PEG dependency is low in transoral surgery, surgeons should mention the risk of postoperative dysphagia when counseling patients preoperatively. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 196-201, 2016 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nickel-containing metallopolymer with fully π-conjugated fused salphen ligands was prepared from the corresponding zinc-containing metallopolymer by means of transmetalation. As a model for the metallopolymer, an analogous fused tetrasalphen-nickel complex was also prepared. Solid-thin-film absorption microspectroscopy was used to confirm that the transmetalation reaction had occurred and to determine the degree of polymerization, which was estimated to be 8-15. Combined with theoretical normal-mode analysis, comparison of the FT-IR spectra of a series of model complexes with different nuclearities revealed two diagnostic peaks that could be used to validate the polynuclearity of the nickel-containing metallopolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis Acquired laryngotracheal stenosis is a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. Several studies suggest tacrolimus may inhibit post-transplant airway stenosis that occurs with coronary drug-eluting stents. The objective of the present study was to determine whether tacrolimus modulates wound healing of the airway mucosa and prevents laryngotracheal stenosis in an acute injury animal model. Study Design Basic science. Methods The laryngotracheal mucosa of rats was scraped with a nylon brush through the tracheostoma. Tacrolimus (0.2 mg/kg or 1.0 mg/kg) was systemically administered intramuscularly for 5 days. Nine days after scraping, the pathological changes and the degree of stenosis were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining or by immunohistochemical staining for nuclear factor of activated T cell and interleukin 2. Results Lumen stenosis resulted from hyperplasia of the airway epithelium and a thickened submucosal layer with extensive fibrosis, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. There was a significant preventive effect on airway stenosis at the tracheal and cricoid levels in the low-dose (0.2 mg/kg) tacrolimus-treated animals, compared to the untreated animals ( P < .05). This effect was insignificant with treatment by high-dose tacrolimus (1.0 mg/kg). Immunohistochemistry showed that, after tacrolimus treatment, the expressions of nuclear factor of activated T cell and interleukin 2 were downregulated in submucosal fibroblasts, neovascular cells, and glandular cells. Conclusions This study suggests that low-dose systemic tacrolimus has a preventive effect on laryngotracheal stenosis by inhibiting the activation of immune cells in the injured airway mucosa via the calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell/interleukin 2 pathway. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 125:E210-E215, 2015 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective Physical activity is an important parameter in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but has not been studied in detail in patients with interstitial lung disease. This study aimed to evaluate physical activity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF). Methods Physical activity was monitored in 31 stable IPF patients using an accelerometer for 1 month. The following factors reflecting physical activity were measured: the number of steps, walking distance, the time spent at magnitude of movement ( MM) 1-6, physical activity-related energy expenditure ( PAEE) and total energy expenditure. We also measured the following clinical parameters: the modified Medical Research Council ( MRC) scale, Krebs von den Lungen-6 ( KL-6), pulmonary function parameters, 6-min walk test (6 MWT) results and high-resolution computed tomography ( HRCT) findings of the chest. We determined the relationship between these parameters and physical activity. Results We recorded 24 days of physical activity data. The time spent at MM < 1 was more than 10 h per day, whereas that at MM > 1 was approximately 1 h per day. The modified MRC scale, serum KL-6 levels, 6 MWT distance, and the extent of honeycomb and reticular abnormality on HRCT were associated with several facets of physical activity. In particular, lower KL-6 levels were correlated with higher physical activity based on the number of steps, walking distance, the time spent at MM 1-4 and PAEE. Conclusions The modified MRC scale, 6 MWT distance, extent of fibrosis on HRCT and serum KL-6 levels are strongly associated with physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptococci are the main causative agents of cellulitis, and group G Streptococcus (GGS) shares many important virulent factors with group A Streptococcus (GAS). The difference in the clinical features of GAS- and GGS-induced cellulitis, however, has not been thoroughly characterized. Objective: Our aim was to recognize the differences in the clinical manifestations and outcomes of lower limb cellulitis caused by GAS and GGS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a total of 29 patients diagnosed with GAS- or GGS-induced lower limb cellulitis during the period from January 2008 to September 2013. Results: While the clinical manifestations of GAS-induced cellulitis were likely to be uniform, those of GGS-induced cellulitis were variable, depending on the predisposing factors. GGS-induced cellulitis occurred more frequently in older person who had chronic underlying illness. Conclusion: We identified clinical predisposing factors that can predict the clinical course and outcomes of GGS-induced cellulitis. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report the utilization of a new transoral surgery system, i.e. transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS) with a navigation system, for the removal of a metastatic retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN). Case Report: An 86-year-old woman with tongue cancer (cT2N0M0) underwent partial glossectomy and left selective neck dissection. Three months postoperatively, a left metastatic RPLN was identified on follow-up magnetic resonance imaging. The metastatic RPLN was successfully excised by TOVS with a navigation system. After postoperative irradiation, she had no recurrence more than 1 year after the surgery. Discussion: The retropharyngeal space (RPS) is a difficult area to access surgically. A transcervical approach is conventionally used to access the RPS; however, in the present case, scar tissue after neck dissection may have been problematic. Visualization of the RPS by high-definition endoscopy and a navigation system were effective in facilitating the safe performance of the surgery. Conclusions: A transoral approach may be a viable choice for surgery of a metastatic RPLN. Surgical indications for a transoral approach to the RPS include that (1) the location of the RPLN is below the level of the hard palate and the pterygoid hamulus and (2) there is only a single lesion, without adhesion to the surrounding tissue. © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oral mucositis induced by radiation or chemoradiation can cause devastating quality of life issues for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a traditional Japanese medicine-Hangeshashinto (TJ-14)-for (chemo)radiation-induced oral mucositis.Methods: Eighty patients who underwent whole neck radiation of >60 Gy with or without chemotherapy (high-dose cisplatin or low-dose docetaxel) were enrolled in this retrospective study; 40 had received TJ-14 during treatment, and 40 had not (controls). Factors related to alleviation of oral mucositis were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Rates of completion of (chemo)radiation treatments were compared between the patients who received TJ-14 and the control group according to the treatment regimen. The comparison of the nutrition status between groups was also performed.Results: Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of TJ-14 (p = 0.019), gender (p = 0.024), and primary tumor location (p = 0.028) were significant factors associated with the severity of oral mucositis. TJ-14 was associated with a significantly improved rate of completion of chemoradiation with cisplatin (p = 0.002). In the investigation of nutritional status, only serum albumin was significantly maintained better in the TJ-14 group than the control group in terms of mean change before and after (chemo)radiation (p = 0.024).Conclusions: The present study indicates that TJ-14 is effective for ameliorating oral mucositis induced by (chemo)radiation in patients with head and neck cancers. TJ-14 was associated with improved completion rates of chemoradiation treatments with cisplatin. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm the efficacy of TJ-14 for chemoradiation-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Oral mucositis induced by radiation or chemoradiation can cause devastating quality of life issues for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a traditional Japanese medicine-Hangeshashinto (TJ-14)-for (chemo)radiation-induced oral mucositis. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent whole neck radiation of >60 Gy with or without chemotherapy (high-dose cisplatin or low-dose docetaxel) were enrolled in this retrospective study; 40 had received TJ-14 during treatment, and 40 had not (controls). Factors related to alleviation of oral mucositis were identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Rates of completion of (chemo)radiation treatments were compared between the patients who received TJ-14 and the control group according to the treatment regimen. The comparison of the nutrition status between groups was also performed. Results: Multivariate analysis indicated that the use of TJ-14 ( p = 0.019), gender ( p = 0.024), and primary tumor location ( p = 0.028) were significant factors associated with the severity of oral mucositis. TJ-14 was associated with a significantly improved rate of completion of chemoradiation with cisplatin ( p = 0.002). In the investigation of nutritional status, only serum albumin was significantly maintained better in the TJ-14 group than the control group in terms of mean change before and after (chemo)radiation ( p = 0.024). Conclusions: The present study indicates that TJ-14 is effective for ameliorating oral mucositis induced by (chemo)radiation in patients with head and neck cancers. TJ-14 was associated with improved completion rates of chemoradiation treatments with cisplatin. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to confirm the efficacy of TJ-14 for chemoradiation-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acquired tracheal stenosis remains a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. The objective of this study was to determine whether the Sendai virus (SeV)-mediated c-myc suppressor, a far upstream element (FUSE)-binding protein (FBP)-interacting repressor (FIR), modulates wound healing of the airway mucosa, and whether it prevents tracheal stenosis in an animal model of induced mucosal injury. A fusion gene-deleted, non-transmissible SeV vector encoding FIR (FIR-SeV/ΔF) was prepared. Rats with scraped airway mucosae were administered FIR-SeV/ΔF through the tracheostoma. The pathological changes in the airway mucosa and in the tracheal lumen were assessed five days after scraping. Untreated animals showed hyperplasia of the airway epithelium and a thickened submucosal layer with extensive fibrosis, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition causing lumen stenosis. By contrast, the administration of FIR-SeV/ΔF decreased the degree of tracheal stenosis (P < 0.05) and improved the survival rate (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed that c-Myc expression was downregulated in the tracheal basal cells of the FIR-SeV/ΔF-treated animals, suggesting that c-myc was suppressed by FIR-SeV/ΔF in the regenerating airway epithelium of the injured tracheal mucosa. The airway-targeted gene therapy of the c-myc suppressor FIR, using a recombinant SeV vector, prevented tracheal stenosis in a rat model of airway mucosal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Sentinel node navigation surgery using real-time, near-infrared imaging with indocyanine green is becoming popular by allowing head and neck surgeons to avoid unnecessary neck dissection. The major drawback of this method is its quick migration through the lymphatics, limiting the diagnostic time window and undesirable detection of downstream nodes. We resolved this problem by mixing indocyanine green (ICG) with phytate colloid to retard its migration and demonstrated its feasibility in a nude mouse study.Study Design: Experimental prospective animal study.Settings: Animal laboratory.Subjects and Methods: Indocyanine green at 3 concentrations was tested to determine the optimal concentration for sentinel lymph node detection in a mouse model. Effect of indocyanine green with phytate colloid mixture solutions was also analyzed. Indocyanine green or mixture solution at different mixing ratios were injected into the tongue of nude mice and near-infrared fluorescence images were captured sequentially for up to 48 hours. The brightness of fluorescence in the sentinel lymph node and lymph nodes further downstream were assessed.Results: Indocyanine green concentration >50 μg/mL did not improve sentinel lymph node detection. The addition of phytate colloid to indocyanine green extended the period when sentinel lymph node was detectable. Second echelon lymph nodes were not imaged in mice injected with the mixture, while these were visualized in mice injected with indocyanine green alone.Conclusion: This novel technique of ICG-phytate colloid mixture allows prolonged diagnostic time window, prevention of downstream subsequent nodes detection, and improved accuracy for the detection of true sentinel lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) remains a challenging problem for otolaryngologists. A composite hyoid bone interposition graft has the potential to be an ideal graft because the head and neck surgeon can obtain the graft in the same operative field with good vascular supply from the muscle pedicle. Methods: A composite hyoid interposition graft was used to provide structural support for the reconstructed lumen of the larynx or trachea in 2 cases of LTS. Results: Two patients underwent successful decannulation with acceptable laryngeal function over a long-term observation period. Conclusion: This technique allows vascularized stable graft survival with minimal donor site morbidity. Furthermore, it can be performed for thyroid, cricoid, and tracheal stenosis without fear of damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

