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Background Chondrosarcomas are rare, malignant chondroid tumors that can occur in the sinonasal and skull base regions. Surgery is a mainstay of treatment, but complete resection can be challenging because of the close proximity of critical neurovascular structures. Because of their rarity and relatively indolent nature, optimal treatment regimens are not established. Our objective was to assess determinants of survival for sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcomas utilizing the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Methods The NCDB (2004-2017) was queried for cases of sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcoma. Multivariate hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant predictors of 60-month and 120-month overall survival (OS). Results Seven hundred thirty-six cases met inclusion criteria. OS for all treatment types was 84.7% [SE±0.02] at 60 months and 75.6% [SE±0.02] at 120 months. Surgery with or without adjuvant treatment was found to associate with highest OS at 60 and 120 months. For patients receiving adjuvant radiation during treatment, proton therapy had significantly better OS at 60 months (95.4% [SE±0.03] vs 82.3% [SE±0.03], -2 = 5.27; p = 0.02) and 120 months (85.1% [SE±0.08] vs 72.8% [SE±0.05], -2 = 4.11; p = 0.04) compared with conventional external beam. After adjustment for primary site, multivariate Cox regression modeling (n = 561) identified cofactors significantly associated with variation in mortality risk at 60 and 120 months, including age, Charlson-Deyo total score ≥ 3, insurance provision status, and tumor grade. Conclusions Sinonasal and skull base chondrosarcoma are primarily treated with surgery with favorable OS. Adjuvant treatment may be required and proton radiation was associated with improved 60-month and 120-month survival compared with conventional radiation.

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) have an increased risk of new malignancies. However, limited data have been published about the impact of CLL treatment on this risk. Here we followed a Danish population-based cohort of CLL patients for risks of new malignancies. Patients in the Danish CLL registry (2008–2017) were included. Up to 50 CLL-free matched comparators were identified. First-line treatment was categorized into four groups; bendamustine, chlorambucil, fludarabine or other. Patients were followed from CLL diagnosis for individual types of malignancy. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for new malignancies and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Overall, 4286 CLL patients and 214 150 controls developed 594 and 20 565 new malignancies respectively. Risk of new malignancies was increased for CLL patients. Chemotherapy treatment was registered for 1064 (25%) patients with CLL. Chemotherapy was associated with increased HR (1·51, 95% CI: 1·3–1·8) of any new malignancy. Specifically, fludarabine was associated with an increased risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) (HR 4·93, 95% CI: 1·2–19·8). Patients with CLL are at increased risk of other haematological and solid malignancies compared to the general population. Chemotherapy exposure is associated with increased risk of second malignancies and fludarabine is associated with increased risk of MDS.

Sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SNSCC) is a rare malignancy that poses management challenges. Although surgery and chemoradiation therapy (CRT) remain therapeutic mainstays, induction chemotherapy (IC) has emerged as a useful adjunct with locally advanced disease. This study used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to examine treatment outcomes for patients diagnosed with SNSCC.The NCDB (2004-2015) was queried for cases with SNSCC. Multivariate hazard regression modeling was used to identify significant predictors of 24-month and 60-month overall survival (OS) including treatment modality.A total of 3516 patients with SNSCC met inclusion criteria, including 1750 patients (49.8%) treated with surgery ± adjuvant therapy, 1352 (38.5%) treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT) or CRT, 300 (8.5%) who underwent IC followed by definitive CRT, and 114 (3.2%) who received IC followed by surgery and adjuvant therapy. Hazard modeling for confirmed treatment modality significantly associated (p0.001) with OS after adjustment. Patients who received surgical intervention ± adjuvant therapy had lower 24-month and 60-month mortality risk compared to definitive RT or CRT (hazard ratio [HR] ≥ 1.97; p0.001) or IC followed by definitive CRT (HR ≥ 1.73; p0.001). Compared to primary surgery ± adjuvant therapy, patients undergoing IC then surgery had similar 24-month and 60-month OS (p ≥ 0.672) after adjustment.Multimodality therapy, including surgical intervention, associates with improved OS after multifactorial adjustments. IC followed by surgery associated with improved OS compared to IC, followed by CRT and CRT alone. Study results highlight the utility of surgery toward optimizing OS in patients with SNSCC and demonstrates the potential utility of IC when primary surgical management is not preferred.

Sympatric species can minimise interspecific competition by spatial avoidance or by altering their temporal activity to reduce encounter rates. The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), the largest carnivorous marsupial, coexists with the smaller spotted‐tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) in Tasmania, Australia. Quolls may be susceptible to interspecific competition from devils, because they utilise similar habitats, consume similar prey species and are displaced by devils at food sources. Such competition might cause quolls to spatially or temporally avoid devils. To investigate whether spatial or temporal avoidance occurred, we deployed GPS collars on sympatric devils and quolls and conducted a camera survey at a site in northwest Tasmania where the devil population was not affected by devil facial tumour disease. GPS tracking coincided with the lactation period when devils and quolls had young in dens and continued until weaning occurred. We found little spatial segregation of home range and core area placement between devils and quolls and among devils. Quolls showed more spatial segregation within the sexes than between them. Devils had larger home ranges than quolls. Male devils had larger home ranges than females, but there was no difference in home range size between the sexes of quolls. Females of both species travelled significantly further per night than did males. There was moderate temporal partitioning between the two species: devil activity peaked after dusk and devils remained active until the early morning, while quoll activity showed distinct peaks around dusk and dawn. In conclusion, quolls did not spatially avoid devils but moderate temporal partitioning occurred. It is plausible that quolls are active at different times of the diel cycle to reduce encountering devils, but further studies are needed to resolve the cause of this temporal partitioning.

Sandhill Cranes Antigone canadensis exhibit delayed sexual maturity and breeding, and therefore juvenile Cranes searching for suitable territories to occupy have different ecological constraints on movements than adults, which must defend a territory and raise young. We used fine‐scale GPS telemetry data to characterize and compare movements of adult and juvenile Cranes near the boundary between two populations in Minnesota, USA, from arrival on natal areas in the spring until staging prior to autumn migration. Juvenile and adult Cranes had marked differences in movement patterns throughout the breeding season. Juveniles were more likely than adults to display long‐distance movements: they revisited areas less frequently throughout the breeding season and they had lower average residence times.

American woodcock Scolopax minor (hereafter woodcock) migration ecology is poorly understood, but has implications for population ecology and management, especially related to harvest. To describe woodcock migration patterns and phenology, we captured and equipped 73 woodcock with satellite tracking devices in the Central Management Region (analogous to the Mississippi Flyway) of North America and documented migration paths of 60 individual woodcock and 87 autumn or spring woodcock migrations during 2014–2016. Woodcock migration at the scale of the Central Management Region was more synchronous in spring than in autumn, but unlike most other migratory birds, average duration of autumn migration (31 days) was shorter than duration of spring migration (53 days). This difference in migration duration resulted from woodcock making more close-together migratory stopovers during spring migration, not because woodcock had individual stopovers of longer duration. During autumn migration, the number of days, the number of stopovers, migration end date and net migration displacement were negatively related to initiation date and rate of migration, and the number of stopovers and the net migration displacement were negatively related with migration end date. Spring migration duration, end date, the number of stopovers and net migration displacement were negatively related to migration rate and initiation date was positively related to migration rate, suggesting that woodcock that initiated spring migration later had faster migration rates. Juvenile female woodcock began spring migration later than adult female woodcock. Our results provide a basis for comparing current harvest seasons with presence of migrating woodcock during autumn and provide insight into differential harvest of migratory versus local woodcock on breeding areas.

Using empirical location data from individuals to model habitat quality and species distributions is valuable towards understanding habitat use of wildlife, especially for conservation and management planning. Incorporating measures of reproductive success or survival into these models helps address the role of vital rates (a surrogate of fitness) in affecting a species' distribution. We used 24-year datasets of Arctic peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus tundrius nest-site locations and productivity from the Colville River Special Area, Alaska, USA to model suitability of breeding habitat and the relative quality of used and potential nest sites. We used zero-inflated negative binomial regression models and covariates describing nest-site productivity, area of surrounding prey habitat, geology, topography and land-cover type to model and predict intensity of Arctic peregrine falcon nest-site use along the Colville River, and developed a predictive map of intensity of nest-site use. Regions of higher predicted intensity of use were characterized by steeper slopes, greater area of prey habitat, and higher average productivity, which are likely attributed to minimizing predation risk, gaining advantages for hunting, having sufficient prey resources, site quality, and overall fitness. Including productivity in intensity of nest-site use models improved the models, supporting our supposition that adding a fitness parameter enhanced the predictive capability of the species distribution model. Areas predicted to have higher intensity of use by our model can be used to focus efforts of continued protection of areas with frequently occupied and productive nest sites, and conversely, identify areas where protection of nest sites is likely to have few conservation benefits.

Objective To determine if an extended perioperative course of corticosteroids will improve pain control following transoral robotic surgery (TORS). Study Design Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Methods Patients undergoing TORS for initial treatment of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma received a single intraoperative dose of 10-mg dexamethasone and then were randomized to receive 8-mg dexamethasone every 8 hours, or placebo, for up to 4 days after surgery. Pain, measured by visual analog scale (VAS), was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included length of stay, dysphagia assessments, and complications. Results VAS pain scores were similar between steroid and placebo cohorts on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 7 through 21, although they significantly improved in the steroid cohort on POD 3. The steroid cohort also demonstrated a decreased hospital length of stay (median 1 day) and improvement in diet consistency, as measured by the performance status scale on POD 7 through 21. There was no difference in complications between the steroid and placebo cohorts. Conclusion Extended perioperative corticosteroids after TORS is safe and may allow earlier improvement in diet consistency and decreased length of hospital stay, although postoperative pain appears minimally affected. Level of Evidence 1b. Laryngoscope, 127:2558–2564, 2017

Background The utilization of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in patients with trismus is limited because of poor surgical exposure. Methods This report is about a 46-year-old man with a recurrent right base of tongue cancer who had severe postradiation trismus. We performed a midline mandibular osteotomy without a lip split and this resulted in a markedly improved surgical exposure. He underwent a TORS resection of the right base of the tongue with no significant complications. Results The midline mandibular osteotomy significantly improved the surgical exposure and facilitated exposure for TORS in a patient who otherwise would not be able to undergo TORS. Conclusion Utilization of a midline mandibular osteotomy allowed for increased exposure for TORS in a patient with limited mouth opening from postradiation trismus. Postoperative hemorrhage remains a significant concern and appropriate measures to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of this should be considered.

The Eastern Population (EP) of greater sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis tabida; cranes) is expanding in size and geographic range. Little information exists regarding the geographic extent of breeding, migration, and wintering ranges, migration chronology, or use of staging areas for cranes in the EP. To obtain these data, we attached solar global positioning system (GPS) platform transmitting terminals (PTTs) to 42 sandhill cranes and monitored daily locations from December 2009 through August 2014. On average, tagged cranes settled in summer areas during late-March in Minnesota (7%), Wisconsin (29%), Michigan, USA (21%), and Ontario, Canada (38%) and arrived at their winter terminus beginning mid-December in Indiana (15%), Kentucky (3%), Tennessee (45%), Georgia (5%), and Florida (32%). Cranes initiated spring migration beginning mid-February to their respective summer areas on routes similar to those used during fall migration. Twenty-five marked cranes returned to the same summer area after a second spring migration, of which 19 (76%) settled

Immune checkpoint inhibitors have demonstrated activity in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer, but less is known regarding their long-term sequelae. We describe four patients who, after complete responses to anti-PD-1 therapy, developed complications requiring surgical intervention. Patient 1 is a 57-year-old female whose marked tumor regression exposed some mandibular hardware. Patient 2 is a 39-year-old male who developed an ulcerated buccal lesion with exposed mandible. Patient 3 is a 66-year-old male with craniofacial osteoradionecrosis. Patient 4 is a 71-year-old male who developed an exposed and fractured mandible. All patients successfully underwent surgical intervention and remain disease free. Laryngoscope, 129:E428-E433, 2019.

