the relationship of these prognostic variables displays a dynamic interaction. Initial combined-modality treatment and shorter time to recurrence were associated with worse outcome, while the effect of site of recurrence (local vs regional) was dependent on an interaction with the time to recurrence. The result of this interaction was that local recurrence was worse for those who experienced it early (eg, <6 mo after the initial treatment) and nodal recurrence was worse for those who experienced it late (eg, ≥ 6 mo after the intial treatment).

Background/Aims. At present, there is no simple test for predicting severity in acute pancreatitis. We investigated the use of an assay of soluble E-cadherin (sE-cadherin). Methods. Concentrations of sE-cadherin, from 19 patients with mild acute pancreatitis, 7 patients with severe acute pancreatitis, 11 patients with other acute gastrointestinal pathologies, and 12 healthy subjects were measured using a commercially available sandwich ELISA kit based on two monoclonal antibodies specific to the extracellular fragment of human E-cadherin. Measurements were made at 12 hours or less from onset of pain and also at 24 and 48 hours after onset of pain. Results. Mean (standard deviation) concentration of sE-cadherin in patients with severe acute pancreatitis at <12 hours was 17780 ng/mL (7853), significantly higher than that of healthy volunteers 5180 ng/mL (1350), P = .0039, patients with other gastrointestinal pathologies 7358 ng/mL (6655), P = .0073, and also significantly higher than that of patients with mild pancreatitis, 7332 ng/mL (2843), P = .0019. Discussion. Serum sE-cadherin could be an early (within 12 hours) objective marker of severity in acute pancreatitis. This molecule warrants further investigation in the form of a large multicentre trial.

The radial forearm flap is a commonly used method of intra-oral reconstruction, but problems with the donor site are not uncommon. In an attempt to avoid complications, Elliot et al described the use of an ulnar-based flap to obtain direct closure. Where it was not possible to close the proximal defect using V-Y closure, the use of a split skin graft was recommended. We describe a modification of their technique that can potentially obviate the need of a split skin graft when proximal closure is not possible.

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Background Existing prognostic systems for metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN) do not discriminate between the number of involved nodes beyond single versus multiple. This study aimed to determine if the number of metastatic lymph nodes is an independent prognostic factor in metastatic cSCCHN and whether it provides additional prognostic information to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. Methods We retrospectively analysed 101 patients undergoing curative intent treatment for metastatic cSCCHN to parotid and/or neck nodes by surgery +/− radiotherapy at Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, Australia. The impact of number of nodal metastases on disease‐free survival (DFS) and risk of distant metastases was assessed using multivariate Cox regression. Results The mean number of nodal metastases was 2.5 (range 1–12). On multivariate analysis, increasing number of nodal metastases significantly predicted reduced DFS (hazard ratio 1.17; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.30; P = 0.004), with a 17% increased risk of recurrence or death for each additional node. This remained significant in multivariate models adjusted for AJCC 8th edition nodal and TNM stages. Number of nodal metastases was also associated with risk of distant metastatic failure (hazard ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.39; P = 0.009). Conclusion Increasing number of nodal metastases is associated with decreased DFS and increased risk of distant metastases in metastatic cSCCHN, with a cumulative risk increase with each additional node. It provides additional prognostic information to the AJCC staging, which may be improved by incorporating information on the number of nodal metastases beyond the current single versus multiple distinction.