Comparison of Chilled-mirror Measurements and Filter Paper Estimates of Total Soil Suction

A comparison of chilled-mirror total suction measurements with those estimated from filter paper total suction data show general agreement. However, there are significant discrepancies that are similar to those previously reported by others. The nature and magnitude of the discrepancies are consistent with: (a) possible errors in chilled-mirror total suction measurements due to incomplete equilibration in the sealed test chamber of the chilled-mirror device, and (b) possible errors in estimated filter paper total suction values due to natural variations of the zero-water-content intercept in the log total suction versus water content relationship. The possible errors in chilled-mirror measurements are easily avoided. The possible errors in estimated filter paper measurements can only be minimized by avoiding the need for an assumed zero-water-content intercept. This can be accomplished far more easily with the chilled-mirror device than with the filter paper method

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Local Recurrence Rates of Head and Neck Cutaneous Melanomas after Wide Local Excision, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, or Staged Excision

Background Prospective trials have not compared local recurrence rates for different excision techniques for cutaneous melanomas on the head and neck. Objective To determine local recurrence rates of cutaneous head and neck melanoma after wide local excision (WLE), Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), or staged excision. Methods A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science identified all English case series, cohort studies and randomized controlled trials that reported local recurrence rates after surgery of cutaneous head and neck melanoma. A meta-analysis utilizing a random effects model calculated weighted local recurrence rates and confidence intervals (CI) for each surgical technique and for subgroups of MMS and staged excision. Results Among one-hundred manuscripts with 13,998 head and neck cutaneous melanomas, 51.0% (7138) of melanomas were treated by WLE; 34.5% (4,826) by MMS; and 14.5% (2,034) by staged excision. Local recurrence rates were lowest for MMS (0.61%; 95%CI, 0.1%-1.4%); followed by staged excision (1.8%; 95%CI, 0.1%-2.9%) and WLE (7.8%; 95%CI, 6.4%-9.3%). Limitations Definitions of local recurrence varied. Surgical techniques included varying proportions of invasive melanomas. Studies had heterogeneity. Conclusion Systematic review and meta-analysis show lower local recurrence rates for cutaneous head and neck melanoma after treatment with MMS or staged excision compared to WLE