Tammara L. Watts

DNA transfection of macaque and murine respiratory tissue is greatly enhanced by use of a nuclease inhibitor

Nuclease activity present within respiratory tissues contributes to the rapid clearance of injected DNA and therefore may reduce the transfection activity of directly injected transgenes. Most gene transfer technologies transduce or transfect murine tissues more efficiently than corresponding primate tissues. Therefore, it is prudent to assess the utility of novel gene transfer strategies in both rodent and primate models before proceeding with further development.

Identification of distant metastases with positron-emission tomography-computed tomography in patients with previously untreated head and neck cancer.

Objectives: To investigate the utility of positron–emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) in identifying distant metastatic disease in patients with previously untreated head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) prior to definitive treatment.

Identification of distant metastases with PET-CT in patients with suspected recurrent head and neck cancer

To investigate the utility of positron‐emission tomography/computed tomography (PET‐CT) in identifying distant metastatic disease in patients with suspected recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).

Correlation of intraoperative parathyroid hormone levels with parathyroid gland size

Objectives: To study the relationship of intraoperative intact parathyroid hormone levels (iPTH) with parathyroid adenoma weight and volume in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with head and neck cancer after surgery

The purpose of this study was to report the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with head and neck cancer after surgery.

CD90+ stromal cells are the major source of IL-6, which supports cancer stem-like cells and inflammation in colorectal cancer

IL‐6 is a pleiotropic cytokine increased in CRC and known to directly promote tumor growth. Colonic myofibroblasts/fibroblasts (CMFs or stromal cells) are CD90+ innate immune cells representing up to 30% of normal colonic mucosal lamina propria cells. They are expanded in CRC tumor stroma, where they also known as a cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Cells of mesenchymal origin, such as normal myofibroblasts/fibroblasts, are known to secrete IL‐6; however, their contribution to the increase in IL‐6 in CRC and to tumor‐promoting inflammation is not well defined. Using in situ, ex vivo and coculture analyses we have demonstrated that the number of IL‐6 producing CMFs is increased in CRC (C‐CMFs) and they represent the major source of IL‐6 in T2‐T3 CRC tumors. Activity/expression of stem cell markers‐aldehyde dehydrogenase and LGR5‐ was significantly up‐regulated in colon cancer cells (SW480, Caco‐2 or HT29) cultured in the presence of conditioned medium from tumor isolated C‐CMFs in an IL‐6 dependent manner. C‐CMF and its derived condition medium, but not normal CMF isolated from syngeneic normal colons, induced differentiation of tumor promoting inflammatory T helper 17 cells (Th17) cell responses in an IL‐6 dependent manner. Our study suggests that CD90+ fibroblasts/myofibroblasts may be the major source of IL‐6 in T2‐T3 CRC tumors, which supports the stemness of tumor cells and induces an immune adaptive inflammatory response (a.k.a. Th17) favoring tumor growth. Taken together our data supports the notion that IL‐6 producing CAFs (a.k.a. C‐CMFs) may provide a useful target for treating or preventing CRCs.

Modulation of intestinal permeability: a novel and innovative approach for the oral delivery of drugs, macromolecules and antigens.

In the past few years, we have witnessed an explosion in research aimed at creating new oral drug delivery systelns. This research has been fuelled by unprecedented challenges, such as the need to deliver newer and more complex dnlgs (such as proteins, hormones, etc.) that are becoming available through genetic engineering. Consequently, the need has arisen for further investigation into utilizing the intestine as a pritne site for targeting the absorption on these new compounds. One potential and attractive JnechaniSlll would be to exploit avenues that increase intestinal peJmeability. Theoretically, three transepitheJiaJ pathways are available for the passage of nlolecules fronl the intestinal lumen into the bloodstreanl (Figure 16.1): ( I) transcellular (ie through the cell) canier-mediated active or facil itated transport; (2) transcellular passive transport; and (3) paracellu]ur (ie between adjacent cells) transport With the exception of those molecules that are transported by active or facilitated transcellular mechanisms, the absorption of large hydrophilic macromolecules is mainly lim.ited to the paraceUular pathway (Lee et al., 1991). Under normal conditions, however, this pathway is restricted to molecules with molecular radii < II Angstroms and, therefore, is not accessible to large compounds. To overconle the intestinal barrier, several strategies have been developed to target either the transcellular or the paracellular pathway for drug delivery. The nlost

Different efficacy in vitro of hemoglobin based oxygen carriers and red cells.

A vast literature exists which either theoretically explores the mechanism of oxygen delivery from blood to the surrounding tissues [1,3], or simulates oxygen delivery and absorption by red cells suspension and cell free hemoglobin solutions using artificial capillary systems [4,6]. Very little is known about the physiologic efficiency of cell free hemoglobin solutions to sustain life of isolated organs and tissues. We thought that the oxygen dependent transport of metabolites across ileal mucosa, superfused in Ussing chambers, could be used to test the efficacy of hemoglobin based oxygen carriers [7].

Immediate eye rehabilitation at the time of facial nerve sacrifice.

Objective. In the setting of known facial nerve sacrifice or injury, patients require precautions to prevent exposure keratitis and the morbidity that follows. One recommended treatment is surgical placement of a gold weight with or without lateral tarsal strip. In patients in whom the facial nerve has been sacrificed, it is unknown whether rehabilitation should be simultaneous or in the perioperative period. Study Design and Setting. Case series with chart review of patients who underwent immediate rehabilitation of the eye (gold weight and lateral tarsal strip) following facial nerve resection. Subjects and Methods. From 1998 to 2009, 52 patients were studied. Postoperative ophthalmologic complications and the need for revision surgeries were measured. Results. A gold weight was placed in all patients, and 48 of 52 (92%) simultaneous lateral tarsal strips were performed. The facial nerve was sacrificed in 51 of 52 (88%) patients, and the remaining patient had a known preoperative facial nerve paralysis. Thirty-six of 52 (69%) required free tissue transfer for reconstruction, underscoring the extensive resections performed. A 1.2-g gold weight was placed in 50 of 52 (96%) patients. Three (6%) patients required gold weight revision with a larger weight and 3 (6%) for extrusion. Eight (16.7%) patients underwent revision of the lateral tarsal strip for ectropion. Conclusions. No patients developed ophthalmologic complications. Patients undergoing radical surgical resections with known or suspected injury of the facial nerve should be considered for simultaneous rehabilitation of the upper and lower eye.

Role of Google Glass in improving patient satisfaction for otolaryngology residents: A pilot study

To demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the Google Glass as a tool to improve patient satisfaction and patient–physician communication for otolaryngology residents in the outpatient clinic setting. The primary outcome of the study was to improve patient satisfaction scores based on physician communication‐related questions from Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys.