We developed nanosized, reduced graphene oxide (nano-rGO) sheets with high near-infrared (NIR) light absorbance and biocompatibility for potential photothermal therapy. The single-layered nano-rGO sheets were ∼20 nm in average lateral dimension, functionalized noncovalently by amphiphilic PEGylated polymer chains to render stability in biological solutions and exhibited 6-fold higher NIR absorption than nonreduced, covalently PEGylated nano-GO. Attaching a targeting peptide bearing the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif to nano-rGO afforded selective cellular uptake in U87MG cancer cells and highly effective photoablation of cells in vitro. In the absence of any NIR irradiation, nano-rGO exhibited little toxicity in vitro at concentrations well above the doses needed for photothermal heating. This work established nano-rGO as a novel photothermal agent due to its small size, high photothermal efficiency, and low cost as compared to other NIR photothermal agents including gold nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes.

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Tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TBOC) is a rare disease of the trachea and bronchi characterized by submucosal nodules of osseous and cartilaginous tissue. In this series, we present three cases highlighting the varied clinical presentations of this rare disease process, which ranged from a rough voice to a chronic cough to lobar pneumonia. The disorder may mimic other lesions. We review the clinical presentations, pathophysiology, lab tests, imaging, diagnosis, and management of TBOC patients. Laryngoscope, 126:2006-2009, 2016.

Objective: The use of microvascular free tissue transfer (MVFTT) for defects of the scalp and lateral temporal bone in patients with cochlear implants (CI) is uncommon. Herein, we report our experience with the utility, indications, and outcomes for MVFTT in patients with cochlear implants.Methods: A retrospective review of patients at our institution from September 2016 to December 2017 identified subjects with coexistent cochlear implant and ipsilateral MVFTT of the lateral temporal bone or scalp. Information including demographics, indication for MVFTT, timing of CI and MVFTT, donor site, and previous radiation to the head and neck was collected. To assess the current literature on MVFTT in CI patients, a MEDLINE search was performed using key search terms.Results: Two patients with cochlear implants and MVFTT of the ipsilateral temporal bone or scalp were identified. One patient underwent MVFTT for advanced device extrusion with stable audiometric parameters rather than locoregional reconstruction or device explantation. The second patient had primary cochlear implantation at oncologic lateral temporal bone resection (LTBR) and MVFTT for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma and concurrent profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). A literature review identifies MVFTT as an option for advanced device extrusion, treatment of osteoradionecrosis, and reconstruction after primary oncologic surgery.Conclusion: MVFTT is an important reconstructive tool for patients with functional, exposed cochlear implants. Cochlear implantation for severe to profound SNHL should be considered at the time of primary oncologic surgery and MVFTT of the lateral temporal bone or scalp.

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