101 Dothideomycetes genomes: A test case for predicting lifestyles and emergence of pathogens.

Dothideomycetes is the largest class of kingdom Fungi and comprises an incredible diversity of lifestyles, many of which have evolved multiple times. Plant pathogens represent a major ecological niche of the class Dothideomycetes and they are known to infect most major food crops and feedstocks for biomass and biofuel production. Studying the ecology and evolution of Dothideomycetes has significant implications for our fundamental understanding of fungal evolution, their adaptation to stress and host specificity, and practical implications with regard to the effects of climate change and on the food, feed, and livestock elements of the agro-economy. In this study, we present the first large-scale, whole-genome comparison of 101 Dothideomycetes introducing 55 newly sequenced species. The availability of whole-genome data produced a high-confidence phylogeny leading to reclassification of 25 organisms, provided a clearer picture of the relationships among the various families, and indicated that pathogenicity evolved multiple times within this class. We also identified gene family expansions and contractions across the Dothideomycetes phylogeny linked to ecological niches providing insights into genome evolution and adaptation across this group. Using machine-learning methods we classified fungi into lifestyle classes with >95 % accuracy and identified a small number of gene families that positively correlated with these distinctions. This can become a valuable tool for genome-based prediction of species lifestyle, especially for rarely seen and poorly studied species.

CD147 expression in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: CD147 is upregulated in multiple cancer types, but its expression in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is unknown. Our purpose was to evaluate the expression patterns of CD147 and related monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1, MCT4) to determine their correlation with survival. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with advanced stage cutaneous SCC of the head and neck who presented to a tertiary care center between 1998 and 2006 (n=50). CD147, MCT1 and MCT4 expression levels were assessed using immunofluorescence analysis of archived tumor samples and correlated with survival and clinicopathologic characteristics. RESULTS: The majority of patients (92%, n = 46) were diagnosed with stage III disease, with 46% (n = 23) having positive regional lymph node metastasis and 8% (n = 4) with distant metastasis. Primary malignancies had an overexpression of CD147 (78%; n = 35), MCT1 (23%; n = 10) and MCT4 (47%; n = 20). In addition, there was a significant relationship between the overexpression of CD147 and node positive disease (p = 0.048). Two- and five-year survival rates were 69 and 61%, respectively. There was a trend toward decreased survival in patients with overexpression of CD147 (p = 0.17), MCT1 (p = 0.11) and MCT4 (p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: CD147 may represent a biomarker or potential therapeutic target in advanced cutaneous SCC.

Use of recombinant bone morphogenetic protein 2 in free flap reconstruction for osteonecrosis of the mandible.

PURPOSE: Osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is a debilitating consequence of radiation therapy for head-and-neck malignancy. It can result in pain, bone exposure, fistula formation, and pathologic fracture. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2) has shown promise in reconstruction of bone defects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of rhBMP-2 at the union of vascularized bone and native bone improves surgical outcomes in patients with osteonecrosis of the mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients who were treated between 2006 and 2010 for osteonecrosis of the mandible. Patients requiring definitive reconstruction after failure of a course of conservative management were included. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts depending on whether rhBMP-2 was used during the reconstruction. The primary outcome measure was defined as stable mandibular union. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included. The development of malunion was similar in both groups (13% for rhBMP-2 group vs 11% for non-rhBMP-2 group). Infectious complications were similar between the groups (25% in rhBMP-2 group vs 56% in non-rhBMP-2 group, P = .33). The rates of hardware removal were similar for the 2 groups (33% in non-rhBMP-2 group vs 25% in rhBMP-2 group, P = .10). No cancer recurrences were observed in patients receiving rhBMP-2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of rhBMP-2 is safe in free flap reconstruction of the mandible, but its ability to significantly improve patient outcomes, as measured by rates of malunion, reoperation, or infection, is still unknown.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Recurrent Tumors of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract (RECUT): An International Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is an emerging minimally invasive surgical treatment for residual, recurrent, and new primary head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields, with limited evidence for its oncological effectiveness. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study of consecutive cases performed in 16 high-volume international centers before August 2018 was conducted (registered at clinicaltrials.gov [NCT04673929] as the RECUT study). Overall survival (OS), disease-free survival, disease-specific survivals (DSS), and local control (LC) were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, with subgroups compared using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards modeling for multivariable analysis. Maximally selected rank statistics determined the cut point for closest surgical resection margin based on LC. RESULTS: Data for 278 eligible patients were analyzed, with median follow-up of 38.5 months. Two-year and 5-year outcomes were 69.0% and 62.2% for LC, 71.8% and 49.8% for OS, 47.2% and 35.7% for disease-free survival, and 78.7% and 59.1% for disease-specific survivals. The most discriminating margin cut point was 1.0 mm; the 2-year LC was 80.9% above and 54.2% below or equal to 1.0 mm. Increasing age, current smoking, primary tumor classification, and narrow surgical margins (≤1.0 mm) were statistically significantly associated with lower OS. Hemorrhage with return to theater was seen in 8.1% (n = 22 of 272), and 30-day mortality was 1.8% (n = 5 of 272). At 1 year, 10.8% (n = 21 of 195) used tracheostomies, 33.8% (n = 66 of 195) used gastrostomies, and 66.3% (n = 53 of 80) had maintained or improved normalcy of diet scores. CONCLUSIONS: Data from international centers show TORS to treat head and neck cancers in previously irradiated fields yields favorable outcomes for LC and survival. Where feasible, TORS should be considered the preferred surgical treatment in the salvage setting.

Robotic-Assisted Tubular Transoral Parapharyngeal Approach to the Ventral Craniovertebral Junction.

BACKGROUND: Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has become a routine technique for treating benign and malignant lesions of the oropharynx with the advantage of reducing morbidity compared to open surgical techniques. However, TORS has not been used routinely for accessing lesions of the spine. OBJECTIVE: To describe how TORS can be used to access spinal lesions. METHODS: We describe our technique of accessing the parapharyngeal space using the robotic technique, and then dissecting the prevertebral muscles to expose the ventral craniovertebral junction. Tubular retraction with endoscopic visualization is then employed for surgical resection. We then report a case of a 14-yr-old competitive athlete who presented with an osseous lesion of C1, which underwent resection using this novel TORS approach. RESULTS: Our patient underwent successful resection of a lateral C1 osteoid osteoma utilizing a combined TORS/endoscopic approach. She tolerated soft diet immediately and was discharged on postoperative day 2. Postoperative imaging revealed complete resection of the lesion, and she returned to competitive athletics within 6 wk. CONCLUSION: Utilizing this novel, robotic-assisted approach can definitively treat osseous cervical spine lesions while reducing morbidity, allowing for early return to normal diet and minimizing overall length of hospital stay.

History and heroes: the thermal niche of fishes and long-term lake ice dynamics.

These perspectives on climate change come largely from two views, i.e. that of a fish and fisheries ecologist with an autecological interest and that of a limnologist interested in long-term dynamics and change. Ideas about the thermal niche evolved from the late F. E. J. Fry's (University of Toronto) paradigm of fish response to environmental factors and the late G. Evelyn Hutchinson's (Yale University) formalization of the niche concept. In contrast, ideas about climatic change and variability have been shaped by long-term observation records from lakes around the northern hemisphere. The history of each set of ideas, i.e. the thermal niche of fishes and learning from nature's long-term dynamics, is briefly reviewed in the context of climatic change.

Transoral robotic parapharyngeal approach to the submandibular space.

The aim of the study was to demonstrate a novel transoral parapharyngeal approach to the submandibular space. The method used was the clinical case of a patient presenting with an anteriorly based tumor in the left submandibular space. The video shows the transoral robotic technique for access to the submandibular space through the parapharyngeal space for removal of the tumor. This approach allows for high definition visibility and complete access to structures in the submandibular space including the submandibular gland. For robotic head and neck surgeons performing lateral oropharyngectomies, the anatomy is familiar, and the technique avoids potential access issues with traditional floor of mouth incisions. Furthermore, it provides a novel technique for identification of the hypoglossal nerve for potential preservation in oropharyngeal malignancy. The transoral robotic parapharyngeal approach to the submandibular space is safe, reproducible, and avoids unnecessary cervical incisions.

