Promoting quality care in cancer patients with Limited English Proficiency: Perspectives of medical interpreters

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[III. An update on drug therapy for chordoma].

[III. An update on drug therapy for chordoma].

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2016 Mar;43(3):317-21

Authors: Endo M

PMID: 27192740 [PubMed - in process]

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[II. The evidence of local treatments for malignant bone tumors in pelvis and spine].

[II. The evidence of local treatments for malignant bone tumors in pelvis and spine].

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2016 Mar;43(3):313-6

Authors: Akiyama T

PMID: 27192739 [PubMed - in process]

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[I. Management of giant cell tumor of the spine and pelvis--current perspective].

[I. Management of giant cell tumor of the spine and pelvis--current perspective].

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2016 Mar;43(3):307-12

Authors: Susa M, Horiuchi K, Morioka H

PMID: 27192738 [PubMed - in process]

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[Musculoskeletal tumor. Update therapeutic strategies for bone sarcomas of spine and pelvis].

[Musculoskeletal tumor. Update therapeutic strategies for bone sarcomas of spine and pelvis].

Gan To Kagaku Ryoho. 2016 Mar;43(3):305-6

Authors: Chuman H

PMID: 27192737 [PubMed - in process]

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Editorial Board & Aims and Scope

Publication date: April 2016
Source:Nano Today, Volume 11, Issue 2





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Brain Tumor Segmentation with Deep Neural Networks

Publication date: Available online 19 May 2016
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Mohammad Havaei, Axel Davy, David Warde-Farley, Antoine Biard, Aaron Courville, Yoshua Bengio, Chris Pal, Pierre-Marc Jodoin, Hugo Larochelle
In this paper, we present a fully automatic brain tumor segmentation method based on Deep Neural Networks (DNNs). The proposed networks are tailored to glioblastomas (both low and high grade) pictured in MR images. By their very nature, these tumors can appear anywhere in the brain and have almost any kind of shape, size, and contrast. These reasons motivate our exploration of a machine learning solution that exploits a flexible, high capacity DNN while being extremely efficient. Here, we give a description of different model choices that we've found to be necessary for obtaining competitive performance. We explore in particular different architectures based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), i.e. DNNs specifically adapted to image data.We present a novel CNN architecture which differs from those traditionally used in computer vision. Our CNN exploits both local features as well as more global contextual features simultaneously. Also, different from most traditional uses of CNNs, our networks use a final layer that is a convolutional implementation of a fully connected layer which allows a 40 fold speed up. We also describe a 2-phase training procedure that allows us to tackle difficulties related to the imbalance of tumor labels. Finally, we explore a cascade architecture in which the output of a basic CNN is treated as an additional source of information for a subsequent CNN. Results reported on the 2013 BRATS test dataset reveal that our architecture improves over the currently published state-of-the-art while being over 30 times faster.

Graphical abstract

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Selecting Radiomic Features from FDG-PET Images for Cancer Treatment Outcome Prediction

Publication date: Available online 19 May 2016
Source:Medical Image Analysis
Author(s): Chunfeng Lian, Su Ruan, Thierry Denœux, Fabrice Jardin, Pierre Vera
As a vital task in cancer therapy, accurately predicting the treatment outcome is valuable for tailoring and adapting a treatment planning. To this end, multi-sources of information (radiomics, clinical characteristics, genomic expressions, etc) gathered before and during treatment are potentially profitable. In this paper, we propose such a prediction system primarily using radiomic features (e.g., texture features) extracted from FDG-PET images. The proposed system includes a feature selection method based on Dempster-Shafer theory, a powerful tool to deal with uncertain and imprecise information. It aims to improve the prediction accuracy, and reduce the imprecision and overlaps between different classes (treatment outcomes) in a selected feature subspace. Considering that training samples are often small-sized and imbalanced in our applications, a data balancing procedure and specified prior knowledge are taken into account to improve the reliability of the selected feature subsets. Finally, the Evidential K-NN (EK-NN) classifier is used with selected features to output prediction results. Our prediction system has been evaluated by synthetic and clinical datasets, consistently showing good performance.

Graphical abstract

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Correction: Lupeol Suppresses Cisplatin-Induced Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Inhibits Local Invasion and Nodal Metastasis in an Orthotopic Nude Mouse Model.

Correction: Lupeol Suppresses Cisplatin-Induced Nuclear Factor-κB Activation in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Inhibits Local Invasion and Nodal Metastasis in an Orthotopic Nude Mouse Model.

Cancer Res. 2016 Apr 1;76(7):2052-2053

Authors:

PMID: 27197241 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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IL6 Blockade Reprograms the Lung Tumor Microenvironment to Limit the Development and Progression of K-ras-Mutant Lung Cancer.

IL6 Blockade Reprograms the Lung Tumor Microenvironment to Limit the Development and Progression of K-ras-Mutant Lung Cancer.

Cancer Res. 2016 Apr 1;

Authors: Caetano MS, Zhang H, Cumpian AM, Gong L, Unver N, Ostrin EJ, Daliri S, Chang SH, Ochoa CE, Hanash S, Behrens C, Wistuba II, Sternberg C, Kadara H, Ferreira CG, Watowich SS, Moghaddam SJ

Abstract
Activating mutations of K-ras are the most common oncogenic alterations found in lung cancer. Unfortunately, attempts to target K-ras-mutant lung tumors have thus far failed, clearly indicating the need for new approaches in patients with this molecular profile. We have previously shown NF-κB activation, release of IL6, and activation of its responsive transcription factor STAT3 in K-ras-mutant lung tumors, which was further amplified by the tumor-enhancing effect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-type airway inflammation. These findings suggest an essential role for this inflammatory pathway in K-ras-mutant lung tumorigenesis and its enhancement by COPD. Therefore, here we blocked IL6 using a monoclonal anti-IL6 antibody in a K-ras-mutant mouse model of lung cancer in the absence or presence of COPD-type airway inflammation. IL6 blockade significantly inhibited lung cancer promotion, tumor cell-intrinsic STAT3 activation, tumor cell proliferation, and angiogenesis markers. Moreover, IL6 inhibition reduced expression of protumor type 2 molecules (arginase 1, Fizz 1, Mgl, and IDO), number of M2-type macrophages and granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and protumor T-regulatory/Th17 cell responses. This was accompanied by increased expression of antitumor type 1 molecule (Nos2), and antitumor Th1/CD8 T-cell responses. Our study demonstrates that IL6 blockade not only has direct intrinsic inhibitory effect on tumor cells, but also reeducates the lung microenvironment toward an antitumor phenotype by altering the relative proportion between protumor and antitumor immune cells. This information introduces IL6 as a potential druggable target for prevention and treatment of K-ras-mutant lung tumors. Cancer Res; 1-11. ©2016 AACR.