This paper analyses gender differences in vulnerability and resilience to shocks, including climate change and climate variability, for Peru, Brazil and Mexico, which together account for more than half the population in Latin America. Vulnerability and resilience indicators are measured by a combination of the level of household incomes per capita and the degree of diversification of these incomes. Thus, households which simultaneously have incomes which are below the national poverty line and which are poorly diversified (Diversification Index below 0.5) are classified as highly vulnerable, whereas households which have highly diversified incomes above the poverty line are classified as highly resilient. The analysis shows that female headed households in all three countries tend to be less vulnerable and more resilient than male headed households, despite the fact that the former usually have lower education levels. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Background Surgical access to metastases in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLNs) could be difficult. Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) can be utilized to access RPLNs. The purpose of this study was to describe a TORS approach to RPLN dissection. Methods A case series of patients undergoing RPLN dissection by TORS was conducted and compared to matched controls (1:2). Results Twelve patients underwent robotic RPLN dissection. Median age was 63 years (range, 43–73 years). Pathology was oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in 9 patients and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in 3 patients. The feeding tube dependence duration was 12 days (range, 1–46 days) on average. Complications occurred in 8 patients (66%); most commonly, aspiration pneumonitis in 6 patients. In comparison to the matched controls (24), there was no difference in length of stay or feeding tube dependence. Complications were higher in patients with oropharyngeal SCC. Conclusion TORS is feasible for accessing RPLNs. The procedure is well tolerated in patients with PTC; whereas patients with oropharyngeal SCC are at increased risk of complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2015

Background Rheumatoid nodules are a common manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis but buccal rheumatoid nodules are extremely rare. The purpose of this study was to report a rare case of a rheumatoid buccal nodule and a review of the literature. Methods and Results This case is about a 79-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis who was taking methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, presenting with an enlarging left buccal submucosal mass. An incisional biopsy showed features consistent with that of a rheumatoid nodule. The mass was managed expectantly and the patient was taken off methotrexate with a marked reduction in the size of the nodule. Conclusion Submucosal rheumatoid nodules of the oral cavity are an extremely rare manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis but should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with a history of rheumatoid arthritis presenting with submucosal masses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Head Neck 2016

For migratory songbirds, breeding-grounds conservation and management plans are generally focused on habitat associated with locations of singing males and sometimes nesting females. However, habitat structure is often different in areas used for raising fledglings compared with areas used for song territories, and very little is known about habitat use by fledglings after independence from adult care. From 2010 to 2012, we used radiotelemetry to monitor 68 fledgling golden-winged warblers Vermivora chrysoptera after independence from adult care in mixed managed forests of Minnesota, US and Manitoba, Canada. This species is of high conservation concern in the US, is listed as threatened in Canada and is listed as near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. We assessed distance and orientation of independent fledgling movements and we used compositional analysis to test for selection among cover types. Fledglings of this species, commonly described as a shrubland specialist, selected mature forest (78% of locations) over all other cover types, and foraged in forest canopy and understory in mixed-species flocks. Fledgling golden-winged warbler movements were apparently associated with habitat optimization (although prioritizing foraging over predator avoidance), and likely not with commencement of migration, or scouting future breeding territories. Ten days after independence, fledglings were an average of 1238 m north of their nest, which may be related to homing-target formation and the species' northward range expansion. We conclude that consideration for independent fledgling habitat associations is necessary for developing full-fledged forest management plans on the breeding grounds of migratory songbirds.

Background Nasopharyngeal angiofibromas are typically considered benign vascular neoplasms, with descriptions of high-grade sarcomatous change found only in lesions with prior radiotherapy. Methods and Results We describe the first reported case of high-grade malignant change in a nasopharyngeal angiofibroma naive to radiation. A 45-year-old man presented with left-sided nasal congestion and fullness and was found to have a left-sided nasopharyngeal mass with intracranial extension on CT scan. A biopsy of the mass revealed nasopharyngeal angiofibroma. The patient opted for MRI surveillance, which revealed interval growth 3 years later. Decompression surgery revealed only angiofibroma, but resection 9 months later demonstrated high-grade sarcoma and concomitant angiofibroma. The patient had residual disease which progressed through chemoradiation, and is now pursuing clinical trial enrollment. Conclusion Malignant transformation of nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is extremely rare. As highlighted by this report, high-grade undifferentiated lesions may arise in tumors without previous radiation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2016

New Findings What is the central question of this study? Does the combination of a higher neural respiratory drive and greater dynamic mechanical ventilatory constraints during exercise in healthy women versus men form the mechanistic basis of sex differences in activity-related dyspnoea? What is the main finding and its importance? Sex differences in activity-related dyspnoea in health primarily reflected the awareness of a higher neural respiratory drive needed to achieve any given ventilation during exercise in the setting of relatively greater dynamic mechanical ventilatory constraints in women. These findings may have implications for our understanding of the mechanisms of sex differences in exertional dyspnoea in variants of health (e.g. the elderly) and in patients with cardiorespiratory disease. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of sex differences in exertional dyspnoea. We compared detailed measures of neural respiratory motor drive [diaphragmatic EMG (EMGdi) expressed as a percentage of maximal EMGdi (EMGdi%max)], breathing pattern, operating lung volumes, dynamic respiratory mechanics [tidal oesophageal (Poes,tidal%peak) and transdiaphragmatic pressure swings (Pdi,tidal%peak) expressed as a percentage of their respective peak values] and sensory intensity and unpleasantness ratings of dyspnoea during symptom-limited incremental cycle exercise in healthy young women (n = 25) and men (n = 25). The tidal volume to forced vital capacity ratio (VT%FVC), breathing frequency, EMGdi%max, Poes,tidal%peak, Pdi,tidal%peak and sensory intensity and unpleasantness ratings of dyspnoea were higher, while dynamic inspiratory capacity and inspiratory reserve volume were lower at a standardized absolute ventilation of 55 l min−1 during submaximal exercise in women versus men (all P < 0.05). In contrast, sex had no demonstrable effect on the inter-relationships between exercise-induced increases in VT%FVC, EMGdi%max and sensory intensity and unpleasantness ratings of dyspnoea. The results of this study suggest that sex differences in the intensity and unpleasantness of exertional dyspnoea in health are likely to reflect the awareness of a relatively higher neural respiratory motor drive (or EMGdi%max) needed to achieve any given ventilation during exercise in the setting of relatively greater dynamic mechanical constraints on VT expansion in women.

Despite the broad consensus that force-fledging of nestling songbirds lowers their probability of survival and therefore should be generally avoided by researchers, that presumption has not been tested. We used radiotelemetry to monitor the survival of fledglings of Ovenbirds Seiurus aurocapilla and Golden-winged Warblers Vermivora chrysoptera that we unintentionally force-fledged (i.e. nestlings left the nest in response to our research activities at typical fledging age), that fledged prematurely (i.e. nestlings left the nest earlier than typical fledging age), and that fledged independently of our activities. Force-fledged Ovenbirds experienced significantly higher survival than those that fledged independent of our activities, and prematurely fledged Ovenbirds had a similarly high survival to those that force-fledged at typical fledging age. We observed a similar, though not statistically significant, pattern in Golden-winged Warbler fledgling survival. Our results suggest that investigator-induced force-fledging of nestlings, even when deemed premature, does not necessarily result in reduced fledgling survival in these species. Instead, our results suggest that a propensity or ability to fledge in response to disturbance may be a predictor of a higher probability of fledgling survival.