A novel surgeon credentialing and quality assurance process using transoral surgery for oropharyngeal cancer in ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group Trial E3311.

PURPOSE: Understanding the role of transoral surgery in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) requires prospective, randomized multi-institutional data. Meticulous evaluation of surgeon expertise and surgical quality assurance (QA) will be critical to the validity of such trials. We describe a novel surgeon credentialing and QA process developed to support the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group E3311 (E3311) and report outcomes related to QA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: E3311 was a phase II randomized clinical trial of transoral surgery followed by low- or standard-dose, risk-adjusted post-operative therapy with stage III-IVa (AJCC 7th edition) HPV-associated OPC. In order to be credentialed to accrue to this trial, surgeons were required to demonstrate active hospital credentials and technique-specific surgical expertise with ≥20 cases of transoral resection for OPC. In addition, 10 paired operative and surgical pathology reports from the preceding 24 months were reviewed by an expert panel. Ongoing QA required <10% rate of positive margins, low oropharyngeal bleeding rates, and accrual of at least one patient per 12 months. Otherwise surgeons were placed on hold and not permitted to accrue until re-credentialed using a new series of transoral resections. RESULTS: 120 surgeons trained in transoral minimally invasive surgery applied for credentialing for E3311 and after peer-review, 87 (73%) were approved from 59 centers. During QA on E3311, positive final pathologic margins were reported in 19 (3.8%) patients. Grade III/IV and grade V oropharyngeal bleeding was reported in 29 (5.9%) and 1 (0.2%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: We provide proof of concept that a comprehensive credentialing process can support multicenter transoral head and neck surgical oncology trials, with low incidence of positive margins and *grade III/V oropharyngeal bleeding.

Behavioral thermoregulation by fishes: a new experimental approach.

Electronic equipment allows fishes, by their spatial movements, to regulate the temperature in experimental tanks. Swimming into warmer water causes the temperature of the entire tank to increase; conversely, swimming into cooler water causes the temperature to decrease. The technique may be adapted for studying simultaneous behavioral regulation of temperature and nonthermal factors.

Breathing gas mixtures different from air: an adaptation for survival under the ice of a facultative air-breathing fish.

Gaseous respiration by central mudminnows (Umbra limi), particularly their use of bubbles composed of gas mixtures other than air, may have evolved as an adaptation to the oxygen-depleted, carbon dioxide-rich water of winterkill lakes. Under simulated winterkill conditions, mudminnows frequently engulfed gaseous bubbles. Use of bubbles was not related to varying methane or nitrogen content (0 to 80 percent) when all bubbles contained 20 percent oxygen. When the oxygen content of bubbles varied (0 to 20 percent), fish visited bubbles randomly but remained longer and took fewer "breaths" at bubbles with high oxygen content. High temperature (16 degrees to 34 degrees C) and low pH (6.8 to 4.5) did not stimulate increased air-breathing when dissolved oxygen was sufficient.

The contribution of social factors to undereating in older adults with cancer.

Inadequate nutrient intake is common in cancer patients and is associated with poor outcomes. Social factors may contribute to inadequate nutrient intake, although they have not been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate social factors that may contribute to undereating in older adults with cancer. Participants included 30 patients, 17 women and 13 men, aged 70-99 years, who were diagnosed with pancreatic, colon, breast, lymphoma, skin, and head and neck cancers. Both participants and caregivers interpreted weight loss as a positive health outcome of cancer. Furthermore, some patients who had lost weight worked to keep the weight off by going on special diets. Patients and caregivers imbued certain foods with health-promoting qualities without corroborating scientific evidence. Cancer- and treatment-related alterations in self-identity due to changes in their bodies, in taste, and in the manner in which they must eat caused cancer patients to experience frustration and embarrassment, which led to reduced nutritional intake. Despite their compromised nutritional status, patients did not discuss food and eating habits with their physicians. Behaviors and attitudes of patients and caregivers may lead to negative changes in eating behaviors beyond the cancer itself or its treatment or sequelae. Many of these behaviors are potentially modifiable with appropriate education, communication, and intervention.