PMID: 27197187 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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In situ tumor vaccination by combining local radiation and tumor-specific antibody or immunocytokine treatments.

In situ tumor vaccination by combining local radiation and tumor-specific antibody or immunocytokine treatments.

Cancer Res. 2016 May 6;

Authors: Morris ZS, Guy EI, Francis DM, Gressett MM, Werner LR, Carmichael L, Yang RK, Armstrong EA, Huang S, Navid F, Gillies SD, Korman AJ, Hank JA, Rakhmilevich AL, Harari PM, Sondel PM

Abstract
Interest in combining radiotherapy and immune checkpoint therapy is growing rapidly. In this study, we explored a novel combination of this type to augment anti-tumor immune responses in preclinical murine models of melanoma, neuroblastoma, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cooperative effects were observed with local radiotherapy and intratumoral injection of tumor-specific antibodies, arising in part from enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). We could improve this response by combining radiation with intratumoral injection of an IL-2-linked tumor-specific antibody (termed here an immunocytokine), resulting in complete regression of established tumors in most animals associated with a tumor-specific memory T cell response. Given the T cell response elicited by combined local radiation and intratumoral immunocytokine, we tested the potential benefit of adding this treatment to immune checkpoint blockade. In mice bearing large primary tumors or disseminated metastases, the triple-combination of intratumoral immunocytokine, radiation, and systemic anti-CTLA-4 improved primary tumor response and animal survival compared to combinations of any two of these three interventions. Taken together, our results show how combining radiation and intratumoral immunocytokine in murine tumor models can eradicate large tumors and metastases, eliciting an in situ vaccination effect that can be leveraged further by T cell checkpoint blockade, with immediate implications for clinical evaluation.

PMID: 27197149 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Endonasal (Closed) Rhinoplasty Technique: Securing Spreader Grafts With Barbed Suture.

Endonasal (Closed) Rhinoplasty Technique: Securing Spreader Grafts With Barbed Suture.

JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2016 May 19;

Authors: Bradford BD, Asher SA, Ardeshirpour F

PMID: 27197121 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Facial Nerve Reconstruction With Concurrent Masseteric Nerve Transfer and Cable Grafting.

Facial Nerve Reconstruction With Concurrent Masseteric Nerve Transfer and Cable Grafting.

JAMA Facial Plast Surg. 2016 May 19;

Authors: Owusu JA, Truong L, Kim JC

Abstract
Importance: Reconstruction of the facial nerve after radical parotidectomy is commonly performed with cable grafting, which is associated with slow recovery of nerve function and synkinesis.
Objective: To describe facial nerve reconstruction after radical parotidectomy using concurrent masseteric nerve transfer and cable grafting.
Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective medical record review at a tertiary referral hospital included 9 patients who underwent concurrent masseteric nerve transfer and cable grafting for facial nerve reconstruction performed by a single surgeon from January 1, 2014, to October 31, 2015. Final follow-up was completed on March 14, 2016.
Main Outcomes and Measures: Improvement in resting facial symmetry and oral commissure excursion and synkinesis.
Results: Nine patients (6 women; mean age, 62.6 years; age range, 51-73 years) underwent immediate facial nerve reconstruction after radical parotidectomy using concurrent cable grafting and masseteric nerve transposition. All patients had return of oral commissure motion within 2 to 7 months after surgery with good excursion and minimal synkinesis.
Conclusions and Relevance: Masseteric nerve transposition can be combined with cable grafting to improve outcomes in facial rehabilitation after radical parotidectomy.
Level of Evidence: 4.

PMID: 27197116 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Refined modelling of the short-T2 signal component and ensuing detection of glutamate and glutamine in short-TE, localised, (1) H MR spectra of human glioma measured at 3 T.

Refined modelling of the short-T2 signal component and ensuing detection of glutamate and glutamine in short-TE, localised, (1) H MR spectra of human glioma measured at 3 T.

NMR Biomed. 2016 May 16;

Authors: Gottschalk M, Troprès I, Lamalle L, Grand S, Le Bas JF, Segebarth C

Abstract
Short-TE (1) H MRS has great potential for brain cancer diagnostics. A major difficulty in the analysis of the spectra is the contribution from short-T2 signal components, mainly coming from mobile lipids. This complicates the accurate estimation of the spectral parameters of the resonance lines from metabolites, so that a qualitative to semi-quantitative interpretation of the spectra dominates in practice. One solution to overcome this difficulty is to measure and estimate the short-T2 signal component and to subtract it from the total signal, thus leaving only the metabolite signals. The technique works well when applied to spectra obtained from healthy individuals, but requires some optimisation during data acquisition. In the clinical setting, time constraints hardly allow this. Here, we propose an iterative estimation of the short-T2 signal component, acquired in a single acquisition after measurement of the full spectrum. The method is based on QUEST (quantitation based on quantum estimation) and allows the refinement of the estimate of the short-T2 signal component after measurement. Thus, acquisition protocols used on healthy volunteers can also be used on patients without further optimisation. The aim is to improve metabolite detection and, ultimately, to enable the estimation of the glutamine and glutamate signals distinctly. These two metabolites are of great interest in the characterisation of brain cancer, gliomas in particular. When applied to spectra from healthy volunteers, the new algorithm yields similar results to QUEST and direct subtraction of the short-T2 signal component. With patients, up to 12 metabolites and, at least, seven can be quantified in each individual brain tumour spectrum, depending on the metabolic state of the tumour. The refinement of the short-T2 signal component significantly improves the fitting procedure and produces a separate short-T2 signal component that can be used for the analysis of mobile lipid resonances. Thus, in brain tumour spectra, distinct estimates of signals from glutamate and glutamine are possible. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 27197077 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Capecitabine and lapatinib for the first-line treatment of metastatic/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Capecitabine and lapatinib for the first-line treatment of metastatic/recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Cancer. 2016 May 19;