6-Cyano-2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[1,2-a]-pyridine (6CN-HPIP) shows polymorph-dependent luminescence with the three different crystal forms exhibiting the packing-controlled tuning of bright colors, orange, yellow, and red. The distinctive emission in aggregated states was treated with finite cluster models and analyzed by means of quantum chemistry calculations. The influence of structural displacements and intermolecular interactions in the crystalline state on solid state luminescence was examined in detail using the Fragment Molecular Orbital (FMO) scheme, suitable for studies of aggregated molecular systems. The FMO pair interaction analysis of the S1–S0 emission maxima indicated that the intermolecular side-to-side interactions cause hypsochromic shifts; facial interactions induce bathochromic shifts; and crystal packing effects in total induce hypsochromic shifts. The FMO predictions of the emission maxima offered qualitatively satisfactory agreements with the experiments. However, the small cluster models including up to 17 molecules did not reach quantitative convergence, i.e., the emission colour order among them was not well reproduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the oncological and functional outcomes of transoral videolaryngoscopic surgery (TOVS). Using distending laryngoscope and videolaryngoscope, wide operative field and working space could be obtained and tumor could be resected in en bloc. Sixty patients with T1, T2, and selected T3 laryngeal or pharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (Stage I: n = 17, Stage II: n = 16, Stage III: n = 7, Stage IV: n = 20 cases) were enrolled and followed up for at least 24 months or until the patient's death. Fifty-three patients underwent initial treatment, and seven patients had recurrent cancer after chemoradiation. In principle, node-positive patients underwent a simultaneous neck dissection. Patients with multiple nodal metastases or a positive surgical margin received postoperative radiotherapy. For initial treatment, the 5-year overall survival and disease-specific survival rates were 77 and 95 %, respectively. For supraglottic and hypopharyngeal cancers, the 5-year laryngeal preservation rates were 89 and 96 %, respectively. For salvage surgery, the overall survival, disease-specific survival, and laryngeal preservation rates were 75, 75, and 80 %, respectively. The median times before patients could resume eating and swallowing a soft diet were 6 and 9 days, respectively. The patients' Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale stages were 0-2 in 93.3 % of the cases and 3 or 4 in 6.7 % of the cases. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was indicated for 1 (1.7 %) patient. Four (6.7 %) patients received transient tracheostomy. TOVS is a satisfactory and minimally invasive treatment option for laryngeal and pharyngeal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The search for new strategies to improve patient outcome and organ preservation is of great clinical interest in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) treatment, and gene therapy is expected to play a promising role. In this study, we demonstrated the value of laser-induced stress waves (LISWs) as a novel method for nonviral gene transfer for gene therapy in HNSCC. The in vitro and in vivo transfection efficiency as well as in vitro cytotoxicity for HNSCC was investigated. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression and cell viability were analyzed in vitro after administration of a GFP-expressing plasmid or cationically modified GFP-expressing plasmid with LISW application. Luciferase expression in xenograft tumors was also quantitatively analyzed in vivo. The GFP gene was successfully transfected into HNSCC cells in vitro by LISW application. The cationically modified plasmid demonstrated enhanced transfection efficiency. LISWs are not associated with adverse effects after application to cells in vitro. The reporter genes were also successfully transfected into HNSCC tumors in vivo by LISW application. This technique is site specific, safe, and easily applicable for practical purposes. LISW gene therapy with therapeutic factors that inhibit tumor growth therefore has the potential as a future treatment for HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introduction of ‘appropriate’ steric hindrance into 2-(2′-hydroxyphenyl)benzimidazole, the obtained compound forms polymorphic crystals based on either intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bonding, which respectively show strong ESIPT luminescence (ON state; Φ = 0.74) and practically no luminescence (OFF state; Φ = 0.007). Further, the luminescence can be switched off and on by heating and grinding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis Vocal cord scar formation and laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) are challenging problems for otolaryngologists. Sendai virus (SeV) vectors have been shown to transduce airway epithelium efficiently, and are thus ideal for modulating airway wound-healing therapy. To assess the potential utility of SeV gene therapy for laryngotracheal diseases, we established a novel LTS model and examined the transduction efficiency of SeV vectors in normal and LTS model tissue. Study Design Basic science. Methods Fusion (F) gene-deleted, nontransmissible SeV vectors were used. First, the route dependency and transduction efficiency of SeV vectors for normal mucosa in the larynx were examined. Next, the novel LTS rat model was established and evaluated. Finally, the transduction efficiency of SeV vectors in injured mucosa of the LTS model was evaluated. Results Simple spray delivery of the SeV vector resulted in significant and persistent expression of the reporter gene in normal laryngotracheal epithelium. Transgenic SeV-mediated expression was maximal at 3 days, decreased over time, but remained detectable for 14 days after