Functional outcomes after transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate functional outcomes following transoral robotic surgery for head and neck cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Academic hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between March 2007 and December 2008, 54 of 62 candidate patients underwent transoral robotic tumor resection. Outcomes include airway management, swallowing (MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory), and enterogastric feeding. RESULTS: Tumors were most commonly oropharynx (61%) or larynx (22%) and T1 (35%) or T2 (44%). Many received radiotherapy (22% preoperatively, 41% postoperatively) and chemotherapy (31%). Endotracheal intubation was retained (22%) for up to 48 hours, tracheostomy less frequently (9%), and all were decannulated by 14 days. Most commenced oral intake prior to discharge (69%) or within two weeks (83%). A worse postoperative Dysphagia Inventory score was associated with retained feeding tube (P=0.020), age>60 (P=0.017), higher T stage (P=0.009), laryngeal site (P=0.017), and complications (P=0.035). At a mean 12 months' follow-up, 17 percent retained a feeding tube (9.5% among primary cases). Retained feeding tube was associated with preoperative tube requirement (P=0.017), higher T stage (P=0.043), oropharyngeal/laryngeal site (P=0.034), and recurrent/second primary tumor (P=0.008). Complications including airway edema (9%), aspiration (6%), bleeding (6%), and salivary fistula (2%) were managed without major sequelae. CONCLUSION: Transoral robotic surgery provides an emerging alternative for selected primary and salvage head and neck tumors with low morbidity and acceptable functional outcomes. Patients with advanced T stage, laryngeal or oropharyngeal site, and preoperative enterogastric feeding may be at increased risk of enterogastric feeding and poor swallowing outcomes.

Anatomical-based classification for transoral lateral oropharyngectomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is proposing a classification of different transoral lateral oropharyngectomy procedures in order to ensure better definitions of post-operative results. METHODS: The classification resulted from the consensus of the different authors and was based on anatomical-surgical principles. RESULTS: The classification comprises three types of lateral oropharyngectomy: type 1 is the resection of the palatine tonsil deep to the pharyngobasilar fascia; type 2 is performed by removing the entire palatine tonsil, the palatoglossus muscle, the palatopharyngeal muscle and the superior constrictor muscle; type 3 is performed by removing the entire palatine tonsil, the palatoglossus muscle, the palatopharyngeal muscle, the superior constrictor muscle, the buccopharyngeal fascia with extension to the pterygoid muscle and parapharyngeal space fat content. Based on the extension of the dissection we can use the suffix A (soft palate), B (posterior pharyngeal wall), C (base of tongue) and D (retromolar trigone). CONCLUSION: The proposed classification introduces a simple and easy to use categorization of transoral lateral oropharyngectomies into three classes. Resection extensions are easily described using suffixes.

A Next-Generation Single-Port Robotic Surgical System for Transoral Robotic Surgery: Results From Prospective Nonrandomized Clinical Trials.

IMPORTANCE: Transoral endoscopic head and neck surgery now plays an important role in the multidisciplinary management of oropharyngeal carcinoma. Previous generations of robotic surgical systems used a multiport system with a rigid stereo-endoscope and 2 wristed instruments that facilitated transoral robotic surgery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new single-port robotic surgical system in head and neck surgery prospectively through concurrent nonrandomized clinical trials. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Two prospective clinical trials were conducted from December 16, 2016, to December 26, 2017, to assess the safety, feasibility, and performance of a flexible single-port robotic surgical system in 4 institutions, including 3 in the United States and 1 in Hong Kong. A total of 47 patients with tumors of the oropharynx were enrolled and underwent surgery. All patients were classified as having American Society of Anesthesiologists class I to III status and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status 0 to 1. An initial cohort of 7 patients underwent staging and endoscopic procedures for benign disease. The remaining 40 patients all had malignant tumors of the oropharynx. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Safety was measured by the incidence of device-related serious adverse events. Feasibility and performance were measured by the conversion rate from the use of the single-port robotic surgical system to either open surgery or the use of any other transoral technology required to complete the planned procedure. Secondary end points of swallowing function and surgical margins were also measured. RESULTS: All 47 patients (8 women and 39 men; mean [SD] age, 61 [8] years) safely underwent transoral resection with the single-port robotic surgical system without conversion to open surgery, laser surgery, or multiport robotic surgery. There were no intraoperative complications or device-related serious adverse events. Mean (SD) estimated intraoperative blood loss per procedure was 15.4 (23.9) mL; no patients received a transfusion. Two patients underwent a planned tracheotomy owing to medical comorbidity (previous chemoradiotherapy; obesity and severe sleep apnea). Two patients (4%) had grade III or IV postoperative hemorrhage, requiring a return to the operating room; however, both patients had medical comorbidities requiring the use of antithrombotic medication. The incidence of positive margins for patients with oropharyngeal malignancy was 3% (1 of 40). Within 30 days, 45 patients (96%) were eating by mouth and without the need for a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study describes the results of phase 2 clinical testing of a next-generation, robotic surgical system using a single-port architecture. The use of the device appears to be feasible, safe, and effective for transoral robotic surgery of oropharyngeal tumors. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03010813 and NCT03049280.