Authors: Weiss JM, Bagley S, Hwang WT, Bauml J, Olson JG, Cohen RB, Hayes DN, Langer C

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The combination of cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and cetuximab is a standard treatment for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck cancer, with a high rate of toxicity. Identifying less toxic, equally effective regimens is imperative. Therefore, in the current study, the authors investigated first-line treatment with an all-oral regimen of capecitabine and lapatinib.
METHODS: Patients were required to have incurable head and neck cancer of any primary site other than the nasopharynx, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 0 to 2, and no prior exposure to capecitabine or lapatinib. Subjects were treated with capecitabine at a dose of 1000 mg/m(2) twice daily and lapatinib at a dose of 1250 mg daily. Capecitabine was administered for 14 days of each 21-day cycle for 4 cycles. Lapatinib was administered daily until disease progression. The primary outcome was overall survival.
RESULTS: A total of 44 subjects were accrued between November 13, 2009 and April 29, 2014. Approximately 38.6% of the sample had an ECOG PS of 0, 52.3% had an ECOG PS of 1, and 9.1% had an ECOG PS of 2. Approximately 81.8% were male and the median age of the patients was 62 years. Prior attempts at curative treatment with chemotherapy had been used in 68.2% of patients (platinum was used in 55.8%). There was no grade 5 toxicity noted (toxicity was graded according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 3.0]). The most common adverse events were diarrhea (18.2% of patients with grade 3) and rash (13.6% of patients with grade 3). The primary objective was met; the median overall survival was 10.7 months (90% confidence interval [90% CI], 8.7-12.9 months). The overall response rate was 25% (90% CI, 15%-38%). The median progression-free survival was 4.2 months (90% CI, 3.6-5.1 months). The results were not substantially different when subdivided by p16 status. Only 2 patients were positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 by immunohistochemistry.
CONCLUSIONS: The current study met its primary objective of survival comparable to the combination of cisplatin, 5-FU and cetuximab regimen, and the toxicity of this all-oral regimen was tolerable. Cancer 2016. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

PMID: 27197056 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Phylogenetic and functional analysis of sequence variation of human papillomavirus type 31 E6 and E7 oncoproteins.

Phylogenetic and functional analysis of sequence variation of human papillomavirus type 31 E6 and E7 oncoproteins.

Infect Genet Evol. 2016 May 16;

Authors: Ferenczi A, Gyöngyösi E, Szalmás A, László B, Kónya J, Veress G

Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are the causative agents of cervical and other anogenital cancers as well as a subset of head and neck cancers. The E6 and E7 oncoproteins of HPV contribute to oncogenesis by associating with the tumour suppressor protein p53 and pRb, respectively. For HPV types 16 and 18, intratypic sequence variation was shown to have biological and clinical significance. The functional significance of sequence variation among HPV 31 variants was studied less intensively. HPV 31 variants belonging to different variant lineages were found to have differences in persistence and in the ability to cause high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. In the present study, we started to explore the functional effects of natural sequence variation of HPV 31 E6 and E7 oncoproteins. The E6 variants were tested for their effects on p53 protein stability and transcriptional activity, while the E7 variants were tested for their effects on pRb protein level and also on the transcriptional activity of E2F transcription factors. HPV 31 E7 variants displayed uniform effects on pRb stability and also on the activity of E2F transcription factors. HPV 31 E6 variants had remarkable differences in the ability to inhibit the trans-activation function of p53 but not in the ability to induce the in vivo degradation of p53. Our results indicate that natural sequence variation of the HPV 31 E6 protein may be involved in the observed differences in the oncogenic potential between HPV 31 variants.

PMID: 27197052 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Right-Sided Laryngeal Mass With Hoarseness.

Right-Sided Laryngeal Mass With Hoarseness.

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2016 May 19;

Authors: Grafmiller KT, Bryson PC

PMID: 27197038 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Regenerative therapy for vestibular disorders using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): neural differentiation of human iPSC-derived neural stem cells after in vitro transplantation into mouse vestibular epithelia.

Regenerative therapy for vestibular disorders using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): neural differentiation of human iPSC-derived neural stem cells after in vitro transplantation into mouse vestibular epithelia.

Acta Otolaryngol. 2016 May 19;:1-7

Authors: Taura A, Nakashima N, Ohnishi H, Nakagawa T, Funabiki K, Ito J, Omori K

Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Vestibular ganglion cells, which convey sense of motion from vestibular hair cells to the brainstem, are known to degenerate with aging and after vestibular neuritis. Thus, regeneration of vestibular ganglion cells is important to aid in the recovery of balance for associated disorders.
METHODS: The present study derived hNSCs from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and transplanted these cells into mouse utricle tissues. After a 7-day co-culture period, histological and electrophysiological examinations of transplanted hNSCs were performed.
RESULTS: Injected hNSC-derived cells produced elongated axon-like structures within the utricle tissue that made contact with vestibular hair cells. A proportion of hNSC-derived cells showed spontaneous firing activities, similar to those observed in cultured mouse vestibular ganglion cells. However, hNSC-derived cells around the mouse utricle persisted as immature neurons or occasionally differentiated into putative astrocytes. Moreover, electrophysiological examination showed hNSC-derived cells around utricles did not exhibit any obvious spontaneous firing activities.
CONCLUSIONS: Injected human neural stem cells (hNSCs) showed signs of morphological maturation including reconnection to denervated hair cells and partial physiological maturation, suggesting hNSC-derived cells possibly differentiated into neurons.