administration. No serious side effects were observed in the larynx or trachea. The model achieved an average of 60% tracheal stenosis in the cross-sectional area. Efficient SeV-mediated transgene expression was observed in the injured mucosa at the levels of the trachea, cricoid cartilage, and vocal cord. Conclusion A novel animal model for LTS was established. We successfully demonstrated SeV-mediated transgene expression in normal tissue and in the injured mucosa of the LTS model. SeV might be a promising strategy for gene therapy in laryngotracheal diseases. Level of Evidence N/A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of virtual reality simulation (VRS) is a new teaching modality in dentistry, and there is scope for further research evaluating its use under different educational programs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how VRS with or without instructor feedback influenced students' learning and skills related to porcelain fused to metal (PFM) crown prepara-tion. In this study, forty-three dental students in their fifth year of study at Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan, were randomly divided into three groups: the first group used VRS (DentSim) with the instructor's feedback (DSF) (n=l 5), the second group used VRS without the instructor's feedback (DS) (n=15), and the third group neither used features of VRS (NDS) (n=13) nor received the instructor's feedback. All the students performed PFM crown preparation under the same setup once a week for four weeks. Total scores, preparation time, and twelve evaluation items were compared among the three groups and four experiments. The total scores of students in the DSF and DS groups were significantly higher than those in the NDS group. The presence of the instructor did not result in significant difference when VRS was used for training, while it shortened the prepara-tion time at early stages. The results of this study suggested that the use of the VRS system improved student training for PFM crown preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fatty acid methyl ester sulfonate (MES), an anionic surfactant suitable as a laundry detergent, is produced commercially by the direct sulfonation of fatty acid methyl ester (ME) with SO. However, intense coloration occurs during the sulfonation process. The sulfonation of ME was performed through the addition of SO (SO/ME molar ratio = 0.8-1.2) for 1-4 h and subsequent aging for 1 h at 80 °C. Even when the amount of unsaturated bonds in ME was reduced to give an iodine value (IV) of less than 0.01, coloration occurred during the sulfonation, making the unbleached product unsuitable for commercial use. The formation of olefinic units and SO was observed during the reaction, and the color of the reaction mixture was strongly correlated with their amounts. Further analysis confirmed that equimolar amounts of the olefinic unit and SO were formed, and the rate profiles of the formation of MES and SO agreed well with each other. From these observations, we concluded that the coloration of the reaction mixture was caused by oxidation of the alkyl chain with SO during the liberation of SO from the 1:2 adduct of ME and SO, a key intermediate in the sulfonation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of the Study: The present study aimed to compare the voice quality after each type of cordectomy with that after radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for early glottic carcinoma. Procedures: The GRBAS perceptive scale [consisting of 5 domains: grade (G), roughness (R), breathiness (B), asthenia (A), and strain (S)], aerodynamic tests and acoustic analyses, and the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire were evaluated for 58 laser cordectomy cases and 40 RT or CRT cases. Multiple comparison tests were conducted between each type of cordectomy and RT or CRT. Results: No statistical difference was found between type I/II cordectomy and RT for T1 glottic carcinoma (T1RT), whereas T1RT showed a significantly better outcome than type III cordectomy (G score: p = 0.016, maximum phonation time: p < 0.01, mean flow rate: p < 0.01). Type IV cordectomy was equivalent to RT or CRT for T2 glottic carcinoma (T2RT/CRT), while types V and VI showed a worse voice quality than T2RT/CRT (G score: p = 0.038 to type VI, B score: p = 0.025 to type V and p = 0.032 to type VI, A score: p = 0.017 to type VI). Conclusions: Voice quality after laser cordectomy differs according to the type of cordectomy. Surgeons should inform patients about the expected voice quality after each treatment modality. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conclusion: This is the first report on human sentinel node (SN) detection by interstitial magnetic resonance (MR) lymphography with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) in tongue cancer patients who also underwent lymphoscintigraphy. Our results indicate that further studies are warranted, as this novel method may replace current scintigraphic techniques. Objectives: To examine the feasibility of interstitial MR lymphography using SPIO for SN detection in the head and neck region. Methods: MR images were acquired sequentially at 10 min, 30 rain, and 24 h after submucosally injecting 0.1 ml SPIO (ferucarbotran) around the tumor in three patients with tongue cancer without cervical lymph node metastasis (clinical T2NOM0). Results: The SNs were clearly visualized in the 10 min interstitial MR lymphography images and were complete concordant with those visualized by 99mTc-radiocolloid lymphoscintigraphy and a gamma probe in all cases. Iron incorporation into the SNs was confirmed by pathological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To comparatively assess two techniques, radiocolloid SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy and interstitial MR lymphography using SPIO and gadoxetate disodium, in animal models. Materials and methods: We used twenty one 8-week-old male nude mice of strain BALB/c Slc-nu/nu, weighing 23-27 g. The 4.7-T MRI equipment was used to detect the SNs. T2*WI of gradient-echo sequences was acquired sequentially up to 24 h after administering SPIO, ferucarbotran. T1WI was acquired sequentially up to 80 min after administering gadoxetate disodium. Tc-phytate SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy was taken at 30 min after the injection to detect the SNs using animal-dedicated whole-body SPECT/CT hybrid scanner. The injection was submucosally performed in the right tongue margin of each mouse. Reading performances concerning SN visualization and its quality on interstitial MR lymphogram and SPECT/CT lymphoscintigram were performed by 3 radiologists. Results: The SN intensities were 0.43 for the right, 0.61 for the left at 30 min after ferucarbotran injection, with gradual decrease in intensity, and 1.43 for the right, 1.33 for the left at 10 min after gadoxetate disodium injection with a fast decrease in intensity. The base value of 1.0 was at pre-examination. The mean numbers of lymph nodes visualized were 4.00 nodes for on SPECT/CT lymphoscintigram and 2.0 for interstitial MR lymphogram. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores between SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy and interstitial MR lymphography (two factor mixed design with repeated measures on one factor: p < 0.0002). Conclusions: In our comparative study using mice, the results of radiocolloid SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy were superior to those of interstitial MR lymphography, while both SPIO and gadoxetate disodium have a potential of being employed for sentinel node navigation surgery by interstitial MR lymphography in the head and neck region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, several transoral approaches for minimally invasive surgery have been developed for oropharyngeal cancer. However, all approaches have certain disadvantages. Therefore, we built and examined new surgical environments for improving the situation. Methods Endoscopic transoral resection using a pharyngeal retractor or distending laryngoscope, rigid videoendoscope, and laparoscopic surgical instruments was performed in 17 patients with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Postoperative results regarding oncology and function as well as complications were documented. Results The 2-year relapse-free survival rate was 100%. Postoperative swallowing and speech function were satisfactory: 94.1% of cases scored ≤1 on the functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) and ≤1 on the communication score. Further, no perioperative mortality occurred. Conclusions The improved surgical environment made it possible to perform a safe and reliable en bloc resection with a wide field of view and sufficient working space. Our system can be useful, although further studies on additional cases are required. Head Neck, 2010 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives/Hypothesis: Our goal was to develop a noninvasive, dynamic imaging method that would further the understanding of head and neck cancer (HNC) tumor growth and local spreading. We developed a novel orthotopic mouse model of HNC with a stable cell line expressing a red fluorescent protein gene to compare a molecular imaging tumor quantification with traditional caliper measurement.Methods: An HNC-tdT stable cell line expressing the tdTomato gene was established, which were injected into the floor of the mouth of nude mice. Tumor growth was constantly monitored using molecularimaging for up to 35 days. The tumors were further evaluated by histologic examination. Results: Established tumors consistently expressed fluorescent signals that were successfully imaged by molecular imaging during the study. Initial tumor development was detected earlier than caliper measurement would allow. The fluorescent signal quantities of tumors detected by the imaging correlated with the tumor sizes measured by calipers.Conclusions: This novel animal model represents an orthotopic human HNC model. The tumor can be detected earlier with molecular imaging thanby conventional external caliper measurement. Unlike surgical measurement, the tumor can be quantified without disturbing the tumor environment. This model has significant potential for HNC oncologic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]