Assessment of bevacizumab conjugated to Cy5.5 for detection of head and neck cancer xenografts.

Optical fluorescent technology has the potential to deliver real time imaging of cancer into the operating room and the clinic. To determine the efficacy of fluorescently labeled anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody to be used as a cancer specific optical contrast agent to guide surgical resections, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of this agent to detect microscopic residual disease in a preclinical model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Using a flank murine model, mice were xenografted with SCC-1 tumor cells and injected with anti-VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) conjugated to an optically active fluorophore (Cy5.5). Tumors underwent sub-total resections and were assessed for the presence of residual disease by fluorescent stereomicroscopy. Expected positive and negative biopsies were taken according to the presence or absence of fluorescence, respectively. Histology was used to confirm the presence or absence of disease. Biopsies taken from areas of fluorescence within the wound bed (n=18) were found to be histologically malignant in all but one biopsy. Samples taken from a non-fluorescing tumor bed (n=15) were found to be histologically benign in 11 of 15. These findings correlated with a sensitivity and specificity of 80.9% and 91.7%, respectively. This data supports previous data presented by this group and supports further investigation of fluorescently labeled anti-tumor antibodies to detect disease in the surgical setting.

Pretreatment swallowing exercises improve swallow function after chemoradiation.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Swallowing dysfunction is a devastating complication of chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. We have previously demonstrated that pretreatment swallowing exercises improve posttreatment swallowing-related quality of life. This study evaluates the effect of pretreatment swallowing exercises on posttreatment swallow function as measured by videofluoroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case control. METHODS: Eighteen patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx treated at University of Alabama at Birmingham with CRT were included in the study. Nine patients received pretreatment swallowing exercises prior to CRT, and nine patients received swallowing exercises during routine posttreatment management. Approximately 3 months after completing treatment, standard videofluoroscopy examinations were conducted. Outcomes measured by the videofluoroscopy examinations included hyoid elevation, epiglottis inversion, tongue base movement, cricopharyngeal opening, and Rosenbeck aspiration score. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube use was assessed at 12 months after treatment. RESULTS: Epiglottis inversion was better maintained (P = .05) in patients receiving pretreatment swallowing therapy. The position of the tongue base during swallowing was also significantly closer to the posterior pharyngeal wall (P = .025) for patients receiving pretreatment exercises. PEG tube removal rates did not significantly differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Performing pretreatment swallowing exercises produces measurable improvements in posttreatment swallowing function in patients who undergo organ-preservation CRT for head and neck cancer. This study provides an initial foundation for the development of noninvasive, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions in this group of vulnerable patients.

Free tissue transfer to manage salvage laryngectomy defects after organ preservation failure.