PMID: 27196942 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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NQO1-mediated tumor-selective lethality and radiosensitization for head and neck cancer.

NQO1-mediated tumor-selective lethality and radiosensitization for head and neck cancer.

Mol Cancer Ther. 2016 Apr 12;

Authors: Li LS, Reddy S, Lin ZH, Liu S, Park H, Chun SG, Bornmann WG, Thibodeaux J, Yan J, Chakrabarti G, Xie XJ, Sumer BD, Boothman DA, Yordy JS

Abstract
Ionizing radiation (IR) is a key therapeutic regimen for many head and neck cancers (HNCs). However, the 5-year overall survival rate for locally-advanced HNCs is ~50% and better therapeutic efficacy is needed. NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is over-expressed in many cancers, and β-lapachone (β-lap), an unique NQO1 bioactivatable drug, exploits this enzyme to release massive reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels that synergizes with IR to kill by programmed necrosis. β-Lap represents a novel therapeutic opportunity in HNC leading to tumor-selective lethality that will enhance the efficacy of ionizing radiation. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot assays were used to assess the expression levels of NQO1 in HNC cells and tumors. Forty-five percent of endogenous HNCs express elevated NQO1 levels. In addition, multiple HNC cell lines and tumors demonstrated elevated levels of NQO1 expression and activity and were tested for anticancer lethality and radiosensitization by β-lap using long-term survival assays. The combination of nontoxic β-lap doses and IR significantly enhanced NQO1-dependent tumor cell lethality, increased ROS, TUNEL positive cells, DNA damage, NAD+ and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) consumption, and resulted in significant antitumor efficacy and prolonged survival in two xenograft murine HNC models, demonstrating β-Lap radiosensitization of HNCs through a NQO1-dependent mechanism. This translational study offers a potential biomarker-driven strategy using NQO1 expression to select tumors susceptible to β-lap-induced radiosensitization.

PMID: 27196777 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Molecularly imprinted fluorescent hollow nanoparticles as sensors for rapid and efficient detection λ-cyhalothrin in environmental water

Publication date: 15 November 2016
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 85
Author(s): Jixiang Wang, Hao Qiu, Hongqiang Shen, Jianming Pan, Xiaohui Dai, Yongsheng Yan, Guoqing Pan, Börje Sellergren
Molecularly imprinted fluorescent polymers have shown great promise in biological or chemical separations and detections, due to their high stability, selectivity and sensitivity. In this work, molecularly imprinted fluorescent hollow nanoparticles, which could rapidly and efficiently detect λ-cyhalothrin (a toxic insecticide) in water samples, was reported. The molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensor showed excellent sensitivity (the limit of detection low to 10.26nM), rapid detection rate (quantitative detection of λ-cyhalothrin within 8min), regeneration ability (maintaining good fluorescence properties after 8 cycling operation) and appreciable selectivity over several structural analogs. Moreover, the fluorescent sensor was further used to detect λ-cyhalothrin in real samples form the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal Water. Despite the relatively complex components of the environmental water, the molecularly imprinted fluorescent hollow nanosensor still showed good recovery, clearly demonstrating the potential value of this smart sensor nanomaterial in environmental monitoring.



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Robust nanoplasmonic substrates for aptamer macroarrays with single-step detection of PDGF-BB

Publication date: 15 November 2016
Source:Biosensors and Bioelectronics, Volume 85
Author(s): Dong Zhu, Rui Xiang Yang, Yu-Ping Tang, Wei Li, Zhao Yi Miao, Yue Hu, Jun Chen, Sheng Yu, Juan Wang, Chen Yang Xu
An aptamer macroarray on a robust nanoplasmonic substrate with fluorescence enhancement is developed for a single-step sensitive detection of human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), a predominant cancer biomarker in cancer angiogenesis. A hybrid Au-nanoparticles-poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) as nanoplasmonic substrate is prepared via the in-situ reduction of AuCl4⁻ ions in PDMS matrixes onto 96 or 384 well plates. In the absence of target molecules, unfolded PDGF-BB aptamer conjugated with dye TAMRA is electrostatically bound to a positively charged poly-L-lysine (PLL)-coated Au nanocomposites film surface, and the fluorescence enhancement effects can be optimized by varying the distance between TAMRA and the Au nanocomposites film, which is easily adjusted by varying the thickness of the biocompatible poly-(acrylic acid) (PAA/PLL) multilayers, and thus metal-enhanced fluorescence of dye TAMRA conjugated with the aptamer is generated up to 15.2-fold. The interaction of the aptamer to its target induces the reversible conformation change of the aptamer, and consequently, the electrostatic potential is overcome by binding force. As a result, the target-binding interaction of the aptamer causes the irreversible detachment of the aptamer from the nanostructured Au film surface to decrease fluorescence of TAMRA. The aptamer macroarray provides not only the appropriate sensitivity for clinical diagnostics with a wide range of linear detection from 10pg/mL to 10μg/mL, high specificity for PDGF-BB against VEGF-165, VEGF-121, NaCl and IgG, and temporal biological stability, but also a single-step detection. We envision that the efficient and robust aptamer macroarray can be extended to the detection of other biomarkers.