We estimated fall (10 Sep–8 Nov) survival rates, cause-specific mortality rates, and determined the magnitude and sources of mortality of 1,035 radio-marked American woodcock (Scolopax minor) in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin during 2001–2004. In all 3 states, we radio-marked woodcock on paired study areas; 1 of which was open to hunting and expected to receive moderate to high hunter use and the other of which was either closed to hunting (Michigan and Minnesota) or was relatively inaccessible to hunters (Wisconsin). We used Program MARK to estimate fall survival rates, to evaluate a set of candidate models to examine the effects of hunting and several covariates (sex, age, year, state) on survival, and to examine the relationship between survival rates and kill rates due to hunting. Hunting accounted for 70% of the 86 woodcock deaths in the hunted areas, followed by predation (20%) and various other sources of mortality (10%). Woodcock deaths that occurred in the non-hunted and lightly hunted areas (n = 50) were caused by predators (46%), hunting (32%), and various other sources (22%). Based on small-sample corrected Akaike's Information Criterion values, variation in fall survival of woodcock was best explained by treatment (i.e., hunted vs. non-hunted), year, and period (pre-hunting season intervals vs. hunting season intervals). The average fall survival estimate from our best model for woodcock in the non-hunted areas (0.893, 95% CI = 0.864–0.923) was greater than the average for the hunted areas (0.820, 95% CI = 0.786–0.854 [this estimate includes data from the lightly hunted area in Wisconsin]), and the average treatment effect (i.e., greater survival rates in non-hunted areas) was 0.074 (95% CI = 0.018–0.129). The kill rate due to hunting was 0.120 (95% CI = 0.090–0.151) when data were pooled among states and years. We detected a negative relationship between hunting kill rates and survival in our hunted areas, which suggests that hunting mortality was at least partially additive during fall. Our results illustrate the influence of hunting relative to other sources of mortality in Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and indicate that managers may be able to influence fall survival rates by manipulating hunting regulations or access on public land. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.

We studied Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla and Golden-winged Warbler Vermivorachrysoptera populations in northern Minnesota, USA, to test two common assumptions instudies of songbird nest success: (1) that the condition of an empty nest on or near itsexpected fledge date is an indicator of nest fate; and (2) that the presence of a fledgling orfamily group within a territory confirms a successful nest in that territory. We monitoredthe condition of nests and used radiotelemetry to monitor juveniles through the expectedfledging date and early post-fledging period. Of nests that contained nestlings 1–2 daysbefore the expected fledge date, fates were misidentified using nest condition alone for9.5% of Ovenbird nests, but those misidentifications were made in both directions (suc-ceeded or failed), yielding only a small bias in estimated nest success. However, 20% ofGolden-winged Warbler nests were misidentified as successful using nest condition duringthe final visit interval, biasing the nest success estimate upward by 21–28% depending onthe treatment of uncertain nest fates. Fledgling Ovenbirds from 58% of nests travelledbeyond their natal territory within 24 h, rising to 98% after 5 days, and those fledglingstravelled up to 390 m from nests within 10 days of fledging. Fledgling Golden-wingedWarblers from 13% of nests travelled beyond their natal territory within 24 h, rising to85% after 5 days, and those fledglings travelled up to 510 m from nests within 10 days offledging. We conclude that nest condition and fledgling presence can be misleading indica-tors of nest fate, probably commonly biasing nest success estimates upward, and we rec-ommend that these assumptions should be tested in additional species.Keywords: fledgling, Golden-winged Warbler, Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla, telemetry,Vermivora chrysoptera.Estimates of songbird reproductive success, typi-cally limited to nest data, are used to assess habitatquality (e.g. Weinberg & Roth 1998), model pop-ulation dynamics (e.g. Podolski et al. 2007), iden-tify source and sink populations (e.g. Donovan etal. 1995), and inform conservation and manage-ment plans (e.g. Woodworth 1999). Althoughsongbird population growth may be generally moresensitive to adult annual survival and fledgling sur-vival (Donovan & Thompson 2001, Streby &Andersen 2011), population growth is also sensi-tive to variation in nest success (Donovan et al.1995), and nest success is the only directly esti-mated parameter in most studies of songbirdreproductive success (Anders et al. 1997). Manypopulation models account for re-nesting (birdsnesting again after initial failure) and estimates ofnest productivity (number of young produced persuccessful nest). All such studies require accuratefield identification of whether each monitored nestsucceeded or failed in producing young. However,observational studies of songbird nests often

