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Objective: Our objective is to assess the oncologic outcomes of observation, elective neck dissection (END), and elective neck irradiation (ENI) in the neck management of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNcSCC) with parotid metastasis (P+) and to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients who received END or ENI. Methods: Patients with P+ HNcSCC were retrospectively enrolled. The impact of observation, END, and ENI on regional control (RC) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards model with presentation via hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). QoL was evaluated using the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire. Results: A total of 134 patients were included in our analysis. In the Cox model for RC, both END and ENI had decreased HRs of 0.27 (95% CI: 0.15–0.69) and 0.34 (95% CI: 0.18–0.86), respectively, in comparison with observation. In the Cox model for OS, both END (p = 0.001, HR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.10–0.72) and ENI (p = 0.006, HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.17–0.83) were superior to observation. In patients with three or more positive parotid lymph nodes, END resulted in significantly better RC (p < 0.001) and OS (p = 0.001) compared with ENI. The two groups were found to be comparable in all 12 domains of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire. Conclusion: In the neck management of P+ HNcSCC, observation is not recommended. END is the preferred option, but ENI is an alternative method without compromise to survival or QoL, except in cases with three or more metastatic parotid lymph nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives] A better method for evaluation of the degradation ability of rice straw-degrading bacteria was explored. [Methods] Ten strains of straw-degrading bacteria were used to study the relationship between the hydrolysis ring(on CMC-Na plate) , carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCase)and xylanase activity in rice straw powder as carbon source for liquid fermentation medium and the relative degradation rate of rice straw. [Results] The hydrolysis zone diameter on CMC-Na plate(D) , the ratio of hydrolysis zone to colony diameter( D/d) , the largest CMCase and xylanase activities of each day of strains were not significantly correlated with their relative degradation rate(RDR)on rice straw( P>0.05). Positive correlations were observed between the CMCase or xylanase activities accumulated for one week and RUR(P<0.05) , while the total cumulative enzyme(CMCase plus xylanase) activity in one week was significantly correlated with RDR (P<0.01). [ Conclusions] The cumulative enzyme activity of strain is better to evaluate the actual degradation effects, and this new evaluation method provides a more accurate identification of reference for the degradation ability of the straw-degrading bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare, aggressive cancer whose diagnosis and treatment depend on histological grading. However, tumor variability can lead to underestimation, affecting treatment, and patient survival., Objective: To evaluate MRI features associated with Grade III ASPS and to determine the relationship between MRI features and patient prognosis., Study Type: Retrospective analysis., Subjects: Sixty-seven patients with ASPS were included with 37 males and 30 females (M/F = 1.23) follow-up and survival analysis on 50 patients., Field Strength/sequence: A 3.0 T, T1WI-FSE, T2WI-FSE, DWI-EPI, DCE-MRI (gradient echo)., Assessment: MRI features (margin, peritumoral oedema, peritumoral enhancement, necrosis, vascular flow void signal, heterogeneous signal intensity [SI] at T1WI and T2WI, ADCmean, time-intensity curve [TIC] type, distant metastasis, and bone invasion) and histological grading were independently evaluated by three radiologists and two pathologists, with Grade III considered high-grade., Statistical Tests: The chi-square or Fisher's exact test was used to assess the correlation between MRI features and histological grading. Multivariable binary logistic regression identified independent factors associated with high-grade tumors. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards model were used to calculate hazard ratios for MRI features., Results: Tumor necrosis, heterogeneous SI at T2WI ≥50%, and ADCmean were associated with high-grade ASPS. Tumor necrosis was an independent factors associated with local relapse-free survival (odds ratio [OR], 3.88). TIC type was associated with 5-year survival rate (OR, 2.80) and local relapse-free survival (OR, 2.69). Heterogeneous SI at T2WI ≥50% was associated with 5-year survival (OR, 4.00), local relapse-free survival (OR, 5.58), and local relapse-free survival (OR, 4.84)., Data Conclusion: MRI features including tumor necrosis, heterogeneity of SI at T2WI, ADCmean, and TIC type aid in assessing ASPS grading and prognosis., Evidence Level: 4 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 5., (© 2024 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.)