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Cellular and circuit mechanisms underlying spinocerebellar ataxias

Degenerative ataxias are a common form of neurodegenerative disease that affect about 20 individuals per 100,000. The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are caused by a variety of protein coding mutations (single nucleotide changes, deletions, and expansions) and in single genes. Affected genes encode plasma membrane and intracellular ion channels, membrane receptors, protein kinases, protein phosphatases, and proteins of unknown function. Although SCA-linked genes are quite diverse they share two key features; first, they are highly, although not exclusively, expressed in cerebellar Purkinje neurons (PNs), and second, when mutated they lead ultimately to the degeneration of PNs. In this review we summarize ataxia-related changes in PN neurophysiology that have been observed in various mouse knockout lines and in transgenic models of human SCA. We also highlight emerging evidence that altered mGluR signalling and disrupted calcium homeostasis in PNs forms a common, early pathophysiological mechanism in SCAs. Together these findings indicate that aberrant calcium signalling and profound changes in PN neurophysiology precede PN cell loss and likely lead to cerebellar circuit dysfunction that explains behavioural signs of ataxia characteristic of the disease.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Diacylglycerol-mediated regulation of Aplysia bag cell neuron excitability requires protein kinase C

Abstract

Following synaptic input, the bag cell neurons of Aplysia undergo a long-term afterdischarge of action potentials to secrete egg-laying hormone and initiate reproduction. Early in the afterdischarge, phospholipase C (PLC) hydrolyzes phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate into inositol triphosphate (IP₃) and diacylglycerol (DAG). In Aplysia, little is known about the action of DAG, or any interaction with IP₃; thus, we examined the effects of a synthetic DAG analogue, 1-oleoyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol (OAG), on whole-cell voltage-clamped cultured bag cell neurons. OAG induced a large, prolonged, Ca²⁺-permeable, concentration-dependent inward current (I_OAG) that reversed at ∼-20 mV and was enhanced by intracellular IP₃. A similar current was evoked by either another DAG analogue, 1,2-dioctanoyl-sn-glycerol (DOG), or activating PLC with N-(3-trifluoromethylphenyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonamide (m-3M3FBS). I_OAG was reduced by the general cation channel blockers, Gd³⁺ or flufenamic acid. Work in other systems indicated that OAG activates channels independent of protein kinase C (PKC); however, we found pretreating bag cell neurons with any of the PKC inhibitors, bisindolylmaleimide, sphinganine, or H7, attenuated I_OAG. But, stimulating PKC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), did not evoke current or enhance I_OAG; moreover, unlike PMA, OAG failed to trigger PKC, as confirmed by an independent bioassay. Finally, OAG or m-3M3FBS depolarized cultured neurons, and while OAG did not provoke afterdischarges from bag cell neurons in the nervous system, it did double the duration of synaptically elicited afterdischarges. To our knowledge, this is the first report of obligate PKC activity for I_OAG gating. An interaction between phosphoinositol metabolites and PKC could control the cation channel to influence afterdischarge duration.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

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Early evidence for domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the Horn of Africa

Abstract

Domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus L. 1758) are one of the most valued farm animals in the world today. Chickens are widespread and economically and socially significant in Africa. Despite their importance little is known about the nature of their introduction and subsequent integration into African economies. One reason for this is the morphological similarity of domestic chickens to wild galliform birds in Africa such as Guinea fowl and francolin. Here we present direct dates and morphological evidence for domestic chickens recovered from Mezber, a pre-Aksumite (>800–450 BCE) rural farming settlement in northern Ethiopia. Key morphological markers differentiated these domestic chickens from francolins. The Mezber direct chicken element AMS dates of cal 820-595 BCE and indirect/charcoal AMS dates of cal 921-801 BCE constitute the earliest osteological evidence for chickens in Africa. Chicken bones in the domestic food waste of an early rural settlement at Mezber and their presence in later Aksumite urban contexts shows that chickens were integrated into diverse Ethiopian highland settings. The Mezber specimens predate the earliest known Egyptian chickens by at least 550 years and draw attention to early exotic faunal exchanges in the Horn of Africa during the early first millennium BCE. These findings support previous archaeological, genetics and linguistic data that suggests maritime exchange networks with South Arabia through ports along the African Red Sea coast constitute one possible early route of introduction of chickens to Africa.

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anatomicdeadspace: Multiple finger dislocations caused by a...

anatomicdeadspace:

Multiple finger dislocations caused by a fall.

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anatomicdeadspace: CT scan of an unrestrained passenger’s skull...

anatomicdeadspace:

CT scan of an unrestrained passenger's skull after a road traffic accident.

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fuckyeahforensics: Various blood stains illustrating different...

fuckyeahforensics:

Various blood stains illustrating different kinds of bloodstain patterns.

If you get a chance to take any class with John Black through Ron Smith & Associates, I highly recommend it! He's awesome!

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biomedicalephemera: Clinical shot of patient recovering from...

biomedicalephemera:

Clinical shot of patient recovering from gas gangrene

Gas gangrene is usually caused by the anaerobic bacteria Clostridium perfringens, but can be caused by any other anaerobic bacteria that infects muscle tissue. It's often fatal, as the infection and exotoxins from the bacteria quickly flood the bloodstream, in addition to breaking down the muscular tissue.

If amputation was not an option, debridement (the medical removal of dead or infected tissue) and excision was often the only treatment. Secondary infection after removal of the infected tissue was a common problem, but antibiotic use after treatment helped stave off new bacteria.

Image from Otis Archives

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mudbugcreations: Better pics of the lumbar spine mugs

mudbugcreations:

Better pics of the lumbar spine mugs

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bestof-society6: ART PRINTS BY BEDELGEUSE adore anatomical...

adore anatomical heart lungs collage by bedelgeuse


grow anatomical collage art by bedelgeuse


more than you thought anatomical collage by bedelgeuse


Blood Flowers anatomical collage by bedelgeuse


"indurare" anatomical heart collage by bedelgeuse


"heart of summer" anatomical collage art by bedelgeuse

bestof-society6:

ART PRINTS BY BEDELGEUSE

1. adore anatomical heart lungs 
   
2. grow anatomical 
   
3. more than you thought anatomical
   
4. Blood Flowers anatomical 
   
5. "indurare" anatomical heart 
   
6. "heart of summer" anatomical 
   

Also available as canvas prints, T-shirts, Phone cases, Throw pillows, Tapestries and More!

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malformalady: California-based artist Gary Farlow creates these...

malformalady:

California-based artist Gary Farlow creates these intricate anatomical glass sculptures. Farlow and his team of 10 other glassblowers at of Farlow's Scientific Glassblowing, Inc. makes these anatomically correct models out of glass and can be used to simulate blood flow, the passage of oxygen, or to teach various medical procedures and tests. A full human body model with such meticulous detail cost around $25,000.