Primary hepatocytes display functional and structural instability in standard monoculture systems. We have previously developed a model in which primary hepatocytes are organized in domains of empirically optimized dimensions and surrounded by murine embryonic fibroblasts (HepatoPac™). Here, we assess the long-term phenotype of freshly isolated and cryopreserved rat hepatocytes in a 96-well HepatoPac format. The viability, cell polarity (actin microfilaments, bile canaliculi), and functions (albumin, urea, Phase I/II enzymes, transporters) of fresh and cryopreserved rat hepatocytes were retained in HepatoPac at similar levels for at least 4 weeks as opposed to rapidly declining over 5 days in collagen/Matrigel™ sandwich cultures. Pulse or continuous exposure of rat HepatoPac to GW-7647, a selective agonist of PPARα, caused reproducible induction of CYP4A1 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase over 4 weeks. In conclusion, rat HepatoPac in a 96-well format can be used for chronic dosing of highly functional hepatocytes and assessment of perturbed hepatocellular pathways. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:204-212, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21469

Influenza virus encodes only 11 viral proteins but replicates in a broad range of avian and mammalian species by exploiting host cell functions. Genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) has proven to be a powerful tool for identifying the host molecules that participate in each step of virus replication. Meta-analysis of findings from genome-wide RNAi screens has shown influenza virus to be dependent on functional nodes in host cell pathways, requiring a wide variety of molecules and cellular proteins for replication. Because rapid evolution of the influenza A viruses persistently complicates the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics, a further understanding of the complex host cell pathways coopted by influenza virus for replication may provide new targets and strategies for antiviral therapy. RNAi genome screening technologies together with bioinformatics can provide the ability to rapidly identify specific host factors involved in resistance and susceptibility to influenza virus, allowing for novel disease intervention strategies.—Meliopoulos, V. A., Andersen, L. E., Birrer, K. F., Simpson, K. J., Lowenthal, J. W., Bean, A. G. D., Stambas, J., Stewart, C. R., Tompkins, S. M., van Beusechem, V. W., Fraser, I., Mhlanga, M., Barichievy, S., Smith, Q., Leake, D., Karpilow, J., Buck, A., Jona, G., Tripp, R. A. Host gene targets for novel influenza therapies elucidated by high-throughput RNA interference screens.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Open airway reconstruction is considered definitive treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS). Although most cases of LTS are not autoimmune, there are few data reported in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis. In this study, we aimed to assess outcomes of airway reconstruction in LTS patients with Wegener's compared to nonautoimmune patients. Study Design: Retrospective chart review of LTS cases managed with open airway reconstruction at an academic medical center. Methods: Patients who underwent open airway reconstruction for LTS due to Wegener's or nonautoimmune causes were identified from 1995 to 2010. Clinical, demographic, and procedural data were recorded. Fisher exact test, Mann-Whitney U test, and McNemar's test were used to test for significance. Results: A total of 53 patients were identified; eight Wegener's, 45 nonautoimmune, with median follow-up time of 8.3 and 1.8 years, respectively. Before reconstruction, there was no statistical difference between Wegener's and nonautoimmune patients with previous dilations (88% vs. 68%, P = .41) and tracheostomy dependence (50% vs. 42%, P = .72). Following reconstruction, 75% Wegener's and 36% nonautoimmune patients required further dilations (P = .05), with a decannulation rate of 75% and 58% (P = 1.0), respectively. Conclusions: Wegener's patients have an increased need for dilations after open airway reconstruction for LTS. However, these patients can be decannulated after surgery at a rate similar to patients with nonautoimmune LTS. Laryngoscope, 121:2566–2571, 2011

Background Complete esophageal stricture is a difficult problem to manage. There is limited literature to support clinical decision-making. To evaluate outcomes and efficacy, we performed a retrospective medical chart review of patients who received combined anterograde retrograde esophageal dilation (CARD) between 2002 and 2009 at our institution. Methods Fifteen patients were identified who developed a stricture requiring CARD after treatment for head and neck cancers. Outcomes were pretreatment and posttreatment diet, gastrostomy tube status, and operative complications. Results Six of 15 patients were gastrostomy tube-free at last follow-up and 11 of 15 patients were taking oral nutrition. There were 4 complications. One patient died. Two gastrostomy tube site complications occurred. One patient sustained a dental injury. Conclusion CARD offers benefit to most patients. Despite risks associated with the procedure, CARD should be considered by the clinician and patient in management of complete esophageal stricture. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011