OBJECTIVE: Salvage laryngectomy to treat organ preservation failures results in significantly higher local wound complications. Even in the absence of extralaryngeal disease, primary closure of laryngeal defects can result in protracted wound care problems. We hypothesize that even when sufficient mucosa is present to close the defect primarily, introduction of vascularized tissue to close the defect may improve outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Two academic tertiary care centers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing salvage surgery for laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between 2000 to 2006 were considered for this study. Patients requiring total laryngopharyngectomy or partial pharyngectomy were excluded. There were 37 patients who met study criteria: 17 patients underwent free flap reconstruction (16 radial forearm flaps and 1 rectus flap), and 20 patients underwent primary closure. The median follow-up was 12 (range, 4-60) months. Previous treatment consisted of chemoradiation for 41% of the reconstruction group and 35% of the primary closure group; the remainder were treated with primary radiation alone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pharyngocutaneous fistula, stricture, length of hospitalization, feeding tube dependence. RESULTS: The free flap reconstruction group had a lower rate of fistula (18%) compared with the primary closure group (50%). A lower rate of stricture formation (18% vs. 25%) and feeding tube dependence (23% vs. 45%) was observed in the free flap reconstruction group compared with the primary closure group. The development of a fistula in either group resulted in a prolonged hospital stay (mean, 19 vs. 7 days) and additional procedures. CONCLUSION: Planned reconstruction of salvage laryngectomy defects with vascularized tissue is associated with a lower fistula rate and may improve outcomes.

The role of ultrasonography in parathyroid surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of high-resolution ultrasonography in the preoperative evaluation of patients with hyperparathyroidism. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Three hundred seventeen patients with hyperparathyroidism who underwent preoperative assessment with ultrasonography and/or sestamibi scan and surgical treatment between October 2003 and October 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive statistics of localization imaging studies and detection of concomitant thyroid disease in patients presenting with hyperparathyroidism. RESULTS: Ultrasonography correctly localized the parathyroid adenoma(s) in 148 (69.4%) of the 229 patients with these lesions. Sestamibi scans correctly localized the parathyroid adenoma(s) in 133 (58.1%) of the 229 patients. The agreement between the 2 imaging procedures was moderate (kappa = 0.23; 95% confidence interval, 0.12-0.36). Of 317 patients with hyperparathyroidism, 96 (30.3%) had clinically significant concomitant thyroid disease requiring partial or total thyroidectomy. Histopathologic examination revealed benign thyroid disease in 80 (83.0%) of the 96 patients and thyroid carcinoma in 16 (16.6%). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is a useful tool in the preoperative evaluation of patients with hyperparathyroidism both for localization of parathyroid adenomas and for the diagnosis of concomitant thyroid disease.

Sensitivity and specificity of fluorescent immunoguided neoplasm detection in head and neck cancer xenografts.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether fluorescently labeled anti-epidermal growth factor (EGFR) antibody could be used to detect residual disease and to guide surgical resections by comparing the sensitivity and specificity of optical fluorescence imaging with the sensitivity and specificity of histopathologic evaluation. DESIGN: A preclinical model of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. SUBJECTS: Mice xenografted with SCC-1 tumor cells. INTERVENTIONS: The mice underwent systemic injection with anti-EGFR antibody (cetuximab) conjugated to an optically active fluorophore (Cy5.5). Both a subcutaneous flank model (n = 18) and an orthotopic murine model (n = 15) were used to assess for the presence of residual disease by fluorescent stereomicroscopy after subtotal resections of tumors. Histologic analysis was performed to confirm the presence or absence of disease. RESULTS: In the subcutaneous flank model, a diagnostic dose (50 microg) and therapeutic dose (250 microg) of fluorescent-labeled anti-EGFR were administered. When a diagnostic dose was given, the sensitivity was 86%, which was less than the 91% sensitivity when the higher dose was given. Tumor biopsy specimens in which disease was detected by histologic analysis but not by fluorescence (false-negative result) averaged 166 cells (range, 50-350 cells). The specificity of optical fluorescence to predict the presence of tumor in both groups was 100%. In the floor of the mouth model, we demonstrated a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 100%. False-negative results were obtained in a tumor fragment measuring less than 0.5 mm in diameter. CONCLUSION: These data support further investigation of fluorescently labeled anti-EGFR antibody to detect disease in the surgical setting.

Soft palate perforation during orotracheal intubation facilitated by the GlideScope videolaryngoscope.

We report a case in which a videolaryngoscope was used to facilitate endotracheal intubation in a patient with a large exophytic mass involving the right supraglottis. After intubation, it was noted that the soft palate had been perforated by the styletted endotracheal tube. The defect closed spontaneously postoperatively within 9 days.