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to-the-lost-ones: If you’ve ever watched a crime scene drama...

to-the-lost-ones:

If you've ever watched a crime scene drama like CSI, you've probably asked yourself, "Is that what really happens?" German photographer Patrik Budenz wondered the same thing, but unlike most of us, he decided to put in the time to find out.

To sate his curiosity, Budenz spent months convincing the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences in Berlin to give him full access to their facilities. For years after, he was constantly around cadavers. The results are two photo series: search for evidence (published as a book in 2011) is about forensic scientists and post mortem (published as a book this year) covers all the places dead bodies visit after death — funeral homes, crematoriums, etc.

"I wanted to confront myself with death and develop my view on the topic more fully with post mortem," says Budenz. "Instead of shooting photos from a distance [like in search for evidence] I reduced the physical and mental distance in post mortem."

While far from the only photo project on the subject, the tone and balance of Budenz's projects stand out. They convey a peaceful acceptance of mortality that can be uncomfortable at first and then calming. Part of the discomfort is due to his unwillingness to pull many punches. With full access to these various institutes of death, Budenz was witness to some shocking visuals. He's made photos of people sawing into heads, photos of people pulling brains out of bodies, photos of people smiling while they work with human body parts, and one particularly horrifying photo of a 13-year-old girl with her chest cut open.

Realizing most people would be taken aback by scenes like this, Budenz says he tries to be as sensitive but also as truthful as he can. The forensic scientists sawing open bodies to conduct investigations while smiling, for example, is a real part of a process most of us prefer not to think about. Dealing with human body parts is a serious job, but just like any job, it becomes routine over time.

"For most of these people, this becomes just a normal workplace," he says. "Like other people who work in offices, they talk about what happened the day before or what happened that evening, typical chatting. At the same time, they also have a certain sensitivity because of where they are."

So far, the reaction to the work has been positive. Some people think the photos go too far, and some people have to warm up to them, but he says "curiosity usually takes over."

In the post mortem boom, the only text he includes is an email from a woman in China who titles her message, "i really like your photos of the dead." In the message she talks about how hard it was to confront her grandfather's death, but ends by saying, "i was shaking that night when he passed away, i didn't even fall to sleep. i couldn't sleep alone for three years after he passed away. now i can sleep alone."

Budenz says he included that email because he thinks it gets right to the point of the photos. Death is hard to deal with, but with time it can become more approachable and a little easier to understand.

All photos: Patrik Budenz

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fuckyeahforensics: Petechiae on the eye of a strangulation...

fuckyeahforensics:

Petechiae on the eye of a strangulation victim.

Petechia is a small (1 - 2 mm) red or purple spot on the body, caused by a minor hemorrhage (broken capillary blood vessels).

The most common cause of petechiae is through physical trauma such as a hard bout of coughing, vomiting or crying, which can result in facial petechiae, especially around the eyes. Petechiae in this instance are harmless and usually disappear within a few days.

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backspatter: A stab wound to the heart.

backspatter:

A stab wound to the heart.

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pallormortiis: Maxilla and mandible excised for dental...

pallormortiis:

Maxilla and mandible excised for dental identification. 

The teeth are the strongest elements in the human body and survive the destructive influences of fire, exposure to the elements and postmortem changes, which is why this is a useful tool when other body identification methods are not possible.

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SNF2H interacts with XRCC1 and is involved in repair of H2O2-induced DNA damage

Publication date: Available online 19 May 2016
Source:DNA Repair
Author(s): Yoshiko Kubota, Shinji Shimizu, Shinji Yasuhira, Saburo Horiuchi
The protein XRCC1 has no inherent enzymatic activity, and is believed to function in base excision repair as a dedicated scaffold component that coordinates other DNA repair factors. Repair foci clearly represent the recruitment and accumulation of DNA repair factors at sites of damage; however, uncertainties remain regarding their organization in the context of nuclear architecture and their biological significance. Here we identified the chromatin remodeling factor SNF2H/SMARCA5 as a novel binding partner of XRCC1, with their interaction dependent on the casein kinase 2-mediated constitutive phosphorylation of XRCC1. The proficiency of repairing H2O2-induced damage was strongly impaired by SNF2H knock-down, and similar impairment was observed with knock-down of both XRCC1 and SNF2H simultaneously, suggesting their role in a common repair pathway. Most SNF2H exists in the nuclear matrix fraction, forming salt extraction-resistant foci-like structures in unchallenged nuclei. Remarkably, damage-induced formation of both PAR and XRCC1 foci depended on SNF2H, and the PAR and XRCC1 foci co-localized with the SNF2H foci. We propose a model in which a base excision repair complex containing damaged chromatin is recruited to specific locations in the nuclear matrix for repair, with this recruitment mediated by XRCC1-SNF2H interaction.



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Central nervous system relapse in patients with untreated her2-positive esophageal or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Abstract

Although HER2-positive breast cancers demonstrate a propensity for central nervous system (CNS) metastasis, it is unknown whether other HER2-positive tumors, including adenocarcinomas of the esophagus/gastroesophageal junction (EAC), share this characteristic. Insight into this association may inform the development of HER2-targeted therapies that penetrate the blood-brain barrier. We examined HER2 overexpression and gene amplification in 708 patients with EAC who underwent curative-intent surgery during a time period (1980-1997) when no patient received HER2-targeted therapy. We identified patients whose site of first cancer recurrence was CNS and those who had a CNS relapse at any time. After a median follow-up of 61.2 months, 3.4% (24/708) of patients developed CNS relapse (all involved the brain). Patients with HER2-positive (vs -negative) primary tumors showed a higher 5-year cumulative incidence of CNS relapse as first recurrence (5.8% vs 1.2%; P =.0058) and at any time (8.3% vs 2.4%; P =.0062). In a multivariable model that included covariates previously associated with HER2 or with CNS relapse in breast cancer, HER2 positivity was the only variable that was statistically significantly associated with shorter time to CNS relapse as first recurrence (P =.0026) or at any time (hazard ratio 4.3 [95% confidence interval 1.8 to 10.3]; P =.001). These are the first data in a non-breast cancer to demonstrate an association between HER2 positivity and higher CNS relapse risk after surgery, and suggest that HER2-positive EACs have a predilection for CNS metastases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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Routine sampling of internal mammary lymph nodes during microsurgical breast reconstruction—Experience based on 524 microsurgical breast reconstructions

Purpose

Exploration of the internal mammary vessels during microsurgical reconstruction presents an ideal opportunity for identifying and sampling the internal mammary lymph node (IMLN) basin.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing microsurgical breast reconstruction using the internal mammary vessels as recipient vessels was conducted from March 2000 to December 2014. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, preoperative lymph node mapping, reconstructive timing, and outcomes were studied.