The association between physical activity (PA) and C-reactive protein (CRP) is inconsistent, with nearly all studies using self-report measures of PA. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between objectively-measured PA and CRP in U.S. adults and children. Adults (N=2912) and children (N=1643) with valid accelerometer data and CRP data were included in the analyses. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the odds of meeting physical activity guidelines across CRP quartiles for children and among adults with low, average, and high CRP levels. For adults, after adjustments for age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), compared to those with low CRP levels, odds ratios were 0.59 (CI = 0.45–0.77) and 0.46 (CI = 0.28–0.76) for participants with average and high CRP levels, respectively. For children, after adjustments for age, gender, race, weight status, and HDL-C, compared to those in CRP quartile 1, odds ratios were 0.96 (CI = 0.5–1.84), 1.23 (CI = 0.71–2.12), and 0.79 (CI = 0.33–1.88) for participants in quartiles 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Objectively-measured PA is inversely associated with CRP in adults, with PA not related to CRP in children.

Objectives/Hypothesis: To investigate 1) whether the Provox ActiValve results in increased device-life in individuals with below average device-life, 2) whether it is cost-effective, and 3) whether it has any impact on voice-related quality of life. Study Design: Prospective study. Methods: Individuals who experienced below-average tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) life were studied. Results: Individuals with persistent below-average TEP life were enrolled in the study and underwent periodic re-evaluation. The majority (73%) experienced significant improvement as a result of use of the device. Those who continued to wear the device were followed for an average of 30.45 months (range, 14.70–43.49 months) and wore a total of 31 devices over this time. They demonstrated an average increase in device-life of more than 500%, going from an average of 1.93 months with a traditional indwelling device to 10.30 months with the ActiValve. The majority of individuals found that voicing with the ActiValve was either the same or better than with their previous indwelling TEP. Voice-related quality of life was not significantly different from that of a group of controls. Overall satisfaction with the device was high, and the majority would have chosen the ActiValve in the future. Overall, there were estimated to be cost savings to third-party payers through use of the ActiValve in this population. Conclusions: The ActiValve is effective in increasing device-life in selected patients who have failed conservative measures. Our protocol for use of the device requires individuals to meet several usage criteria before initial placement and to return for periodic monitoring.

Background There is a paucity of outcomes data for patients with lymph node metastasis from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN). Methods Patients from a tertiary care center with cutaneous SCCHN metastatic to parotid and or cervical lymph nodes were identified. Data were abstracted and analyzed using COX multivariate analysis. Results Fifty-one patients (47 men, and 4 women) with a median age of 73 years were identified. Eight patients (16%) had recurrent disease and 11 (22%) were immunosuppressed. Forty patients (71%) received adjuvant radiation therapy. Median overall survival was 23 months (range, 3–148 months). Recurrent disease was associated with higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 2.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–6.9) and radiation therapy with reduced risk (HR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.06–0.54). Conclusion Lymph node metastases from cutaneous SCCHN is associated with poor survival. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011

Quality of recently used foraging areas is likely an important predictor of fidelity to specific locations in the future. We monitored movement and habitat use of 58 adult female American woodcock Scolopax minor at three study areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, USA, during autumn 2002 and 2003, to assess the relationship between foraging habitat use decisions and environmental conditions at previously used foraging locations. We assessed whether habitat variables which related to food and weather were related to distance between locations on subsequent days of individual woodcock that choose diurnal foraging locations when they return from night-time roosting locations. We predicted that woodcock would return to foraging locations used on the previous day (i.e. shorter distances between daily foraging locations) when environmental conditions on the prior day were favourable. Woodcock generally made short (i.e. 48% < 50 m and 91% < 400 m) between-day movements, but also occasionally (∼ 7%...