Results

A total of 524 microsurgical breast reconstructions in 516 patients were performed using the internal mammary vessels. IMLNs were sampled in 53 immediate and 42 delayed breast reconstructions. Eight (seven in the immediate and one in the delayed group) of the sampled nodes were positive for cancer metastasis, for an incidence of 8.4% in identified lymph nodes. All patients with metastatic IMLNs subsequently received local-regional radiation and chemotherapy. All patients were alive, and six were disease-free at the conclusion of the study period, which had an average follow up of 67.3 months.

Conclusion

Incidentally encountered IMLNs during microsurgical breast reconstruction are frequently positive. With negligible downside and the possibility to provide additional information for treatment, the procedure should be encouraged. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Tumor regression grade in gastric cancer: Predictors and impact on outcome

Background

The clinical value and prognostic implications of histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in gastric cancer is unknown.

Methods

Tumor regression grade (TRG) was recorded in 58 gastric cancer patients identified from two institutional surgical databases. TRG 1a/b represented histologic responders (<10% viable tumor), while TRG 2/3 represented non-responders (>10% viable tumor).

Results

TRG 1a/b was recorded in 10 patients (17%), while 48 patients (83%) had a TRG 2/3 response. Larger tumor size (OR 0.24; 95%CI 0.09, 0.64; P = 0.004) and clinical downstaging (OR 30.0; 95%CI 3.26, 276; P = 0.003) were the only factors predictive of histologic response. TRG 1a/b responders had 3-year survival of 70.0% and an estimated overall survival of >69.8 months compared to 38.2% and 22.8 months in non-responders; however, this trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.535). While TRG could not predict survival (OR 2.40; 95%CI 0.46, 12.57; P = 0.300), patient age (OR 1.06; 95%CI 1.00, 1.11; P = 0.035), and the number of positive lymph nodes (≥7; OR 0.05; 95%CI 0.07, 0.27; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of survival.

Conclusions

Few gastric cancers demonstrate histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. While TRG may be a valid marker for treatment response, its predictive value and clinical application in gastric cancer remains unclear. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Assessing the impact of common bile duct resection in the surgical management of gallbladder cancer

Background

Although radical re-resection for gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been advocated, the optimal extent of re-resection remains unknown. The current study aimed to assess the impact of common bile duct (CBD) resection on survival among patients undergoing surgery for GBC.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative-intent surgery for GBC were identified using a multi-institutional cohort of patients. Multivariable Cox-proportional hazards regression was performed to identify risk factors for a poor overall survival (OS).

Results

Among the 449 patients identified, 26.9% underwent a concomitant CBD resection. The median number of lymph nodes harvested did not differ based on CBD resection (CBD, 4 [IQR: 2–9] vs. no CBD, 3 [IQR: 1–7], P = 0.108). While patients who underwent a CBD resection had a worse OS, after adjusting for potential confounders, CBD resection did not impact OS (HR = 1.40, 95%CI 0.87–2.27, P = 0.170). Rather, the presence of advanced disease (T3: HR = 3.11, 95%CI 1.22–7.96, P = 0.018; T4: HR = 7.24, 95%CI 1.70–30.85, P = 0.007) and the presence of disease at the surgical margin (HR = 2.58, 95%CI 1.26–5.31, P = 0.010) were predictive of a worse OS.

Conclusions

CBD resection did not yield a higher lymph node count and was not associated with an improved survival. Routine CBD excision in the re-resection of GBC is unwarranted and should only be performed selectively. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio and prognostic nutritional index predict survival outcomes of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma patients after curative hepatectomy

Introduction

Lymphocytes are an integral part of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI). Both LMR and PNI which reflect body's inflammatory and nutritional status can be obtained from routine blood and biochemical test conveniently. Little evidence concerning the prognostic value of LMR and PNI in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients has been published. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of LMR and PNI in hepatitis B virals (HBV)—associated HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy.

Methods

Between January 2008 and June 2013, 450 surgically treated HCC patients were retrospectively analyzed. Clinicopathological parameters, LMR and PNI were collected and compared. The multivariate analysis was performed to indentify independent prognostic factors. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were also compared.

Results

Tumor size, vascular invasion, alpha fetoprotein level, LMR and PNI were independent prognostic factors for OS. Tumor number, tumor size, vascular invasion, LMR and PNI were independent prognostic factors for RFS. Either a high LMR or PNI could predict favorable OS and RFS in surgically treated HCC patients and vice versa.

Conclusions

Both LMR and PNI were significant independent predictors that can predict survival outcomes in HBV-associated HCC patients who received curative hepatectomy. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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The role of gatekeepers in the social construction of reality in Albanian news media: Impact on the representation of children in the news

News has been widely recognized to play an important role in the construction of social reality. As Hall (1982:64) suggests, reality has to go through a process of 'selecting and structuring' before being presented in the news. The decision in determining what makes news is left to the so-called gatekeepers of the media. This decision-making process leads to some events being overrepresented in the news while others are ignored or marginalized. Typical examples of the latter are issues related to children. By taking the representation of children in the news as a starting point, this chapter analyzes the potential of the Albanian news media to construct a social reality that is inclusive to all of society's issues and voices. As a post-communist country, which lacks an independent and professional media, Albania is a good setting to investigate how power structures in the media prevent social issues from being represented in the news. Conclusions from the analysis confirm that there is an overwhelming presence of politics and political voices in the news. Social issues remain part of a hidden reality, and are widely under-represented.

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‘The Adult Gaze’: Exploring the Representation of Children in Television News in Albania

This article investigates the portrayal of children in Albanian television news and introduces the term 'adult gaze' to describe the construction of news items in such a way as to reinforce the perspectives of adults on children. Journalists choose to construct news items related to children by focusing the story around an adult figure, most often a politician, and giving his/her views on the issue being discussed, which points to unequal power relations between children and adults. A monitoring process over a period of three months was carried out for three national television channels. From a total of 4,416 news items, 154 items were identified and were subject to further quantitative and qualitative content analyses. Based on our findings, news media portray children in limited roles as objects of emotional appeal, victims or performers. How news media think of and represent children can play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions of them and their positioning in society.

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Why Higher Education Institutions internationalize? An investigation of the multilevel determinants of internationalization rationales.

n recent decades internationalization has risen to prominence in higher edu-cation institutions (HEIs). Scholars have identified several rationales for internationaliza-tion. There is however a lack of conceptual understanding and empirical evidence forwhich rationale(s) for internationalization are chosen by a given HEI and why. The goal ofthis article is to fill this gap. We develop and test a conceptual framework to predict thesalience of a given rationale for a specific HEI. The framework integrates factors atmultiple levels, namely competitive and institutional forces in the global and nationalcontexts, the organizational goals and the influence of internal actors. The empiricalanalysis employs information on more than 400 European HEIs from two large datasets ontheir organizational characteristics and from a large-scale survey on internationalization ofuniversities. The findings show that the HEIs embedded in a global context more fre-quently conceive internationalization as an instrumental to prestige. The national contextsdo not greatly affect HEIs' rationales, and the amount of res.ources is less important thanthe competition for resources. Organizational goals as well as the influence of students,faculty members and middle managers on the internationalization process partly predict theprominence of specific rationales. The paper closes discussing the findings and theimplication for scholarly research

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Pathways of equality through education: impact of gender (in)equality and maternal education on exclusive breastfeeding among natives and migrants in Belgium

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From nipples to powder: examining anthropometric characteristics as determinants of infant feeding patterns

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A qualitative inquiry into the contextualized parental mediation practices of young children’s digital media use at home

Technologies are increasingly adopted and used by young children at home. Parents play an important role in shaping their media use, keeping certain possibilities open for children to play, learn, and socialize while limiting others. Nevertheless, the literature on parental mediation of young children's media use is scant. In this article, we describe a qualitative, mixed-method study involving 24 parents and 36 children aged 3 to 9, and focus on the contextual factors that shape (transitions between) parental mediation practices. The results point to the emergence of new manifestations of parental mediation and provide evidence of their dynamic, often paradoxical nature. In particular, the insights on distant mediation, various buddy styles, and participatory learning, as well as the value of a wholeness approach for understanding children's conditions for media engagement, suggest new prospects for parental mediation literature.

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Digital games research: a survey study on an emerging field and its prevalent debates

Digital games have become a popular form of media entertainment. However, it remains unclear whether a canon of accepted knowledge and research practices has emerged that may define an independent field of research. This study is a collaborative effort to analyze the outlines of digital games research (DGR) through a survey among the membership of 3 institutionalized structures focusing on the study of digital games (International Communication Association Game Studies Interest Group, European Communication Research and Education Association Temporary Working Group DGR, and Digital Games Research Association). The study reveals relatively homogeneous viewpoints among games researchers, even regarding controversial aspects of digital games. It mirrors the mainstream scholarly views on contentious issues of a recently emerged field within communication studies.

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On the media construction of international disasters

For most people living in western countries, disasters are a priori cases of distant suffering as they mainly affect cultural or ethnic others. News media thus play a pivotal role in giving publicity and meaning to the numerous instances of global suffering as it is essentially through media reports that the (western) world witnesses international disasters. Accordingly, several scholars define a disaster as a media construction; they exist only when recognized and covered by the media. This paper focuses on the conceptualization of a disaster as a media construction by exploring the inherently selective nature of news coverage, the representation of suffering in Flemish news media and the possible societal implications.

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Efficacy and Safety of Induction Chemotherapy in Esophageal Cancer with Airway Involvement

Abstract

Purpose

Esophageal cancer with tracheobronchial involvement (TBI) has a poor prognosis. Radical therapy carries the risk of inducing tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) and treatment-related mortality. Induction chemotherapy followed by reassessment for radical therapy may decrease morbidity and improve outcome.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of esophageal cancer patients with TBI who received induction chemotherapy. Airway involvement was defined as bronchoscopic appearance of a bulge into the lumen, restricted or immobile mucosa, frank infiltration, TEF, or stridor, which was clinically due to airway obstruction from the esophageal lesion.

Results

Eighty-three patients were included over 5 years; 97.6 % had squamous histology. All patients received taxane and platinum combination induction chemotherapy; 90.5 % of patients received chemotherapy without dose delays, and 77.8 % patients did not require a dose reduction or modification. The 31.7 % patients had a clinically significant ≥grade 3 toxicity. The objective response rate was 67 % among the patients who underwent restaging scans following induction chemotherapy; 79.5 % of the patients could receive radical intent therapy, either concurrent chemoradiotherapy, or radiation alone, or surgery in one patient. The TEF complication rate was 6 % during the course of therapy. At a median follow-up of 28 months in surviving patients, the estimated median PFS was 8 months (95 % CI 5.5–10.5) and the estimated median OS was 17 months (95 % CI 5.6–28.4). Patients who received radical therapy had a significantly better PFS and OS, p = 0.000.

Conclusions

Induction chemotherapy may improve the outcome of patients with esophageal cancer involving the airway and may help select patients for curative treatment and lower the risk of TEF development.

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